50 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

A few days later, news of the stolen Suqin Sword spread throughout the celestial sects, and Lingzhou's name once again resounded across the four seas. Many disciples were talking about it, even Ye Er, who had been deeply engrossed in alchemy recently, heard bits and pieces. "First the Cold Sword, then the Suqin Sword..." Zhao Qi was walking with Ye Er on the Baicao Peak road, accompanying her to fetch some materials from the herb garden. "These demon cultivators are becoming increasingly rampant." "I heard Lingzhou was severely injured at the time, yet managed to escape using some secret method..." Luo Chang He was walking with them too, "And then there was the hidden demonic aura… What on earth are these demon cultivators plotting?" "I heard some senior disciples say that the immortals are planning to send some disciples out to exterminate the demons," Zhao Qi said, "Luo Shi Xiong, you might be sent out too." "I heard my master mention it, but it might be Guan Shi Jie and her team going first." Luo Chang He glanced at Ye Er. "Yesterday, I saw Zhan Shi Xiong and Guan Shi Jie leading the team—it must be in preparation for this." "Shouldn't there be many Golden Core cultivators in the sect?" Ye Er asked, "Why aren't they going?" "Many of the senior disciples who have formed their cores are already out on their journeys," Zhao Qi speculated, "But there should still be some left in the sect who will go. Golden Core disciples are more independent; unlike us, who need to go in groups." "All higher-level disciples in the sect go out to experience the world, to see the mortal realm, to detach from the secular world and the mundane." Luo Chang He explained to Ye Er, "It's a way to cultivate their Dao heart." "I remember you formed your foundation last year, Luo Shi Xiong," Yue Bai said, looking at him. "Did you go on such a journey?" "Yes," Luo Chang He nodded, "I went back home to see my parents and traveled around. But my time outside was short; I returned after a few months." "Luo Shi Xiong," Ye Er paused, seemingly puzzled, "Since you have parents at home, why did you choose to cultivate immortality?" Luo Chang He and Zhao Qi were both taken aback, as if it was a strange question. Luo Chang He thought for a moment, "When I was a child, I didn't think much about it… The opportunity to cultivate immortality is one in a million, and I felt I couldn't pass it up… And so, it just happened naturally..." His reason was somewhat mundane but sincere. Ye Er asked again, "Luo Shi Xiong, have you ever seen a demon cultivator?" Luo Chang He shook his head, "Apart from Qi Feng… I haven't seen any." Turning his gaze to Zhao Qi, she also shook her head, "I haven't seen any either." She tilted her chin, "In recent decades, demon cultivators have mostly been hiding… If anyone had more encounters, it would probably be from the sect master's generation..." Yue Bai had read about this in the various scripts of the Zhong Pavilion. It was said that after the great war a thousand years ago, the demon race mainly resided in the demon realm. While they still led people into demonic ways, it rarely stirred up too much trouble. The interactions between the celestial and demon realms were mutual and not too disruptive. The last significant conflict had to be traced back to eighty years ago, no wonder these disciples who hadn't formed their cores knew little about demon cultivators. "I heard that during the last unrest caused by demon cultivators, the previous sect master suppressed it with the help of disciples," Luo Chang He recounted to Ye Er, "That's when the Sanqing Sect's reputation began to rise among the common people. Later, by chance, the previous sect master accepted Immortal Ji as a disciple, which brought immense fame and talented disciples flocked to join, including Zhan Feng Shi Xiong and Guan Sheng Shi Jie." Zhao Qi laughed, "Speaking of which, the Sanqing Sect being known as the number one sect owes much to Immortal Ji." "… An ancient version of a viral influencer..." Jiu Yi clicked his tongue. It was undeniable that Ji Wu Nian attracted much attention, which in turn brought fame to the Sanqing Sect. However, in terms