“Xiao Yun, have I said something wrong?”

　　Seeing that Gu Ruoyun’s sudden silence, a wave of panic began to build up in Qianbei Ye’s heart so he decided to word his questions carefully.

　　Gu Ruoyun shook her head, her gaze was filled with complicated emotions, “Xiao Ye, back when Ling Yi was about to strike me, why did you protect me? Why are you treating me so nicely?”

　　“I don’t know.” Qianbei Ye looked at the girl’s delicate face, with red eyes that showed his resolve, “I only know that I’ve wanted to protect you from the first moment I saw you.”

　　The depths of Gu Ruoyun’s heart began to shake, and she slowly closed her eyes.

　　In the past, someone had also promised to protect and take care of her but… in the end, she had caused the death of her little brother, simply because she had placed her trust in the wrong person.

　　“Xiao Ye, I’ve been here for more than a month now. I don’t know if the Hundred Herb Hall has encountered any trouble, I’m going over for a visit first.”

　　The girl opened her eyes, and a smile appeared on her pretty face.

　　Mother, Yu’er, Grandfather… Rest assured, there will be a day when I return to the East Peak Mainland, paving the path of my return with the blood of our enemies!

　　“Oh one more thing, Xiao Ye, there’s something I’d like you to help me with.”

　　…

　　All was silent in the Hundred Herb Hall.

　　Ever since Ling Yu had been pushed into retreat by Elder Yu a month ago, she had not come looking for trouble any further. Everything was so peaceful that everyone had forgotten about Ling Yu’s existence.

　　When Shopkeeper Zhao spotted Gu Ruoyun walking into the hall, he was overjoyed. He hurriedly walked towards her in welcome, “My Lady, you’re here?”

　　“Mm, where’s Elder Yu?”

　　My Lady, Elder Yu isn’t in the Hundred Herb Hall at the moment. Would you like me to summon him?”

　　“Yes, summon Elder Yu and tell him that I have some urgent business. Also…” Gu Ruoyun casually brought out a piece of paper and said expressionlessly, “Bring all the herbs written on this piece of paper to me, as fast as you can.”

　　“Yes, my Lady.”

　　Shopkeeper Zhao glanced at the herbs on Gu Ruoyun’s list and was quietly surprised. However, he respectfully took his leave without saying another word.

　　His heart felt curious. The herbs that my Lady has asked for were extremely precious. Some of which would only grow a single leaf every few hundred years. Shopkeeper Zhao wondered. What was she going to do with these?

　　However, thanks to the Hundred Herb Hall’s vast resources, it was only a matter of moments before he brought all the herbs before Gu Ruoyun.

　　Shortly after, Elder Yu also appeared as well…

　　“I need to leave for a moment. Elder Yu, please wait for me outside the room and don’t allow anyone to come in and disturb me.”

　　After that, she turned and walked towards the courtyard at the back of the Hundred Herb Hall.

　　Although Shopkeeper Zhao and Elder Yu felt extremely curious, none of them questioned Gu Ruoyun’s orders.

　　Right after Gu Ruoyun had entered the Ancient Divine Pagoda, she immediately asked, “Zixie, I’ve already gotten the materials for the Spirit Gathering Pill. Are we going to start refining it now?”

　　Zixie smiled, “The method used to refine this Spirit Gathering Pill is a little different from how we refined the Qi Gathering Pill. However, they will produce the same result. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you. Alright then, you can try it out now.”

　　“Okay.”

　　Gu Ruoyun nodded before turning her gaze towards the cauldron.

　　The sun was setting in the west.

　　The old man stood outside the door, not making a single move, just like a statue. His Lady had been inside the room for the entire day, from the time she had entered up until this moment, and there has not been a single hint of movement either. He knew nothing about the situation within that room.

　　Just as he was beginning to make guesses on the reason why Gu Ruoyun had been looking for him, the door to the room behind him slowly pushed open. Then, the girl’s clear voice called for him.

　　“Elder Yu, please come in.”

　　“Yes, my Lady.”

　　Elder Yu turned to walk into the room. He looked at the girl standing in the center of the room, and said with an expression of utmost respect, “I wonder what business have you summoned me for today, my Lady?”