64 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

On that day, a rogue cultivator was scheduled to give a lecture in the afternoon, and Ji Wu Nian had been nowhere to be seen since early morning. Recently, she had taken to staying out during the day and wandering around Bai Cao Peak and Ba Chi Peak at night, although Yue Bai couldn't fathom what she was up to. Nonetheless, despite her absence, people kept delivering things—chickens ceased to arrive, but a few eggs did, which Yue Bai used to make some egg custard, followed by various rodents being sent. “...What kind of idea is throwing mice?” Jiu Yi was disgusted. “Don't they find catching them dirty?” Yue Bai certainly did and promptly discarded them without touching them. Because the gifts became increasingly unpalatable, Yue Bai felt troubled every day and planned to address the issue after today's lecture. “...So, you're only doing this for a chicken.” Saying he'd rather not go was just an excuse. Yue Bai ignored him, put on a white robe to cover her tail, pulled up a hood to hide her ears, and went out towards Wu Shi Peak. Zhao Qi had arranged to meet at the square at five, so they could go to the lecture together. Wanting to avoid attention, Yue Bai landed her sword flight a bit away from the square and walked along the small path. Finding it uncomfortable that her erect ears were pressed down by the hood, Yue Bai took it off when she saw no one around. The path was lined with pine and fir trees at that hour. As Yue Bai was about to put her hood back on, Zhao Qi spotted her and caught her in a hug. Zhao Qi plucked a pine needle from her hair, smiling. “I thought you wouldn't want to come.” “Master asked me to come.” Yue Bai donned her hood again and looked around. Nearby, a considerable number of disciples were gathering and heading in one direction. “Do you know when the rogue cultivator will start the lecture?” “In a little while.” Zhao Qi felt sorry seeing the erect white ears being pushed down. “You don't have to be so cautious. Everyone knows how Senior Immortal Ji made you like this... In fact, many are curious to see you.” Zhao Qi laughed, reaching into Yue Bai’s hood to pinch the white fur on her ear tips. “So cute.” Yue Bai, holding on to her hood to keep it from being pulled down, looked troubled. “This is fine…” Zhao Qi backed off, still smiling. “Let's hang around here for a while, then go over when the lecture starts?” “A Qi, if you want to hear more, you should go ahead.” Yue Bai didn't want to delay the diligent young girl. Zhao Qi, who studied medicine and relied on talismans for protection, would benefit greatly from the rogue cultivator's lecture on talismans. “I'm not into talismans; this lecture is useless to me…” “Oh, don't say that.” Zhao Qi gave her a gentle push. “We've known each other the longest since coming up the mountain. Besides, I might not understand all the talismans right away, so what's the difference between going early or late?” Yue Bai appreciated the girl's kindness, pondering when she could repay it in the future. “Just give her some of your stuff,” Jiu Yi suggested offhandedly. “Your herbs or talismans…” Yue Bai acknowledged with an "hmm," planning to think it over seriously. “By the way, A Qi,” Yue Bai asked, “isn't Senior Brother Luo coming today?” Zhao Qi gave her a knowing look and moved closer with a smile. “Didn't you say you wanted to cultivate properly? Missing Senior Brother Luo now?” No, not missing him, better if he didn't come. Seeing Yue Bai looking a bit awkward, Zhao Qi didn't continue teasing her and leaned in to whisper. “Didn't I tell you about Senior Immortal Ji and Six Li Immortal's affair? Elder Ou Yang seems to worry about something between you and Senior Brother Luo, so he’s called him back for some etiquette teaching…” “…Is she the dean, worried about puppy love?” Jiu Yi dryly remarked. Yue Bai felt even more embarrassed. This wasn't something that would lead her to visit Ji Wu Nian in the library again. Jiu Yi snorted, clearly not believing her. Yue Bai and Zhao Qi chatted and laughed in a corner while people moved towards the same place from the square. They waited until the square was mostly empty before heading over. The rogue cultivator's lecture location was on a high platform in Wu Shi Peak. To show respect for