"I see," Bai Yu said, processing the information about the Snow Moon Sect and Mei Ling's significant background. The dynamics of the region were clearly more complex than just the rivalry between the three city clans.
As Bai Yu digested this, Mei Ling blinked and finally got a proper look at Bai Yu now that the immediate danger had passed. Her gaze lingered on his features – the striking white hair, the sharp sword-like eyebrows, the pale skin, and especially the unique golden eyes. As she fully registered his handsome face, a faint blush crept up her neck and onto her cheeks. She quickly turned her face away, flustered, clearing her throat slightly.
Then she said, addressing both of them but avoiding direct eye contact with Bai Yu, "Before I lost consciousness... I managed to activate an emergency transmission talisman. I already contacted my sect. Given the circumstances... my father is most likely personally on his way here. He should arrive within a day or two, depending on how far we are from the sect."
Elder Jian nodded, understanding the implications. The arrival of a powerful Martial Grandmaster like Mei Rong would certainly ensure Mei Ling's safety, but it also meant their presence here would soon be known to another major power. "That is good news for your safety, Lady Mei Ling," he said calmly. "For now, both of you should focus on resting and curing your injuries. We will remain here until your father arrives or until Young Master Bai is fit to travel again."
The next half of the day passed relatively peacefully within the hidden cave. Bai Yu spent the time immersed in meditation, diligently absorbing Qi to heal his fractured ribs and internal damage, and slowly replenishing his Dantian. His recovery rate was faster than normal, but the injuries sustained from the berserk Shen Mo were severe. Mei Ling, meanwhile, rested, occasionally taking small sips of water and nibbling on some rations Elder Jian provided. From time to time, she would sneak furtive glances towards Bai Yu's meditating form, her blush returning whenever she caught herself looking too long at his face. Elder Jian remained watchful, ensuring their sanctuary remained undiscovered.
On the next day, the atmosphere in the cave felt lighter. Bai Yu's breathing was less ragged, and some color had returned to his face, though he still moved stiffly. Mei Ling, feeling considerably better after a night of rest, decided to clean herself up. Using a small stream trickling through a fissure at the back of the cave, Mei Ling carefully washed the dried blood and accumulated dirt off her face and hands.
As she returned to the main part of the cave, her appearance startled both Elder Jian and Bai Yu, who had just finished a round of meditation. Underneath the grime and blood was revealed a real beauty. She had long, flowing black hair that cascaded like silk, framing a delicate face. Her most striking features were her eyes – a captivating shade of deep blue,and overall, she possessed a fresh, cute face with fine features, now free from the marks of her ordeal.
Seemingly unaware of the effect her cleaned-up appearance had, she sat down gracefully near Bai Yu and offered him a polite smile. "Young Master Bai, you look like you could use a wash yourself," she suggested gently, nodding towards the stream. "You should wash up next."
Bai Yu blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sudden transformation from harried fugitive to stunning beauty. "Ugh... yes. Thank you. And... you can just call me Bai Yu," he said, feeling nervously flustered.
Heeding her suggestion, he heard her and carefully made his way to the stream, using the cool water to wash the layers of dried blood and dirt off his face, neck, and arms. The cool water felt refreshing against his bruised skin.
When he came back a few minutes later, his own striking features were now fully revealed – the pale skin cleansed, the sharp lines of his face unobscured, his golden eyes seeming even brighter against his clean skin. Now it was Mei Ling's turn to be astonished. Seeing him properly cleaned up, without the grim mask of battle and injury... "He's even more handsome now..." Mei Ling thought, her face turning a distinct shade of red.
She quickly turned around, busying herself with checking her own bandaged wounds. "Ah... I think I still have some lingering injuries," she stammered slightly, avoiding his gaze. "I... I should focus on healing them now." She immediately closed her eyes, pretending to meditate, though her rapidly beating heart betrayed her outward composure.