Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 11: Journey

An hour later, the spiritual boat descended onto the Su family branch courtyard.

Su Kang stepped out first, his gaze sweeping the surroundings before turning back. He extended his hand, offering Bai Yunxi silent support.

Once they landed, Su Kang's voice broke the quiet.

"Miss Bai, you'll need to hide your identity from now on. If the enemies of the Li family catch wind of your whereabouts... they may not strike openly, but underhanded methods are harder to guard against."

A shadow flickered across Bai Yunxi's face—old memories stirring beneath his words. She had tasted the bitterness of those methods before.

"I understand." Her voice was calm, but the tightness in her fingers betrayed lingering scars.

"For convenience... and to avoid suspicion, how about I address you as Miss Bai from now on?" Su Kang's voice was calm, yet his gaze flicked toward her, observing her reaction.

Bai Yunxi's brows knit together. The title sounded —almost distant. Decades had passed since anyone addressed her like that.

Noticing her hesitation, Su Kang's voice softened.

"It's not meant as disrespect, Madam. In the cultivation world, age holds little meaning. Even those centuries older might call me 'Senior' if my strength surpassed theirs. This is merely... practical."

"Very well. Miss Bai it is." She nodded.

Su Kang exhaled quietly, relief flickering in his dark eyes. He quickly arranged a comfortable room for her before retreating to his own courtyard.

The moonlight spilled through the windows as Su Kang immersed himself in cultivation.

The technique he practiced was one he had obtained in his previous life—an Illusionary Dream Art scavenged from a demon cultivator's storage ring.

He had only studied it for a few months, deeming it unsuitable for combat. But its true value lay elsewhere—in information gathering.

He spent the night immersed in practice, the intricate movements and subtle energy manipulations of the technique slowly coming back to him.

"Basic proficiency..." Su Kang muttered, a hint of satisfaction in his hoarse voice. "A few more days... and I can reach small success."

For ordinary Qi Refining cultivators, his current proficiency would suffice—but Bai Yunxi's fate was far from ordinary. He would not take unnecessary risks.

Morning light poured into Bai Yunxi's courtyard, dappling the blooming jasmine with gold.

Su Kang found her there—silent, her delicate fingers tracing the petals as if lost in thought.

"Let's eat," he said simply, gesturing toward the stone table where servants had already laid out breakfast.

Bai Yunxi joined him, her movements measured. Su Kang's gaze swept over her hands—slight tremors danced at her fingertips.

"We'll leave for Liyun City this evening."

Bai Yunxi nodded, her voice quiet. "I understand."

After breakfast, Su Kang handled clan matters in the hall, instructing Su Lang and Su Cheng about his departure. He left Bai Yunxi's presence unmentioned.

Some things were better left unspoken.

By evening, the spiritual boat hovered at the courtyard once more.

"We're ready to leave, Miss Bai."

Bai Yunxi stepped forward, her face calm—yet the subtle tension in her shoulders betrayed the unease beneath.

Inside the cabin, the faint hum of spiritual formations filled the air. A boat moved in the sky.

"Are you hungry?" Su Kang asked a few hours later in casual tone.

Cultivators rarely needed food, but spiritual meals were different. Bai Yunxi's body still lingered at the Qi Refining realm—nourishment could strengthen her blood and qi.

"A little," she admitted.

Su Kang's lips curved into a small smile. "Good. I brought some ingredients... Any preferences? Spicy? Savory?"

Bai Yunxi's eyes widened faintly. The unexpected consideration left her momentarily at a loss.

"Perhaps....a light soup?"

Su Kang nodded without hesitation.

"Good... I'll add second-level spirit fish. Good for blood qi."

He moved with practiced ease, retrieving ingredients from his spatial ring. His spiritual energy flowed like an invisible blade, filleting the fish with deft precision.

Bai Yunxi stood awkwardly for a moment before finally gathering her courage.

"May I... assist?"

Su Kang glanced at her, then nodded. "If you wouldn't mind. Low heat, slow simmer for the mushrooms."

Bai Yunxi took the mushrooms, her fingers steady as they worked. The simple act of preparing food grounded her—reminding her of distant days when life had been simpler.

As the soup simmered, the cabin filled with a warm, earthy aroma—mushrooms, spirit fish, and fragrant herbs blending into a delicate harmony.

