THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 39

Shěn Lí’s recovery was exceptionally fast; her body had mostly healed by the next morning. When she opened her eyes and looked around, she saw that Shi Luó, the sleeping woman Jǐng Yán had been caring for, was awake and sitting quietly in a corner. Upon noticing her gaze, Shī Luó waved. Shěn Lí returned the greeting.

Turning in the other direction Shěn Lí saw Xíng Zhǐ leaning against a pillar with his eyes closed. A ray of sunshine shone through the torn window paper onto his face. He looked at leisure and idle. In a daze, it reminded Shěn Lí of the tiny courtyard and the man who habitually sat in his rocking chair under the grape trellis.

Shěn Lí closed her eyes and calmed her thoughts to clear her mind. When she opened them again, she found Xíng Zhǐ staring at her.

"How is your body?”

“Good . . .” Shěn Lí purposefully blinked twice before swiftly standing up and opening the temple door. Morning light streamed in, bathing her in a warm glow. Even without any wind, the miasma had dissipated overnight and the air was considerably cleaner. Shěn Lí sucked in a deep breath. Her face was still pale but her eyes were bright and clear. With a slight smile she said, “We didn’t catch the mastermind, but to experience this kind of peace is also good.”

Xíng Zhǐ’s shoulders were stiff from sleeping against the pillar all night. He kneaded his arm. “In my opinion it’s because Your Highness lacks wisdom and doesn’t have nearly enough life experience.” His words came out husky from having just woken up.

Shěn Lí raised her eyebrows at this. “It’s strange, but before meeting Immortal High God, whether it was on the battlefield or in a personal fight, I have never been injured like this. Suddenly after meeting Immortal High God every fight hurt and every injury is serious.” She continued in a semi-mocking tone. “Can’t say for sure, but if this continues, I might even die. If that happens High God better be ready to make proper compensation.”

Xíng Zhǐ laughed. “Utter nonsense.”

Shěn Lí turned her head to look at him. Now joking she said, “I hate to say this Immortal High God, but my body is very precious."

Xíng Zhǐ stood up and patted his clothes, arranging the fabric carelessly to one side before speaking. “Should that day come, then I, Xíng Zhǐ, will compensate you for the loss.”

Shěn Lí didn’t expect him to say such a thing. She stared blankly at him for a moment before smiling and shaking her head. What could she say to that?

“Ah!” an alarmed cry came from outside the temple. Shěn Lí recognized Jǐng Xī’s voice immediately. Shī Luó was still sitting quietly in her corner when the cry rang out. She leaned forward to look outside.

With her brows still wrinkled, Shěn Lí stepped through the doors. She hadn’t reached the source of the noise when a clamor broke out. Many people were standing in a circle and whispering as they watched.

Jǐng Xī stood inside the circle. Her voice sounded anxious as she cried out. “Brother Yán! What are you doing?!”

Shěn Lí broke through the crowd just in time to see Fú Róng thrown to the ground.

Instead of looking embarrassed, he looked pleased with himself, as though he’d just gotten away with something wicked. Standing next to him was Jǐng Yán. Though he looked sallow, his body was emitting a great aura of murderous intent. It was as though he was trying to kill Fú Róng with the power of his gaze alone.

Jǐng Xī moved to stand in front of Fú Róng, blocking him from view. She resentfully said, “Brother Yán! That’s too much!”

Jǐng Yán’s face was cold. “Get out of the way. Today is the last straw!”