Two people, one dog, and one invisible man stood in the middle of the forest outside Baishan City.
Lin Qian and One were panting slightly. Jing Xue was busy sniffing the air, trying to inhale as much fresh air as he possibly could.
Xuan Tian, on the other hand, stood without panting or sweating. He breathed in deeply. He had missed this—the fresh, vibrant air. Compared to here, the Celestial Realm's air felt stale.
Jing Xue was right.
He turned to Lin Qian, waiting patiently until she caught her breath.
"Doctor," Xuan Tian started.
"As discussed, Jing Xue and I will go directly to the Capital. We don't have much time. I have already ordered one of my men to investigate the doctors' whereabouts. Until he has some news, there isn't much I can do."
Lin Qian nodded. During the carriage ride, Xuan Tian had filled her in on the situation within the capital.
"I'll go with you, General. I can be useful. Captain Bai has been imprisoned—she might be injured."
Xuan Tian nodded. He had expected as much from Lin Qian.
He took out Light from his pouch. "Let's go."
Lin Qian boarded the carriage with Jing Xue, and Xuan Tian boarded last.
Before leaving, he turned to where One was hidden. "Keep me updated."
Then the carriage vanished.
On the carriage, Lin Qian turned to Xuan Tian.
"General, forgive me for asking, but rescuing Captain Bai with just two of us—well, three—is it possible?"
"I don't plan on doing it alone, doctor. I believe there are Enforcers still in the capital. And Han Zhaofeng is also there. I'm sure he won't just sit back when his disciple is on death row."
"And," he added, before Lin Qian could speak, "if no one can help, I can always break into the prison and free her."
Lin Qian looked at Xuan Tian as if he had lost his mind. The Xuan Tian she knew would follow the rules down to the last T. What changed? Was he in love with Captain Bai?!
Lin Qian shook her head, forcefully erasing that ridiculous thought.
If he's in love with anyone, it should be with Ling Yu. Not Captain Bai, not Lady Shu Yue.
Lin Qian had unknowingly become the first person to board the Xuan Tian–Ling Yu ship.
"He's just being cocky," Jing Xue muttered.
Xuan Tian turned to him. "What did you say?"
Lin Qian looked confused. "I didn't say anything, General."
"Not you, doctor. Him." Xuan Tian was still staring at Jing Xue.
Lin Qian's gaze moved to Jing Xue. Him? So, it's true. They can communicate.
"I said, you're being cocky. That's a half-baked plan. A first, from you."
"Maybe. But it'll work," Xuan Tian replied.
"Of course it'll work! No human prison can stop a Celestial powerhouse like you!"
"So, what's your problem?"
"No problem. Who said I have a problem?"
"You just said I'm cocky."
"Well, yeah. You are. I didn't say I don't like the plan."
"So, you like the plan?"
"Yes! I like the plan! I was stating the obvious! Obviously!" Jing Xue continued, "Usually, I'm the one with a reckless plan. I see that my influence has gotten into you. Good! Keep it up!"
"Just shut up. My head hurts listening to you."
Lin Qian suddenly laughed.
Both Xuan Tian and Jing Xue turned to her.
"I can't hear half of the exchange, but it's funny to see General Xuan Tian arguing with what appears to be a regular wolf-dog."
"It's comforting, in a strange way. Even in the middle of all this chaos… it reminds me that not everything is lost." Lin Qian added.
"Comforting?" Xuan Tian was a little bit confused.
"Yes." She nodded. "When we were spending time together, General, I've never seen you anything but serious. I think this is the first time I've seen you this… open, relaxed. Despite our situation."
"And thank you for making me laugh, General. Even if you didn't mean to. Since those two were missing 14 days ago, I've been feeling down and tense."
Xuan Tian's gaze became gentler, "Don't mention it, doctor." I don't know why, but this time I do feel different. Like she said, I feel… relaxed. Which is absurd. I'm on a mission, not vacationing.
All three of them returned to silence.
A smile still lingered on Lin Qian's face. She felt a little weight had been lifted. She wasn't alone anymore.
Suddenly, she turned to Jing Xue. "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself properly. My name is Lin Qian. I am a member of the Celestial Doctor Association."
She took a breath and continued, "And I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness to come and help me."
She ended her introduction with a salute.
Xuan Tian looked at Lin Qian, amused. "Now I know why you laughed, doctor. It is kind of funny."
Jing Xue turned to Xuan Tian. "And whose fault is that?"
"Give it a rest. You know why you need to change your appearance," Xuan Tian retorted.
Lin Qian looked at them both, then at Xuan Tian. "Is he unhappy because he has to change to a wolf-dog?"
Jing Xue nodded rapidly.
Lin Qian smiled. "Even though your original appearance is more majestic, this appearance is not any less majestic. You still look amazing." Lin Qian coaxed.
If a wolf-dog could have a smug expression, then right now, Jing Xue's face was nothing but smug. He was clearly showing off to Xuan Tian.
"Yes, you look good and majestic. So, stop being angry about it," Xuan Tian said impatiently.
Lin Qian chuckled lightly.
The carriage flew steadily toward the Capital, carrying its passengers with teasing and light chuckles floating in the air.