80 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

### Chapter 80 Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter Ji Wu Nian still didn't stay through the night. She returned to her secret spot at midnight, sitting by the water, facing the scattered remnants, waiting silently. Yue Bai arrived a bit late, her form flickering into view in front of Ji Wu Nian, as if she had no intention of solidifying her appearance. The bright moon illuminated the gutter, casting fragmented shadows all around. Ji Wu Nian extended her hand towards Yue Bai. Although Yue Bai hesitated for a few moments, she eventually materialized into a form that Ji Wu Nian could touch, pulling her close. As soon as Yue Bai sat down, Ji Wu Nian embraced her waist, holding her face with a cold hand, half-forcing her to turn. Her lips were naturally taken, Ji Wu Nian kissing her fervently, pressing down on her back to prevent any evasion. Jiu Yi thought something was off with her emotions, but Yue Bai bore the brunt of it silently, and he felt it inappropriate to speak up. ... Ah, his precious cabbage. Fortunately, the cabbage was currently in a soul state. No matter how Ji Wu Nian acted out, it neither hurt nor itched. So, Yue Bai let her kiss to her heart's content, even holding her and gently patting her back as if comforting a child, "Feeling better?" Ji Wu Nian leaned into her, saying, "Cold-hearted." Yue Bai remained indifferent, unafraid of Ji Wu Nian's words, and responded with a cold "Mm". Ji Wu Nian wanted to bite but found no place to start, so she resorted to fiddling with Yue Bai's fingers, "I can't go to Kun Mi." After all, there was an extra child to raise. Yue Bai, keeping an eye on Qin Shuang's situation, asked, "This is your solution?" Earlier, when Ji Wu Nian asked her about removing the demonic aura from Mu Tianwen, she'd said she'd come up with a way... The fact that she could directly bring the person over was indeed her skill. But Ji Wu Nian shook her head, her eyes still on Yue Bai's slender fingers, pinching the tip of her forefinger, "Senior Brother said that Qin Bi Chu secretly handed her over at the last moment... Rare as it is for him to request something, he couldn't refuse. He informed the Sect Master Senior Brother before returning but didn't tell me." Perhaps they thought it was a private matter of Qin Bi Chu, and not a big one at that, and figured the matter of the child was unlikely to involve Ji Wu Nian significantly, so they didn't particularly inform her in advance. This caught Ji Wu Nian off guard, filling her with a complex mix of emotions upon seeing Qin Shuang, especially when she saw Qin Shuang getting close to Yue Bai. It brought forth a messy whirl of emotions, the taste of which she couldn't discern. "She has some complications," Yue Bai said, "It will take some time." Yue Bai hadn't expected anyone to grow up bearing divine breath in this world, or to have so many entanglements with that person. Additionally, the demonic aura and divine breath within her were even more intertwined, requiring time to sort out. It wasn't impossible to take it all at once, but doing so might mean Qin Shuang would forever remain as Qin Shuang, unable to revert to Mu Tianwen. "...Solving this is something I never imagined," Ji Wu Nian let go of Yue Bai, curling up into a small ball, hugging her legs, "Thank you." ...Never imagined? If she hadn’t imagined it, then there wasn't a mission, right? Yue Bai glanced sideways at her, noticing a faint smile on her face, her eyes deep as if looking at some beautiful illusion or an unattainable dream, a wishful hope, yet seemingly without a clear path ahead. That path was for Yue Bai to pave, to make her dreams come true, and not leave her lost. Yue Bai gently embraced her, pressing her lips to her hair, yet saying nothing more than a simple "Mm". A fleeting illusion, Ji Wu Nian still smiled and said she was "cold-hearted." Her starry eyes glanced around, Ji Wu Nian was always lively with expressions that could sometimes be as innocent as a rabbit, as cunning