Chapter 20: Letting Go

The scarlet in her eyes faded slowly until they returned to normal. Ji Hua gazed softly at the hand that held hers. “Alliance Leader Rong, may I be released now?”

A flicker of cold light flashed in Rong Yuyan’s eyes. His probing gaze rested on Ji Hua, yet he could discern no information from her.

“How do you manage to dispel internal energy?” he asked.

From what he knew, only those far stronger than himself could accomplish such a feat. Why then did she rely on his banner for protection?

Ji Hua curved her lips. “A secret. Alliance Leader Rong doesn’t have a penchant for prying into others’ secrets, does he?”

Her sly voice stirred memories in Rong Yuyan, reminding him of someone. Yet, they could never be the same.

Rong Yuyan released his grip.

Ji Hua turned the conversation back to the treatment. “It’s correct that you first feel cold; soon, you’ll sense burning heat. Just endure it—quickly—”

Before she could finish the last word, she lost her balance and slipped suddenly!

Her eyes widened as she watched the veil she wore plunge into the water—

It was over!

She had never intended to reveal her true face before Rong Yuyan. With her status, she absolutely could not involve herself in such mundane affairs; it would only bring endless trouble to the Xiang family.

The veil was completely soaked, and her face covering suddenly slipped off.

Before her stood Rong Yuyan, close enough to touch.

His brows furrowed as curiosity instinctively urged him to uncover the person beneath the veil.

Who was she, really?

Just a moment more, and he would have seen her true visage.

At that moment, Ji Hua suddenly spoke.

“Don’t move!”

She grabbed the man’s shoulder firmly and leaned in close.

They were nearly embracing. A fierce killing intent blazed in Rong Yuyan’s eyes—what audacity she had!

Instinctively recoiling, he tried to push her away, growling, “Get off!”

A wave of overwhelming cold swept over him once more. Ji Hua gritted her teeth. “If you see my true face, don’t expect me to treat you again!”

Did he really think she wanted to take advantage of him?

If not for the fear of the veil falling, she wouldn’t have touched him at all!

Her blunt threat silenced the biting wind.

Only then did Rong Yuyan realize that Ji Hua had not intended to get close to him deliberately.

A trace of coldness flickered across her serene, otherworldly face.

The anger faded, and Rong Yuyan sensed the dampness of the veil and the softness of the woman’s body pressed against him.

They were so close that he could catch a faint scent of begonia on her.

Strangely familiar.

Where had he smelled it before?

No, perhaps it was the begonia scent clinging from the warm pool.

Nevertheless, even if necessary, Rong Yuyan loathed such proximity.

He frowned slightly, his voice cold: “Are you done? Step aside.”

“Wait!”

Ji Hua struggled to support herself; the man’s broad shoulders and narrow waist bore the marks of a seasoned martial artist.

Though… somewhat uncomfortable.

Regaining her breath, Ji Hua swiftly brushed the veil from her damp cheek.

The veil was still soaked, and her true face was faintly visible beneath.

“Alliance Leader Rong, may I borrow your internal energy for a moment?” she asked, lowering her tone with a hint of irritation.

Rong Yuyan understood her intent but, considering she was treating him, relented.

At least this woman was self-aware.

He emitted internal energy from his palm, its warmth perfectly evaporating the moisture on their clothes and the veil, gradually drying them.

A faint heat rose between them.

Ji Hua let out a sincere sigh of relief.

Next time, she’d have to devise a better plan for such emergencies.

Unless absolutely necessary, this identity must never be exposed.

Still shaken, Ji Hua apologized softly.

She resumed her usual courteous distance and quickly stepped away from Rong Yuyan, exhaling gently.

She cupped her fists. “Thank you, Alliance Leader Rong.”

“No need.”

Rong Yuyan’s patience waned. The damp strands of hair brushing his ear earlier stirred a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

He disliked contact with women, even healers.

His cold gaze pierced through the veil, fixing on Ji Hua with indifference. “If you do not wish to reveal your face, I can close my eyes—you need not go to such lengths.”

Ji Hua paused slightly.

She hadn’t expected such a gentleman among martial folk.

It was only because she understood human curiosity so well that she reacted immediately.

Besides, Rong Yuyan’s position surely involved a few lives, coupled with a notorious temperament.

Ji Hua did not take his words seriously, only faintly smiling in silence.

Irritation flickered in Rong Yuyan’s eyes. Did she not believe him?

If he wished, her veil would have fallen easily by now.

Though unspoken, the atmosphere between them suddenly grew cold.

Ji Hua lowered her voice and swiftly administered the needles. Within half an hour, the treatment was complete.

During that time, the two said nothing.

“Alliance Leader Rong, you may bathe for three days using the formula I prescribed, soaking at least one hour each time,” Ji Hua instructed calmly.

“I’ve prepared a new prescription; take this for seven days alongside the previous medicine I gave you.”

“Alliance Leader Rong, I take my leave.”

Ji Hua did not glance back at Rong Yuyan and turned to leave.

Rong Yuyan wanted to close his eyes and rest, but the calm he felt earlier was gone.

The scene from moments ago replayed in his mind—the faint, familiar fragrance of begonia he had smelled.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the face covering Ji Hua had dropped in the pool.

His heart skipped a beat as the water rippled, stirring the fabric.

On it was embroidered a begonia blossom.

Rong Yuyan frowned and picked it up with his pale, jade-like fingers, the scent of begonia still lingering.

He frowned again, sending a gust of palm wind that lifted the veil, letting it flutter until it caught on a branch of the begonia tree.

He stood upright. Having promised not to pry, he would not break his word.

After only two treatments, he could tell this woman was no charlatan; she truly possessed remarkable skill.

Rong Yuyan had no desire to truly anger her.

…

Soon after, Ji Hua arrived beside Liu Yiyi, who immediately frowned.

“Miss, why is your skirt wet? Would you like to swap with me? I fear you might catch a cold.”

“No need.”

Ji Hua’s mind remained elsewhere. Rong Yuyan’s obstinacy exceeded her expectations; she would have to adjust the medicine after this.

Moreover, the near mishap with her veil lingered persistently in her thoughts.

Once was too many—there would be a next time.

Disguises were too easily seen through; with Rong Yuyan’s position, he would likely see through it effortlessly. She needed to plan more carefully.

Ji Hua glanced carelessly at her dress. “Let’s go; we’ll dry it when we get back.”

Descending the mountain, she passed blooming crimson flowers and suddenly recalled the mole she had seen on Rong Yuyan when they first met.

It must be an illusion; she could never connect these two people.

She dismissed the thought and stopped dwelling on it.

…

Unconsciously, the time for the banquet invited by Ling Moxuan arrived.