26 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

As it turned out, the dragon never appeared again; it seemed that Ji Wu Nian's extensive preparations might have been overly cautious. There were rumors that a senior from Lingyun Hall accused her of abusing her position in the powerful Sanqing Sect to order around smaller factions, only to be sharply rebuffed by Ji Wu Nian. “If the Sanqing Sect were here, such incidents would never occur,” she had retorted. In the meantime, Yue Bai was recuperating and cultivating in the Sanqing Sect, often playing with Wan Wan. Without Ji Wu Nian forcefully drawing attention to her, she led a very leisurely life. The incident at Moon Harbor sparked a huge uproar among the immortal sects: a Nascent Soul elder was grievously injured, a dragon emerged, demonic cultivators flooded a city, and a mysterious woman saved the day. Each of these events was worth discussing in great detail. Every happening seemed to be connected to Liu Li in some way. It was expected that once he recovered somewhat, many would come to inquire and investigate. “They're all saying that the mysterious woman is infatuated with Immortal Liu Li,” Zhao Qi confided to Yue Bai, sharing the sect's latest gossip. “But it appears Immortal Liu Li is completely unaware of her existence… oh dear…” “I heard that the woman has formidable cultivation, stabbing down two Nascent Soul demonic cultivators with one sword stroke and rescuing Immortal Liu Li,” another young disciple chimed in. “What a classic story of a beauty saving a hero! Unfortunately... her heart belongs to Immortal Liu Li, but everyone knows Elder Liu Li is close friends with Immortal Ji…” “Ah,” another disciple joined the conversation, “I heard that Immortal Ji and the mysterious woman had a major fallout as soon as they met and even argued publicly!” “Wow,” exclaimed the first disciple, clearly amazed. “That intense? And to think Immortal Liu Li is caught between them…” “One could say he's quite lucky,” Zhao Qi laughed. “What do you think, Yie Er?” “...I didn't know I needed to comment on gossips about myself,” Jiu Yi responded coolly. “Immortal elders should have their own discretion,” Yue Bai smiled. “Yie Er,” the disciple who had spoken earlier nudged Yie Er's shoulder. “Tell us, between your master and that mysterious woman, who do you think will win Immortal Liu Li's heart?” Yue Bai didn't want Immortal Liu Li, “My master, I suppose.” “No, no, no,” Jiu Yi interjected from within Yue Bai's consciousness, joining the discussion. “In situations like these, the destined one usually wins.” The destined one didn’t want to win. Yue Bai remained notably silent afterward. These young disciples chirped endlessly about romantic escapades but gave no comment on the few magical artifacts she had brought out that day. Although her ability to slay two Nascent Souls garnered admiration and amazement, they seemed unaware of the specifics. Possessing precious treasures and revealing some of them had already made her feel unsafe when Pu Shi approached her that day. “Can’t you handle him?” Jiu Yi, clearly frustrated with Yue Bai's excessively low-profile behavior, grumbled, “You’re acting so timidly for someone in a story meant to be thrilling, constantly getting hurt even with your own things…” “Give me back my body,” Yue Bai retorted, “I can now roam the six realms with Ji Wu Nian, unrivaled.” “…If not for the fear of you being struck down by the heavens…” Jiu Yi muttered sheepishly. “Hand it back,” Yue Bai insisted, “I’ll even cut down Heaven itself.” “…You’re the boss, you’re amazing,” Jiu Yi conceded, feeling metaphorically wrinkled all over. “But the rules still need to be followed…” “Then you can’t blame me.” Yue Bai sighed, unwilling to bicker with Jiu Yi. “What was my cultivation back then, and what is it now? Even 'Green Peak' is now restrained. Not to mention the Xuan Wu Fu, Qiong Ying Whip, and Zhi Ge Bow... According to this world, each of these divine weapons requires at least a Nascent Soul level to wield even barely... If I’m too high-profile and attract greed, who knows how many pursuers it would bring?” A host lacking high enough level cannot use advanced equipment, also has to worry about it being stolen. “Don’t you have anything lighter to carry…” Jiu Yi grumbled, “Aren’t divine weapons supposed to assist the wielder…” Yue Bai felt like she was coaxing a child, “These weren’t burdens for me in the past…” The tale of a max-level boss forcefully reset to newbie status. The frustration of seeing superior gear in inventory but being unable