66 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

These past few days, many people came to Qinglin Palace to express their condolences due to Ji Wunian's trouble-making. Yue Bai, waiting for her demonic aura to dissipate, patiently dealt with them. Once her fox ears and tail naturally receded, she went to Jiusiy Cliff to find Ji Wunian again. Unlike Yue Bai, who was exhausted from dealing with people, Ji Wunian enjoyed her solitary confinement, with nobody to disturb her. She spent her time meditating on the cliff and stargazing. Seeing Yue Bai approach, Ji Wunian sat at the edge of the cliff, her tails swishing, and smiled brightly. Yue Bai walked to her side, watching the red tails fluttering up and down. After some thought, she couldn’t bring herself to step on them. Though her master always caused trouble, the tails were innocent. Ji Wunian was infamous not only for her trouble-making but also for knowing when to retreat. When Yue Bai sat down beside her, Ji Wunian leaned closer and stuffed her six tails into Yue Bai's arms. The fur was soft, and the tail tips were rounded. Yue Bai gave her a sideways glance and, without hesitation, gathered the tails and scratched one of them. Ji Wunian leaned forward slightly, turning her head to get a better view of Yue Bai's face. Rarely did she not smile while petting her tails, but Yue Bai remained cold and aloof, like a solitary daffodil blooming under the moon, indifferent to the world. It seemed she had accumulated quite a bit of resentment these days. “Yue Bai.” Yue Bai glanced up slightly, her expression neither warm nor cold. The fox tails in her arms slipped away, smooth and slick. Her master, shamelessly relying on her smile, leaned in and gently kissed Yue Bai's lips. Yue Bai’s hand, now free from holding the tails, was covered by another hand. By the moonlight, Yue Bai saw a sparkle in Ji Wunian’s eyes. Pale peach and deep apricot hues, dyed by the breeze. As Ji Wunian moved slightly away, Yue Bai shifted her gaze to the stars, “The stargazing here isn’t bad.” Ji Wunian watched her profile, her ears twitching, and laughed, “Astrology is what I’m best at.” Jiu Yi finally found a chance to chime in, “That's why she can predict...” Yue Bai ignored Jiu Yi and had no desire to play along with Ji Wunian's words. The little fox's nonsense was often just to tease Jiu Yi, and Yue Bai didn’t have the patience for it. If astrology could indeed help someone navigate the Boundless Thunderstorm and avoid the Snowhiding Thousand Edges, those two factions would have disappeared long ago. Without looking at her, Yue Bai said, “Shall we go?” She had come tonight to go to Kun Min together. “Let's go,” Ji Wunian said, taking Yue Bai's hand. Her tails fluttered, and her ears twitched with excitement. The night was clear, the moon bright, and the breeze gentle. They sat together, but neither moved. Jiu Yi felt as if a few crows were about to fly overhead, “Are you going or not?” Yue Bai turned her head, gazing into Ji Wunian's eyes, saying nothing but understanding everything. The red fox shook her ears and, moving closer, whispered to Yue Bai, “Come with me, but we might not return tomorrow.” “Leave Sanqing, and I'll take you away.” Ji Wunian was momentarily stunned but then laughed softly, “So cautious…” The fox’s ears twitched with her laughter, the fine fur under the bright moonlight appeared a mix of white and gray. Yue Bai reached out and pinched them, “A fair exchange.” That’s what it meant to be cautious. When Ji Wunian looked at her, her ears brushed against Yue Bai's hand, her eyes filled with their perennial mischievous gleam. “Yue Bai.” “Mm?” Yue Bai watched her hand being grabbed and held again. The red fox tilted her head, her long pointed ears blocking half the moon behind her, looking as charming as a fairy, “Let's die together?” Jiu Yi reacted first, “What?” Yue Bai raised an eyebrow, noting the playful glint in Ji Wunian's eyes. Then, with a flare of red robes and six tails following, Ji Wunian grabbed her hand and leaped off the cliff, diving into the vast sea of clouds, far from the moon. Jiu Yi exclaimed, “What the hell!” The fierce wind stung, the clouds misled, and the endless peaks hid the depths below. If they were to “die together,” then they would head towards death. Yue Bai used no spiritual power, allowing the cold wind to whistle around them, darkness engulfing everything except for the slightly warm hand holding hers. Suddenly, pain