Chapter 5: Midnight Thief

Song Qing Shu felt a sense of despair welling up within him. If the Sweeping Monk couldn't save him, then he truly was beyond salvation. The Sweeping Monk was a nearly god-like figure in the martial arts world, and his statement that there was no hope left left Song Qing Shu despondent.

Seeing his distress, the Sweeping Monk silently recited a Buddhist chant and then spoke in a calming tone, "Martial arts are but external skills, Young Master, why be so fixated on them? The world's martial arts often result in bloodshed and chaos. Although there may be individuals with a sense of chivalry who save lives here and there, it pales in comparison to the salvation that Buddhism offers. Why not consider delving into the study of Buddhist teachings?"

The Sweeping Monk's voice seemed to possess a soothing effect, gradually calming Song Qing Shu's turmoil. However, when the monk suggested he embrace the Buddhist path, Song Qing Shu couldn't help but feel a sense of skepticism. He quickly declined, saying, "Your words are kind, Venerable. I appreciate your suggestion. However, I still have many uncertainties in my heart that need to be resolved. I cannot simply enter the monastic life at this point."

"Very well, I perceive that your worldly attachments are not yet severed. I will not insist further," the nameless monk nodded, then suddenly extended his fingers, poking a few acupoints on Song Qing Shu's body. Warm currents enveloped his body, and before he knew it, the nameless monk had turned and departed with a drifting air. His voice echoed from a distance, "I've used my true qi to protect your meridians temporarily, preventing them from shrinking. In the current world, there are only four renowned miracle healers who might be able to aid you..."

"Four miracle healers?" Upon hearing Song Qing Shu's inquiry, Zhou Zhi Ru's delicate eyebrows furrowed in thought for a moment, then she continued, "In the present world, the individuals considered miracle healers would be Butterfly Valley's Divine Physician Hu Qing Niu, the Assassin Doctor Ping Yi Zhi from Kaifeng, the Divine Physician Xue from Songzhou, and, yes, the legendary Poison Hand Medicine King."

Observing the anticipatory look in her husband's eyes, Zhou Zhi Ru felt a hint of compassion. She offered consolation, "Qing Shu, Zhang Wu Ji has already inherited Hu Qing Niu's true teachings. It could be said that the student surpasses the master. Even he couldn't find a solution. The other miracle healers' skills are somewhat comparable to Hu Qing Niu's. I doubt they could do much either..."

Thinking that she intended to wait for Zhang Wu Ji here and didn't want to accompany him, Song Qing Shu grew irritated and blurted out, "Don't mention that person!" As soon as he said it, he regretted his words.

Zhou Zhi Ru hadn't expected such a strong reaction from him. However, she was well aware that Song Qing Shu had always harbored deep resentment towards Zhang Wu Ji because of her. Considering his enduring affection for her, her heart softened, and she gently advised, "Qing Shu, losing your martial arts isn't the end of the world. Let's return to Emei together. Let go of the entanglements of the martial world. What difference does it make whether you have martial arts or not? What do you say?"

Never had Song Qing Shu seen Zhou Zhi Ru so tender, her voice as gentle as water, her words pleading. As he gazed upon her captivating visage, he found himself momentarily entranced.

Witnessing his vacant stare, despite the fact that they were officially husband and wife, Zhou Zhi Ru couldn't help feeling a touch of shyness. She playfully scolded him, "You still can't get enough after all this time?"

"Looking at you forever still wouldn't be enough," Song Qing Shu replied almost instinctively, suddenly perplexed by her significant change in demeanor. He looked at her uncertainly, asking, "Are you really willing to return to Emei with me?"

"You're my husband. If I don't go back to Emei with you, who would I go with?" Zhou Zhi Ru's words were soft, carrying a trace of sadness. That night when Zhang Wu Ji had held her, despite her rejection, Zhou Zhi Ru had still felt a glimmer of joy. However, after many days passed without any word from Zhang Wu Ji, she sensed his preoccupation with the County Princess Consort. Disappointed and considering that Zhang Wu Ji's feelings for her couldn't match Song Qing Shu's devotion, Zhou Zhi Ru felt disheartened. Coupled with Song Qing Shu's present disability due to saving her, she just wanted to return to Emei as soon as possible and spend her life with him.

Filled with joy, Song Qing Shu instinctively held Zhou Zhi Ru in his arms, momentarily forgetting the chaotic world and his lost martial arts. To have such a stunning beauty with him made him feel that his life was worthwhile.

Caught by surprise, Zhou Zhi Ru found herself embraced. Though she stiffened initially, she remembered that he was her husband and gradually relaxed.

With her fragrant form nestled against him and her elegant curves in his view, Song Qing Shu was aroused. Leaning down, he kissed her face.

Instinctively, Zhou Zhi Ru tried to evade, but she recalled Song Qing Shu's unwavering dedication to her. In a daze, she hesitated.

No longer the impulsive youth he once was, Song Qing Shu seized the moment and kissed her cherry lips.

Startled, Zhou Zhi Ru's eyes widened. However, Song Qing Shu had succeeded in parting her lips.

Their breaths intertwined, leaving a lingering fragrance. Song Qing Shu felt himself melting in that moment. Zhou Zhi Ru, after her initial astonishment, closed her eyes as if yielding to the situation. Her heart, though, was in turmoil.

Whenever Zhang Wu Ji had held her—even for a brief moment—her heart had raced. But now, as she kissed Song Qing Shu, she didn't feel the same intensity. She was passive, allowing his advances, her emotions vacillating between the shyness of a young girl and a sense of confusion.

Unaware of her inner thoughts, Song Qing Shu felt profound happiness. He held her delicate waist with one hand and slipped the other beneath her clothing, seeking her soft bosom.

A sudden slap brought him back to reality. Zhou Zhi Ru had struck his chest, her eyes showing irritation.

Realizing his mistake, Song Qing Shu thought his modern flirting techniques might not be appropriate here. Yet, being slapped by a woman, no matter how gently, was embarrassing. He flushed and felt awkward.

Seeing the faint red mark on his face, Zhou Zhi Ru felt apologetic. "This is a serene place in Shaolin, and it's daylight. Your actions are embarrassing."

Listening to her, Song Qing Shu felt elated. "So, in a different setting, if it were nighttime, and I treated you this way, you would accept?" Of course, he didn't dare to say this aloud. Instead, he said, "Now that my injuries are nearly healed, when shall we return to Emei?" He wanted to leave this place, far from Zhang Wu Ji. He planned to be persistent, combining their legitimate marriage with sincere efforts, and win her back sooner or later.

"As the day is ending, let's rest for the night and depart in the morning," Zhou Zhi Ru replied. She touched her slightly flushed face and left the room.

Alone, Song Qing Shu contemplated the delightful sensation from earlier. Grinning foolishly, he sat on the bed, thinking that fate had favored him. Being reborn into this world and gifted with such a peerless beauty, the inability to practice martial arts seemed insignificant.

As night fell, Zhou Zhi Ru returned to the room. Since they appeared as a married couple, they would naturally sleep in the same room. After helping Song Qing Shu lie down, she lay on the opposite bed.

Turning to her side, Zhou Zhi Ru gazed at her husband's graceful form. Song Qing Shu couldn't help but salivate, regretting he couldn't touch such a beauty before him.

As drowsiness overcame him and Song Qing Shu closed his eyes, a masked figure swiftly entered through the window and pressed several acupoints on his body.