| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
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Shi Qi had some vegetarian buns and plum vegetable porridge and tried to regain his alertness and awareness of his surroundings as he used to be but instead, he felt even more tired.
“If you’re tired then just sleep and don’t force yourself.” Xing Beiming, engrossed in his book, looked up to see Shi Qi with dark circles under his eyes. If he didn’t tell him to rest, he might stay up all night.
“Thank you, Master.” Thanks to the constant reminders from Ying Qi, Shi Qi now always thinks about his own well-being before doing anything.
With Xing Beiming’s permission, Shi Qi sank back into the soft bedding. He wrapped himself in the blanket and subconsciously glanced at Xing Beiming before closing his eyes.
He happened to see the cover of the book – “The Eighteen Instructions of Zunyi Physicians.”
Is Master also studying medicine now? Truly a jack of all trades.
With admiration for his Master, Shi Qi closed his eyes.
Seeing Shi Qi asleep, Xing Beiming continued reading his book while murmuring, “…drink more water, eat more vegetables and fruits… Mm…”
At this point, they had reached a dense forest. The forest was normally quiet with occasional bird calls but as they approached, the sounds of a fight became clearer. Ying Qi could vaguely see several dark figures ahead and slowed down the carriage before asking quietly, “Master, should we take a detour?”
Xing Beiming, who didn’t like to meddle in trivial matters, simply nodded in agreement. So Ying Qi gently urged the horse to change direction and continued on but his entire body was already on high alert.
However, things didn’t go as planned.
Just as they were avoiding the scene of the fight from afar, they were spotted by someone. A petite figure stumbled towards them and waved from a distance, “Help, help! Robbery! Hero—”
Ying Qi sneered.
How could this little girl from such a distance tell whether they were heroes or ordinary passersby? If they were just commoners, wouldn’t she be harming them?
When they were discovered, Ying Qi shouted and quickly drove the carriage away.
A flash of green light and Ying Qi drew the iron sword hanging diagonally in front of the carriage to knock down the concealed weapons aimed at the horse’s belly and then another one aimed at the horse’s head.
Ying Qi leaped onto the horse’s back and caught the projectile, barely stopping the carriage but unfortunately, the wheel hit a piece of gravel, causing the carriage to jolt.
Shi Qi had already woken up when the sounds of the fight drew near. However, Xing Beiming signaled him not to get up, so he remained in bed while listening attentively to the commotion outside.
Who would have expected that the person calling for help would shoot concealed weapons to harm people? It was unclear whether this was a fight between two parties or a gang preparing to commit crimes against passersby.
The moment the carriage jolted, Shi Qi got up but was immediately held by Xing Beiming in his arms and helped reduce the vibration of the carriage on his stomach.
Shi Qi was surprised to be hugged tightly by Xing Beiming that his body became stiffened for a moment. His eyes met Xing Beiming’s graceful jawline then he blinked his eyes and relaxed in Xing Beiming’s embrace.
Outside the carriage, Ying Qi angrily said, “Why harm people for no reason?”
The girl seemed to have a bad temper too and put the blame on them with her hands on her hips, “For no reason? I screamed for help desperately and you pretended not to hear. Aren’t you looking for trouble?”
“You and I are strangers and I have important matters to attend to. It’s not convenient for me to help! Even if I don’t help, you shouldn’t hurt people!” Ying Qi disdained arguing with such a little girl and was about to get on the carriage and leave but Xing Beiming signaled him from inside the carriage to go and see what was happening.
Since it was the Master’s request, Ying Qi didn’t even look at the girl and hurriedly flew to the battle. As soon as he saw it, he recognized someone he knew.
Miss Li Wan’er of the Li family, along with her two flower guardians and a group of guards, were fighting with a group of bandits.
Li Wan’er was protected by a man named Zou Yuan and was slightly at a disadvantage but other than that, they should have been able to escape danger soon.
As soon as Ying Qi appeared, both sides noticed.