of strength and history, Mingyun Pavilion, a thousand-year-old sect, was not to be underestimated. Located at the site of the ancient celestial-demon war, high in the skies unattainable for ordinary beings, Mingyun mainly recruited descendants of established cultivation families, fewer in number but elite. Such a sect, facing annihilation? And Ji Wu Nian was to "prevent the destruction of Mingyun"? "I should find time to visit the demon realm." To see whether Ji Wu Nian was friend or foe to that so-called demon realm. "I think you should check on Ji Wu Nian first..." Jiu Yi said, "She disappeared again." "Meng Nan?" "No..." Jiu Yi checked the point on the map and sighed, "She's gone to Kunmi, perhaps looking for 'Qi Meng Sha'? After playing the scapegoat for so long, is Kunmi finally going to be graced by Ji Wu Nian?" "Perfect timing." Yue Bai told Jiu Yi, "I want to have a look too." The person who led Qi Feng onto the demonic path might be in Kunmi, triggering Yue Bai's curiosity. "You're running here and there like this..." Jiu Yi felt a bit guilty, "It's quite exhausting." But to maintain the identity of Ye Er, Yue Bai had no choice but to do so. Now, he understood why Yue Bai had once acted low-key. Without eyes watching, things were easier to handle. "How about staging a fake death?" Jiu Yi mused, "Shed Ye Er's identity! It's too troublesome!" This so-called system had whims, but Yue Bai was not impulsive, "Let's handle it like this for now." Though there were many inconveniences, in this world, Yue Bai was but an ephemeral soul, while Ye Er was a real person. Besides, much of the current hassle was because Ji Wu Nian had left Ye Er in charge of Liu Li. Once she returned, life would go back to normal. *** Dianzhou Kunmi, a place where the human, demon, and monster realms intersect, was rife with all sorts of beings and dubious characters. In this remote corner of the mortal world, the locals are deeply superstitious and constantly dealing with gods and ghosts, uncertain of what is true or false. Over time, Kunmi had become a lawless place, minimally governed. The city of Kunmi was steeped in beliefs about spirits and deities, every household's talismans and banners varied wildly, reflecting its chaos. Yet, it was precisely because of this chaos that Kunmi developed a dark city filled with sin and indulgence. Yue Bai arrived at night, concealing herself and following the sense of Ji Wu Nian. The more she walked, the more vibrant it became, the streets filled with neon lights and vice, with women dressed provocatively, waving red silk to attract customers. The men around Yue Bai dressed casually, some with their shirts half-unbuttoned, holding women in their arms—a clear indicator this was a red-light district. "…Is it time for debauchery?" Jiu Yi murmured to himself, naturally receiving no response from Yue Bai. Ji Wu Nian entered a well-known brothel named Illusionary Dream, famous in this bustling street. Yue Bai circled around, entering through the back door. She knew Ji Wu Nian was in a room on the top floor, so she sat on the roof, only probing slightly with her spirit to detect that Ji Wu Nian was conversing with a woman inside. Before Yue Bai could figure out what was being said, she heard the woman below speak, "Lady, instead of peeking with your spirit, why don't you come down and join us?" "What the hell?" Jiu Yi was stunned. "You were discovered?" Yue Bai thought for a moment and slipped in through the window. The two people in the room looked at her. The woman seemed to be one of the brothel's people, wearing a green gown that could barely contain her ample bosom. Her makeup wasn't excessively gaudy, but her upturned eyes were full of allure. Ji Wu Nian, dressed in male attire today, had a pair of feminine eyes, making it obvious she was a woman even with a mask on. The woman introduced herself as Su Yang and smiled, asking Yue Bai why she was being so stealthy instead of joining in the fun. Yue Bai did not answer, instead observing her, "How did Su Yang notice me?" "If you had only hidden your form, I wouldn't have known," Su Yang smiled, "But I'm sensitive to souls since childhood. The moment you probed, I sensed you." "…Caught