77 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

### Chapter 77 “Divine One?” Jiu Yi was startled. “What does that mean?” Yue Bai blinked, then placed a finger on her lips before the child could cry out louder. “I’m called Ye Er.” The title “Divine One” shouldn’t be used here at all. The child was nearly as tall as her waist, so when Yue Bai knelt down, she became shorter than the child. She looked up and said, “Call me Ye Er or Big Sister, whichever you prefer.” Just don’t call me the Divine One. “What about you?” Yue Bai grasped her small hands, smiling gently. “What’s your name?” As if the warmth of Yue Bai’s hands melted the ice, the child showed a hint of emotion. “Tian...” “She’s called Qin Shuang,” Ji Wu Nian quickly interrupted, kneeling beside Qin Shuang and smiling toward her disciple. “Qin as in the Qin Dynasty, Shuang as in frost and snow.” Jiu Yi looked at the two adults who had stolen the child's words with disdain. “What’s going on here?” What else could it be? Each had their own secrets that couldn’t be revealed. “Wu Nian?” Liu Li walked over, confusion evident as he observed the scene. “Ye Er?” It seemed Qin Shuang understood. She tilted her head, her hair falling over one shoulder, her voice young and innocent. “...Ye, Er?” “Mm.” Yue Bai nodded, appreciating that she was a quick learner. “Ye Er.” But the child would not comply so easily. After repeating “Ye Er,” she followed it with a gentle “Divine One.” Yue Bai wanted to cover her mouth immediately, but could only manage a smile. “...Little Frost, do you want to go up the mountain?” The child didn’t reply, her lips curving up silently. She seemed hesitant, clutching Yue Bai’s hands tightly. Yue Bai thought for a moment and pulled her into her arms. Qin Shuang trembled as she buried herself deeply into Yue Bai’s neck and shoulder. The child didn’t know what had come over her. She clung to Yue Bai’s clothes as if fearing she would run away. Yue Bai patted Qin Shuang’s back, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding crowd and meeting various strange looks, ultimately settling on Ji Wu Nian. “Master, what’s this?” She smiled awkwardly, feeling somewhat resentful. She didn’t dislike the child in her arms and even felt a subtle connection with her. But she hated that Ji Wu Nian had brought trouble without informing her first. Bringing trouble without giving a heads-up—unpardonable. Ji Wu Nian was both surprised and anxious, her mind full of questions. But it was hard to answer Yue Bai’s question. Finally, she turned her gaze to Liu Li. “Senior Brother... what’s this?” “...Uh,” Liu Li looked at them, suddenly at a loss for words. “Ye Er, do you know Qin Shuang...?” Yue Bai naturally shook her head, an innocent look on her face. “Then this...” Liu Li was defeated. “I don’t know either.” The three of them exchanged looks, but ultimately, it was Yue Bai who couldn’t stand the strange eyes any longer. Kneeling here was not a solution. She patted Qin Shuang gently and said softly, “Can you let go of me for now?” Qin Shuang obeyed Yue Bai’s words but appeared a bit nervous without the embrace. Unable to see, she clutched a piece of Yue Bai’s garment. Already frail due to her snowy appearance, the sightless Qin Shuang seemed even more pitiable. Now free, Yue Bai stood up, looking at the child who barely reached her waistline. She loosened her grip on her own clothes but held Qin Shuang’s hand tightly. “Don’t be scared.” Qin Shuang’s small hand could only grasp two of Yue Bai’s fingers, holding on tightly without letting go. Seeing that Qin Shuang had somewhat stabilized, Yue Bai finally turned to face Ji Wu Nian and Liu Li. “Master, Immortal, why don’t we find another place for now?” Being stared at by a group of disciples felt strange. Both Ji Wu Nian and Liu Li understood this and led Yue Bai and Qin Shuang to a quieter place, heading straight to Liu Li’s hall. Qin Shuang held Yue Bai’s hand all the way, as if this person was her beacon, guiding her through the darkness. Even after entering the hall, the little girl clung to Yue Bai, not leaving her side for a moment. This sudden closeness was as baffling as it was inexplicable. Liu Li couldn’t understand it and didn’t know how to make Qin Shuang comfortable at the Wushi Peak. “Senior brother, you should inform the headmaster,” Ji Wu Nian suggested, seeing the situation. “We can keep Qin Shuang at Qinglin Hall.” She then asked Yue Bai, “What do you think, Ye Er?” Yue Bai couldn’t let someone who called her “Divine One” out of her sight. “I think it’s a good idea too.” Liu Li still wanted to make an effort, given that