Cheng Mo felt somewhat helpless but still sat cross-legged opposite Xiangbei, palms facing each other. He quietly recited the mantra of the internal strength technique while gently guiding her through the meridians, circulating a small circuit of energy within her. Eventually, he stopped.
"Though you have no intention of fighting, do you realize the danger of having such a precious skill? In the future, persist in practicing, never slack off. If you encounter anything, at least have the ability to protect yourself."
Before Xiangbei felt the warm aura, it was suddenly withdrawn. She immediately sensed a needle-like pain all over her body, her consciousness starting to blur. A buzzing sound filled her ears, and she couldn't hear the person beside her. She lost consciousness.
"Xiao Bei!" Cheng Mo exclaimed, swiftly holding Xiangbei's limp body and rushing into the main courtyard. He placed her on his own bed, checked her pulse, and instructed, "Cheng Tian, get Cheng Zhong."
Cheng Zhong arrived promptly, placing his fingers on Xiangbei's wrist, then, with a somewhat hesitant expression, switched to the other hand for a more detailed examination. Finally, he looked at Cheng Mo and said, "Young Master, this?"
"Yes, Cheng Zhong. I worry that this girl, without understanding the consequences, might face danger due to this martial art. Passing on our family's internal strength technique is also to enhance her self-defense. She fainted because I used true energy to align her meridians. She's young and inexperienced in martial arts. The pain from cleansing her meridians must be hard to endure."
"Master, I dare to speak out of turn. The brilliance of Tai Chi martial arts is no less than our family's internal strength technique. Your sincere intentions are hoped to be understood by this girl, and with time, she may achieve something. She fainted due to the discomfort of purifying her meridians. It must be challenging for her, being so young and unaccustomed to martial arts."
"I acted recklessly, Cheng Zhong. Please think of a way to wake her up. How can we make it less painful for her? Can you prescribe some medicine?"
"Young Master, remain calm. It's better for her to faint than to endure the pain. I will prepare some medicine for her to soak in. It should alleviate some of the pain. When she wakes up, you can use your internal energy to ease her further. Additionally, should I ask the Cheng Tian family to bring a few maids to help carry her back later? We can let them take care of her medicinal bath."
"Yes, do that. Have them prepare, and I'll carry her over in a moment."
"You..." Cheng Zhong was about to advise against it, but he ultimately restrained the words that were about to be spoken. In the end, he was just a servant. He hoped this girl was fortunate, considering how affectionate Xiangbei was towards her. Reflecting on the times Xiangbei taught her boxing exercises, prepared meals, and medicinal broth, Cheng Zhong sighed deeply. Exiting the room, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of potential danger this ordinary mountain girl might bring to the Master standing so high.
On the bed, Xiangbei let out a soft hum. Cheng Mo, picking her up and rushing to the backyard where Xiangbei stayed, was met by Tian Sao, who led a group of maids, preparing hot water and the bed. Cheng Mo went straight to the bed and sat down with Xiangbei in his arms. He gently whispered, "Relax your hand, Xiao Bei. Holding it too tight will hurt. The medicinal bath will be ready soon. Loosen your grip, grab my hand, can you? Don't hurt yourself."
An assistant handed over a warm towel. Cheng Mo took it and gently wiped Xiangbei's sweaty face. Without looking up, he gave a command, "Cheng Tian's family, both of you go to the warehouse and find some clothes that fit her. Cheng Tian, you know where to look."
Tian Sao responded and left with the maids. Cheng Mo, holding Xiangbei in one hand, used the other to gently stroke her forehead, calling out softly, "Be brave, Xiao Bei. No matter what the investigation reveals, I just hope you're not the type that is least acceptable. Don't disappoint me. Even in your sleep, you seem restless. No matter what the outcome, may you not be the one I can't accept." Cheng Mo sat by the bedside, silently watching the girl and murmuring to himself.