Ever since Lu Xuan made a trip to Willow Ditch Village and found nothing there, he had not stopped again along the way, riding day and night toward White Path Prefecture City.
Sifang Town, Dengfeng County!
Lu Xuan rode up to the outskirts of a small town and glanced at the stone stele outside its gates.
Once he learned that he had left Azure Cloud County's borders, Lu Xuan looked at the utterly exhausted steed beneath him and finally gave up on the idea of pressing onward.
"Looks like I've reached Dengfeng County. I'll rest for the night and continue tomorrow. In a few days, I should reach Dengfeng County Town."
Dengfeng County neighbored Azure Cloud County and lay directly along the route to White Path Prefecture City.
"Qingqing, and that boy... it's been nearly a year since I last saw them."
"Fine. Tomorrow, I can go to Dengfeng County Town and visit Qingqing."
Lu Xuan murmured to himself. Thinking of his half-sister from the same father, a trace of tenderness flickered in his eyes.
Lu Qingqing had married into Dengfeng County a year ago. Her husband's family was also one of Dengfeng County's prominent clans, a Medical Family just like Lu Family Pharmacy.
Back when they had come to Azure Cloud County to do business with Lu Family Pharmacy, Lu Qingqing had met the family's eldest legitimate son, and feelings had quietly blossomed between them.
Only after Lu Xuan had tested him on numerous occasions did he finally set his mind at ease and entrust Lu Qingqing to him.
Leading his horse, Lu Xuan walked down the main street of Sifang Town until he stopped before an inn.
Sifang Inn!
A young attendant standing beside the inn's entrance spotted Lu Xuan and hurried over with a fawning smile.
"Guest,