76,01 - Dungeon Growth Log

Xia Ge looked at the forceful grip of the other person, suddenly fearing that she might impulsively dig out her own eyes. If that really happened, her crime would be immense. "Hey, are you drunk? Or not drunk? Hey, don't be impulsive..." "I'm not drunk." Chu Yao shook her head, removing her hand. On her pale forehead, two faint red marks were visible. She averted her eyes and sneered lightly, "Who do you think I am?" Xia Ge: "…You’re the big shot who never gets drunk." After a pause, she sincerely added, "…Actually, you do look really good." A breeze blew and the setting sun cast a reddish glow. The sky resembled a clear lake. Chu Yao poured herself another drink and downed it in one go, scoffing, "Look nice? Can looking nice feed you?" Xia Ge thought for a moment: "Although it can't feed you, it does make people like you." Chu Yao slammed the wine cup onto the table with a "pa," her almond eyes glowing coldly, but a corner of her mouth lifted into a smile, "Oh? You like it?" Xia Ge: "..." That was still an impossible question to answer. Chu Yao shot her a glance, mocking, "Look at you, coward." Xia Ge: "Whether I like it or not aside, you really do look good." Chu Yao closed her eyes and remained silent for a long time. Just when Xia Ge thought she didn’t plan on speaking and was just going to sleep like that— Chu Yao spoke up. "Hey shorty, have you ever heard of Chu Shi?" She spoke with her eyes closed, hand on her forehead, hiding the usual ferocity and arrogance. The fine eyelashes, dusted with light from outside the window, gave her an unexpectedly gentle appearance. Like a weary beast. Xia Ge had been reading too many unofficial histories lately and blurted out, "Ah, the bandit leader!" Chu Yao's hand slipped from her forehead, nearly hitting her head on the table. Her previously closed eyes suddenly opened, glaring at Xia Ge, "Nonsense!" Xia Ge came to her senses, remembering that the person before her seemed to be a descendant of the "bandit leader.” "…Ah, sorry, the King... the King." Chu Yao: "..." Seeing Chu Yao's bad expression, Xia Ge explained, "I read an unofficial history book a few days ago. It said that the King once acted as a bandit on Lingxi Peak… Um, although it was quite thrilling, it probably isn't true." "The King should have been a princess at that time." Xia Ge scratched her head and coughed, "I was just reading randomly. Don't take it seriously." Chu Yao snorted, "Actually, you weren't entirely wrong." Xia Ge: "…Huh?" "Although no one in the family would admit it," Chu Yao said, "Our ancestor did indeed spend some time as a bandit." Xia Ge: "..." Seeing Xia Ge's expression as if she knew too much, Chu Yao found it amusing and raised an eyebrow, "Those unofficial histories, while well written, might not be completely accurate." Xia Ge was surprised: "The King really was a bandit?" Chu Yao said, "The official history states that when Chu Shi was young, she was kidnapped by bandits to threaten the royal family." She paused for a moment and then laughed, "But the real reason was that the princess, with her royal uncle's help, pretended to be kidnapped by bandits. They secretly gathered troops, preparing to revolt and overthrow her father's inept rule." Xia Ge: "…" There was such a thing? "Do you want to hear more?" Chu Yao asked. Xia Ge nodded eagerly, "I definitely want to hear more." Xia Ge was getting excited, as she was dying to learn the secrets she couldn't find in history books, now that someone was willing to tell her, she couldn't wait to grab the other's collar and ask everything. The youth looked at her, eyes bright and beautiful. Chu Yao was momentarily dazed, then said after a while, "…It doesn't hurt to tell you." "At that time, the King was weak and sickly, and someone had her fortune told. It was found that although she had royal aura, she didn't have the destiny to be a ruler." "And the royal uncle you mentioned earlier?" Xia Ge scratched her head, "Why didn’t he just seize the throne directly? Why go through all that trouble?" Chu Yao glared at her, "But that wouldn't be legitimate. If the princess, who was the rightful royal, were to ascend the throne, then no one could question it, and she wouldn't