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

### Chapter 72: The False Spirit The weather in Kunlun, slightly west of the Northern Punishment, was much colder than the Northern Punishment itself. Tall mountain ranges blocked a significant amount of cold air, leading to increasingly heavy snowfalls. The snow outside the entrance of the Hua Xu Realm could submerge a person's calf, making it strenuous to push the door open when entering or exiting. Inside the cave, Ran Fan Yin lay on a bed. Her exposed arm shivered from the cold, causing her to frown. She rubbed her temples and slowly opened her eyes. The moment she moved, a sharp pain, as if something was tearing, shot through her legs, causing her to shiver violently before finally easing after a while. A hand, extraordinarily warm like a heater, was placed on her waist, gently pressed against her cool skin. Ran Fan Yin turned her head slightly, seeing Ning Song Wu nestled on her shoulder, deeply asleep. The girl's youthful and healthy skin was so tender and smooth that it naturally invited one to reach out and touch, to feel the delightful sensation akin to water slipping over fingers. The vermilion mark on her forehead was the perfect embellishment on her exquisite face, adding an irresistible allure. Ran Fan Yin quietly watched Ning Song Wu, who was clinging to her even in sleep, and reached out to pull the quilt up, covering Ning Song Wu's shoulder to block out the cold. Ning Song Wu's clothes were in disarray, partially open. As Ran Fan Yin tucked in the quilt, a sachet, apparently tucked securely within Ning Song Wu's clothes, dropped out, landing right into Ran Fan Yin's palm. Ran Fan Yin was not one with a particularly strong curiosity, but the person she was looking at was her beloved, and naturally, she harbored the desire to understand her better. She picked up the sachet, gently pulled the string to open it, and slipped her long fingers inside to extract a neatly folded piece of paper. The paper was meticulously folded; corners aligned perfectly with no signs of displacement. However, the edges of the paper had become slightly frayed, and the hue had yellowed, evidence of frequent handling. What was it that she kept so securely and cherished so much? ※ Ran Fan Yin carefully unfolded the paper, layer by layer. The thin paper gradually spread out before her, and as the three-hand-long sheet fully revealed itself, her fingers stiffened. "Forever Ning Song Wu." It was the piece she had gifted to Ning Song Wu on New Year's Eve. Were it not for seeing this again, she might have forgotten about it. Ning Song Wu pondered as she looked at their entwined hands. Although her master often appeared indifferent, she seldom exhibited impatience so openly; it seemed she detested the people at the ceremony. Sensing that her master's strides were more hurried than usual, likely due to her unpleasant mood, Ning Song Wu tried to inquire, "Master, do you have any troubles?" Ran Fan Yin only then noticed her own lack of composure. She stopped and looked back, seeing Ning Song Wu's eyes filled with concern, warming her heart. She hadn't seen such a gaze for a long time. With her formidable strength, many relied on her. She knew clearly that if she disappeared one day, people would fear for humanity's future while dreading the demon race's strength. Ran Fan Yin thought, "This current state aligns with the master's expectations, yet a part of me remains unsatisfied, as no one comes for me." "Is it because the people are too noisy, Master?" Ning Song Wu's question drew Ran Fan Yin's attention back. She replied flatly, "Yes." Ran Fan Yin's fleeting melancholy didn't escape Ning Song Wu's eyes. Despite rumors claiming that the esteemed Qing Shuang Reverent was strong and loathed demons, Ning Song Wu sensed otherwise. It seemed more like she was indifferently fulfilling a duty. "Master is a gentle yet peculiar person." Ran Fan Yin, puzzled, asked, "In what way peculiar?" "It's peculiar how earnestly Master can lie." Looking at her cheeky disciple, Ran Fan Yin broke into a cold sweat, reflecting on her actions to deduce what led to such a thought. No answer came to mind, "Why do you think that?" Ning Song Wu gazed directly at her, "Because you clearly enjoy the lively snowscapes, Master." For reasons she couldn't fathom, Ran Fan Yin felt as if her disciple had seen through her. She maintained her façade, "I prefer peace." "Such words won't deceive me, nor yourself. But worry not, Master; I won't press you to say it." Understanding her master's nature, Ning Song Wu refrained from insisting. She believed that someday, her master would open up on her own accord. Still, it felt somewhat unfair. She had shared her past with her master, yet knew little about hers. Seeing Ning Song Wu's warm smile, Ran Fan Yin suddenly felt an urge to divulge her past but held back, remembering her own master's warning. "Let's return to our training." The words seemed to freeze the smile on Ning Song Wu's face, her expression fell, full of reluctance. Ran