"There aren't many routes to the Baojian Sect, and this particular route is rather difficult. You have to cross the Five Elephants Mountain Range, which is quite dangerous. If you travel with a merchant caravan, they'll at least have Martial Masters accompanying them, so your safety will be somewhat assured..."
Qin Xiaoyue said all this entirely out of concern for Lin Shuguang.
She had never left Pingyuan Town in her life, so she could hardly imagine what it would be like to venture beyond it.
She looked at Lin Shuguang, even wondering just how much courage it took to leave whenever one pleased without a care.
"Thank you for your hospitality these past two days. It's time I left." Lin Shuguang stood and put away the map in his hand.
"Huh?" Qin Xiaoyue had not expected this day to come so soon. After a moment of silence, she cupped her hands in salute. "You're too kind, Brother Lin. If not for you, my father wouldn't have returned safely. We'll never forget that you saved his life. Since you're leaving, I shouldn't press you to stay. I only hope your journey goes smoothly, Brother Lin. Until we meet again."
Lin Shuguang nodded and returned her salute. "You and Old Brother Qin take care too."
Qin Xiaoyue watched Lin Shuguang leave, her thoughts unknown, then returned to Qin Musheng's quarters to apply fresh medicine to his wounds. Only then did she mention it. "Father, he's gone."
"Gone?" Qin Musheng froze, then gave a bitter smile. "I didn't expect him to leave so soon. Xiaoyue, are you... all right?"
Qin Xiaoyue's cheeks flushed. "Father, why wouldn't I be all right? Enough of this. I'm going to practice. The Baojian Sect's selection is about to begin!"
With that, she hurried out.
After a while,