be subjected to public criticism." Xia Ge "oh"-ed in realization, "I get it, a puppet emperor, right?" Chu Yao shook her head, "Not exactly." Xia Ge was baffled: "Then could it be that the royal uncle had some noble ideal of peace for the world? Supporting the princess to ascend the throne?" Chu Yao nodded solemnly, "Yes, he did." Xia Ge was speechless: "…Rare indeed." "Yes," Chu Yao said, "At that time, King Chu Huai, the princess's uncle, went around recruiting talented people to change the princess's destiny against the heavens. But that offended celestial taboos, and no one was willing to do it." Xia Ge: "Changing fate against the heavens? Sounds impressive… Did she succeed?" Chu Yao nodded, "Of course she succeeded, or else where would the legend of the King unifying the world come from?" Xia Ge cupped her chin, "But you said earlier that no one was willing. How did the princess succeed?" Chu Yao was annoyed, "I'm not a deity; how could I know everything? What I'm telling you now is just what I've heard from elders at home…" "Oh come on," Xia Ge tugged Chu Yao's sleeve, "It's your family’s story. You must know something." While pulling, Xia Ge suddenly sensed someone was watching her, feeling a chill down her spine. She instinctively looked around, but saw nothing. …A false alarm. Wait, let’s focus on getting the King's secret history clear first. "So what happened to the King afterward?" Chu Yao glanced at her, speaking blandly, "She died." …Everyone dies; of course, people from hundreds of years ago are dead. That was a pointless statement. Xia Ge's eyebrows twitched, "Then… how did she die?" Chu Yao recited, "With her spirit sacrificed, wielding the Chu Blade, she slit her throat before an unknown grave." Xia Ge: "Sacrificial spirit… the Chu Blade sacrificial spirit?" Chu Yao nodded, "Yes, the Chu Blade sacrificial spirit." The legendary ancient garment spirit of the Chu family, the Chu Blade sacrificial spirit! Wait, wait? Xia Ge found it hard to believe, "Suicide? But she had already become the King, fulfilled her wish. Why commit suicide instead of ruling the world properly?" Chu Yao looked at her, "Ask her yourself." Xia Ge: "…" Another impossible question to answer. For some reason, Xia Ge suddenly thought of the murals she had seen in the ancestral tomb. Could it be… related to the Lingxi ancestor? But Chu Yao didn't mention the ancestor at all, as if this person didn't exist in Chu Shi's life. Drinking a cup of alcohol, Chu Yao mumbled, "Before dying, the King left a will, dismissing the royal family, letting [Order] manage the people. All major families pursued their paths, leading to the present. Since then, royal aura dissipated, with no one in the cultivation world able to interfere with mortal fate." Xia Ge thought for a moment, interrupting, "Just asking… Does the Lingxi ancestor have any relation to your family?" Chu Yao glanced at her, "How would I know?" Xia Ge: "…" Fair point. Chu Yao snorted, downed another cup, eyes slightly drunk, "To be honest, at home, all I hear is praise about how wise and powerful the King was, how great she was in battle, living a perfect life. All the beautiful descriptions I've heard of are from people praising her." Xia Ge: "That's nice, having such a brilliant ancestral figure." "But every time I make a mistake, I have to kowtow in front of her old clothes and admit my faults!" Chu Yao seemed very angry, cheeks flushed, "Sometimes I think I'm not wrong, but if my father thinks I am, I have to kneel before those old clothes!" Xia Ge: "..." "Was she absolutely perfect?! Never made a mistake? Why should I kneel when I'm not wrong!?" Chu Yao slapped the cup on the table, making a loud noise, "I dug through the family’s secret history; no matter how great she was, she was still a bandit!" Xia Ge: "..." "Fine, even if I’m not wrong, I still have to kneel to her." Chu Yao calmed down, drank another cup, her light brown almond eyes filled with drunkenness and frustration, "She was brilliant in both literature and battle and was my ancestor. I do admire her." Xia Ge quietly listened, feeling that this girl had a significant mental struggle concerning her ancestor. "Shorty, have you heard of this?" Chu Yao spoke slowly, "The