The Vermilion Bird Boat cut through the night sky.
Below lay an endless expanse of mountains and forest. Moonlight spilled down, plating the rolling peaks in a layer of silvery white. Now and then, a few points of lamplight could be seen—barbarian villages scattered among the mountains, exceptionally tranquil in the night.
Lu Chen sat cross-legged at the bow, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing.
Yun Qingyue sat beside him, glancing at him from time to time, her eyes brimming with worry.
His injuries were more serious than she had imagined.
Although the flesh on his right shoulder had begun to heal, the damage to his meridians would take time. Forcibly refining the mark, then swallowing the Dragon Marrow Spirit Crystal and Demon Core to break through, had placed an enormous burden on his body. If he did not recuperate in time, hidden dangers might remain.
In her heart, she was already calculating what medicine she should prepare for him after they returned, what methods she should use to nurse him back to health, and how long she should make him rest...
Lu Chen suddenly opened his eyes.
"What are you looking at?"
Yun Qingyue froze, then immediately turned her head away. "Nothing."
Lu Chen looked at her, the corner of his lips lifting slightly.
Under the moonlight, her profile was especially gentle. A few strands of hair were stirred by the night breeze, lightly brushing across her cheek. Though she looked somewhat bedraggled, though her eyes were still a little red and swollen, she was still beautiful.
"Thank you," he suddenly said.
Yun Qingyue turned to look at him.
"For what?"
"For earlier," Lu Chen said. "When you rushed over."
Yun Qingyue paused, then lowered her head and said softly, "I didn't help at all."
"You did,"