Fan Yin, noticing her demeanor, sternly said, "Unwilling?" How could Ning Song Wu dare to say no? She nodded vigorously, "Willing, willing." Seeing Ning Song Wu's compliant expression lifted Ran Fan Yin's spirits, evoking a tiny smile. Her voice softened, "Let's go, though you're progressing fast, your foundation's shaky. You don't want to embarrass me, do you?" Ning Song Wu quickly flattered her, "No way, Master's beautiful face can't be disgraced." Ran Fan Yin blushed; this one always spoke so oddly. Turning away hastily, she left Ning Song Wu behind, almost as if in a retreat, "Hurry up!" Ning Song Wu chuckled to herself, calling after, "Coming, Master, wait for me!" After the grand ceremony, Cen Ran kept Gong Sun Yin and He Lan Mian Mian behind to discuss the Wan Family Village formation. After examining the formation diagrams, Gong Sun Yin revealed another piece of distressing news to Cen Ran. "This formation appears in our Zhen Qi Sect's territory too. I meant to discuss this with you, Deputy Sect Master. What a coincidence." Gong Sun Yin looked at Cen Ran with surprise as he presented the formation diagram. Cen Ran frowned deeply and urgently asked, "Has your sect found a way to break it?" Gong Sun Yin sighed and shook his head, "The formation is complex and nearly impossible to crack, which is why we came for your counsel." Cen Ran felt his headache intensify. Before his master passed, he warned that a great calamity would befall in four hundred years. Indeed, as the four centuries neared their end, strange occurrences burgeoned, including his senior sister unexpectedly taking a disciple, a bizarre act in itself. Though tempted to wash his hands of it, Cang Jun Mountain, being the leading sect, couldn't show weakness now, needed to stabilize the masses, and stave off rival factions growing bolder over the centuries. Thankfully, with the demon threat still existing, humanity maintained a semblance of unity. Remove the demons, and internecine strife would surely ensue. Though distressed internally, Cen Ran smoothed his brow, "Your sect, renowned for its formations, must have gleaned some insights?" Gong Sun Yin smiled, "This formation seems to draw on resentment, continually siphoning surrounding spiritual energy once established. We also discovered its illusion-inducing capabilities." These were already known to Cang Jun Mountain, and Cen Ran nodded, "We're aware of this." "Don't worry, Deputy Sect Master. We found that this formation seems to be a segment of a larger array. We know of the one at Wan Family Village and another at our sect, positioned to the north and east. I suspect there are three more, positioned west, southeast, and southwest." Cen Ran was shocked. Towards those locations lay the demon territories, with spiritual energy being critical to both demons and human cultivators. If someone deliberately created this formation, were they demon or human? And what was their aim? Although burdened by these worries, Cen Ran maintained a calm exterior, "If, as you say, this grand array forms, what would be the consequences?" Gong Sun Yin replied, "Guier, explain." Finally drawing attention, He Lan Mian Mian, naturally charming with his gentle manner, explained shyly, "Pardon me, if the grand array forms, it will envelop all of the human and demon realms, continuing to draw resentment and drain spiritual energy, creating illusions." Cen Ran then noticed this young man; his silence had caused Cen Ran to overlook him. Attendees of the grand ceremony were listed, and Cen Ran, noticing every detail, recognized him as the formation prodigy and future successor of the Zhen Qi Sect. Seeing promise in him, Cen Ran added a note of appreciation, "Elder Gong Sun's disciple is indeed talented and enviable." Aware of the flattery, Gong Sun Yin, sharing a similar sentiment, smiled proudly, "My pupil is gifted, yet still no match for Deputy Sect Master’s students, nor the cherished disciple of the Qing Shuang Reverent." Though the compliments were perfunctory, they were always pleasant to hear. Among the four great sects, Zhen Qi Sect was known to be the most peace-loving, earning Cen Ran's goodwill. The involvement of the demon realm made the matter of the formation even more complex. Cen Ran naturally wished for the demons to be unsettled by this formation, yet the completion of such an array would also deprive the humans of their chance to seek immortality and cultivate. With tensions between humans and demons still high, there was no trust between the two sides. Any investigation would require someone to infiltrate the demon lands, but who could be sent on such a dangerous mission? "Dare I ask, Senior, is Ning Fairy a Spirit Devourer?" He Lan Mian Mian inquired of Cen Ran, who was seated above him. Though unsure of his motive, Cen Ran confirmed, "Yes," and asked, "Why do you ask?" He Lan Mian Mian did not falter. "The Spirit Devourer physique not only absorbs spiritual power but can also consume souls. Since the formation is based on resentment, filled with vengeful