he had brought Qin Shuang back. “Qin Shuang...” But Qin Shuang ignored him and even leaned closer to Yue Bai. Liu Li: “...” No matter what the headmaster said, for today at least, Qin Shuang seemed bound to Yue Bai. So, Ji Wu Nian and Yue Bai took her back to Qinglin Hall. Throughout the journey, Qin Shuang clung to Yue Bai, not letting go, even when they flew on swords together, rendering Ji Wu Nian somewhat irritated. “She’s quite attached to you,” Ji Wu Nian remarked, sitting on a lounge chair in the courtyard, finding the scene of Yue Bai placating a child somewhat peculiar. To avoid making Qin Shuang strain her neck to look up, Yue Bai remained kneeling, speaking to her softly. Hearing Ji Wu Nian’s comment, she glanced over with an indescribable look. “Well, we’re all attracted by the same kind of mess, aren’t we?” She took a few steps with Qin Shuang to find a stair for her to sit on and, seeing that Qin Shuang still needed to use her hands to explore, asked, “Can you see, Little Frost?” Though it was a redundant question, Yue Bai still wanted to confirm. Qin Shuang froze, nodded, then shook her head, finally lowering her head, letting a cascade of white obscure her face. “She’s been visually impaired since childhood; she cannot see worldly things,” Ji Wu Nian explained, sitting on the other side and patting her head. She might not see the worldly things, but perhaps she could see a soul. Yue Bai sighed inwardly, unsure of what to say. Jiu Yi provided a succinct summary, “...In short, your cover is blown, again.” Yue Bai spoke softly, “Are you hungry, Little Frost? How about I make you something to eat?” Seeing Qin Shuang’s fist clench again, Ji Wu Nian gently embraced her, pressing her cheek against Qin Shuang’s white hair. “If you don’t want to stay here alone, we can go watch her cook, alright?” Yue Bai cast a look over, but Ji Wu Nian laughed softly as Qin Shuang nodded. “Would you like some bak kut teh and crystal dumplings?” ...Who gives such bitter stuff to a kid... and crystal dumplings are so troublesome to make... Yue Bai frowned slightly, but Qin Shuang still nodded. Since the child had nodded, Yue Bai had no choice. She slowly let go of Qin Shuang’s hand. “Then you and Master can come over slowly. I’ll go prepare the ingredients, okay?” Qin Shuang’s silver eyes trembled slightly, but she still nodded. Watching her little disciple resign herself to food preparation, Ji Wu Nian cheerfully descended from her position, turning and kneeling before Qin Shuang. Even knowing that Qin Shuang couldn’t see her, she was willing to show her a sincere smile and look her straight in the face. “Tianwen.” Qin Shuang looked up, her lips pressed together in an unchildlike seriousness. “I know your name is Tianwen,” Ji Wu Nian said, patting her head. She didn’t want this child to bear such a heavy burden. “But here, you can only be Qin Shuang. It’s for your own good; do you understand?” Qin Shuang nodded, her white hair shimmering. Ji Wu Nian knew it wasn’t fair for such a young child to act so mature, but she had to continue. “You can’t call her ‘Divine One’ in public,” Ji Wu Nian warned, even though she didn’t know the origin of the term. Clearly, Yue Bai didn’t want people to know. “Otherwise, it will cause trouble for her.” Still, Ji Wu Nian liked to tease Yue Bai, adding with a smile, “But when it’s just the three of us, you can call her whatever you like.” Watching Yue Bai’s reactions in front of her was also a form of amusement. Qin Shuang looked up, following the source of the sound in the darkness, nodded in semi-understanding. Ji Wu Nian tapped her nose and said, “Let’s go watch her cook.” Ji Wu Nian held one of Qin Shuang's hands, leading her slowly, while casually plucking a fresh leaf from a nearby tree. Once in the kitchen, Ji Wu Nian had Qin Shuang sit on a small stool and sat beside her without concern for the dirt. Ignoring Ye Er’s busy movements, she pulled out the fresh leaf and smiled at Qin Shuang. “Would you like to hear the rest of the song?” With some vague colors appearing before her and the sounds of cooking filling her ears, Qin Shuang nodded. The melody resumed, and Yue Bai, who was just about to pour water into the pot, halted her actions. The tune was playful and light, like a mischievous spring breeze bringing forth vibrant blooms and cheerful birdsong. Yet it was also melodious, like a deep, gentle river flowing calmly towards the sea, unbothered by storms or frost, leisurely heading for broader horizons. It was a tune Yue Bai had composed, gifted to a long-gone friend who lived a carefree life. Now, it was being