Qi Zhongbin's sword stopped. The female monster hesitated, but ultimately chose not to flee immediately. Instead, she remained on the ground, propping herself up with one hand.
Above the woods, a small gray-and-white marten rode in on a gentle breeze. The moment Qi Zhongbin saw Hui Mian, delight spread across his face.
"Senior Gray!"
"Mm, it really is you, young Qi!"
Hui Mian dispersed the wind carrying him and dropped quite naturally from twenty feet up, landing between the woman and Qi Zhongbin, in the furrow her body had plowed when she was sent flying backward.
Qi Zhongbin hurriedly withdrew his sword. Holding it with the hilt reversed, he clasped his hands and bowed to Hui Mian.
"Qi Zhongbin pays his respects to Senior Gray! Is Master nearby too?"
Qi Zhongbin's voice brimmed with anticipation. He had not seen his master in quite some time, and often thought he might encounter him while traveling the world.
"The gentleman isn't here. What, aren't you happy to see just me?"
"I am, I am."
That was his answer, but a trace of disappointment inevitably crept into Qi Zhongbin's voice. He immediately turned toward the woman opposite him; even now, he had not let down his guard.
"Senior Gray, this woman is a monster who has achieved transformation. Why did you ask me to spare her?"
The woman had been staring blankly at the little gray marten on the ground. She had imagined some mighty expert might have come to save her, but never expected such a tiny creature-and this absurdly powerful sorcerer was treating him with the utmost respect?
Hearing Qi Zhongbin ask about his "master" seemed to explain a few things.
At Qi Zhongbin's question, Hui Mian planted his paws on his hips and turned toward the woman. Finding her staring