the rogue cultivator, all disciples were required to walk up, forbidding sword flight. The area below the platform was crowded. With her height, Yue Bai found her view obstructed by the people in front as they reached the outer edge. “A Qi,” Yue Bai spoke, disliking the crowd and not wanting Zhao Qi to stay with her, “you should push forward a bit; I’ll wait for you at our previous spot later.” “But…” Noticing the girl’s curiosity and eagerness to learn, Yue Bai nudged her forward. “Go on.” Stepping back to avoid getting swallowed by the crowd again. “Make sure you wait for me!” Zhao Qi waved at her, to which Yue Bai nodded. A few other disciples near them recognized Yue Bai and Zhao Qi, frequently seen together. Yue Bai greeted them with a nod, pulling her white robe closer and retreating to the edge. She retreated all the way to a shrubbery area, where she could faintly see a golden talisman. The sky served as a curtain, clouds as a brush, with a golden talisman partially depicted, its voice flowing like water. The rogue cultivator had impressive cultivation, but Yue Bai still didn’t know why she was there. Jiu Yi speculated, “Maybe Ji Wu Nian can’t draw talismans herself and wants you to learn?” Yue Bai lazily responded, “Possibly.” Ultimately, there were others around, so Yue Bai stood respectfully to the side, pretending to observe, hoping to blend into the background. However, blending in was impossible. Soon, someone called out to her, “Ye Er?” Yue Bai turned to see Ding Ye, whom she hadn’t seen in a while. They had joined San Qing at the same time but had only met during her early days when she still attended the major classes. “Ding Ye?” “Ah, you still remember me?” The boy, now carrying a long sword, laughed. “I thought you only hung out with Senior Brother Luo and forgot all about us.” His words were slightly awkward, something even Jiu Yi found hard to bear. “That’s pretty sour.” Yue Bai softly said, “I’ve been weak, so Master has kept me in Qing Lin Hall more.” A few more people joined them, disciples from Luan Qing Peak. As the headmaster’s disciples, they always saw themselves as superior to other peak disciples. Yue Bai recognized a few from the ascent martial arts meeting, some had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and one was even called to Yue Port by Ji Wu Nian. Jiu Yi found the development intriguing, “Is this going to be public bullying? They’ll get caught, right?” Ding Ye introduced her, “This is Senior Immortal Ji's head disciple, Miss Ye Er.” “Junior Sister Ye.” A disciple stepped forward with his sword. “I’ve heard your name for a long time but never had the chance to meet you.” He sized her up. “We heard from Junior Brother Ding that you were here, so we came to greet you.” “...‘Junior Sister’...” Jiu Yi tutted twice. “Is he of a high enough rank?” Technically, the only ones who could call Yue Bai “Junior Sister” were the personal disciples of the elders from each peak. Others simply weren’t qualified. But Yue Bai didn’t mind, returning the gesture, “Greetings to everyone.” She didn’t want to converse with them, pointing to the rogue cultivator in the distance, “Aren’t you here to attend the lecture? I shouldn’t disturb you further.” With that, she intended to leave. “Ah, Junior Sister Ye.” The disciple reached to stop her but instead grabbed her sleeve, pulling off her hood and revealing the two fluffy white ears atop her head. Jiu Yi shook his head. “See, when you’re too soft, people take advantage.” Yue Bai pulled her robe back, noticing several gazes directed at her with displeasure. “Is there something else you need?” The disciple looked awkward as he let go and glanced around. “It’s inconvenient to speak here; could you come with us for a moment?” Jiu Yi approved sarcastically, “This fits the typical plot.” Having no real interest, Yue Bai swept her soul sense over the group before deciding to follow them. They moved to a more secluded area, and the disciple led with an apology, “I apologize for my rudeness earlier.” “No harm done.” Yue Bai sensed their intentions and felt less annoyed. “What is it that you need?” The disciples exchanged looks before the one Ji Wu Nian had called to Yue Port stepped forward. “It’s embarrassing to admit, but we were patrolling Luan Qing recently and encountered