Eye of Royal Destiny." Xia Ge honestly shook her head. "Chu King's eyes were light brown," Chu Yao's voice was hoarse, "Such eyes were called 'Royal Destiny' by the Chu family." "According to family records, only those with 'Royal Destiny' could be recognized by the ancient garment spirit [Chu Blade sacrificial spirit] from the Chu family." "And for hundreds of years, apart from the King, I am the only one with 'Royal Destiny.'" "But…" Chu Yao slowly covered her eyes with her hand, "I am not her..." Xia Ge was slightly stunned and suddenly understood. …This was a child who, since birth, had been treated as the "King." Seemingly carrying immeasurable expectations, basking in endless glory, always high above, yet forever living in the shadow of a deceased person, never to rise. "Do you know what they like to call me?" Chu Yao put down her hand, holding the wine cup, half-drunk eyes looking out the window, murmuring. Xia Ge shook her head. Chu Yao sneered lightly, and spoke each word distinctly. "Reincarnated Chu King." The breeze gently blew as the girl with light brown almond eyes gazed out the window, the hand holding the wine cup tightened, and she gritted her teeth. "...I really can't accept this." The Chu family had a saying about her. The moment she opened her eyes, she possessed everything. From then on, every effort she made was just a natural extension of that person’s brilliant legacy. "Mm." Xia Ge thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled. Chu Yao was slightly taken aback and looked up at her, "What are you smiling at?" Xia Ge slowly put down her wine cup, then stood up, reaching out to touch her eyes. Despite being a youth, her hand was fair and soft, almost like a girl’s. Her fingertips gently brushed past Chu Yao’s fine eyelashes, then slowly moved upwards, brushing aside the hair on her forehead, fully exposing those eyes to Xia Ge’s sight. Chu Yao stiffened slightly, her light brown almond eyes widening a bit, revealing the gentle and soft look of the young person’s eyes. The youth, with a red hair ribbon tied, had to kneel on one knee on the table due to her height, leaning close. Her dark eyes were bright like the starry sky of the previous night. She smiled faintly, "Because I still think, your eyes are truly beautiful." Chu Yao blushed all of a sudden, "...What are you talking about?" Xia Ge tilted her head, "I said." "Because these are your eyes," Xia Ge emphasized, then sighed, "So, they are truly beautiful." ——Not Chu Shi, not the King, not anyone else. You are you; you are Chu Yao. Therefore, you can live so beautifully. Only when you believe you are yourself can you achieve your own brilliance and eternal glory. Chu Yao stared at the youth's face so close to hers, looking into those black eyes that gazed back at her, feeling her heart skip a beat. "My..." Xia Ge nodded, "Mm, yours." Chu Yao was stunned for a while. When she came back to her senses, the first thing she saw was Xia Ge’s leg kneeling on the table. "You…" Chu Yao heard her own slightly unstable voice, "…Did you get even shorter?" Xia Ge: "..." System: "…Pfft." Xia Ge quickly withdrew her smile, climbed down from the table expressionlessly, and quietly poured herself a drink. She would never try to comfort anyone again. She just wasn't cut out for it. She felt suffocated. Chu Yao, trying hard to cover up the strange feeling from a moment ago, seeing Xia Ge’s aggrieved expression, gave a light snort, "Did I say anything wrong? You are short." Xia Ge: "..." … Whoever pays for the drinks is the boss. Remember that, stay calm, don’t hit people. Xia Ge kept a blank expression, "You might be drunk already; come on, let's have another drink." Chu Yao snapped out of her feeling and, seeing Xia Ge’s expression, realized she might have gone a bit too far, "Oh, are you angry?" Xia Ge replied coolly, "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare." Chu Yao looked at her, "Then smile." Who can't smile? Xia Ge forced a fake smile. Chu Yao then bent her eyes and mimicked her previous action. But unlike Xia Ge, she didn’t have to kneel on the table. She just reached out, brushing her hair away, then leaned in to look into her eyes. Xia Ge’s pupils slightly