The bandits became wary, not knowing if he was their reinforcements or just trying to intervene. Li Wan’er and Zou Yuan, on the other hand, were pleasantly surprised.
Regardless of his identity, being able to save Li Wan’er and her sisters, he should not refuse to help them.
Sure enough, when Ying Qi took action, the bandits retreated one after another while howling and fleeing.
Li Wan’er and Zou Yuan came forward to thank them. Ying Qi coldly said, “No need, as long as that little girl doesn’t use concealed weapons to hinder our progress.”
Zou Yuan’s face changed while Li Wan’er spoke up and scolded, “Xiao Mei, you’re causing trouble again. Quickly apologize to this young gentleman. We owe him thanks this time.”
The maid called Xiao Mei stuck out her tongue reluctantly and quickly bowed, “I’m sorry, I’m young and ignorant. Please forgive me.”
Seeing Ying Qi’s expression improve slightly, Li Wan’er curtsied gracefully, “Just now, the maid was rash. Did she harm anyone inside the carriage? Please allow me to apologize to them.”
Ying Qi was about to say it wasn’t necessary when Xing Beiming’s cool voice came from inside the carriage, “Apologies are unnecessary. If I were truly old and frail, that bump just now would have left me either dead or crippled. What good would an apology do?”
Li Wan’er didn’t expect someone to be so disrespectful to her and a trace of grievance unintentionally appeared on her face. The two protectors of flowers immediately became angry. Zou Yuan, who had always been in a follower mode, stepped forward angrily, “What do you want? She clearly already apologized. Do gentlemen like you have to make things difficult for a young girl?”
Inside the carriage, there was no response. Zou Yun snorted, “Do you realize your mistake?” Li Wan’er shook her head in disagreement, “Cousin Yun, we were wrong first, so we shouldn’t be rude.”
The curtain of the carriage was lifted and before everyone could see clearly, a handsome but slightly stern-looking man appeared before them, “It seems Miss Li is still as gracious as ever. Due to an injured person in the carriage, I acted hastily. I hope Miss Li won’t take offense.”
Li Wan’er blushed while Zou Yuan gritted his teeth. Li Wan’er said, “So, it’s the gentleman who saved Wan’er and her sisters before. The grace of saving lives has not been thanked yet. Today, we are once again saved by the gentleman. Wan’er is really grateful. We are on our way to Brother Zou’s house, just in the town ahead. Please, gentleman, do come. Wan’er will prepare some wine to thank the gentleman for saving her life.”
So, what was originally a party of three became a convoy. Ying Qi declined the offer of help from Zou’s family to drive the carriage and followed the convoy, but he couldn’t help but wonder why Master agreed to go to Zou’s house.
If the Li family in Jiangnan is known for its fragrant daughters, then the Zou family in Peijicheng is known for its ability to make friends with capable people. Zou’s family head, Zou Lao, has no hobbies other than making friends.
He is generous, enthusiastic and sincere. Although the Zou family itself doesn’t have much influence in the official circles or the Martial Arts World, most of their strong friends are influential figures and of course, there are also some unknown.
Upon hearing that Xing Beiming was the one who saved Li Wan’er’s life, Zou Lao insisted on hosting a banquet to express his gratitude to Xing Beiming. It was said that Li Wan’er was someone Zou Lao had taken a liking to as a potential daughter-in-law, so he was extremely fond of her and treated Xing Beiming as his lifesaver.
At the banquet, everyone, regardless of status, sat together in a circle and Zou Lao didn’t bother with formalities.
Xing Beiming was fully engaged in socializing which put Zou Lao in a good mood as if he wanted to be considered a close friend. The Zou brothers, witnessing this sudden transformation in the usually aloof Xing Beiming, were initially surprised and then became cautious, thinking that such unusual behavior must have some hidden motive. Li Wan’er, on the other hand, didn’t think much of it. She focused her attention on Shi Qi, who had been silent all along.