struck her hand as Ji Wunian pulled it in a specific direction, then turned. When she looked again, Yue Bai found herself cradled in the fire fox's arms. Looking down at her, Ji Wunian’s fox ears glowed, her eyes earnest. Just as when he was Ye Er, she cradled Yue Bai, kissing her forehead, her tone somewhat smug, “Why are you so obedient?” ...Obedient, my ass. Knowing there was something amiss below, Yue Bai flipped out of her arms, straightening her attire. Surrounded by lush trees and faint light, it was hard to see clearly in the darkness. But during the fall, in that fleeting moment, she glimpsed the words carved on the mountainside. Life and death blaze, anguish boundless. The familiar handwriting made Yue Bai realize it was the same person who had carved the Wuji Stele. “Jiu Yi,” Yue Bai asked him, “Where are we?” “Huh?” Jiu Yi didn’t quite understand, but upon closer look, “What? How are we at the foot of the mountain???” They had been at the peak of Qiyun just moments ago, and now they stood at the mountain's base, only a short distance from entering Quren County. “What the hell?” Jiu Yi exclaimed, puzzled. Yue Bai said nothing, glancing at Ji Wunian, and reached out, “Come.” Ji Wunian, playful as ever, didn’t offer her hand but her tail, winding it teasingly in Yue Bai's palm, making her itch. Yue Bai, who was very ticklish and disliked it, raised an eyebrow, grabbed her tail, and pulled her into her embrace. Ignoring her playful protests, Yue Bai wrapped an arm around her waist, extended the other hand, and quickly formed a teleportation array. In a flash of golden light, they found themselves by a small bridge over flowing water, surrounded by a deep courtyard. Nearby, pavilions and towers flickered with candlelight, exuding charm. Ji Wunian recognized the place; it was the back court of Butterfly Manor. With such skill, it was no wonder she had managed to cover thousands of miles in an instant back at Snowhiding. Conflicting emotions surged within her, but Ji Wunian shook her tails, swallowing her feelings. She looked at Yue Bai, “Where are we?” Yue Bai glanced around, finding a path, “You don’t know?” Another unspoken “I don't know,” Ji Wunian followed beside her, a sweep of her hand changing her appearance. Not surprising for someone of great talent, the face Yue Bai gave her had already been altered. “A third identity?” Jiu Yi muttered, “The third layer already?” A celestial Ji Wunian, a demonic Ling Zhou, and now this fox spirit... who was she? Her face was still beautiful, her eyes vibrant. Yue Bai glanced at her, “Not presenting yourself as Ling Zhou?” Clearly intending to go to the demonic high councils but using a fox spirit persona to meet the former demon general? “What is it?” The fox spirit elegantly stepped forward, her body turning slightly, her eyes teasing as her sharp claws lifted Yue Bai's chin, “Afraid being seen with a mere fox spirit will tarnish your reputation, Lord Yue Bai?” “…Drama queen.” Jiu Yi couldn’t bear it anymore, “Yue Bai, just hit her.” Fighting wasn’t on the agenda, so Yue Bai pushed away the fox claws, clasped them in her hands, and led her across the wooden bridge in front. A passing servant paid them no heed. Ji Wunian glanced back at the servant, marveling at Yue Bai's skill even before hearing her speak. “Since you called me Lord, don’t change that.” “Damn.” Jiu Yi wanted to knock on Yue Bai's head, “Didn’t expect you to be like this, Yue Bai.” Ji Wunian choked, but her companion walked leisurely, naturally, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. She moved closer, “Yue Bai…?” Yue Bai stopped and smiled softly. …She was serious. Ji Wunian blinked, adding, “Alright…Lord.” Yue Bai, satisfied, continued to lead her toward the front yard. This was like shooting yourself in the foot, but Ji Wunian didn’t feel too hurt. Her little disciple suddenly becoming so high-spirited was both new and adorable to her. She'd find a place to get back at her later. “Lord,” Ji Wunian smiled, shaking Yue Bai's hand, then jumped ahead to block her path, her laughter mingling with the fragrance of flowers, “This little demon has just entered the world and is nameless. May I bravely ask my Lord to bestow a name?” Even Yue Bai wanted to call her a drama queen now, responding coldly, “Choose your own.” How unromantic. The fire fox pouted, continuing to follow Yue Bai. Butterfly Manor was bustling, with many servants coming and going, some in half-demon forms, their