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

Chapter 80: An Unplanned Stay Ning Song Wu sat upright in front of her dressing mirror, curiously inspecting her reflection and Ran Fan Yin standing behind her. Ran Fan Yin held a wooden comb, gently and slowly tending to Ning Song Wu’s hair. Her snow-white sleeves were rolled up a few times and secured behind her elbows, revealing a perfectly curved, fair forearm. A hairband was tied around her slender, alabaster wrist. Ning Song Wu wasn’t quite used to a maid dressing or grooming her. Consequently, Ran Fan Yin had learned these simple tasks from the maids and personally styled Ning Song Wu's hair. Despite her many years in the Northern Penalty Mountain, where she had no worries of livelihood, she had never cared for anyone so attentively. After finishing the hair, Ning Song Wu habitually turned around, meeting Ran Fan Yin’s eyes, which were as cool and light as Song tea. She clasped Ran Fan Yin’s right hand. Having wielded a sword for many years, Ran Fan Yin’s right palm and the outside of her index finger had a thin layer of callus, oddly comfortable to the touch. Ran Fan Yin took out a solidified ring of flowing jade. The once white flowing jade had absorbed her blood, becoming a transparent red. The small piece of exquisite jade dangled from Ning Song Wu’s neck by a black thread, making her appear even more adorably sculpted. The moment Ning Song Wu felt this blood-red jade touch her skin, something startlingly awakened in her mind, then gently melted into warmth. The flowing jade emitted a soft, warm glow, housing a drop of Ran Fan Yin’s blood within. “Master… Mas…” Ning Song Wu earnestly gazed at Ran Fan Yin, struggling to articulate her words. Ran Fan Yin was slightly taken aback hearing Ning Song Wu speak for the first time. She tried hard to make out what she was saying. “Master… Master…” Ning Song Wu painstakingly uttered the two words, then broke into a silly smile. In truth, she didn’t know what these words meant, similar to how she didn't comprehend the meaning behind Ning Song Wu. Yet, she knew she was addressing Ran Fan Yin. She had heard Luo Sheng and Cen Ran call Ran Fan Yin this way and wanted to use the name herself. Ran Fan Yin was briefly stupefied, Ning Song Wu’s tender and soft voice calling those two words glided into her heart like the warm waters of spring, softly striking her mind. She didn’t know what to say next. Instead, she gently embraced Ning Song Wu, lightly stroking her back. Just then, Cen Ran walked in: “Ning Song Wu, are you awake yet… Mas—Master! You…” Ran Fan Yin turned at the voice, addressing Cen Ran: “What is it?” Cen Ran’s face wrinkled in slight grievance: “Master, are you seriously hugging Ning Song Wu so earnestly? I've been under your tutelage with Brother Luo Sheng for so long, and you've never hugged us like that.” “Ning Song Wu just spoke. She called me Master.” Talking about it, Ran Fan Yin’s eyes softened, flowing with tender feelings like the first thaw of snow. Ning Song Wu mischievously grinned, leaping up to hug Ran Fan Yin's neck, nestling her little head in close. She couldn’t help but cherish this master, enchanted by Ran Fan Yin’s scent of plum blossoms and warm neck, unwilling to let go. “Seems like it might be time to slowly teach her to write and practice swordsmanship...” Cen Ran laughed. Zhen Qi Zong initially wanted to host a banquet to welcome Ran Fan Yin and her group but was turned down for the reason that Ran Fan Yin cherished quiet; she preferred straightforward communication without unnecessary disputes. The people of Zhen Qi Sect tactfully summarized the backstory. The formation was discovered before the Wan Jia Cun formation appeared, yet Zhen Qi Zong primarily focused on formations and artifact crafting. This was a new array without documentation in ancient texts. Its powerful nature only spurred the formation masters of Zhen Qi to study it further, hence they hadn’t sought assistance from Cang Jun Shan since the Cang Jun Shan master specialized in swordsmanship and might not be of help. The formation continued to devour spiritual power across an expanding territory, and after a similar formation emerged in Wan Jia Cun, the devouring rate accelerated further. Meanwhile, when they were at their wit’s end, an invitation came from Cang Jun Shan, connected to Qing Shuang Zun Zhe’s acceptance of a disciple—a matter of significance. But what intrigued them more was Ning Song Wu being a living devourer of spiritual energy. Thus, they took the opportunity during the disciple acceptance ceremony to discuss the matter