104.7 - Little Peasant Wife

White Horse Priest was greatly disappointed, deeply hurt. It initially believed the demon king of the demon clan, a phoenix, had descended. However, upon closer inspection, the aura of a great demon turned out to emanate not from a phoenix but from the blood-red vines entwined around Jing Ao Xue. The vines bore an aura it recognized all too well, grating and vexing. From the looks of it, Shen Lu Man had not only avoided the foretold death but had also awakened her demon clan bloodline through a twist of fate. How could this family be so unpredictable? White Horse Priest suddenly questioned the countless penalties it suffered for attempting to peep into the heavenly secrets. It began to doubt its own purpose. After observing from a distance for a while, it finally sighed and decided to approach. Jing Ao Xue, sensing an unfamiliar aura drawing near, opened her eyes warily. To her surprise, she was confronted by Liu Er's long-lost pet, Little White. Momentarily stunned, she exclaimed, "What are you doing here?" Merely a casual inquiry, she was taken aback when the White Horse responded. An ethereal voice, indistinguishable in gender, spoke near her ear, "I sensed the aura of a great demon just now, so I emerged from the deep mountains to investigate." Its gaze lingered on the blood-red vines. Feeling its wood element abilities retract, the vines rose angrily, twisting into a threatening pose. Jing Ao Xue was bewildered by the vine's behavior, gently soothing it while addressing the horse, "So you can talk." Unaware of the history between Shen Lu Man and the white horse, she treated the horse fairly, a decision that possibly spared it from harsh treatment. Grateful for her ignorance, White Horse bowed its long, thick lashes, "I am a beast clan priest from the demon world, here in the mortal realm to seek the demon king and also to find destined individuals." Jing Ao Xue nodded, finding the tale suspiciously familiar. "Are you implying that Liu Er is your destined one? But why would the demon king appear in the mortal realm?" A question that puzzled her, for the mortal realm was mostly avoided by cultivators. Yet, inexplicably, since her arrival, she had encountered several, each stronger than the last. It was absurd. White Horse Priest aimed to win Jing Ao Xue's favor before Shen Lu Man awakened, sharing all it once divulged to Shen Lu Man after some adjustments. Jing Ao Xue listened, wide-eyed. She knew the original host was dead, and she had traversed here. However, the prophecy merely hinted at Shen Lu Man... Gazing at the vine that rubbed her cheek, pleading for the wood element abilities, she thought sorrowfully: Had I not crossed over, Shen Lu Man might have truly died! Damn the Liu Family, damn the National Teacher, damn Zhang Qiao Er... Hatred filled her eyes as she asked fiercely, "What else? According to the prophecy, if neither Shen Lu Man nor I were here, Liu Er would be taken by the National Teacher. And then?" White Horse explained, "She would endure all earthly hardships. Despite good talent and nature, with an adversary nearby she trusts deeply, her future would be bleak." Gritting her teeth, Jing Ao Xue thought: If events followed the prophecy and Wu Zhi Yong's words, both Zhang Qiao Er and Liu Er would be taken by the National Teacher. Hence, the traitor beside Liu Er is Zhang Qiao Er. She had long deemed Zhang Qiao Er a menace but didn't expect her persistence to linger so long. No more time could be wasted. She must cultivate swiftly, aiming to kill Zhang Qiao Er at the first opportunity, preventing future troubles. White Horse, content with her fierce resolve, believed alerting Jing Ao Xue was more expedient than explaining to the child Liu Er. Unaware of the latest happenings at the Liu residence, otherwise, it might not have thought so. Its gaze involuntarily returned to the blood-red vine. Spotting its complexity, Jing Ao Xue asked, "You know Shen Lu Man is a half-demon, right?" White Horse nodded, "As a demon clan priest, I can naturally discern demon aura in her." Jing Ao Xue hastily inquired, "As a demon clan priest, you must be pretty powerful. How can we restore Shen Lu Man to her former human self?" Hesitant, White Horse answered, "In the demon world, there are a few ways for demons to assume human form: one is innate great demon awakening at birth, another involves consuming a demon-transformation fruit, and another is like Shen Lu Man's situation, balanced bloodlines of human and demon, maintaining her form from birth." Anxious, Jing Ao Xue asked, "So what must we do for