Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 15: Local Land Gods

Shen Li was afraid physical exertion would make the poison spread even faster, so she wasn't too picky and chose the first room they came across to rest in. She laid Xing Yun on the bed and looked around. There wasn't a single soul in sight. She could only clench her teeth and do what she could to lessen his pain. Picking up his hand she quickly bit the back of it."This will help to alleviate some of your pain. I don't know how to heal you and the doctors around here won't have the ability. I'll have to leave the city and search in the outskirts of the wilderness to find one of the local land gods to heal you. It may take me some time, so just be patient and wait here for me. Don't move or go anywhere."

"Where would I go? Besides, look at me. It's not like I can move anyway."

Shen Li stood up and looked down at him silently. "I... I may not come back. But rest assured that the one I send will cure you." She turned away before speaking again in a much more somber and grudging voice. "The distance between us...is as wide as the mountains and as deep as the lakes. It is doubtful we'll ever meet again...Take care of yourself. For these past days... thank you for your care."

And just like that Xing Yun was left alone in the room. He was silent for some time. Then he smirked and spoke to himself, "Using that kind of voice to thank me. You sure are unwilling..." The cold air blew into the room despite the closed windows making the small hairs on his body stand up. He pressed his lips tightly together and sighed. "Woman, even after all this time... you still didn't look properly at me." Always making other people feel like they're on the losing end.

...

Originally Shen Li commanded Mo Fang to stall her pursuers for half a day. She knew he would try his best, but she didn't hold out much hope. He wouldn't last long against the elites in the demon army. This was why she had to leave the palace as soon as possible. If the army found her here it would only bring trouble to Xing Yun, then all the effort she put in would have been wasted. Although she was unlikely to escape from their pursuit, she could at least better her odds by fighting in the forest. She was going to give it her best, even if her strength was only 70-80% recovered.

Shen Li didn't waste any time. She sped through the capital and the outskirts of the city and didn't stop until she reached the wilderness. She found a mountain and perched on top of it to better survey the land. By this time the sun was shining almost directly overhead and she could see the morning dew and fog had completely dissipated, giving her a clear view ahead. A quick glance around and she was able to find the place with the most spiritual energy. She leapt up, her robes fluttering with the speed of her movement. With her palms out she commanded, "Come!"

Light poured out of her outstretched palm spreading quickly around her entire body. The rocks shook and all the wildlife nearby, fled sensing danger. She landed easily in a clearing in the forest. In this clearing were many figures of different forms and genders, some human shaped, some not. They stood looking in fear at her waiting for the light to disperse.

Shen Li knew that the demonic aura she unleashed would scare them but she had no time to explain. Their fear was also useful so she put on a cold expression. "Who here knows how to heal?"

The local land gods looked at one another before a young man with antlers on his head finally stepped forward. "...I..." The moment Shen Li's eyes fell on him he immediately cowered covering his face with his arms and screamed, "Ah! Don't kill me!"

Shen Li's lips quirked up on one side. She resumed speaking once she felt her facial expression was more neutral. "In the capital in Prince Rui's palace you will find a person lying in the westernmost room. His name is Xing Yun and he was injured by some demonic spirits filled with malicious grievances. His body is weak and he is currently dying. I'm here to find someone to save him."