contracted, instinctively wanting to draw back but had her shoulder gently pressed by Chu Yao. "Hey, you look really fake when you smile," she commented, then her voice softened, becoming a gentle breath, "But still, it’s good-looking." Xia Ge’s body stiffened, "Are you drunk?" Chu Yao lowly chuckled, "...Maybe, because the more I look at you, the more I think you are effeminate." “A crash—” Something shattered not far away. Xia Ge turned her head to look but saw nothing. Xia Ge turned back, expressionlessly grasping the hand pressing on her shoulder, "Mm, if you’re drunk, just let go and rest for a bit." Chu Yao smiled, "Ha, whether I'm drunk or not doesn’t matter." She leaned close to Xia Ge’s ear, her voice hoarse, "So, if you have something to ask of me, just say it. I tire of hidden intentions." Xia Ge suddenly became stiff, guiltily saying, "I don’t have anything to say… haha, what do I have to say…" Chu Yao didn’t hesitate, removing her hand and standing up, "If you have nothing to say, I’m leaving." "Hey, wait." Xia Ge massaged her forehead, "Why so blunt? Be a bit more tactful." Chu Yao sneered, not bothering to pretend anymore, becoming impatient, "Tactful my ass. Three pots." She pointed at the row of empty wine pots on the table, "Having drunk three pots of wine, I’ve said all I wanted to say. What about you?" Chu Yao looked at Xia Ge’s face, which now showed an "Ah, how did you know" expression, making her brows twitch. “I knew you had something to ask of me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come out with me so decisively. Tell me, what is it?” Xia Ge was surprised, “Did I act decisive and straightforward about coming with you?” System: “She’s not blind.” Chu Yao: “I’m not blind.” Xia Ge: “..." = = Danfeng had evening study classes. Xia Ge’s body had been trained to be able to drink without getting drunk, but returning, she still smelled of alcohol. After bidding farewell to Chu Yao, she quickly went back, took a shower, and washed her clothes, changing into another set of "uniform" before slipping up the mountain. Evening study classes were simple, similar to self-study sessions in modern times, mainly reviewing what the teacher taught during the day. They were still at the stage of familiarizing themselves with elixir formulas and basic procedures, not yet handling furnaces, so the evening classes were very easy for Xia Ge. She slipped in while the teacher wasn’t present. Mao Qing’s seat was near hers. Seeing her, Mao Qing waved and greeted softly, “Hey, you’re back?” Xia Ge, feeling guilty, slipped back to her seat under everyone’s gaze. Although she had washed her hair hastily, it still retained some dampness, tied up carelessly with a red hair ribbon, "Mm-mm, back." “Hey, what did Lord Chu call you out for today?" Mao Qing asked curiously. Xia Ge looked at her, surprised that she would be so friendly toward someone from Jianfeng. Mao Qing saw her expression and understood what she was thinking, scratching her head, "Although Lord Chu is from Jianfeng, she’s different from the others from Jianfeng." She paused, speaking softly, "Though she seems ill-tempered, everyone likes her." Xia Ge thought of that time when the demonized puppet attacked the village. No one from Jianfeng came down, but only Chu Yao did, leading the way. Then, looking at Mao Qing’s expression, she understood. …See, not everything thrives only in the shadow of that person’s glory. At least at Jianfeng, you are you. “She invited me out to play.” Xia Ge didn’t dare say she had been drinking with Chu Yao. "Nothing important." Mao Qing “oh"-ed, seeing that Xia Ge didn’t want to talk about it further, she didn’t press. Xia Ge glanced at Huo Bai not far away, then at the stack of partially drawn array diagrams on her table, rolled up her sleeves, and continued her work from the afternoon. System: "Can you complete it?" Xia Ge: "Almost." System: "He has a Xuan level white talisman on his waist. Although you can draw above Xuan level inverse white talismans, you don’t have spiritual power..." Xia Ge: "Tsk, who needs spiritual power? Just combine the spirit-gathering array with the inverse white talisman.” System: "..." A peaceful and harmonious evening study session went by. When the