as a fox, or as clingy as a little wolfdog, making it hard for people to resist. But she ultimately was a passionate person, her fervor burning in her chest, glowing like flowing fire. Yue Bai was often caught by her, forced to ignite with fervor. Sometimes, Ji Wu Nian would stir emotions in Yue Bai, making her want to become even more aggressive. "Mm." "Mm……" Released from their entanglement, Ji Wu Nian opened her eyes, which shimmered with a faint watery reflection, and saw the blue light around Yue Bai, "Yue Bai?" "…I have to go back now." With that, the glow vanished in an instant, leaving Ji Wu Nian sitting there, stunned. Her face still flushed as she blinked several times, trying to comprehend what happened... or rather, what did just happen? Jiu Yi, witnessing Ji Wu Nian's daze as Yue Bai vanished, dryly remarked, "See, raising a child really impacts one's s*x life..." Not only is Kun Mi out of the question, even their intimacy gets interrupted. When Yue Bai returned, she was immediately clung to by a sleepy Qin Shuang. The still-not-fully-awake child, sensing the familiar presence, finally settled down a bit, yet with a tearful voice, "God above…" "Shh," Yue Bai, already side-hugging her, patted her back gently, kissing the child's forehead, "Sleep well." Eyelashes lightly quivering, Qin Shuang's small face still trembled slightly from earlier crying, her eyes half-open, "Don't… don't leave…" "Not leaving." Yue Bai's tone was gentle, rubbing Qin Shuang's little face again, "Be good, Tianwen." After coaxing for a while, Qin Shuang finally fell asleep again. Yue Bai kissed the child's eyes and reached out to wipe away the remaining tears. Just then, Ji Wu Nian climbed through the window, lying down beside her, claiming her waist and pressing against her shoulder, "Did Xiao Shuang just wake up?" Yue Bai nodded, her hand still on Qin Shuang's back, gently patting. "…God above is so gentle with her." Yue Bai was about to tell her not to call her 'God above' when she felt two familiar touches on her neck. "Tsk..." "Hmph." *** Jiu Yi had been having a headache recently. Although he technically didn't have a head, he was truly troubled. "Yue Bai, don't get too engrossed in raising the child." Jiu Yi whined. Yue Bai, feeding the child soup, responded coldly, "Is there a mission?" "Though there isn't a mission, the way you're acting like a virtuous, good wife and loving mother is breaking character..." Weren't you supposed to be the aloof ice queen? How did you turn into a nanny… "...What is that?" Jiu Yi couldn't explain, continuing to whine. But his whining didn’t mean Yue Bai understood. Pausing in her movements, she was noticed by the child, who tilted her head. "God above?" Qin Shuang, after days of being cared for by Yue Bai, slowly started to speak more fluently, and the phrase "God above" rolled off her tongue especially easily. Since they were in Qinglin Hall with no visitors, Yue Bai let her be. "Nothing," Yue Bai fed her another spoonful, then set the bowl and spoon aside, catching her small hand, "Xiao Shuang, do you want to go for a walk later?" Qin Shuang lowered her head, knowing 'God above' was crouching in front of her. She wiggled her tiny feet, "Up to God above." "…Why does she still call you 'God above'…" Jiu Yi muttered. Previously, during a private moment, Yue Bai had tried to explain to Qin Shuang that she wasn’t the 'God above' Qin Shuang knew, almost making the little girl cry. "…God above…you're lying again…" The word "again" revealed how much trauma that person had left upon the child. Thinking that Qin Shuang wouldn't remain in this state for long and would eventually return to being the Master of Mingyun Pavilion, Yue Bai stopped trying to correct her. "Let her call it; it's not a big deal." Since she was acquainted with that 'God above,' and their auras were similar, it was fine to let her be a pleasant dream for Qin Shuang—a kind solace. Ji Wu Nian, hearing Qin Shuang call Yue Bai 'God above,' also simply remarked, "Let her call it." "Are you finally going out for