Chapter 65
When they arrived at Misty Ridge, it was still early in the day. But with the dense thickets of trees covering the area—perfectly living up to its name—the moment they stepped into the woods, the light dimmed significantly, as though night had fallen in an instant.
With cawing crows and a cold wind howling through the trees, the entire scene had a distinct horror movie vibe.
Sister Qin Qin was trembling with fear, nearly in tears, but she stubbornly refused to show weakness.
Mu Qing sighed, gently patted her arm, then naturally looped her own arm through Qin Qin’s, successfully calming her down—because no matter what, having someone by your side always helped, even if that someone was her.
Mu Qing completely understood that feeling.
In truth, she wasn’t as calm as she appeared. If she were here alone, she would definitely be even more flustered than Qin Qin was now. But since it wasn’t just her—since she had to take care of Qin Qin—it felt easier.
What really made her relax, though, was the fact that this place looked awfully familiar.
The dark, oppressive forest, the nearby cliff edge, even the half-ruined remains of a carriage near the drop… everything looked exactly like the spot where she’d had her near-death experience just yesterday morning.
So… could it be that the “boss” Boss Wang mentioned was actually the scar-faced man she had seen yesterday?
Mu Qing had a vague suspicion but couldn’t be certain yet. The new assistant from the jade shop dropped them off just outside the woods before hurrying back on the carriage alone.
Judging from his expression, he seemed absolutely terrified. The look he gave Mu Qing and Qin Qin was like he was looking at a pair of idiots—or corpses.
He made no effort to hide his thoughts, practically fleeing in panic. That alone made the whole situation feel worse, and Qin Qin became even more frightened, which in turn made Mu Qing a little uneasy.
Still, they’d come this far. There was no turning back. They had to push forward and take things one step at a time.
Mu Qing led Sister Qin Qin into the forest, carrying the bundle of dried branches the assistant had handed her earlier—gathered just before they left, per Boss Wang’s instructions.
She had originally assumed they were for driving the carriage, but it turned out they were a kind of “talisman.” The assistant had kept one for himself on the ride back, and the rest he’d shoved into her hands.
Mu Qing hadn’t taken a close look before, but now that she had the chance, she realized the bundle wasn’t just dried branches—it was peach wood.
It was early winter now, so naturally there were no peach blossoms. These were dry, brittle peach branches, completely devoid of color or vitality.
And they weren’t refined or elegant in any way—just some rough sticks that had clearly been left in storage for too long. Mu Qing couldn’t imagine who would use something like this as a “token.”
She held the rough twigs in one hand, with Qin Qin clinging to her other arm, and they slowly made their way through the dim forest. Before long, the sound of footsteps came from deep within the trees—someone was approaching.
Qin Qin instinctively tightened her grip on Mu Qing’s hand. Mu Qing, tense as well, clenched the bundle of peach wood.
Then, a group of riders burst from the woods, hoofbeats thundering against the earth.
Before they appeared, Mu Qing had been wondering who on earth would use dead peach branches as a signal.
But after seeing them, she found it even harder to believe.
Her gut feeling had been right—these “forest warriors” were the same ones she’d seen yesterday.
Leading the group, as flashy as ever, was the scar-faced man.
His face showed obvious displeasure, as if someone had just interrupted something important. Mu Qing had no doubt that if he could, he would’ve chopped down the “intruders” right then and there.
In fact, his hand was already resting on the hilt of his blade—until he caught sight of Mu Qing.
More specifically, the peach branches in her hand.
Normally, no one would be surprised to see a girl holding some flowers or branches. But not this kind.
He stared at the bundle, clearly conflicted. After all, they’d just seen each other yesterday morning. He had a pretty strong impression of her—and a positive one at that.
Girls like her weren’t exactly common these days.
He hadn’t expected to see her again so soon. And certainly not here, in his stronghold.
And what’s more, she’d brought along an even younger, softer-looking girl…
At first, he thought this bold little thing was just back to explore, not satisfied with one brush with death.
But seeing the peach wood token gave him pause. That was their symbol—used only by his people. Outsiders wouldn’t know what it meant.
Old Wang was known for keeping his mouth shut. They’d worked together for over a decade without a single slip. So if this girl had it, she must’ve come from Old Wang.