evening study session ended, Xia Ge wiped the sweat off her forehead, looking at the sample array she held, she nodded in satisfaction, “Finished!” Stuffing the sample array into her chest, Xia Ge glanced at Huo Bai. Huo Bai was reviewing the elixir formula, sitting upright in his white Danfeng attire, looking like a gentleman. There was no sign that he was a demonic sect spy who could talk about erotic literature fluently. Xia Ge slowly tucked the sample array into her chest. The evening class was over, and Huo Bai was also starting to pack up. Xia Ge naturally drifted over, “Oh, Brother Huo, what did you read today?” Huo Bai: “Today’s lecture content.” Xia Ge: "..." What did they lecture about today? Who knew what the lecture was about? She wasn’t there. Xia Ge decided to change the subject, “Cough, what the teacher teaches is profound. Let’s talk about something else…” As they talked, Huo Bai packed up, and the two naturally left the evening study hall together. "You’re impressive, Brother Huo," Xia Ge said as they walked. "I always feel you know a lot." Huo Bai’s face didn’t change, “I read a lot of miscellaneous books before.” Xia Ge laughed, then lamented, "I’m not good at this. I didn’t read much before, so now it’s tough to study." "You’re smart, Junior Xia," Huo Bai remarked, seemingly implying something, "You draw arrays very well." Xia Ge: "…Ah, really.” They reached a fork in the road. Xia Ge’s house was close to the senior sister's place, meaning she was separated from the other disciples and given a secluded spot. Huo Bai glanced at her, "You..." Xia Ge interrupted him, "Can I visit your place? It’s been half a month, and I haven't seen your dorm." She feigned embarrassment, scratching her head, "Haha, Mao Qing is a girl, and I felt awkward asking, and I’m not familiar with the others. So I had to trouble you, Brother Huo, to show me around." Huo Bai looked at her for a moment, "Sure." He then led Xia Ge down another path. Xia Ge exhaled a small sigh of relief. The dormitories of these disciples were mostly built together, the wooden cabins all looking quite similar. Although Xia Ge ostensibly came to see the dorms, her true intention was to find out exactly which room Huo Bai lived in. Following him recklessly might lead to suspicion and discovery, so pretending to visit under the guise of fellow student camaraderie seemed like a better strategy. The two walked in silence until they reached Huo Bai’s place without incident. The stars twinkled overhead, and though it was late, people hadn’t yet turned in for the night. After half a month, those living nearby had largely become acquainted with one another. Seeing Huo Bai bring someone over, they exclaimed in surprise, "Hey, Huo Shidi, who’s this you’ve brought?" "Yo, I know this one. Isn’t she the special recruit in the same batch as Huo Shidi?” "Ah, Xia Wu Yin!" Someone approached to greet her, "Hey, Shidi, remember me?" Xia Ge took a closer look; wasn’t this the senior brother who lent her a water gourd on the day she checked her scores and pretended to be a new disciple? But... what was his name again? She couldn’t remember at all. The other seemed to realize Xia Ge couldn’t recall and didn’t mind, laughing heartily, "I’m Lu Qie, Lu as in the road you walk on till the end, Qie as in slow down." Xia Ge followed his lead, "Nice to meet you, Senior Brother Lu." Huo Bai nodded at Lu Qie as well, "Senior Brother Lu." "Oh, your brother Lu is no good at all," Lu Qie looked at Xia Ge with a wry smile, "Unlike you, you got to stay in such a great place." Xia Ge thought of her luxurious single room and giggled foolishly. However... Lu Qie saw her silly smile and his own lips curved upwards, "But perhaps, little Shidi doesn’t know what’s ‘great’ about that place, huh? Come, let your senior brother tell you…” Xia Ge: "..." "Hey, why are you backing off? I sincerely want to share this with you!" Lu Qie waved her closer, acting the part of an overly kind senior brother, and even pulled Huo Bai into the conversation, "You too, come and envy this with me." Huo Bai: "..." Xia Ge’s mouth twitched, but considering Lu Qie probably meant no harm, she nodded and leaned in. Lu Qie lowered his voice mysteriously, "Let me tell