42 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

### Chapter 42: Child Ah Axin chose a narrow path, and the three of them walked and chatted along the way. Most of the conversation was initiated by Ran Fanyin, and little by little, she extracted a lot of information. For instance, the village he came from, located at the foot of the mountain, was called Huarong Village, named after Mount Yuehua to seek its blessing for peace. Ran Fanyin asked, "Is Huarong Village very close to Yueping Town? Do you know anything about the immortals exorcising spirits there in the past few days?" Axin chuckled and replied, "To be honest, Miss, those immortals have already visited our village. And I must say, they indeed seem to have some ability." "Really? How exactly did it happen?" "Well, Miss, since you've come to Mount Yuehua, you can't avoid passing through Yueping Town on your way back. You might as well go and see for yourself. I, an old man, can't explain it clearly." Ran Fanyin coughed lightly twice, her white veil trembling as she responded in a weak voice, "Okay." Ning Songwu, walking beside them, clenched her sleeve tightly, silently channeling her spiritual energy to regulate the temperature around the two of them. Ran Fanyin smiled slightly. Little fool, can't you tell she's pretending? Sure enough, Axin, after remaining silent for a long time, asked, "Is Miss in poor health? Why travel such a long way if you're not well?" This time, Ran Fanyin didn't have to answer; Ning Songwu replied, "It's my fault for being stupid. We initially wanted to enjoy the famous sea of flowers, but I led us astray, resulting in this wasted journey." "Looking at the two Misses' attire, you must be from wealthy families? It would be better to bring some guards and servants next time. If you encounter beasts in these deep mountains, it could be dangerous." Ran Fanyin was surprised, "There are monsters here? Not just wild animals like wolves and tigers?" "No, indeed. In the past, our village lost many people to those monsters. Later, the immortal came, invoked the gods to protect us, and then..." Axin shook his head, his voice suddenly cutting off, as if bound by some restriction. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, "We've reached the outskirts of the mountain. I still have herbs to gather. You two should leave by yourselves and be careful not to get lost again. The monsters become more active as night falls." Ning Songwu nodded and said, "Okay," without intending to probe further. The surrounding spiritual energy fluctuation indeed changed. Quietly, they had been led out of a barrier by someone who didn't seem to use his internal spiritual energy. Without using any spells. Axin looked at the two of them—especially the mature woman wearing a veil—hesitated for a long time before eventually turning to leave, his steps slow as if wanting to remind them of something. Until his figure disappeared into the distance, Ning Songwu finally asked softly, "Master, are you still feeling unwell? Could it be because of the cold just now?" Ran Fanyin smiled. Though helpless, the warm feeling it brought her clung tightly, raising the temperature even in her palm. She grasped the hand always clutching her sleeve and warmly said, "See, it's warm, no need to worry." "Good to hear." Ning Songwu breathed a sigh of relief and then returned to the main topic, "According to Axin, Huarong Village has received the so-called immortal's blessing, but he didn't seem willing to elaborate. Master, is there some kind of silencing ban?" "There is, but he likely has not been subjected to it. He doesn't want to say, rather than being unable to say," Ran Fanyin explained, raising her hand to tap a few times on the girl's forehead, smiling, "Now, try calling my name?" The girl tried hard to open her mouth but couldn't make any sound. "This is what it looks like to be under a ban," Ran Fanyin said with a smile, releasing the restriction and ruffling the girl's head. Elder Ran continued, "However, it remains uncertain whether the immortal's blessing is good or bad. According to Axin, the barrier here seems to have issues. Beasts have disrupted Huarong Village’s normal life, and the immortal must have done something, helping the village while taking some things away." Ning Songwu pondered for a moment and asked, "Master, isn't Yueping Town where Lin Yuxue recorded