Chapter 71: Bai Lu Comes to the Rescue

Oh?

Yan Qing was not discouraged, his gaze more focused on Bai Hang, as if trying to see through the Eye Mask to discern her true emotions, "If the young lady refuses to speak, that's fine. It's just… your attire and the way you wield that differs from ordinary archery, which reminds me of some… descriptions of 'dangerous persons'."

His words were half true, half false, carrying an obvious pressure.

A warning bell rang faintly in Bai Hang's heart.

(This kid, doubting me?)

She knew her current appearance indeed invited suspicion, but she hadn't expected the young Cloud Cavalry to be so perceptive.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly let out a light laugh, with a hint of inscrutability: "Cloud Cavalry Vanguard, it's your duty; being cautious is a good thing. However…"

She shifted her tone, still even, but added a trace of oppression, "To judge solely by clothing and methods—doesn't that seem… arbitrary? If I were truly a villain, I would have stood by earlier; wouldn't that fit the behavior of a 'dangerous person'?"

Yan Qing was choked by those words, momentarily at a loss for reply.

Indeed, the other party had just acted to resolve the crisis; that was an indisputable fact.

Seeing his stammer, Bai Hang said no more, simply: "If there is nothing else, I take my leave."

Hold on!

Yan Qing called her again, this time with firmer tone, "I remember your assistance, young lady. But Luofu is in a turbulent season; to ensure safety, please accompany me to Shen Ce Fu for registration, so we may at least extend our hospitality and thank you for your noble deed."

He invoked Shen Ce Fu, attempting to retain her under official pretense.

Bai Hang thought inwardly, "Trouble."

Going to Shen Ce Fu? Wouldn't that be walking into a trap?

Who knows if she'll run into Jing Yuan?

She is still wholly unprepared to face an old acquaintance, let alone the young lady's request.

At that tense Shana, a crisp, slightly urgent voice interjected:

"Wait! Yan Qing!"

Just then, the freshly rescued Bai Lu ran over with a rapid clatter, instantly blocking between Yan Qing and Bai Hang.

Her pale little face still tinged white, but her gaze was resolute; she spread her arms like a mother hen shielding her chicks.

"This sister just saved me!"

Bai Lu looked up at Yan Qing, her tone unwavering in defense, "She is a good person! How can you be so harsh toward a lifesaver?"

Yan Qing was taken aback by Bai Lu's sudden action, and his pursuit halted.

He recognized the medicine‑bearing Dragon Girl, aware of her special status in the Dan Ding Department, and knew that the General treated her with considerable favor.

"Miss Bai Lu,"

Yan Qing, restraining his temper, explained, his gaze still wary as it flicked toward the stationary, silent Bai Hang nearby, "Her identity is unknown, her skills are strange; according to the law she should…"

"What law or no law!"

Bai Lu cut him off, hands on hips, cheeks slightly puffed, "I saw with my own eyes that she saved me! If not for her, I might still be injured! Isn't the Cloud Cavalry supposed to protect everyone? Why are you still doubting the very one who protected us?"

As she spoke, she furtively winked toward Bai Hang, evidently having, by some intuition or familiarity, recognized the 'Fox People sister' who, though wearing an Eye Mask, she had once met.

Bai Hang felt a slight stir in her heart.

(That little girl…)

She hadn't expected Bai Lu to step forward now, nor that she seemed to have recognized her.

Yan Qing's head ached from Bai Lu's rapid‑fire questioning.

He glanced at the stubborn‑faced Bai Lu, then at the enigmatic Fox People woman across, weighing his options.

Forcibly taking her away would be indefensible, especially with Bai Lu as guarantor.

Yet releasing her now would also clash with his duties and current suspicions.

He took a deep breath and made a temporary compromise.

