Chapter 21: Astonishing Change

I stood up, feeling somewhat at a loss, leaning against him, but my hand unconsciously rested on the cross at my chest.

Shui Bingyi, wake up! Three months have already passed; even Cinderella's magic would vanish after the clock strikes twelve.

Suddenly, the necklace around my neck was taken away. I stared blankly as Qiran gazed at it for a long time; his blue eyes were filled with deep sorrow and anger.

"Who gave this to you?" he asked lightly, his tone gentle like a daily greeting, gripping the necklace tightly; his trembling hand betrayed his current mood.

I knew he was angry without asking why. At this moment, there was no time to investigate why he was angry; I hurriedly pried open his clenched hand, panicking: "There are broken diamonds on it; don't use force, or you'll get cut!"

His blue eyes were deep, his expression extremely cold; I had truly never seen such a Qiran before, and I couldn't help but stare.

"Do you treasure this necklace that much?"

For some reason, the fire in my heart surged up; I snatched the chain from his hand and said coldly, "It's my most precious thing!" After saying that, I turned and left, thereby overlooking the sorrow and despair on Qiran's face.

This time I stepped firmly, step by step; that damned hot spring has caused me enough misfortune. I raised my hand to touch my slightly swollen lips, recalling just now; my heart felt both sweet and bitter.

Qiran, you bastard, suddenly like this… then suddenly uttering cold, hurtful words—I really want to beat him up to relieve this frustration in my heart.

"Bingyi, come back!" Qiran's surprised and angry voice suddenly sounded from behind.

For the current situation, please forgive my poor adaptability; I feel like I've fallen into clouds and mist.

This group that suddenly appeared—strictly speaking, they are black‑clothed individuals wielding weapons, intending harm to us—how exactly did they emerge right under our noses?

"If it weren't for the Absolute Divine Doctor just happening to be immersed in… his own world, we wouldn't have been able to easily surround the two of you."

A familiar voice made me look over, and I was stunned—it was one of the gatekeepers who had lost to Bu Sha in the first round of the martial arts contest at Wangjiang Lou; I vaguely heard people discussing him, apparently called Yin Yue, a swordsman who kills like hemp.

Qiran's expression was calm, his blue eyes serenely sweeping over them before he said, "May I ask, Moon Shadow Swordsman, what brings you to stop me?"

"'Your business' is too kind." Yin Yue, with a slightly effeminate face, smiled sincerely: "I merely wish to ask the two of you to accompany me for a trip."

Qiran narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, "When did you learn of my night identity?"

Yin Yue blinked, then smiled even more lightly: "People say the Absolute Divine Doctor possesses unmatched wisdom; I originally had doubts, but now I cannot help but admire."

"The Number One Killer Under Heaven—Bu Sha—it's truly thanks to you that you could turn such a person into a hero admired by all, a legend."

"Too kind, too kind." I smiled faintly: "Compared to your innocent-looking smile, which is disgustingly hypocritical, our Bu Sha still has a lot to learn."

Yin Yue's face flushed red then purple, yet he still concealed his killing intent and smiled: "Anyone can wag their tongue; more talk is useless. Please just come with us willingly. I'm aware of your stalling tricks."

My expression changed; this Yin Yue truly has a deep scheming mind, not to be underestimated. Bu Sha must be entangled by experts right now, unable to come to our aid in time. Qiran also has Blood Gu inside him, unable to move his internal energy at all.

A handgun… at this special moment I'd have to use it if I could, but it's not on me.

Then there's only one thing I can use now to turn the tide. I slowly lifted my right hand to my abdomen, and my left hand silently followed, gripping it as well.

There is an ornament there that looks no different from an ordinary bracelet. Yet it is the weapon I have never let go of since I was six—Jue, and also my true life‑saving ultimate technique.

I don't want to use it; although I've always kept it, it's merely a habit. Also, I don't want my older brother to forever bear alone the pain that should have long passed.

Therefore I can endure insults like Qin Ye's, simply because I don't want to return to the past. Nor do I want to taint those hands—my older brother risked his life to protect them, and they remain clean.

Strangely, I am unusually calm right now, with a firm conviction telling me: do not retreat, do not fear, for I must protect Qiran and myself.