her to turn back?" White Horse responded, "Previously half-demon, she fortuitously awakened her powerful ancient demon bloodline—Ninefold Heaven-Devouring Demon Vine—most fierce and formidable among plant demons, naturally ranking as a great demon." "In her current state, it indicates that once her consciousness recovers after some rest, she'll be able to control her form at will, freely turning back into human shape." The news thrilled Jing Ao Xue. Glancing at the bewildered vine, she quickly asked, "When will that be?" Before she could finish, White Horse interrupted with a shake of its head, "I don’t know. It's up to her. Could happen tonight, or take a year, or even ten or a hundred years. It's her destiny's whims." Such vague answers... Jing Ao Xue pursed her lips, caressing the vine fondly while releasing her wood element abilities to bring it joy. Standing up, she brushed the grass off her clothes, "Thanks, it's getting late, I'm heading home now. Goodbye." Surprised, White Horse hurried after her, "I'll come back with you." "Hm?" Jing Ao Xue inquired nasally. White Horse explained, "I was in the mountains waiting for the demon king's arrival, but having waited in vain, I might as well check on Liu Er. After all, her future..." "Hey," Jing Ao Xue interrupted, "I'm Liu Er's mother. I won't allow her to live for the 'greater good' with someone she doesn't love. Besides, you mentioned the demon king is a phoenix, notoriously proud, while Liu Er is gentle. Living with a phoenix would crush her. I refuse to allow it, so stop suggesting this." Stunned, White Horse anxiously retorted, "But..." "No buts! Your previous prophecy was utterly useless. Neither I nor my wife died; nothing followed fate's course. I thought you understood by now." Saddened, White Horse lowered its head. Indeed, it realized the truth, but accepting it was another matter. Throughout history, priests shielded clans from calamities, yet it failed to find the demon king and compounded its erroneous prophecies. It began doubting its bloodline—something must be amiss for nothing to align. Jing Ao Xue, amused, shook her head at its dejection. The scene reminded her of a past-life TV drama, a martial arts series called "Wind and Cloud," where the hero, Xiongba, due to prophecies, brought students Feng and Yun, propelling his career. Yet, another prophecy turned him fatally against them, leaving him isolated and ruined. Had he disregarded the prophecy and acted rationally, disaster might have been averted. From this show, she decided never to believe in destiny. Moreover, the imminent apocalyptic future—a society where ten years were spent surviving—taught that trusting fate made one prey or a pawn. Gazing at the distant scarlet horizon, Jing Ao Xue cared little for future predicaments. She would do what was right and live freely and adaptively. Worrying too much was futile. She'd enjoy her small life day by day, never regretting a day's happiness. Upon returning home, the note on the courtyard gate remained untouched, evidence Liu Er hadn't yet returned from General Qin's. Pouting, she tore it down and entered. After washing her hands, she proceeded to cook. She couldn't forever rely on Wu Zhi Yong for meals. She could cook herself, having managed even moldy bread during the apocalypse, not to mention half-cooked rice. Until Shen Lu Man recovered, a makeshift few meals were fine. Ah, she considered whether reminding Shen Lu Man with familiar items, like embroidery or clothes, might jog her memory tonight. Satisfied with the notion, she chatted to the vine about kitchen items while cooking, hoping to stir Shen Lu Man's recollections. The vine draped lazily around her neck, listening to Jing Ao Xue's words without moving, as if treating her voice like a song. Jing Ao Xue's face darkened in frustration, unable to deal with the vine. Frustrated, she chopped up her prey, thinking: Shen Lu Man was never this stubborn or capricious in human form. She was so gentle, considerate, kind, and adorable. Why has she become like this as a vine? She sighed wearily and prepared a simple meal of porridge and stir-fried meat for herself. Although the taste was a bit salty, it was still edible. After covering the pot, she noticed the sky outside had turned pitch black and quickly prepared to ride out and bring Liu Er home. The White Horse, munching on grass in the yard, glanced at her and asked, "Where are you going?" Holding the horse she bought earlier, she responded, "I'm going to pick up Liu Er for dinner." Saying this, she turned back to the pharmacy to grab a few bottles