as her hometown?" Ran Fanyin nodded, her veil swaying lightly. Considering this, Ning Songwu raised her head and said seriously, "Master, let's go take a look at Huarong Village." "I intended to," Ran Fanyin responded warmly, suppressing the urge to pat her disciple's head and gently pinching Ning Songwu's hand, "As sisters again?" Blushing, Ning Songwu replied softly, "Sorry, Master, I overstepped." "It was my suggestion, not yours. It's settled then." "…Alright, Master." To avoid attracting attention and because the village wasn't far, the two walked over. By the time they reached Huarong Village, half the sky had already darkened, and several children were playing with stones at the village entrance. A stone rolled to a stop near Ning Songwu's foot, and she paused briefly before gently kicking it back. A little girl who had accidentally kicked the stone over ran to retrieve it and loudly told her companions behind her, "I didn't kick it away, no punishment for me." She then turned and sweetly said, "Thank you, pretty... sister..." She blinked several times, sighing softly, "Wow, so beautiful." Ning Songwu smiled, squatting down to pat the girl's head, "Are you praising me?" Ran Fanyin lowered her gaze, staring at her back for a while before looking away. "The other sister’s face is covered, I can't see her..." The little girl tugged at her clothes. Not far away, the other children urged, "Xiao Tao, what are you doing? Come over here, or kick the stone back." "Coming, there’s a beautiful sister here, I'll be right there," Xiao Tao wriggled in response, her head almost turning but reluctant to look away from the two. "What beautiful sister?" A few children ran over and collectively sighed. Ning Songwu felt embarrassed and touched her face. I'm not that beautiful… She was almost ashamed from the constant staring. Ning Songwu lightly coughed twice and tried to speak in a warm tone. "Is your name Xiao Tao? Where are your parents?" "Do you have any business with them?" Ran Fanyin stepped forward and gently asked, "Little friend, could you take us to visit your parents?" If the green-clad sister’s voice sounded nice, the purple-clad sister's voice was even gentler, like… like the prettiest sister in town! Xiao Tao licked her lips and nodded earnestly, "Sure, I'll take you." "You all keep playing, I'll be back soon!" Xiao Tao's house wasn't far from the village entrance, visible from a distance with two people sitting at the door. "Two years from entry-level to mid-Golden Core stage, even peerless geniuses don't advance that quickly. Besides, Kuang Qie Xiu has already been discovered. Isn’t he being too blatant?" "She's too anxious, what is she trying to do?" "I understand love at first sight, but Luo Sheng, aren't you clinging to Liu Ruoying a bit too much? How did this relationship even start?" "How did that arrogant fox become the demon king? Is she even worthy?" "Elder Helan has become quite capable. Two years ago, he was still a wooden block, but now he's skilled at being annoyingly cheeky, so good at training disciples." "Ah, Master's voice is always so heart-throbbing, no matter how many times.” "Murderous intent, how to convey murderous intent?" "Master, everything we do has a purpose. Some things have been truly changed." "If I work even harder, I’ll definitely change your fate." "That’d be wonderful!” “Have you considered that now she can't even introduce you to others? If you join the inner sect, the relationship between you two will become even more…” Cold eyes interrupted Qin Siyue’s words. Those eyes, already devoid of much emotion, now carried a chilling, deep anger toward Qin Siyue for her statement. Alright, I won't persuade you then. Qin Siyue sighed lightly, “After all this time, don’t you know her yet? Is she really upset over this? If you ask me, you should just stay in the inner sect for a few days, let her cool off..." "I'm not going." This time, the girl’s tone was unusually firm, making Qin Siyue doubt herself momentarily. Had she really gotten it wrong? Though she didn't know what happened, she understood Ran Fanyin well enough to know that if she were genuinely angry, she wouldn’t have offered the option for Ning Songwu to join the inner sect; she would’ve rather made sure this person would never see daylight again. Leaving such an option was essentially asking for a cooling-off period, mainly for