74 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

When Ji Wu Nian got up, Yue Bai threw a red dress on her. This set was just as gorgeous as the previous one, making her pause for a moment when she received it. “Yue Bai, do you wear these clothes?” “...Occasionally.” Those red garments were specifically designed for her fox form, which Yue Bai didn’t particularly like to wear. However, as her elder sister had made them as a set, she kept them stored away. Ji Wu Nian smiled but refrained from saying, "I couldn’t tell." The demon market at night was even livelier than during the day. Many small demons preferred to roam at night, flaunting their true forms under the bright moonlight, which felt more liberating. A six-tailed fox was already eye-catching, not to mention the beautiful girl accompanying her. Moreover, the fox was extravagant; whatever caught the girl’s eye, she bought. Even if the girl fancied a furry little demon, she would pay to let her just touch it. “The Fox Lord is joking,” a Rabbit Spirit declined the rare herb that Ji Wu Nian offered, instead willingly stretching out his ears, “It would be an honor for us little demons if the venerable would touch us.” The little rabbit’s red eyes blinked at Yue Bai, making her feel like she was a carrot, so much so that the hand she intended to stretch out was awkwardly pulled back behind her. It’s as if she was taking advantage, yet somehow, Yue Bai felt like she was the one being taken advantage of. Hu Shi San’s reverence during the day had made them quite renowned; now, all the little demons treated them as supreme beings in the demon world. Seeing Yue Bai’s expression, Ji Wu Nian wanted to laugh. She placed the rare herb back on the stall, grabbed Yue Bai’s hand, and guided it to stroke the little rabbit’s head, also brushing his ears. Before the little rabbit’s eyes could light up, Ji Wu Nian quickly pulled Yue Bai away, heading to a secluded part of the demon market. “These little demons feel enlightened when you touch them,” Ji Wu Nian laughed as they walked, “They probably won’t bathe for a long time.” ...But they should really wash up more. Yue Bai, holding Ji Wu Nian’s hand, noticed how warm and soft it felt. Despite being a cultivator of cold energy, Ji Wu Nian was like a small sun, always radiating warmth. Although this hand had just crushed someone’s heart, Yue Bai didn’t seem to mind. “...Once someone finds the body, won’t they be terrified...?” Jiu Yi was concerned, even shivering, “What grudge did she have with that Song Ze...?” Yue Bai couldn’t answer the latter question, only saying, “She didn’t go for total annihilation.” “What?” “The disciple by Song Ze’s side,” Yue Bai said plainly, “She didn’t kill him.” Her sword didn’t hit vital points, and her claw marks were superficial. Though the wounds looked severe, they were survivable. Not to mention that even the two sitting beside Song Ze, Ji Wu Nian had dispatched them with a single piercing strike, leaving no pain, unlike her brutal treatment of Song Ze himself. What grudge did she really have? Jiu Yi furrowed his brow, “Did she leave deliberate flaws?” Yue Bai didn’t respond. Instead... Some small demons nearby started to whisper, their gazes upon them filled with something more than just curiosity. Yue Bai noticed, and naturally, so did Ji Wu Nian. “Had enough of browsing?” The red fox asked with a smile. The demon market wasn’t very big, and they had walked around quite a bit. Yue Bai looked around, “Is there any chestnut soup left?” “...A Du Niang packs up and leaves at night,” Ji Wu Nian flicked her ears, looking playful, “Hungry?” Yue Bai shook her head. She wasn’t really hungry, just craving a bit. “...There’s fire phosphorus cake at night,” Ji Wu Nian pointed at a small leaf-wrapped bun a little farther away, the cake inside still alight with a thin blue flame, “Spicy, want to try?” “Yes.” “...You can still eat,” Jiu Yi couldn’t take it anymore, feeling uncomfortable, “You’re not going to ask about what just happened?” “What about it?” Jiu Yi couldn’t understand them but then realized he couldn’t just step in and question them. He could