"Since Miss Bai Lu is acting as guarantor…"

Yan Qing withdrew his pursuit, yet his gaze remained fixed on Bai Hang, his tone softened slightly but bearing a clear Warning, "Today's matter will be put on hold for now. Thank you, young lady, for your assistance. However, Luofu has its rules, which I hope you understand. Should the need arise, Shen Ce Fu always welcomes you for a discussion."

His words were courteous, but the subtext was clear: I won't detain you for now, but you're still on my watchlist; you'd better behave.

Bai Hang gave no reply, merely a slight nod, accepting this temporary 'ceasefire agreement.'

Seeing this, Bai Lu immediately ran over with a cheerful grin, affectionately grabbing Bai Hang's hand, "Sister, let's go! Ignore that stubborn little Cloud Cavalry! I'll treat you to something delicious, thanking you for saving my life!"

Saying so, she ignored Yan Qing still nearby, pulled Bai Hang and darted into a side alley, quickly vanishing amid the tangled streets.

Yan Qing watched the direction they disappeared, his brows still tightly knit.

He raised his hand, making a concealed gesture, and instantly two Cloud Cavalry Hidden Sentinels disguised as ordinary passers quietly followed.

(Miss Bai Lu is simple‑minded and easily deceived. This woman's background is unknown; she still requires close monitoring.)

【Shen Ce Fu】

Later that evening, after finishing his current duties, Yan Qing arrived at Shen Ce Fu to report the matter to Jing Yuan.

"General,"

After a respectful bow, Yan Qing recounted the street incident in full: the mysterious Fox People woman's exquisite arrow technique that instantly subdued three demonic shadows, her subsequent evasive demeanor, and Bai Lu's appearance to defend and ultimately escort her away.

Jing Yuan was originally lounging lazily against the chair back, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest as he listened to Yan Qing's report.

When he heard that the woman had instantly bound the demonic shadows with arrows, his tapping paused briefly, a subtle surprise flashing in his golden eyes.

"Oh? Such a technique, huh?"

Jing Yuan's gaze cleared a bit, "Energy‑condensed arrows, precise enemy suppression, not ordinary. Yan Qing, in your view, how strong is she?"

Yan Qing pondered briefly, then answered earnestly, "Sir, although I haven't engaged her directly, observing her decisive strike and the exquisite control of energy, her strength… is likely not below mine. It may even surpass it."

His words were candid, bearing the respect due to a strong opponent, confirming why he remained so vigilant.

Jing Yuan let out a soft "hm," neither confirming nor denying.

He then listened to the remainder concerning Bai Lu's defense and the other's evasion of Shen Ce Fu, a faintly amused smile appearing on his face.

"So,"

Jing Yuan slightly sat up straighter, looking at the young, overconfident, overly responsible child, his tone teasing, "You think she's 'not a good person' just because the girl's skill is too great and she doesn't want to come back to Shen Ce Fu with you for tea?"

Yan Qing's face flushed slightly at the General's words, but he persisted, "General! Not so! It's truly that her actions are suspicious, her attitude evasive, I can't help but be doubtful! Moreover, Miss Bai Lu is simple‑hearted; if she were used by her…"

Jing Yuan waved his hand, cut him off, laughing, "Alright, alright, I know you're diligent. Being cautious is good. Since that girl rescued Bai Lu, at least it shows she has no ill intent toward Luofu right now. As for her unwillingness to come to Shen Ce Fu… haha, Xianzhou has many eccentric people; some don't like dealing with the authorities, that's normal."

He paused, lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, giving instructions: "Since that girl Bai Lu got involved, the people you send should just watch from afar; do not disturb unless necessary. The point is to confirm she does nothing harmful to Luofu, not to pry into her privacy. If she truly has any scheme, it will show. If she's just passing by, we need not force her."

"Yes!"

Yan Qing received the order, though still doubtful in heart, the General's command he would naturally execute strictly.

Jing Yuan watched Yan Qing's retreating back, lazily reclined against the chair, eyes turned to the flourishing Luofu scenery outside the window, his gaze thoughtful.