you… Behind our senior sister's room, there’s a hot spring…" Xia Ge: "???" Huo Bai: "..." Lu Qie pressed them back down as they tried to stand, "Hey, listen to me finish—it's the only hot spring at Danfeng, priceless!" He then thumped Huo Bai’s shoulder, "Aren’t you envious, kid?" And then glaring at Xia Ge, "It makes me so damn jealous I could die!!" Xia Ge's mouth twitched again, pretending to be earnest, "What's the big deal if we can't use it for bathing…" Lu Qie wiped his eyes, pointing to his own, "See my eyes?" Xia Ge: "I see them." Lu Qie stared at her, "What color are they?" Xia Ge: "...Red." As soon as Xia Ge spoke, Lu Qie smacked her on the head, pointing to his eyes and yelling, "Who said you should use the spring? Who would dare use it, you really don’t know? Don’t play dumb! See how envious I am? My eyes are red, see? They’re red! Bleeding!" Xia Ge: "..." Huo Bai: "..." Like hell they are, that’s just from rubbing them yourself! Bleeding, my foot! Finally, they managed to get rid of the unreliable senior brother. Huo Bai moved to his room’s door, tilting his head toward her, "Want to come in and have a look?" "I’ll pass, I just came to see the place," Xia Ge replied, still a bit shaken. "The seniors here are really… enthusiastic." Huo Bai shook his head, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "Everyone here is like that." Xia Ge glanced at him, momentarily stunned. Huo Bai seemed to realize something himself, the smile at the corners of his mouth becoming slightly stiff. Xia Ge blinked and coughed, "You should rest, Senior Brother. I’m heading back." Huo Bai was silent for a moment, "Hm, take care." With that, he closed the door. Xia Ge walked a few steps and looked back at the tightly shut door, feeling an inexplicable unease. System: "What’s wrong?" Xia Ge sighed, "Living is exhausting." "One moment of carelessness, and you end up being at odds with everyone." The system didn’t understand, "…Huh?" She said no more and walked out of the disciples' dormitory area. The path was lined with tall trees bearing snow-white blossoms that fluttered beautifully in the moonlight. Xia Ge walked a few steps and suddenly heard someone calling softly. "Xia Wu Yin." The voice was gentle, yet emotionless. Xia Ge turned to look back. There stood a girl in a robe of red and white maple leaves, quietly under the blooming white trees. Her soft black hair was tied back with a red ribbon, her dark eyes bottomless in the night’s embrace. In the night breeze, under the falling blossoms, in the moonlight, Xia Ge felt the surreal beauty of the moment, like a dream. She came back to her senses and called out, “Hah, Senior Sister.” Gu Pei Jiu nodded. Xia Ge thought for a moment, "Were you following me?" Immediately realizing how unlikely that was, she dismissed the thought, but Gu Pei Jiu nodded calmly and said, "Yes." Xia Ge: "..." The girl in the red and white robe looked at her, "Let’s return together." Xia Ge was stunned for a moment, "Ah... okay." The moonlight flowed like silver. Walking beside Gu Pei Jiu, Xia Ge felt a bit uneasy. She looked around from time to time, finally glancing at the girl beside her. Recalling Lu Qie’s earlier words, she couldn’t help but ask. "…Senior Sister, do you really have a hot spring near your place?" Gu Pei Jiu glanced at her before looking away, "Yes." Xia Ge responded with an “Oh,” "So it’s really there, I didn’t know." Gu Pei Jiu watched her, "Do you want to use it?" Xia Ge shook her head vigorously, "No, no, I was just asking." Then she remembered that her senior sister was already aware she was a girl. Gu Pei Jiu softly acknowledged, "Mm." Ah… there really was no reason to avoid it anymore. Gu Pei Jiu was very silent. If Xia Ge didn’t speak, she wouldn’t say a word either. After walking quietly for a while, Xia Ge began to feel a vague sense of familiarity. It was as if a long, long time ago, in similar mountains, with the same moon, under the same scenery, she had walked ahead while someone silently and quietly followed her every step. No matter how far she walked, no matter where she went, no matter the danger she encountered, whenever she turned back— That person was always there behind her. Instinctively, Xia Ge stopped