69 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

“Do you like it, Yue Bai?" Ji Wu Nian's breath brushed against her ears, her tongue tracing the outer curves, savoring an unexpected sweetness. She had never been fond of sweets, but with Yue Bai, no amount of sweetness was ever enough. Yue Bai preferred to ignore her. At such times, he was always reminded of his humble standing as a disciple pre-foundation building, incomparable to Ji Wu Nian’s golden core physique and her bestial strength infused with demonic energy. After another night of wild antics, his stamina truly couldn't keep up. Yet, the boastful little fox that wouldn't let him return with a mere flick of her finger had left him trembling softly beside her, muffled whimpers escaping his lips. “Yue Bai, say you like it, and I'll let you go.” ... Truly pushing her luck further and further. "I like it..." The soft laughter from the crafty fox made Yue Bai feel that this person was indeed insufferable, always needing... “Ugh…” A liar. With a shudder in her embrace, nails scratched across Ji Wu Nian’s back, leaving a trail. Accepting the consequences of her own actions, Ji Wu Nian didn't react. Supporting the increasingly weary person, she began to reflect, albeit not sincerely, on whether she had gone too far. She positioned Yue Bai to lie down, noting her disheveled hair, the sweat on her brow, and fluttering lashes over tightly shut eyes. Feeling somewhat guilty, Ji Wu Nian nudged her, “Yue Bai…” No response. “Yue Bai?” Yue Bai curled up, unwilling to open his eyes, “Tired.” Ji Wu Nian scratched her nose, realizing she had neglected to refine her body despite promises, due to preoccupation with the beast transformation pill. Yue Bai's delicate frame... it seemed she couldn't endure such torment. Finally, Yue Bai half-opened his eyes; inside, they seemed to hold the chill of arctic mountains, devoid of warmth. “Lie down.” Obeying readily, Ji Wu Nian moved without a word. Yue Bai, truly exhausted, couldn't think straight and snuggled into Ji Wu Nian's embrace, quickly falling asleep. The dawn light outside already hinted at morning, yet Ji Wu Nian couldn't sleep. She pulled the nearby brocade blanket over them both, allowing Yue Bai to use her as a source of warmth. It was quite a novel experience. Aside from the last time in the illusionary dream, this appeared to be the first time Yue Bai had fallen asleep in her presence, resting for similar reasons... Ji Wu Nian gently kissed her forehead, a soft smile on her lips. Clearly so fragile, couldn't you have just called it off earlier? The culprit, little fox Ji, seemed to reflect inappropriately but still had a conscience. She placed a hand on Yue Bai’s bare back, channeling spiritual energy to soothe her subtly. Though not yet asleep, Yue Bai felt the delicate strands of energy and slowly opened her eyes. In the faint light, she saw Ji Wu Nian’s serene expression, a gentle smile, resembling tranquil, flowing water, hinting at unseen depths. When this little trickster became tender, she was quite... Noticing the open eyes, Ji Wu Nian deepened her smile, “What’s the matter? Can’t sleep like this?” She hadn't done this the previous two times, unsure if it would affect Yue Bai's rest. Yue Bai shook her head and closed her eyes again. So, does it help or not? Ji Wu Nian hesitated, about to withdraw her energy... “Continue.” Though her tone was cool, Ji Wu Nian detected a slight awkwardness, causing her to laugh softly and notice the faint furrow in the other's brow. This particular stubborn streak in Yue Bai was rather endearing. Ji Wu Nian kissed her brow and drew her closer. Holding the similarly tall Yue Bai felt like cradling a young disciple, softening her voice, “Rest well now. Later, I’ll prepare something for you to eat.” Normally, Ji Wu Nian was either too excited or defensive around Yue Bai, always causing trouble and headaches... But perhaps because Yue Bai was tired now, she found her gentle master quite dependable, and the embrace increasingly comforting. “... Mm.” Morning light filtered through mist, a tranquil haven for restful sleep. Ji Wu Nian lay with her for over half an hour, ensuring she was deeply asleep before slowly untangling her hand from under Yue Bai's neck. Typically quiet and composed, Yue Bai only showed brief curiosity for novel things, quickly losing interest, a rare childlike trait. In sleep, her guard down, her tall form slightly curled up, she appeared rather childlike. Gently tracing Yue Bai’s thin brows, Ji Wu Nian leaned in, planting a kiss on her cheek, her heart growing tender. Stealthily getting off the bed, Ji Wu Nian’s own clothes were nowhere to be found, likely misplaced by Yue Bai. She picked up Yue Bai’s light robe. Their similar builds made it a comfortable fit. With her tail nowhere to be accommodated, Ji Wu Nian decided to ruin another of Yue Bai’s robes, which she surely wouldn’t miss. With altered appearance, Ji Wu Nian played the role of Jiang Xiao, quietly slipping out the door. Osmanthus petals gently falling, tobacco butterflies fluttered in pairs. Ji Wu Nian’s fingers brushed a branch, plucking a few osmanthus flowers, reminiscing about the Leizhou osmanthus wine that Liu Li failed to bring back. Perhaps she could make some? “Miss.” A servant at the courtyard’s entrance bowed, asking softly, “The master and Miss Su are at the Xuanzhou Pavilion for breakfast. Would the two young ladies like to join?” Ji Wu Nian turned, smiling at the servant, “The other is still sleeping. I’ll go with you.” Bowing his head at her reply, the servant gestured, “This way, please.” Following him, Ji Wu Nian crossed the