only watch as they bought a cake and continued walking while eating it. As dawn broke, Yue Bai held Ji Wu Nian’s hand as they walked deeper into the mountains, looking for an isolated place to draw an array. Ji Wu Nian took the lead, wagging her tail, walking ahead. A stripe of red light, filtered through the patchy canopy, bathed the fox in such a way that the red cloak seemed lighter, almost as if the sunlight washed it into an orangey hue. Yue Bai allowed herself to be led, following Ji Wu Nian from the foot of the mountain to the peak, watching her adeptly navigate, face toward the rising sun. Ji Wu Nian sat them at the edge of a cliff, hugging her knees, reminiscent of how she'd looked by the stream earlier, but now her eyebrows were raised, reflecting a cheer that seemed unknown even to the sunlight. Her face blushed as she looked at Yue Bai, eyes brimming with brilliant light, finally speaking, “I dislike Song Ze.” Yue Bai, supporting herself with her hands behind her, gazed at the sunrise that turned the forest into gold, “I noticed.” Ji Wu Nian found her reaction amusing, continuing to watch the stars reflected in her eyes, and added, “I’m not a good person.” Yue Bai turned slightly, frowning as she glanced at her, “I never thought you were.” Ji Wu Nian found her blatant disdain very telling, as if she wasn’t commenting on morality but rather criticizing Ji Wu Nian for causing her trouble and bothering her to run around. Disdainful yet restless, Yue Bai nonetheless stayed by her side. This made Ji Wu Nian want to laugh, so she hooked her tail around Yue Bai’s hand, “Yue Bai…” “Yes?” Ji Wu Nian’s lips were soft, like the jelly candies they had just eaten, even sweeter. The candies had absorbed moisture, coated with a layer of syrup, making them more tempting. “I’m so bad, why do you always stick with me?” Inquiry, curiosity—Ji Wu Nian’s gaze was always radiant and lively, akin to the rising sun that gradually drew away the shadows cast over the green mountains and waters. But truthfully, Yue Bai felt that beneath Ji Wu Nian’s brilliance lay a swamp. Once stepped into, there would be no return. “Because I want to.” Ji Wu Nian’s answer made Ji Wu Nian chuckle, leaning against her while tapping her feet. Yue Bai turned her gaze slightly away, “Shall we stay here for a few days?” To see how things develop. “No need,” Ji Wu Nian leaned against Yue Bai, her sharp ears arched near her face, “We stand out too much. Staying will surely invite trouble.” Ji Wu Nian smiled confidently, her fox tail moving towards Yue Bai’s waist. That made sense. Demon auras were sensitive; many little demons probably guessed by now. Moreover, it was only a matter of time before the Infinite Sect came searching. Why did this trouble-seeking fox suddenly seem afraid of trouble? Yue Bai took her furry tail, holding it in her arms, and asked, “So you plan to ignore it?” She wasn’t keen on meddling, but it would be a shame if this demon market were targeted for retribution. The small demons wouldn’t have peaceful days then. “...Do you feel sorry for these furry little demons?” Ji Wu Nian turned and looked back at her, eyebrows subtly furrowed, “Aren’t I enough?” Yue Bai defended herself righteously, “Not enough.” Jiu Yi: “So she really loves furry creatures.” Ji Wu Nian chuckled, knowing she couldn't do anything to counter Yue Bai, and joked, “Kunming has existed between three realms for a long time, the demon market has its own reason for being. These small demons' cultivation might seem low, but their agility and dexterity surpass ordinary beings. And don't forget, the Demon Emperor has sent people to protect them...” She gently poked at Yue Bai's face, “Demons are protective, more than any other realm.” ...Pu Shi was indeed protective, but Di Cong said he ignored small demons... Yue Bai couldn’t make a definitive judgment at this moment and didn’t want to dwell, “Shall we return?” “Let’s go back.” *** The two returned to Sanqing. Ji Wu Nian brought Yue Bai to the foot of Luoyi Mountain, to the same place, using a silk scarf to blindfold her. “...Is that necessary?” Jiu Yi was panicking, “A wild