with Cen Ran. For some unknown reason, He Lan Mian Mian persistently watched Ran Fan Yin during their journey. While Ran Fan Yin seemed lost in thought and didn’t notice, Ning Song Wu, with her mind focused fully on her master, certainly observed He Lan Mian Mian's "predatory eyes." A surge of displeasure brewed in Ning Song Wu’s heart. She glared at him viciously, causing He Lan Mian Mian to awkwardly touch his nose and turn away, not daring to look again. Ning Song Wu pondered: Is this guy trying to become my master’s disciple? But doesn’t he already have a master? How shameless! Yet if he doesn’t want to be my master’s disciple... could it be he wants to be my master and the young bull seeks to eat old grass? Alarmed by a sudden sense of crisis, Ning Song Wu resolved to keep her master in check, lest some eager young bull covets her old master. Sensing her disciple’s sudden tension, Ran Fan Yin snapped back from her thoughts: “What’s wrong?” Naturally, Ning Song Wu wouldn’t voice such thoughts. She admitted her possessive streak, unable to accept the idea her master might belong to others as well. Perplexed why she felt so petty herself, Ning Song Wu chuckled, saying: “It's nothing, just afraid I might not live up to Master’s expectations.” Ning Song Wu was quite skilled at lying, deceiving her naïve master without any trouble. Ran Fan Yin affectionately patted Ning Song Wu’s head—her way of showing care: “No need to worry. If it doesn’t work out, there’s no need to push yourself.” Ning Song Wu stuck out her tongue, looking very playful: “Yes, Master.” As they spoke, He Lan Mian Mian stole another glance over, only to be stared back by Ning Song Wu. Inside, He Lan Mian Mian felt uneasy, thinking Qing Shuang Zun Zhe’s disciple was far too fierce, yet part of him felt oddly familiar with Qing Shuang Zun Zhe's presence. During the disciple acceptance ceremony, the feeling wasn’t strong due to the distance. But now, up close, the strange sense was undeniable. The further they went, the thinner the spiritual energy became, prompting everyone to disembark from their flying swords and proceed on foot for safety. Passing through the woods, the trees transitioned from green to withered, until only barren trees marked the edge. Emerging from the forest, the group reached their destination—a city bustling with noise, guarded by soldiers at the gate, appearing utterly normal. Above the city gate hung a plaque, boldly inscribed with three characters: “Jing Guang Cheng.” % He Lan Mian Mian didn’t offer any explanation but instead retrieved several spiritual stones from his storage ring. Under the puzzled stares of the group, he began arranging an array. He positioned several spiritual stones into an inverted pentagon, adding another one in the center to complete a small dispersion array. Out of nowhere, a fierce wind kicked up, causing everyone except Ran Fan Yin to squint their eyes. Upon reopening them, Jing Guang Cheng’s lively scene vanished, replaced with despair similar to Wan Jia Cun’s, perhaps even more severely. In the dark mist, howls arose, sending shivers down their spines. Lin Yu Xue cast a few admires at He Lan Mian Mian, who was evidently adept in breaking illusions with an array—a skill not in Ran Fan Yin’s repertoire, nor had she been deceived by the surrounding enchantments. Gazing at the dilapidated city gate, Ran Fan Yin was the first to enter. Seeing her master move, Ning Song Wu quickly followed, the rest trailing into the city after them. Inside, Ran Fan Yin immediately felt ill at ease. This array was more mature than the previous one, resonating with the voices of resentful spirits in her mind. He Lan Mian Mian lagged behind due to exhaustion, catching up while panting heavily, distributing a piece of spiritual stone to each of them. Ning Song Wu felt another pang of jealousy as he handed something to her master but quickly eased when he gave the same spiritual stone to her and the two senior sisters, realizing it wasn’t particular affection, but something significant. However, the noise from the spirits in her head ceased indeed. Just as Ning Song Wu thought this, the stone in her hand crumbled into dust. Ning Song Wu: "..." She suspected He Lan Mian Mian was retaliating for her glaring at him. He Lan Mian Mian’s eyes brightened: “Ning Fairy’s devourer talent is truly formidable. Even this array’s spiritual sucking speed doesn’t match yours. I etched the stones with a spirit-locking array yet couldn’t shield it.” This extraordinary talent wasn’t one Ning Song Wu desired. She felt her cultivation increased again. Is