“You’re back,” An Jiu said in a hoarse voice.
Mo Sigui fumbled for a flint and lit a lamp, revealing two blood-covered figures sitting back-to-back on the floor.
Lou Mingyue had been injured by sword energy, suffering both flesh wounds and internal organ damage. An Jiu mostly had internal injuries, with more than half of the blood on her body belonging to the old man.
“She’s unconscious. Treat her first,” An Jiu said.
Mo Sigui grabbed both of their wrists. “You underestimate me!”
After checking their pulses for a moment, he got up and rummaged through a pile of bottles and jars in the corner. He took out two pills and gave one to each of them. Then he carried Lou Mingyue to the bed. “You lie down on the couch.”
An Jiu silently rose and lay down on the couch.
This was the difference between love and friendship. In a man’s eyes, even if his lover was stronger than ten men combined, she was still a woman who needed his care. For a friend, however, there was little difference between a female warrior and a male one.
An Jiu didn’t understand these subtle nuances. She felt no resentment, believing that Mo Sigui’s care for Lou Mingyue was natural due to their deep relationship.
Mo Sigui busily prepared everything.
“I’ll do it myself,” An Jiu said, opening her eyes.
“Alright.” Mo Sigui set things down and explained, “The poison in your body is temporarily suppressed by the universal antidote. I’ll come back to draw out the poison in two incense sticks’ time. As for your internal organ injuries, they just need a few days of rest to heal. You’re an external cultivator, so I can ensure your physical injuries heal perfectly. Ning Yu’s injuries are trickier and could affect her cultivation level if not treated properly.”
An Jiu unbuttoned her clothes and said coolly, “You could have accomplished a lot in the time you’ve spent talking.”
“…”
Mo Sigui returned to the bedside. He first used his internal energy to help Lou Mingyue repair her dantian and stabilize her energy core before cutting open her clothes, cleaning her wounds, and stitching up the larger gashes.
After finishing, he returned to draw out the poison from An Jiu.
Finally, he prepared two tubs of medicinal baths and put them both in.
“I’m exhausted!” Mo Sigui leaned against the table, fanning himself vigorously. “You two are pathetic. You’ve only been out for less than a night and you’re already in this state. Why be assassins? You should go home, weave cloth, cook, and take care of children.”
Lou Mingyue was still unconscious, so these words were meant for An Jiu.
An Jiu remained silent for a moment, pondering the deeper meaning behind his words. Finally, she sincerely said, “Regarding your intentions, I’ll relay them accurately to her when she wakes up.”
“Get lost!” Mo Sigui snapped his fan shut with a loud clap, anxiously adding, “Don’t you dare say anything!”
An Jiu nodded compliantly.
“What sin did I commit in my past life?” Mo Sigui sighed. “When I was young, I thought about how mischievous Ning Yu was and decided I should learn good medical skills. Damn it, did the heavens misunderstand my intention? I was thinking of minor scrapes and bruises, not this!”
An Jiu found his train of thought peculiar. “Why didn’t you think about training in martial arts to protect her and prevent her from getting hurt?”
“Even if it’s just an excuse…” Mo Sigui lowered his eyes, slowly opening and closing his fan repeatedly. “It comes from understanding her. She’s always insisted on fighting her own battles since childhood, even when injured. If I intervened, she’d get angry with me.”
“She’s had a strong personality since she was little,” Mo Sigui looked at Lou Mingyue, his peach blossom eyes like a clear pond with gentle ripples. “Strong-willed people often carry heavy burdens. An Jiu, if you ever meet a man who truly cares for you, take my advice: when it’s time to be vulnerable, allow yourself to be.”
An Jiu mumbled an affirmative response and sank silently into the water, pursing her lips.