After provoking the holy maiden of Miao territory, she was infected with a love curse.

far away.

The reeds sway in the breeze.

Along the mighty river.

A large ship sailed in unimpeded.

The bandit in charge was quite satisfied. He turned to look at the bound Han Chinese, slowly rubbing a curved knife against the silver ornament on his sleeve.

"I'm telling you, if you behave, you'll have a few more days of peace. If you don't!"

"Then don't blame me for throwing you all into this river to feed the fish!"

This group of Han Chinese is of very high quality.

Few of them had any illnesses; most were young and strong.

In particular, there were a few who were incredibly muscular, and these were offered to the high priest as test subjects for poisons.

Isn't it beautiful?

The three women were tied together, back to back. They glanced at each other and whispered to each other.

"Is that the village... just ahead?"

"Yes, remember not to act rashly, and do everything according to the adults' orders."

Their purpose in coming here was to investigate the situation. If the Miao people in this bandit stronghold were not alert, then there would be nothing unusual.

Then tonight, we can take the Third Miss we found away.

Staying in this village for even one more day increases the danger.

Who knows what will happen in a few days?

Will the Third Miss fall victim to the wicked hands of the Miao women and become an ignorant and helpless puppet?

Thinking of this, the group pretended to be terrified, huddled together, and trembled.

...

In the side room.

Yin Huaixi was completely held in Sang Che's arms, unable to move at all, and her heart was pounding.

They jump incredibly fast.

I don't know if it's because Sang Che stirred up my emotions, causing them to become disordered...

The noise outside the window still made her uneasy.

He recalled what was written on the paper: "The time remains the same. Change your clothes and follow the fleet. You can leave the village safely and without worry."

Yin Huaixi wondered if the "fleet" mentioned in the letter had arrived.

If that's really the case.

Tonight is the best chance for her to escape!

Once this opportunity is gone, it's gone forever!

Reaching out her hand, Yin Huaixi gently stroked Sang Che's back, replying softly and tenderly, "A-Che, didn't I already tell you?"

"I will not leave you."

"Come on, let's change our clothes."

His tone was gentle yet firm.

Yin Huaixi spoke with absolute certainty.

She pulled on the collar of his clothes and helped Sang Che put them on.

Yin Huaixi hid the turbulent thoughts surging in her heart very well; she knew that if Sang Che were to find out…

Then what awaits her is likely to become a vessel for the Gu worms.

Sang Che: "Really?"

"Huaixi, I've heard that... you Han people value honesty and integrity above all else. I suppose... you wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

Who said that Han Chinese people value "honesty and integrity"?

These days, the city is full of tricks.

When fellow villagers meet, their eyes well up with tears; but it's not uncommon for them to stab each other in the back.

Yin Huaixi looked embarrassed for a moment, but Sang Che was blind and couldn't see the expression on her face.

"Hmm...of course."

"I don't know about others, but I... I definitely wouldn't lie to you."

Sang Che took a step forward, his nose touching Yin Huaixi's nose. She exhaled softly, her wide robe hanging loosely over her body, her clothes half-undone.

It's incredibly tempting.

"Huaixi, don't you Han people have a saying—'If you lie, you're a little dog'?"

Yin Huaixi: "..."

Yin Huaixi: "Yes, that's a statement."

If lying makes you a puppy, then you're a puppy!

With his hand pressing down on Yin Huaixi's shoulder, Sang Che seemed to be thinking of something, and a smug look was hard to suppress on his lips.

"Huaixi, if you ever lie to me again, you'll be my dog."

"Is that right?"

Really!

Can Sang Che please stop going too far?!

Now that she's touched the tiger's tail and is in a difficult position, Yin Huaixi knows that if she says something like "I don't want to be a dog,"...

Whatever kind of "punishment" they might face, they would resolutely choose to go down that path to the bitter end.

She forced back her embarrassment and nodded.

"Hmm, if I lied to you... Ah Che, I'll be your little dog."

...

Yiyun and Acai, who were waiting outside the door, had been listening intently, and this time they almost bit their tongues!

Yin Huaixi… How could this guy say such a thing!

That's just too shameless!

The two exchanged a glance and, in unison, stepped back.

If I stayed any longer, I had a feeling that I would hear some terrible noise behind me.

"Why does the Holy Maiden like that Han man so much? Even if... the High Priest said... it's just a prophecy after all, and besides, the idea of ​​past and present lives is too vague and unrealistic."

"It's not the same person."

Yiyun sighed helplessly, "Who knows? But the Holy Maiden is probably willing to maintain a good relationship with her because she doesn't want that person to suffer the backlash from the love potion, right?"

Upon hearing the words "love poison," Ah Cai slowed her pace. They were skilled in making medicine and using poison, and they also knew how to raise poisonous creatures.

However, compared to the Holy Maiden, their Gu worms are simply not up to par.

Even so, controlling a Han Chinese, a person from the Central Plains, is not a problem if one takes action.

Gu worms are not without side effects.

Raising a top-quality Gu can take anywhere from a few years, and the more powerful the Gu, the more severe its backlash.

Compared to "love potion", if two people fall in love with each other and secretly plant a love potion, the other person will be devoted to the other and will never change their heart even if the other person bullies them every day.

However, if the other party has no romantic feelings for you, or even harbors resentment, the love curse planted will backfire on them, leaving them with only a few years left to live.

Such examples are common in Miao villages and are frequently seen throughout Miao regions.

The village rules forbid harming fellow villagers, but outsiders are free to do whatever they want.

Even if someone dies, the elders and priests will not intervene.

Ah Cai looked up at the sky and said sadly, "Most Han people are glib-tongued, never speak the truth, are heartless and ungrateful, and abandon their wives and children. I hope the Holy Maiden can get her wish."

...

It was evening.

Yin Huaixi slipped out again to inquire about the ship.

As she expected, this ship was indeed the only "big cargo" that the group of pirates had recently seized.

"Young lady, let me tell you, the Han people on that boat are no good."

"From now on, when you see Han Chinese, avoid them!"

Looking at the auntie setting up her stall, Yin Huaixi squatted down and pretended to examine the mountain goods closely, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"I know, ma'am."

"Where will these Han Chinese be sent?"

The woman selling mountain goods didn't think much of it. Seeing that Yin Huaixi was wearing high-quality Miao clothing, she assumed she was from a clan and replied directly, "Naturally, it's for the High Priest. As for what the High Priest will do to these Han people, I have no idea."

"This is their punishment for trespassing on the sacred mountain; they deserve it!"

The scene of being chained in the cave flashed before her eyes again. This woman didn't know what the high priest would do to the Han people, but Yin Huaixi knew very well...

They will be made into containers for Gu worms, becoming vessels for raising Gu!

Her determination to escape grew stronger. She removed her fingers from the dried mushrooms and smiled lightly at the old woman.

He then stepped back and left the place.

Yin Huaixi had thoroughly explored the path leading to the dock over the past few days.

She only waited for night to fall and the moon to rise above the willow trees, then she could change into the clothes her second sister had sent her and board the boat.

Fly away.

...

He squatted in a secluded corner.

A small red snake was coiled around Sang Che's outstretched wrist.

As she fumbled with her fingertips, the little red snake took the initiative to unwrap the black cloth around its master's neck.

Inside, Han Chinese clothing and a wooden token were clearly visible.

That was the package that Yin Huaixi had hidden in preparation for her escape.