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

Chapter 48: Red Robe "We haven't wasted any time! Tsk, give me some more time to look, alright? Have you remembered everything?" "Let's go." "You block of wood! A block of wood that won't melt even when in love! You ice-rooted people are all blocks of wood! Fish-brained!" Despite Xiao Wancheng's incessant chatter, her actions didn't pause. Although it had been a long time since the two worked together, the synergy between the paired array spirits remained unchanged. Almost simultaneously, flames ignited in the air, and snowflakes gently began to fall from the sky. Many of the past ambiguities seemed to be resolved at this moment, as the wild words of the girl within the array added some clarity to her thoughts. Lin Yuxue roared almost desperately, "I want to become an immortal, ascend to the heavens, and have you all submit to me." The demon with the heavy bow frowned upon seeing her, muttering, "That old bastard still wants to trick me. No wonder her cultivation slowed down after coming out from there." Meanwhile, the weakened figure, with Helan's support, stood up and lightly curled her lips upon seeing the one laughing maniacally in the air. "An evil dog will never have a conscience. I wonder what she went through under Wu Yan’s hand..." Helan, utterly confused, whispered, "Did you know she wasn't dead all along?" "Mmh, I let her go," Ran Fanyin replied nonchalantly. "I also knew that among Wu Yan’s three disciples, the third one was her." Helan responded, "Huh? But now, she doesn’t look like a disciple at all." "Who knows..." These words didn't escape the keen senses of Ning Songwu. Although she was puzzled, she gradually grasped some truths. Instinctively, she looked toward Xiao Wancheng, who appeared serene, neither anxious nor rushed, even smiling. At this moment, she heard two almost overlapping utterances— "I've waited a long time." One came from the frail Ran Fanyin behind her, and the other... A little girl appeared out of nowhere, sitting on Lin Yuxue's shoulder. A short blade in her hand grazed the girl's neck as she smirked mischievously, "Big sister, don't move. My hands are small and might not hold this knife steadily." **Twenty Years Ago, Demon Palace** Recently, tribes in the northern part of the demon race had been fighting, causing Fenghuang a severe headache. Just then, Wu Yan Zun Zhu, who had expressed a desire to cooperate with them, claimed to bring something of great interest to her, compelling Fenghuang to meet her despite her splitting headache. Wu Yan was the same as ever, but there was now a frail, pitiful little figure beside her, who even flinched upon seeing her. She looked so fragile that Fenghuang could crush her with a single finger. Fenghuang casually flicked her cloak, examining the girl's face for a moment before harshly pushing her away. "What's the use of this? Is this what you said I'd definitely like?" "Not so," Wu Yan said, "I brought her today merely as a wedge for our cooperation." Intrigued, Fenghuang gently lifted the girl’s face, "What use does she have?" "She holds my life in her hands. Is that sufficient?" "Well, I must give it a try then." Fenghuang squatted down with a smile, lightly lifting the girl's chin, "What's your name?" "Three..." The girl couldn't finish her sentence before wincing in pain, unable to make a sound. A surge of spiritual energy pierced into her dantian. Though barren and desolate without flowing spiritual power, it was enough for someone to manipulate and harm her. Fenghuang glanced at the seemingly composed Wu Yan Zun Zhu, noticing the deep furrow in her brow despite her silence. Feigning wasn't this realistic. Fenghuang withdrew her spiritual power slowly and patted the girl's face, "Not bad, you have talent." She smiled slightly. The girl responded with a somewhat awkward smile of her own. "So, what's your name?" "Three." Fenghuang was momentarily stunned, then shook her head. "That name won't do. From now on, you'll be called Winter Seven, okay?" "Okay," the girl replied crisply. "Winter Five, Winter Six, take her away." Once the hall was empty, Fenghuang chuckled, "Satisfied with my arrangements, Wu Yan Zun Zhu?" "Whatever you please. If she doesn't truly become Winter Seven, it will just be her fate." Fenghuang scrutinized Wu Yan's calm eyes, searching for any flaw. But Wu Yan