This was a solution Lu Yuan had just devised. Once back in Burnt Rock, he could have Lu Jing accompany him to the martial arts training center daily under some pretext. This would make it easier for him to look after her and better ensure her safety.

If Lu Jing could develop an interest in practicing martial arts over time, that would be even better.

"Hmm... Okay."

Lu Jing hesitated for a while before nodding in agreement. She wasn't one to readily refuse requests, especially from her younger brother. After he became more assertive, she found it even harder to decline.

"That's great."

Lu Yuan glanced back at the path they had just taken, realizing they had already walked quite far. The road ahead and behind them seemed deep, secluded, and immensely quiet.

So, he stopped, took off his satin jacket, and gently draped it over Lu Jing's shoulders, whispering, "Let's return to Burnt Rock the day after tomorrow, then."

"Okay."

***

"Poison Hand Crane Demon?!"

Wu Xinlei's eyes widened as she stared at Sun Zhihua in front of her. The bespectacled man beside her pushed up his glasses, his face etched with the surprise of someone who had just heard some major gossip.

The three of them were now quite a distance from the entrance of the Yuetianhai Restaurant, mainly because they feared their conversation might be overheard.

Sun Zhihua stated expressionlessly, "Yes, the Poison Hand Crane Demon, Master Liudao Yuan. I've heard my elders mention him, so I recognize the name. Heaven Water Sect is divided into the Snake and Crane Sects.

"The Snake Sect acts honorably, while the Crane Sect is quite insidious. If Heaven Water Sect weren't considered a prominent and orthodox school, calling the Crane Sect an Evil Sect wouldn't be an exaggeration.

"This is especially true for the Crane Sect Master, Master Liudao Yuan, also known as the Poison Hand Crane Demon. He acted unscrupulously and without regard for any law. Eventually, he incurred widespread wrath, and the Snake Sect Master, along with many colleagues from the Martial World, had to clean house regarding his faction... Many believed he was dead, but unexpectedly, he's still alive."

"No wonder such a minor apprenticeship ceremony today attracted so many martial masters to cause trouble. They must be enemies the Crane Sect made in the past..." Wu Xinlei and the bespectacled man listened to Sun Zhihua's account, their hearts filled with astonishment and bewilderment as a torrent of thoughts rushed through their minds.

As she listened, Wu Xinlei suddenly exclaimed, "Then, according to you, Lu Jing's brother joining this Sect is like walking into a den of thieves where everyone wants a piece of him?!"

Sun Zhihua paused for a moment, then nodded. "That's more or less it. Lu Jing's brother is young, but his martial arts training already shows considerable form. Moreover, to be noticed by the Poison Hand Crane Demon, his aptitude must be excellent. He could have joined any number of sects; why did he have to choose the Crane Sect of Heaven Water Sect?! If he continues to associate with those people from the Crane Sect, I worry his temperament... will also be negatively affected."

"If Lu Yuan is badly influenced and changes for the worse, Lu Jing will definitely be dragged into it too..." Wu Xinlei's mind raced. She suddenly gasped and said quickly, "No, I have to tell Lu Jing about this! She needs to persuade her brother!"

Sun Zhihua said calmly, "Whether Lu Jing's brother knows the true nature of the Crane Sect or not, he'll certainly be angry if he hears you criticizing it. After all, he just became an apprentice today... I'll go with you. With me there, no matter how angry he gets, he won't be able to touch a hair on your head."

A warmth spread through Wu Xinlei's heart, and her expression quickly firmed with resolve.

"Okay!"

Driven by the desire to save her best friend and her best friend's brother from dire peril, the trio hurried off in the direction Lu Yuan and Lu Jing had taken.

The further they ventured down this scenic path, the more secluded and quiet it became. Wu Xinlei and the bespectacled man walked on, whispering about the approach they would use to persuade Lu Jing and her brother, their feet taking quick, anxious steps.

As they were walking, they suddenly heard Sun Zhihua shout urgently from behind them.

"Wait!"

The two of them stopped dead in their tracks.

"What happened?!"

Wu Xinlei and the bespectacled man, who had been leading, turned around. They were startled to see that Sun Zhihua, who had been trailing behind them, had stopped some time ago. He stood motionless under a streetlamp, hands hanging naturally at his sides, his expression strange; they couldn't tell what he was up to.

"What's the matter, Zhihua?" Wu Xinlei frowned, exchanged a puzzled glance with the bespectacled man, and then they both walked towards Sun Zhihua.

When they reached him, they noticed that all his muscles were taut. He seemed to be in an extremely tense state. Large drops of sweat rolled down Sun Zhihua's forehead and cheeks. DRIP. DRIP. DRIP...

In just a few breaths, Sun Zhihua's shirt was completely drenched with sweat, and his face turned pale.

"Zhihua, what's wrong with you?!" Wu Xinlei began to panic, reaching out to grab Sun Zhihua's arm.

The bespectacled man also seemed at a loss. He wanted to ask if Sun Zhihua had suddenly fallen ill but hesitated to speak.

Just then, the crisp sound of footsteps approached from the darkness beneath a street lamp not far off.

CLACK.

CLACK. CLACK.

It was the distinct sound of hard-soled leather shoes on the stone-paved road. And it wasn't just one person.

Unhurriedly, yet steadily, they approached.

Wu Xinlei and the bespectacled man were stunned for a moment, curious and wanting to look towards the source of the footsteps.

At that moment, however, Sun Zhihua's low and urgent voice reached their ears.

"Don't move! Don't listen! Don't look! Pretend... as if nothing has happened!"

...

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