Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Ravencastle, the Baron's residence, in the dining room, at the dining table.

Cai Guozhong gradually became lost in memories, recounting his story.

Let's turn back time to the day Ye Tingxiu arrived at Raven Castle.

To repay Ye Tingxiu for saving her life, Qing'er invited Ye Tingxiu to stay at her family's clinic.

Because Qing'er's father was Cai Guozhong's personal physician and military doctor, he was killed by the enemy during a battle with the Northern Army. Due to the intense fighting, he was trying to treat more wounded soldiers.

Fortunately, thanks to the blessings left by her father, Cai Guozhong and the military officers would take care of Qing'er within their capabilities. This allowed Qing'er to open a small clinic in Crow Castle with her medical skills. She didn't earn much, but fortunately, no one dared to provoke or bully her.

Ye Tingxiu spent his days inquiring about Lan Yue's whereabouts and his nights staying at the clinic, enjoying a rare period of peace.

As the two spent time together day and night, the barrier between them gradually disappeared, and Qing'er even began to develop feelings for Ye Tingxiu.

In Qing'er's eyes, Ye Tingxiu was powerful, mysterious, taciturn, and loyal.

Not only is he handsome and charming, but he also saved her life.

When she was surrounded and hunted by demons and was in despair, Ye Tingxiu descended from the sky and rescued her.

The hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress plot may be cliché, but it can be devastating for a naive young girl.

One day, while Qing'er was busy organizing medicinal herbs at the clinic, she casually said, "I might have to leave."

Ye Tingxiu asked calmly, his expression indifferent, "Where to?"

Qing'er placed the medicinal herbs into the medicine cabinet, turned her head and smiled slightly: "The Northern Army has invaded, and the front line is in grave danger. The number of wounded soldiers in our army is increasing every day. We are in dire need of doctors who know medicine. I want to join the army and go to the front line as a military doctor to do my part."

Ye Tingxiu frowned slightly, looking as if he had a deep-seated grudge. After a moment, he said, "Are you really going?"

Qing'er smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Ye Tingxiu. She said with a smile, "I haven't decided yet. I actually prefer to stay at home and be a good wife and mother. Joining the army to fight and defend against foreign enemies may not be what I should do."

"If you ask me to stay, I might stay." Qing'er said, her expression tense, looking at Ye Tingxiu with a mixture of expectation and fear. This was the most initiative and hint she, a young girl, could muster up the courage to make.

She knew Ye Tingxiu had someone else in his heart and was searching for that woman everywhere. Morality told her that she shouldn't steal someone else's love or interfere in someone else's relationship. But her emotions told her that if she missed the man in front of her, she would miss him forever. She should fight for him and grab him. Besides, that woman didn't know how to cherish him and left him behind. So this man should be hers.

Ye Tingxiu remained silent, his fearless eyes that dared to look directly into death, yet he involuntarily shrank back when faced with the girl's passionate gaze.

Ask yourself honestly, do you like it?

I like it, but that's all.

Can we be together?

No.

Because his heart was both very big and very small. It was big enough to hold the vast world, but small enough to hold only one person. In his heart, his lover was always that childhood sweetheart, the girl next door. No other woman could squeeze in, not even a crack.

Ye Tingxiu's silence made the air in the clinic seem to freeze.

Qing'er's voice echoed in the air, carrying a hint of anticipation and unease. Her eyes were fixed on Ye Tingxiu, trying to find any trace of lingering affection or wavering in his expression. However, Ye Tingxiu's eyes were like a deep lake, calm and still.

Ye Tingxiu finally spoke, his voice low and gentle: "War has nothing to do with women. You just need to study medicine in the rear."

Upon hearing this, Qing'er couldn't help but smile with delight: "Are you trying to persuade me to stay?"

Ye Tingxiu crossed his arms and said calmly, "No, this was just a friendly suggestion from a friend."

A wave of disappointment washed over Qing'er, but she didn't let her emotions show. She pretended to be fine and turned to focus on organizing the medicinal herbs: "In a few days, I will apply to the Baron to go to the front lines. It will be difficult for us to meet again after that."

Ye Tingxiu hummed in agreement, unsure of what to say. However, he felt he had done nothing wrong. He clearly had someone in his heart, so why should he ruin Qing'er's future? Whether Qing'er understood or not, at least he had a clear conscience.

Qing'er, on the contrary, was very frank. After learning Ye Tingxiu's intentions, she gave up her own delusions: "As a friend, could I ask you for a small favor? I know you are a very powerful wandering cultivator. Don't worry, there will be a generous reward."

Ye Tingxiu replied without hesitation, "I'd go through fire and water for you, money is a bonus."

When Ye Tingxiu was working with Zhou Qingfeng, he always got a large share of the spoils and was never short of money. But since leaving the Sword Tower, he has been living off his savings. He spent a lot of money to find Lan Yue, which eventually made him penniless.

In order to make money, he did a lot of favors for others. In fact, with his abilities, he could easily transform into a bandit by wearing a mask and robbing and plundering ordinary people. He would never be short of money. However, he had his own principles for being a person and doing things.

Looking back, Ye Tingxiu has come this far without any powerful backers. Everything he has is earned through hard work. No matter how bitter, tired, or poor he was, he has never cheated his friends or schemed against those around him. He has always been honest and upright in his conduct and has a clear conscience.

Qing'er covered her mouth and chuckled: "Going through fire and water isn't that exaggerated, um... I'll take you to meet someone tonight."

Ye Tingxiu asked, "Who is it?"

Qing'er said, "One of my good friends, Cai Nianxiong, the son of the Baron, used to pursue me. I ignored him, but he kept pestering me. So I complained to the Baron, who gave him a good beating, and he behaved himself."

Ye Tingxiu hummed in agreement and didn't ask any further questions.

Before long, night fell, and Qing'er brought Ye Tingxiu to the back gate of the Baron's mansion.

After a short wait, the back door of the mansion slowly opened a crack.

The Baron's son, Cai Nianxiong, quietly slipped out, draped in a black robe.

Cai Nianxiong pointed at Ye Tingxiu, staring at him and asked, "Jiang Qing'er, who is he?"

Qing'er whispered, "This is my friend Zhou Qingfeng, an exceptionally powerful wandering cultivator. He was specially invited to protect your safety."

Cai Nianxiong scanned Ye Tingxiu's attire from head to toe. He was wearing a bamboo hat, a black and red outfit, and three knives at his waist. "Zhou Qingfeng? I feel like I've heard of you somewhere before, but I can't quite remember. However, you do look like a master. I hope you're not just a show-off."

Seeing this, Qing'er slapped Cai Nianxiong hard: "Cai Nianxiong, I'm warning you, you'd better show some respect."

Cai Nianxiong grimaced and rubbed his back, saying, "Qingmei, is he your lover? You're so protective of him. Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. Let's go, let's get out of the city quickly. The patrolling guards will be here soon. We can't stay here any longer. Let's talk as we go."