small bridge from yesterday, making a turn before walking towards the garden, passing through a small bamboo grove, finally arriving at the Xuanzhou Pavilion where Cong Sheng and Su Yang were seated. By the time Ji Wu Nian arrived, Cong Sheng and Su Yang had begun their meal, both smiling at her arrival. Su Yang, noticing her attire, the light robe identical to Yue Bai's from the day before, couldn't help but tease, “I was just telling A Sheng that Yue Bai probably wouldn't wake up... what’s with your outfit?” “You're wearing hers,” Cong Sheng, propping his round cheeks with both hands, smiled mischievously, “Will Yue Bai have anything to wear?” “No need to worry about her,” Ji Wu Nian replied with a smile, “Who woke up late, I wonder, with breakfast at this hour?” Su Yang sipped his tea quietly while Cong Sheng eyed her curiously, “You’re quite an amusing fox.” Not fearing her status as a demon general, yet naturally fitting in. Ji Wu Nian sat down, watching the surrounding servants replenish the table with fresh dishes, meeting Cong Sheng’s gaze, and commented cheerfully, "Thank you for the compliment, A Sheng." “Just being honest,” Cong Sheng picked up a pastry and placed it in Ji Wu Nian’s bowl, “This is a local rice flour delicacy - soft and fragrant, despite the modest name.” ... His habit of showing gratitude through food hadn’t changed. Ji Wu Nian took a bite, unbothered by meal etiquette, and asked while chewing, “How did things go last night?” “We asked them to stay over,” said Cong Sheng with a mouthful of rolled food, her displeasure evident, “Incredibly bold, daring to target A Yang!” Su Yang took out a handkerchief, wiping away the sauce from her lips, “That young master seemed to have sneaked out, probably not acting on his family's orders.” “Hmph.” Cong Sheng took another bite, “Do they know this is my Die Manor?” Her crinkled nose when angry was particularly adorable. Ji Wu Nian, disliking sweets, tasted only a bit and stopped. She scooped a bowl of soy flour, sprinkling scallions and pepper, speaking in between bites, “Everyone knows your Die Manor competes with Huanmeng on this street. What does your manor’s prowess have to do with snatching people from Huanmeng…” “A Yang,” Cong Sheng lowered her eyes, “perhaps we should marry after all…” “Don’t be silly,” Su Yang lightly tapped Cong Sheng's nose, her long brows turning towards the fox, “You and Yue Bai arrived at a rather opportune moment…” “It was her chosen date,” Ji Wu Nian responded, not sure if Yue Bai picked it deliberately or by chance. “Thanks to Jiang Xiao’s reminder as well,” Su Yang stroked Cong Sheng’s head reassuringly, “Without it, Die Manor might have clashed with the Lu Family.” Cong Sheng pouted, “We aren’t afraid of them.” Despite saying that, deep down, Cong Sheng didn’t desire conflict. If they hadn’t offended Su Yang, Cong Sheng wouldn’t have been so furious last night. This little fox likely knew she couldn’t calm Cong Sheng, so she had persuaded Su Yang instead, preventing the enraged Cong Sheng from causing more trouble. The almost tearful demon general, only Su Yang could pacify her. Cong Sheng sneaked a glance at Jiang Xiao, who had finished her bowl of soy flour and was licking her lips. “Jiang Xiao, how did they know about A Yang’s innate talent?” Ji Wu Nian paused, setting down her bowl, “A Yang’s talent was known in the demon realm. Someone must have told them.” “What about you?” Here it was, finally. Ji Wu Nian propped her head, facing the ominous red eyes oozing demonic aura and the surrounding oppressive demonic energy, “I’ve been in the demon realm.” “When we were both in the demon realm,” Cong Sheng tilted her head, her red eyes widening, “we never heard of a fox like you.” ... She really lost her cool when it came to Su Yang, some things never changed. Ji Wu Nian flashed a bright smile, utterly unafraid, “Have you, in your long life, heard of a Yue Bai?” Cong Sheng froze, then was nudged back into her seat by Su Yang, begrudgingly muttering, “No, I haven't.” Even Cong Sheng hadn’t heard of her; Yue Bai must have emerged from some obscure corner. “Jiang Xiao, how did you know about my Hongxiu and Qimeng?” Su Yang had been pondering this question for long. These were things she herself hadn’t yet tried. How did this fox know? Ji Wu Nian could only offer a wry smile, saying, “A Yang, I know many things. Just consider it my great ability and stop asking.” Others might not speak this way, but Ji Wu Nian knew she could with Su Yang. Everyone had their secrets. Su Yang pondered; both Yue Bai and Jiang Xiao had been kind to her, so pressing for information wasn’t right if they didn’t wish to share. Placing a hand on Cong Sheng's, she decided, "In that case, I won’t ask anymore." Cong Sheng saw Su Yang's decision and pouted but then shifted topics, “Since you know so much, do you know of Sanqing Qifeng? And who led him to the dark path?" “It was under Xun Yu’s command, by someone named Chang Mian. He isn't anyone significant.” Cong Sheng and Su Yang exchanged a glance before Su Yang continued, “Have you mentioned this to Yue Bai?” “Yue Bai?” Ji Wu Nian blinked, her ears perking up at the mention of the name. "What does this have to do with Yue Bai?" “Yue Bai asked us to investigate,” Cong Sheng explained, finding her perplexing. “Honestly, she already has you. Why would she still need me to go through this effort?” Su Yang recalled Yue Bai’s despondent demeanor that day, perhaps hinting at something she knew. "Jiang Xiao, I can see Yue Bai values you deeply. Maybe... you should open up to her a bit more..." Open up... The red fox smiled slightly, but gave no response.