a suspicious disciple near Qing Lin Hall. His family was massacred by demons, so he’s particularly sensitive to demonic energy. However, we lack evidence and can’t accuse without proof. Seeing you here, we wanted to ask if you’ve had any trouble lately?” “Wait, they’re good people?” Jiu Yi was disappointed but quickly scolded Yue Bai. “See, even though you're powerful, you need others to step in for you. Don’t you care about your reputation?!” Why bother handling things yourself if others could do it? However, Yue Bai chose to handle this herself, bowing slightly, “Thank you for your concern, but I’ll manage it.” Yue Bai knew who the person was. Since it was a family vendetta, applying strict legal rules wouldn’t help and might even cause backlash. If complete resolution were possible, Ji Wu Nian wouldn’t have sent her to Six Li under the pretense of dealing with demonic energy. It ultimately came down to Ji Wu Nian causing trouble again, one she couldn’t avoid by staying low this time. Sensing a deeper issue, another disciple advised, “Junior Sister Ye, if someone is indeed troubling you, you should report it to the headmaster. San Qing doesn’t allow internal bullying.” Ding Ye chimed in, “Yes. If it gets worse, inform Senior Immortal Ji. Don’t bear it all alone.” Jiu Yi speculated, “Have you been bullied by Ji Wu Nian so much that your reputation has taken a hit?” …Why bother if someone else could handle it? Nonetheless, Yue Bai was determined to handle this herself, bowing slightly to the group. “Thank you all for your concern. I’ll deal with this issue myself.” A formidable figure reduced to a bullied housewife... Yue Bai wasn’t averse to others' goodwill and was about to bow in thanks when she heard her name called from behind. The voice was all too familiar, though the aura felt slightly... The people in front of her had gone wide-eyed, but Yue Bai was extremely reluctant to turn around. Seeing her remain motionless, the person behind her stepped forward, wrapping both arms around the little disciple, trapping her in an embrace. Ji Wu Nian laughed, “What are you all doing here instead of attending the lecture?” “...Senior Immortal Ji.” The few disciples managed to utter the words, too stunned to bow. “...What’s going on here?” Jiu Yi didn’t know what was happening. “Have they seen a ghost?” Yue Bai indeed felt like she had seen a ghost; what she dreaded most had come true. Her head was resting on someone’s chin, Yue Bai grabbed the arm wrapped around her shoulders and slightly turned, “Master.” “Hmm?” The speaker didn’t let go but shifted slightly, allowing the little disciple hidden under the hood a better view of herself. Most importantly, she wanted her to see her own pair of bright red pointed fur ears. Yue Bai did as she wished, her eyes fixed on those fox ears. “Isn’t it uncomfortable being pressed like this…” Without waiting for a reply, Ji Wu Nian removed Yue Bai's hood, gently massaging the ears that popped out, easing their former constraint. Ji Wu Nian's own fox ears were longer than Yue Bai’s, with bright red fur on the backside and lighter fur inside, lacking the small tuft on Yue Bai's ear tips, making them look more refined. With slightly thicker skin, they felt very satisfactory to the touch. Jiu Yi rolled his eyes hard. This master has no shame! How can she just fondle her own disciple like this!??? …Desiring the disciple’s body and skills already, now Yue Bai is even more likely to be overwhelmed by lust and the allure of fur… Jiu Yi sighed lowly, “Yue Bai… control yourself…” “...Senior Immortal Ji,” the disciple who knew Ji Wu Nian stammered, “What… What are you…” “Hmm?” Completely satisfied with her disciple’s gaze, Ji Wu Nian pulled her even closer, her tail swaying, “Aren’t they pretty?” “They… They are very pretty…” Perhaps to match her fiery red fox form, Ji Wu Nian wore a bright red long robe today, embroidered with gold-cloud patterns, her six fox tails swaying along the hem. Her left sleeve was adorned with brilliant sunflowers, and her right shoulder had several darkened stars. Her own lips were naturally red, a tear mole complementing the glow in her eyes, not to mention those fox ears, making this flamboyant person even more attention-grabbing. Realizing this, Yue Bai pursed her lips and looked away. Noticing