Only now have I realized that over the past three months I have truly changed. My old injuries still linger, they ache occasionally, but they no longer pierce to the bone. Because these three months I have learned one thing—joy.

Seeing the desperate faces of those disaster victims, I wanted to rekindle their desire for life; thus I forgot the horror of the plague, forgot how insignificant life is, and devoted myself wholeheartedly to helping them.

Just because I want to, I act—and then I become happy.

I was astonished to discover that my former self had never realized how easily attainable the happiness around me was.

And at this moment, all I think about is—protecting Qiran.

I, who have always been protected by him, now it's time to repay him.

I pressed the button with my left index and middle fingers, about to activate it, when someone from behind suddenly grabbed me hard. I staggered, falling into a warm embrace; then came a silver light that flashed before my eyes, making the surroundings momentarily indistinct.

"Who is it?!" Yin Yue's somewhat panicked voice rang out, shouting, "Surround them, don't let anyone escape!"

My vision hadn't recovered yet; I only felt my body lift off the ground, a pair of arms tightly encircling my waist. Though it was just an instant, to me it felt like ages, and when I landed, my eyes finally adjusted to that silver gleam.

Only then did I notice that among the encircling crowd, a man dressed entirely in white was wielding his long sword, calmly facing the siege of over a dozen people.

From the side, he really looks quite good—slender face, bright eyes; although he doesn't compare to Qiran (author: please stop comparing people to this monster in the future), he still has his own unique charm.

But those aren't the main point. How to put it? His swordsmanship and his very person, at first glance, exude an unworldly ease everywhere. Looking longer, however, I gradually sense how he differs from Qiran—ah! His nonchalance and composure still cannot conceal his innate dominance and ambition.

Suddenly I felt the body leaning against me turn cold and tremble; my heart skipped a beat, and I hastily turned my head.

All I saw was Qiran's face deathly pale, his lips tinged purple, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.

"Qiran—" I cried out, supporting him, "What's wrong? Blood Gu——

But before I could finish, a mouthful of blood spurted out, staining my originally white undershirt bright red.

"Bu Sha—Bu Sha—" At this point I had already panicked, only thinking of calling for help, completely forgetting that Bu Sha himself was also in dire straits. Because besides him, I truly didn't know who could save Qiran.

Yet, incredibly, a black shadow flashed before my eyes; the person holding the gradually sinking Qiran had already been supported. After striking two of his acupoints, Qiran caught his breath, lifted his deathly pale face, and smiled at us to indicate he was fine.

Bu Sha was dressed in black, torn in many places; though I couldn't tell if he was seriously wounded, the strong smell of blood… my heart sank—did he hear my cry for help and rush out, heedless of injury?

Bu Sha stared at me coldly, a hint of displeasure in his voice: "Aren't you a doctor?"

Eh? I blinked, well… I seemed to have forgotten that again.

These three months following Qiran, although I have also participated in treating whatever ailments arise, I've basically done nurse‑like work, and for a moment I truly forgot that I myself have already learned half of Qiran's medical skill.

I frowned, looking at Bu Sha's calm demeanor. Could it be that, over these three months, this hasn't been the first time it's happened?

Then, how much longer can Qiran live? I clenched my fists, or rather, how much longer can I stay by his side?

Feeling Qiran's pulse, I could only describe it as surging! So much qi rushing violently inside him—wouldn't that make a person writhe in agony? Bu Sha also said that when Blood Gu flares up, it makes life worse than death.

As if seeing through my thoughts, Qiran stroked my head and said softly, "I have practiced a special internal art that can, to a certain extent, control the pain‑sensing nerves inside my body, making them insensitive."

"Is… is that possible?" I was about to ask again when a shout rose from below, drawing my attention.

The originally composed white‑clothed man seemed to lose his composure because of this change, his sword technique faltering, danger all around. But it was only a moment; his previously chaotic swordplay became even more fierce, and with a raise of his hand two black‑clothed foes fell to the ground.

"Sir, who exactly are you?" Yin Yue had already looked up and seen Bu Sha; knowing today's goal could not be achieved, he waved his hand, ordering everyone to retreat a foot away, and asked with a pallid face.

The white‑clothed man smiled, sheathed his long sword, pointed at Qiran, and said, "He is my older brother."

I staggered—could it be… another prince?

