Putting on an Act

Although Yang Ning had fallen to the ground, he was far from unconscious. The Buluo Capsule he had taken earlier was already taking effect. Despite catching a chill on the way up the mountain, his stamina had recovered by more than half, and the effects of his Physique of 15 were beginning to show.

As for the cold sweat on his body, the weakness in his limbs, and his dry, cracked lips, his urge to drink water was merely the symptom of a common cold, amplified by the Buluo Capsule's effects.

Earlier, while flipping through the records in the Law Enforcement Hall, he had discovered the specific cell where the mad mole was being held. Even though the mole had gone insane, the demon cult had tasked Yang Ning with killing him just a few days prior, and his mission remained unfulfilled.

The talisman hidden within his heart was a constant Sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

Today, while talking with Yun Zishan and looking through the roster, Yang Ning realized an opportunity had presented itself. He had now gained the initial trust of Yun Zishan and Xu Yinyin. Using the chill as an excuse to "faint" in the Law Enforcement Hall would not only allow him to stay overnight without the hassle of passing through the mountain gate checks but also create the perfect conditions for a late-night operation.

What Yang Ning hadn't expected, however, was that the moment he "fainted," Yun Zishan and Xu Yinyin both rushed towards him, only for Qiao Bin to intervene.

He lunged forward and caught Yang Ning in his arms first.

The moment he fell into Qiao Bin's embrace, a strong scent of tobacco assaulted his senses, making Yang Ning frown involuntarily. This was the true reason for his frown.

Xu Yinyin had intended to care for Yang Ning herself, even secretly hoping to bring him to her own room. However, Yun Zishan had already made arrangements: Yang Ning would be temporarily housed in an empty room on the first floor of Ziyun Pavilion, rather than the second and third floors where the two women lived.

Xu Yinyin's eyes darted around as she made another attempt. "Master, I can carry the advisor to Ziyun Pavilion..."

To her surprise, Yun Zishan interrupted her again. She pointed to a reclining chair nearby. "Qiao Bin, find two female disciples to carry the advisor to Ziyun Pavilion."

A flicker of surprise crossed Qiao Bin's eyes, but he bowed and accepted the order.

He carefully picked Yang Ning up, his brow furrowing even tighter. Fortunately, the dim light of the night concealed it; otherwise, his tightly knitted brows might have betrayed his pretense of unconsciousness.

As Qiao Bin carried Yang Ning, he instructed a patrolling disciple to find two female disciples.

Qiao Bin walked slowly, carrying Yang Ning, while instructing a patrolling disciple to find two female disciples. Just then, the disciple who had gone to retrieve the medicine returned in a hurry. Qiao Bin took the medicine, gently pried open Yang Ning's lips, and placed the pill into his mouth.

At this moment, the disciple who had just fetched the medicine arrived. Qiao Bin immediately took the pill, carefully parted Yang Ning's lips, and fed him the medicine.

The spirit pills of the Sword Sect were indeed renowned. They dissolved instantly upon entering the mouth. A cool medicinal force spread through his body like a stream, instantly dispelling the lingering fever and discomfort, replacing it with a refreshing sense of ease.

Afterward, two female disciples arrived as ordered and respectfully saluted Yun Zishan. "Hall Master."

Yun Zishan nodded. "Carry the advisor to Ziyun Pavilion."

A flicker of shock passed through the eyes of the two bowing disciples. They exchanged a glance before responding in unison, "Yes, Hall Master."

Then, they lifted the reclining chair, one on each side. Yang Ning's brow finally relaxed—this was clearly much more comfortable than the strong smell of tobacco on Qiao Bin.

Xu Yinyin watched Yang Ning being carried away, her lips unconsciously pouting. She had been thwarted repeatedly this evening.

The first time, she had rushed quickly but was intercepted by Qiao Bin, who caught Yang Ning.

The second time, she had wanted Qiao Bin to fetch the medicine while she held Yang Ning, but Qiao Bin had assigned other disciples.

The third time, she had hoped to have Yang Ning stay in her room, only for Yun Zishan to arrange for him to stay in an empty room.

The fourth time, she had wanted to carry Yang Ning herself, but other female disciples were assigned to carry him instead.

Qiao Bin watched Yang Ning's retreating figure and couldn't help but sigh, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. It seems the Hall Master truly values Brother Ning, allowing him to break protocol and stay in Ziyun Pavilion..."

Xu Yinyin shot Qiao Bin a cold glance. Unaware, Qiao Bin continued, "Junior Sister, what do you think? Wasn't Senior Brother quick just now? I grabbed Brother Ning right away. Look at all this water on the ground; what if Brother Ning got wet?"

Xu Yinyin's hands clenched involuntarily—she could have caught Yang Ning in half a second, preventing him from touching the ground at all.

"Junior Sister, you said it yourself, the Hall Master values Brother Ning so much. Wasn't my performance when I asked the disciple to fetch the medicine just right? Was my voice anxious enough? The Hall Master must have seen it all, right?" Qiao Bin became more pleased with himself, a bright smile spreading across his lips.

The next moment, Xu Yinyin viciously stepped on Qiao Bin's foot.

"Ah!" Qiao Bin yelped in pain and jumped up, clutching his injured foot. He watched as Xu Yinyin jogged to catch up with the departing group.

"Junior Sister, I know you don't want men in Ziyun Pavilion," he shouted, hopping on one foot. "Don't worry, I'll bring Brother Ning out tomorrow!"