81 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

### Chapter 81 "Do you still want to eat, Xiao Shuang?" Yuebai asked gently, not really wanting to restrict her food intake. Qin Shuang felt somewhat uneasy sitting down, but was comforted by Shen Shang holding her. Unconsciously, she leaned towards her direction, clutching her sleeve with a free hand and shook her head. Her snow-white hair swayed adorably. Yuebai was watching when he suddenly heard a shout from outside the stall, "Where are they?" Startled by the loud voice, Qin Shuang lifted her head, finding nothing with her eyes but feeling the warmth surrounding her. Shen Shang was protecting her. Yuebai held Qin Shuang and looked in the direction of the voice. A girl in a Taoist robe, followed by several men who seemed to be guarding her, was the one shouting. The girl ran towards the stall, looking around frantically, and yelled again once inside, "Where are they?" A young Taoist boy was dragged over, "Just, just a moment ago, they were here." "Hey, boss," the girl called out to the bean curd store owner, raising her chin, "Wasn’t Ji Xiannang just here?" ... Another trouble brought by Ji Wunian. Jiu Yi wanted to make a snide remark but knew a master raising children would ignore him. "Ji Xiannang was here just a moment ago and left," the owner glared at Ye Er and had a slight look of displeasure towards the yelling girl. "Ah!" The girl stomped in frustration and turned to scold the Taoist boy, "Why didn’t you say so earlier?" The boy, looking pitiful, stammered, "Ji Xiannang will probably come back… Her disciple is still here…" ... Even in this, they managed to get involved. Yuebai sighed, slightly turning back, meeting the girl's overbearing face. The girl wasn’t unattractive but had an arrogant attitude that Yuebai disliked. With a tug on her sleeve, Yuebai looked down to see Qin Shuang slightly frowning. She reached out to smooth her brows, "Don't be afraid, Xiao Shuang." Ignoring her seemed to agitate the girl, who took a few steps and pushed Yuebai’s shoulder, "Are you Ye Er?" Jiu Yi gasped when Yuebai got shoved. Was the long-delayed bullying about to begin? But with a child by their side and an audience watching... Jiu Yi was a bit panicked. Yuebai disliked being touched, let alone being pushed. She protectively held Qin Shuang and gave the girl a side glance, "What do you want?" "I heard Ji Xiannang accepted a disciple, but it seems she is just so-so..." The girl raised one corner of her mouth, clasped her fists towards Yuebai, and said, "My name is Xie Zhi and I want to become Ji Xiannang’s disciple. So, pay respects to you, Senior Sister Ye." ... Another one wanting to be a disciple? What’s so special about a troublemaker who only recently formed a Golden Core? Yuebai felt annoyed, "Save your 'Senior Sister,' until you become a disciple." Pulling on her sleeve again, Yuebai didn’t want Qin Shuang to worry and spoke softly to her, "Xiao Shuang, shall we leave?" Out of sight, out of mind; let Ji Wunian find them later. Qin Shuang, her face cold from the commotion, nodded obediently. Xie Zhi sneered at the snowy-haired child, "As Ji Xiannang’s top disciple, isn't it your duty to uphold her reputation, instead of being here babysitting?" She reached out a hand to pull Qin Shuang's shoulder. Yuebai grabbed her wrist just as her fingers were about to touch Qin Shuang’s white hair, her eyes turning cold. "Ding." Jiu Yi's heart raced, feeling it difficult to speak, "Progress increased." Yuebai didn’t want to bother with progress right now. A bone-chilling cold emerged without needing a physical sword; Yuebai, mindful not to freeze Qin Shuang, emanated the cold from her hands without spreading it too far. "Ah! Ah!!" Hearing someone scream, Qin Shuang felt a breeze behind her but was unaware of what happened. Seeking safety from Shen Shang, she could vaguely sense her mood, "Sister…" When there were people around, she couldn’t call