62 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

Ji Wu Nian was absorbed in her thoughts as she returned to Qing Lin Hall, only to find her young disciple was not there. According to Senior Brother Liu Li, the last time she came back, she slept an entire day. Where could she have gone today? Ji Wu Nian couldn't help but think back to the time Ye Er allowed her to be caught by little Hu Zi, feeling an urge to check Bai Cao Peak. Upon arriving there, a disciple informed her that Ye Er had gone to the bamboo forest at the back of the peak to dig up bamboo for Wan Wan. Spoiled, indeed. Ji Wu Nian couldn't help but think that she held a lower place in Ye Er's heart compared to that round little creature. After all, she was human and didn't have such thick fur. Should I take a Beast Transforming Pill myself? ...If she grew three tails, would Yue Bai hold her and pet her? ...If she could cuddle, could she persuade him to ask Pu Shi for help? "Heh," Ji Wu Nian suddenly laughed at herself, lowering her head, "I can't do that." Using such methods to make deals with Yue Bai was out of the question. She exhaled, walking forward past the cluster of buildings, down a narrow path leading to the bamboo forest at the back of the mountain. Sanqing was located in Chuan Yu, which boasted large expanses of bamboo forests. Bai Cao Peak's bamboo was especially well-tended, tall and straight, providing great food for pandas and presenting an entirely mesmerizing view. Ji Wu Nian halted at a certain point, gazing into the bamboo forest. Ye Er, holding a folding fan, didn’t know where she obtained it from. She danced in the midst of the green bamboo, opening, closing, flicking, and twirling the fan. Her clumsy little disciple deliberately made a few missteps, her movements lacking fluidity. She treated the fan, which could be hard or soft, as if it were a sword, distinctly avoiding any flirtatious gestures. She was clumsy, yet somewhat adorable. Her long robe swirled, soft ribbons entwined, and her cheerful words chased the wind, prompting laughter. *** "Ye Er." Once Ye Er finished her dance, stood still, and closed her fan, Ji Wu Nian finally called out. However, her young disciple wore an unfriendly expression, though she obediently addressed her as "Master." "Ah, Immortal Ji?" Zhao Qi’s reaction was more normal upon seeing Ji Wu Nian, greeting her with a smile, "You've come to find Ye Er?" "Yes," Ji Wu Nian stepped over the fence towards them, "I heard you came to find bamboo, but why were you dancing?" "..." Ye Er lowered her head, reluctant to respond, with a bit of sweat beading on her furry ears. Her waist still ached. "You deserved it." Jiu Yi showed no sympathy for her, a consequence of indulgence. But this dancing incident couldn't be solely blamed on Yue Bai. Zhao Qi had been gossiping about Liu Li and Ji Wu Nian, and somehow mentioned that Ji Wu Nian had danced at a former sect leader’s birthday celebration over a decade ago. Zhao Qi hadn't been on the mountain then and missed it. Ji Wu Nian had barely touched music or dance since her master's death. This had nothing to do with Yue Bai initially, but Zhao Qi, quick-witted, shifted the topic to fox clan dances. Naturally, she asked if Yue Bai could dance. Yue Bai said no, and the girl suggested imagining it. Rare fox form—she had to dance. Apparently, fox clan dances often used white fans. Conveniently, Zhao Qi had one. Ye Er, who knew music and could dance with swords, was asked to dance randomly. Given their long acquaintance since Ye Er's arrival on the mountain, Yue Bai, finding no one around, decided to oblige her with a little dance, intentionally making a few mistakes to discourage Zhao Qi from bothering her again. Seeing Ji Wu Nian had been an unexpected accident. However, in this outcome where Yue Bai's waist ached, Ji Wu Nian bore much of the blame. Yue Bai, honestly, didn't feel like seeing her right now. Ji Wu Nian, hearing the story, walked over to Ye Er, took the fan from her hand, and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Swish." Opening the fan, Ji Wu Nian held it reversed, covering half her face, eyes curved demurely with a tear mole catching Yue Bai’s gaze. "Ye Er, fox clan dances are about charm..." As she spoke, her face slowly appeared from behind the fan, first revealing a pair of peach blossom eyes, then a little upturned nose, her thin lips forming a bewitching smile. "Snap." The white silk fit into the bamboo ribs, the emerald surface displayed charm. Her soft-spoken words dripped like honey, "The most alluring..." Enough of this. Yue Bai took a step back, lowered his head, and cupped his hands, "Thank you for your teaching, Master." Tsk, no sense of romance. Ji Wu Nian closed the fan with a smack against her hand, turning to the blushing Zhao Qi, "I'll take Ye Er back now. Could you please deliver some green bamboo to Qing Lin Hall?" "Sure, sure." Zhao Qi's face turned red, never having seen