tryst isn’t very appropriate…” Yue Bai ignored him, her hand held by Ji Wu Nian as they walked slowly upwards. The path beneath their feet changed from soft to hard, then from uphill to flat. When Ji Wu Nian finally removed the silk scarf, they stood again before the stone tablet of Qi Yun. Desires add to the heart's whirl, near to madness, far from return. Ji Wu Nian kissed Yue Bai’s cheek and smiled, “This demon aura will dissipate in a few days.” Yue Bai, too lazy to retort, concealed herself and returned to Qinglin Hall, climbing into bed to catch up on sleep. When she woke, it was already afternoon. Yue Bai stepped out to see Wan Wan munching on bamboo sticks in the courtyard. The little panda had not seen its owner for a while; upon seeing Yue Bai, it only lifted its eyes briefly, finding the bamboo more enticing. Yue Bai walked over and petted its head, which was thick-skinned and short-haired, less comfortable than Ji Wu Nian’s ears. Jiu Yi mocked her, “Obsessed with fur, aren’t you?” Used to his teasing, Yue Bai let it slide, spreading a mat in the courtyard to meditate with Wan Wan. As spiritual energy flowed, Yue Bai distracted herself by checking Liu Li's sea of consciousness. To date, he hadn’t met Mu Tian Wen, but many families had gathered in Ming Yun demanding an explanation. Leading them was the Xie family, a prominent northern family who had lost their only son and intended to cause trouble for Ming Yun. “...What kind of people are these,” Jiu Yi scorned, “Ming Yun’s already in such a state, instead of going after demonic cultivators, why are they adding insult to injury?” Yue Bai said nothing, then turned to check on Chen Ning. Wuji Sect had heard rumors that Lingzhou was in the Demon Realm, but lacking evidence, they sent disciples to search for a three-tailed fox, using it as an opportunity to gauge the depth of the demon's territory. It seemed that not only Wuji Sect, but Zang Xue was also involved. However, perhaps due to the disciples spreading out, a night passed without finding any trace of Song Ze. Chen Ning and Song Ze were somewhat acquainted, and she held a good impression of this senior brother. This time, he was entrusted by their master to investigate the Demon Realm, carrying high hopes. Yet, he met his end at Ji Wu Nian's hands, and in such a horrifying manner. Under the moon by the stream, devoid of any vitality... “...Doesn't this count as indiscriminate killing?” Jiu Yi nervously asked Yue Bai, “What exactly is she trying to do...?” “...She's still trying to draw attention to the Demonic Realm,” Yue Bai pressed her temples, attempting to banish Ji Wu Nian’s image from her mind, “Using Lingzhou as bait...” But if Wuji Sect indeed pointed their swords at the Demon Realm, Lingzhou's act would merely provide an excuse, and those deliberate flaws...if silencing witnesses were to happen, they would be of no use. Yue Bai sighed, feeling somewhat weary. *** Yue Bai returned to Kunming and found the local demon market indeed operating well, as Ji Wu Nian had said. Although the Wuji disciples were annoyed, they had sent additional forces, and there were clashes with Hu Shi San's demon clan guards, but senior disciples from the sect had suppressed these conflicts. It seemed they hadn’t yet found their specific target and were asking around. In a few days, news of Song Ze's tragic death indeed spread. However, in Wuji's search, they did not find the junior apprentice whom Ji Wu Nian had spared. Some speculated that he was torn apart by demons or that his body was eaten by wild beasts, with none finding the truth. Rumors suggested that two high-ranking fox demons appeared in Kunming's territory on the day of the incident, likely responsible for the attack. The Grandmaster of Wuji Palace was enraged, with Elder Chang Xia vowing revenge for his murdered disciple. The scene of Song Ze’s gruesome death sent shockwaves across the sects. “The demonic cultivator issue isn’t resolved yet,” Zhao Qi sighed while speaking to Ye Er, “Now comes trouble from the Demon Realm...” A female disciple walking with them expressed worry, “Now the sects are besieged