As a Shadow Guard serving his Master, Xing Beiming’s current demeanor, although rare, was not unheard of. It usually occurred when he was invited to participate in major Martial Arts conferences or when attending important events in the households of influential Martial Artists.
Therefore, when Xing Beiming politely declined the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader with a smile, he received sympathy and respect from the Martial Arts Community, further enhancing the status of the World’s Supreme Fortress in the Martial Arts World.
However, this was all just on the surface.
The Master who seldom laughed or spoke in private was the one Shi Qi was familiar with.
Looking at the exquisite dishes in front of him, he had completely lost his appetite.
“Young hero, are these dishes not to your liking, or are you feeling unwell?” A soft voice came from beside him. Shi Qi looked up to see Li Wan’er, who had changed seats with Zou Yun to sit beside him.
Li Wan’er still had a good impression of the indirect lifesaver. If he hadn’t been there at the time, combined with Wu Enci solemn assurance that he was definitely not an ordinary person, they wouldn’t have been rescued immediately. That incident would have become a nightmare for her life. So, she deliberately changed seats to greet him. She didn’t forget that Xing Beiming said he was still injured.
“Thank you for your concern, Miss. But it’s nothing serious.” Shi Qi replied quietly.
Li Wan’er was about to say something but was interrupted because Xing Beiming stood up and apologized, “Master Zou, my guard is injured. So could you lend a place for him to rest?”
Master Zou’s face showed concern. He thought of the sturdy man who had turned pale and couldn’t even eat, and couldn’t help but worry and praise, “Xiao Xing, you’re so caring for your guard! But it’s annoying that those thieves hurt him! Cai He, quickly take this gentleman to the guest room to rest and don’t neglect him!”
Xing Beiming smiled, “Thank you.”
After three rounds of wine, Master Zou once again talked about Suoyun City. His brows furrowed while questioning the identity of these people.
There were rumors in the Martial Arts World that the Blood Demon Sect was re-emerging, but Master Zou still had a hint of disbelief.
Xing Beiming observed his words and expressions, “It is said that those who were spared back then were just some insignificant little rascals. So it shouldn’t cause a bigger storm but this incident is coming with great momentum. It could be seen as a probe, or it could be the first step of this unknown force intervening in the Martial Arts World. Even the reputable Yan family has some connection with them to some extent. This shows that this force cannot be underestimated.”
Master Zou nodded, “You’re right. Even if it’s not the Blood Demon Sect, it’s probably a similar evil sect. We must not let the tragedy of the past happen again. Xiao Xing, since you have an extraordinary temperament and profound Martial Arts skills, do you want to join forces with Alliance Leader Lin to resist this force?”
This old man, really doing things for the Martial Arts World.
Xing Beiming nodded, “This is the duty that I should do! But..” His expression changed, with a hint of sorrow, “This trip is to seek medical treatment for my guard. He was poisoned by an unknown substance and has been unwell. I’m afraid of unforeseen circumstances, so I must remove the poison for him as soon as possible.”
Master Zou thought of what he had just seen. The man who was originally strong as iron was pale that he was unable to eat and couldn’t help but worry, at the same time, praise Xing Beiming generosity, “Xiâo Xing really cares so much for his guard! Well, I really don’t understand medical skills but I have a friend who might be able to help.”
Xing Beiming was anxious, “Master Zou, if there’s a glimmer of hope, I don’t want to miss it. Please introduce me!”
Master Zou patted his shoulder, “Don’t be in a hurry. My friend has been out of Jianghu for several years. If he’s willing to help, that’s great. But if he’s not confident, Xiâo Xing, don’t be too sad.”
Xing Beiming asked doubtfully, “May I ask, who is your friend?” Hearing this, Ying Qi finally understood the purpose of the Master’s visit to the Zou family.
“Oh, sure. In the Jianghu, he was once honored with the title ‘Ghost Sees Sorrow’. That’s him.”