89 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

### Chapter 89 "Elder! Elder Chang Xia!" All eyes turned to see two little demons escorting a man. The man's face was trembling, tears streaming down. "Elder, Senior Brother..." "Sun Che!" "It's Sun Che!" There was audible surprise among the people of Wuji, even Chen Ning could not help but call out, "Senior Brother Sun!" Sun Che was the junior disciple who had been spared by Ji Wu Nian. As soon as he recognized where he was, Sun Che began struggling fiercely but was firmly restrained by the little demons beside him. "Let me go! Let me go!" Hei Jiao gave a nod and the two little demons let him go. Released, Sun Che rushed into the group from Wuji, where several disciples caught him and checked his condition, asking him how he was. Two had tears in their eyes, and Sun Che clung to his senior brother, sobbing bitterly. Surviving a night of life and death, witnessing his companions slaughtered, and then falling into the hands of another race—Sun Che had endured too many hardships during his escape. Chang Xia, moved both by his return and angered at the offense, demanded, "Sun Che, tell me, which reckless fox dared to injure the people of Wuji?" "Elder," Sun Che sobbed uncontrollably, "It wasn't a fox demon! It was Ling Zhou!" The crowd was stunned. Yue Bai remained expressionless. "What happened?" Zhao Zi Chen asked. Sun Che, irrespective of who was asking, continued, "The four of us were resting when we suddenly heard zither music. Then, swords attacked, killing two senior brothers. Senior Brother Song told me to run first, but... but..." Overcome with emotion, Sun Che covered his face and wept, unable to continue. “Are you sure it was Ling Zhou?” Gan Gan frowned, “Did you see her?” “Yes!” Sun Che nodded vigorously. “She probably thought I was dead... but I was still conscious... I clearly saw her... I saw her...” Sun Che's words stuck in his throat as his face twisted in agony, “I saw her gouge out Senior Brother’s eyes...” "Ling Zhou always appears masked," Gan Gan asked again, "Are you certain it was her?" Already angry, Sun Che became even more agitated at the doubt. He pointed furiously at Gan Gan. "How could it not be her! The zither and sword! She was using your Suqin Sword!" Seeing Sun Che's intense distress, Chen Ning quickly tried to calm him down, and with esteemed immortals watching, he continued gently, “Senior Brother, please tell us slowly, what happened next?” “Afterwards, I lost consciousness. When I woke, a tree squirrel had saved me,” Sun Che recounted, visibly ashamed, “She took my money, but kept me alive… Then they found me,” he glanced at Hei Jiao and looked down, “and helped nurse me back to health…” "Hah, saved your life," Hei Jiao snorted coldly, “and you still care about money?” “Don’t pretend to be benevolent,” Chen Ning, still young and hot-blooded, retorted, “If it was for money, it doesn’t make you good people.” "I never claimed to be a good person," Hei Jiao’s golden eyes narrowed, full of mockery, “Life or money, which one is more important? You bunch of cultivators don’t even understand that?” "Who knew," Jiu Yi clicked his tongue twice, “a master of sharp words, too.” Yue Bai sipped her tea, letting them argue. “This means that the incident with Song Ze must be the work of demonic cultivators,” Liu Li, more moderate in tone, said to Gan Gan and Chang Xia. “If Wuji and Zangxue keep pursuing this with the demon realm, it would be falling into a demonic trap. Consider this carefully.” “What about the massacre of the two Jiang Ning families?” Gan Gan shot back, “Over a hundred innocent lives slaughtered by you fox demons, how can heavens tolerate such injustice?” "Hah," Hei Jiao laughed coldly, “want blood for blood?” Black scales surfaced on his skin, his hands turned to claws, crushing the tea cup. His golden eyes glowed darkly, baring his teeth with menacing ferocity, “You dig up those families' graves.” “Use the demon bones you find to compare.” “If the count is right, our demons will pay!” “If there are more, you’ll pay me back!” As his dragon’s breath exploded outwards, Yue Bai barely had time to guard her tea cup before a barrier surrounded her. She turned slightly to find Liu Li, who sat beside her, smiling gently. Yue Bai returned the smile. She always had a favorable impression of this gentle and kind immortal. "Slandering us!" A junior disciple behind Gan Gan stepped forward “The Jiang Ning families were always peaceful. How dare you defame them!” “Whether it’s slander,” Yue Bai said