Yin Jiuqi's sharp peripheral vision caught the sudden stumble. Without an instant's hesitation, he lunged forward, throwing his arm out to catch her before she hit the rocky ground.
Qiao Meixia was entirely thrown off guard by the abrupt physical intervention. The sudden momentum of his pull threw her balance backwards, causing her entire body to tilt off axis until she tumbled directly into Yin Jiuqi's arms.
A flash of genuine surprise crossed her features. Her dark eyes widened in shock as she found herself staring straight up into his intense, unblinking gaze.
"Hey! Are the two of you okay back there?" Lu Yuishan shouted, turning around on the trail.
He had caught the sound of scuffling and rapid movement behind him and immediately halted to verify that everyone was safe.
Qiao Meixia scrambled backwards, breaking out of Yin Jiuqi's grip with swift, coordinated grace.