remained impassive and expressionless. Finding no clues, Fenghuang chuckled softly, "Alright then, just don't blame me." **Some Years Ago, the Dungeon of Shangyun Sect** Lin Yuxue slumped in a corner, Qin Mo having just taken away the ice bracelet that Ning Songwu gave her to suppress her bloodline's backlash. She was waiting for the next wave of excruciating pain. She knew the dire state of her body; perhaps the next backlash would announce her death. Staying here meant nothing but being a discarded pawn—death might not be a bad option. The dungeon door suddenly creaked open, and Ran Fanyin strolled in, stopping half a foot in front of her, crouching down. "Long time no see, little junior." Lin Yuxue's gaze flickered, and she steadied herself, cautiously whispering, "Ran Elder?" Was she hallucinating before her death? Why would Ran Fanyin appear here? With a soft smile, Ran Fanyin confirmed, "It's me." "I have something to discuss with you." Lin Yuxue laughed self-deprecatingly, feeling unworthy of the term "discuss." She had to admit, Ran Fanyin’s temperament was commendable, still speaking kindly to her despite everything. Not wanting to be ungrateful, she responded in a low voice, "Go ahead." Rising to her full height, Ran Fanyin added, "You are aware that those at Qing Ye Peak extracted your blood for a purpose, right?" "Did you find what you were looking for?" Ran Fanyin paused and shook her head. "No, your blood holds no difference compared to others. It’s entirely different from those from your place, including the blood of Yin Xi." Perplexed, Lin Yuxue allowed her confusion to show. [Aren't you going to say anything?] [It doesn’t matter; there’s nothing to tell me.] [Forget it. I'm going to cultivate. One task after another, it's so tiring.] [No, considering familiarity and closeness, I should be the closest. Moreover, I'm so exhausted today...] [Why should I yield to that ugly peacock?] Suppressing a surge of blood, Ning Songwu softly responded, "Master, I can walk on my own." Ran Fanyin’s extended hand froze in mid-air and slowly withdrew. Ran Fanyin thought, “You hypocrites are really annoying.” Supporting Ning Songwu, she crossed out of the doorway. Chunhua tried to catch up but her aging body prevented her from even coming close to the two women, who were walking at a moderate pace under the moonlight. She could only call out from a distance, "Ladies, I can't accept this money, and please take back the gifts you gave my daughter." "No need," Ran Fanyin answered sternly, stopping for a moment. "It's not anything valuable. Just keep it and don't chase us; otherwise, you'll be discovered." The moon's light cast shadows, and a breeze lifted her sleeves, her voice as cold as ice, sending shivers down one's spine. "Young...!" Chunhua wanted to say more but was tugged by her daughter, Little Peach. Shaking, Little Peach murmured, "Mother, didn't we agree not to come?" Earlier, she had just shown her mother the gift from the celestial sister, and her mother insisted on coming despite her objections, even taking her bracelet. But it was a gift from the sister. Rubbing her fingers, Chunhua worried, "What if we offended the immortal? We can't afford that." Little Peach quietly retrieved the crystal-clear ice-carved bracelet from her mother’s hand, wearing it on her own wrist and gently tapping it. Following the sister's instructions, a little ice person emerged, greeting her animatedly. Little Peach remained silent, thinking about why her brother could refuse to go out, but no matter what she said, their mother wouldn't let the sisters stay the night. If her brother had made the request, would their mother have driven the sisters away? Something began to sprout in her small heart. Raising her arm slightly, she showed the bracelet and the little ice person to her mother, who was still clutching the silver notes. "Mother, this was made for me by the sister in green." "I caught a glimpse of a sister in a white hat. She seemed to have white hair." "Did we make a mistake? Shouldn't we have let them leave?" With a heavy sigh, Chunhua shook her head silently. [A well-dressed girl looks better than that...] [Always wearing the same color clothes, even Master might get bored of it.] [I don't care, though it’s not a good thought... I want Master to notice me, just like that day at the competition.] [Humph!] [Master's fingers