her Shen Shang, she had to call her sister. "Xiao Shuang, be good," Qin Shuang was patted on the head, Shen Shang’s voice as gentle as ever, "Shall we leave?" "Don't let them go!" that voice shouted again. Shen Shang was still holding her, with only a slight movement of the upper body to keep providing warmth by her side. Qin Shuang heard chaotic footsteps and wind noises before it suddenly became eerily silent, making her a bit anxious. Qin Shuang clutched Shen Shang’s clothes, but Shen Shang slowly loosened her grip. A sweet scent wafted to her nose, and she felt a warmth close to her lips. "Xiao Shuang," it was Ji Wunian’s voice, "Try this." Although it felt a bit strange, Qin Shuang opened her mouth. The food given was slightly hot, but very soft and sweet. Although she didn't particularly enjoy sweet things, she found it quite acceptable. "Ji-Xiannang..." the voice from earlier was now hesitant. "Here," Wunian seemed to ignore her, the warmth moving slightly, seemingly towards Shen Shang. But Shen Shang looked unhappy, not budging an inch. "It’s really sweet," Wunian’s voice got softer, seemingly wanting Shen Shang to be happy. Wunian then asked Qin Shuang, "Isn't it, Xiao Shuang?" Wanting Shen Shang to be happy, Qin Shuang tugged her sleeve, "Sweet... sweet…" Using food and a child as tools is just shameless. Yuebai glanced at her and eventually lowered her head, taking a bite of the golden sweet potato. Xie Zhi stood, watching her frozen wrist and the scene before her in shock. ... It seemed like Ji Xiannang was trying to please her own disciple, the rumored prodigy Ji Xiannang? She glanced around at those around her who had fallen and back at the white-robed Xiannang, who seemed delighted to see her disciple enjoying the roasted sweet potato, her eyes curved in joy. “... Ji Xiannang,” Xie Zhi called, “I…” “I’m not accepting any more disciples.” Ji Wunian finally turned around, already hugging the small child Xie Zhi nearly touched. Meanwhile, her own disciple nibbled at the sweet potato delicately, seemingly indifferent. “I’ve stated long ago, this is my one and only disciple,” Wunian said, trying to touch Yuebai’s head, naturally earning a cold glare. Yet, with her thick skin, Wunian smiled and said, “I won’t take another disciple.” “I’m not convinced.” Xie Zhi stood with a crushed ice from her wrist, "My talent is undoubtedly better. I’m already at the Foundation Establishment stage. Taking me wouldn’t be a loss!" …This scenario is really bad for kids. Yuebai sighed, peeling a piece of sweet potato skin to give to Qin Shuang, but seeing her being held by Ji Wunian, settled for eating it herself. The sweet taste lightened her mood, forgoing the earlier thought of just freezing her wrist off. Wunian, holding Qin Shuang and pulling her closer while taking her reluctant disciple's hand, smiled, "I’m no merchant, profit or loss doesn’t concern me. I said no, and I mean it." She smirked at Qin Shuang's obedient nature, though her disciple remained moody, and gentled her voice, “Shall we go back?” Intending to coax her but wary of her vengeful disposition, she decided to appease her. Yuebai nodded, being led away by her master. Xie Zhi tried to follow but was discouraged by one of Ji Wunian’s looks. The trio took to the sword and returned to Qinglin Hall. Not in a good mood, Yuebai stayed silent, her emotions picked up by Qin Shuang. Sensitive children, she instinctively approached and clutched Yuebai’s clothes. Though clueless about comforting, her little face showed urgency, only managing to call out "Shenshang." Yuebai didn’t want her mood affecting the child, softened her tone, "Were you scared just now, Xiao Shuang?" Qin Shuang shook her head, inching closer. Her small hands fumbled up Yuebai’s neck, over her shoulder, and hugged her. Yuebai patted her back gently, "Xiao Shuang, don’t be afraid." She sighed inwardly, dissipating her vexation to prevent affecting the child. Seeing her