174 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 174: Xiao Mo, I'd Rather You Scold Me... Listening to the woman's words, Xiao Mo felt a shiver run through his spine and quickly declined, "That's really unnecessary." The woman laughed, "You little kid, being a young husband here means you won't have to worry about food or clothes. And when you grow older, any of the ladies at the Fragrant Pavilion, if they’re willing, could entertain you." Xiao Mo's brows twitched. You're only telling me the benefits, but are deliberately omitting those who are here for less savory reasons. "Enough, enough. When you've thought it over, you can come find me. Here's a map marking the location of the Danyang Sect. I like your looks, so I'll give it to you for free," she said, taking out a map from behind the counter. "Thank you, sister." Afraid she might change her mind and forcefully pull him in, Xiao Mo took the map and quickly left. Xiao Mo reported his findings to Jiang Xin. Hearing that Sister A Zi was safe, Jiang Xin sighed with relief, clearly pleased. To this kind-hearted girl, as long as Sister A Zi and the others were safe, everything was fine. However, Xiao Mo found it rather odd. Was Sister A Zi a disciple of the Danyang Sect? If she wasn't, why would she go there? If she was a disciple and was returning for some matters, why take the other children with her? Could it be to take them as disciples for better development opportunities? But why not wait for Jiang Xin? Jiang Xin was merely out gathering herbs at the time and would soon return. It felt as if A Zi was avoiding Jiang Xin. "Xiao Mo, thank you for feeding me these days. I’m going to the Danyang Sect." As Xiao Mo was lost in thought, Jiang Xin spoke to him. "Are you sure you want to go?" Xiao Mo frowned, not really wanting Jiang Xin to leave. "I have to go," Jiang Xin said slowly, "Sister A Zi and the others are my family; they took care of me for so long. Even if Sister A Zi doesn't want me anymore, I should properly say goodbye. Moreover, I'm not sure if the people going to the Danyang Sect are truly Sister A Zi. Only by going there can I truly be at ease." "Alright," seeing her stubborn gaze, Xiao Mo relented, "Let's buy some dry rations and set off for the Danyang Sect tomorrow." "Xiao Mo, I can go by myself. You don’t need to come with me," Jiang Xin quickly said, waving her hands. "No worries, we agreed before that if there was news about your Sister A Zi, I would accompany you. I’ve got nothing else to do." Xiao Mo insisted. "It's decided then. I'll go with you. Otherwise, you might not even survive." With that, he walked ahead, leaving Jiang Xin with no choice but to follow. Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Xin placed a gentle hand over her heart, her clear eyes blinking softly. "What are you dawdling for? Let’s go," Xiao Mo called back to her. "I'm coming..." The little girl hurried to catch up. In the market, Xiao Mo and Jiang Xin bought a donkey. Despite the relatively high cost — three taels and two coins — even in a place like Luofeng City, the donkey was quite docile. Then, Xiao Mo stocked up on a variety of dry foods and clothing, which the little donkey carried. After their shopping, Xiao Mo didn't linger in Luofeng City. He returned to the village, retrieved a pouch of broken gold, and set off with Jiang Xin on the donkey towards the Danyang Sect. Occasionally, Xiao Mo urged the donkey with a whip, making it quicken its pace. After covering twenty li from Luofeng City, Xiao Mo glanced back, assured they weren’t being followed, and finally relaxed, letting the donkey rest. "Xiao Mo, why the rush?" Jiang Xin asked, puzzled. "Silly girl, two kids like us buying so many goods could attract attention from wrongdoers." The primary reason, in fact, was Xiao Mo’s concern about Master Fang. Two vagrant kids making such purchases could easily get talked about and reach Master Fang's ears. Fortunately, nothing happened. Even if Master Fang learned later, it’d be of no consequence, as they wouldn't return to the village anyway. "Have something to eat; this is our dinner." Xiao Mo handed Jiang Xin a large bun. She shook her head, "Xiao Mo, you have the bun. I'll just have the steamed bread." "It’s fine; I recently made a good haul with my brothers, so money isn't a concern." "I’m okay with the steamed bread," Jiang Xin insisted. "Just eat it, will you? Why are you being so troublesome?" He tossed the bun into her lap. "Will you eat it or do you want me to get angry?" "I... I'll eat..." Startled by Xiao Mo’s stern tone, Jiang Xin hurriedly picked up the bun and began eating it bite by bite. Xiao Mo also picked up a bun to eat. After a while, Jiang Xin tugged at Xiao Mo's sleeve. He turned to her, "What is it?" With eyes like liquid pools, Jiang Xin spoke softly, "Xiao Mo, I finished eating. Please don’t be angry..." "Have two more, and I won’t be," he replied. "But I’m really full..." "Finish them!" "Oh... oh... okay..." Left with no choice, Jiang Xin resumed eating the buns. As she continued, she mumbled softly, "You promised you wouldn't bully me..." "What did you say?" Xiao Mo turned to ask. She straightened up, shaking her head like a little drum bell: "Nothing..." Xiao Mo didn’t press further, passing her a gourd, "Have some water." He found Jiang Xin’s occasional stubbornness amusing, but teasing her a bit seemed to always make her comply. "Are you full? Want another one?" Xiao Mo asked after she finished three buns, noting her round belly. "I’m full. Really full," she quickly assured him, not able to eat another bite. "Alright then, let’s continue on." He stood, dusting off his clothes, and led the little donkey forward. "Xiao Mo, wait for me..." Jiang Xin hurried after him. Under the setting sun, Xiao Mo studied the map while Jiang Xin fed the donkey grass. The sun cast a long shadow of their figures. Jiang Xin glanced at Xiao Mo's profile every now and then, as if wanting to say something. Each time, however, words seemed to swallow back down. After several attempts, she finally gathered courage and called softly, "Xiao Mo." "What is it?" He yawned. "Would... would you leave me?" she asked gently. "No," Xiao Mo answered decisively while contemplating the map, without a hint of hesitation. Her lips curled slightly, a warm feeling blossoming in her chest, bolstering her courage further: "Then, Xiao Mo, could you not scold me?" He looked at her, "Choose between me scolding you or leaving you." "…" The girl blinked rapidly, conflicted, and lowered her head to walk. Amused, Xiao Mo chuckled inwardly, finding her quite delightful to tease. Her cuteness and gentle nature made it irresistibly tempting to "bully" her. As it grew darker and Xiao Mo pondered where to spend the night, Jiang Xin gently tugged his sleeve. "Xiao Mo," she whispered. "Hmm?" "I... I’ve decided..." "Decided what?" "Xiao Mo, I'd rather you scold me..."