spirits, perhaps a Spirit Devourer could suppress it." It seemed reasonable, but Cen Ran hesitated to agree. He had sent people to purify the vengeful spirits within the formation, only for them to nearly be overwhelmed and lose their minds. Ning Song Wu was ultimately just a sixteen-year-old girl; the chances of success were slim. In light of this, Cen Ran deflected, "I've never heard of the Spirit Devourer having such an effect. Let me discuss this matter with my senior sister before deciding." Seeing that Cen Ran did not immediately agree, He Lan Mian Mian intended to argue further, but Gong Sun Yin pulled him back, smoothing things over, "We'll leave it to the Deputy Sect Master." Cen Ran nodded and saw the two out. Watching Gong Sun Yin and his disciple fade into the sky, Cen Ran dared to sigh. He rose to head towards Chao Ci Peak to discuss this matter with his aloof senior sister. Meanwhile, Ning Song Wu stirred, murmuring softly, showing signs of waking. Unsure what to do, Ran Fan Yin hurriedly folded the paper and slipped it back into the sachet, returning it to Ning Song Wu, then closed her eyes, feigning sleep. When Ning Song Wu awoke, she rubbed her eyes and, instinctively, placed her hand on Ran Fan Yin's waist. The intimate contact made Ran Fan Yin's heart race uncontrollably. In a daze, Ning Song Wu blinked, trying hard to make out her surroundings. Her eyes widened in surprise. Was this a dream? Why was her master... still in her bed? And with bare shoulders at that... Last night... wasn't just a dream?! Ning Song Wu opened her mouth, overwhelmed, as she held the still-sleeping Ran Fan Yin, struggling to calm her racing mind. What on earth had happened... Cautiously, Ning Song Wu released Ran Fan Yin. Feeling her fever had subsided, she got up, dressed, and took another incredulous glance at the person on the bed before deciding to find someone to ask about what transpired. Her last memory was kneeling in the snow, burning up with fever. As the bed lifted slightly with Ning Song Wu's departure, Ran Fan Yin felt a sudden emptiness, her fingers tensing around a wrinkle in the quilt. Ning Song Wu, unsteady on her feet, walked out, leaning against the cave wall of the Hua Xu Realm, scanning the surroundings for signs of others. It was dawn. Bo Xue, carrying a food box, was heading to Kunlun's kitchen to fetch meals for the secluded monks of the cave. She nearly collided with Ning Song Wu. "Goodness gracious... You scared me. Why are you out of bed? Are your injuries healed that you're wandering around..." Ning Song Wu recognized her and quickly grabbed her arm. "Bo Xue, what has happened?" Bo Xue was puzzled, "What do you mean, what happened?" "I remember fainting that day... and then..." "Oh... you're asking about that," Bo Xue rolled her eyes, "You fainted, and Ran Fan Yin brought you back, caring for you the whole time." "...That's it?" "Um... your senior sister and brother were sent back to Northern Punishment by my master," Bo Xue nodded. Holding her forehead, Ning Song Wu swallowed, murmuring to herself, "So, I wasn’t dreaming..." "Your master really cares for you. She was beside herself with worry, shedding tears when you were badly hurt. Though she doesn't speak much, her expressions clearly showed her concern. She stayed by your side for two to three days, feeding you medicine and water..." Bo Xue mischievously grinned, leaning in to whisper, "I once saw her sneak a kiss on you when delivering medicine." "Uh..." Ning Song Wu blushed, turning her head away. "And you were almost taken by your brother, but Ran Fan Yin was so assertive, staking her claim by saying, 'I love her,' clear as day..." "You heard all that?" Ning Song Wu's face turned even redder as her heart raced faster. "Not just me; my master, your senior sister, and your brother heard it all, loud and clear. Who would've thought? Ran Fan Yin, usually so reserved, pulling off such a scene..." "Enough!" Ning Song Wu, wishing she could silence Bo Xue, composed herself and shook her head with a smile before turning to her. "Where are you heading?" "To fetch food from the kitchen," Bo Xue waved the food box she held. "May I join you?" "Sure, since... your chest wound has scabbed over, it's good to move around after being cooped up for so long. But remember to wear warmly and use an umbrella; if the snow soaks you, the Reverent will kill me," Bo Xue ended with a pretend throat-slitting motion. Ning Song Wu adjusted her collar, chuckling softly, "I will, let's go." The two trudged through the deep snow towards the kitchen, snowflakes softly falling around them. Unexpectedly, Ning Song Wu cooked a few dishes herself upon reaching the kitchen, placing them into the food box. Bo Xue, sneaking a taste, couldn't help but praise the young girl's refined culinary skills for her age. Bo Xue and Ning Song Wu chatted casually as they packed up and headed back. Having spent considerable time in the kitchen, by the time they returned, the snowfall had ceased. Ran Fan Yin was already up, sitting with Cang Min outside