Great Li Kingdom.
On the outskirts of the capital, at a private residence.
Last time, Xiang Yuan had brought Chan'er here to recover from her injuries. Following the principle of not troubling two people over one matter, he sought out that wealthy merchant again and rented the place once more.
The first time was unfamiliar, the second came naturally. Since Xiang Yuan was an old tenant and a decent person besides, the wealthy merchant did not charge him this time.
Xiang Yuan laid Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er side by side on the bed. Xiang Yuan immediately stopped the bleeding, sliced open two fingers—one for each of them—and only after some color returned to their faces did he boil water, grind medicine, and prepare spiritual medicine for external wounds.
With his previous experience treating Chan'er, he was thoroughly familiar with the process this time. In three swift strokes, he undid their clothes and removed the outer garments from both women.
Chan'er did not move at all. Perhaps she was eating her favorite candied hawthorn skewer in her dreams; not only was she completely defenseless, but the tightly knitted brows on her face had also relaxed considerably.
Xiao Lingyue was different. As Xiang Yuan undid the cloth binding her chest, she abruptly woke up and seized his wrist. Her eyes were half-open, but there was little light in those weary eyes.
"Senior Sister White Dragon, it's me. Leave it to me and rest easy. Nothing will happen." Xiang Yuan patted Xiao Lingyue's hand, his tone exceptionally gentle.
Xiao Lingyue's eyelids trembled a few times. Weakly, she asked, "Where is this?"
"The Unborn Realm."
"..."
At those words, a faint bitter smile surfaced on Xiao Lingyue's face. This realm was utterly incompatible with her fate; every time she entered, she met with misfortune.