Chapter 113: Astonishing Efficacy of the Medicine, Evacuation Under the Cover of Night

“Mother, you’re awake?” Wei Xiao Gongzi, upon hearing the voice, burst into the cave with overwhelming joy.

By the time Lu Qing and Ma Gu entered, they found him already kneeling beside the recovering Wei Fu Ren.

Concerned, he asked, “Mother, how do you feel now?”

“I… where am I?” Wei Fu Ren murmured weakly.

“We’re deep within the mountains, in a cave. That day, Pang Huhui and the others ran out to draw the enemy’s attention, while Ma Gu led us deeper into the wilderness…”

“…Later, Lu Qing little doctor administered acupuncture and gave you medicine. That’s what brought you back.”

Wei Xiao Gongzi slowly recounted the events of the past few days.

Hearing this, Wei Fu Ren finally realized she had been unconscious for several days—and so much had happened in her absence.

Her gaze fell upon Lu Qing and Ma Gu.

“Thank you both for risking your lives to save my son and me. I am forever grateful.”

With that, she struggled to rise and bow in gratitude.

Lu Qing and Ma Gu quickly waved her off. “The Lady of the Wei Family, please don’t trouble yourself. Your health is what matters most.”

“Yes, Mother, you’re still injured. If you want to thank them, let me do it for you.”

Without warning, Wei Xiao Gongzi dropped to his knees and slammed his forehead three times against the ground.

“Thank you both for saving my mother and me. I’m doing this on her behalf!”

The sudden act caught even Lu Qing off guard. By the time they reacted, he had already finished the three bows. Reluctantly, they accepted the heartfelt tribute.

Wei Fu Ren stared in disbelief. She never expected her son to do such a thing.

Back then, he would rather die than bow to anyone.

What had changed during her long unconsciousness?

“Young Master An, truly, there’s no need for such reverence. I, too, have once been indebted to your family. This was merely repaying an old debt. Your gesture is far too great.”

Once Wei Xiao Gongzi rose to his feet, Lu Qing sighed.

“Little Master, what connection do you have with my family?” Wei Fu Ren asked, surprised.

“Ah, Mother, I forgot to tell you earlier. This is Lu Qing, the apprentice of Chen Laodaifu—the same old doctor who saved me when I was injured. He’s a master of medical arts. In less than half a day, he brought you back to consciousness!”

Wei Xiao Gongzi explained.

“Humble as I am, The Lady of the Wei Family, your recovery was due to my master’s miraculous concoction. My own skills are still quite rudimentary.”

Lu Qing modestly replied.

“That’s right, Mother. The medicine was truly extraordinary. You only took two drops, and your body began to improve instantly.”

Wei Fu Ren now understood who he was.

She remembered when An Er had been injured and saved by a masterful physician. Later, the Grand Manager had specifically reminded her to prepare an extra gift for that old doctor’s exceptional apprentice. Then, she’d heard from her husband that the young man had taken down a Black Wolf Gang hideout outside the city in revenge for his parents’ deaths.

The recent dispatch of the Yin Yue Wei to warn the gang—she now realized—had been to protect this very boy.

So, Lu Qing truly did have ties to the Wei Family Residence.

She never imagined she would one day be saved by a young man she’d never even met.

“You’re Lu Xiao Langjun, then. I’ve heard of you from my husband. Now I see for myself—you’re truly a gifted youth, with a noble presence.”

Wei Fu Ren praised.

“The Lady of the Wei Family flatters me,” Lu Qing blushed.

After a few polite exchanges, Lu Qing shifted the conversation to business.

“The Lady of the Wei Family, this forest is swarming with martial artists searching for us. This cave won’t be safe for long. We must move soon.”

Unaware that Tian Cang Sect’s disciples had already withdrawn due to Wang Qing Shan and Tong Cang Lang’s deaths, Lu Qing still knew the cave was no place to stay. No supplies, no shelter—Wei Fu Ren needed rest, and they all needed food and water.

“I’m afraid I’d only slow you down,” Wei Fu Ren said, troubled. “My wounds are still severe. That villain’s slash was deep—almost as bad as An Er’s. If not for luck, my abdomen would’ve been torn open.”

She knew she was already lucky to be alive. Moving now—would the strain be too much?

“Don’t worry about that,” Lu Qing replied. “You’ve taken medicine from my master—containing Dipulse Spiritual Fluid. Even diluted, it works miracles on wounds. Given time, your body will recover. We won’t leave immediately. We’ll wait until nightfall.”

The medicine, though diluted, was still incredibly effective. Lu Qing estimated her wounds would heal quickly.

By nightfall, they could safely move.

Wei Fu Ren was skeptical at first—until she tried to shift. To her astonishment, the pain had vanished. Though she’d been unconscious for days, she felt surprisingly alert and strong.

She was stunned.

Then she remembered An Er’s words: Lu Qing gave me something priceless.

She’d have to ask An Er later—just what kind of medicine he’d given her. How could it work so swiftly?

Wei Fu Ren began to suspect she was in a hidden passage.

“Mother, are you hungry? I’ve got a flatbread—Lu Qing little doctor made it. I saved one for you.”

Wei Xiao Gongzi proudly pulled out the leftover bread.

The scent of toasted grain filled the air. Wei Fu Ren realized she was starving—she hadn’t eaten in days.

Seeing her son’s eager face, she felt a pang of emotion. An Er had truly changed.

She took the bread and bit into it.

