37 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

On the second day, Yue Bai found herself once again at Ji Wu Nian's side. Liu Li was extremely busy, and increasingly so. Ling Zhou's incidents were blown out of proportion, with the theft of the Cold Sword from the Wu Ji Palace making headlines far and wide within a single day. It was also revealed that the Palace Master, Yuan Jiu, was secretly traveling north and was not present, raising suspicions about Ling Zhou's impeccable timing and covert actions within the restricted area of Wu Ji Palace. It was suspected that there might already be a demonic spy within Wu Ji Palace or someone, like Qi Feng before, who has been contaminated by demonic energy. Last night, Liu Li had also received a telepathic message from Ji Wu Nian, stating that rumors of demonic energy were spreading in Kun Mi, with even ordinary people possibly coming into contact and going mad. Yue Bai leaned against the doorframe, watching as Ji Wu Nian, already out of bed, was drawing something at the table. A sidelong glance revealed it to be a map with several circles marked on it. A bluebird flew in through the window, landing on Ji Wu Nian's brush holder. Ji Wu Nian looked up slightly, and the bluebird bowed its head in greeting. The map folded itself, shrinking down to the size of a fingernail, and flew into a bamboo tube attached to the bird's leg. Yue Bai moved slightly, watching the bluebird spread its wings and fly away. "No pressing matters today," Ji Wu Nian smiled as she walked to the window, "Would you like to go for a walk by the sea with me?" Yue Bai retracted her gaze from the departing bird, responding coldly, "No." She had no interest. "Then what do you want to do today?" Ji Wu Nian circled around and leaned against the edge of the table, "Just idling?" "I'll see how I feel," Yue Bai also leaned against the windowsill, meeting her gaze, "Your demonic energy is intensifying. You need to suppress it." Yesterday, Ling Zhou's demonic energy was overbearing and rampant. Yue Bai knew it was all part of Ji Wu Nian's plan, but it seemed that the cost of this deliberate act was her own rapidly escalating demonic energy. Even though Yue Bai had taught her some methods, mastering them thoroughly would still take time. "Is this enough?" Ji Wu Nian's smile was bright as she flipped her right hand to reveal the Cold Sword, "It's perfect for slaying demons and monsters." "Too domineering," Yue Bai approached her, taking the Cold Sword, "Using it is harmful." A coldness seeped into her palm, making Yue Bai release her grip just in time. The Cold Sword embedded itself into the ground. Years ago, the overly domineering White Cloud Fragment had been melded into a habitual breeze by Ji Wu Nian. Now, was she seriously considering using an even more domineering Cold Sword? Ji Wu Nian reached out, gripping the sword's hilt. Frost began to extend up her forearm. "Even so, it's better than losing control." "Use the Cold Sword sparingly," Yue Bai took the sword once more and set it aside. "Then I won't have a sword. Where should I steal one from?" Ji Wu Nian touched her chin thoughtfully, "I've heard there’s a plain zither sword at Cang Xue Peak..." Jiu Yi couldn't suppress herself any longer, "…Why are you so troublesome..." "Ding." "'Steal the zither sword from Cang Xue Peak'..." Yue Bai closed her eyes, needing a moment to calm herself. Ji Wu Nian poked Yue Bai's shoulder. "Yue Bai?" "...” Yue Bai glanced at her, “Cang Xue Peak, is there a secret passage?" Slightly taken aback, Ji Wu Nian tilted to the side, "Are you so sure I know any secret passages?" Their eyes met, one set cold and unyielding, the other probing. The probing one conceded first. Ji Wu Nian raised her hand slightly, "I'm just joking; I don't plan on going." Yue Bai watched nonchalantly, appearing somewhat indifferent. Regardless of whether Ji Wu Nian wanted to go or not, she herself planned on going. "A single Cold Sword is enough to make me stand out in the demonic realm," Ji Wu Nian smirked, like a shrewd merchant, "Then I'll receive the Demon Lord's favor, calling the shots... Yue Bai, will you come with me?" Such tiresome talk bored Yue Bai. She poured herself a cup of tea, only to find it tasted off – likely brewed by Ji Wu Nian yesterday, with an unpleasant taste. Seeing Yue Bai put down the teacup, Ji Wu Nian chuckled, "Yue Bai, you still haven't said if this sword is enough to suppress my demonic energy." Demonic energy is the kind of thing that grows stronger with use, becoming more uncontrollable. Uncontrollable things need even more control. Ji Wu Nian's smile was flamboyant, but the person across from her responded indifferently with an outstretched hand. "Hmm?" Ji Wu Nian extended her right hand, but the other requested she switch. Puzzled, Ji Wu Nian extended her left hand, "Yue Bai?" Holding Ji Wu Nian's hand, Yue Bai pushed up her sleeve to reveal a smooth, fair arm. Yue Bai raised an eyebrow, "What about the bracelet I gave you?" Ji Wu Nian paused, turning her hand to reveal the bracelet, "This one?" She was slightly embarrassed. Previously, to deliberately emanate demonic energy and incite conflict among the Wu Ji Palace disciples, she had removed the demonic energy-concealing bracelet. "Uh..." Ji Wu Nian bit her lip with a grin, like a child who had done something wrong, "Hehe..." Yue Bai took it and fastened it around her wrist. A string of pale blue lotus seeds interlaced. Feeling guilty, Ji Wu Nian wanted to pull her hand back, but her wrist remained in Yue Bai's grasp. Given her unpredictable behavior, Yue Bai decided to add a protective measure to avoid further trouble. The lotus seeds fell apart, the fragments turning into a cool breeze, penetrating Ji Wu Nian's flesh. A wave of coolness spread through her wrist, calming the previously unnamed restlessness. The person before her, with eyes closed like still water, showed no ripples. Ji Wu Nian trusted that she wouldn't harm her, though she was full of curiosity about this enigmatic individual. Mysterious in background and ability, aside from their frequent, unexplained appearances by her side, Ji Wu Nian knew little about this person. "Yue Bai." "Hmm?" Yue Bai continued to smooth out the demonic energy, not even lifting her eyelids. A soft sensation pressed against her lips. Yue Bai opened her eyes slowly, only to be greeted by Ji Wu Nian's smiling, arched eyebrows. In that gaze was spring's warmth, a sunlit view. Yue Bai released her wrist, leaning back slightly, her expression indifferent, "This will suffice." Knowing she referred to something else, Ji Wu Nian was still unsatisfied, leaning in to say it "wasn't enough." ...This damned saccharine display. Jiu Yi, watching Yue Bai pinned against the windowsill, letting herself be kissed by someone, sighed deeply once again.