Show Off a Little

Xiao Zhiyong and his companions rescued Xiao Tianfeng, and Xiao Tianfeng, to her credit, kept her word—she did not have anyone trouble Little Yun’s mother. However, she did instruct Xiao Zhiyong to stay behind and look for Little Yun, for only by finding the child could they hope to discover the whereabouts of Bai Xuehua.

When Little Yun saw them coming to capture him, he immediately hid behind Lingzhi and Bai Xuehua. At the sight of these three minions of the Xiao family, Bai Xuehua was instantly seized by a murderous intent so strong that even Lingzhi, standing not far from her, could sense the cold, lethal aura emanating from her. It was so intense that even someone of Lingzhi’s skill felt a chill.

Startled, Lingzhi—kind-hearted by nature and unwilling to see the three men lose their lives—stepped forward and addressed them: “Go back and tell your master not to trouble Little Yun and his mother. If anything happens to them, I won’t let you off so easily.”

Xiao Zhiyong had approached with ease and arrogance, but when his gaze landed on Bai Xuehua, a chill ran down his spine. Years of experience in the martial world told him that this beautiful woman in white was someone truly terrifying, for her eyes radiated a sharp, deadly intent that set his heart trembling.

He shifted his gaze to Lingzhi and could hardly believe his eyes. To encounter two women of such striking beauty here was astonishing. Though Lingzhi lacked Bai Xuehua’s murderous air, her serene beauty was unfathomable, suggesting she was far from as gentle as she appeared. Nevertheless, he could not simply abandon his duty at her word.

Steeling himself, he replied, “Miss, I am acting on my master’s orders to find this child and take him back. If we return now, we will have no way to explain ourselves.”

His two subordinates, similarly struck by the women’s otherworldly beauty, found themselves unable to voice their intended threats. They simply echoed, “Yes, we can’t explain ourselves if we go back empty-handed. Besides, the Xiao Manor is not to be trifled with.”

Bai Xuehua responded coldly, “What’s so great about the Xiao Manor? Xiao Zhenfen is nothing but scum. Today, I’ll kill you lackeys of his.”

Hearing his master insulted, Xiao Zhiyong could contain himself no longer. He drew his waist-knife and prepared to advance, but in a blur, the blade was snatched from his grasp.

Lingzhi, fearing Bai Xuehua might kill them, had intervened first. By disarming Xiao Zhiyong, she prevented Bai Xuehua from taking further action.

When Xiao Zhiyong realized his weapon was now in Lingzhi’s hand, he understood at last that he was facing a true master—he was utterly outmatched. Silenced, he and his men waited for the outcome.

Lingzhi lightly pressed her delicate fingers into the back of the blade, then tossed the knife back to Xiao Zhiyong.

He caught it and gasped in shock. On the steel back of the blade, deep impressions of a thumb and four fingers were clearly visible. Such finger strength was almost unimaginable; not only Xiao Zhiyong and his men but even Bai Xuehua was taken aback. She immediately understood the origin of Lingzhi’s skills.

Lingzhi said to Xiao Zhiyong, “Go back and tell your master not to trouble this child and her family. They are simple villagers with no conflict of interest with your Xiao family. If you harm them, I will not let your family off. Show this knife to Xiao Zhenfen—he will know who I am, and you’ll have your explanation.”

Bai Xuehua, witnessing Lingzhi’s feat, realized that only the legendary nameless finger-force could leave such impressions in steel, and thus she knew exactly who Lingzhi was.

Little Yun stared in disbelief at Lingzhi’s slender, jade-like hand, astonished that such delicate fingers could leave their mark on a steel blade.

Xiao Zhiyong and his men now understood that these two beautiful women were either as gentle as fairies or as fearsome as demons. Even if their own master were here, he would fare no better.

Although Lingzhi had never seen Bai Xuehua in action, she could guess her identity—there were only a handful of such supreme masters in the world, and intuition told her who Bai Xuehua must be.

She turned to Bai Xuehua. “Sister Xue, I know your family and the Xiao family have a grudge, but for my sake, I hope you’ll let them go.”

Though she hated Xiao Zhenfen, Bai Xuehua was not bloodthirsty. She knew killing these three would be easy, but it might bring trouble upon Little Yun and her mother in the future. Lingzhi’s actions were for Little Yun’s sake, as an impartial outsider. Xiao Zhenfen should understand the consequences of offending such a formidable foe, so there was no reason for him to keep targeting Little Yun and risk gaining another terrifying enemy.

So Bai Xuehua said, “Lingzhi, since you ask, your elder sister consents.”

Hearing they were to be spared, Xiao Zhiyong and his men thought it best to make a quick exit. “Many thanks for your mercy, miss. Xiao takes his leave.” With that, they hurried away in disarray.

Since Lingzhi had rescued him from the wolves, Little Yun knew she was extraordinary, but he had never imagined her soft, slender hand could possess such incredible power. He couldn’t help but stare at her hand. “Sister, let me see your hand!”

Lingzhi replied bashfully, “Yun’er, don’t be silly. You’ve seen my hand before; there’s nothing special about it.”

But Little Yun was insistent. He held her delicate hand, examining it closely from every angle, trying to discover its secret. All he saw was a hand as white as carved jade, slender and beautiful, warm and gentle to the touch—nothing out of the ordinary.

Watching Little Yun clutch Lingzhi’s hand so fondly, Bai Xuehua felt a sudden pang of sorrow—it was time for her to part from him.

Her gaze met Lingzhi’s by chance. Both women, wise beyond their years, had already guessed each other’s identities. They marveled at this strange fate, that two extraordinary women should meet here because of Little Yun.

Bai Xuehua asked, “Lingzhi, are you the Lingzhi of the Divine Spirit Flower?”

Lingzhi nodded. “Sister Xue, you are truly perceptive. And you must be Bai Xuehua, the Flower from the Heavens?”

Bai Xuehua smiled, “Indeed, I am Bai Xuehua. Thank you for your miraculous medicine. If fate allows, I will certainly repay your kindness one day.”

Lingzhi replied with a laugh, “Helping others is the foundation of being human. Besides, we are sisters now—there’s no need for thanks between sisters.”

Bai Xuehua smiled gently and said, “Great kindness needs no thanks. Then, I will take my leave. Take care, Lingzhi.”