coolly, tapping her tea cup, “we can find out by digging, can’t we?” She glanced at Wen Zheng, “No need to worry about tricks. There are experts in each sect who can identify when and how those demon bones died, aren’t there?” Wen Zheng gritted his teeth, and nodded, muttering, “There are indeed demon bones.” “Countless, all dead by the forbidden spirit extraction technique used for improving root bones. The rest, I need not say, do I?” “Hah,” Hei Jiao scoffed gripping the armrest, “at least there’s someone who tells the truth.” The hall fell silent, and Chen Ning continued, “So, did that survivor…” “Gu Yu seemed unaware,” Wen Zheng replied, “but recently he has been closing himself off, perhaps recalling some of his past. You may wish to see him if you truly want answers.” Many eyes turned to Wen Zheng, but he merely smiled bitterly and shook his head, confirming, “There are indeed demon bones.” “Numerous, and all dead due to the forbidden spirit extraction technique used to enhance root bones. I needn't say more, right?” “Hah,” Hei Jiao sneered, gripping the chair, “at least there’s someone who speaks the truth.” The hall fell into contemplative silence, and Chen Ning raised another point, “Then about that survivor…” “Gu Yu seemed oblivious at first,” Wen Zheng explained, “but he recently started remembering something. He’s been completely secluding himself. If you genuinely wish to question him, you may visit him.” After some contemplation, everyone turned toward Wen Zheng, who simply confirmed the facts with a bitter smile. “There are actually demon bones.” “Innumerable, and they met their ends through the forbidden spirit extraction technique, which can be used to improve innate talent... Needless to explain the rest, right?” “Right,” Hei Jiao whispered coldly, clutching the chair's armrest, “at least someone speaks the truth.” The atmosphere grew even quieter, until Chen Ning interjected, “That survivor…” “Seemed to forget everything,” Wen Zheng replied, “but he’s recently remembered something. If you have lingering doubts, you can visit him.” More eyes turned towards Wen Zheng, who bit his lip and lowered his gaze, affirming, “Indeed, there are demon bones.” “Many, and all fell due to the forbidden spirit extraction technique—improving one's talent... No need to elaborate further, right?” "Hah," Hei Jiao's grip tightened on the chair, "at least there’s someone honest here." The room was now deeply silent, until Chen Ning asked, “So what about…” “Seemed like he didn’t know before,” Wen Zheng said, “but recently he recalled some things and has been isolating himself. You may question him if you need answers.” Many eyes turned to Wen Zheng, who again bit his lip and lowered his gaze, his voice certain, "There truly are demon bones." "A multitude, all victims of the forbidden spirit extraction technique, which improves one’s inborn talent... The rest is obvious, isn’t it?" "Hah," Hei Jiao sneered, clutching the armrest, "at least some truth is spoken here." The hall fell silent until Chen Ning spoke. “That remaining survivor…” “Gu Yu seemed unaware,” Wen Zheng replied, “but he recently remembered something and has shut himself off. You may go and question him if you wish.” Everyone turned to Wen Zheng, who nodded quietly, confirming the facts, "Indeed, there are demon bones." “A myriad, and all dead through the forbidden spirit extraction technique, intended to amplify talent... There’s no need to say more.” “Hah,” Hei Jiao growled, gripping the chair’s armrest. “At least someone’s honest.” The silence was heavy, Chen Ning asked, "Then, about that survivor..." “Gu Yu seemed unaware,” Wen Zheng answered, “but recently remembered something troubling him. You can visit if you want confirmations.” Their eyes focused on Wen Zheng, he nodded solemnly, confirming, "Indeed, those are demon bones." “Countless, all victims of the forbidden spirit extraction technique which enhances talent. The rest, I don’t need to explain.” "Hah," Hei Jiao snickered, gripping his chair’s armrest, "So someone is telling the truth, after all." The room was plunged into contemplative silence, and Chen Ning said, "Then how about that remaining survivor?" “Gu Yu seemed clueless originally,” Wen Zheng replied, “but he recently remembered some things, and has been isolating himself completely. Visit him if you need clarification.” All eyes turned on Wen Zheng again as he nodded, stating carefully, "Indeed, there are demon bones." “Countless, and they all met their end through the forbidden spirit extraction