this side of Immortal Ji before. ...Could it be that the comfort from last night by Immortal Liu Li was not enough? Ye Er, you should be careful... Sometimes, Yue Bai couldn’t understand this girl’s thinking and didn’t bother interpreting it. Anyway, being taken back by Ji Wu Nian was routine now. He just hoped Zhao Qi wouldn’t spread this around. "…You call this being resigned to your fate." Jiu Yi remarked. Yue Bai just felt a bit tired. Returning to Qing Lin Hall, Ji Wu Nian still held her waist. Her little disciple remained silent, but Ji Wu Nian hadn’t forgotten the earlier topic, whispering into Ye Er's fluffy ears, "Ye Er, want to see your Master dance a fox dance?" …the thought of Ji Wu Nian staying like this, dancing a fox dance, not only repeated their recent experiences but drew more attention. "If Master wants to dance, Ye Er has no objections." ...That means she doesn’t want to see it. Ji Wu Nian felt a bit down but noticed her disciple’s foul mood and the stiffness in her waist. Complaining of exhaustion last night, and dancing today. Each time injured or unwell, Yue Bai’s temper worsened considerably. In Qing Lin Hall's courtyard, a Four Seasons Tree bloomed year-round in distinct phases. Beneath it, a lounge chair—Ji Wu Nian's favored spot for resting. She pulled her young disciple to lie beside her, both facing each other, gently patting her back and waist. "Keep Master company for a nap." Her little fox ear pressed against the bamboo surface of the chair, appearing especially white in contrast, looking adorably askew. Ji Wu Nian lowered her head, gently nibbling on her other fox ear. "...Master, it has fur." Ji Wu Nian shifted lower, kissing her forehead, and chuckled, "Cute." "...She might have a fur fetish." Jiu Yi couldn’t help but comment, "Is this trait contagious?" Yue Bai ignored the dumbfounded system, finding the clear sky and peaceful surroundings perfect for a nap. Yue Bai closed his eyes, feeling the subtle warmth from nearby, while Ji Wu Nian softly narrated old stories of the fox clan by her ear, gently patting her waist. Ji Wu Nian must have been somewhere earlier, carrying a faint, soothing scent like tea—subtle and slightly bitter, yet comfortable. Rather pleasant. *** Soon, Yue Bai woke up only to find darkness enveloping her vision. Upon groping around, she realized she was back in bed, covered with a thin blanket. Sitting up and rubbing her eyes, Yue Bai asked Jiu Yi, "Where's Ji Wu Nian?" Jiu Yi disdainfully replied, "Went drinking." Whether Ji Wu Nian drank or not, Jiu Yi wasn’t sure, but she usually either acted insane or drank in that spot. Not much difference. Yue Bai focused her spirit, observing Ji Wu Nian sitting cross-legged, neither summoning spirits nor calling for wine, simply meditating quietly. Settling under a tree, Yue Bai found herself watching from a distance, just as she did when she first met Ji Wu Nian. Ji Wu Nian was undeniably beautiful; each smile and frown could enchant, every gesture could captivate. Once a royal, she exuded an innate nobility, elevated by her celestial aura, nearly untouchable by mundane affairs. But her boisterous nature dragged her off her high pedestal, rolling in worldly dust. Now, silent and indifferent, she seemed like a heavenly deity, cold and distant. Clear sky, crimson river, bright moon—a silver brilliance cloaked in solitary clouds, a fragile disguise against the northern wind's chill. Moments later, Ji Wu Nian opened her eyes, cold moonlight reflecting in her gaze. Surveying the ridges she cut herself, Ji Wu Nian took a deep breath and finally noticed Yue Bai, sitting far away. Unlike before, not hiding her presence, she sat on a branch, rocking her feet. "Yue Bai?" "Yes?" Yue Bai moved closer, sitting by a pool. She scooped some water, the droplets creating a starry ripple. Not resting more? Ji Wu Nian considered asking, but swallowed her words, crawling over to Yue Bai, resting her chin on her shoulder, “Why didn’t you call me?” Ji Wu Nian's joyful face was still blurry in the shimmering water's ripples. Yue Bai didn't answer, instead asking, "For what?" She had nothing to discuss with Ji Wu Nian, just wanted to see what she was up to. The question stumped Ji Wu Nian for a moment before she replied cheekily, rubbing her face against Yue Bai's, "For a drink and a chat? Some...close moments?" In the water's reflection, Ji Wu Nian’s smile brimmed with happiness, as if cradling the world's treasures. Yue Bai shattered the illusion with a wave, her hand causing more ripples, "No drink, no intimacy." As a spirit, neither drinking nor closeness was possible. Ji Wu Nian bent over her shoulder, laughing. Embracing her, she turned Yue Bai's face and kissed her. Despite the mischief, Ji Wu Nian knew Yue Bai didn't mind gentle kisses; she might even clasp her arm or cup her face, responding more enthusiastically. As their lips met in a curve, Yue Bai didn’t need to open his eyes to sense the sly