I Said There Was No Need

"My injuries have mostly recovered. I don't need to rely on outside help."

Xie Qingxuan felt as though a basin of cold water had been poured over her head, and her eyes suddenly grew hot.

She bit down hard on her lower lip, refusing to let herself lose composure.

"Pack up. We're leaving."

Gu Sheng turned and walked toward the cave entrance, his voice drifting back from afar.

"I'll take you back to Great Desolation City first."

Xie Qingxuan stood there blankly, the token in her hand ice-cold and piercing.

She did not understand why she felt so upset. Clearly... clearly, they had only met by chance.

"I... I don't want this."

She suddenly spoke, her voice trembling slightly.

Gu Sheng turned back, his brows faintly furrowed.

"Why?"

"I..."

Xie Qingxuan raised her head, her eyes shining with stubborn resolve.

"I don't want to owe you a favor. You saved me, and I helped you. We're even now."

Gu Sheng quietly looked at her, his gaze so profound that it seemed capable of seeing through the human heart.

After a long while, he nodded.

"As you wish."

The mountain breeze brushed past them, making the branches and leaves rustle through the forest.

Gu Sheng stood atop a jutting rock and took a jade-green token from his robes. The front was engraved with the two words "Linlang Pavilion," while the back bore an exquisite lotus pattern.

"Miss Xie, take this."

Gu Sheng turned and handed the token to Xie Qingxuan, who stood behind him.

Xie Qingxuan froze slightly, surprise filling her clear, springlike eyes.

"Th-this is a Linlang Pavilion token? It's too valuable. I can't accept it."

She instinctively took half a step back, her slender fingers twisting together.

Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves and fell across her fair