Three fine horses galloped on the official road. Ji Yunxi was dressed in a light yellow cloak with a silk veil covering her face.
Two men rode one in front and one behind, firmly protecting her in the middle.
When they left the city in the morning, Ji Yunxi remembered that when she had gone to Xirong before, the Moon - Gazing Pavilion had secretly obstructed her and even sent many killers.
There was no guarantee that they wouldn't make another move this time.
So the three of them changed their strategy. They arranged a carriage to set off first, with people from the Dream - Elegance Pavilion on board.
Ji Yunxi herself rode a horse with Qing Xuan and Lu Shu.
All the way out of the Seven - Star Pass, everyone was on edge. But unexpectedly, the journey was smooth all the way, and even the carriage that was meant to attract attention was safe and sound.
Ji Yunxi was a bit puzzled, but this doubt was soon overshadowed by her worry about Feng Xingzhi.
She was full of thoughts about Feng Xingzhi. She wondered why he had left without saying goodbye and worried that something might have happened to him.
Once they entered the territory of Xirong, the three of them dismounted their horses and found an inn.
The long - distance journey had made Ji Yunxi look a bit pale. Qing Xuan took the luggage from her hands.
"Master, shall we find a place to rest first?"
"Qing Xuan, when we're away from home, just call me Miss. Master sounds strange. The same goes for you, A Shu."
The two of them agreed and found a clean inn to stay in.
After tidying up, it was already past noon. The three of them ordered some dishes in the inn.
The inn was full of a martial - arts atmosphere. Many people carried swords and had sharp eyes.
Ji Yunxi pulled Qing Xuan and Lu Shu to find a quiet corner. It was a place that wouldn't draw attention but allowed them to overhear the conversations of the nearby tables.
The dishes were served one by one. Ji Yunxi pricked up her ears to gather information from all around.
Just then, she heard a group of people not far away gossiping, "Have you heard? There's a new person in the Jiang Mansion recently."
"Who is it?"
"The identity is unknown, but he's a very handsome young master."
"Oh, who hasn't seen a handsome young master? Besides, in a noble family like the Jiang family, it's normal to have good - looking men."
"Hahaha."
Qing Xuan curled his lips secretly and muttered, "What rude people."
Ji Yunxi thought to herself that it seemed the Jiang Mansion had a high status in Xirong and was well - known to everyone.
"You fool. That young master is not just handsome. He's incredibly stunning. And it seems he has a special relationship with the head of the Jiang family!"
Ji Yunxi's hand that was holding the chopsticks suddenly paused. Wasn't the head of the Jiang family Jiang Yaoji?
Could this incredibly stunning young master be Feng Xingzhi?!
She thought she was the only one who had guessed, but unexpectedly, Lu Shu, who had been eating silently, suddenly stood up. He didn't even care that the bowl in his hand had fallen and walked straight up to that table.
"Where is the Jiang Mansion?!"
Qing Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Lu Shu looked so fierce. It didn't seem like he was going to ask for directions; it seemed like he was going to take revenge.
The people at that table were startled at first, and then they got angry.
"What are you doing?! You're so rude!"
Lu Shu frowned and grabbed one of them by the collar. "I'll ask you one more time. Where is the Jiang Mansion?"
Seeing their comrade being grabbed, the other two immediately drew their swords and were ready to fight him.
Lu Shu threw the man aside and started fighting with them right in the first - floor hall.
He didn't draw his sword and fought off their attacks bare - handed.
Although the two of them were not very good at one - on - one combat, they were really in sync. They managed to control him back and forth, and for a moment, he couldn't break free.
Ji Yunxi frowned at her seat. Lu Shu had been a bit silent all the way. She had wanted to ask him why but hadn't had the chance before he started fighting.
"Qing Xuan."
Qing Xuan had to put down his chopsticks, leaped into the fight, immobilized the three of them, and then pulled Lu Shu back.
"Enough! Miss wants you to go back."
Lu Shu angrily let go, snorted, and returned to Ji Yunxi's side.
Qing Xuan turned to the three of them and apologized, "We're really sorry. My friend is unruly. It's all our fault if we've hurt you. Here's some silver as compensation. But could you tell us where the Jiang Mansion is?"
As the saying goes, one should not hit a smiling face. Seeing that he was polite, the three of them didn't want to continue the entanglement. They took the silver, pointed in a direction, and left the inn without finishing their meal.
Ji Yunxi didn't scold Lu Shu. Instead, she patted his shoulder. "Sit down and eat. After that, we'll go to the Jiang Mansion."
Lu Shu sat down, but the anger in his heart hadn't dissipated.
He wasn't a reckless person. On the contrary, after so many years of leading the Dream - Elegance Pavilion, he had become quite steady.
But this time, Feng Xingzhi's silent departure had hurt him deeply.
He was both angry and worried. He didn't understand why his master had cut off their connection.
This feeling of being abandoned was so despairing.
Back then, when the pavilion master had disappeared and Feng Xingzhi had also gone, he had supported the Dream - Elegance Pavilion alone. He had endured a lot of hardships, and no one had cared about his life or death, nor his comings and goings.
It was only after finding Feng Xingzhi that he felt like a dandelion seed had finally landed.
Now the pavilion master had also returned, but just a few days into this new life, Feng Xingzhi had left without a word!
This sense of belonging was instantly shattered.
Stabbing at the rice in his bowl, Qing Xuan whispered angrily, "Lu Shu, if you're going to eat, then eat! What are you doing?"
Lu Shu got even angrier and directly threw down his chopsticks. "I'm not eating. I'm not hungry."
Qing Xuan looked at his back and was both angry and amused. "Hey? What's wrong with Lu Shu? Why is he throwing a tantrum?"
Ji Yunxi shook her head. "Forget it. Let him be."
"He's so disrespectful. How can he throw his chopsticks in front of Miss?"
Ji Yunxi didn't answer. In fact, she could understand Lu Shu's out - of - control. It was the feeling of being abandoned.
That sense of loss also lingered in her heart.
After the meal, Ji Yunxi went upstairs to pack her things. Passing by Lu Shu's room, she knocked on the door and went in.
He still looked angry, like a child who would never grow up.
"Still angry?"
Lu Shu turned his head and didn't want to answer.
"Do you think A Zhi abandoned you?"
"… Qing Xuan can easily find out your whereabouts."
There was so much grievance in his tone. "I've been away from you, Master and Pavilion Master, for a long, long time. I... miss you both so much, and I'm so tired."
Ji Yunxi looked at the young man and smiled helplessly. "A Shu, you're also a special existence to me. I believe A Zhi thinks so too. He must have his reasons for leaving without saying goodbye. You should trust him."
"I know, but I just, just can't be happy. If Master has something to do, why did he cut off our connection?"
Ji Yunxi couldn't find a proper reason for Feng Xingzhi for a moment. She could only agree with Lu Shu. "It was his fault in this matter. Once we find him, I'll definitely support you."
Leaving the room, Ji Yunxi sighed. A Zhi, A Zhi, even your spirit beast is angry.
Come back soon.