Chapter 9: The Eve of Retaliation

During the night, when Song Qingshu woke up and saw Zhou Zhiruo sleeping on the opposite bed, a wave of disgust washed over him. His mind began to race, thinking of ways to seek revenge, to clear the humiliation suffered by the original Song Qingshu and himself. But as he contemplated, the realization of Zhang Wuji's formidable martial skills and his position as the leader of the Ming Cult dawned on him. The Ming Cult was able to stand its ground against the Mongols and the Western Regions; it was evident that they wielded great power. Being a crippled man with no martial skills and no influence, he pondered how he could exact revenge. A sense of powerlessness overwhelmed him.

He inadvertently glanced at Zhou Zhiruo's exquisite face again, and a fiery determination ignited within him alongside the hatred.

Although his meridians were severed, he resolved to find a way to heal himself. With the Nine Yin Manual and the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms within the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, he was fairly familiar with the techniques. Combined with his familiarity with this world's knowledge of Musashi, he believed he could develop exceptional martial skills. Then he could locate the hidden treasures, given the current turmoil, it wouldn't be difficult to amass a following. In the end, he would confront Zhang Wuji and determine their fate...

As his thoughts became clearer, Song Qingshu's emotions slowly settled. He also considered secretly informing Zhao Min to expose the affair, but Zhao Min was an exceedingly clever woman; she might even betray him to Zhang Wuji for some reason. If that happened, his identity would be exposed prematurely, and the three of them wouldn't tolerate his presence... The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

The next day, in front of everyone, Zhang Wuji regretfully announced that he was unable to heal the severed meridians. Zhou Zhiruo was worried that Song Qingshu might react strongly, but he remained calm. He calmly drank a cup of tea and said, "It seems it's fate. I can't blame anyone else. I appreciate Leader Zhang's efforts during this time."

Even Zhao Min was somewhat surprised by how Song Qingshu responded. He gave a faint smile in return, but inside, he was designing a comprehensive plan for his future revenge.

This was a skill he had developed in his past life through navigating society. Unless the outcome was certain, he wouldn't reveal his grudge prematurely, so as not to alert his opponents.

After some idle chatter, due to the urgency of the situation in the Western Regions, Zhang Wuji had to depart with his group. Zhou Zhiruo ordered her disciples to pack their belongings, and she began the journey back to Emei.

"Recently, the Sect Leader seems to have become even more beautiful," two young female disciples flattered Zhou Zhiruo sincerely during the journey.

Previously, Zhou Zhiruo was indeed beautiful, but she often carried a gloomy aura that could be intimidating. Now, a faint smile often graced her lips, and in comparison, she appeared more radiant.

"Zhiruo is naturally beautiful, so of course, she will only become more stunning," Song Qingshu said, gently holding Zhou Zhiruo's small hand, looking at her with affection. While feeling her smooth skin, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly. The disciples didn't know the reason, but he was well aware. Over the past few days, Zhou Zhiruo had been nourished by Zhang Wuji's Nine Yang True Qi, which made her even more alluring.

As the disciples watched, Zhou Zhiruo felt a little embarrassed to directly withdraw her hand; after all, Song Qingshu was her husband. However, she grew increasingly impatient. Her gaze gradually turned cold. Although she presented herself as Song's wife in front of Zhang Wuji, it didn't mean she would allow Song Qingshu to act intimately with her.

Song Qingshu felt it was almost enough and released her hands. He casually sat on the carriage, restoring his energy.

After a lot of deduction over the past two days, he had already formulated a plan in his mind. Though the prospect of restoring his meridians was bleak, he still felt compelled to try. Among the Four Great Physicians, Ping A and Xue Shen were on a similar level as Hu Qingniu, so if Zhang Wuji couldn't help him, it was unlikely they could. This left only the most mysterious Poison Hand Medicine King. Furthermore, he had a future medical genius, Cheng Lingsu, by his side. Considering all the options, his best chance seemed to lie with her.

If things went well and he healed his meridians, he could proceed to reclaim those ancient martial art manuals and treasures. Everything would go according to plan. If, unfortunately, he couldn't be cured, then so be it. People like Wei Xiaobao survived without any martial skills, so he could certainly manage. He had climbed his way to success step by step in his past life; there was no reason he couldn't do it this time around.

Song Qingshu was a resolute individual. Unless he was dead, he wouldn't give up on even the tiniest glimmer of hope.

Having already prepared to leave without saying goodbye, before departing, Song Qingshu needed to collect some interest from certain individuals. With this in mind, he narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Zhou Zhiruo's figure. Seated in front, Zhou Zhiruo suddenly felt a shiver down her spine and instinctively tightened her clothes.

After nightfall, the group of four found an inn in a small town. After having dinner, the two female disciples wisely retired to their rooms. Zhou Zhiruo furrowed her delicate brows, and followed Song Qingshu into her room. Seeing only one bed inside, her expression soured.

Following her gaze, Song Qingshu quickly understood the situation. He smiled and said, "Zhiruo, tonight you should sleep on the bed."

"And where will you sleep?" Zhou Zhiruo hadn't expected Song Qingshu to be so considerate. She felt a warmth in her heart, remembering how Song Qingshu had always been polite towards her, even after their marriage. She also recalled the promise she made with Zhang Wuji, causing her cheeks to flush.

"I've prepared a spot on the floor." Song Qingshu gave her an odd look as he noticed the blush on her cheeks.

"But that's not acceptable! Your injuries are still healing, and the ground is cold. It might leave a lingering ailment." Zhou Zhiruo's words warmed Song Qingshu's heart; it seemed she wasn't completely heartless.

"What else can we do then?" Song Qingshu glanced at the bed, his meaning clear. "How about we share?"

"No way!" Zhou Zhiruo's head shook like a tambourine. If she hadn't made the promise with Zhang Wuji, she might have considered it, since they could each have their own blanket. Besides, her martial skills far surpassed his, so she wasn't afraid of any ill intentions from him.

Song Qingshu smiled wryly. "You don't need to worry. I'll go ask the innkeeper for some extra mattresses to lay on the floor."

Thinking about the day when she would eventually abandon him and become the wife he hated the most, Zhou Zhiruo was already feeling guilty. When she heard his words, she quickly got up, "Your injuries haven't fully healed yet. Sit and rest; I'll get them." Saying that, she hurriedly left the room.

The innkeeper, seeing a beautiful young lady requesting extra mattresses, felt his spirits lift and enthusiastically provided a few. As Zhou Zhiruo left, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss, do you need more blankets?"

Zhou Zhiruo was in a cheerful mood until she returned to her room. Which woman didn't like being praised for their beauty by a man? Feeling content, she helped Song Qingshu set up the makeshift bed. They weren't a real husband and wife, so it wasn't convenient for their disciples to find out. Therefore, they had to do everything themselves.

Finally finishing, Zhou Zhiruo wiped the sweat off her forehead. Song Qingshu poured a cup of tea and handed it to her, "Zhiruo, you've worked hard. Have a drink."