Chapter 111: The Righteous Heroine Sacrifices Her Innocence; Tormenting Tang Dog, Your Sister-in-law is Really Moist (5)
At this moment, the Empress had quietly arrived at a mysterious residence within the capital.
This was the secret dwelling of the legendary Sea-Stabilizing Needle who had voluntarily imprisoned himself in the capital!
Back in the small town.
After sensing something was wrong, Yun Rong had rushed back from the capital.
But her back-and-forth trip had taken too long—the battle was already over.
The belated heroine arrived at the spot where they had just parted ways, her smile completely gone.
Her previously flushed cheeks turned pale as snow, drained of all color.
Long Ye glanced at her expression, feeling utterly puzzled.
She instinctively turned her head to look at Su Qing—and was instantly dumbfounded.
Su Qing's body was covered in blood, his face deathly pale, looking "severely wounded."
He lay slumped on the ground, seemingly on the verge of death, barely clinging to life.
The witch froze for a moment, unable to process.
Didn't she just turn her head for a second? How did he end up like this?
Wasn't he perfectly fine just now? Or was he suppressing his injuries all along?
Just as she was about to ask, she felt a hand discreetly poke her in the back.
Long Ye instantly got the message, stepping in front of Yun Rong, her face full of guarded hostility.
"Xiao Qing, y-you… what happened?"
Yun Rong's voice trembled, her mind filling with terrible thoughts.
"Stop pretending you don't know why you're here. You're here to kill him, aren't you? I won't let you succeed!"
"You rebel scum want to plunge the Southern Dynasty into chaos, destroy our nation—you're insane!"
The witch instantly stepped into character, unleashing a furious tirade.
Her eyes were ice-cold, her body taut, fully prepared for battle.
"What… what exactly happened?"
Yun Rong's voice trembled even more.
She wasn't stupid. By now, she understood.
"What happened? Don't play innocent—you know exactly what happened!"
"If it weren't for you, how could he have come to this place? How could he be so gravely injured?"
Long Ye, fully committed to her role, laid out the entire sequence of events.
Listening to those accusations, Yun Rong understood everything.
She knew she had been used—and she was filled with remorse.
The gentle, kind older sister's heart sank completely.
Her faction's actions—so underhanded and despicable.
Was this truly the righteous cause they claimed?
Most of all… those actions directly led to the severe wounding of the boy who only had kindness for her!
Not only that—he was clinging to life, barely breathing!
He had been nothing but a good person, just a boy—why did he deserve this?
The joyful moments they'd shared just a short while ago had now become unbearably heavy.
I… I deserve to die!
"Long Ye… enough, please stop. Yun Rong… she would never hurt me."
Su Qing took a deep breath, his voice weak but gentle.
He "struggled" to his feet, leaning against the wall, looking utterly exhausted.
Long Ye: "…"
Damn it, so I'm the villain here?
But what could she do? When under someone's roof, you have to play along.
She stepped aside while Yun Rong rushed forward.
She reached out to check Su Qing's condition, but her hand froze halfway.
In what capacity could she even touch him?
All of this—she caused all of this.
If she hadn't insisted, he wouldn't have left White Jade Pavilion, and the assassins would never have had a chance.
If she hadn't left his side, she could've whisked him away the moment the killers showed up—he would've been safe.
But now… no matter how you looked at it, he was beyond saving.
Yun Rong's head hung low, too ashamed to meet Su Qing's gaze.
She no longer dared to hope for forgiveness—she didn't even deserve to face him.
No matter how he punished her, she would accept it, as long as it eased his heart.
But at the next moment, Su Qing's hand gently lifted her face.
His touch was tender, as if handling the most delicate treasure.
Yun Rong's eyes met his, seeing the undisguised warmth in them.
In that instant, the heroine's heart pounded uncontrollably.
She could swear she would never forget that gaze.
"Aunt Yun, why blame yourself? I know you'd never hurt me."
"Don't we even have that much trust between us?"
Su Qing's voice was soft, his hand gently caressing her delicate face.
In a moment like this, a simple "I trust you" was worth more than a thousand words.
Yun Rong's body trembled.
Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude, a warmth spreading through her frozen heart.
The very faction she served had used her, while a boy she'd only recently met offered her trust.
To her, this was the greatest blessing since arriving here.
His warm eyes hadn't changed, despite his injuries.
Yun Rong carefully embraced him, savoring his presence.
Long Ye silently watched them embrace, her lips twitching.
Seriously?
How are you not noticing his injuries are fake?
Only someone who saw him unharmed just moments ago would know.
Using fake injuries to farm affection—this was practically cheating.
Was this all part of his plan?
Damn brat—he's way too good at seduction!
A strange resentment welled up in Long Ye's heart.
Yun Rong made a silent vow.
No matter what, she would protect him from now on—no matter the cost!
"Aunt Yun, please don't be sad. Seeing you upset hurts me too."
Su Qing whispered into her ear.
With her guard down, now was the perfect chance to max out affection points.
Besides, this gentle, kind-hearted older sister was someone he genuinely didn't dislike.
"Mm, Xiao Qing, let's go. I'll take you to heal."
Yun Rong softly bit her lip, making a decision.
Her unique "Condensed Spirit" physique was the perfect dual cultivation body.
Not only could it boost cultivation, but it also had incredible healing properties.
Especially… if it was her first time.
Clearly, she was planning to sacrifice herself for his sake.