The Rift Between Master and Disciple, Quiet Spring's Sudden Illness, Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and Delight, Her Heart Tilting Toward Li Xian

Quiet Spring Daoist's original name was Zhao Chunxia. Because of a momentary misjudgment, she had been framed by He Wentian and forcibly branded a murderous bandit. She should have been beheaded before the public, yet she was secretly transported here and imprisoned in a stone cave carved into the gorge wall, never to see daylight again.

Only now did she understand He Wentian's cunning, but regret came too late. Though Zhao Chunxia had been trapped and captured, she remained stubbornly calm. "What a He Wentian. I trusted your reputation and let you harm me as you pleased. Since you did not kill me on the spot, if I ever find an opportunity, I will make your name stink for ten thousand years!"

Her gaze soothed Ji Hui as she said aloud, "Steady your mind. Your master will wait calmly for an opportunity, then find a way for us to escape!" Ji Hui was greatly comforted, vaguely thinking, Master is highly capable. With her here, I can rest easy.

For the first three days, Zhao Chunxia combined what she had learned to search for flaws in the stone cave and plan an escape route. She also sounded out the enemy's cultivation and capabilities. Her heart sank ever deeper, but she could still respond calmly. Though the matter was difficult, it was not entirely hopeless.

"Man proposes, Heaven disposes. Though I wear shackles and my Inner Qi is sealed, leaving me with less than one-tenth of my abilities, I still have some means to maneuver. This stone prison is sturdy, but if I can break free of this predicament, then find a way to destroy these shackles and recover my condition, I can rely on my own methods to resolve this crisis."

Zhao Chunxia sat calmly, her complexion faintly pale and her