"This... is simply extraordinary!" Nangong Shuang exclaimed sincerely.
Qiao Er smiled with pride, quickly returning to her original demeanor. "At Jinyi Tower, this skill is nothing remarkable. If you need anything, Sister Qiao Er is at your service anytime."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment; she could indeed utilize Qiao Er's disguise skills to gather information from places she couldn't visit personally. Especially since she was meeting Xiao Zhongyan tomorrow, having someone outside to assist would undoubtedly make things safer.
"Qiao Er, with such abilities, why did you leave Jinyi Tower?" Nangong Shuang asked cautiously.
Qiao Er's expression darkened, a flicker of hatred flashing in her eyes. "Because the people from Shadow Pavilion killed my master and framed Jinyi Tower, leading to a siege by various factions. I escaped a disaster and vowed to uncover the truth and avenge my master."
"Who was your master?"
"My master Bai He Zhen Ren was a renowned healer in the martial world," Qiao Er said, her eyes reddening slightly. "He was exceptionally skilled in medicine, especially in detoxification. Three months ago, he was poisoned by someone, and before he died, he told me it was the work of Shadow Pavilion and warned me to hide carefully and wait for the right moment."
Nangong Shuang's heart stirred. "Did your master mention why Shadow Pavilion wanted him dead?"
Qiao Er shook her head. "He only said that he had inadvertently learned a secret about a lost medical book."
A medical book! Nangong Shuang's heart raced; this pointed once again to the Nangong Family's Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique!
"Did your master have any connections with the Nangong Family?" Nangong Shuang tried to keep her tone casual.
Qiao Er looked surprised. "How did Sister know? My master indeed had some ties with the doctors of the Nangong Family. After Nan Gong's extermination, he secretly sheltered several servants of the Nangong Family..." She suddenly stopped, looking at Nangong Shuang with suspicion. "Why are you so interested in the Nangong Family?"
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened, but her face remained calm. "I have a keen interest in medicine and heard that the Nangong Family's medical skills are unparalleled in the world, so I naturally became curious. Qiao Er, have you ever seen anyone from the Nangong Family?"
Qiao Er nodded. "I saw a doctor from the Nangong Family once when I was young; I remember he was gentle and skilled in medicine, saving many people in our village." She suddenly focused on Nangong Shuang's face, deep in thought. "Strangely enough, your brows and eyes resemble that doctor from my memory..."
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat as she forced herself to remain composed. "There are many people who look alike in this world; there's no need for you to think too much about it, Qiao Er. It's getting late; you should go rest now; we have much to do tomorrow."
Qiao Er seemed like she wanted to say something more but ultimately nodded and left upon seeing Nangong Shuang's expression.
Once Qiao Er departed, Nangong Shuang let out a long breath, her brow furrowed tightly. This Qiao Er had an unclear background and knew too many secrets; whether she was friend or foe needed further observation. One thing was certain: Qiao Er's appearance was no coincidence and likely had some connection with Shadow Pavilion, the Nangong Family, or even the Xiao Family.
Nangong Shuang decided to temporarily utilize Qiao Er while remaining vigilant. The meeting with Xiao Zhongyan tomorrow was crucial; she had to be fully prepared.
The next morning, Nangong Shuang woke up early to prepare for her meeting with Xiao Zhongyan. She took out several concealed weapons and pills, carefully hiding them in her sleeves and hairpin. Just then, there came a gentle knock at the door.
"Sister, it's me, Qiao Er."
Nangong Shuang quickly tucked away the pills and calmly replied, "Come in."
Qiao Er entered with a steaming bowl of porridge in hand. "Good morning, Sister! I made you some medicinal porridge to whet your appetite."
Nangong Shuang paused slightly as she accepted the bowl of porridge. "You got up so early?"
"I'm used to getting up early," Qiao Er said with a smile. "Sister saved me, so this little gesture is nothing."
Comment 0 Comment Count