of pills. She had stocked up well, but the recent demand was high, and she needed to deliver some to Wu Zhi An as well. Thankfully, they had just harvested medicinal herbs, so she planned to make more pills after dinner. With this in mind, she mounted the horse and headed towards the Qin residence. Roughly a quarter of an hour later, she arrived and dismounted, just in time to see Liu Er emerging from the main hall. Qin Yi Shu, looking down at her, instructed, "Take these books home and read them. Come back tomorrow morning, and I will test you." Liu Er nodded obediently, "Thank you, foster mother, I'll study them." After expressing her gratitude, she carried the books outside and spotted Jing Ao Xue. Jing Ao Xue entered, thanked Qin Yi Shu, then took Liu Er onto the horse and headed home. Once home, Jing Ao Xue, arms crossed, remarked, "It's already late, and you're still not back. Were you...?" Liu Er looked up, "I lost track of time studying with foster mother. Please don't be angry, Mother. I'll come home earlier next time." Jing Ao Xue sighed, patting her little head, "I'm not angry, just worried you might go hungry. While studying is important, you must also take care of yourself, understood?" Liu Er acknowledged, and Jing Ao Xue went to the kitchen to serve dinner while Liu Er remained in the main room reading by candlelight. The book was thick, far heftier than the Confucian classics Liu Er had studied before. Picking up her chopsticks, Jing Ao Xue offered Liu Er some vegetables and asked, "Eat first. Can you finish this book?" She couldn't help but blame Qin Yi Shu. Liu Er was so young, yet burdened with such heavy studies, even more intense than the 'gifted students' classes' children in her previous life. All written in classical Chinese, no less. Liu Er ate some vegetables and replied, "It's manageable. Foster mother will test me in the morning, so I'll do my best to memorize it." "Wow!" Jing Ao Xue was surprised. She recalled hating memorization in school, especially something as exhaustive as the "Record of Yueyang Tower," which took her months to master, making her consider abandoning those examination scores. But this book... Swallowing hard, she hesitated, "Liu Er, I know you have a great memory, but..." Liu Er reassured her, "Don't worry, Mother. I'll do my best to protect you and Mommy in the future!" Jing Ao Xue felt both heartache and pride. If Liu Er was this dedicated, as her mother, she certainly wouldn't slack off. Originally planning to sleep after making herbal pills, she decided instead that tonight she'd set up a spiritual gathering array in the back mountains and start cultivating. With that resolve, she quickly finished her dinner, bathed Liu Er, and saw her studying in the main room before going to concoct herbal medicines. Once Jing Ao Xue left, the White Horse approached Liu Er, sniffing her curiously. Why could it sense the aura of a great demon from Liu Er? Had she also awakened a bloodline? When its moist nose nudged Liu Er's cheek, she snapped out of her reading, recognizing the familiar White Horse and smiling softly, "Xiao Bai, you're back. Mom said you were gone and I was sad for days, but now I'm relieved." The White Horse licked her cheek, and Liu Er petted its fur, whispering, "Shh, quiet. I need to read. Go play somewhere else." The White Horse stood quietly at her side as Liu Er focused intently. Increasingly perplexed, it realized Liu Er felt different—not just the aura, but her entire demeanor. Previously a simple, adorable child, her subtle smile and gentle gaze seemed like those of a completely different person. Sniffing Liu Er again, it pondered: similar to Shen Lu Man's demon aura, but less intense. It wasn't a matter of body odor—only demons and some powerful cultivators could detect such things. Circling Liu Er in restless doubt, she paid it no attention. Feeling disheartened, it resigned itself to the stable, ignoring an ordinary mortal horse nearby. It pondered: given the circumstances, it should seek to lift the heavenly curse on it and regain its cultivation. Liu Er, after all, had saved its life, and its instincts told it she had something it needed. It resolved not to leave her side again. Once Shen Lu Man regained consciousness, it would find ways to win her favor, hoping she'd forgive and allow it to stay by Liu Er. Moreover, having knowledge of a Nascent Soul-level sanctuary, deeply beneficial for cultivation, it believed that once Shen Lu Man understood the value of this opportunity, she wouldn't begrudge its presence. Closing its eyes, it began lifting the curse