herself. …How to put it? Two women with steel-reinforced lips. Qin Siyue sighed again, but recalling how Lan Yue had repeatedly told her before setting out how this child had been miserable, soaking in rain for two days, her not-so-kindhearted healer’s conscience wouldn't let her ignore it. If Qin Siyue didn't intervene, Lan Yue would definitely step in to meddle. Alright then, just rest well. No matter what Qin Siyue said, the child remained unmoved to such an extent, dead set. These master and disciple were indeed cut from the same mold. For a fleeting moment, she even thought about revealing some truths to the child in front of her, thinking maybe... she would leave. Obviously difficult, this child’s dependence and trust in Ran Fanyin had reached extreme heights. After much thought, she decided to probe gently, hoping the young girl would understand Ran Fanyin's "good intentions" and stop foolishly kneeling there. Sure enough, upon hearing this, Ning Songwu fell into deep thought for a while. "Elder, I have another question." "Go ahead." Thinking of questions was a good sign. "Master has internal injuries and won't let me help. The Heart-Nurturing Lotus is running out. Are there any other medicinal herbs we can use?" The girl's eyes suddenly lit up, blazing as though she had finally found a reason to stand up. "Open your mouth." With some free time, Ran Fanyin focused on raising the little puppy that had just transformed under the guidance of the mischief-making cat, even nurturing a bit of warmth in their relationship, like at this moment. He Lanmianmian sat eating beside her. Just as a piece of vegetable reached her bowl, she looked up and saw her senior sister in loose white clothes, hair casually draped, smiling warmly as she fed the puppy. The little three-headed figure was so happy that the fur on its tiny ears trembled, and its fluffy tail wagged jubilantly. It seemed meticulously dressed, with little flower-patterned clothes and legs swinging from the chair. "An embarrassment to our demon clan," He Lanmianmian muttered quietly, poking her food in discontent. Unable to withstand it anymore, she sat up straight and grumbled, "Senior Sister, you're spoiling Little Five rotten! How will she learn to be a human and integrate into society this way?" Ran Fanyin turned slowly to look at her and scoffed lightly, "Who was it back then that wouldn't eat unless they clung to my chest?" He Lanmianmian buried her head, grumbling. Ran Fanyin smiled helplessly, patting the little one's back. She spoke gently, "Eat on your own for now. Master needs to talk with Elder Helan." Then, turning to the whining little cat, she reached out and tugged one of its ears, "Talking to you, you troublesome cat who only allows others to light forbidden fires." "Moreover, our Little Five now has a new name. Stop calling her Little Five." "Humph," He Lanmianmian muttered softly, disdainful. So it's just because a certain Little Wu made you mad and didn't coax, so now you can't call her Little Five anymore? Why didn't you do this earlier? But the new name is nice, Ran Rujin. Senior Sister now has another person she's close to, which theoretically should make her happy. Yet, it still felt like watching two stubborn brats argue. At this moment, Qin Siyue walked in gracefully, and seeing her, He Lanmianmian smiled and invited her to eat. Qin Siyue sat down, glanced at the dishes, and said gently, "Someone's missing from this table." Ran Fanyin lowered her eyes slightly, lazily responding, "If she likes kneeling, let her kneel." "If she didn't kneel, you wouldn't let her in either, right?" "…" Qin Siyue smiled, teasing, "But don't worry, she's not kneeling anymore." He Lanmianmian's hand holding her chopsticks stiffened, "You persuaded Ning'er to go to the inner sect?" "Don't call her…" "Senior Sister! Is that the point? If she went to the inner sect, it would require a lengthy application process to visit Elder Peak in the future. You…" Qin Siyue calmly said, "She's not going to the inner sect. She went west to Cang City to pick Cang Mountain Snow Lotus." He Lanmianmian nearly breathed out in relief, but it caught in her throat again, "She went to pick what?" "Cang Mountain Snow Lotus," Qin Siyue repeated. "The one guarded by the sacred beast Bai Ze? No way, Senior Sister Qin, you…" At this moment, Ran Fanyin gently interjected, "If she wants to