Chapter 362: Completely Unexpected
With the experience from last time, Yu Luo found it noticeably easier to hold her breath for over two minutes again.
As they approached the whirlpool once more, Chi Jincheng immediately wrapped his arms around her, and in that instant, Yu Luo realized how contradictory her demands had been.
Feeling the tension in her stiffened body, Chi Jincheng smirked in the darkness. Without a word, he leaped from the water’s surface, swiftly gliding forward.
Once they passed through the whirlpool, they submerged again. Before Yu Luo could say anything, Chi Jincheng released his hold around her waist.
Such consideration from him only made Yu Luo feel even more ashamed of herself.
She was secretly grateful for the darkness—at least he couldn’t see how red her face had become.
She had refused to let him carry her earlier, then complained when he hadn’t used light-footed movement to bring her across. Now that he had, she was still being carried. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how unreasonable she had been.
To break the awkwardness, Yu Luo swallowed and spoke again.
“How much farther until the longest breath-holding section?”
“Not far. In about half a tea’s time, we’ll reach it. That part is long—you’ll need to use internal energy to regulate your breath. It will take about a quarter of an hour to get through. Do you want to rest first?”
“No need. This place is unsettling. Like you said, we don’t know what else might be lurking here. Either way, we have to face it. We should get out as soon as possible. But… how do I regulate my breath using internal energy? I—I don’t know how.”
Now she had to ask for his help again.
Even though the cold water sent chills through her, Yu Luo’s face burned with embarrassment.
She had just been doubting his intentions, yet now she was seeking his guidance. Not only had she racked up a huge favor, but she felt like such a hypocrite.
Still, if Chi Jincheng was truly a noble person, she wouldn’t mind owing him this favor. If he ever needed a place to raise his private army, she could just have Xiaoyi dig him an underground hideout. She’d deal with it.
But the problem was—she still didn’t know his true identity. What if, in the future, he used this debt against her?
She was being backed into a corner.
Little did she know, this was exactly what Chi Jincheng had intended.
Hearing Yu Luo’s hesitant and reluctant tone made the smirk at his lips deepen. Even his eyebrows twitched slightly with amusement.
“It’s simple. Follow my lead and try it out. You’re intelligent, and your internal energy isn’t weak—you’ll pick it up in no time.”
Chi Jincheng’s gentle voice guided her in the darkness.
Yu Luo focused entirely on learning. Maybe it was because he explained things so clearly, or maybe because she had been a top student in her past life, but she mastered it in just two tries.
After several successful attempts, she realized how simple breath regulation was—almost like switching between different breathing techniques.
If only she had known about this earlier! She wouldn’t have struggled so much during that last breath-holding segment.
When they finally reached the deep-water section, they held hands and proceeded smoothly.
Fortunately, this time nothing dangerous appeared.
When they surfaced, Yu Luo was delighted to see a faint glow a few hundred meters ahead.
“Chi Jincheng! We’re really almost out!”
Still dripping wet, Yu Luo emerged from the water, too excited to even wipe her face. She pointed at the distant flickering light with pure joy, cheering aloud.
Chi Jincheng’s eyes softened with warmth as he gazed at her radiant smile.
Unknowingly…
“Most women would have been scared out of their minds facing that python, but you were quite brave.”
“I was scared! But I was too busy running for my life with you to even react. Luckily, you were there. Maybe it was because you were leading me to escape that I forgot to be afraid. In any case, I really owe you for this. Once I find my mother and return to Luocheng, I’ll properly thank you.”
“Good. Then I’ll wait for your gratitude.”
With that, they swam toward the exit, moving smoothly without further obstacles.
As they got closer, the speck of light grew larger.
However, Yu Luo suddenly noticed the water was becoming more turbulent.
“There’s a waterfall ahead. I’ll take you out from here.”
This time, before Yu Luo could respond, Chi Jincheng drew a dagger and cut the bindings between their wrists.
Then, without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms once more, gracefully leaping out of the water toward the exit.
Cold wind immediately rushed past them, chilling their wet bodies.
“Master! It’s the Master!”
Amidst the sound of rushing water, voices called out softly but excitedly.
In the dim light, a campfire flickered in the distance, illuminating a horse-drawn carriage and two men standing beside it.
Yu Luo hadn’t expected Chi Jincheng’s light-footed skill to be this impressive.
Despite being several hundred meters away, he landed them safely in just a blink of an eye.
After soaking in cold water for so long, standing on solid ground again made Yu Luo feel an immense sense of relief.
“Turn around.”
As soon as they landed, Chi Jincheng’s voice turned cold.
The two men immediately obeyed without question, but their faces were full of confusion.
“Master, the clothes are in the carriage.”
“Mm.”
After making sure his men weren’t peeking, Chi Jincheng turned to Yu Luo.
She was just about to walk toward the fire to warm up when her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
Startled, she turned back, meeting Chi Jincheng’s clear gaze.
“Go change first.”
Yu Luo nodded blankly and quickly headed toward the carriage.
Inside, she found a softly glowing gemstone providing light.
The spacious and luxurious interior could even fit her lying down sideways.
A low wooden table sat in the middle, and on either side lay two sets of clothing.
Thinking about the three men outside, Yu Luo hesitated only for a moment before swiftly changing into a dry outfit.
Once she stepped out, Chi Jincheng entered the carriage to change as well.
“You must be Miss Yu. We are the Master’s subordinates. I am Xuan Huang, and this is Xuan Di. Our men have already investigated your mother’s whereabouts. She was taken northwest.nIf nothing changes, they are likely bringing her to the Imperial City. Also, Miss Yu, rest assured—your mother has not suffered. She is traveling by carriage, accompanied by maidservants.”
“The Imperial City?!”
Hearing this, Yu Luo was completely caught off guard.