red-handed." Jiu Yi sighed helplessly. Ji Wu Nian silently sipped her drink on the side, a helpless smile on her face. Honestly, it seemed like she followed them everywhere. "My apologies for the disturbance," Yue Bai bowed respectfully, "I hope the lady can forgive me." "Since the disturbance is already caused," Su Yang glanced at Ji Wu Nian, who looked displeased, and continued, "Would you do me and this lady a favor?" "Su Yang," Ji Wu Nian interrupted, "This matter concerns only us, don't drag others into it." "Lady," Su Yang crossed her legs, her fair skin barely hidden under the sheer fabric, quite mesmerizing in the dim light, "You are the one seeking my help now..." Ji Wu Nian stood up, "If that's the case, then I..." "What is it?" Yue Bai interrupted Ji Wu Nian, walking to her side but not looking at her, speaking coldly, "Please, Su Yang, go on." Su Yang pushed a wine cup forward with a smile, "Drink this." Ji Wu Nian tried to stop Yue Bai, but Yue Bai intercepted her hand and drank it all in one go. Jiu Yi wanted to facepalm, "Yue Bai..." "No harm done," Yue Bai's body began to heat up and weaken as the wine took effect. Seeing Yue Bai's straightforwardness and Ji Wu Nian's concern, Su Yang tapped her fingers on the table and smiled, "I won't make it too hard for you. Just have this lady perform 'The Laugh of the Red Dust' on the stage downstairs, how about that?" The Laugh of the Red Dust was a famously alluring dance, performed nude between two red silks, creating a dreamlike and tantalizing setting. Yue Bai dazedly looked at Ji Wu Nian. Why was it that being associated with her always led to public humiliation? Ji Wu Nian's eyes were cold, burning with a barely restrained fury as if about to explode. Yue Bai grabbed her hand and told Su Yang, "Give me some time to prepare." Ignoring Ji Wu Nian's look, Su Yang swayed and walked out, leaving the words, "Don't keep the audience waiting." With a soft thud, the door closed, and Yue Bai's body weakened, holding onto the table with gritted teeth, her vision blurring, "This stuff affects the soul..." With her lips pursed, Ji Wu Nian helped Yue Bai sit down. "This is Red Sleeve Sand. It invades both body and soul, no matter how high your cultivation is, you can't resist it." "Ahhh…" Jiu Yi was extremely anxious, but there was nothing he could do. "What does she plan to do with Yue Bai?" He vaguely felt that his dear innocent cabbage was about to be ravaged by a brute... Yue Bai didn't ask this question, though. Instead, she asked something that Jiu Yi couldn't understand, "What was your original plan?" "I was going to drink it," Ji Wu Nian said with a pout. "I was going to dance." Yue Bai glanced at her and noticed Ji Wu Nian avoided eye contact, with words left unsaid. Pushing her away, Yue Bai struggled to stand, gripping the tablecloth fiercely. She began to undress herself, speaking through clenched teeth, "Today, I'll dance. You undo it." "Yue Bai..." Ji Wu Nian's tone was too gentle, causing Yue Bai to feel itchy and feverish inside, leading to a spike of anger. She grabbed Ji Wu Nian by the collar and bit her lip, the faint taste of blood spreading between them. Pushing Ji Wu Nian away, Yue Bai tore at her clothes, wanting to resolve everything while she still had her wits. "Play faster when you accompany me…" Undressing completely, Yue Bai shrugged off her garments, revealing her beautiful body. Her figure was long and slender, just as tall as Ji Wu Nian, with fair and delicate skin, and a perfect curvature. Smooth shoulders, a thin waist, pert hips, and long legs—graceful elegance in every inch. Ji Wu Nian felt a pang of guilt for her moment of distraction, quickly picking up the discarded inner clothing and draping it over Yue Bai. Yet, her fingers brushed against Yue Bai’s heated skin, causing her to shiver imperceptibly. Ji Wu Nian knew that such fleeting touches would only make her suffering worse. She hugged Yue Bai's shoulders tightly, causing her to wince in pain. The brothel was already in a frenzy by the time they stepped out, with stewards waiting outside. They stared at Yue Bai, who, despite wearing a mask, was flushed red, and her slender figure had them spellbound. Ji Wu Nian coldly