Chapter Fifty-Nine: I Won't Let You Harm Zilian

“Hm?”
Instead of getting angry, he laughed, his expression tinged with curiosity. “Then what do you think, Yuge? Why would a humble scholar like me sneak out in the dead of night, slip into the inn, and bring you to this place? What could I possibly want?”

As he finished speaking, the insolent scholar leaned in close.

I reached out and grabbed his ear, forcefully pushing him away. My voice was sharp with anger. “Whatever your reasons, I don’t care to know. But if you ever dare to harm Zilian in the slightest, I promise you—I will not let you go unpunished.”

“Harm her?” His face turned cold, his lips curling into a mocking smile. “I am nothing but an ordinary mortal. How could I possibly have the power to harm your immortal master?”

“A mortal?”

His words struck me as amusing.

“From the very first time I met you, I knew something wasn’t right. Puti, there’s no way you’re just a mere mortal.”

“Oh?”

He flicked open his folding fan, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips. “Then I must thank you, Miss Yuge, for thinking so highly of me. But tell me, if I’m not a mortal in your eyes, then what do you think I am?”

“A demon.”

I feigned certainty as I spoke. In truth, I wasn’t sure if he really was a demon. It was just that every time he appeared, something felt off—like he was hiding some secret motive. For Zilian’s sake, and my own safety, I knew I had to be wary of him.

“A demon?”

He reacted as though I’d just told him a joke, unable to hold back a soft laugh.

“What gave you that impression, Miss Yuge? Where did I go wrong to make you suspect I’m a demon?”

“You managed, all alone—or rather, as a demon—you managed to sneak into the inn in the dead of night, without anyone noticing. Then you floated right up to me, scooped me into your arms, and flew all the way here. Do you really think someone like that could still be a mere mortal in my eyes?”

“Without anyone noticing?”

He laughed out loud, as if I’d just said something hilarious. In the darkness, his laughter sounded unsettling, and I shrank back, worried that I’d accidentally touched a nerve. I was afraid he might suddenly fly into a rage and end my life right here.

“But didn’t you discover me after all, Miss Yuge?”

He idly waved his folding fan, his tone light and untroubled, turning the question back on me.

I explained, “I didn’t realize it was you at first. Only when you called my name did I recognize you.”

“Is that so?” he smiled.

“I was only worried about your safety, Miss Yuge,” he said, his face a mask of self-mockery. “That’s why I came here alone, so late at night, to check on you. I never expected that my concern would anger you and make you suspicious of me. I suppose I’ve simply overstepped.” He forced a rueful smile, as if mocking himself.

His words made my anger waver, leaving me uncertain and unexpectedly guilty—almost ashamed of my suspicion.

“It’s getting late. I’m afraid Zilian will come looking for me—I should go back now.”

I jumped down from the tree branch, tossing out those words without looking back. In a single bound, I raced toward the inn.

Though I wanted to trust him, the way he’d kept asking about Zilian’s injuries left me deeply uneasy.

This man—I cannot trust him.