Having moved into the luxurious villa again, I no longer even felt basic surprise; a massive organization that controls the world's economic lifelines having such grandeur can be normally overlooked as inadequate.

"He is my second imperial brother, Xiao Qifeng." After resting, Qi Ran's complexion finally eased temporarily, and he immediately made the introduction.

Bu Sha remained cold and silent, pretending not to hear; I naturally couldn't, so I could only smile and salute: "Second Prince."

Xiao Qifeng blinked, then smiled and said: "Sixth brother, your two friends are indeed special."

I gave an embarrassed smile, probably because few people know his identity yet don't greet him with the courtesy due a prince, right?

"Sixth brother, do you know that you have now become wanted criminals in all countries?" Xiao Qifeng said solemnly.

Qi Ran gave a bitter smile and nodded.

Xiao Qifeng glanced at Bu Sha, then said: "Then what are your plans?"

That glance was truly infuriating, looking down on us like an arrogant genius.

I rose, gave them a respectful bow, and said expressionlessly: "Sorry, Bu Sha still has wounds; I'll go help him bandage his injuries first. Take your time chatting!"

Qi Ran's brows, which had been tightly furrowed since entering the house, finally relaxed, and he smiled gently: "Good."

"Not leaving." Bu Sha said coldly.

"Why?" I exclaimed, thinking: Boss, you're really throwing away my face? Seeing Bu Sha's icy gaze, I couldn't help but shiver. A thought flashed: Could he be worried that this second prince might harm Qi Ran?

I nodded helplessly: "Qi Ran, it seems my medical skills don't meet Bu Sha's standards; perhaps you should treat him instead?"

Qi Ran's eyes flickered with something, then he gave a light smile and nodded: "Second brother, sorry, I must first treat Bu Sha's injuries; we can discuss those matters tomorrow?"

Xiao Qifeng gave a faint smile: "Of course. We're brothers; why be so formal?"

The next morning, upon waking I found the house empty; after washing up and just about to go out to look for them, I heard faint chaotic fighting outside. My heart leapt, and I hurriedly ran out.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw Bu Sha surrounded by a dozen or so people in the center; fortunately he was uninjured, and it seemed he had just been targeted.

"Go check on Qi Ran!" Bu Sha said without turning, coldly.

I nodded hurriedly, had taken just a few steps, then helplessly turned back and asked: "Where is he?"

Bu Sha leapt to my side in a single bound, thrusting his blade into the chest of a black-clad assassin who wanted to ambush me; a strong smell of blood spread. My heart jumped—had his reverse blade already become blood-sucking?

"The rear courtyard!" Bu Sha replied simply, a flash of cold severity in his eyes: "He's with Xiao Qifeng."

My expression changed; I nodded: "Understood." I didn't dare linger, sprinting straight to the rear courtyard. Ice-Ling Second Prince—even if he shows brotherly affection and is worldly detached, his eyes still betray a craving for power.

"Qi Ran!" Seeing him unharmed, frowning as he stood on the rear courtyard walkway, I cried out in delight. Xiao Qifeng and a group that looked like guards tightly surrounded him.

Hearing my call, Qi Ran's lovely brows relaxed, he turned his head and gave me a light smile: "I was wondering why the people my second brother sent haven't brought you yet. Are you alright?"

As for Bu Sha, not to mention him, even I know there's no need to worry. His martial prowess is something I've witnessed all along; even trying to take his life, or merely to hold him for an hour, is impossible without nearly a hundred experts.

Suddenly I felt something was wrong; I had come alone, and along the way I hadn't encountered anyone looking for me… Just then, Qi Ran's panicked warning rang in my ears: "Bing Yi! Watch behind!"

At the same moment, I also sensed a sharp killing intent from behind, rushing toward me. Before my mind could react, the instinct from assassin training made me sidestep, and my gaze unconsciously flicked toward Qi Ran.

Yet just that glance made my blood run cold, rendering me unable to move. That brief pause caused my left shoulder to suffer another heavy blow—yet at that moment I felt no pain at all.

Because the sight before me left me only fear, devoid of any feeling or perception—a blood-dripping sword blade pierced through Qi Ran's chest, luridly staining his light-blue robe red, and also reddening my wide-open eyes.

(End of chapter)