played again by Ji Wu Nian. Yue Bai cast her a deep look before returning to her tasks. ### Chapter 77 **Previous Chapter** | **Contents** | **Next Chapter** "Divine One?" Jiu Yi was taken aback, "What do you mean?" Yue Bai blinked and placed a finger on her lips before the child could shout louder. "I’m called Ye Er." Terms like “Divine One” shouldn’t be mentioned here. The child only reached Yue Bai’s waist, so when she knelt down, she was even shorter, tilting her head up to look. "You can call me Ye Er or Sister, either is fine." Just don’t call me Divine One. "And what about you?" Yue Bai gently held the child’s hands, smiling warmly. "What's your name?" The warmth seemed to melt the child's icy demeanor just a bit. "Tian..." "Her name is Qin Shuang." Ji Wu Nian quickly interjected, kneeling beside Qin Shuang and smiling at her disciple. "Qin as in Qin Dynasty, and Shuang as in frost." Jiu Yi looked disdainfully at the two adults who interrupted the child. "What's with you two?" What else could it be? Each had their own secrets that couldn’t be disclosed. "Wu Nian?" Liu Li walked over, puzzled by the scene before him. "Ye Er?" It seemed Qin Shuang understood. She tilted her head, her hair cascading over one shoulder, her voice soft and childlike. "Ye, Er?" "Mm." Yue Bai nodded, appreciating her quick understanding. "Ye Er." But the child didn’t follow the script Yue Bai had hoped for. She repeated “Ye Er,” then softly added, “Divine One.” Yue Bai wanted to cover her mouth but could only smile. "Little Shuang, do you want to go up the mountain?" The child didn’t respond, but her lips curled upwards silently. She seemed hesitant, clutching Yue Bai's hands tightly. Yue Bai thought for a moment, then pulled her into her arms. Qin Shuang trembled, burying herself deeply in Yue Bai’s neck and shoulder. The child, seemingly afraid Yue Bai would leave, clutched her clothes tightly. Yue Bai patted her back, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. Various strange looks met her, but finally, her eyes settled on Ji Wu Nian. "Master, what is this?" She smiled awkwardly, feeling somewhat resentful. She didn’t dislike the child in her arms and even felt a subtle connection with her. But she hated that Ji Wu Nian dragged her into this without informing her first. Bringing trouble without giving a heads-up—unpardonable. Ji Wu Nian was both surprised and anxious, her mind full of questions. But Yue Bai’s question was hard to answer. Finally, she turned her gaze to Liu Li. "Senior Brother... what is this?" "Uh," Liu Li looked at them, suddenly at a loss for words. "Ye Er, do you know Qin Shuang?" Yue Bai naturally shook her head, an innocent look on her face. "Then this..." Liu Li was defeated. "I don't know either." The three of them exchanged looks, but Yue Bai eventually couldn’t stand the strange eyes any longer. Kneeling here was not a solution. She patted Qin Shuang gently and said softly, "Can you let go of me now?" Qin Shuang obeyed Yue Bai’s words but appeared nervous without the embrace. Unable to see, she clutched a piece of Yue Bai’s garment. Already frail due to her snowy appearance, the sightless Qin Shuang seemed even more pitiable. Now free, Yue Bai stood up, looking at the child who barely reached her waistline. She loosened her grip on her own clothes but held Qin Shuang’s hand tightly. "Don’t be scared." Qin Shuang’s small hand could only grasp two of Yue Bai’s fingers, holding on tightly without letting go. Seeing that Qin Shuang had calmed down a bit, Yue Bai finally turned to face Ji Wu Nian and Liu Li. "Master, Immortal, why don’t we find another place for now?" Being stared at by a group of disciples felt strange. Both Ji Wu Nian and Liu Li understood this and led Yue Bai and Qin Shuang to a quieter place, heading straight to Liu Li’s hall. Qin Shuang held Yue Bai’s hand all the way, as if this person was her beacon, guiding her through the darkness. Even after entering the hall, the little girl clung to Yue Bai, not leaving her side for a moment. This sudden closeness was as baffling as it was inexplicable. Liu Li couldn’t understand it and didn’t know how to make Qin Shuang comfortable at Wushi Peak. "Senior brother, you should inform the headmaster," Ji Wu Nian suggested, seeing the situation. "We can keep Qin Shuang at Qinglin Hall." She then asked Yue Bai, "What do you think, Ye Er?" Yue Bai couldn’t let someone who called her "Divine One" out of her sight. "I think it’s a good idea too." Liu Li still wanted to make an effort, given that he had brought Qin Shuang back. "Qin Shuang..." But Qin Shuang ignored him and even