“Mother, how is it? Lu Qing made this himself. It tastes different from anything we’ve had before, doesn’t it?” Wei Xiao Gongzi asked hopefully.

Wei Fu Ren chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. “It’s delicious.”

Wei Xiao Gongzi beamed.

Lu Qing watched, slightly embarrassed. He couldn’t believe such a simple flatbread could make two noble-born people so delighted.

But seeing the tender bond between mother and son, he didn’t dare say anything to ruin the moment.

After eating and drinking water, Wei Fu Ren rested again.

But soon, she was stunned by what she felt—her strength was returning, and her wounds were itching fiercely.

Had she been alone, she might have torn off the bandages to check. But Lu Qing noticed her restlessness and quickly inserted a few silver needles, easing the discomfort.

He knew exactly what was happening: the medicine was working. The wound was healing rapidly—so fast, the itching was unbearable.

Once the healing passed, it would be fine.

With Lu Qing’s help, Wei Fu Ren felt better—but the itch persisted.

By afternoon, the itching had eased. By dusk, it vanished completely. She could even stand.

When Wei Fu Ren rose and walked, both Wei Xiao Gongzi and Ma Gu were stunned.

Ma Gu knew just how severe her injuries had been.

How could she be back on her feet in less than half a day?

Was Lu Qing’s medical skill really that advanced?

But then—why hadn’t his own shoulder wound healed as quickly?

Ma Gu touched his shoulder, frowning.

“Thank you, Lu Xiao Langjun, for saving my life,” Wei Fu Ren said, bowing deeply.

Now she knew—she’d taken something beyond human comprehension. Only a miracle could restore her so swiftly.

“Don’t mention it, The Lady of the Wei Family. How do you feel now?”

Wei Fu Ren stretched, then replied, “The pain is gone. I believe I can travel with you.”

“Then we should leave at once,” Lu Qing said, glancing outside. The sky was pitch black.

Though Wei Fu Ren was physically recovered, moving through the dark forest would still be difficult—especially for her. And Ma Gu was injured too.

After discussion, they decided Lu Qing would carry her. It was the fastest way.

“The Lady of the Wei Family, I beg your pardon,” Lu Qing said, crouching before her.

“No need to be so formal. Zi’an is your age. Think of me as an elder,” Wei Fu Ren said with grace.

And so, Lu Qing lifted her onto his back. Ma Gu took the basket. The four—plus Xiao Li—slipped out of the cave and into the night.

With Wei Fu Ren on his back, Xiao Li could no longer stay on Lu Qing’s shoulder. But Lu Qing had already whispered instructions: Stay close, watch for danger, and warn me at once if you sense anything.

They moved silently through the forest.

Lu Qing’s near-night vision, combined with Xiao Li’s keen senses, allowed them to travel swiftly. Within hours, they’d crossed several ridges.

Yet Lu Qing grew puzzled. Xiao Li hadn’t sounded any alarm.

Had the beast even been alert? If not for the occasional leap onto his head to confirm its presence, he might have thought it had wandered off.

Had the search parties truly left?

He considered the possibility—but didn’t change course.

Under Lu Qing’s guidance, they circled deep through the mountains, finally emerging from Da Shan through a forgotten, secluded path.

Safe and out of the woods, the next question was: where to hide?

Going to the provincial capital was out of the question. If the Wei Family’s original plan had been exposed, the roads would be crawling with Tian Cang Sect agents—waiting to trap them.

The best option was to vanish into obscurity—somewhere no one would suspect.

But where?

Jiu Li Village was impossible. Not only did Lu Qing not want to bring these two troublemakers home, but the village was too crowded, too exposed.

After consulting with Ma Gu, they decided on Lu Qing’s residence in the Big Market.

Ma Gu’s home had a secret chamber beneath it—an underground passage leading to the outside. And the household staff were all loyal to him. It was the safest place.

As long as the secret stayed hidden, no one would suspect the Wei Family’s matriarch and her son were hiding in such a humble abode.

After confirming Wei Fu Ren had no objections, they set off toward the Big Market, guided by moonlight.

They hurried through the night, and finally arrived just after midnight.

“Lu Qing, The Lady of the Wei Family, wait here a moment. I’ll go ahead and prepare,” Ma Gu said.

The fewer who knew, the better.

He vanished into the shadows to clear the house of all but trusted eyes.

Lu Qing nodded, then stood beneath a tree, carrying Wei Fu Ren. Beside him, Wei Xiao Gongzi gasped for breath.

“An Er, are you all right? Are you tired?” Wei Fu Ren asked, her heart aching.

“Mother, don’t worry. I’m fine,” Wei Xiao Gongzi panted, taking deep breaths. He forced a smile.

But his effort only made her more distressed.

Lu Qing listened silently. He, too, was surprised. They’d traveled far—over mountains, through dense woods, at a relentless pace.

And yet Young Master An had held on. Not bad for someone with Qi Xue Jing’s constitution.

After a quarter-hour, a figure darted back—Ma Gu.

“Lu Qing, The Lady of the Wei Family, all set. We can go in.”

Lu Qing nodded, then carried Wei Fu Ren toward the house.

Inside, it was silent. Empty. Ma Gu had cleared everyone out.

Guided by Ma Gu, they descended through a hidden passage into a secret chamber.

There was a fresh bed, clean bedding—clearly prepared just moments ago.

“The Lady of the Wei Family, this place is humble, and far from comfortable. Please forgive the inconvenience. For now, you and Young Master An must endure.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end