there really no downside to this? It felt overly powerful. In her mind, the howling of resentful spirits resumed. Though they dared not approach, they hoped to expel Ning Song Wu through such methods. Unable to repress it, Ning Song Wu furrowed her brows, massaging her temple. Ran Fan Yin noticed Ning Song Wu’s apparent headache and asked He Lan Mian Mian, “How can her pain be alleviated?” “Simply do not focus on the spiritual stone in hand. Although, I only prepared these five.” The implication of having no extras was clear. Without hesitation, Ran Fan Yin handed her own spiritual stone to Ning Song Wu: “Do as he says and do not focus on what’s in your hand.” Ning Song Wu nodded. Now her attention was solely on her master, the spiritual stone naturally ignored. After resolving the minor hitch, the group continued towards the center of the formation. The deeper they ventured, the thicker the fog became, and the more numerous and powerful the resentful spirits grew. Ran Fan Yin attempted to disperse the fog, only to find her spiritual energy being absorbed by the formation. It appeared that the formation in Wan Jia Cun was incomplete; this one was the finished version. The spiritual energy absorbed from outside nourished these wrathful ghosts and wandering spirits. The group dared not use spiritual energy, fearing more severe consequences. Ran Fan Yin struck a wandering spirit away with her palm, examining her hand, "This wandering spirit is at Nascent Soul level." Everyone's expressions changed; they hadn't even reached the innermost area. Suddenly, a flute melody emerged from the thick fog—a mournful and haunting tune. Ran Fan Yin looked incredulously towards the source of the sound, "Did anyone else hear that flute?" Ning Song Wu saw Ran Fan Yin's startled expression but heard nothing herself. Just as she was about to reply, a sudden headache struck, accompanied by the chiming of bells, leaving her disoriented. Ran Fan Yin turned back when no one answered, finding no sign of the group behind her. Yet the flute persisted, and familiar figures gradually appeared before her. She could clearly feel it wasn't an illusion; the person was truly there. Ran Fan Yin looked at the gentle-featured individual before her, a torrent of thoughts tangled in her mind. Ultimately, she voiced a single, aggrieved word: "Master." A maid suddenly dashed in, announcing to Ran Fan Yin, "The Esteemed Jiang Yue has come to see you." Hearing Jiang Yue's name, Ran Fan Yin felt she had forgotten something but couldn't recall. She held Ning Song Wu's hand and headed to the front hall together. Jiang Yue sat at the table, cradling a cup of Song tea. He gently lifted the lid to scrape the tea leaves floating atop, then took a slow sip. As Ran Fan Yin entered with Ning Song Wu, Jiang Yue offered his signature graceful smile upon seeing Ning Song Wu: "Is this your new apprentice? It's my first time meeting her today." Ran Fan Yin nodded, then inquired, "Why did Brother Jiang come all the way to Rong Ku Court?" "Can't I come just to chat with my Junior Sister?" Jiang Yue's eyes held an indulgent regard towards Ran Fan Yin, "You've been cooped up in Rong Ku Court for over a month. Weren’t you supposed to attend the Sect Leader's Hall recently to pass on your skills? Don't tell me you forgot that too?" Ran Fan Yin suddenly recalled—no wonder she felt she'd forgotten something. She had been so focused on caring for Ning Song Wu in Rong Ku Court that she neglected the monthly cultivation duties at the Sect Leader's Hall. Although slightly embarrassed, her face remained unchanged: "I forgot. Is Master angry?" "Would Jiang Yi get angry over such a thing?" Jiang Yue chuckled softly. This Junior Sister of his had always been so cold; it was rare to see her earnestly care for someone. Ning Song Wu had been ignored by Ran Fan Yin for too long, her little face showing visible displeasure. Watching Jiang Yue regard Ran Fan Yin with such warmth made her angry. Worse was that Ran Fan Yin spoke to Jiang Yue in the same gentle manner she used with Ning Song Wu, as if something she should have solely possessed was being shared. Noticing Ning Song Wu’s grumpy expression, Jiang Yue approached, leaning down to pinch her cheeks gently: "Ning Song Wu? What's got you upset?" Ning Song Wu did not welcome Jiang Yue’s gesture, swatting his hand away. She did not appreciate anyone but Ran Fan Yin touching her cheeks! Ran Fan Yin frowned: "Ning Song Wu, mind your manners! He is your martial uncle." Though Ning Song Wu didn’t fully understand Ran Fan Yin's words, the tone of reprimand was