from all sides, it’s dire.” “Why panic!” Ding Ye overheard and approached, waving his sword, “We cultivators slay demons and exorcise evil for the common folks, why fear them? Right, Ye Er?” Since Ding Ye reminded her about the Jiang and Ning matter at the fifth hour, he had grown closer to Ye Er. Given they were contemporaries, Yue Bai couldn’t refuse. Yue Bai had no particular stance against demons or demonic cultivators, so she simply replied, “We’ll follow the elders’ arrangements.” As mere fledglings who had been in the sect for only a few years, they weren’t much better off than ordinary people from the secular world. Were they to be sent to the battlefield, they’d be slaughtered in a single move by a powerful being. As one of these fledglings, Yue Bai remained humble. “Given the current situation, many sects are likely to recruit more disciples,” the female disciple whispered, “This year, we should see many more junior brothers and sisters.” “Even if they recruit more disciples, it won’t be a few years before they can go out to vanquish demons,” Zhao Qi acknowledged, “I’m certainly not going to be another immortal like Ji Wu Nian, achieving foundation establishment in three years.” “...” Ji Wu Nian's talent was unparalleled, leaving the group in silence. “Why couldn’t there be another?” Suddenly, a voice spoke, and before Yue Bai could react, she found herself pulled into someone’s embrace. This person exuded a demon aura, adorned in a cloud-patterned white robe, embodying the mischievous image of a sect-hopping Ji Wu Nian. With a radiant smile, she lifted her disciple’s chin, “Ye Er, your master awaits your surpassing me.” Yue Bai wanted to chop her hand off, forced to smile, “Master’s high expectations, Ye Er is apprehensive.” Impossible indeed, achieving foundation establishment in three years was a dream beyond reach. “...Heh,” Jiu Yi remarked coolly, “After all, you’re the big shot aiming for Nascent Soul in five years.” “If three years isn’t possible, five years should be,” Ji Wu Nian loved to tease her, pinching her cheek after releasing her chin, “If you don’t establish a foundation, I’ll take you to the bathhouse every day, you’ll eventually soak your way through.” What kind of grudge was this? “...I told you this jerk,” Jiu Yi clicked his tongue, “Having Yue Bai isn’t enough, now she wants to mess with her little apprentice too.” Yue Bai didn’t want to deal with her idiot system. Feeling her eyebrows throbbing from these two, Yue Bai pursed her lips, “Master, please stop teasing me.” Ji Wu Nian laughed, kissing her little disciple’s forehead, “I’m serious.” Their surrounding peers watched in stunned silence. They'd always known Ji Wu Nian was close to Ye Er, but kissing her forehead was a first. Zhao Qi looked at Ye Er with sympathy, wondering if Ji Wu Nian was acting out due to Liu Li Immortal’s absence... The various gazes made Yue Bai uncomfortable, especially with Ji Wu Nian’s teasing face, sparking the urge to strike her. But as the little disciple Ye Er, she could only change the topic, “Master, now that your confinement is over, have you informed the Sect Leader?” Hurry up and leave, get far away. “My senior brother knows,” Ji Wu Nian sensed the edge of Yue Bai’s growing irritation, knowing better than to push too far. She embraced her disciple, then asked the group, “Where are you heading?” “Immortal Ji,” Ding Ye replied, “We’re headed to Jingyu Peak.” “Elder Ouyang is giving a lecture today,” Zhao Qi supplemented, “We’re all planning to attend.” “Ouyang?” Ji Wu Nian pondered for a moment, “She must’ve won quite a bit.” “...She sure knows her wagers,” Jiu Yi remarked with his usual tone. “Let’s go,” Ji Wu Nian gathered everyone, her smile radiant, “We have time, let's go take a look.” *** In the afternoon, Elder Ouyang first lectured on music theory before allowing disciples to choose instruments for practice, with her and her disciples providing guidance. This was why Luo Changhe wasn’t present when Ji Wu Nian found them; he was with Elder Ouyang preparing. Zhao Qi had reserved a spot for Ye Er, but upon seeing her enter, Ji Wu Nian tightly