and turned around to look. Gu Pei Jiu halted beside her, quietly observing her in the serene moonlight. There was nothing behind her, just the beautiful sight of the white blossom trees flourishing under the gentle moonlight. Xia Ge snapped back from her thoughts, feeling foolish. If someone were truly behind her, it would be terrifying, not comforting. She wasn’t dealing with a spirit or anything. What nonsensical thinking. She was just about to laugh at her thoughts when Gu Pei Jiu softly inquired. "What’s there?" Xia Ge looked up at the blossom trees for a moment, “...Flowers.” Gu Pei Jiu glanced down at the boy in front of her, just barely aware that her profile was gradually becoming softer, more feminine. Suddenly, the girl turned back to face her, her dark eyes reflecting the gentle moonlight. She nodded, her hands behind her back, looking at Gu Pei Jiu seriously. “Mm, really, if you turn around, there are flowers and Senior Sister.” There wouldn't be anyone missing. If there wasn't, pretending there was would suffice. Possibly because Gu Pei Jiu was aware of her true gender, Xia Ge no longer tried to lower her voice, speaking with a girl’s carefree spirit. Gu Pei Jiu was momentarily stunned. After a while, her gaze softened. "Let’s go back." The two continued their walk. This path seemed particularly long tonight. Xia Ge couldn’t stay silent for long. After a while, she asked, “Senior Sister, can you play any musical instruments?” Gu Pei Jiu paused, fragmented memories surfacing again. ——"Hey, I'll teach you how to play the flute. In the future, listen to me, and then use it to make them listen to you." The memory ended abruptly. Gu Pei Jiu remained silent for a while, then shook her head. “No.” Xia Ge pouted, "Ah, I can't either, but I think I have a talent for music theory. It can't just go to waste." Honing her puppet control skills through music was dragging on, and she was undoubtedly the worst puppet master of her generation. Gu Pei Jiu: "..." They walked a bit further. Xia Ge: “Ah, I’m so bored. Senior Sister, can you play anything? Anything that makes a sound will do…” Gu Pei Jiu looked at her, "Anything?" Xia Ge eagerly nodded, “Anything.” Gu Pei Jiu glanced at her, casually raised her hand, and the Celestial Silk from her sleeve shot out, gently curling a leaf from a flower tree and bringing it to her hand. Xia Ge’s eyes widened slightly. Under the vast moonlight, the girl in the red and white robe folded the green leaf, brought it to her lips, and gently began to play. She played a simple tune Xia Ge had never heard, starting light-heartedly but gradually growing melancholic. The moonlight flowed like molten silver, a single leaf heralding the arrival of autumn. After the tune ended, Xia Ge clapped enthusiastically, "That was beautiful! You’re so talented, Senior Sister!" She looked up at Gu Pei Jiu, her eyes gleaming, "What’s that tune called?" Gu Pei Jiu played with the leaf in her hand, "Return to Homeland." "Mm?" Xia Ge was puzzled. Gu Pei Jiu explained, "It’s a story.” Xia Ge’s curiosity was piqued, "What story?" "After the war ends, soldiers return home, full of joy," Gu Pei Jiu spoke softly, "But on returning, they find everything has changed, ravaged by war, and the girl engaged to the protagonist is no longer there." She paused, "So the prelude is cheerful, but the latter part is sorrowful." Xia Ge was taken aback for a moment. Seeing Xia Ge’s momentary loss, Gu Pei Jiu added, "It’s just a folk tune, nothing significant." Xia Ge looked at the leaf in Gu Pei Jiu’s hand, "I want to try too." Gu Pei Jiu glanced at her, then flicked her wrist to pluck another leaf from the tree, handing it to her. The system questioned, "…Can you actually do this?" Xia Ge responded, "Take a guess." If it weren’t for the fact that her senior sister had just played a leaf flute for her, Xia Ge would have almost forgotten she could play a bit of leaf flute herself. Though not as skilled, she could manage something. Xia Ge raised her eyebrows at Gu Pei Jiu and folded the leaf, bringing it to her lips. Gu Pei Jiu watched her as the first notes came out twisted and unpleasant, akin to noise. Though Gu Pei Jiu’s expression didn’t change, her brows twitched slightly. Xia