Unlike Xi Yi, Garo’s expression was foul—so foul that it gave her the impression that she had somehow offended him without realizing when.
Looking back at Xi Yi, his face was calm and composed, a stark contrast in demeanor.
Reaching out to take Xi Yi’s hand, Sha Yi decided to ignore Garo.
But before she could act on that decision, Garo stopped her—and Xi Yi along with her.
Before she could even speak, he blurted out angrily, “Why did you let Saina stay? And why did you treat him? Do you really have something going on with him?”
In that instant, she was certain that Garo was deliberately provoking her.
She didn’t know how he had learned about the past entanglements between her, Xi Yi, and Saina, but she could tell he was seizing the opportunity to stir trouble.
Though his relationship with Xi Yi wasn’t exactly harmonious either, compared to his feud with Saina, the latter was far more intense—a grudge that had persisted from the very beginning and had only worsened after recent events.
At this point, Kapa must have told him in detail about Saina’s situation. Garo seemed intent on dragging Xi Yi into the conflict, using him to suppress Saina. That’s why he deliberately brought it up in front of Xi Yi—to increase his chances of success.
But this time, Garo had miscalculated.
Because Xi Yi was already well aware of the matter. Garo had only focused on dredging up their unpleasant past, forgetting that without Xi Yi’s tacit approval, Saina would never have been allowed in.
Moreover, Xi Yi had spent the entire night guarding the path Saina would take.
When it came to understanding the situation, Xi Yi, who had witnessed everything firsthand, was far clearer than Garo. And even if Xi Yi harbored some resentment over past events, he still prioritized the bigger picture at critical moments.
Compared to Garo’s petty grudges, she found Xi Yi’s attitude far more reasonable—willing to let bygones be bygones in certain situations and always considering the greater good.
That said, given her current actions regarding Saina, it was impossible to say that Xi Yi wouldn’t be troubled at all. At the very least, she hoped for his support—after all, they were truly one.
So, when faced with Garo’s accusations, she felt that Xi Yi was the most qualified to decide and respond.
In the end, she turned her gaze to Xi Yi.
Xi Yi understood her meaning at a glance. Yet, far from showing displeasure, he instead tightened his grip on her hand and even gave her a gentle smile. “Whatever you decide, I have no objections.”
Xi Yi didn’t directly address Garo’s accusations. Instead, he simply reassured her with a brief statement—making it clear that he trusted her, supported her kindness, and stood firmly by her side.
Beside them, Garo was fuming. “Weren’t you the one who refused to let Sha Yi have multiple men? What’s the meaning of this? Don’t forget, if it weren’t for Saina’s betrayal and deception, would you and Sha Yi have fallen off that waterfall?”
The moment Garo spoke, she felt Xi Yi’s grip tighten abruptly. His body trembled slightly, as if his hatred had been fully roused. But just as she quickly looked up at him, he regained his composure.
Xi Yi still cared deeply about what Garo had mentioned.
As for Saina, he likely hadn’t forgotten the bone-deep betrayal—one that had nearly cost them their lives. The severity of it went without saying, affecting not just Xi Yi but her as well.
Xi Yi had protected her, putting himself at death’s door. If not for sheer luck and encountering Tuge, they might not have survived.
Garo’s words struck deep, and recalling them now was undoubtedly the most painful. It was hard not to feel resentment.
Yet, Xi Yi suppressed that fury and calmly replied, “And don’t you forget—you were the weapon that turned Saina’s betrayal into reality. Moreover, without your meddling, Saina might never have had the chance to betray us. If you had used your brain back then as much as you do now, perhaps neither side would have suffered so many sudden conflicts and grudges.”
His words left Garo stunned. After a long pause, Garo finally managed, “Are you blaming me? Back then, we were all on opposing sides—who could have known what the other was thinking?”
“If circumstances forced everyone’s hands, and everyone had their own reasons, why dredge up Saina’s past mistakes?” Frowning at Garo, Xi Yi spoke in a rare, solemn tone. “You were no different, and so was he. We all know the reasons behind it. Since it’s unpleasant, why bring it up again?”