soften, Ji Wunian approached, "That girl was likely the second daughter of the Xie family." Xie Kai, the only son of the Xie family, had died during spirit extraction by Ming Yun. The family was now choosing an heir, sending several daughters and branch children to various sects for training. Xie Zhi, a half-sister with talent and a favored mother, had recently established her foundation. “I see she has a high regard for you, Master. If you plan to accept another disciple, she’d be a good choice.” Her words felt cold, sending shivers down Wunian’s back. She approached, squatting down to stroke Qin Shuang's white hair, "I said no more disciples." Wunian grinned, "Only you." Jiu Yi: So cheesy. Yuebai averted her eyes. She really didn’t care if Wunian took other disciples; she just found Xie Zhi troublesome. “But if she’s Xie’s second daughter, she’ll still enter the inner sect,” Wunian said, patting her head with a smile, “We’ll likely run into her on the mountain.” Jiu Yi: “What a headache…” Yuebai saw it coming, knowing Xie’s personality, expecting trouble to follow. ### Chapter 81 "If she dares to provoke you, fight back. I'll back you up," Ji Wunian said with a smile, curious to see how Yuebai would handle the situation. Before Yuebai could respond, Qin Shuang emerged from the little disciple’s embrace, her small face serious, "Don't bully Shen Shang…" “Mm, mm, mm,” Ji Wunian nodded at her little nose, thoroughly enjoying her serious demeanor and smiling with squinted eyes, “No one can bully Shen Shang.” Even though the one who bullied her the most was this very master… Even as Yuebai looked at her, this master would return with a bright smile, daringly kissing her cheek in front of the blind girl, and whispering mischievously, "Except me." Jiu Yi’s inner alarm bells rang, “Yuebai! She’s messing with the disciple again!” ...Yuebai really wanted to know when this system would stop being so dumb. Clearly, Ji Wunian’s behavior equated Yuebai with Ye Er in every way, and both had tacitly agreed not to reveal it. But her master’s audacious words required a counter from Yuebai. “Xiao Shuang, Master said she wants to bully me.” “No!” Qin Shuang spread her small arms wide, standing in front of Yuebai. Although her eyes couldn't see, her expression was serious and determined. ... Clearly seeking revenge for making her coax Yuebai earlier. “Xiao Shuang, I’m just joking,” Ji Wunian held her hand, smiling, “How could I bully her? She’s my disciple; I can’t care for her enough.” After saying this, she winked and raised her chin at the little disciple. “... A joke? Disciple…” Qin Shuang tilted her head, then turned to Yuebai, her face questioning. But seeing Shen Shang not actually upset, she relaxed slightly, yet remained firm, “Still… no.” “Alright,” Ji Wunian agreed, smiling at Qin Shuang, “We’ll listen to Xiao Shuang.” Not wanting to dwell on the topic of bullying, she changed the subject, “We got interrupted today and didn’t let Xiao Shuang have a proper walk.” Qin Shuang shook her head at that, not particularly bothered. Both her hands were being held, one gently by Shen Shang and the other warmly by Wunian. The child tightened her grip on their hands and bowed her head slightly, “This is already very nice…” The snow-white child rarely smiled, let alone with such a slightly shy yet joyful expression, like a flower blooming suddenly in the snow, melting the frosty air around. This frosty air had always been in Ji Wunian's heart, now warm enough to bring her to the brink of tears. --- Random Recommendations: - A Small Us - The Witch Doctor's Grandson Roams the City - So the Wind Likes Me Too - Overbearing Pet: Rebirth as a Petite Girl - Got the Top-Notch Script After Crossing - Scheming President's Step-by-Step Marriage - Silent Bride of Young Master Huo - Mythological Heroes in Online Games: Three Kingdoms - I Traveled to the Other World to Cultivate, but Became a Demon Lord Who Slaughters Three Realms