grin on Ji Wu Nian's face. In retaliation, his tongue pushed forward, and he even bit her lower lip. After all, she was in her spirit form and wouldn't bite back. "Mm." Flowing water murmurs, eclipsed by a single whisper. Intent tangled with his thoughts, Yue Bai advanced on Ji Wu Nian, who had just started to retreat. He tilted forward, pressing her down until she lay there, her usual arrogance melted away, utterly defenseless. The moon beneath the sea surfaced into flowers, leaving two soft cherry blossoms scattered. Yue Bai licked her lips, noticing her eyes glint with a faint red, a trace of passion reflecting threefold. Ji Wu Nian's face burned, her heart drumming, but she still had some strength left to provoke, "Didn't you say no intimacy?" Yue Bai couldn’t be bothered to argue. Seeing her master blush was rare, catching those shy, dodging glances that made her look almost girlish. She usually shone like the sun, and this flush suited her. Because the red complimented her so well, Yue Bai wanted to emphasize it further. "Y-Yue Bai?" Her dress's pattern half undone, Bai robes parted, soft touches slid down her neck, raising some goosebumps. "Hiss!" Ji Wu Nian instinctively hugged him, but to no avail. Yue Bai didn’t bite deeply, merely leaving a faint imprint. …Getting more petty by the day. Ji Wu Nian felt her face getting hotter. Yue Bai could be unusually mischievous, making one feel overwhelmed. She could only push him, "Yue Bai..." Imprints red, skin flushed, even her ears turned scarlet. Yue Bai kissed her earlobe gently, breathing softly into her ear. "Dance a fox dance for me, and I'll call Pu Shi for you." ...Turning down her earlier request during the day, insisting only if she paid a price. Ji Wu Nian felt embarrassed but also a bit amused. The dark stone in her heart shattered, letting light seep in, replacing her shyness with an overflowing warmth, which transformed into a broad smile. Pushing Yue Bai’s shoulder, Ji Wu Nian laughed, "Yue Bai, my back hurts." The ground beneath was uneven, dug by her own hands, with some sharp edges poking, causing genuine discomfort. Yue Bai arched an eyebrow but, knowing she was uncomfortable, shifted aside to let her sit up properly. Ji Wu Nian adjusted her collar, pressing on where Yue Bai had bitten earlier. The marks were hidden under her robe, unseen by others. Her blush had not completely faded, her eyes still slightly watery, not as easily concealed as the bite. If seen by someone, they might truly think she had been "comforted." …A bit annoying. "Yue Bai?" Noticing his daze, Ji Wu Nian poked his cheek, "What’s wrong?" "Nothing." Yue Bai caught her hand, uninterested in delving deeper, merely asking, "Will you dance?" "Of course," Ji Wu Nian reverted to her playful self, "What kind do you want to see? Fan dance is classic, sword dance is spirited, or something flirtatious like belly dance—your choice." "…When did she gain so many odd skills?" Jiu Yi, finally free from her confinement, overheard, "When did she practice?" Asking Yue Bai? How would he know? "Your choice." Yue Bai's curiosity about the fox dance wasn’t that strong; she just used it to fulfill a task Jiu Yi reported earlier, seeing Ji Wu Nian's gloomy face, reminiscent of her shivering figure when drunk. Although slightly curious, it's not a high priority. After all… Yue Bai stole a glance at Ji Wu Nian, smiling, animated, almost indifferent in sincerity—one could imagine her with fox ears and wagging tails. Seeing a dancing little fox daily would be novel. Unaware of her mental transformation into another species, Ji Wu Nian approached Yue Bai, her eyes bright, "Fan dance, want to see?" Eyes speaking volumes, words like delicate threads, tying around one's heart. Yue Bai thought back to the afternoon when Ji Wu Nian used the fan bone to lift her chin, and the nap when she narrated fables into her ear. They say fan dance has a legend, involving a white silk and jade bone fan, performing a thousand-year untold love. Yue Bai slightly turned away, "Include it with the reward." "Then…" Ji Wu Nian felt Yue Bai was endearing after the teasing, predicting she might get annoyed and embraced her waist first, "We should wait until you’re a bit better..." …What kind of tiger-wolf comments are these???? Jiu Yi opted for continued self-confinement. Pushing her slightly away, Yue Bai chose to drop the topic, "In a few days, I'll check out Mingyun." Agreeing to resolve Mu Tianwen’s demonic energy, Yue Bai intended to keep the promise. "Mingyun isn’t urgent," Ji Wu Nian worried she'd tire herself, "but if you want an outing, I’ll go with you to see Cong Sheng?" If Ji Wu Nian wasn’t in a hurry, Yue Bai had even less reason to be. Visiting Cong Sheng held little meaning for her—it was initially a trick. But since mentioned, Yue Bai agreed, "Alright." There was one issue, "Who will you be?" Ji Wu Nian gave Yue Bai a peck on the cheek, smiling mischievously, "Take a guess."