At last, before dawn, Linghu Chong returned. Lan Fenghuang asked, "Linghu Chong, where did you go? Why did you take so long to get back?"
Linghu Chong's expression flickered. "I was just scouting."
Jiang Hao could tell from Linghu Chong's expression that he was hiding something. He could also smell a woman's fragrance on him, but it was awkward to press him. "Brother Linghu, Senior Ren has been found. Miss Ren and Left Envoy Xiang took Senior Ren away ahead of us. Lan Fenghuang and I waited here for you. We should leave as soon as possible."
"Ah, Senior Ren has been found? Brother Jiang, you really are impressive. Then let's hurry and go," Linghu Chong said happily.
By the time the three left the ronin camp, a sliver of white had appeared on the horizon. After traveling another twenty or thirty li, they met up with Xiaoxiao, Ping'er, and the Hua Shan Disciples. It was the first formal meeting between Lan Fenghuang and Xiaoxiao, and the three women exchanged glances several times.
"Lan Fenghuang, take us to Miss Ren," Jiang Hao said.
"Sure!"
After traveling dozens more li through the mountain paths, they finally found Ren Yingying in a stockade. This was a small Miao outpost, where a group of Ren Yingying's subordinates were stationed. When Ren Yingying came out, her eyes were red-rimmed. The moment she saw Linghu Chong, she threw herself into his arms.
"Father was rescued, but Dongfang Bubai crippled him. The village healer examined him and said Father probably won't live more than a day or two. Sob, sob, sob."
Ren Yingying wept nonstop, and Linghu Chong hurried to comfort her.
Ronin camp.
Dongfang Bubai wore a scarlet robe as she sat on a couch, quietly embroidering with a smile at the corner of her