44 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

## Chapter 44 The village was named Xiachen, a place where every household shared the same surname, with nearly a hundred families living there. Located in the mountains north of Wuyang, it wasn't far from the main road. Most of the villagers engaged in farming, and many of them took up short-term jobs in the city during the off-season. Though not wealthy compared to other places within Wuyang's territory, the village wasn’t struggling either. Moon White landed in a forest just outside the village, separated from the residential area by a few acres of farmland. Many farmers were busy working in the fields, and even from a distance, Moon White could sense a familiar aura interspersed with traces of demonic energy that permeated the whole area, not just the sea of consciousness. …What would the owner of this aura think if they knew their power was being used in such a way? "What do you think?" Jiu Yi, only a system dependent on its master, was confused. "…If Ji Wu Nian cannot detect this aura," Moon White posed another question, "how did those demonic cultivators know? And even exert some control over it…" "Huh?" Jiu Yi clearly struggled to follow Moon White's line of thought. "What do you mean?" Moon White then remembered the demonic cultivator who had led Qi Feng into corruption and how Qi Feng subsequently influenced Feng Yu. That demonic cultivator had transferred his own demonic energy to Qi Feng, who then, in turn, passed it on to Feng Yu… So it seems that the aura follows the trail of demonic energy… …Thinking about the source of this aura made sense. "Moon White?" Jiu Yi called out, seeing her lost in thought, "What are you thinking about?" "I'm thinking that demonic cultivators likely know how to hide their demonic energy but not control this aura," Moon White's reasoning became clearer. "They can only control their own demonic energy, spreading it to others." "…So?" Jiu Yi still couldn't grasp the connection. "…Isn't it enough that they can use it?" "…" Moon White also couldn’t provide a definitive answer to that question; it would depend on how things unfolded. She looked toward the village. Despite the thick aura, the demonic energy wasn’t active. Even the family they met earlier in the day exhibited only faint demonic energy, almost indistinguishable from everyday impurities, having no significant impact on one's mind. With a light tap of her toes, Moon White landed at the village's central gate, where villagers usually gathered to discuss matters. At this moment, only a few people carrying farming tools passed by, unaware of the young woman examining their announcements. "Hey, you know," a man in a sweat-soaked shirt spoke to the person next to him, "there was a severe drought two years ago… I wonder how it will be this year…" "Didn't they say the guy who monitors the weather predicted a good harvest this year?" replied another dark-skinned man, his feet still muddy from the fields. "And besides, the government has distributed so much relief grain, even if this year’s harvest isn’t good, we’ll manage." "Relying on relief grain every day isn't a solution," the man grumbled. "My wife is always complaining… When will these hard times end?" "Be content," the other gave him a playful punch, "I've heard quite a few starved to death in the northwest. At least we still have food to eat and land to till. So what if your wife nags a bit?" He then smirked and made a lewd gesture. "Just sweet-talk her tonight…" The man dodged aside, his worries momentarily lessened, "What are you talking about!" Moon White saw them walking towards the sunset, then turned back to the notices posted here. They mostly talked about the government distributing grain. Seeing the dates, they'd been delivering for several months, with a distribution just earlier today. Indeed, there had been a major disaster last year, but the government handled it well, ensuring proper arrangements everywhere. Because of this disaster… Ji He Guang even went up the mountain to thank Ji Wu Nian? At that moment, the sun was setting, and many farming families were moving their dining tables into the courtyard. Moon White peeked into a household's kitchen, glanced at the rice jar, and formed a hypothesis. This rice must have been treated in a way that, while indistinguishable in taste, could gradually cleanse demonic energy when consumed regularly. Using relief grain to wash away demonic energy from the villagers, Ji Wu Nian certainly showed the grandeur of a royal. It was unclear if this was happening nationwide or just in territories marked by Ji Wu Nian. "If that's the case..." Jiu Yi pondered, feeling as if his nonexistent features furrowed, "When did she start preparing all of this..." "Hard to say," Moon White looked at the blood-red sunset sky, "It might be related to the demonic energy within herself." Based on Ji Wu Nian's performance at San Qing, she seemed constantly troubled by this demonic energy. But considering her later identity in Ling Zhou, her behavior became more enigmatic. Moreover, Moon White still didn't know how Ji Wu Nian initially got tainted by this aura and demonic energy. "Really..." Jiu Yi mused, "I feel she must be some demonic tribe spy… but then maybe she was transformed by something… or something like that." Moon White didn’t make a judgment, only asked, "What about her?" "Hmm?" Jiu Yi snapped back to his assigned task of monitoring a red dot. "It looks like she left the city." "Let's go have a look." To spy secretly. Jiu Yi mentally corrected. *** Ji Wu Nian stood not far from Xiachen, in a spot overlooking the peaceful mountains and bustling city below. Today, she hadn't had any wine, just sat quietly. The wind blew past, clouds drifted by, as she kept company with the vast array of stars. Moon White glided to her side, sharing the view of the myriad lights below, "Is it that beautiful?" Seeing her unexpected appearance, Ji Wu Nian was slightly surprised but merely replied, "Isn't it beautiful?" Jade