When Bai Yunxi took the first sip, her eyes widened slightly. The faint surprise that flickered across her face made Su Kang's lips quirk.

"This is... delicious," she murmured, a genuine smile gracing her pale features.

"Then you can order more food next time." Su Kang's voice carried a light, teasing note.

With the current speed of the spiritual boat, the journey to Liyun City would take around two weeks.

However, Su Kang intended to prolong it further—three weeks at the very least. He needed time.

As they ate, Su Kang subtly guided the conversation, asking about Qin City, her daily life, her likes and dislikes. His questions seemed casual, but every word was carefully measured.

"Why... so many questions?" Bai Yunxi's brows furrowed slightly, curiosity flickering in her dark eyes.

"Just... making sure you're comfortable, Miss Bai." Su Kang's reply was smooth, his tone gentle.

"I want to... accommodate your needs during our journey."

Bai Yunxi's heart softened. The sincerity in his eyes stirred something within her—a quiet warmth. For years, few had ever asked what she needed, let alone cared.

"My son... truly made the right choice in choosing you as his friend." Her smile was faint but genuine.

She answered every question without reservation. The night stretched on as they talked, the unfamiliar sense of ease lingering between them.

The next afternoon, Bai Yunxi emerged from her room. Su Kang, sitting cross-legged on the deck, opened his eyes.

"Do you need anything?"

"No... I'm just here for some fresh air." Her voice was calm, but there was a trace of restlessness beneath it.

Having reached the peak of Qi Refining, mere indoor meditation offered little benefit. Consolidating her foundation required balance—both body and mind.

Su Kang's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke.

"We could... stop at a few cities along the way." His voice was casual, as if the idea had only just occurred to him. "It's autumn. Many mortal towns will be holding harvest festivals."

Bai Yunxi's steps faltered. She glanced at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

Travel? Was it necessary?

Before she could refuse, Su Kang's voice came again, softer this time.

"You haven't... traveled much, have you, Miss Bai?"

Her silence was answer enough.

"Perhaps... a change of scenery would be... beneficial?"

Bai Yunxi's lips parted slightly, then closed. Memories stirred—years spent behind the high walls of the Li family estate, the vibrant world outside slipping further away with each passing season.

After a long pause, she finally nodded.

"You might be right..."

A smile flickered across Su Kang's lips—satisfaction hidden beneath polite restraint.

By evening, Su Kang found a small city nestled between rolling hills, the warm glow of lanterns lighting up the dusk. Using his spiritual consciousness, he scanned the streets—a mortal city, bustling with life and laughter.

He slowed the boat, letting Bai Yunxi peer out at the lively scene below.

"What do you think?"

Bai Yunxi's gaze lingered on the distant lights. The sound of music and faint laughter drifted through the night air.

"Let's take a look."

Su Kang didn't hesitate. He guided the boat down, landing just outside the city gates.

Colorful lanterns swayed overhead, painting the streets in warm hues. Children ran through the alleys, laughter echoing between the stalls.

Su Kang masked their presence with a flick of his consciousness as they entered the city. But as they walked deeper into the market, he gradually lifted the concealment.

Eyes turned toward them—some curious, others filled with admiration. Bai Yunxi's steps faltered slightly under the weight of those gazes.

Su Kang noticed. Without a word, he shifted closer, his calm presence a silent reassurance.

He stopped in front of a jewelry stall draped in silk cloths. Delicate hairpins and jade ornaments glittered under the lantern light.

His gaze lingered on a silver hairpin—its design simple, carved with a blooming plum blossom.

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"How much?" he asked.

The shopkeeper, a plump middle-aged woman with laugh lines around her eyes, brightened at the sight of them.

"Six silver taels, young master. My daughter crafted it herself. A fine piece—perfect for a beautiful lady such as yours."

Bai Yunxi's cheeks flushed faintly at the misunderstanding, but Su Kang remained composed.

"I'll take this... and these as well." He picked out a few more trinkets—nothing too extravagant, but each piece carefully chosen.

When he reached into his spatial pouch, only gold coins spilled into his palm.

"I don't have silver with me." His voice was calm, almost indifferent. "Take this... no need for change."

The woman's eyes widened, mouth agape. She clutched the gold with trembling hands.

"T-Thank you, young master! Such generosity... may your love blossom like spring flowers!"