go, let her go." After a pause, she added, "Rujin, continue eating." Then, she elegantly rose from her seat—though to others, it looked more like she was fleeing, trying to steady her steps. She lightly closed the door, shutting out the intense debate between the two about the snow lotus, her downcast lashes already slightly damp. So, she likes risking her life. Likes adventures, huh. [Why is the plot progressing so fast?] [How can it be sped up this much!] [This plot segment has so much. After much thinking...] [...so annoying, this is nothing to laugh at.] [If I do better, will she look at me more?] [She's smiling at me, humph.] [Everyone can be envious.] Ran Fanyin's smile deepened. You're adults. How can you still be as childish as several years ago? She rolled up her sleeves, ready to reach out and pinch someone's cheek when the door suddenly knocked. Without waiting for her to respond, Luo Sheng rushed in— "Jiang Yue was brought over by Jiang Mang, she's in the front hall, Sect Leader said we should go quickly." *Some time ago* In contrast to the lively scenes of the sect disciples gathering in small groups, Jiang Mang was always accompanied by one person. Many years ago, when they first joined the sect, Jiang Yue had stuck close to her, regardless of her cold demeanor and ignorance of worldly matters. Decades had passed, and together they moved from outer disciples to inner disciples, from personal students of the deputy leader to the head ancestor's direct disciples. Jiang Yue always clung to her side. Too close. Jiang Mang thought, they were indeed too close. So close that, in everyone's eyes, her title as the so-called sword fanatic overshadowed Jiang Yue's presence. Jiang Yue was actually quite excellent. Before joining the head's sect, her cultivation only lagged half a minor realm behind Jiang Mang's, and her talent in spell control was even envied by Jiang Mang. Besides spell control, she had energy left to practice some swordsmanship. It was Jiang Mang's sharpness that overshadowed Jiang Yue's rightful brilliance. Conversely, it was Jiang Mang's sharpness that made the Wu Yan Sovereign view Jiang Yue as a mere bonus, utterly disregarding her. Jiang Mang looked down at the wounds piercing her body, feeling a tinge of relief. Thankfully, her thoughts weren't wrong. The Upper Cloud Sect people indeed had skills, able to counteract whatever the Wu Yan Sovereign had infused into her, granting her a moment of clarity. Jiang Yue stored away the medicine jar and turned to face a pair of clear eyes. Her heart trembled, and she almost lost her voice, "Senior Sister, are you feeling better?" Jiang Mang struggled to sit up, Jiang Yue hurriedly assisting her, her heartbeat quickening. Ever since joining the Wu Yan Sovereign, her senior sister seemed lost in the sword world, each day practically unaware, her cultivation unnaturally skyrocketing. It had been a long time since she'd seen such clear eyes. Catching her breath, Jiang Mang said, "Xiaoyue, could you fetch the Na ring in my other room?" "Senior Sister…" Jiang Yue sensed many things wrong but couldn't articulate why. Her heart thudded with unease, feeling a strong premonition of imminent danger. Something would happen. Definitely. Jiang Mang gently shook her head, pressing on her hand, "I can't go now. Please get it for me." "Senior Sister, if you have any plans, please tell me clearly." Jiang Mang weakly smiled, "Go ahead, don't worry." Unable to go against her, Jiang Yue reluctantly left, turning back repeatedly. Once she disappeared around the corner, Jiang Mang sighed in relief and called out, "Are you not going to show yourself after waiting for so long?" "Oh, what a perceptive girl," a red figure gradually emerged from the corner, a woman holding a girl, quickly stepping to Jiang Mang, inspecting her wound. "So violent, doesn't know who taught such brutality." Jiang Mang was already wary of her; being watched so intently made her more cautious. She tried to move away but was suddenly grabbed by the arm. "Don't move. If you want to break the predicament, don't move." Her suppressed spiritual power gradually flowed out. Jiang Mang's face changed, about to stop her, when a finger pressed against her lips, accompanied by a soft "shhh." Gradually, she relaxed. The flowing spiritual power restored her strength slightly, but what was inside her didn't return. Instead, repressed