The man led her out of Yu Family Village, weaving past several winding, hidden alleys, and stopped at a civilian residence. "Unchanging, go prepare some warm water and medicine for the injuries," he said softly as the door was just opened. The familiar voice and name stirred her awareness, prompting her to steady herself with the last remnants of strength and lift her gaze toward the composed, composed young lord. "Lord An, thank you so much!" She hadn't expected him to be the one who saved her—did he not trust her? Gently gripping his arm, Yun Rao managed to force a smile. "Lord An, even if I unfortunately pass away, the麒麟ring will still be delivered as agreed..." "Silence," he said calmly, cutting her off. "Your injuries are serious—speak less and conserve your strength." "Thank you..." She managed a small smile, already using up all her strength. "Thank you, Lord An." Her body could no longer support her, and she allowed herself to fall unconscious into An Ziyuan's arms. He carried her back to her room. Wu Chang had already brought in warm water and gauze bandages. "Set everything down and then go," said An Ziyuan, his brow slightly furrowed as he stared at the cold arrow that had pierced Yun Rao's chest. His words, however, were directed at Wu Chang. Wu Chang was momentarily taken aback. "Lord, would you like to personally remove the arrow from Lady Yun? That spot... what if she wakes up and insists on marrying you, clinging to your honor?" After all, women usually valued their reputation more than their lives—having her body seen by the lord would surely make her depend on him for her dignity. The very thought of such a situation made Wu Chang feel it would be inappropriate for the lord to handle it himself. "Lord, I'll go fetch a physician. There's one right on the street outside—his medical skills are..." Her words were cut off as An Ziyuan interrupted sharply, "Go!" Wu Chang glanced carefully at An Ziyuan. The man's face, as smooth and refined as jade, was calm and composed, yet carried an unspoken authority that made him feel compelled to obey. He nodded and hurried out, making sure to close the door behind him. An Zi yuan watched as the garments on Yun Rao’s body had been stained with blood, now slightly dark and coagulated—clear signs of poisoning. With a subtle press of her lips, she gently unfastened her sash, lightly shifting the fabric aside, then applied steady pressure with her hands to tear open the clothing at the wound site, carefully lifting the edges aside. The arrow had pierced slightly above her left chest, so when she removed it and treated the wound, she inevitably had to unfold the fabric on that side. Though mentally prepared, seeing the snowy, porcelain-like skin now before her—especially when, as she lifted the fabric, the delicate rose-tinted peak brushed lightly against the palm of her hand—An Zi yuan stiffened momentarily, her throat tightened, her mouth slightly dry. Her gaze involuntarily lingered on that single spot of rose hue against the snowy peaks, before she slightly awkwardly shifted her eyes away. Closed her eyes, regulated her breath, steadied her mind, and dispelled the纷杂 thoughts. An Zi yuan skillfully and efficiently removed the arrow, treated the wound, then took her pulse. With a slightly furrowed brow, he pondered thoughtfully, gazing at her still unconscious form, adjusted her garments, and then administered a pill to detoxify her. After a series of attentive actions, it had been one incense stick's time. Within half a day, Yun Rao had already awakened, her recovery speed surprising An Zi yuan slightly—she seemed to have made every effort to avoid prolonged unconsciousness. As her eyes opened, she instinctively reached out and tucked her hand behind her. "I've taken your pulse." A clear, gentle voice resonated at that moment. Yun Rao's hand, which had been about to withdraw, slightly stiffened before she gently released it and turned to look at An Zi yuan standing facing the window, back to her. "Your pulse is weak—almost imperceptible. This condition typically occurs in either someone on the verge of death or already deceased, or in an extraordinary master who skillfully conceals their pulse by regulating their internal energy." "Say that, and slowly turning, An Zi yuan's dark, deep eyes remained fixed on her pale face, his voice still light and gentle, "Which type of person do you belong to?" "I...," her hands, previously drooping at her ears, slightly curled as she lowered her gaze, after a while, spoke softly, "I don't quite fit into any category. I've merely been practicing a secret technique from the Yōmei Sect—one that can easily alter a person's pulse." An Zi yuan glanced at her, then suddenly said, "The poison from the cold arrows has been cleared. Your injuries this time are serious. Rest here for a few days and recover well." "Thank you, sir." "Rest well." With those words, An Zi yuan had already departed. Staring at the closed door, Yun Rao stood motionless for a while before finally turning her gaze away, lifting her right hand and gently touching her pulse, then slowly lowering it. An Zi yuan sent for medicine shortly afterward. Knowing her injuries couldn't be delayed, she took the medicine willingly and cooperatively. The medications and dietary supplements he prescribed were all of the highest quality, specifically designed to aid her recovery. As a result, her injuries healed remarkably quickly—within just ten days, she was able to get out of bed and move about freely. Approaching him, Yun Rao sat down across from him with a gentle smile and inquired. "I'm just idle, nothing much to do," An Ziyuan replied calmly, lifting his gaze to her face. "Better now?" "Yes, yes, I'm much better now, thank you so much for saving me," Yun Rao said with a smile, lowering her eyes to the chessboard on the table. A sudden urge to play came over her. Seeing him holding a white piece, she reached out and picked up a black one with her fingers, placing it down—immediately transforming the once-stuck black piece into a new, promising position. An Ziyuan's eyes seemed to flicker with a moment of surprise as he looked at her. "You also play chess?" "Yes, my father used to teach me when I was young..." She paused suddenly, a sense of bewilderment crossing her face—she couldn't recall ever having used the words "father" and "king" before, yet they now flowed so naturally. "What's wrong?" sensing her unusual hesitation, An Ziyuan asked. "Nothing... nothing at all." Shaking her head, Yun Rao blushed slightly and replied, watching as he placed a white piece on the board, smiling, "Your chess skills are quite refined." An Ziyuan's lips curled gently, a quiet acknowledgment of her praise. "Why has Lady Yun been so determined to steal the Ziyun Pill from Yu Family's manor?" He picked up a white piece, speaking casually. "As far as I know, while the pill can neutralize a variety of toxins, it only addresses minor ones. Given Lady Yun's deep expertise in toxic substances, one would expect her to find it rather unimpressive. Yet, why has she willingly risked her life for such a modest remedy?"