are so long and warm, and the way he moves my hair is so gentle.] [What kind of hairstyle does Master want?] Within Shangyun Sect— A disciple who was sweeping in front of Luo Yun Hall looked up and saw a flash of pink approaching, quickly bowing, "Greetings, Elder Helan.” Helan Mian Mian patted the disciple on the shoulder, "Hello there, take some time to practice at Huan Xi Peak." The disciple's face stiffened. Practicing at Huan Xi Peak's beast arena required five silver coins just to open the gate, and the price varied with the opponent. A disciple's monthly stipend was only fifty taels, and disciples of Luo Yun Peak didn't receive any extra monthly allowance. Was Elder Helan treating this place as if it were Morning and Evening Peak? It was said that the sole direct disciple of Morning and Evening Peak was regularly thrown into harsh training, fighting the strongest and most expensive monsters of her level. People couldn't decide whether to be impressed by the disciple's strength or to marvel at Ran Fanyin's financial prowess. So, it made sense why everyone wanted to do chores at Morning and Evening Peak! Unfortunately, the peak had been closed off to outsiders since its previous peak master. Helan Mian Mian was just greeting passersby out of routine and had already drifted away toward the main hall without waiting for a response. She gave a token knock on the door before pushing it open and entering directly. The person working at the desk flinched, raising their head. Seeing it was her, they strained their aching neck and frowned, "Don't come in like this next time." "Dear Senior Sister, if someone were here, I wouldn't have come. Besides, I'm not a low-cultivation little cat anymore." Helan found a chair, sat down, and tapped on the table. "Senior Sister, it's time to return the book." Cen Ran blinked in confusion, "What book?" "The book I lent you last month, ‘Cold Moon Spring Snow.’ Didn't you say you’d return it after reading?" Cen Ran's face grew slightly embarrassed. How could she explain that she hadn't read the book yet? Ran Fanyin saw it, recognized the author's name as their old friend "Chu Wu," known for quality, and took it away. Wasn't she the one who had been left tongue-tied by Chu Wu before? Yet, the real "Chu Wu" was sitting right in front of her. Helan leaned in, sniffing the air casually, "Senior Sister, you didn’t lose it, did you?" "N-no, no. I lent it out. I'll give it back to you once I get it back. Why come for the book today? Where’s Su Ye?" The little cat rubbed her forehead, "Ah Sheng is about to break through, and Su Ye is guarding her. Given that no one else understands the situation, I had to come." Startled, Cen Ran asked, "She’s breaking through the Golden Core stage? She's progressing faster than Junior Ning." "Oh no, little Ning'er has been held back from breaking through. Don't change the subject. Return the book; I haven't finished proofreading it yet." Helan narrowed her eyes, "Something is off! Who would borrow such a private book from you? Your eldest disciple awakened her senses? Or who else?" "Well, I'll return it to you in a few days. Is that alright?" "Not alright. Since it was lent out, I want it back today." Saying so, the little cat leaned back into the chair, looking like she was about to act spoiled and clingy. Over the centuries, they had always interacted this way. Helan knew Cen Ran's temperament well and stayed within her acceptable bounds. Cen Ran looked at Helan, whose persuasion was becoming increasingly difficult to resist. Oh, wait. My leverage has never been right. But shouldn’t she stand up for herself just once? Anyway, there's no loyalty between her and Ran Fanyin. Cen Ran cleared her throat and replied calmly, "The person who borrowed it has gone down the mountain. I can only return it to you in a few days." "Your excuse... What?!" The little cat, shocked enough to have imaginary ears pop out of her head, sprang out of the chair. "That person?" Cen Ran nodded. "Really that person?" Cen Ran nodded sincerely. "Cen Ran, you didn't even check what I wrote this time, did you?" A cat tail popped out abruptly. Cen Ran... hesitantly nodded. Helan wailed, instantly transforming back into her original form. Her clothing and accessories were absorbed into the pendant around her neck as she turned and ran without looking back, leaving a final statement— "If