instructed, "Lead the way." Despite her low voice, the threat in it made the steward shiver. "Take this," Ji Wu Nian said, placing something in Yue Bai's hand as they walked. Yue Bai felt a sharp, cold object in her palm, gripping it tightly despite the sting it caused, the cold quickly penetrating her body, providing a glimmer of clarity. Before ascending the silk, Yue Bai glanced at Ji Wu Nian, her thoughts scattered, grasping onto fragments of clarity from Jiu Yi's constant calls and the sharp pain in her hand. She could barely make out the cheers around her, her grip on the red silk spasming involuntarily. Everything was becoming increasingly blurred, one hand cold and painful, the other silky smooth, making her want to lean closer, to press against it. Yue Bai couldn't help but marvel at the person’s skill. "Boom." The sudden drumbeat jolted Yue Bai into brief alertness. She tightened her grip on the sharp object Ji Wu Nian gave her. Her palm was bleeding, the pain etched deeply, helping her momentarily regain her senses before climbing the red silk. "Boom boom." Sitting on the silk, the strands wrapped around an unspeakable place, causing her to reveal a charming expression. With one leg folded on another silk, her neck moved slightly, feeling the coolness against her cheek. "Boom boom boom boom." With a fierce bite, Yue Bai's gaze grew cold for a moment. Her hands and waist exerted force simultaneously, her legs winding around the silk, shifting her weight. "Boom, boom, boom." "Boom boom boom boom." With the drumbeats resonating like thunder, the originally seductive "Laugh of the Red Dust" took on a bold edge. Yue Bai's movements fluctuated between powerful and delicate, her dance both enticing and soft, her lips parting slightly as if about to utter enticing words, only to press them together again, sharp as an unsheathed sword. The blend of strength and grace was utterly captivating. As the final drumbeat echoed, Yue Bai stilled on the red silk like an exhausted butterfly extending its wings. Before the applause could fully erupt, the butterfly let go, beginning to fall. A gasp rose from the crowd, but then a figure swiftly intervened, spreading a pure white robe to catch the little butterfly in her embrace. The onlookers saw the butterfly reach out, clinging to the figure as if extracting nectar. Ji Wu Nian held onto Yue Bai tightly, her agitated movements unchecked. Half of Yue Bai's face not concealed by the mask was flush red, her eyes completely unfocused. Ji Wu Nian looked up with burning eyes. Su Yang watched from a high platform, waving her hand in a dismissive "please proceed" motion. Hastily carrying Yue Bai, Ji Wu Nian rushed back to their previous room, laying her on the bed and shutting all the doors and windows with a wave of her hand. Removing Yue Bai's mask, Ji Wu Nian held the naked Yue Bai in her arms, taking out the sharp fragment that had pierced her left hand. The pain and scent of blood brought Yue Bai a fleeting moment of clarity, only to see Ji Wu Nian's face ironclad. Though she was holding Yue Bai, it felt more like restraint. Yue Bai, her consciousness waning, gripped her bleeding left hand tightly, her voice hoarse, "Don't want me?" Ji Wu Nian's expression changed, gripping her bleeding spot, "Stop it." With a cold snort, Yue Bai's body instinctively sought the exposed skin of Ji Wu Nian, her voice gentle on her face, "Can you resist?" Holding Yue Bai down, Ji Wu Nian gritted her teeth, "I can." Reversing the grip, Yue Bai's blood smeared on Ji Wu Nian's hand, drip by drip staining the bed. "I can’t bear this anymore," Yue Bai muttered as a sliver of demonic aura flared, enough to drive people mad. Touching a moist spot, Ji Wu Nian's eyes darkened, biting down on Yue Bai's neck. This elicited a satisfied sigh from Yue Bai. Flesh soft between her teeth, Ji Wu Nian's trembling voice blurred, "I truly didn't want you to follow along..." Yue Bai's heart burned at her feeble appearance. Ignoring her sincerity, Yue Bai released another wave of demonic energy. Jiu Yi tried calling out to Yue Bai but to no avail. Unable to take any more, the innocent little system shut itself off, retreating into a dark corner. His excuse? Avoidance.