to equip them. One couldn't ask why this boss didn’t leave herself a starter kit… Jiu Yi, after some contemplation, concluded that ordinary items did not match Yue Bai’s divine soul space. “Ugh…” Jiu Yi also worried. Despite Yue Bai’s many hacks, she suffered torment under Ji Wu Nian, was injured twice due to Liu Li, and lived nothing like a true boss. “Constantly getting hurt isn’t a solution…” “Better cultivation and a tempered body will solve it,” Yue Bai responded. “In four or five years, the expenditure from that day should be manageable.” …Isn't she essentially saying she’ll be a Nascent Soul in five years? A boss remains a boss. As Jiu Yi marveled, Yue Bai added, “Moreover, there are talents here, too. Look at Pu Shi that day… If he had attacked me right then, I couldn’t guarantee escaping unscathed.” Regardless of the outcome, being wounded was certain. “They are true human trackers,” Jiu Yi remarked. “My cultivation is still shallow,” Yue Bai sighed, “I should be even more cautious in the future.” *** Around a month later, Ji Wu Nian brought Liu Li back. During this time, Yue Bai cultivated diligently in Sanqing. Occasionally, she would go and take a glance at her from afar. Without any triggered missions or significant events, Yue Bai would watch and then return. Back at Sanqing, Ji Wu Nian reported to Zhao Zi Chen first, then brought Liu Li to his sleeping quarters. When she returned to Qinglin Hall, Yue Bai was feeding bamboo to Wan Wan. Bamboo was found at Baicao Peak, and ever since Yue Bai began raising pandas, disciples frequently brought bamboo over to see this rare cute creature. “Master.” Yue Bai saw her enter, standing up and letting go of the bamboo. Wan Wan promptly snatched the whole young bamboo stalk. At this moment, Jiu Yi still spoke within her consciousness, informing her that the task of protecting Liu Li was complete. Ji Wu Nian, not having seen her little disciple for a while, noticed she seemed to have matured slightly out of her sight. Her eyes remained dark and round, her face slightly more slender, nose bridge a bit higher, and stature seemingly a tad taller. Her former timidity had transformed into a more natural demeanor, and her mouth often curved in a gentle spring-like smile. Who could have thought she’d be someone who likes to peep from time to time? Ji Wu Nian approached, pulling Yue Bai into an embrace, her lips curling as she rubbed her head, saying, “Xiao Ye Er, let your master hug you. I missed you…” “Ma… Master,” Yue Bai’s hair was ruffled by the rubbing, feeling that this behavior was like a dog’s. “How did your tasks go?” “Not bad,” Ji Wu Nian continued to nuzzle closer, even bending down to be near Yue Bai's face. “Xiao Ye Er, did you miss your master?” Ignoring Jiu Yi’s whistling sounds, Yue Bai answered, “I did.” “Good girl,” Ji Wu Nian released her, patting her head. “Go, fetch some clothes.” Yue Bai didn't understand, looking at her, “Master?” “I'm exhausted from my journey,” Ji Wu Nian stretched lazily. “Let's take a bath together.” “…Yes.” *** Just back, and she’s already being put to work. Yue Bai had a disdainful view of Ji Wu Nian's claim of being tired while still demanding a meridian reformation treatment in the bath. Fortunately, Yue Bai had been diligently healing herself lately. Despite the severe injuries, her many miraculous pills and cultivation sped up her recovery, shielding her from Ji Wu Nian's detection. As Yue Bai now planned to assist Ji Wu Nian, reinforcing her cultivation could be more direct. She intended to improve her physique subtly enough for Ji Wu Nian to credit the enhanced results, thus escaping much of her abuse. Ji Wu Nian held her drained disciple close, not rushing to take her away. She allowed her to lean against her, rubbed her spasming muscles, and said approvingly, “Not bad, the wounds have mostly healed.” Yue Bai, too tired to speak, remained silent. “Yie Er, you didn’t cause any trouble while I was away, did you?” “…No,” Yue Bai replied weakly, eyes still closed. “I mostly stayed at Qinglin Hall…rarely went out…” “That’s good,” Ji Wu Nian scrutinized her deeply. “I went out this time due to the dragon’s appearance, Master's injury. But when we arrived, though the dragon had receded, we encountered a plot by Nascent Soul demonic cultivators to flood the city. If not for the assistance of a mysterious woman, Moon Harbor would have been in grave danger.” “…A woman?” Yue Bai feigned ignorance. “Hmm,” Ji Wu Nian nodded, recounting. “Apparently, she drove away the dragon and was quite close to Liu Li Shi Xiong, even