ushernet Chapter 178 Conspiracy?
Chapter 178 Conspiracy?
They continued their walk in silence, the sounds of the city fading into the background. Mo Yuxin's mind was a jumble of thoughts, a confusing mix of longing and uncertainty. She wanted to trust Su Yubing, to believe in the feelings that stirred within her. But the lingering shadow of her amnesia cast a pall over her emotions, making her hesitant to fully embrace the present.
As they reached the edge of the marketplace, Su Yubing stopped, her gaze fixed on a small teahouse tucked away in a quiet corner. "How about some tea?" she suggested, her voice light. "We could use a moment to relax."
Mo Yuxin nodded, grateful for the distraction. They entered the teahouse, the aroma of fragrant tea leaves filling the air. They found a table by the window, the morning sun streaming in, casting a warm glow across the room.
As they settled into their seats, Mo Yuxin felt a sense of calm wash over her. The quiet atmosphere of the teahouse, the gentle murmur of conversation, provided a welcome respite from the bustling city.
The aroma of jasmine and oolong swirled around them, a comforting embrace against the lingering chill of the early hour. They settled into a corner table, the sunlight filtering through the window, painting the wooden surfaces in a warm, golden glow.
"So," Su Yubing began, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint, "tell me more about this Jiang Sang. The one you said looked like your sect leader."
Mo Yuxin sighed, resigned to Su Yubing's persistent curiosity. "She's a guest elder," she repeated, "from Bailing Peak. Quiet, reserved, keeps to herself."
"And the male cultivator she was with?" Su Yubing pressed, her voice laced with intrigue. "You said he looked familiar?" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire
"Yes," Mo Yuxin confirmed, her brow furrowed in thought. "He was... I think he was from the Hua family. A rather large, influential family in the eastern provinces."
Su Yubing's eyes widened. "The Hua family? They're known for their... ambitious sons." She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He looked to have known Jiang Sang for quite some time."
Mo Yuxin nodded, a flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of her lips. "He did."
"I wonder why," Su Yubing mused, her gaze thoughtful. "Unless..." She paused, her eyes widening in mock surprise. "Could it be he has a history with your sect leader?"
Mo Yuxin's eyes narrowed slightly. "He did," she admitted, her voice low. "Years ago, when my sect leader was younger, he... he was rather disrespectful. Dismissive of her skills, simply because she was a woman. He challenged her to a duel, thinking he could easily defeat her."
"And?" Su Yubing prompted, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"And," Mo Yuxin continued, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, "she soundly defeated him. Humiliated him, in fact. He never dared to show his face in front of her again."
Su Yubing chuckled, a delighted sound. "Serves him right," she declared. "Men like that, who underestimate women, deserve to be taught a lesson."
"Indeed," Mo Yuxin agreed, her gaze softening. She remembered the stories of her sect leader's younger years, her fierce determination, her unwavering strength. She had always admired her, her unwavering spirit.
"But what was he doing with Jiang sang?" Su Yubing wondered aloud, her brow furrowed. "It's rather suspicious, isn't it? A man from a powerful family, with a history of disrespecting your sect leader, seen with a woman who looks slightly similar to her."
Mo Yuxin's eyes widened in alarm, her own teacup forgotten. "Su Yubing!" she cried, her voice laced with panic. "What's happening?"
Su Yubing, her breath coming in ragged gasps, leaned heavily against Mo Yuxin, her head falling against her shoulder. "Just... a relapse," she managed to rasp, her voice barely audible. "Nothing to worry about."
Mo Yuxin's anxiety spiked. The casual dismissal did nothing to quell her fear. The tremors running through Su Yubing's body spoke of intense pain, a silent scream against the fragility of her half-broken meridians.
"Nothing to worry about?" Mo Yuxin retorted, her voice sharp. "You look like you're about to collapse! This is not 'nothing'!"
Su Yubing, ignoring her protests, fumbled within her storage ring, her trembling fingers searching for something. She finally retrieved a small, intricately carved flask, uncorked it, and brought it to her lips.
Mo Yuxin, her eyes fixed on the flask, leaned closer. A pungent aroma reached her nostrils, and her eyes widened in disbelief. "Is that... alcohol?" she exclaimed, her voice incredulous.
Su Yubing paused, the flask hovering near her mouth. "It's... medicinal," she mumbled, her voice weak.
"Medicinal alcohol?" Mo Yuxin scoffed, snatching the flask from Su Yubing's grasp. "That smells like pure fire whiskey! You can't drink this, not in your condition!"
Su Yubing, weakened and frustrated, slumped back against Mo Yuxin, her eyes filled with a mock despair. "But Yuxin," she whined, her voice a pitiful drawl, "it helps with the pain. Please?"
Mo Yuxin's resolve wavered for a moment. She couldn't ignore the genuine suffering etched on Su Yubing's face. Yet, she knew the dangers of strong spirits, especially for someone with Su Yubing's fragile health.
"No," Mo Yuxin said, her voice firm. "I'll help you. I can channel some soothing spiritual energy."
Ignoring Su Yubing's protests, Mo Yuxin gently placed her hand on Su Yubing's back, closing her eyes and focusing her spiritual energy. A warm, gentle current flowed from her palm, spreading through Su Yubing's body, easing the tension and calming the tremors.
Su Yubing, feeling the soothing warmth, let out a sigh of relief. The pain began to recede, replaced by a comforting numbness. But her mischievous nature, even in her weakened state, couldn't be completely suppressed.
With a sudden, unexpected movement, Su Yubing reached out, her hand brushing against Mo Yuxin's chest, her fingers lingering just a little too long. Mo Yuxin's eyes flew open, her cheeks flushing crimson.
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