The morning after the fierce battle, the cave was filled with the fresh scent of dawn.

Tianfeng awoke, his superior physique allowing his injuries to heal rapidly. He moved with ease, though his mind was still alert and cautious.

He glanced over to where Minseo was resting. She appeared peaceful, her delicate features softened by the early morning light.

For a moment, he almost forgot the chaos that had brought them together.

"What would you like to do now that your pursuers are gone and your father is dead?" Tianfeng asked gently, masking his own sorrow with concern for her.

Minseo, her mind racing with deceitful thoughts, feigned a look of melancholy. "I don't know," she said softly.

"I suppose I must find a new purpose, now that my father is gone. But for now, I need to reach Chang-An."

Tianfeng nodded, his respect for her growing. He admired her courage and her seemingly gentle heart. “You’re welcome to travel with me to Chang-An. I have important notes to deliver there. After that, we can figure out your next steps.”

Minseo smiled gratefully, though her mind was already plotting the days ahead.

Over the next few days, their journey together seemed peaceful and filled with a sense of budding companionship.

Minseo's gentle and modest nature, along with her striking beauty, began to captivate Tianfeng.

He found himself drawn to her more each day, her facade weaving a spell over him.

Minseo played her role perfectly, her soft words and kind gestures endearing her to Tianfeng.

She suggested they take a scenic route, claiming it was safer and more beautiful. Tianfeng, wanting to make her happy, agreed.

For the next few days, their journey was filled with quiet moments and tame conversations.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Minseo’s gentle demeanor and modesty captivated Tianfeng.

Her laughter was like a balm to his weary soul, and her beauty was impossible to ignore.

They walked through serene landscapes, the spring blooms adding color to their path.

Minseo often pointed out medicinal herbs and flowers, sharing their uses with Tianfeng. Her knowledge and grace only deepened his growing affection for her.

At night, they camped under the stars, sharing stories and dreams.

Tianfeng found himself opening up to Minseo in ways he hadn't with anyone else. He spoke of his past, his battles, and his aspirations.

Minseo listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and understanding.

On the fifth day, the tone of their journey began to shift.

Minseo, knowing Tianfeng’s trusting nature, started to subtly manipulate situations to her advantage.

In the morning, she spotted a rare herb on a steep hillside. “Tianfeng, that herb is said to enhance one’s internal energy. It could be beneficial for your cultivation. Could you retrieve it for me?”

Without hesitation, Tianfeng scaled the steep hillside with ease, his superhuman strength making the task trivial.

Minseo watched with a hidden smirk, her plan progressing smoothly.

Later that day, Minseo claimed to hear a distress call from a nearby village. “We should help them,” she urged, her eyes wide with concern.

For the first few days, their journey was filled with such requests, seemingly harmless yet keeping Tianfeng busy. Each request made Tianfeng feel useful and deepened his affection for Minseo.

Tianfeng, driven by his sense of duty and the desire to impress her, agreed.

They arrived to find it was a false alarm, but the effort of the detour, though trivial to his strength, diverted their journey.

She claimed to need specific ingredients for a medicinal concoction, leading Tianfeng on treacherous paths.

She pleaded for his help in searching for a supposed treasure she had heard rumors about, dragging him into dense forests and rocky terrains.

Each request seemed more pressing than the last, yet he couldn't refuse Minseo.

His growing affection for her clouded his judgment, and he pushed through the challenges, believing he was doing the right thing.

By the fifth day, he began to notice the increasing number of tasks she asked of him. While none were overly strenuous for someone of his abilities, he felt a tinge of hesitation.

Something about her constant requests began to gnaw at him, though he dismissed it, attributing it to her difficult situation.

That night, after a day of fulfilling Minseo's various requests, Tianfeng finally rested.

As he slept soundly, Minseo slipped away from their camp, her heart pounding with anticipation.

She had been waiting for this moment since she sent the pigeon with her message to the Evil Society.

Minseo made her way to a secluded spot where she had left a small, hidden signal to guide the returning pigeon.

She opened a hidden compartment within her satchel and released the bird, now carrying a new message.

The pigeon, trained to find its way back to Minseo, returned with a small piece of parchment attached to its leg.

She carefully unrolled it and read the message in the dim moonlight.

"Message received. Your plan is accepted. Reinforcements will arrive in three days to assist in capturing the target. Maintain your cover until then."

Minseo's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. The Evil Society had agreed to her terms.

Tianfeng's death would serve as her redemption, erasing her transgressions and solidifying her standing within the organization.

She returned to the camp, her expression a mask of innocence.

As she lay down to sleep, she glanced at Tianfeng, still slumbering peacefully. Her heart felt no remorse, only a cold determination.

In three days, this chapter of her life would end, and she would return to the fold of the Evil Society, her betrayal complete.

The next morning, unaware of the treachery that loomed, Tianfeng woke up and prepared to continue their journey.

He noticed Minseo's serene expression and felt a pang of guilt for doubting her. Little did he know, the real danger was yet to come.