you dare let her know I wrote it, I will never speak to you again in this lifetime!!" "Not in the next lifetime either!!" "Nor in the lifetime after that!!" Cen Ran rubbed her forehead and smiled helplessly. Cultivators live for the here and now, not for some future life with opportunities and bonds. Her threat was indeed a grave accusation. Looks like in the future, I can no longer lend Ran Fanyin any of "Chu Wu’s" works. If she wants to read, she can buy herself. Besides, that miser had freeloaded her books for a year! When she returns, I'll demand she pays up! Yueping Town, Inn— The rhythmic sound of knocking resonated. Ning Songwu quickly tidied herself and rested briefly before opening the door. Outside stood a bent-over servant leading an "immortal envoy." The envoy wore a uniform dark-colored robe, with all his hair gathered into a topknot, holding a black sword, and wearing a lotus pendant on his chest. Ning Songwu had observed similar envoys on the street earlier, making them easily identifiable. Seeing her, the man handed five taels of silver to the servant, who left swiftly. Only when the servant's presence was completely gone did the man speak in a deep voice, "Hello, fellow cultivator. My name is Ye Su. May I know your name?" "And why should I tell you?" Ning Songwu's delicate and cold appearance combined with her ice-rooted spirit made her frosty retort seem entirely fitting. Her stern face and slightly lowered gaze gave her an air of irritation as she surveyed the man before her. [So beautiful! Ning Songwu couldn't help but praise inwardly.] [Master is really amazing…] [Alright then…] [Seems like I have to work quickly on those Spirit Gathering Talismans. The surroundings are easy to draw, but the core formation talisman is really hard.] [Master looks a bit tired; maybe gaudy talismans aren’t suitable. Skipping details might be better.] [There’s plenty of time ahead.] [The Medicine Sect… so annoying…] [The Medicine Sect, truly so annoying.] Rong Yuan, who had been observing, couldn't hold back, "Even those human cultivators aren't this anxious. Wang, please stay calm..." Ye Wuchen turned her head coldly, "That's my daughter, Qingxi’s only child. How do you expect me to stay calm?" Having only just ascended to her position, the inherent majesty suited for it was already gradually manifesting in her presence. This left Rong Yuan momentarily unsettled when meeting her gaze. But so what? Rong Yuan straightened up and stepped forward, "Let’s not forget, she is not pureblood and cannot inherit the throne." "You have quite the ruthless heart, Grand Elder Rong." Ran Fanyin's voice, albeit weak, was laden with sarcasm. "The bonds of motherhood and apprenticeship mean nothing to you if one cannot inherit the throne?" "I was merely reminding the Wang. I didn't..." "Don't give me the crap about not meddling in your tribe's affairs. You invited me here for assistance, didn’t you? Don’t use me and discard me afterward." Rong Yuan was used to losing arguments to Ran Fanyin, especially when she was in a foul mood, so she could only sneer and turn her head away. Ran Fanyin clenched her fist quietly. If it weren't necessary to isolate that mastermind, she would never endure this crow's insults, or the dead fox's disdain. Nor endure this fear and apprehension. Had it not been nearly impossible to send someone from Shangyun Sect, she wouldn't bother seeking help from these high and mighty royals. Before long, the first dispatched team returned. As soon as they reached the entrance, they knelt, "Wang... Wang, we couldn't find them." The leader barely finished the sentence before trembling in fear, worried the new Wang might execute him in the next moment. After all, under Ye Wuxin's rule, even failing to find the princess's cat cost lives. Ye Wuchen only squeezed her whip tightly, trying to keep her voice calm, "Did you encounter any remnants of the former Wang?" "N-no, we didn’t...” Ye Wuchen sighed in relief, "Stand up. Guide your brothers and sisters to rest, you've worked hard today." "Wang, we can continue searching, we..." Ye Wuchen pressed her hand down, silencing him, and signaled for someone to guide them away. Only then did she allow herself to relax a bit. As long as they didn't encounter Ye Wuxin's remnants, the children shouldn't be in immediate danger. They might have deviated from their planned route, but