the Hua Xu Realm beneath a leaning tree, having cleared some snow away to brew tea and play chess. As Ning Song Wu and Bo Xue carried the food boxes under the leaning tree, Ran Fan Yin glanced at Ning Song Wu, her expression remaining indifferent, though her ears turned a faint shade of red. Bo Xue cheerfully addressed Cang Min, "Master, fresh hot dishes here, prepared by Ning Song Wu. Stop playing chess and come eat." Cang Min glanced at Ran Fan Yin, smirking, "She made them herself? How could I dare eat? Someone might want to kill me." Ning Song Wu twitched her mouth, thinking to herself how both master and disciple share the same stubborn tongue. Ran Fan Yin regarded Ning Song Wu with a calm inquiry, "Are your injuries still painful? Why did you leave the bed to cook in the kitchen this morning?" Cang Min tutted, "Hey, look at that. She's complaining you left her alone after sharing a bed without a cuddle session..." "Cang Min!" Ran Fan Yin snapped, glaring at him coldly. Ning Song Wu settled beside Ran Fan Yin, her face a gentle shade of red as she discreetly clasped Ran Fan Yin's right hand, habitually rubbing the thin callus on her index finger's side, her fingertip tracing lightly across Ran Fan Yin's palm. Ran Fan Yin found the sensation ticklishly unbearable, lowering her head slightly. "You only ever scold me. Why not turn your wrath on the beauty beside you? Are you capable of it? Hmph, just know to bully me." Cang Min tossed the chess piece in hand, folding his arms defiantly at Ran Fan Yin. Ran Fan Yin's lip twitched, her robe sleeve shaking out a wave of true energy that vibrated the tree leaves above Cang Min. The accumulated snow came crashing down, burying him and making him shiver with cold. "Ran Fan Yin!!!" Cang Min stood, furiously shaking snow from his collar and hair. Seeing Ran Fan Yin's expression, he grew even angrier, "Why are you holding back! Your eyebrows and eyes are curved; I've known you long enough!" Ran Fan Yin smiled faintly, watching Cang Min with a subtle curve of her lips, hiding a soft warmth in her eyes. Cang Min huffed, bending swiftly to scoop snow into a ball, lobbing it straight at Ran Fan Yin's face. "Poof ———" The sudden attack caught Ning Song Wu in a daze, leaving Ran Fan Yin no time to dodge. She ended up with a face full of snow, fragments clinging to her eyebrows and lashes, cascading down her face and neck in a rather disheveled manner. Ran Fan Yin froze momentarily, then cast a cold look at Cang Min, as though her gaze alone could strike him down. Cang Min instinctively shrank back. Bo Xue intervened to smooth things over, "Alright, alright, any more delay and the food will be cold, wasting Ning Song Wu's efforts." Ning Song Wu rushed to wipe the snow from Ran Fan Yin's face with a handkerchief, helping to clear away the chess pieces and set the dishes on the table. Bo Xue joined them, and the four gathered around the small table, a bit crowded, yet cozy and lively. As Ning Song Wu laid out the utensils, Ran Fan Yin's cold hand reached over, clasping hers. Ning Song Wu quickly turned to Ran Fan Yin, "Master, what's wrong?" Ran Fan Yin’s expression was flustered, ears crimson, as she leaned slightly towards Ning Song Wu, whispering, "There's snow inside my collar, and I can't reach it." Although speaking with utmost seriousness, Ran Fan Yin's reddened ears betrayed her, stirring a tender affection in those who observed her. Ning Song Wu chuckled, setting aside what she held, and repositioned herself. Kneeling, she gathered Ran Fan Yin's black hair to the front of her chest, carefully lifting her fur collar and gently brushing the snow from inside. A bit of snow had already melted, exposing Ran Fan Yin's skin which, like creamy jade, had reddened from the cold. Ning Song Wu bent down and gently breathed warm air on the nape of Ran Fan Yin's neck. "Does it feel warmer now?" Ran Fan Yin's cheeks flushed slightly, and without replying, she pulled Ning Song Wu back to sit beside her. Unwilling to let go of Ning Song Wu's hand, Ran Fan Yin picked up her chopsticks with her left hand and began eating. Ning Song Wu noticed something peculiar about Ran Fan Yin's actions as she picked up her food, but couldn't quite place it until, after some thought, she realized that her master was using her left hand. No wonder her master seemed somewhat clumsy today, as if half paralyzed... Stifling a laugh, Ning Song Wu tightened her grip on Ran Fan Yin's hand and busily helped her by picking up dishes. As Cang Min ate, he sipped his tea and remarked, "Why do these dishes all taste a bit sweet?" Bo Xue nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, four out of six dishes are on the sweeter side. Ning Song Wu, do you like sweet foods that much?" Ning Song Wu smiled, glancing at Ran Fan Yin, "Master, do you like them?" "Yes," Ran Fan Yin nodded, satisfied, finding the dishes very much to her taste. Ning Song Wu's smile widened. She had barely eaten anything herself, too busy serving Ran Fan Yin. "Then I'll often cook for you, Master."