from within. Meanwhile, in the pharmacy, Jing Ao Xue concocted a fresh batch of pills with the newly harvested herbs. When Liu Er started reading, she was meticulously going line by line. But as she grew more proficient, her pace increased remarkably. Her knack for learning was evident, analytically progressing despite her youthful views, impressive even in Qin Yi Shu's eyes. Qin Yi Shu even contemplated that, in time, Liu Er might surpass her. In the courtyard, everyone busied themselves, except the vine, which lay slack on Jing Ao Xue, showing no intention of regaining consciousness and instead savoring the thick medicinal aroma in the pharmacy. After finishing and bottling the pills, Jing Ao Xue prepared to bathe. It was quite late, and Liu Er was still engrossed in her studies, nearly halfway through the hefty book. Jing Ao Xue approached, "Liu Er, it's late. Continue in the morning." She initially thought Liu Er would insist on reading further, but was surprised when she obediently closed the book, saying, "Alright, Mother." Setting the book on the table, Liu Er hopped down, wished her goodnight, and headed to bed. Jing Ao Xue: "..." This sudden maturity made her question her own role as a mother. Feeling a bit useless, she went to cover Liu Er with her blanket, only to find the girl already tucked in comfortably, her precociousness tugging at Jing Ao Xue's heart. Inwardly cursing Zhang Qiao Er once more, she kissed Liu Er's forehead, wished her goodnight, and left the room. Fuming internally, the vine sensed her emotions and reluctantly peeled away, settling on the ground as if trying to feign its nonexistence. One look at the vine made Jing Ao Xue's emotions complex. Sighing, she extended a hand toward the vine, enticing it with some wood element abilities to coax it into obedience. The vine instantly coiled around her hand, affectionately winding back around her body. Jing Ao Xue whispered, "Shall we cultivate in the mountains?" She immediately regretted it, remembering how Liu Er was almost lost the last time and resolved not to leave her home alone again. So, she sat in the courtyard, casually setting up a spiritual gathering array to begin her cultivation. The spiritual energy in the courtyard was average. The White Horse, observing, stated, "I can watch over Liu Er. If anyone unfamiliar enters, I will alert you instantly with my mind." Jing Ao Xue shook her head, "No, it takes time for me to rush back, and by then, Liu Er..." Unaware of recent events, it added, "You could leave the vine at home. Despite her current state, Shen Lu Man's ancient demon instincts would protect Liu Er and keep anyone from harming the child with the closest aura." Pausing, Jing Ao Xue was tempted; she eyed the vine and asked hesitantly, "Shen Lu Man, can you separate like earlier today?" The vine continued its own course, seemingly indifferent to her words. Jing Ao Xue sighed and addressed the White Horse, "Thank you, but I think perhaps..." Before she finished, the vine unexpectedly split from the top, transforming into two thinner vines. One crawled onto Jing Ao Xue, while the other headed towards Liu Er's room. Surprised, Jing Ao Xue exclaimed, "Shen Lu Man, can you understand me?" The vine nuzzled her cheek, turning affectionate once more. Jing Ao Xue: "..." The emotional rollercoaster nearly overwhelmed her, feeling as if she was constantly on a rollercoaster ride. The White Horse spoke with a hint of amusement, "I suspect Shen Lu Man's consciousness is starting to return. At the very least, she can understand some of your sentences now. If this rate of recovery continues, it won't be long before she regains her human form." Realizing this, it knew it must carefully plan its words. Last time it met Shen Lu Man, things didn't go well. Unaware of its thoughts, Jing Ao Xue joyfully petted the vine, attributing its progress to her wood element abilities. Bidding farewell to the White Horse, she moved to the back mountain to continue both her cultivation and nurturing Shen Lu Man with her abilities. The vine clung to her happily all the while, her spirits lifted with newfound hope. Fully committed, she channeled all her wood element abilities into the vine with intense focus. The results were remarkable. The vine began to recover at an astounding rate, unseen by anyone else. As dawn approached, Jing Ao Xue suddenly felt a heavy weight in her arms, bringing her out of her deep meditation. Opening her eyes, she found Shen Lu Man, completely bare, nestled in her embrace. Jing Ao Xue thought, "This is quite the reward... Thank you, heaven!"