Could this really be happening? She had just escaped the cage that was the capital, with her heart set on finding an immortal mountain—only to run into bandits! Was the law and order in Da Jing really so unreliable?
“Go, go, go! Hurry!” Bai Shuo quickly turned the donkey around, whipping it forward as she turned to flee.
The little donkey didn’t need any encouragement; sensing the threat to its life, it ran faster than a horse.
“Dare to run? Capture him!” shouted Wu Yong as the donkey and its owner bolted, sending the bandits after them with axes swinging.
Dust flew on the mountain path, and as the bandits drew closer, one axe nearly struck Bai Shuo from behind. At the last second, the little donkey stopped abruptly, skidding to a halt, and turned to face the bandits with a fierce glare.
The bandits froze in place, dumbfounded by the donkey’s audacity, their axes still raised mid-air.
“Boss, what’s the donkey trying to do?” Being stared down by a donkey was a first for Zhang Chao, who tightened his grip on his axe and nudged Wu Yong.
“How would I know? Maybe this kid’s some kind of martial arts master?” Wu Yong replied, bracing himself.
“You stupid donkey, what are you doing? Run!” Bai Shuo, pale with fear, leaned down close to the donkey’s ear, frantically urging it on.
The little donkey paid no attention to her, though; it kept pawing at the ground with its hind hooves, its big eyes glaring at the bandits, nostrils flaring as it snorted. Bai Shuo felt both frustrated and touched, whispering, “Brother, are you seriously planning to take on a bunch of bandits alone? I never thought you’d be such a brave donkey…”
Before she could finish her praise, the little donkey suddenly crouched down, arched its back, and with all its might, flung Bai Shuo off its back.
With a loud “thud,” Bai Shuo landed face-first in the dirt. Without a backward glance, the little donkey turned and, feeling light and free, sped off.
The clear sound of its hooves echoed down the mountain path, and even from a distance, Bai Shuo could hear the donkey’s triumphant snorts.
She momentarily forgot her pain, staring blankly after the disappearing donkey. Was her memory playing tricks on her, or had she just been outsmarted by an animal?
A massive axe appeared across her neck. Bai Shuo turned around slowly to find herself face-to-face with a similarly bewildered-looking bandit.
“Kid, that donkey of yours… it’s got some brains!”
Bai Shuo sighed bitterly, but before she could say anything in her defense, the axe came down, striking her on the head.
A sharp pain shot through her, and Bai Shuo fell to the ground unconscious.
Damn it. Once I become an immortal, I swear I’ll eat every donkey in the world!
In the darkness, Bai Shuo made her first wish on her path to immortality.
* * *
Meanwhile, back at the General's Mansion in the capital, the sounds of celebration continued.
A young groom, dressed in festive attire, stood before Bai Xun, who looked both ashamed and apologetic. Despite the disappointment in his gaze, the young man bore no anger.
“Rest assured, Uncle, I will bring A-Shuo back safely.”
Chong Zhao turned and left. As he passed through the corridor, he found the Crown Princess, Bai Xi, waiting by a side door.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” he said.
Bai Xi raised her hand. “Ah-Zhao, about A-Shuo…”
“Please don’t worry, Your Highness. I have already asked Uncle to send a report to the palace overnight, explaining that A-Shuo fell ill suddenly and requesting the Emperor’s permission to delay the wedding by three months. I’ll also handle the matter with my father.”
Bai Xi let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. No one from the General's Mansion can leave the capital, so we must trouble you to bring that girl back.”
Chong Zhao nodded. “You’re too kind, Your Highness. A-Shuo is my fiancée; naturally, I will ensure her safety. I’ll take my leave now.”
As Chong Zhao was about to leave, Bai Xi spoke again.
“Ah-Zhao, you know her personality—she has her own stubborn dreams. Whatever that dream may be, she’s not suited to be the Prime Minister’s daughter-in-law. Why not use this opportunity to…”
“Your Highness.” The young man’s clear, resonant voice interrupted her. Chong Zhao turned back, his eyes bright and transparent. “In the future, whatever she wishes to do, I’ll let her do it. If she wants to pursue the path of immortals, I’ll accompany her on that journey. At worst, I’ll stop being the Prime Minister’s son.”
He smiled, then turned to leave, his red robes and handsome face brimming with youthful enthusiasm and deep affection.
Bai Xi sighed softly and said no more.
* * *
In the darkened kitchen of the bandits’ den, behind Mount Wei, Bai Shuo stirred groggily, rubbing her aching head.
“What is this godforsaken place? My head hurts…” She muttered, rubbing her forehead as she groped around in the dark.
Suddenly, her hand froze. It was something soft… like… someone’s face?
A shiver ran through her, and she turned stiffly, spotting a face in the moonlight.
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