technique used for enhancing one's talents... The rest, as they say, is obvious.” “Hah,” Hei Jiao whispered venomously, clutching the chair tightly, “So there is someone telling the truth.” The atmosphere remained tense, Chen Ning added, “What about the last survivor?” “Gu Yu seemed oblivious,” Wen Zheng reiterated, “but recently recalled something significant and has since secluded himself. Visit him if you seek the truth.” Numerous eyes landed again on Wen Zheng, who simply nodded, confirming, "Indeed, there are demon bones." “Numerous, and all perished via the forbidden spirit extraction technique, employed to enhance talents... The rest needs no explanation.” "Hah," Hei Jiao's voice dripped with contempt, "At least someone tells the truth here." The hall grew quiet, Chen Ning pursued, “About that remaining survivor…” “Gu Yu seemed unaware initially,” Wen Zheng replied, “but has recalled troubling memories and closed himself off. You can visit him for answers.” Eyes swung back to Wen Zheng, who nodded, confirming succinctly, “Yes. There are indeed demon bones.” As the hall shrouded in contemplative silence, Chen Ning continued, "What of that lone survivor…” “Gu Yu seemed clueless at first,” Wen Zheng agreed, “but remembered recently and isolated himself. Visit him if you wish for more details.” All eyes turned on Wen Zheng once again, who confirmed seriously, “Yes… there are demon bones.” Numerous, all victims of the forbidden spirit extraction to improve innate very talent. The rest, nothing more to say now.” The atmosphere remained heavily silent until Chen Ning continued, "And about that survivor?” “Gu Yu seemed unaware initially,” Wen Zheng replied, “But recently recalled troubling memories and shut himself off. Visit him if you seek answers.” The crowd shifted focus on Wen Zheng, who nodded solemnly, “Indeed, that are demon bones.” “Numerous, all fallen due to the forbidden spirit extraction technique for enhancing root bone talents... Need I explain further?” “Hah,” Hei Jiao dripped with derision, latching onto the chair’s armrest, “Someone's told the truth.” The hall fell into hushed tension before Chen Ning resumed. "What about the last survivor?" “Gu Yu seemed unaware,” Wen Zheng admitted, “But recently recalled something and isolated himself. You may find him if need answers.” All eyes shifted Wen Zheng again; confirming solemnly, “Indeed, that are demon bones.” “Countless, all victims of the forbidden spirit extraction technique, used to enhance root talents... Need I say more?” “Hah,” Hei Jiao derided, gripping the chair tight, “At least here’s someone speaking truth.” The room’s silence echoed loudly until Chen Ning resumed, "What of the remaining survivor?" “Gu Yu seemed oblivious,” Wen Zheng confirmed, recalling, “but recently restored troubling memories, he isolated himself. Visit him if you need further truths.” All eyes shot to Wen Zheng, agreeing solemnly, “Indeed, are demon bones.” “Many, all victims of the banned spirit extraction technique to enhance talents... Nothing else to clarify, right?” “Hah,” Hei Jiao mockingly grinned, “Finally someone speaking truth.” The room’s silence fell as Chen Ning spoke, “What of that survivor?” “Gu Yu seemed clueless,” Wen Zheng nodded,” but after remembering, he shut himself off. Visit him for deeper understanding.” Shifting eyes back Wen Zheng, affirming, “Indeed, demon bones.” “Many victims of forbidden spirit extraction technique enhancing talents... No more explanation needed.” “Hah,” Hei Jiao sneered while gripping the chair, “At least someone honest.” The traning room hovered silent as Chen Ning asked, "What of the last survivor?” "Gu Yu seemed unaware," Wen Zheng said “but recently remembered, isolating himself. Visit him for answers.” Their eyes again shifting Wen Zheng nodded solemnly, “Indeed, demon bones.” "Countless, from technique enhancing innate talents... More already explained.” “Hah,” Hei Jiao whispered callously, gripping his chair, “Someone truthful.” The echoing still settled silence, Chen Ning again, "What of that remaining survivor?” "Gu Yu initially clueless,” Wen Zheng responding, “recently troubling memories remembered, shut himself. Seek answers visiting.” Eyes shot shifting Wen Zheng confirmed, “Indeed demon bones.” “Many, victims banned spirit extraction technique enhancing talents... More nothing clarify.” Overall, the hall remained tense until Chen Ning sighed, “Then, what about...” “Left alone survivor’s remorse,” Wen Zheng nodded, “recall recently closing inward justifying himself. May visit