palaces, vermilion doors with green windows. Never-ending spring nights with music and drinks, the worldly splendor never sleeps. Moon White sat next to her and nodded, "It's quite nice." From a side profile, a delicately shaped face can appear rather sharp, especially with eyes that could sometimes feel unapproachable. Ji Wu Nian, slightly chilled by Moon White’s indifferent gaze, asked with a smile, "Why didn't you return?" Moon White didn’t look at her, "I visited Xiachen Village." Ji Wu Nian was taken aback before laughing, "Did you find something interesting?" "Your secret guards, do they also include the government’s people?" Moon White didn’t like beating around the bush and asked directly. "…No," Ji Wu Nian rested her chin on her hand, smiling faintly, "just some old officials who still care to listen to me." "Since ancient times, those in power are suspicious. Aren't you afraid the Emperor might suspect your actions?" "…Zhan Hong knows I have no ambitions here," Ji Wu Nian’s smile widened, "besides, he’s aware of this." She really wasn't concerned with worldly affairs, making hundreds of years of confinement seem trivial. "And how did you know about Xiachen?" Ji Wu Nian moved closer, her bright eyes fixed on Moon White. "That farmer family at the horse ranch today had a strong aura," Moon White turned to meet her gaze, "Were you plotting against me?" Luring her here to resolve the mysterious demonic energy? "Heh," Ji Wu Nian chuckled, understanding why Moon White had earlier accused her of 'abducting' her. She sincerely said, "I genuinely have no idea about that farmer family… I only provided grain to Xiachen, but I don’t know every household there…" It made sense; after all, a wide range of places had been marked by her, recognizing each family wasn't practical. Moon White could believe her explanation and asked, "How did you know about Xiachen?" "Demonic cultivators wanted to experiment on humans; Xiachen was one site," Ji Wu Nian laughed, "My secret guards extend into the demon realm too." Jiu Yi: "So she plans to attribute everything to her secret guards…” Moon White didn’t bother praising the prowess of her secret guards, knowing she wouldn't believe it. She simply looked at the magnificent Wuyang scenery, lit everywhere with dazzling lights and bustling with joyous noise. Away from the luxurious carriages and gathered splendor, even the scattered lights on the mountains depicted a sense of peace. One of Ji Wu Nian's wishes must be this human world of tranquility. "Secretive and aiming to save the world alone?" Pu Shi’s earlier critique felt apt, "Low cultivation, high ambition." Ji Wu Nian chuckled softly, "This is the world of the Ji family; I have to help the young ones protect our legacy." Her words were interrupted by a gentle touch atop her head. Ji Wu Nian looked up slightly, seeing Moon White’s faint smile. Pure as snow atop mountains, bright like the moon amidst clouds. "I don’t dislike hard-working kids." Ji Wu Nian blushed, grabbing her hand to pull it away, "I’m not a kid..." she paused, narrowing her eyes, "By the way, Moon White, how old are you?" Moon White had never really calculated her age, having a different perception of time. After pondering for a moment, she wasn’t entirely sure, "Six to seven thousand years… maybe over eight thousand…" "…" To her, Ji Wu Nian really was just a young child. Unwilling to admit defeat, yet unable to compete on age, Ji Wu Nian sought another way to assert her maturity. Kissing, she positioned a hand to cushion Moon White’s head, preventing any complaints about discomfort later. Seeing her move from lips to neck, Moon White pushed her away, "Are you part dog?" Ji Wu Nian, dominant and confident, responded, "I’m part rabbit." A rabbit full of secrets. Moon White didn’t engage her further, only dusting off her clothes that Ji Wu Nian had tugged at for two nights, standing upright. Ji Wu Nian stood beside her, helping dust off her back. Seeing Moon White’s outstretched hand, she smiled, "Giving me something again?" "Moon Whiiite." Jiu Yi couldn’t resist a playful smack. Ignoring the jest, Moon White handed over a small porcelain bottle, "Put this in water, find any plant seeds, soak them for seven days before planting; it will collect that aura." Ji Wu Nian's eyes widened. "This..." "It only works on dispersed auras," Moon White explained, seeing Ji Wu Nian's confusion. "Those sealed within the sea of consciousness aren't as simple." Those were the ones even Moon White had to extract one by one. "And after stripping away the aura, you'll still have to find a way to remove the residual demonic energy," Moon White added, looking at Ji Wu Nian. "But it's already faint, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you." ...Cleansing the demonic energy wasn't difficult, but calming her shock was another matter. Moon White waved a hand in front of her face. "Stunned?" "You..." Ji Wu Nian grabbed that hand, wanting to say something but only managing a helpless smile. "Moon White, who exactly... are you?" "A mountain spirit," Moon White maintained her old explanation. "I'm interested in what you seek, and if I'm in the mood, I'll help out." "Then I must really interest you..." Ji Wu Nian looked at the porcelain bottle in her hand, eyes filled with bitterness. "And you must always be in a good mood..." …This sudden shift in emotions baffled Moon White. But before she could react, Ji Wu Nian's eyes brightened again. She pulled Moon White closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, smiling mischievously like a fox that had just stolen a chicken. "I have nothing to offer in return—how about giving myself to you?" Her eyes brimmed with gentle suggestion, her face radiating a spring-like warmth. However, seeing the sharp canine teeth in her smile, Moon White could only think about her own neck, bloodied from bites. As the tangible presence in her arms suddenly faded, Ji Wu Nian watched as Moon White dissolved into glimmering specks, dispersing with the gentle breeze. "No need."