A genuine, sweet smile bloomed on Qin Ying's face, a sight that made Mu Yan's chest tighten. "I know you want to help me," she said softly. "But you can't. Not right now. You must grow stronger, much faster if you want to help me."
"I know I am weaker than you," he admitted without hesitation. "But at least tell me about yourself. Where are you from?"
She hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. "I come from a place far from here, a place you would not know. I... ran away from home, and on the way, I encountered those bandits. I managed to escape them, and that is how I met you. But I cannot stay away for long. My father assigned a guardian to me, and he will track me down soon." She looked up, "I have to go back. But I could take you with me. I can provide you with all the cultivation resources you could ever need. What do you say?"
"I would love to stay with you," Mu Yan avowed, his voice thick with sincerity. "But I am a man. How can I be worthy of you if I cannot even earn my strength? I will work hard. And one day, I will come to find you."
Her shoulders slumped slightly, but she nodded, respecting his choice. "If that is what you wish." Reaching up, she unclasped a simple, elegant pendant from her neck. She moved closer, and he stood perfectly still as she reached around and tied the cord around his neck. "I will leave you with this as a reminder."
Mu Yan's fingers brushed against the cool stone of the pendant; in it, he could almost feel the warmth of her presence. "Thank you," he said, his voice a low whisper. "I will keep it forever. When... when will you leave?"
"Soon," she replied, her voice barely audible.
"Then let's not dwell on it," Mu Yan said, a sudden resolve in his tone. He took Qin Ying's hand, his grip firm but gentle, and pulled her toward the door. "Let's go out and enjoy the time we have."
The city streets of Patliputra buzzed with life. The stalls and shops were a kaleidoscope of colors, each offering a piece of the city's rich culture. Qin Ying's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the various trinkets and delicacies on display.
Mu Yan and Qin Ying wandered from stall to stall, sampling sweets that melted in their mouths. The cotton candy was a cloud of spun sugar, dissolving into pure sweetness on their tongues. The rasgullas, syrup-soaked balls of paneer, were so soft they seemed to evaporate as soon as they bit into them. Qin Ying's laughter was a melody that blended perfectly with the city's vibrant rhythm.
Mu Yan held up a delicate phoenix hairpin he found in a shop called Ancient Treasures. It cost one spirit fragment, but it was worth it for the way Qin Ying's eyes lit up when she saw it.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, taking the hairpin and examining its intricate details.
Mu Yan smiled, a smile tugging at his lips. "I thought it would suit you," he replied.
As they continued their exploration, they passed by an extravagant shop named Ten Thousand Treasure Shop. Adjacent to it was a vast library, its entrance grand and imposing. Mu Yan made a mental note to explore it later once Qin Ying had left.
They strolled down the bustling streets when they noticed a commotion outside a nobleman's house. A young girl, around twenty years old, was being thrown out and beaten by the guards. They were relentless, and it seemed like they might beat her to death. Mu Yan's chest flared hot for a second when he looked at the girl, confusion washing over him. Not understanding the meaning behind it, Mu Yan decided to trust the coin, thinking there must be a reason behind it. But first, he should step in to save the girl.
"Stop!" Mu Yan shouted, stepping forward.
The guards paused, their eyes narrowing as they sized him up. "Who are you to interfere?" one of them sneered.
"Enough!" Mu Yan said firmly. "Why are you beating a poor girl?"
The guard smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yes, you are correct. She is poor. She and her mother owe our young master a debt that now she will have to pay after her mother passes away without paying."
"How much does she owe?" Mu Yan asked.
The guards showed disdain and said, "Fifty silver coins."
Mu Yan didn't hesitate as he handed over the coins. The guards exchanged surprised glances before releasing the girl. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.