Inducement

It turned out that the Auspicious Duck's rescue of Yan Zi had not been some chance coincidence.

After Xu Yi left Futuo Mountain, the Auspicious Duck felt unsafe and went down the mountain too. He had planned to lie low in some nearby wilderness, but the Great Yue Royal Court's search for Xu Yi was simply too conspicuous. Even out in the wild, the Auspicious Duck caught wind of it. After making a few inquiries, he learned that Xu Yi had stirred up another earth-shattering commotion.

While cursing Xu Yi as a walking disaster, he began to worry about Yan Zi's safety.

For one thing, back when he had pretended to be unconscious so Xu Yi would save him, Yan Zi had taken care of him with every possible consideration.

Besides, he knew the bond between Xu Yi and Yan Zi ran deep. If he stood by and did nothing, things would be awkward the next time he saw that walking disaster. Their connection might even be severed for good.

After much deliberation, the Auspicious Duck had no choice but to cast another divination. Once he glimpsed a thread of heavenly insight, he waited for Yan Zi at the outpost he had passed earlier. That was how he arrived just in time to intervene when she was in grave danger.

He had no ability to harm his enemies, but his skill at divination was second to none. He had also laid his plans in the reed marsh well in advance.

Though more than a thousand soldiers had surrounded the area, he had still slipped away with ease.

"Little Duck, what are you saying? You saved my life. I'm grateful."

Yan Zi smiled at him and gave him a deep fist-and-palm salute.

"Quack, easy now, easy! Why does your smile make