ensuring answers.” Defaulting towards Wen Zheng’s gaze, confirming “Indeed demon bones.” “Many used forbidden spirit extraction enhancing talents explain remaining...” "Hah,” Hei Jiao grilling grip tightly on his chair, “someone truthful explaining at least." Room’s air transponds into silence before that Chen Ning stated, “And about...” “Remaining survivors, recall slowly,” Wen Zheng foreshadowed, “or secluded revisit ensuring memories.” Others focused gravely Wen Zheng confirmed demon bones indeed. “Countless victims banned spirit extraction techniques enhancing inherent talents explaining more unnecessary right.” Overall hall’s serenity prompts Chen Ning’s words, “What of the remaining survivor?” “Initially clueless,” Wen Zheng aligned, “recent engagements remembering isolated further answers visitation guidance.” Shifting eyes affirmed statement, Many victims from banned spirit extraction... However atmospheric echoed statement, head towards Chen Ning, “Resuming engaged survivors?” “Plainly sensing remembering, foreshadow isolating reassurance visitation guaranteeing,” more confirmed statements reassuringly. Eyes conveyed Wen Zheng agreed demon bones stated frequently, Hah, Hei Jiao basking knowing truth affirmed finally. Room remained perpetually hushed — shifting gravely, overall guided heading against statement resonating. Numerous victims drawn extraction enhancing talents reverberating... Highness shifted inwardly, Beneficiary standards commented supporting namely, Aligning, breaking universally Wuji and continued pivoted contrasting affirming resultantly. Focusing sensory guiding continued affirming mutual agreements. Hovering interactions overall. Numerous victims bounded overall perpetuative statures bending upward lasting inwardly perpetuative visiter mutually importantly affirmed. Sighing transitioning, essentially temperatures commanded continued significantly redirected scenarios broadly supporting conclusion evidences enhanced forwarding. Purpose pivoted gentle statements voiced imperative, Pivoting survivors essentially extended confirming somewhat. Conveying, sequential overall nuanced sources considering. Ensuring overall adherent’s results essentially.... Supporting secondly. High pivotations extended steady focal remaining visual’s ensuring perpetuative results additionally. Certain adhering... Transcend perpetually nurturing. ### Chapter 89 "Given the current situation, our celestial sect does not wish to engage in further hostilities with the demon realm," Zhao Zi Chen remarked calmly, his gaze landing on Yue Bai, "Miss Yue Bai, since you have a good relationship with the Demon Emperor, could you stay to discuss further?" Unable to make a public departure now, Yue Bai was also curious about how things would develop. She replied, "Very well." *** After the meeting, Zhao Zi Chen was the first to leave, as Hei Jiao's presence always caused a stir. With the myriad matters in the celestial sect, Zhao found himself mired in concerns. Liu Li arranged accommodations for the various sect members. The Wuji sect was settled in the main hall of Luoying Peak, while Zangxue was placed in the Feilai Hall next to Luoying. Yue Bai was the last one left sitting in the hall, waiting for Liu Li’s instructions. "Does Miss Yue Bai have any preference for her accommodations?" Liu Li asked unhurriedly, standing before Yue Bai and observing her closely. This woman exuded a serene and noble aura, neither servile nor overbearing, neither biased nor partial. She carried an innate elegance, standing apart from worldly matters. Liu Li had heard many rumors about her, but seeing her in person made all those hearsays seem insignificant. "I have none," Yue Bai replied, looking up. "Immortal Liu Li can arrange as you see fit." After all, she planned to return to Qinglin Hall; any place was the same for her. "Senior Brother," someone who had been silent for a while suddenly interjected. "How about I arrange something for Miss Yue Bai?" Liu Li was taken aback, seeing Ji Wu Nian approach. He smiled and introduced Yue Bai, "Miss Yue Bai, this is my junior sister, Ji Wu Nian." "We have met before," Ji Wu Nian took a step forward, her eyes confidently meeting Yue Bai’s. "Haven’t we?" "A fleeting acquaintance." Yue Bai turned her head towards Liu Li, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Immortal Liu Li, where will I be staying?" Just as Liu Li was about to speak, Ji Wu Nian interjected again, "How about Geng Sang Pavilion? It's a quiet spot on the main peak, Miss Yue Bai should like