by Ning Songwu's spiritual power, maintaining her clarity. Xiao Wancheng found it amusing, "Xiao Tian has a good reaction speed. Figuring out the truth isn't far off. But what’s up with that scheming old thief Da Cheng?" Ning Jinyu responded, "High talent, diligent practice, easier to control." Xiao Wancheng chuckled, "You're right, a bunch of fools." The fool watched the banter silently, wanting to interject but unable to. Finally, the red-clad woman released her arm, saying leisurely, "Little girl, what do you plan to do next?" Jiang Mang said, "Send Xiaoyue to Upper Cloud Sect, assassinate the Wu Yan Sovereign." Xiao Wancheng, considering herself of great character and generally refraining from mocking others, couldn't help but snicker, "Do you sword cultivators all have tunnel vision? Assassinating Da Cheng isn't suicide?" "So, I send Xiaoyue away, let her inform Upper Cloud Sect people." "No, no, no, you're a considerable asset. This final battle can't miss you." Jiang Mang hesitated. In her few hours of clarity, she'd thought of many ways and hadn't considered surviving. If she did survive, when that thing retaliated, she'd fall into unconsciousness again. How could she fight? Regarding the so-called final battle, it's likely those people have more information than she does. She decided to let them make the arrangements, focusing on delivering the message with all her might. But now, someone was telling her she could survive. How should she live? She steadied her mind, humbly waiting for the powerful woman in front of her to continue. Xiao Wancheng grinned and said, "Here's what you need to do next—" - When Jiang Yue returned, Jiang Mang was at the table, writing letters despite her numerous injuries. Just as Jiang Yue arrived, Jiang Mang completed the final stroke, and calmly sealed the letter. Jiang Yue, even more uneasy, tried to lighten the mood, "Senior Sister, why did you leave your ring lying around? I had to search high and low for it." Jiang Mang gave a gentle smile and beckoned her over, speaking softly, "Xiaoyue, do you remember what Elder Helan gave us at the end of our journey to Upper Cloud Sect?" "I remember, so..." "Find it in the ring." Jiang Yue quickly found the token inside the ring, holding it in one hand while Jiang Mang handed her the envelope with the other. Hesitant, she asked, "Senior Sister, what is this for?" Jiang Mang's soft smile turned slightly solemn as she said, "Xiaoyue, listen to me carefully. This letter must reach the Upper Cloud Sect immediately. This token will serve as your entry. Got it?" Jiang Yue's heart pounded as she accepted the sealed letter and the token, feeling a foreboding sense of urgency. "Master is depending on you," Jiang Mang continued, "and remember, stay safe." Jiang Yue nodded resolutely, her determination and loyalty to her Senior Sister stronger than ever. If anyone was going to ensure this message was delivered, it would be her, no matter the danger. --- Back in the other room, discussions about the Cang Mountain Snow Lotus continued. Ran Fanyin listened to Luo Sheng's urgent news, her expression hardened with resolve. "Jiang Yue was escorted by Jiang Mang to the front hall, and the Sect Leader said we should hurry." Ran Fanyin quickly gathered herself, her mind racing through countless thoughts and strategies. There was no time to waste. As they moved quickly through the corridors, Ran Fanyin whispered to Luo Sheng, "Prepare a contingent to head to Cang City. We need that Snow Lotus. Ning'er must not go alone." Luo Sheng nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and hurried off to assemble the team. --- Meanwhile, Jiang Mang, despite her wounds, remained calm as she awaited any reaction from Xiao Wancheng's earlier guidance. With every breath, she tried to maintain the clarity that had been so painfully regained. "Remember, Jiang Mang," Xiao Wancheng's voice echoed in her mind, "Survival is not about fighting alone. It's about knowing when to seek allies and when to rely on them." With renewed purpose, Jiang Mang knew that her next actions would be crucial—not just for her own survival, but for the success of their ultimate mission. The fate of many rested on her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Mang rose, her determination as sharp as the blade she wielded, with Xiao Wancheng’s words firmly etched in her mind.