Translator: CinderTL
Xu Sanyan ignored them, his gaze fixed intently on the woman.
The woman, half-dead, also stared back at Xu Sanyan. Their eyes met, and the woman blinked, showing no intention of looking away.
"I saved your life. Spend a day with me, how about that?" Xu Sanyan asked himself if this was a fair trade.
After all, he rarely made fair trades.
The woman lowered her eyes in thought, then glanced at the fierce and ugly bandits around her. Comparing them to Xu Sanyan's handsome appearance, she knew she had no other choice. She nodded slightly and whispered, "Alright."
The Bandit Leader was immediately displeased. He had fought tooth and nail, losing many of his men to secure this prize, and now this man was taking her away just like that?
But not knowing Xu Sanyan's background, he dared not act recklessly, finding himself in a dilemma.
Xu Sanyan made the decision for him. With a wave of his sleeve, several bandits were sent flying, landing on the ground and twitching a few times before ceasing to breathe.
The Bandit Leader broke into a cold sweat and quickly made up his mind. "First Master, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave and not disturb you further."
"Mm, farewell," Xu Sanyan replied without turning his head.
The Bandit Leader had no desire to meet again. He mounted his horse with his remaining men and swiftly disappeared into the yellow sand.
Xu Sanyan climbed into the carriage, lifted the woman's chin, and examined her for a moment, his gaze as if appraising a piece of decor. "Where are you from?"
The woman seemed resigned, her eyes calm, devoid of joy or sorrow.
She showed no relief at having escaped death, nor any despair at having left the wolf's den only to enter the tiger's mouth. It was as if everything in the world was irrelevant to her.
"Dafeng Town, Bai Family," the woman replied.
Xu Sanyan pondered. When had a Bai Family emerged in Dafeng Town?
It must have been after the Ma and Jin families were wiped out, allowing the Bai Family to rise in their place.
"Where are you headed?" Xu Sanyan turned and drove the carriage back toward Dafeng Town.
The woman said, "To the city to seek medical treatment and deliver some goods."
Xu Sanyan nodded. "What's your name?"
"Bai Qingyu," the woman replied, covering her mouth as she coughed lightly, her face growing paler.
Xu Sanyan spread a blanket inside the carriage and raised an eyebrow, signaling that it was time for her to fulfill her promise.
Bai Qingyu showed no resistance, obediently lying down on the blanket. Her toes curled slightly, betraying the turmoil beneath her calm exterior.
Xu Sanyan asked, "What illness do you have?"
Bai Qingyu shook her head. "I don't know. I just feel a coldness inside me. The physician said I might not live past twenty."
"How old are you now?"
"Eighteen."
Xu Sanyan rolled up her sleeve, revealing her slender wrist. He placed his fingers on it, carefully sensing her condition.
Though Xu Sanyan wasn't a physician, he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage. By channeling his Spiritual Power into her body, he could perceive all the changes within.
"Mmm~"
Bai Qingyu felt a warm energy flow into her body through her arm, bringing a comforting warmth. She couldn't help but let out a soft moan.
Xu Sanyan lifted his eyelids. "No need to moan yet. There will be time for that later."
Bai Qingyu pursed her lips, lowering her head in embarrassment.
After a moment, Xu Sanyan said, "Your Innate Qi is insufficient. Your internal organs are as if soaked in icy water, with an excess of Yin energy. Moreover, your meridians are blocked. You just need to nourish your organs, unblock the meridians, and then carefully recuperate."
Normally, a person's meridians are naturally open and don't require additional unblocking.
Bai Qingyu's eyes sparkled with hope. "How do I unblock my meridians?"
If one could live, who would want to die?
Previously, she showed no fear towards the bandits only because she knew her life was nearing its end. To her, dying a day earlier or later made no difference.
But now, it seemed she could live again.
"I can help you, but it will come at an additional cost," Xu Sanyan said. Although this matter was trivial for him, a deal was a deal.
One thing at a time. Her accompanying him to bed was the price for rescuing her from the bandits.
If she wanted to be cured, she would need to pay an extra price.
Bai Qingyu lowered her head in thought, then slowly shook her head. "I have nothing of value, and I assume you have no interest in worldly gold or silver."
Xu Sanyan nodded. Of course, he had no interest in gold or silver. "Take your time to think. I'll collect the previous payment first."
Bai Qingyu clenched her teeth, nervously closed her eyes, and her body trembled slightly. She was still an untouched maiden.
Xu Sanyan gently removed her short boots, revealing her pristine white socks and slender calves. He softly caressed them.
This was a different sensation compared to Madam Wu.
The carriage traveled alone across a desolate desert, the swirling yellow sand growing thicker. Amid the howling wind, faint gasps could be heard, quickly drowned out by the sandstorm.
After a long while, the sandstorm subsided, and the gasps turned into heavy breathing. Xu Sanyan leaned against the carriage, admiring the beautiful jade-like body lying before him. A trace of crimson remained on the blanket beneath her, and he felt even more satisfied.
Though her skills were lacking, her youth made up for it.
Bai Qingyu wiped herself, dressed, and then discarded the blanket. Xu Sanyan sat nearby, watching her busy herself.
How many women had there been?
Xu Sanyan silently counted: Xiu He, Tang Huanhuan, Madam Wu, Yang Qiyuan, Cui Wanying, and now Bai Qingyu.
Besides these six, there had been others before, two women before Xiu He, though he couldn't remember their names.
Bai Qingyu lowered her gaze, too shy to look directly at Xu Sanyan.
If outsiders saw them, they might mistake the two for a pair of lovers in the wilderness.
Yet, Bai Qingyu still didn't know Xu Sanyan's name.
The carriage was filled with a lingering scent. Bai Qingyu slightly opened the curtain to let in some air.
The two sat facing each other, neither speaking.
After a moment, Xu Sanyan asked, "Have you thought about it?"
Bai Qingyu shook her head. She had nothing to offer for the trade.
"That's a pity."
The carriage fell silent again. Xu Sanyan, still naked, lifted the curtain to adjust the carriage's direction before returning inside.
He was intimately familiar with this Northwest Desert, having spent over half a year here. He could navigate it blindfolded.
Bai Qingyu glanced briefly, then quickly averted her eyes, murmuring softly, "Perhaps you should put on some clothes first?"
Xu Sanyan shook his head. "No need. I'll just have to take them off again if I get in the mood. It's a hassle. Actually, you don't need to wear yours either."
Bai Qingyu was visibly startled and blurted out, "It's not over yet?"
Xu Sanyan glanced sideways. "We agreed on a full day. It's only halfway through."
Bai Qingyu pondered and realized he was right.
...
As dusk approached, a town appeared in the distance. A dozen soldiers stood guard at the gate, spears in hand, scrutinizing passersby.
They had arrived at Dafeng Town.
This was where his dream began, the place where he had obtained his cultivation method.
The carriage entered the city, and the soldiers, seeing the "Bai" character printed on the carriage, did not stop it.
(End of the Chapter)
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