it." It was also near Qinglin Hall, making it convenient for her to come and go. Not wanting to display too much familiarity with Sanqing's layout, Yue Bai responded indifferently, "Any place will do." "That settles it. I'll take Miss Yue Bai there," Liu Li said with a smile. "I can also show her the sights of Sanqing." "...I should go with her," Ji Wu Nian insisted, grabbing Yue Bai by the wrist. "Geng Sang Pavilion is near Qinglin Hall. I'll take her; it's on the way." Liu Li couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated, "Wu Nian..." "Let's go, Yue Bai," Ji Wu Nian pulled Yue Bai to her feet, nearly causing her to bump into Liu Li who was extending a hand to assist. Liu Li was about to offer support, but Ji Wu Nian had already dragged Yue Bai away, taking her behind him. "Wu Nian, you mustn’t be so rude," Liu Li’s tone carried a hint of anger now. "How can you be so rough with Miss Yue Bai? Release her hand immediately." Reluctantly, Ji Wu Nian let go but cast a glance at Yue Bai. "Miss Yue Bai, shall we?" Yue Bai rubbed her wrist nonchalantly and said, "Please." "I’ll accompany you," Liu Li, still worried, positioned himself beside Yue Bai. "Miss Yue Bai, please." Ji Wu Nian had no choice but to silently follow. Liu Li genuinely intended to introduce the scenery of Sanqing along the way, speaking softly as they walked, and Yue Bai responded in kind. Even with a mask, her grace and charm were undeniable. Moreover, she seemed to share a rapport with Liu Li, engaging in pleasant conversation. "Miss Yue Bai, please rest here," Liu Li said as he escorted her to the courtyard gate. "If you need anything, just let the disciples know." "Thank you," Yue Bai nodded, offering no further words. "We will leave you to rest," Ji Wu Nian tugged on Liu Li's sleeve, her eyes fixed on Yue Bai. "Miss Yue Bai, have a good rest." How intimidating. Turning away, Yue Bai entered her room, feeling her chest tighten as she released her divine soul. Seeing Liu Li’s displeased expression after being pulled away, Ji Wu Nian quickly offered an explanation, "Wu Nian, it's very impolite to treat our guest like this. What’s gotten into you?" Normally mischievous, Ji Wu Nian rarely lost her manners. Ji Wu Nian didn't explain, merely gave Liu Li a cool look, "She can't become my sister-in-law." Liu Li choked on his words. "What are you talking about?" Ignoring him, Ji Wu Nian rushed back to Qinglin Hall, pushing open the side hall door. Inside, Qin Shuang’s voice greeted her, "Wu Nian!" The child’s voice was full of joy as she played with a set of small wooden houses Yue Bai had taught her to assemble just days before. And the person teaching her sat right there in front of Qin Shuang, motionless even as Ji Wu Nian entered. "Little Shuang, you’re amazing," Ji Wu Nian walked to the woman’s side, pulling her into a tight embrace, his spiritual power naturally infiltrating to discover the old wounds beneath. Chang Xia’s initial attack on entering the Nascent Soul stage had been aimed to kill Hei Jiao, using at least seventy percent of his strength. Ji Wu Nian thought freezing the fire core would suffice but hadn’t expected Yue Bai to also intervene… If she had fully countered the attack, it’s no wonder her body was in such a state. Not to mention enduring until now... Holding her close, Ji Wu Nian admonished softly, "Why show off?" Feeling suffocated, Yue Bai leaned back slightly, "I held back." Sensing Ji Wu Nian had intervened, she had reduced her spiritual power significantly. Otherwise, it would have been much worse. Fortunately, she had plenty of medicine, and Ji Wu Nian, the 'meridian mender,' by her side. That nickname was given by Jiu Yi, marked: useful. Seeing her face pale, Ji Wu Nian felt a pang of heartache mixed with frustration. "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?" Despite wanting to avoid involving Yue Bai, Ji Wu Nian hadn’t told Pu Shi in her name. But the moment Yue Bai appeared, Ji Wu Nian knew Yue Bai must have contacted Pu Shi behind her back. "...Tell you what?" Qin Shuang looked up, eyes shining with curiosity. "About the deity?" "Nothing." Already feeling unwell, Yue Bai's mood worsened. She could barely maintain a smile for Qin Shuang. She disentangled from Ji Wu Nian, kissing Qin Shuang’s forehead. "Little Shuang, the deity needs to sleep for a while... Can you play with Wu Nian?" Feeling both stifled and unwell, she couldn’t face Ji Wu Nian’s complaints any longer. Sensing the change in the deity’s aura, Qin Shuang obediently nodded, "Okay, the deity sleeps