In the end, the Huangfu Lineage's party left Roosting Phoenix Mountain.
Gu Yanshuang ordered some of her people to stand guard around the area and others to head up the mountain to investigate.
She rode alone to another low mountain not far from Roosting Phoenix Mountain.
"Come out. They've already left."
Gu Yanshuang spoke toward a concealed cave on the mountainside.
A moment later, a young man emerged from the cave, carrying an unconscious woman on his back.
Seeing their disheveled, torn clothes, Gu Yanshuang involuntarily narrowed her eyes, her gaze suddenly sharpening.
"Big Sister!"
At the sight of her, Gu Chenfeng's face filled with delighted surprise, and his suspended heart finally settled.
"What exactly happened? Why did you sneak out of the city again?
"And who is this young lady? What were you two doing hiding in a cave?"
Gu Yanshuang scrutinized him with tightly knitted brows, her expression looking somewhat odd.
"Big Sister, don't misunderstand. This is Steward Liu from Myriad Treasures House.
"A few days ago, I heard people talking about the Alliance Trade Fair, so I thought I'd come take a look at the excitement. I even concealed my identity to attend the auction.
"Who knew we'd run into a band of utterly deranged criminals who actually wanted to rob and kill us?
"Luckily, I ran fast and slipped down the mountain along a small path."
Gu Chenfeng looked as though he was still shaken.
"I saw how many of them there were and hid on this low mountain for fear they'd catch me.
"To my surprise, I found Steward Liu unconscious on the mountain. We're acquainted, so I couldn't just leave her to die.
"I carried her to this cave, then used Talisman Paper to send you a message, Big Sister."
Lies rolled straight off