This is also why she hasn’t camped outside these days, opting instead to stay at inns every night.
On the fourth day, the two stopped at a market early again, where there were inns, eliminating the need to camp outside.
Xia Wenjin was very happy and said, "We’ll reach the Glazed Pavilion tomorrow!"
Huangfu Jingchen stared at her dazedly. Was she this happy because they were almost at the Glazed Pavilion?
The girl’s graceful figure briskly entered the inn and requested two upper rooms.
The shopkeeper looked at Huangfu Jingchen, then at Xia Wenjin, and said, "May I know who you two are...?"
Before Huangfu Jingchen could speak, Xia Wenjin had already said, "Siblings!"
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "You both look like you stepped out of a painting. It’s rare to see even one such person, let alone two at once. I said you must co from an excellent family. Siblings, that’s great!"
Huangfu Jingchen: "..."
Xia Wenjin: "..."
This shopkeeper clearly ant more than he said.
Xia Wenjin directly asked, "So?"
The shopkeeper, a bit embarrassed, said, "It’s like this. Don’t let our town’s modest appearance fool you; we have a famous martial arts sect here called the Heavenly Tiger Sect. Tomorrow is the sixtieth birthday celebration of their Sect Master Jiang Tao. He’s well-connected, with many martial arts friends coming to celebrate, but there isn’t enough room at his place, so guests are staying at inns. We simply settle the bill later with a ledger. I just wondered if you two were here to celebrate the Sect Master’s birthday as well?"
Xia Wenjin and Huang Zheng had no idea about any Tianwu Sect and shook their heads, saying, "No!"
The shopkeeper said, "Oh, if not, then you’ll have to settle the bill yourselves!"
Worried they might not have Silver to pay? Xia Wenjin placed a piece on the counter, saying, "We’ll settle it ourselves!"
The shopkeeper eyed the shining Silver and, rubbing his hands, more embarrassedly continued, "That’s not what I ant. Heh, heh. It’s just that our inn only has one room left. Luckily, you’re siblings, so maybe you can manage. What do you think?"
So they had been waiting for them here.
It wasn’t the first ti the two shared a room, but before, Xia Wenjin was in n’s clothing. Although Huangfu Jingchen suspected he was Long Yang, they were still two ’n’ after all.
But now, with only one room, how would they manage?
He said, "Perhaps we should try another place?"
Xia Wenjin was also hesitant. She had a secret: every night, her ailnt, the Ice and Snow Pill, would flare up, and the duration was increasing.
The first ti, in front of her father, it lasted less than a quarter of an hour. The second night, it was half an hour, and the third night, half an hour.
Tonight, the fourth night, was expected to last an hour.
When it flared, her whole body beca icy, as if she were in a freezer. Previously, she would lock herself in her room alone, biting a handkerchief to make no sound, so no one knew what she endured.
If they were in the sa room...
She too was inclined to find another place.
Seeing them about to leave, the shopkeeper hurriedly said, "My lord, my lady, our inn is the furthest from the Heavenly Tiger Sect, so we still have this one room. Other places have none left. If you leave, you might return to find even this room gone!"
Huangfu Jingchen: "..."
Xia Wenjin glanced at the shopkeeper and nonchalantly said, "Brother, the shopkeeper’s right, we’re siblings. We can manage, one room will do!"
Since Xia Wenjin had already spoken, Huangfu Jingchen had no objections.
When they entered the room, there was one bed, one table, and four chairs, the standard setup of an inn’s basic room.
However, Xia Wenjin asked the shopkeeper for an extra quilt.
It was still early, and the day had not yet turned to night. Knowing their separation was near, Huangfu Jingchen cherished the ti and invited Xia Wenjin to go out for a stroll.
They had heard of the Tianwu Sect here, and with the Sect Leader’s birthday the next day, the place was already lively. They were hosting an open banquet, and those who ca to celebrate could enjoy the feast. Since leaving Haotian Village, Xia Wenjin hadn’t attended any martial gatherings, so she happily agreed.
The two bought so typical birthday gifts and asked passersby for directions before heading towards the Heavenly Tiger Sect.
The Heavenly Tiger Sect was built on the west end of the town and was quite impressive, especially compared to the town’s other buildings. The Sect Leader had gathered a number of disciples, who were all outside greeting guests.
The sect had a truly bold deanor synonymous with martial artists, and they were very hospitable.
Xia Wenjin wrote a na card, placing both hers and Huang Zheng’s na on it, along with the gift.
The one receiving them was Min Chang, the senior disciple of the Heavenly Tiger Sect’s master, Jiang Tao. Min Chang took the card, cupped his fists in a gesture of welco, and then opened the card.
Seeing the nas Huang Zheng and Xia Wenjin, he paused slightly, glanced back at the young man and woman in front of him, and then his expression changed from shock to surprise. His eyes widened as he spun around and ran without a word.
Soone originally so composed and courteous suddenly took off running, leaving Xia Wenjin and Huangfu Jingchen no choice but to stand awkwardly, holding their gift. Min Chang hadn’t invited them in, so should they enter or not?
Although they were just there for the spectacle, Xia Wenjin wanted nothing more than to avoid being part of it, particularly since so many eyes had turned on them.
After all, Min Chang had fled right after reading the card. Was there a ssage on it? Or was it because of them?
There were whispers among the crowd: "Senior Brother ng is the Sect Leader’s disciple and usually so composed. What happened?"
"Who are those young people to make Senior Brother ng lose his cool?"
"Could they be notorious thieves?"
"Ever seen thieves this good-looking? They say one’s looks reflect their nature. These two seem extraordinary, surely from so prestigious family!"
"Could they be from a renowned martial family? If so, the Sect Leader is truly esteed, attracting such attendees for his birthday!"
"They seem like figures from a painting, delicate and beautiful, like attendants to a Bodhisattva."
...
The onlookers were filled with speculation, their eyes casting dubious yet curious glances at Huangfu Jingchen and Xia Wenjin. Given their unique status, had Min Chang, a typically steady man, been shaken?
Huangfu Jingchen quietly suggested, "Perhaps we should leave the gift and slip away quietly."
After all, they didn’t know this Sect Leader and were rely intruding.
Xia Wenjin nonchalantly replied, "We’re already here, let’s wait a bit! We’re here to celebrate, surely they wouldn’t turn us away at the door?"
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