she had sent many searchers. They would find them. It would be alright. However, as more teams reported back with no news, Ye Wuchen's anger flared, and she whipped the ground, startling the leader once more. There weren't that many entrances to the Abyss along the East Sea; she had enough people to cover them all. How could they not have found her?! She was about to administer punishment when an uproar was heard from afar. "A red nine-tailed fox! So big!" "Who's on its back?!" A scout dashed in, practically flying, kneeling and reporting, "Wang! Wang! Outside the palace, there’s a red nine-tailed fox carrying two girls. They wish to enter." The woman slapped the armrest, "Let them in at once!" Ran Fanyin, seated as a guest, was reminded of distant memories upon hearing this. ["Mid-grade? How could it be mid-grade? Wasn't Luo Sheng a Heaven-grade water spirit root according to the story? Damn that author for messing things up!"] ["A red nine-tailed fox, Heaven-grade water spirit root. Why doesn’t it match?"] These were puzzles Ning Songwu endlessly contemplated after entering the sect. Over time, she memorized them, but Luo Sheng had no hidden ailments or scars. These seemed irrelevant and faded over time. But seeing the red fox today reminded her of past puzzles. That was truly quite miraculous. For the first time, she realized that there were experiences capable of altering bloodlines and spirit root grades. Suddenly struck by an intriguing thought, she lightly supported her chin with a fan, a faint smile playing on her lips. Beside her, Helan Mian Mian reacted by slapping a chair, then quickly collected herself, realizing that she might have been too obvious. Masking her expression, she sent a telepathic message to Ran Fanyin, "Senior Sister! This is definitely Ah Sheng!" Inside, the little cat screamed as if free-falling from a high altitude, but outwardly, she maintained a facade of disinterest, looking aloof—so contradictory that it amused Ran Fanyin. Meanwhile, Ning Songwu’s typical inner monologue added context to the palace, further clarifying the newcomers' identities. Ran Fanyin nodded, returning the telepathic message. Helan Mian Mian fretted, “Senior Sister, don’t make any gestures! It’s obvious that we’re whispering privately! What was Ah Sheng thinking, running back here after her bloodline awakened? Rong Yuan, obsessed with bloodlines, might just detain her to inherit the throne.” Ran Fanyin smiled faintly, replying, "Cen Ran is on her way." “Senior Sister! You're always spot on!” Ran Fanyin smiled again, raising a hand to idly stroke the cat's ear. It wasn't clairvoyance; it was that when Ning Songwu sighed internally, she promptly notified Cen Ran to hurry over. Ran Fanyin could almost visualize Luo Sheng’s current appearance since a certain young girl consistently harped, “She's so beautiful, I want to pluck her fur.” Who knows what the kid’s obsession with plucking fur was, given that she's been rambling about it for years. As the two humans and one fox entered the hall, Ran Fanyin scrutinized them closely. The fox had a stunning coat, all red along the spine, with a snowy white belly and legs. Her long, soft tail also split evenly in red and white. Her well-defined features made her appear regal. More importantly, the pattern on her forehead—flowing water etched between her brows—combined with her slightly narrowed, elongated fox eyes and lifted eye corners, exuded an air of subtle arrogance. Everyone fell silent for a moment. After letting Ning Songwu and Liu Ruoying down, Luo Sheng returned to human form, and the trio supported each other, making their way to Ran Fanyin and Helan Mian Mian. All five bore some injuries, with the master-disciple pair particularly wounded, prompting further silence. Luo Sheng broke it with a hearty laugh, rubbing her head, "Impressive, huh? Master, did I bring honor to Huan Xi Peak?" Helan Mian Mian gave her a strong pat, “Absolutely! You made me so proud; I'll teach you the top-tier formation spells as soon as we return!” The rest of them all sighed in relief. No pop-up ads, permanent domain. --- Note: The last line seems like an out-of-context reminder from the web source itself and likely not part of the story narrative itself. Adjustments made were to preserve the novelistic style and tone, ensuring the translation conveyed the original essence accurately.