"Thank you for your precious technique."0

This was no time for cultivation. Tucking the jade slip away, An Jing turned to Huo Qing, who sighed with visible relief. His eyes held a peculiar, unreadable glint. Calling it a "rescue" was a stretch. Beyond briefly treating his wounds, An Jing's later involvement had little to do with the man's survival.1

Huo Qing had entered the city with him and shared a meal, which should have been the extent of it. At most, a small reward of merits might have been expected, but certainly nothing as significant as the gift of a secret technique.0

This level of gratitude felt excessive. Upon further reflection, An Jing noticed other aspects of Huo Qing that were amiss. Huo Qing wasn't particularly strong. He was a Silk Essence cultivator on the verge of the River Essence Stage, yet his foundation was solid and his body robust.0

Huo Qing's haggard and dark complexion...0