Ge pulled the leaf away, "Wait, let me adjust it..." The system confidently stated, "You don't know how." Xia Ge remained unfazed, "Now I do." Gu Pei Jiu said nothing, waiting for her to adjust. Xia Ge took a deep breath and then started to play a simple tune softly. From start to finish, it was light and cheerful. After finishing, Xia Ge spun the leaf in her hand. Gu Pei Jiu asked, "What’s that tune called?" Xia Ge made up an answer, "Return Home." Gu Pei Jiu: "..." Xia Ge feigned depth, "There’s a story behind it too. Want to hear it, Senior Sister?" Gu Pei Jiu: "…Go on." Xia Ge put on a profound expression, "It’s about soldiers fighting in distant lands, triumphantly returning to find the world they protected has become a peaceful land." "War is inherently merciless," Xia Ge tossed the leaf aside, "The difference lies in the reasons for fighting." "With different motivations, the sentiments naturally differ." Gu Pei Jiu frowned, "That’s nonsensical." Xia Ge shrugged, "It’s casual. Sometimes war is unavoidable; if you can’t change reality, you can at least adjust your mindset. A good attitude boosts morale, increasing chances of success." "Oh, by the way, I wanted to play your tune backward, but I can’t, haha. Also, I lied—it’s not called ‘Return Home;’ it’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ This tune is too light for war themes, but it’s the only one I know well." Gu Pei Jiu: "..." The night breeze was cool. Gu Pei Jiu then remained silent for a bit, before softly stating, "Stop drinking." Xia Ge jolted in surprise, "Huh? I haven't been drinking!" Gu Pei Jiu looked at her for a moment, "You’re still young, drinking harms you." Xia Ge: "..." Wait?! Today’s… that gaze… "Ha... I didn’t intend to drink today," Xia Ge cautiously probed, "So, why did Senior Sister smash someone’s wine pot today?" Gu Pei Jiu: "..." After a long silence, Gu Pei Jiu shook her head, "I didn’t smash it. My hand slipped." *Author’s Note: The protagonist's values in this passage do not represent the author's values. But it came out anyway... Ah, very happy. (Not) = = sy king threw a landmine 2018-07-09 23:04:47 sy king threw a landmine 2018-07-09 23:05:23 Eryuan threw a landmine 2018-07-10 01:27:38 Shuai threw a hand grenade 2018-07-10 06:52:03 Ruan Mo threw a landmine 2018-07-10 09:06:21 Yu Yue threw a rocket 2018-07-10 12:53:43 Baihe Dafa Hao threw a hand grenade 2018-07-10 13:25:53 Gu Gui threw a landmine 2018-07-10 23:22:31 Thank you all for the landmines, hand grenades, and rockets! Love you all! = = Reader "Lulalala lulalala", irrigated with 22018-07-10 22:22:15 Reader "Always Creating Drama for Myself", irrigated with 662018-07-10 22:16:12 Reader “”, irrigated with 12018-07-10 20:44:55 Reader “~~~”, irrigated with 102018-07-10 19:02:33 Reader “”, irrigated with 202018-07-10 18:35:45 Reader "Immortal Foolish Lightning", irrigated with 102018-07-10 17:52:23 Reader "Qi Min Zhuo Zhuo", irrigated with 162018-07-10 17:42:42 Reader “”, irrigated with 202018-07-10 16:58:19 Reader "Where does the bustling fall into song", irrigated with 52018-07-10 16:47:47 Reader "Junior Sister is the Best?", irrigated with 12018-07-10 15:42:15 Reader "Han Yan Bu Yan", irrigated with 102018-07-10 15:14:02 Reader "Gui Nuo", irrigated with 12018-07-10 14:00:21 Reader "They're All White Qi", irrigated with 12018-07-10 12:58:44 Reader "Chi Qing", irrigated with 102018-07-10 10:03:02 Reader "The Mushroom Gathered Back Then Has Grown Up", irrigated with 102018-07-10 09:43:29 Reader "Little Schemer", irrigated with 302018-07-10 09:18:35 Reader “海”, irrigated with 12018-07-10 08:20:27 Reader "Jiu He", irrigated with 92018-07-10 08:19:45 Reader “”, irrigated with 32018-07-10 08:17:08 Reader "biu~biu~", irrigated with 32018-07-10 08:13:11 Reader "Si Fen", irrigated with 12018-07-10 07:57:35 Reader "Non-Fish", irrigated with 22018-07-10 01:32:57 Reader "Gu Feng Li", irrigated with 102018-07-10 01:24:31 Reader "Flying Dragon", irrigated with 102018-07-10 00:07:44 Reader "Adorable Pet Arrives", irrigated with 12018-07-09 23:53:20 Reader "A Leaf Knows Autumn", irrigated with 102018-07-09 23:46:39 Reader "A Leaf Knows Autumn", irrigated with 102018-07-09 23:46:31 Thank you all for the nutrients, love you!!