Or… was it just a coincidence?
Either way, it seemed unlikely someone like her would be involved in their business.
The scar-faced man stood there, staring at the peach wood, stunned. His men looked just as confused, and even Sister Qin Qin, hiding behind Mu Qing, seemed lost.
The situation was undeniably strange.
Qin Qin was too scared to even look the man in the face—he was terrifying. Instead, she tugged gently at Mu Qing’s sleeve and whispered in her ear:
“Sister Qing… they’re too scary. Let’s… let’s go back, okay?”
Her voice was barely audible, but the scar-faced man was no ordinary guy. His sharp hearing caught every word—like she’d whispered it right into his ear.
He glanced over at the trembling, cowering girl and suddenly burst into laughter. Ah, yes, now this was how little girls were supposed to act around him.
“Hahaha! Little miss, what are you doing back here? This isn’t a place for delicate flowers like you. Go on, scram—go find somewhere safer to play.”
His booming laugh and commanding voice only made him more terrifying.
Qin Qin really was about to cry now. She gripped Mu Qing and tried to drag her away in desperation.
But Mu Qing stood her ground. She casually looped one arm around Qin Qin’s waist to comfort her and looked at the scar-faced man with a bright smile.
“Uncle, long time no see. Look, this thing in my hand is from Boss Wang at the jade shop… We’re not here for fun—we came to ask you for help.”
The moment she said that, the group of burly henchmen around them nearly dropped their jaws.
Even the scar-faced man looked genuinely surprised.
But he was no ordinary brute. After a moment of astonishment, he composed himself and let out a loud laugh. “Interesting. Very interesting. Now I’m curious—what do you need help with?”
He raised a hand, and the burly men immediately answered with a loud shout and rode off ahead.
Then he gave a sharp whistle, and the little white horse, Sai Xue, made a dazzling entrance once again.
Upon seeing Mu Qing, Sai Xue hesitated for just a moment, then trotted over happily and rubbed its head against her hand affectionately. The men nearby watched with amazement.
The scar-faced man was especially shocked. He knew better than anyone how difficult this white steed was—vicious, prideful, always kicking or biting anyone who got too close. Two of his guys, Da Long and Er Hu, had suffered the worst.
And yet, no one dared hurt it. A horse of this caliber was a rare treasure. Since it refused to be tamed, they’d just let it roam the woods freely.
Who would’ve thought it’d get so attached to this girl?
The scar-faced man looked at Mu Qing, a complicated expression on his face.
As for Qin Qin, she saw something entirely different.
She was already Mu Qing’s biggest fan. But now, seeing her face down scary bandits and tame a fierce steed—she was like a goddess.
By the time Mu Qing realized something felt off, it was too late—Qin Qin’s admiration had leveled up yet again.
Mu Qing glanced back at her starry-eyed companion and immediately felt a headache coming on.
This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.
Still, they had more pressing matters. No time to worry about that now.
She pulled Qin Qin along and hopped onto Sai Xue, gently patting its forehead. “Sai Xue still remembers me, huh? Uncle, since we’re here, why don’t we sit down and talk? There’s a lot to explain, and it’s better done somewhere private.”
The scar-faced man chuckled. “You really are something. My place is private enough… Alright then. Since you’ve honored me with your presence, I’ll break the rules and show you around.”
He laughed heartily, riding into the woods, calling back, “Just don’t cry and run home later!”
Mu Qing grinned and replied, “Why would I? This forest is your turf, right? Then your place must be the safest place of all. I’m not easily scared. As for my little sister here… I’ll ask you to go easy on her.”
Qin Qin was still terrified and didn’t dare pretend otherwise, but she wasn’t willing to turn back either. She clung tightly to Mu Qing’s waist, looking absolutely pitiful.
Mu Qing offered one last chance to send her home, but Qin Qin firmly refused.
So Mu Qing gave up and took her along, riding Sai Xue after the scar-faced man deeper into the forest.
Sai Xue was fast and caught up in no time, just as the man came to a stop.
“We’re here. Just up ahead,” he said with a grin.
In the dim light, his face looked even more frightening.
Qin Qin trembled, but couldn’t resist peeking up to look.
And the moment she did, she let out a shriek—and fainted on the spot.
