Lightning and thunder crashed overhead, and the room flashed bright as day. Zhongli Que calmed herself, suppressing her shock at the scene she had just divined, and focused on taking care of the matter at hand.
A quarter of an hour later, Zhongli Que returned the Listening Wind Ruler, now infected with the Mountain Spirit, without a word.
Zhongli Qi had noticed nothing. In a lowered voice, he said that Madam Sun had merely caught a chill and needed to get plenty of rest. At the same time, he shot her a look that asked what exactly she was up to.
"Uncle, if anyone asks once we're out, you can't say she merely caught a chill. When Mother has recovered, I'll come thank you in person."
Zhongli Qi understood her meaning. He nodded, then walked out with her.
Chang Sunzi waited outside. When she saw Zhongli Qi come out, she dabbed the sweat from her forehead and respectfully said that Madam Sun was out of danger, but the Five Elements Academy was busy and she needed to return as soon as possible.
Zhongli Que also lowered her head in apology, explaining that the sudden turn of events that evening had frightened her, so she had hurried to summon Zhongli Qi. Now she worried that she had delayed important business at the Five Elements Academy.
Chang Sunzi was gracious and didn't press her or say anything more. She simply nodded and took Zhongli Qi back to the Five Elements Academy.
Zhongli Que saw them to the mansion gates. As she watched them walk away, sweat dampened her palm.
After hearing nothing from Zhongli Que for a long while, Yu Sui asked, "Queque?"
Zhongli Que waited until she was back in her room before replying. "Suisui, has the Mountain Spirit infection been