leaned closer to Yue Bai. Liu Li: "..." No matter what the headmaster said, for today at least, Qin Shuang seemed bound to Yue Bai. So, Ji Wu Nian and Yue Bai took her back to Qinglin Hall. Throughout the journey, Qin Shuang clung to Yue Bai, not letting go, even when they flew on swords together, rendering Ji Wu Nian somewhat irritated. "She’s quite attached to you," Ji Wu Nian remarked, sitting on a lounge chair in the courtyard, finding the scene of Yue Bai placating a child somewhat peculiar. To avoid making Qin Shuang strain her neck to look up, Yue Bai remained kneeling, speaking to her softly. She glanced at Ji Wu Nian with a look that was hard to describe. "Well, we’re all attracted by the same kind of mess, aren’t we?" She took a few steps with Qin Shuang to find a stair for her to sit on and, seeing that Qin Shuang still needed to use her hands to explore, asked, "Can you see, Little Shuang?" Though it was a redundant question, Yue Bai still wanted to confirm. Qin Shuang froze, nodded, then shook her head, finally lowering her head, letting a cascade of white obscure her face. "She’s been visually impaired since childhood; she cannot see worldly things," Ji Wu Nian explained, sitting on the other side and patting her head. She might not see the worldly things, but perhaps she could see a soul. Yue Bai sighed inwardly, unsure of what to say. Jiu Yi provided a succinct summary, "In short, your cover is blown, again." Yue Bai spoke softly, "Are you hungry, Little Shuang? How about I make you something to eat?" Seeing Qin Shuang’s hand clench again, Ji Wu Nian gently embraced her, pressing her cheek against Qin Shuang’s white hair. "If you don’t want to stay here alone, we can go watch her cook together, alright?" Yue Bai gave Ji Wu Nian a look, but Ji Wu Nian just laughed softly as Qin Shuang nodded. "Would you like some bak kut teh and crystal dumplings?" Who feeds a child such bitter soup... Plus, crystal dumplings are so troublesome to make... Yue Bai frowned slightly, but Qin Shuang still nodded. Since the child had nodded, Yue Bai had no choice. She slowly let go of Qin Shuang’s hand. "Then you and Master can come over slowly. I’ll go prepare the ingredients, alright?" Qin Shuang’s silver eyes trembled slightly, but she still nodded. Watching her disciple resign herself to food preparation, Ji Wu Nian cheerfully descended from her position, turning and kneeling before Qin Shuang. Even knowing that Qin Shuang couldn’t see her, she was willing to show her a sincere smile and look her straight in the face. "Tianwen." Qin Shuang looked up, her lips pressed together in an unchildlike seriousness. "I know your name is Tianwen," Ji Wu Nian said, patting her head. She didn’t want this child to bear such a heavy burden. "But here, you can only be Qin Shuang. It’s for your own good; do you understand?" Qin Shuang nodded, her white hair shimmering. Ji Wu Nian knew it wasn’t fair for such a young child to act so mature, but she had to continue. "You can’t call her ‘Divine One’ in public," Ji Wu Nian warned, even though she didn’t know the origin of the term. Clearly, Yue Bai didn’t want people to know. "Otherwise, it will cause trouble for her." Still, Ji Wu Nian liked to tease Yue Bai, adding with a smile, "But when it’s just the three of us, you can call her whatever you like." Watching Yue Bai’s reactions in front of her was also a form of amusement. Qin Shuang looked up, following the source of the sound in the darkness, nodded in demi-understanding. Ji Wu Nian tapped her nose and said, "Let’s go watch her cook." Ji Wu Nian held one of Qin Shuang’s hands, leading her slowly, while casually plucking a fresh leaf from a nearby tree. Once in the kitchen, Ji Wu Nian had Qin Shuang sit on a small stool and sat beside her without concern for the dirt. Ignoring Yue Bai’s busy movements, she pulled out the fresh leaf and smiled at Qin Shuang. "Would you like to hear the rest of the song?" With some vague colors appearing before her and the sounds of cooking filling her ears, Qin Shuang nodded. The melody resumed, and Yue Bai, who was just about to pour water into the pot, halted her actions. The tune was playful and light, like a mischievous spring breeze bringing forth vibrant blooms and cheerful birdsong. Yet it was also melodious, like a deep, gentle river flowing calmly towards the sea, unbothered by storms or frost, leisurely heading for broader horizons. It was a tune Yue Bai had composed, gifted to a long-gone friend who lived a carefree life. Now, it was being played again by Ji Wu Nian. Yue Bai cast her a deep look before returning to her tasks.