In Zhu Xian, people start to rise from plundering entries

As dawn broke, the darkness of night was partially dispelled, but the mist rising from the mountains and forests created a white blanket, making the journey even more difficult.

Su Han and his two companions trudged along the rugged mountain path, their pace much slower than expected.

Lu Xueqi was seriously injured. Even with two people supporting her, every step she took still aggravated her internal organs. Her face was as pale as paper, and fine beads of cold sweat seeped from her forehead.

Su Han and Bi Yao were also greatly exhausted. One's left arm injury had not yet healed, and forcibly wielding the sword had consumed a lot of spiritual energy. The other had not had an easy time dealing with Ying Sha before, and now she also had to take care of the wounded. Both of them gritted their teeth and persevered.

To avoid being tracked, Su Han deliberately chose secluded, thorny paths.

His clothes were soaked and torn by the dew and the branches, making him look quite disheveled.

Biyao's Heartbreak Flower always hovered to her side, its soft light illuminating only a small area in the thick fog. Most of the time, she relied on Su Han's extraordinary spiritual sense to find her way.

"This can't go on,"

Biyao took a breath and looked at Lu Xueqi, who could only stand by relying almost entirely on Su Han, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.

"Her injury can't be delayed. We're too slow; what if those monsters catch up with us..."

Su Han was well aware of this. His brows furrowed as he felt the slight trembling in Lu Xueqi's arm and the increasingly heavy leaning against her, knowing that she was at her limit.

He stopped and said in a deep voice, "In that case, I will carry Junior Sister Lu for a while."

"Biyao, you lead the way and keep watch."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xueqi abruptly opened her eyes, a hint of resistance flashing in her cool gaze: "No need, I can still..."

"Can what?"

This time, Biyao didn't disagree. Instead, she interrupted her, her tone carrying an undeniable urgency.

"Look at yourself! If you keep pushing yourself, you'll collapse before we even reach Heyang City! You'll only be a burden to us then!"

These words, though unpleasant to hear, were the truth. Lu Xueqi's lips moved, but in the end, she couldn't refute them.

She was aloof and strong-willed, and had never experienced such a situation where she had to completely depend on others, or even become a burden. The embarrassment and helplessness in her heart were even greater.

Su Han said no more, carefully sheathed the Qingming Sword, and squatted down slightly with his back to Lu Xueqi.

"In urgent situations, we must act expediently. Junior Sister Lu, please forgive me."

Looking at the not-so-wide but steadfast figure in front of her, Lu Xueqi hesitated for a moment before gently leaning forward.

A pair of icy hands rested awkwardly on Su Han's shoulders.

Su Han supported her knees and helped her stand up steadily.

The girl's body was even lighter than expected, carrying a faint, cool aura like plum blossoms after a snowfall. This aura intertwined with her own and the faint fragrance emanating from Biyao behind her, creating an extremely strange atmosphere.

Biyao glanced at Su Han carrying Lu Xueqi, her eyes flickering with a complex expression, but she quickly composed herself and snorted:

"You got off easy, you idiot."

"Hurry up, I'm ahead."

As she spoke, she took the lead, and the light of the Heartbreak Flower seemed to shine even brighter as she carefully explored the path ahead.

Clinging to Su Han's back, Lu Xueqi was stiff all over, trying her best to avoid too much contact with him.

But the bumpy mountain road left her no choice. With each rise and fall, she could feel the warmth and firm muscle lines of the person beneath her. She could even hear Su Han's slightly rapid heartbeat due to the weight and the journey, each beat striking her ears, making her restless. She could only close her eyes tightly, forcing herself to continue circulating the Tai Chi Xuanqing Dao, ignoring this unprecedented intimate contact.

With Su Han carrying them, their travel speed was indeed much faster.

The three of them walked in silence, with only their footsteps and panting echoing through the mountains and forests.

Su Han was completely focused, trying to keep his balance to avoid jolting the wounded on his back, while also constantly expanding his spiritual sense to perceive his surroundings. His forehead was covered in sweat.

Biyao, standing ahead, was also tense and dared not relax for a moment.

After traveling for another hour or so, the sun rose higher and the fog dissipated slightly, and finally the edge of the mountains and forests could be vaguely seen, as well as the outline of the majestic city on the distant plains—Heyang City.

"arrive!"

Biyao breathed a sigh of relief and pointed into the distance.

Su Han also perked up, adjusted his posture, and lifted Lu Xueqi on his back a little higher.

"Hold on a little longer, we'll get into the city as soon as possible."

Just in case, the three stopped at the edge of a secluded grove outside the city.

Su Han carefully put Lu Xueqi down and let her rest against a tree.

He and Biyao quickly dealt with their disheveled appearance, brushing off the dust and straightening their tattered clothes, trying their best to appear less conspicuous.

"After entering the city, we need to disguise ourselves."

Su Han took out several ordinary coarse cloth clothes and some simple disguise materials made of herbs from a small bag he carried with him.

This was something he had prepared when he traveled down the mountain in the past, and he never expected it to come in handy now.

Biyao took it and skillfully applied it to her face. In a short while, a pretty and bright young girl was transformed into a sallow-faced country girl with a few freckles, but her bright eyes could not be completely concealed.

She then made Su Han look a little more handsome, weathered young hunter.

When it was Lu Xueqi's turn, she was clearly somewhat resistant.

But she knew that circumstances were beyond her control, and silently accepted Biyao's "reform".

When that peerless beauty was concealed, and she became an ordinary woman with delicate features but a slightly sickly appearance, Su Han felt inexplicably relieved.

With such a face, if she doesn't conceal it, she'll probably attract a crowd as soon as she enters the city.

"Alright, now we are three siblings. Our hometown has been hit by disaster, so we came to Heyang City to stay with relatives."

Su Han had already defined his roles: "I am the eldest brother, and you are the younger sisters."

Biyao...you should speak less and follow my lead.

Junior Sister Lu, try to act sickly and avoid showing your face.

Lu Xueqi nodded slightly.

Biyao pouted, but still agreed. (End of Chapter)