Vol 9 Chapter 31 (1/2)

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 31: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS AN EMOTIONAL ENCOUNTER (8)

Liu Bei POV

“Ah, ah! Yes, this is my companion,” I only just remembered that I had not introduced her and hurriedly sat up straight as I pointed at Zi Long, “Zhao Yun Zhao Zi Long. She’s from the north.”

I did not need to say much as Zi Long wiped her mouth and got up as she saluted, “I am Zhao Yun Zhao Zi Long from Changshan. I’ve been searching for Xuan De the entire time and thought that you both were Cai Mao’s underlings so I acted as such. Please do forgive me.”

“It’s fine.” Yuan Zhi said in her usual airheaded fas.h.i.+on and looked at Zi Long for a moment before returning her gaze to her bowl and picked up her spoon to scoop up more soup.

“…” Huang Zu, on the other hand, did not speak. Even if it was a misunderstanding, she got beaten pretty badly in the duel earlier. Hai… I feel like I owe Huang Zu a lot for what just happened, to both her body and dignity.

As I thought so, I saw that Huang Zu seemed a little agitated and hurriedly introduced them to Zi Long.

“Let me introduce you, this is Xu Shu Xu Yuan Zhi, and this is Huang Zu.”

“Nice meeting you.”

“Nice to meet you.”

As I introduced them, I did my best to put on a smile. They, however, had stiff expressions on as they saluted and gave their greetings. It’s undoubtedly difficult for them to smile after what just happened. Even my own smile was a little stiff as well.

Zi Long kept her salute and after the other 2 gave their greetings, she bowed once more.

“Lord Huang Zu, Lord Xu Shu, I have caused deep offence earlier to you both.” Zi Long apologised once more, “But you both are truly skilled in martial arts. Lord Huang Zu in particular was still adept even though you were injured. I truly applaud your skills.”

When she finished, I could see Huang Zu shudder. Looks like Zi Long’s words were effective. Huang Zu seemed deflated and looked away as she saluted back wordlessly. She was probably both pleased at what Zi Long said and ashamed that she held a grudge.

By the way, I just realised that Zi Long is a lot sharper in reading people than I thought. I also thought that she was strict with everyone but it looks like she knows how to be nice at the right time after all.

“By the way, Lord Xu Shu, where did you learn your swordsmans.h.i.+p from? It was a truly formidable display.” Zi Long asked as she turned to Yuan Zhi and saluted. It felt like she meant these words from the bottom of her heart.

“Ah, n, no, no such thing at all.” Just as I expected, Yuan Zhi got shy and pulled down her bandana as she stuttered. But this time, her face did not redden and she seemed paler instead. Perhaps she feels like she is at a loss instead of feeling shy.

“But really, I didn’t expect Yuan Zhi’s swordsmans.h.i.+p to be this superb. You were like a master swordsman.” I said, picking up from where Zi Long left off.

“N, no. I d, don’t actually k-k-know anything.”

She got shy this time. Never mind, I will stop teasing her now since she looks like she’s at her limit already. I wonder why she’s acting like this even though her swordsmans.h.i.+p is so good.

But let us leave this aside for now. Now that we are fed and watered, let us get to business.

“Zi Long, I’d like to ask you something.” When I began speaking, I could heat my heart thumping at every syllable, making my voice shake. The things that one wants to, but also does not want to, know are always the most difficult to hear.

Haa, Huu. I took a few deep breaths and met Zi

Long’s gaze before I continued, “How are the others at Xinye now?”

“…” Zi Long sank into silence when I finished. Her gaze s.h.i.+fted downwards slightly as she considered how to answer me for a moment before returning to meet mine, “I don’t know too much about how things are like at Xinye now but when I left, everyone was still alright.”

Still alright.

These words swirled around in my mind several times before I understood what this meant.

“It’s good that they’re still alright…” I squeezed out a few words while using my hands to hold myself up.

“But Lord Lu Bu’s mental condition may have deteriorated these past few days.” Zi Long continued.

This was precisely what I was worried about.

My initial worry was whether they would launch an attack on Xiangyang but it looks like there’s no need to worry about that. The next thing I was worried about was whether they would part ways and go their own way if they believed that I had died. If that should come to pa.s.s, I doubt I would be able to resolve it.

“Leaving Feng Xian aside, Zi Long, do you think the rest will be fine?”

Zi Long shook her head.