Although Hu Xiaotian felt somewhat disappointed by Xue Lingjun's departure, he had never placed much hope in the Eldest Princess. Even if she refused to admit it, he was certain that her Western Sichuan Mission was far more than a sightseeing trip. As the Eldest Princess of Great Yong, she enjoyed the emperor's deep trust, and this journey surely served a political purpose. He had come as Great Kang's representative, and under the present circumstances, Great Kang's interests clashed with Great Yong's. Perhaps that was the real reason Xue Lingjun had refused to lend him a hand.
Yan Nujiao asked, "Do you think they'll come back?"
Hu Xiaotian looked at this strong-willed, independent young woman, and an inexplicable tenderness suddenly welled up within him. It was not simply because they had become intimate; this daughter of a fearsome Western Sichuan bandit possessed many admirable qualities. He smiled at her. "Don't worry. I killed Du Tianhuo and his wife. They won't trouble you again." He paused, then added, "Even if anyone else dares to trouble you, I'll protect you just the same." Those words had slipped out, but they made him feel thoroughly manly and responsible.
Warmth spread through Yan Nujiao's heart, but she turned away and said coolly, "No need!"
Just then, a horse neighed outside, followed by a thunderous shout. "Third Uncle! Are you here?"
Hu Xiaotian recognized Xiong Tianba's voice clearly and laughed. "I'm here! Brat! I'm inside!"
Riding a large black horse, Brat charged through the ruined courtyard wall of the Solitary Mountain Temple, clad in the Phosphor Armor Hu Xiaotian had given him and gripping the Twin Hammers. Liang Yinghao and Tang Tiexin followed behind. Seeing Hu Xiaotian unharmed, all three breathed a sigh of relief.
At first, Hu Xiaotian wondered how they had found him.