With the immediate danger averted, Huang Di knew he had to act swiftlyâbut with caution. He turned to the young ladies, who were still visibly shaken, and asked in a calm voice:
"Ladies, are you able to run on your own, or do you need help?"
The women, still stunned by what they had just experienced, exchanged glances before returning their attention to the man who had rescued them.
One of the maidens, Saraâslender, with a generous bust, platinum blonde hair, pale skin, and dressed in light garments adorned with fake jewelsâspoke bluntly:
"And how can we trust you? With that appearance... how do we know youâre not just another bandit trying to take advantage of us? Or worse, part of the whole scheme yourself?"
Huang Di, feeling a flash of irritation, clenched his fist but took a deep breath, reminding himself of the importance of composure. Before he could respond, Miu Hio, the young mistress, stepped forward:
"How many times must I tell you, Sara, not to judge people by their looks?"
She scolded her with a sharp glance, then turned to Huang Di with a look of gratitude mixed with curiosity.
"I apologize on her behalf. May I ask the name of the one who saved us?"
Sensing the need to remain discreet, Huang Di chose to use an alias:
"You may call me Raizan."
Miu Hio nodded, relief softening her expression.
"Raizan, I believe the most important thing now is to leave this place and inform my family about what happened. This must be a trap set by rival families trying to destabilize us. Theyâre always looking for ways to strike."
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"We need to return home immediately. And Iâm certain my family will offer a proper reward for your service. We do not like owing favors."
Though reluctant to accept a reward, Huang Di realized that refusing could raise suspicions.
"Very well. Iâll accompany you until youâre safe," he replied. "But not for a rewardâmerely for good karma. Amitabha."
Sara, still skeptical, narrowed her eyes.
"Youâre a monk?" she asked. "Because ever since you appeared, your eyes havenât exactly looked... restrained."
Maintaining his composure, Huang Di answered:
"No, I am not a saint. But I do seek to accumulate good karma. Amitabha."
His answer didnât convince Sara, who continued to eye him with suspicion.
Huang Di, though unfamiliar with the family dynamics of the city, sensed that the situation was more complex than it appeared.
"I understand," he said. "Letâs move quickly. The sooner youâre safe, the better."
Sara remained wary but kept her doubts to herself as the group began moving swiftly toward the Mio family estate. Huang Di led the way, with the others following in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Their silence was broken when Miu Hio spoke again:
"Sir Amitabha, weâre supposed to go this way." She pointed in the correct direction.
With a calm expression, Huang Di replied:
"Yes. Amitabha."
And he adjusted his course.
As they approached the mansion, the ladies began to feel more confident and at ease in Huang Diâs presence. Miu Hio felt gratitude and growing curiosity about the man who had saved them. She decided that, once they were safe, she would ask her father to offer him a proper reward, perhaps even invite him for a longer conversation.
However, as they neared the estate, they were surrounded by family guards emerging from all directions. The family butler, noticing the disheveled appearance of the young ladies and the presence of an unknown man, immediately took a defensive stance.
"What is going on here?" he asked, eyeing Huang Di warily.
Before tension could rise further, Miu Hio stepped forward and explained:
"This man saved us from a group of kidnappers. He brought us back safely."
The butler, still cautious, scanned Huang Di from head to toe before slowly nodding.
"Very well. Letâs go inside and speak with the head of the family."