heads lowered respectfully. More curious than Yue Bai's love for fur, Ji Wunian was intrigued by this hidden life, frequently looking back. Through many twists and turns, past perfumed pavilions and chambers, they arrived at a main hall filled with lively singing and dancing. Yue Bai stopped first, with Ji Wunian beside her, watching the people coming and going, joyfully interacting. Over here, tender fine waists swayed, while over there, lips smiled behind fans. Butterfly Manor captured the hearts of many, its charm surpassing even the celestial realms. Ji Wunian looked up, silent amidst the merriment. Yue Bai's hand still held hers, the warmth softening her heart. She couldn’t help but ask, “If you don't want to, we can leave.” Sensing Ji Wunian’s aversion to this place, she let her fox form enhance her demonic aura. Even so, Yue Bai was surprised she hadn’t prepared a name, as if it was outside Ji Wunian’s usual planning—even the trouble-making Ji Xianzhang should have foreseen this. If it wasn’t part of her plan… “Rarely does Lord Yue Bai wish to go somewhere, how could this little fox not follow?” Ji Xiao Fox sidled up, clutching Yue Bai's arm, her eyes brimming with seductive charm, resembling both a demon and an enchantress, “How could I be unwilling?” Jiu Yi shuddered, “I've got goosebumps…” Even though Ji Wunian was sweet and charming, Jiu Yi’s voice cut through, making it impossible for Yue Bai to be completely charmed. However, Yue Bai noted Ji Wunian’s desire to accompany her and decided it deserved some reciprocity. “Jiang Xiao.” Ji Wunian tilted her head, smiling, “So elegant?” Jiang Xiao—delicate as thin silk, skin like ice, snowy and soft, fitting Ji Wunian's elegant fox spirit persona perfectly. Yue Bai looked at her, “Don’t like it?” “I like it,” Ji Xiao Fox's ears twitched as she leaned closer, whispering into Yue Bai's ear, her breath lingering, “Thank you for the name, my lord.” ...Yue Bai wanted to shiver but held it in. Jiu Yi understood perfectly, “You can't outflirt her, just give up.” Yue Bai had long mastered ignoring Jiu Yi and was well-practiced at gently pushing off anyone who clung to her. The next step was merely releasing the surrounding barrier, revealing them to the world. This place was still hidden; Ji Wunian brought out a mask, helping Yue Bai put it on, “Butterfly Manor visitors are mysterious, everyone hides their identity well. Even with a disguise, another layer is necessary.” When Ji Xiao Fox wasn’t playing dumb, she appeared highly reliable. Yue Bai's gaze drifted to Ji Wunian’s slightly higher fox ears, her thoughts wandering. If Ye Er returned to the mortal world for Ji Wunian, could this Jiang Xiao be considered a fox existing for her, Yue Bai? Ji Wunian also donned her mask, and upon seeing Yue Bai in a daze, she approached with a soft smile, her tail brushing over Yue Bai’s hand, “Lord Yue Bai?” Yue Bai glanced at her and led the fox into the crowd. Despite Butterfly Manor’s splendor, these two stood out. Not just because of the tall, ethereal woman in light clothing clearly at odds with the atmosphere, but also because of the dazzling red six-tailed fox, as if ready to ignite the night sky. The fox spirit clung persistently to the other, always nibbling at her ear. Spring snow melted by a charming smile, green temples painted with autumn mist. Cong Sheng now understood why Yue Bai said that person was more conspicuous than him. The closeness alone drew many envious glances. “Miss Yue Bai, the master invites you.” With so many eyes in Butterfly Manor, Cong Sheng preferred not to reveal himself unnecessarily and sent a servant to find the two of them and invite them upstairs. Once in a quieter place, Yue Bai and Ji Wunian removed their masks and sat opposite Cong Sheng. “Yue Bai, A Yang will be here shortly,” Cong Sheng had not left servants in the room, pouring tea for them himself, his round eyes darting between them, finally settling on Ji Wunian, “This young lady is…” Displaying her demonic identity so conspicuously, she was indeed unusual. Ji Wunian, catching Cong Sheng’s momentary bewilderment which he quickly hid, responded with a gentle smile, radiating charm. “Jiang Xiao.” Ji Wunian, with a playful tug on the person beside her, smiled, “Her fox.” Yue Bai’s cup paused at her lips for a moment, then she calmly continued sipping. Ji Xiao Fox, noticing, smiled even more. Yue Bai mentally added another tick mark to her list. Watch it. Your time will come.