Li Fu, who had been navigating the streets since childhood and was exceptionally sharp, understood immediately. With a thud, he knelt, his body collapsing as if losing all support, and prostrated himself on the ground. "This subordinate was deceived. I never imagined I would bring trouble to my master. Thank you, my lord, for saving my life. I shall never forget this kindness."
The Ghost Mask Sect Master chuckled, his expression one of great benevolence. "It is good that you remember my kindness. However, there will be no such good fortune next time. Do not cause trouble for your master again."
"Yes, this subordinate thanks the Sect Master for your teachings." Li Fu bowed his head.
The Ghost Mask Sect Master laughed heartily and departed. Only then did Xie Jia Yan help Li Fu up from the ground. "Can you walk?"
"This subordinate can," Li Fu replied, enduring the pain.
The person who had gone to report had not yet returned, and Yu Ming Yue had been waiting at the entrance. She was surprised to see Xie Jia Yan emerge, carrying someone.
"Brother Jia Yan!" Yu Ming Yue hurried forward, relieved to see he was unharmed.
"Get into the carriage first. He is injured," Xie Jia Yan said.
"I have caused trouble for the young lady!" Li Fu, who had been holding on by sheer will, was now gasping for breath, his face pale.
Yu Ming Yue shook her head. "Don't speak for now. I know everything."
Perhaps it was due to the relaxation after emerging from the interior, but he lost consciousness.
Xie Jia Yan felt his pulse. He was severely injured, but his life was not in danger.
Xie Jia Yan first sealed his acupoints to protect his heart and prevent blood from flowing backward.
The members of the Li Jing Sect mostly came from the martial world and used their own methods. They inflicted pain without drawing blood, but it could damage the heart.
He had only learned a little self-defense, yet he had managed to withstand the Li Jing Sect's torture.
"Brother Jia Yan, how is he?" Yu Ming Yue asked.
"He's fine. He will need some time to recover."
"Brother Jia Yan, didn't you say the Li Jing Sect was very dangerous, full of traps, and that I shouldn't act rashly? Why did you come yourself?" Yu Ming Yue's clear eyes held a mixture of reproach, concern, and an emotion she herself couldn't quite define.
Xie Jia Yan felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. The air in the cramped carriage was stifling. "I have something they want."
"What is it?" Yu Ming Yue was skeptical.
He was a civil official; the most he would have were books and paintings. The Li Jing Sect wouldn't possibly need his calligraphy.
"A map of an iron mine," Xie Jia Yan said, seeing her determined expression. He knew she wouldn't rest until she got an answer.
"An iron mine map?" Yu Ming Yue raised an eyebrow.
She remembered. In the storybooks, it was also Xie Jia Yan who discovered an iron mine.
After that, the imperial armaments bureau was no longer a mere formality and gradually replaced the Li family's position.
"What if the Li Jing Sect Master turns against you?" Yu Ming Yue worried.
Xie Jia Yan curved his lips slightly and calmly shook his head. "He is a smart man. If he claims the Li Jing Sect found it, it will save him a lot of trouble and earn him great merit with the Sage. Why wouldn't he do it?"
"Even so, the Li Jing Sect is a confidant of the Sage. Brother Jia Yan, you should still think of a good explanation."
"The Sage is suspicious but not foolish. If he asks, just tell him the truth."
"Brother Jia Yan, you..." Yu Ming Yue was surprised by Xie Jia Yan's audacity.
Seeing Yu Ming Yue's fearful expression for the first time, Xie Jia Yan's smile deepened, and he teased, "With just the two of us, would Six Niang report me?"
Yu Ming Yue anxiously declared, her eyes wide, as if she were about to swear to the heavens, "Of course not."