Something stirred in Yun Qing's heart, and he immediately concealed himself.
"...Thank you for your help, fellow cultivator. If not for you, Ling'er would have died in that ghost vine's jaws today. Sob, sob." A soft, lilting female voice rang out, trembling with lingering fear. She sounded so pitiful and enchanting that anyone listening would have felt their bones melt.
"You may not know this, fellow cultivator, but Ling'er possesses the 'nine yin jade communion' physique. It attracts these sinister ghost creatures all too easily."
Nine yin jade communion? Eavesdropping, Yun Qing felt a flicker of interest. The relevant information surfaced automatically in his mind, and he exchanged a glance with the Little Radiant Chick on his shoulder. Wasn't that the famous top-tier cultivation cauldron physique?
"You're too kind, miss. I merely stepped in when I saw injustice. This place is dangerous, and it really isn't safe for you to travel alone. If you don't mind, I would be willing to escort you for a while." A slightly deep male voice answered excitedly, concern coloring his tone. He was probably quite interested in that "nine yin jade communion" physique.
"Nothing would make Ling'er happier than traveling with Brother Liu...but would I be a burden to you?" The woman's voice was faint, carrying a hint of dependence.
"Nonsense! With me here, I'll keep you safe!" The cultivator surnamed Liu thumped his chest in assurance, his gaze sweeping over the woman's graceful figure and fine clothing with a barely concealed heat.
A classic 'hero saves the beauty' opening, Yun Qing silently grumbled from behind a tree.
But whether this was a hero or a blundering bear, a beautiful blossom or a man-eating flower, he had no intention of getting involved for now. He changed direction and quietly left.
He continued searching for