Chapter 6:HOPE?
Luo Xin soon arrived at the farm, where her sisters, Qi Ningyi and Ai Jieya, were tending the fields.
"Sisters, good morning," Luo Xin called out.
Qi Ningyi looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Sister."
"Good morning," Ai Jieya added.
Jieya wiped her sweat and sighed. "Let's go over there—it's too hot here."
They both nodded.
The three walked toward a small cabin nearby and went inside to rest. They sat down, enjoying the shade.
After a moment, Ai Jieya spoke.
"What are you doing here, Sister? Have you finished your mission to collect dragon cores?"
Luo Xin nodded. "Yes. I'll give them to Sister Zi Xia later."
A brief silence followed.
Then Luo Xin spoke again.
"Sisters… can you come with me to find some herbs?"
The two looked at her, confused.
Qi Ningyi frowned slightly. "For what, Sister?"
"I'll explain later," Luo Xin said. "But can you help me? I need to find the herbs immediately."
Seeing her serious expression, they both nodded without hesitation.
"Alright."
They stood up and walked out of the cabin, heading toward the jungle.
As they walked, Luo Xin told them everything that had happened the previous night.
Qi Ningyi's eyes widened.
"What? A baby?"
Her face lit up with excitement.
"I want to see it!"
"Quiet," Luo Xin said quickly. "Shh…"
Ningyi lowered her voice.
"Then we should hurry," she whispered eagerly. "I really want to see that baby."
---
They searched the jungle, gathering herbs one by one.
Before long, they had collected a large amount.
Then suddenly, they noticed a cave ahead.
Ai Jieya narrowed her eyes. "I feel a strong presence inside that cave."
Luo Xin, as a healer, sensed something as well. Her expression changed instantly.
"That aura…" she whispered, stunned. "That's one of the rarest herbs in our world. Let's go check it out."
Qi Ningyi immediately shook her head. "No. Wait. I don't feel good about this."
"Let's just be careful," Luo Xin replied.
They slowly sneaked into the cave.
Inside, they saw it—
A glowing emerald herb floating in the air.
But it wasn't alone.
Five Demon Dragons surrounded it, guarding it silently.
Qi Ningyi whispered urgently, "Don't do anything stupid. Let's go. The herbs we have are enough."
Luo Xin shook her head, her voice soft but firm.
"Sister… this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can get that herb, we can heal the child completely… maybe even make him stronger. It could help us a lot."
Ai Jieya spoke in a low voice, "No, Sister. Let's leave now."
Luo Xin lowered her head slightly, her expression turning sad.
"If you don't want to help… I'll do it myself."
Qi Ningyi and Jieya exchanged glances.
They couldn't resist her expression.
"…Alright, alright," Ningyi sighed. "We'll do it. Together."
They placed their hands together.
"Let's go."
They quickly whispered a plan.
"I'll lure them," Qi Ningyi said.
---
Qi Ningyi quietly moved to the back entrance of the cave.
Then—
BOOM!
She made a loud noise.
The five Demon Dragons instantly awoke, roaring as they rushed toward the sound.
As they charged forward, they stepped onto the ground Ningyi had prepared.
A hidden scroll activated.
A slowing formation spread beneath them.
The moment they touched it, their movements became incredibly slow—almost frozen.
The Demon Dragons roared in fury, their voices shaking the cave. The ground trembled violently, and rocks began to fall.
Without wasting time, Qi Ningyi dashed back toward the main entrance.
By the time she arrived—
Luo Xin and Ai Jieya had already taken the glowing herb.
The three sisters looked at each other and smiled in relief.
"We got it."
Ai Jieya quickly spoke, "Sisters, let's go now!"
They turned and ran, escaping the cave as fast as they could.
---
Moments later—
Three men entered the cave.
They froze.
"No… no way…"
"The herb… the one we've been watching for days… it's gone?!"
All three dropped to their knees in disbelief.
Beside them, a small pet bird tilted its head and spoke mockingly.
"You deserve it, you scumbags."
The bird burst into laughter.
One of the men stood up angrily.
"I'll cook you right now, you damn bird!"
He immediately chased after it.
The bird flew away, still laughing.
---
While Luo Xin and her sisters returned to the cabin, they took a short rest.
Qi Ningyi sighed softly. "Let's rest for a while."
Both Luo Xin and Ai Jieya nodded.
After resting, they left the cabin and headed back home.
When they arrived, Zhao Xue immediately came out to help them and took the remaining herbs from their hands.
"You're back," she said calmly. "Where is the baby?"
Qi Ningyi's eyes lit up instantly. "Where is he?"
"On Luo Xin's room," Zhao Xue replied.
In an instant, Qi Ningyi rushed toward the room.
Zhao Xue then went to prepare food for everyone.
Inside the room, Qi Ningyi gently picked up the baby.
"…So cute…"
She smiled warmly.
"Is it a boy or a girl?"
"A boy," Luo Xin said.
Ai Jieya stepped closer and gently touched the baby's cheek, smiling softly.
"He's so cute… but he has so many scars."
She looked at the baby with pity.
"Don't worry, little one. We've gathered many herbs… even rare ones. We'll heal you."
Qi Ningyi gently kissed the baby's cheek.
"I'll protect you."
Ai Jieya also leaned in and kissed the other cheek.
"Me too."
Soon after, Zhao Xue brought food for everyone.
Luo Xin smiled. "Fried frost boar… this is my favorite."
Zhao Xue chuckled gently. "Eat well."
"Thank you, Sister Xue," Luo Xin said, and began eating.
Suddenly—
A voice echoed from outside.
"Good day, Madam Zi Xia!"
BOOM.
The door opened with pressure.
Zi Xia stepped inside.
The entire room instantly fell silent.
Outside, several men bowed repeatedly.
"Sorry, Madam! Sorry!"
Zi Xia ignored them and entered.
Everyone inside greeted her respectfully. "Good day, Sister Zi Xia."
She nodded once. "How are all of you?"
"We are fine."
"Good."
She turned slightly and looked around the room.
Then her eyes stopped.
Qi Ningyi was holding the baby.
The atmosphere instantly changed.
"…Who is that?"
Her voice turned serious.
"Qi Ningyi."
"…Is that your child? Are you hiding this from me?"
Qi Ningyi laughed awkwardly. "Ah—no, Sister Xia! It's not mine!"
Ai Jieya quickly added, "It's not hers… nor ours."
Zi Xia's gaze sharpened.
The air grew heavier.
"Then explain," she said coldly.
"…Whose child is it?"