Hu Xiaotian reached out and wrapped an arm around Qin Yutong's fragrant shoulders, trying to shield her behind him, only to see a tall figure emerging from the pool. He had expected Sword Slave, but this man stood straight and tall, with white hair falling over his shoulders. More importantly, none of those revolting growths marred his face, though blood streaked his square features.
"Sword Slave!" Qin Yutong whispered. She had recognized the clothes he wore as Sword Slave's.
Hu Xiaotian stood up, taking the opportunity to slip an arm around Qin Yutong's slender waist. "Don't be afraid. Whatever happens, I'm here!"
Although Qin Yutong knew perfectly well that he was taking advantage of the fire to plunder, for some reason, in this situation, she felt an intense urge to rely on him. She actually nodded and whispered, "Of course I'm not afraid!" And indeed, she was not.
Hu Xiaotian twisted the Lightsaber in his hand. Its light was as feeble as the flame of a cigarette lighter. He sighed inwardly. This thing looks impressive but is useless. Perhaps Ji Feihua had drained too much of its energy when he used it to recharge the other, female sword that day, and Hu Xiaotian had taken it before it could recover.
The white-haired man staggered to the shore, then suddenly pitched headfirst onto the ground. For a long while, he did not move.
"I'll go take a look," Qin Yutong said.
Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "Careful. It could be a trick." He picked up a small stone and threw it. It struck the white-haired man squarely on the forehead with a crack. The man cried out in pain; the blow had actually knocked him awake.
Bracing his arms against the ground, the white-haired man struggled into a sitting position. He