“I just…” As if he had never seen Xi Yi so composed and rational before, Garo was completely shaken by his words. After hesitating for a long moment, he finally muttered, “I just can’t stand his reckless behavior. After all… I’ve always had a feud with him. Maybe in your hearts, because he was once with you, you think that as long as nothing major happens and he doesn’t repeat his past actions, it’s fine. But for me, it’s different. When it comes to Tuge, he crossed my bottom line.”
Xi Yi fell silent, his brow furrowed deeply.
The fact that these two could speak so calmly for this long was nothing short of a miracle. Normally, she had never seen Xi Yi try to reason with anyone besides her. Back then, he and Saina would fight at the slightest disagreement—and often.
Yet now, he could say such words to someone who was once half an enemy and now a rival in love. It showed just how much he valued her—and the bigger picture.
Xi Yi had never been one for many words, let alone such concessions. This was already his greatest compromise.
Naturally, she wouldn’t let his rare effort go to waste. “Garo, in this world, there are no eternal enemies. Just like you and us—our relationship was once just as hostile as yours with Saina. But now, haven’t we merged into one? Besides, your bottom line is Tuge, but Saina never actually harmed him. Why hold onto this grudge?”
“Even if he didn’t harm him, he still tied Tuge up!” Garo’s temper flared at the mention. “Tuge was so fragile back then—one wrong move could have cost him his life. How could I not care?”
“Then, when you conspired with the people from the old settlement to capture me, did you ever consider whether I’d hold a lifelong grudge against you?” Sha Yi pointed at herself, her expression serious. “I understand your bond with Tuge. But if I took your attitude, not just Tuge, but even you might not have the chance to stand here and speak now.”
Garo didn’t immediately retort. Instead, he fell into silence again—this time for a long while.
Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. Let’s consider this matter over. No one brings it up again, and no one holds it against the other. But this cooperation is a one-time thing. Once the issue with Yeli is resolved, Saina goes back where he came from. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee what I might do. You know the extent of his injuries. Sure, he’s far more cunning than I am—I admit that. But in my territory, he’ll never gain the upper hand!”
This was as close to reconciliation as they would get—at least for the time being.
It was exactly the outcome she had hoped for.
Relieved, Sha Yi quickly nodded. “Then it’s settled. No more hostility—even if we go our separate ways later.”
“Deal.” This time, Garo didn’t hesitate and nodded firmly. “So, what’s next? Another negotiation with Yeli?”
“Absolutely. Even if we don’t initiate it, I suspect Yeli will. After all, we still have Yelai.” Sha Yi didn’t beat around the bush. “At first, he might have just been testing us. Though he didn’t get what he wanted, his assumption that we wouldn’t dare harm Yelai was correct. But this time, things are different. He’s already ambushed Saina and cornered us. He must realize that prolonging the stalemate or letting things slide like before won’t work.”
“How so?”
“If pushed too far, it’ll backfire on him. He can’t control us, and he’s run out of patience and time to wait. So, cornering us is inevitable.” Before she could elaborate, Xi Yi took over. “Yeli’s side has its own problems. Aside from Kasan, the others might not be so easy for him to handle either.”
“Exactly, as Xi Yi said.” Sha Yi nodded in agreement. “And right now, the most crucial point is that Kapa is with us. Even if Yeli intended to kill Kapa, the injury landed on Saina. He wouldn’t have noticed Kapa’s deliberate move. Even if he suspects, he has no proof—and that’s enough to stir trouble with Kasan.”
“Are you saying we can take the lead?” Garo asked in surprise. “In negotiations?”
“Maybe not entirely. Right now, Saina’s injuries aren’t simple—he’s showing signs of poisoning.” Glancing at Xi Yi, Sha Yi couldn’t hide her worry. “It’s similar to the venom from those blood-sucking vines we encountered before. Even if we’ve stabilized him, it’s not a cure. We’ll have to demand the antidote from Yeli. That alone puts us at a disadvantage.”
“But you just said he doesn’t know about Kasan’s cooperation with us or that Kapa was captured on purpose.” Garo frowned. “Besides, we have Yelai injured too. He’ll want an exchange!”
“He’ll definitely offer the antidote in exchange.” Xi Yi interjected again, sighing. “But he’ll only trade for Yelai. And we all know the ‘shared fate’ claim is a lie. Forget whether Saina can hold on—we can’t gamble with Yelai’s life. We’re not here for a life-for-life trade.”
“This… really is my fault…”
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