a walk?" Ji Wu Nian, just coming from the main hall, caught the conversation, kneeling by Qin Shuang, "Xiao Shuang has been cooped up in the hall for days. It's time to have a walk." "…Wu Nian." Qin Shuang turned towards the voice, unable to see her, "Together?" "Together," Ji Wu Nian placed her hand on Qin Shuang's knee, smiling, "There's not much fun on the mountain. How about we go down to have some bean curd dessert?" "Master, is it alright?" Shouldn’t they hide Qin Shuang well? Why go out in public? "Does Xiao Shuang want to go?" Ji Wu Nian asked, always looking directly at her, sincerely, "There will be many fun things." Qin Shuang, still a child, was tempted by the fun but also noticed the hesitation in 'God above.' So her silver-gray eyes flickered uncertainly, not knowing what to say. Yue Bai knew that person always took Qin Shuang out to play, and the child enjoyed it. Though the person's sudden disappearance had reverted the child to an icy state, if she could smile again… "…Then let's all go together," Yue Bai agreed. *** "By the way, the recruitment of new disciples is about to begin," Ji Wu Nian, holding Qin Shuang's hand, walked leisurely. Some disciples in daoist robes around them glanced over, often lingering on their forms until Ji Wu Nian's smiling gaze made them look away. Yue Bai held Qin Shuang's other hand, her eyes constantly on the snow-white swirl at the child's crown, pretending not to notice the attention and finding an excuse to guard the child from falling, "Yes." Hearing 'God above's voice, Qin Shuang looked up, her gray-white eyes blinking at Yue Bai. Finding it cute, Yue Bai used her other hand to pat her head. The nearby market was noisy, but the ground was even. With both hands held and Yue Bai's constant vigilance, Qin Shuang's walk was steady. ‘God above’ often guided her through the clamor, but holding both hands was a rare experience. Yet, when she sought the warmth of another source, all she saw was blackness. "Mm?" This voice lowered, finally settling before Qin Shuang, the tone lifting cheerfully, "Xiao Shuang, what are you looking at? Do you want something?" Qin Shuang blinked and was momentarily dazed. She didn't really want anything and was about to shake her head. "Want a hug?" Though it sounded like a question, the action was faster than Qin Shuang's response. Before she knew it, she was lifted, half-sitting in the crook of Ji Wu Nian's arm, "Getting tired of walking?" Having her feet off the ground made Qin Shuang a little scared. She wanted to struggle but found her hand tightened around the familiar grip. 'God above' was still holding her. "...Master, you scared Xiao Shuang." "Eh?" Ji Wu Nian glanced at the child in her arms, "Xiao Shuang?" This person was very kind and even played 'God above's melodies. Qin Shuang had a good impression of her and didn't wish for her to be reprimanded because of herself. Qin Shuang shook her head. Ji Wu Nian felt very pleased, even if her little apprentice looked slightly exasperated. She nuzzled Qin Shuang's nose, "Xiao Shuang is so obedient." Although Qin Shuang couldn't see her, she found her very warm. Qin Shuang clutched at her clothes, leaning in a bit closer. Ji Wu Nian naturally noticed how the clouds embroidered on her chest were getting crumpled by Qin Shuang’s grip, but she didn't mind at all. Holding Qin Shuang, she, along with Yue Bai, walked into a famous bean curd dessert shop, only to encounter an unexpected person. "Immortal Ji?" Lian Jing quickly put down his bowl upon seeing her, "Why are you here?" He was accompanied by a few young disciples, all dressed in the Daoist robes of the outer sect of Taiqing. Upon seeing Ji Wu Nian, their eyes widened but they still managed to salute. "No need, no need for formalities," Ji Wu Nian waved them off, sitting at the table next to theirs, adjusting Qin Shuang to sit on her lap, "I'm just out with the child and apprentice for a snack. We’ll be heading back soon." "Child?" Lian Jing’s wrinkled face showed even more creases in surprise as he looked at the