followed, holding her disciple closely. Hugging during the lecture and embracing during practice; Ji Wu Nian's affection for her disciple seemed more intense post-confinement, much to the sympathy of those observing Ye Er’s discomfort. Yue Bai hadn’t intended to come, thinking she should make an appearance after being out of sight for too long. However, she was caught by Ji Wu Nian, whose clinginess made practice uncomfortable. Yue Bai whispered, “Master, Ye Er can manage on her own.” “But I haven’t seen you in so long,” Ji Wu Nian wasn’t about to let her go, speaking softly by her ear, “Let Master hug you.” How long was so long? It had only been a few days. Yue Bai gritted her teeth, while Jiu Yi summarized, “Jerk.” “...Can’t you hug me at home?” “Some are watching you too closely,” Ji Wu Nian whispered into her ear, soft words, “I’m afraid you’ll be stolen.” This was, of course, just to tease her. Ji Wu Nian didn’t believe her disciple could be stolen that easily. Yue Bai, knowing it was a tease, still found it distasteful, her ear itching, causing her to shy away, drawing a soft laugh from her master. Though the others couldn’t hear the exchange, they noticed Ye Er’s evasive posture, with Ji Wu Nian’s laugh full of affection, catching many eyes. Luo Changhe watched enviously, while Elder Ouyang’s brow twitched in annoyance. The disciples were more focused on Ji Wu Nian's playful banter with her disciple than their own practice! Was she here to disrupt? “Ji Wu Nian.” Ouyang approached, tapping her bamboo flute, “Are you leaving on your own or do I have to throw you out?” Ji Wu Nian, still holding her disciple, looked up innocently, “Can’t I accompany my disciple in practicing music?” “Ha,” Ouyang sneered, already disapproving of Ji Wu Nian’s laid-back demeanor, “Stop misleading Ye Er, and keep your distance. How can she play like this?” Rightfully said, exactly right, couldn't agree more. “Yue Bai, let me teach you,” Jiu Yi’s voice came coolly, “This is called 'giving a thumbs up.'” Yue Bai took the lesson to heart, mentally applauding Elder Ouyang. Ji Wu Nian pouted but wasn’t worried about Ouyang’s threat. However, she did worry about Yue Bai’s comfort, so she released her, adjusting her cloud-patterned robes as she stood. As always, Ji Wu Nian’s indifferent attitude carried a lazy elegance, drawing eyes from all around. Ouyang noticed and decided to make the most of it. “If you’re so bored, go on stage and play a piece. Set an example for your disciple.” Ji Wu Nian glanced at her, “What should I play?” Ouyang tilted her chin, “Ye Er, you choose.” ...Why drag her into this? Yue Bai sighed inwardly but instantly recalled Ji Wu Nian playing "Guangling San" a few nights ago. That piece, paired with the plain qin, had created a bloody scene of “robbing the five senses, taking lives.” But that was a song of slaughter. Yue Bai even felt that Ji Wu Nian had lost something herself while playing it, becoming the empty shell beside the stream. Or perhaps her heart had always been void, merely covered by layer upon layer of masks and disguises? Yue Bai wasn’t sure, and she didn’t want to choose that. “Then, would Master please play ‘Drunken Madness’?” Ji Wu Nian smiled softly, “As you wish.” Dressed in white, Ji Wu Nian gracefully took the stage, seating herself before a plain, ancient qin—a precious instrument of Ouyang's, rarely lent to others. Despite her disapproval of Ji Wu Nian's demeanor, Ouyang recognized her talent and had implied she could borrow the qin when she called her forward. Ever since the previous sect leader passed away, Ji Wu Nian had seldom touched musical instruments, and Ouyang hadn’t heard her play in a long time. The piece "Drunken Madness" flowed from Ji Wu Nian's fingertips, the notes evoking an image of one who finds solace in wine, yet loses themselves in intoxication. Beneath the apparent carefree and unrestrained façade lay a multitude of hidden secrets. Could someone who created such a piece truly only be indulging in the pleasures of the cup? Listening and watching, Yue Bai blinked when Ji Wu Nian smiled at her. This piece, indeed, suited her perfectly.