her disciple's evasive gaze, Ji Wu Nian leaned close to her ear, blowing on her ear tip and speaking softly, “Little Ye, aren’t they pretty?” Yue Bai wanted to curse. “...Pretty.” The happy master bent down even more, her lips near Yue Bai’s cheek. If Yue Bai even slightly turned her head, she’d be kissed. The mere breath made Yue Bai’s face flush. “Ye Er, wouldn’t you like to touch?” Jiu Yi: Holy shit!!!!!! Yue Bai gritted her teeth, “No, Master…” “Really?” This master, usually uninterested in fulfilling Yue Bai’s wishes, pulled her hand to her head, guiding it until she felt slight pressure on her ear, and smiled, “They feel really nice to touch.” Evidently, Ji Wu Nian’s fur had a firmer texture than Yue Bai's, not as soft but remarkably smooth and thicker, offering a more palpable sensation… Yue Bai, a fur enthusiast, indulged in a couple more touches. Jiu Yi mercilessly said, “You’re hopeless.” Yue Bai knew it too but still blushed slightly when it was so bluntly pointed out. This naturally pleased her mischievous master, who kissed her cheek regardless of whether Yue Bai would turn back. Knowing the little disciple would remain silent with pursed lips for a while, Ji Wu Nian turned to address the group, “What were you discussing just now?” “...Ah, we…” This version of Senior Immortal Ji exuded a bit of charm, causing the disciples to blush. “What were we talking about…” “...Nothing much,” Yue Bai stuttered, managing to respond despite blushing. “Just expressing concern, that’s all.” “Oh?” Ji Wu Nian stood up straight. Though she clung to Yue Bai, she only played with her white ears. The Immortal was somewhat indifferent, “If it’s about Jiang Yuning, I’ve already confronted him.” Jiang Yuning was the “supplier” of those unwanted gifts. Yue Bai had planned to visit him later today. Yue Bai turned back, seeing a smile at the corner of Ji Wu Nian's lips and her eyes gazing at her elongated nails. The long nails accentuated her slender hands, the sharp tips contrasting sharply with her soft, fair skin. Jiu Yi sighed, “Yue Bai, if you seek her out, make sure she trims her nails.” Yue Bai turned away again. The others didn’t share Yue Bai’s complicated thoughts and were rather relieved by Ji Wu Nian’s words, “So, Senior Immortal already knew.” “Hmm.” Ji Wu Nian nodded. “Thank you for informing Yue Er.” She rubbed Yue Bai’s head, “She is so reserved; she wouldn’t tell me if something happened, so I rely on you to keep an eye on her.” “We wouldn't dare…” Ji Wu Nian waved them off, “It’s a rare day; you should hurry to the lecture.” The disciples took their leave, leaving Ji Wu Nian and Yue Bai alone. The little disciple remained silent, prompting Ji Wu Nian to tug at the outer robe covering her tail, “Isn’t this uncomfortable?” With someone as flamboyant as Ji Wu Nian by her side, the white robe would serve no purpose once they appeared in public. Yue Bai removed the robe, holding it in her hand, and sighed inwardly seeing Ji Wu Nian's eager look. “Master, you’ll be punished again.” Ji Wu Nian wrapped an arm around her disciple’s shoulders, guiding her along the path, laughing, “If discovered by Senior Brother, I’ll probably be confined to Qi Yun Peak again.” She nodded her chin, “And Wen Zheng might also seek me out later…” “What did she do?” Jiu Yi dryly asked. Yue Bai didn’t know; she just felt like sighing. “Your chicken soup tasted good last time,” Ji Wu Nian smiled at her, “So I brought back a few more chickens along with plenty of other ingredients for another meal.” Jiu Yi: So she went on a chicken-stealing spree… Literal chicken theft. Yue Bai pursed her lips, which made Ji Wu Nian happy. She clearly relished holding her little disciple, using her tail to entangle her, “So cute.” Cute, cute, you’re the cutest. With Ji Wu Nian holding her, Yue Bai was brought back into the public eye. Even the rogue cultivator on the high platform paused from drawing talismans. The rogue cultivator looked at her for a long time before clearing his throat and resuming his work. Seasoned cultivators knew to adjust when dealing with the renowned Ji Wu Nian, whose talent for causing trouble rivaled her immortal skills. Ignoring or going along with it was the consensus among cultivators. After all, San Qing protected their own, especially this little junior sister.