white-haired child, "A child?" "Yes," Ji Wu Nian said, hugging Qin Shuang with a smile, "What do you think? Do we look alike?" Jiu Yi felt he had become purely for making sarcastic remarks, "Not at all." Lian Jing also thought they didn’t resemble each other. The child looked too cold, quite unlike the fiery Immortal Ji. …He assumed the child must be a foster, but why was she specifically with Immortal Ji… Lian Jing didn't pursue the matter, laughing as he returned her greeting, "I didn’t expect Immortal Ji would start raising a child." Ji Wu Nian just smiled, not responding directly, "You all enjoy your meal." She turned to call out to the shopkeeper who had been waiting on the side, "Shopkeeper, three bowls of bean curd dessert. One sweet, two savory, one without scallions." "Got it!" Yue Bai, having sat down with her, noticed Qin Shuang remaining motionless since she'd spoken, and suggested to Ji Wu Nian, "Master, why don't you let Xiao Shuang sit by herself?" "Hmm? Is it uncomfortable like this?" Qin Shuang wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable but being held close and asked whether they look alike… It felt a bit embarrassing. Qin Shuang didn’t speak nor show her emotions, but she did purse her lips, much like Yue Bai did. Seeing that, Ji Wu Nian accommodated and set her down on the bench beside Yue Bai. The bean curd desserts arrived shortly, the sweet one placed before Yue Bai, the savory ones taken by Ji Wu Nian, and the one without scallions set in front of Qin Shuang but immediately lifted by Yue Bai. "She already had soup this morning," Yue Bai said, blowing on a spoonful to cool it before offering it to Qin Shuang, "Just a taste, don’t eat too much." Qin Shuang nodded as she tasted the smooth and tender delicacy, obediently following 'God above's instructions. "...If Xiao Shuang likes it, let her eat more," Ji Wu Nian took a sip of her own, "You're being too strict…" Yue Bai was responsible for Qin Shuang’s diet and habits and knew exactly how much she could eat. She gave Ji Wu Nian a glance, "Master, too much will make Xiao Shuang uncomfortable." Ji Wu Nian, knowing better than to argue with Yue Bai, leaned towards Qin Shuang’s ear, "If you like it, I'll sneak you out next time to have more." …"Sneaking" wasn’t exactly sneaking when said so loudly. Yue Bai ignored her, took out a handkerchief, and wiped Qin Shuang's mouth. Qin Shuang, being very obedient, lifted her head as Yue Bai reached out, earning herself praise, "Xiao Shuang is very well-behaved." Lian Jing watched while eating, feeling like the scene at the next table was unusual… It looked less like a master and apprentice outing and more like parents with their child… Not good, being influenced by Immortal Ji's antics wasn’t advisable. Seeing his disciples similarly transfixed, Lian Jing coughed lightly, "Have you finished eating? Let's go." The disciples acknowledged, bowing again towards Ji Wu Nian before leaving, not forgetting to take lingering glances at her as they went. "Tsk, tsk," Jiu Yi continued his commentary, "As expected, she carries her own spotlight." Ji Wu Nian was too famous, attracting attention wherever she went. Yue Bai had almost become accustomed to it, while Qin Shuang saw only 'God above', remaining unaffected by the outside world. Their movements stayed normal; only after Lian Jing left, did Ji Wu Nian, staying a while, smile at Yue Bai, "Want a roasted sweet potato?" Yue Bai, having not fed Qin Shuang much, barely touched the sugar in her own bowl, "If it's just to share…" Immortal Ji volunteered, "I'll go buy it." The place only had benches, and Yue Bai, fearing Qin Shuang might fall and get hurt, held her close as Ji Wu Nian quickly departed. Watching Ji Wu Nian hurry away, Jiu Yi clicked his tongue, "What's with the enthusiasm over a sweet potato…" Though she’s always been capricious. Yue Bai suspected she had ulterior motives but, with Qin Shuang nearby, found it inconvenient to follow and remained to care for the child first. 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