Chapter Sixty: The Decision to Leave

Li Su carefully supported the drunken Yin Yao, watching her stagger as if she might topple at any moment. Yet, just as she was about to fall, she would sway back to her original position, leaving Li Su both amused and exasperated.

After politely bidding farewell to Chu Suyi and the others at the entrance of the tavern—his first time reaching out to them—Li Su shifted half of Yin Yao’s weight onto himself and they set off ahead.

As the two departed, their intimate posture caught the eye, and for reasons unknown, Chu Suyi felt a certain unease. He and Gu Xinyu supported each other, while Ye Mu and Ai Shuo, as husband and wife, followed behind. All four seemed to carry the haze of intoxication, weaving through the bustling street.

They entered the lively avenue, ablaze with lanterns and crowded with people, none paying attention to the four tipsy wanderers.

Ye Mu and Ai Shuo exchanged a glance and nodded, quickening their pace to catch up with the pair ahead. The night wind cooled their heads, and given their experience, it was hardly likely they would remain drunk for long.

“Suyi, Xinyu, Ye Mu and I have something to tell you,” Ai Shuo called out, stopping the two.

The pair turned, puzzled, and looked back at Ye Mu and Ai Shuo, who had halted in place.

Chu Suyi studied their expressions and spoke calmly, “Whatever it is, just say it. No need for formality between us.”

“Suyi, Ai Shuo and I have decided to leave for a journey. There are still three months before our plan, so we intend to go out and hone ourselves, fill in our shortcomings, and strengthen our abilities,” Ye Mu stepped forward to explain to his brothers.

“Yes, I believe that for this period, you and Xinyu will be more than enough! Besides, we have allies, don’t we?” Ai Shuo added, nodding solemnly in their direction.

“You’re leaving?” Gu Xinyu still couldn’t quite grasp it.

Chu Suyi, however, fell silent after hearing their words.

Seeing their reactions, Ai Shuo promised, “Yes, please trust us. We guarantee we’ll return at least five days before the plan is set in motion!”

Gu Xinyu said no more, thinking that Suyi would make the decision.

“Alright, when will you leave?” Chu Suyi considered and agreed. He believed Ai Shuo’s words; after more than two months of training, Ye Mu and Ai Shuo would surely return stronger, ready to help him further. Why not? As Ai Shuo said, he and Xinyu were more than sufficient here, and if necessary, their allies would be there.

Ai Shuo glanced at Ye Mu and said firmly, “We leave now.”

“I know this decision may seem abrupt, even unexpected for you, but Ai Shuo and I have been planning it for some time. We just took the opportunity to announce it today. Please understand, brothers,” Ye Mu explained, hoping to avoid any misunderstanding.

“Leaving now?!” Gu Xinyu cried out in surprise, truly unprepared for such urgency.

Looking at the calm faces of Ye Mu and Ai Shuo, Chu Suyi wondered what was on their minds. He was calmer than Gu Xinyu but still somewhat confused, though his reaction was less dramatic.

“Is it really necessary to leave now?”

“Yes, right now. Are you going to miss us?” Ye Mu and Ai Shuo replied in unison, feigning lightness.

Their suddenly cheeky tone left Gu Xinyu speechless—these two! Chu Suyi couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes, yes, we’ll certainly miss you!” Gu Xinyu retorted, raising his voice.

The four burst into laughter, drawing the attention of passersby.

“We’re off—take care, both of you!” Ye Mu and Ai Shuo clasped hands, used their lightness skill, and soared into the air, leaving without a backward glance.

“Take care!”

Gu Xinyu, feeling the stares around them and seeing the two disappear from sight, ground his teeth in frustration. Chu Suyi, equally helpless, patted his brother’s shoulder. The two exchanged a knowing glance and quickly vanished into the crowd.

…

“Master, Ghost Doctor and Venomous Charmer have left!” A man in black knelt, fist to chest.

“Very well. You may go,” Li Su nodded slightly. The unlit room felt heavy, the air thick with gravity. Yin Yao, seated by the window, had said nothing since their return.

In truth, Yin Yao was not drunk; she had been feigning it. Her plan had succeeded with its first step, and what followed would be easier. Yet her heart was inexplicably calm, and with it came silence.

With a soft sound, something flashed at Li Su’s fingertips and the candle on the table flared to life. Li Su looked at the silent Yin Yao, knowing she was deep in thought and best left undisturbed.

Yin Yao gazed out the window, lost in contemplation. She had heard the subordinate’s report; Li Su was likely waiting for her opinion.

“Yao’er, what do you think?” Li Su spoke softly, as if fearing to startle her.

“Leave, you mean?” Yin Yao repeated quietly, as if speaking to herself, pondering why those two had departed so suddenly.

“Yes, they have left. Are you wondering why?” Li Su’s understanding was clear, his question carrying a hint of probing.

Yin Yao seemed not to notice his intent. She smiled lightly, speaking slowly, “Yes, I do wish I knew what prompted them to leave.”

“It seems they’ve gone to travel and train themselves. In any case, with Gu Xinyu and Chu Suyi remaining, it should be enough,” Li Su replied, dismissing the probing tone and stating his judgment.

Yin Yao nodded thoughtfully, but in her heart, she felt things were not so simple. Her intuition told her Ye Mu and Ai Shuo’s departure was, in part, related to herself. They carried guilt, feeling they had let her and Ji Xuanyu down. This departure was likely to avoid further awkward encounters.

Li Su suppressed his curiosity as he observed Yin Yao’s serene expression, and asked his own question, “What should we do?”

Yin Yao looked up at Li Su, “Send a few strong, trustworthy people to protect them in secret.”

“Why? Won’t Chu Suyi send his own?”

Li Su seemed to understand, but not fully.

“Ji Muyu will surely learn of their departure and will send assassins. This is a rare opportunity—he won’t let it slip. As for Chu Suyi, their actions and ours do not conflict,” Yin Yao’s intuition was sharp, and her reasoning sound.

“Alright!” Li Su greatly admired Yin Yao’s foresight. He called out toward the door, “Li Yue.”

A man in dark blue entered the room and knelt, “Master.”

“Rise. Li Yue, take a few men and personally protect the Ghost Doctor and Venomous Charmer. Ensure their safety, and do not reveal your identities.”

“Yes, as you command!”