risking her life to save him. Quite a story of deep affection. But Liu Li Shi Xiong claims not to know her. What do you think, Yie Er?” Yue Bai, still unsure where the rumored intimacy with Liu Li stemmed from, decided to venture, “Perhaps it was just a powerful individual lending a hand?” “Could it be possible she harbors unspoken love for my Master, too shy to reveal herself?” Ji Wu Nian suggested slyly. I didn’t, there’s none, you’re making things up. Yue Bai felt her eyebrow twitch. “...That, Yie Er wouldn't know.” But she saw an opportunity. “Master, what about you and Elder Liu Li...?” “Oh?” Ji Wu Nian tightened her hold. “Xiao Ye Er, learning to gossip too?” Gaining strength, Yue Bai opened her eyes slightly, the bathwater making them appear dewy. “Just heard rumors…” The girl's face was bashful and soft, slightly weak. Her previously pale complexion had turned rosy, softened by the steam, seeming somewhat ethereal. Ji Wu Nian kissed her brow, softly declaring, “Master and I are siblings, not destined to be Dao companions.” Yue Bai blinked, only to have her vision shielded by Ji Wu Nian. In no time, a moist, soft sensation enveloped her left ear as something warm and wet teased her earlobe. Yue Bai instinctively shrank back, trying to evade, but Ji Wu Nian held her tighter. "Master… you…" What are you doing? "Xiao Ye Er…" Ji Wu Nian lightly nipped at that blushing earlobe before burying her head in Yue Bai's shoulder. "Compared to Liu Li Shi Xiong, I'm actually more interested in that woman…” Jiu Yi exclaimed silently, “WTF.” Curled up in the water, Yue Bai stared at the water surface, her thoughts churning. "What does Master mean by 'interested'?" “The world claims she appeared for my senior brother,” Ji Wu Nian lifted her head, pressing her cheek against Yue Bai's as they both gazed at their reflections in the water. “But I believe she came for me.” The reflection showed gentle, tender eyes, staring directly into another pair. A delicate arm rose, breaking the water’s surface. The ripples dispersed, revealing a jade talisman. Xuan Wu. “What is this?” Yue Bai feigned ignorance. “This is the talisman she left behind that day,” Ji Wu Nian, tightening her embrace, whispered. "I’ve asked many, but none have recognized it. However, they all agree that it contains a powerful barrier, making it a rare and priceless treasure in this world.” Yue Bai tilted her head slightly, “Master?” The hesitative tone of her little disciple seemed to indicate genuine confusion about Ji Wu Nian’s intentions. Ji Wu Nian chuckled softly at Yue Bai’s innocent act. “On that day, I was battling those two demonic cultivators, nearly losing. Somehow, the woman swapped places with me, handed me the talisman, and faced the enemies herself. After rescuing my senior brother, she brought him back and then took out a bow, delivering a fatal strike. Those in Lingyun Hall think she acted out of deep concern for my senior brother, but I believe she was worried about my safety. She left this talisman specifically to protect me.” With a pinching grip on Yue Bai’s waist and belly, Ji Wu Nian noticed her squirm and laughed even more delightedly. “Xiao Ye Er, what do you think?” Although it was true that the woman came for her, the Xuan Wu talisman was simply an oversight, left behind in the chaos. Jiu Yi rolled her eyes metaphorically. “She’s trying to swindle your Xuan Wu talisman…” Yue Bai didn’t mind parting with the small Xuan Wu talisman, but this shameless behavior left her speechless. She wanted to rub her own sore waist but could only rest her hand on Ji Wu Nian’s arm. “If the person doesn’t come to reclaim it, Master indeed can keep it safe for now.” Ji Wu Nian's teasing hand had Yue Bai leaning every which way, unable to withstand the ticklish assault. Laughing, Ji Wu Nian finally relented. “Xiao Ye Er, will you watch the upcoming Ascension Tournament?” With the topic changed, Yue Bai couldn’t argue further, her tone somewhat stifled. “I will…” “Then stay with me…” Jiu Yi, who had been squealing at the oddly intimate scene, suddenly quieted down, notifying Yue Bai of a quest. “Quest triggered: 'Find the Demonic Cultivator Spy within the Sanqing Sect.'” Just then, Ji Wu Nian lifted Yue Bai out of the water, prompting a splashing sound. Yue Bai looked up to see Ji Wu Nian smiling radiantly at the sunset, the sinking sun casting a dazzling crimson glow on her face, even making her eyes shimmer with red light. Holding onto her clothes, Yue Bai clung to Ji Wu Nian, meekly complying with her care, exuding an aura of absolute docility.