Chapter 68: A Dog Bites Lu Dongbin, Failing to Recognize Good Intentions

The mongrel spread his arms wide, blocking the path before Yun Zhonghe. He could feel the icy aura emanating from the sword, the breath of death enveloping him. Yet even so, he did not yield an inch.

Min Rou’s expression changed. She had no wish to harm the innocent and immediately retracted most of her strength. Yet this was a sword unleashed with all her might; the lingering force was still enough to pierce the mongrel’s body, causing grievous injury.

Seeing the sword about to plunge into his chest, the mongrel squeezed his eyes shut in terror. In that critical instant, Yun Zhonghe channeled his true energy into his palm and thrust it into the mongrel’s body.

In a flash, a powerful aura erupted from the mongrel. His hands, suddenly beyond his control, swung out together. The sword that had been unstoppable now halted in midair. The surge of true energy swept forth, and the blade, unable to withstand such immense force, trembled violently, emitting mournful cries.

At last, under Min Rou’s shocked gaze, the sword shattered into several pieces, stabbing into the ground. She herself, struck by the backlash of true energy, was sent flying backwards.

“Junior Sister!” Shi Qing shouted anxiously, leaping into the air to catch Min Rou in his arms. Looking at her pale face, with blood trickling ceaselessly from her lips, his eyes filled with anguish.

Min Rou’s eyes remained tightly shut, the blood at the corner of her mouth growing ever more crimson. Shi Qing dared not delay; he infused his true energy into his fingertips, quickly pressing several vital points on Min Rou’s body. Then, sitting cross-legged, he transmitted his own true energy into her, working to repair her injuries.

“Are you alright?” Yun Zhonghe looked the mongrel up and down, concern in his voice.

The mongrel did not answer, his gaze drifting to the wounded and unconscious Min Rou nearby, a sudden ache in his heart.

“Brother, please, help this lady knight,” he pleaded, turning his eyes to Yun Zhonghe.

Yun Zhonghe followed the mongrel’s gaze, sighing inwardly. Truly, the bond between mother and child is profound.

With that thought, he walked toward Min Rou. As he approached, Shi Qing sensed his presence, and his eyes snapped open, looking at Yun Zhonghe with hostility.

“This is Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill, renowned for its healing properties,” Yun Zhonghe stopped, producing a small bottle of Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill from the system space and placing it before them.

Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill?

What was Yun Zhonghe’s connection to Peach Blossom Island? What scheme was this notorious rogue devising? Shi Qing’s heart was filled with suspicion, his gaze wary.

Yun Zhonghe only shrugged helplessly. Had the mongrel not asked, he would never have brought out the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill. He had already done all he could; whether the other party believed him or not was no longer his concern.

Seeing Yun Zhonghe step back, Shi Qing’s wariness gradually dissipated. His gaze fell upon the small purple porcelain bottle on the ground. Hesitating, he summoned a surge of energy in his palm, drawing the bottle swiftly into his hand.

Shi Qing carefully uncorked the bottle and sniffed it lightly. The scent of peach blossoms filled his nose, instantly invigorating his depleted spirit.

It was indeed Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill.

Shi Qing was overjoyed. No longer doubting Yun Zhonghe’s intentions, he pried open Min Rou’s mouth and poured the pill inside.

Urged by true energy, the pill dissolved instantly, transforming into pure energy that spread throughout her body.

When he had finished, Min Rou’s pale face regained a hint of color. Soon, her eyelids trembled slightly, and her tightly closed eyes slowly opened, revealing Shi Qing’s anxious face.

“Junior Sister, you’re awake.”

Shi Qing’s heart finally settled.

With trembling hands, Min Rou reached out to caress her husband’s face, a gentle smile appearing on her pale features. “Senior Brother, I made you worry.”

Could the two of you save your displays of affection for a more appropriate moment?

I gave you healing medicine and received nothing but cold looks, and now you force-feed me dog food? Is there no justice left in this world?

Yun Zhonghe grumbled inwardly, rolling his eyes heavenward.

“In any case, thank you for saving my wife’s life,” Shi Qing said, supporting Min Rou as they stepped forward to offer thanks, his expression awkward.

Never in his wildest dreams would Shi Qing have imagined that he, a respected hero, would one day thank a notorious rogue.

“Senior Brother, there’s no need to thank him. My injuries are entirely his doing!” Min Rou glared at Yun Zhonghe, hatred burning in her eyes. If looks could kill, he would have been torn to pieces a thousand times over.

This rogue, Yun Zhonghe, had somehow gotten information and used the whereabouts of her long-lost son to threaten them. He deserved death a thousand times!

“You really needn’t thank me. If the mongrel hadn’t begged me to help, I wouldn’t have bothered,” Yun Zhonghe replied, his gaze shifting to the mongrel.

Min Rou, blinded by hatred, shot the mongrel a cold glance. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have held back just now. I should have killed you with a single sword strike!”

The mongrel lowered his head even further, his fingers nervously twisting, his face filled with anxiety and unease, like an orphan abandoned by his parents.

“Do you know who he is?” Yun Zhonghe pointed at the mongrel, staring at Min Rou with a sharpness rising in his gaze.

“Anyone who associates with a rogue like you is no good either!” Min Rou spat, voice harsh.

Boom!

With those words, Yun Zhonghe’s face darkened, and a powerful aura burst forth.

Shi Qing’s expression changed. He stepped forward, shielding most of his junior sister behind him, and rebuked her quietly, “Junior Sister, enough!”

Her words had indeed crossed a line.

No matter what, the mongrel was just an ordinary man who knew nothing of martial arts. There was no need to vent her anger on him.

“Young friend, please forgive her. This matter involves our long-lost son, and emotions are running high,” Shi Qing said, clasping his hands in apology to the mongrel.

So it’s all my fault, is it?

I just wanted to do a good deed, let the mongrel reunite with his parents, and enjoy family happiness, but now I’m hated by everyone.

Fine, whoever wants to do good deeds can do them. I’m done.

Yun Zhonghe swallowed the words he was about to speak and abandoned the idea of telling Shi Qing and Min Rou about the mongrel’s true identity.

“Mongrel, let’s go. Like a dog biting Lü Dongbin—unable to recognize a good heart!”

Yun Zhonghe turned and walked away.

The mongrel murmured an assent, casting one last longing glance at Shi Qing and Min Rou before following Yun Zhonghe.

The two figures receded into the distance.

Shi Qing watched their departing backs, growing ever more puzzled as he recalled Yun Zhonghe’s earlier words.

Rumor had it that Yun Zhonghe was a villain, notorious throughout the martial world. Yet today, his actions were nothing like what the rumors claimed.

Shi Qing could see that Yun Zhonghe’s care for the beggar was genuine, or he would not have had him apprentice to the Smoking Hermit, nor stepped forward when he was wronged.

“That’s enough—stop looking back. They’re long gone.”

Yun Zhonghe halted, gazing helplessly at the mongrel, who turned back every few steps.