unmistakable. Stunned, Ning Song Wu stared wide-eyed at Ran Fan Yin. Never since they met had Ran Fan Yin spoken harshly to her. Overwhelmed by injustice, Ning Song Wu’s eyes welled up with tears, and she pulled away from Ran Fan Yin’s grasp, bolting from the room. Jiang Yue looked awkward: "Ah… It seems the child isn’t fond of me." Ran Fan Yin wasn’t overly concerned with Ning Song Wu's emotions, instructing a maid to look after her before speaking playfully to Jiang Yue: "Brother Jiang, always boasting that all women adore you, didn’t expect to face a child’s disdain?" "Ran Fan Yin, when did you start teasing me?" Jiang Yue sighed with a smile and adjusted his robes before departing: "Alright, see you again. Don't forget the Sect Leader's Hall next month." Reflecting, Ran Fan Yin realized how much cultivation she had neglected since bringing Ning Song Wu back. Previously, her life in Rong Ku Court involved either guiding Luo Sheng and Cen Ran or meditating in the rear mountains, cultivating with dedication. In the past month, due to Ning Song Wu's growing reliance, Ran Fan Yin set aside her cultivation obligations, spending her days with her disciples. Indeed, Luo Sheng and Cen Ran pampered Ning Song Wu excessively, and in so many ways, things were different now. Determining she could waste no more time, Ran Fan Yin decided to head to the back mountains alone, much as she did before. Meditating from daytime to nightfall, spiritual energy thrived around her in that nurturing land, bleeding time away swiftly—a day passing like a mere blink. True meditation entailed a peaceful mind, blending naturally with heaven and earth. The murky human body aged with greed for trifles, but a clear heart exchanged worldly essence with heavenly vitality, allowing for immortality so long as the energies were constant. When Ran Fan Yin reopened her eyes, the night was fully dark, likely the midnight hour, assuming all in the palace were asleep. Initially intending to return to her quarters to rest, her steps instinctively halted by Ning Song Wu's room. Peering in, the room was dark; Ning Song Wu ought to be asleep. Reminded that she had spent little time with the child today—left unhappy after their morning spat—Ran Fan Yin entered to ensure Ning Song Wu was sleeping soundly. The door guards, two maids, were asleep themselves by the entrance. Ran Fan Yin didn’t plan to disturb them, seeking only a quiet look. Unexpectedly, the bed lay in a mess, devoid of anyone. Ran Fan Yin immediately detected Ning Song Wu’s presence in the room. Spotting a small figure crouched in a darkened corner, her brow furrowed. “Not sleeping yet? What are you doing here?” Ran Fan Yin approached, knelt down, and affectionately touched Ning Song Wu's forehead. Ning Song Wu, curled up and protective, mirrored her defensive posture from the northern border town. Seeing the wary look in her eyes, Ran Fan Yin’s heart clenched. In a huff, Ning Song Wu turned her head away, denying Ran Fan Yin's touch. She had been just as gentle with others today! She hadn’t come to soothe Ning Song Wu when she ran off, and by afternoon, searching all over failed—as Cen Ran forcibly fed her and Luo Sheng clumsily stuffed rice in! She wanted Ran Fan Yin to feed her, not deal with Luo Sheng’s awkward attempts! “What’s wrong? You were rude to Brother Jiang Yue this morning and refuse to sleep tonight. Who upset you?” Ran Fan Yin pondered, unable to decipher Ning Song Wu's unusual behavior. Taking Ning Song Wu’s hand, Ran Fan Yin sensed her resistance to pull away, forcing a firm grip on the small hand. Her expression grew stern, her eyes like icy Song tea: “Enough foolishness!” Staring blankly at Ran Fan Yin's cold gaze, Ning Song Wu’s heart swelled with distress, tears springing forth, cascading down as quiet sobs wracked her small body. Seeing this, Ran Fan Yin’s displeasure evaporated instantly. With a sigh, she lifted Ning Song Wu onto the bed: “Not sure what’s got you so worked up…” Through tear-filled vision, Ning Song Wu saw Ran Fan Yin pull out a white handkerchief to dry her tears. With a pout, she flipped over, clinging to Ran Fan Yin’s neck, vengefully smearing tear and snot across Ran Fan Yin’s pristine robes. Ran Fan Yin found herself at a loss, yet comforted by the warmth of Ning Song Wu’s affection. She gently embraced Ning Song Wu's back, soothingly patting her. “Mas... ter... Mas... ter...” Ning Song Wu strove to call Ran Fan Yin. “Yes, I’m here. I’m here.” Holding her, Ran Fan Yin lay upon the bed as well. Sharing a bed with Ning Song Wu wasn’t unheard of; tonight, it seemed they’d stay together.