104.9 - Little Peasant Wife

Jing Aoxue quickly covered her eyes, trying to fix her mistake. She stammered, "Sweetheart, let me explain, I didn't mean to..." Feeling the lightness in her arms, a wave of disappointment swept over her. She pouted pitifully, "Sweetheart, I've missed you so much. Oh, your clothes are in my storage pouch; I'll get them for you now." As she groped for the pouch at her waist with her eyes closed, Shen Luman's voice, coming from nearby, said, "No need." Huh, what does that mean? Was Shen Luman planning to go without clothes? No, definitely not! Was she ready to take the next step? Jing Aoxue opened her eyes full of anticipation, ready to speak, only to see Shen Luman fully dressed already. She was now casually tying her dark, lush hair with a vine-like green ribbon. Jing Aoxue gazed at her, tears welling up in her eyes, "Sweetheart, I've missed you so much." Shen Luman blushed slightly. She vaguely remembered what happened when she turned into a vine. Seeing Jing Aoxue now made her feel awkward and uncomfortable. She turned her head away, unaware that her unintentional action had hurt Jing Aoxue's pure, fragile, and pitiful heart. Jing Aoxue sat on the ground with her lips quivering, dejectedly pulling at the wild grass in front of her. Once the heat on her face subsided slightly, Shen Luman turned back with a gentle tone, "Are you hungry? Let's go home and eat." Jing Aoxue looked up at her in surprise, just in time to see Shen Luman reaching out her hand. Jing Aoxue naturally held it. Such a simple gesture made Jing Aoxue's heart melt like a puddle of water. She stood up and moved closer to Shen Luman, wanting to stick to her. The situation was now reversed from before. Having not long transformed back, Shen Luman's mind hadn't fully adjusted. Being so close to Jing Aoxue didn't make her blush or feel shy as usual, and she naturally walked alongside her. She had no idea what had happened after the National Teacher killed her. Her last memory was a blazing red flame consuming her body. She vaguely remembered seeing the silhouette of the mythical phoenix. But... it must have been her imagination. Following her recent bloodline awakening and inheriting the legacy of an ancient great demon, all the knowledge rushed into her mind. She would need a few days to sort through it all. Now fully a member of the demon race, it was only thanks to her father's bloodline that she could transform back into human form so quickly; otherwise, it would have taken hundreds or thousands of years. Father... With complicated emotions, Shen Luman bit her lip. Jing Aoxue noticed her mood and didn't disturb her, feeling blessed just to be able to see Shen Luman and spend time with her. Even though the longed-for kisses and hugs seemed to have flown away after Shen Luman's awakening... Still, sincerity and determination can overcome anything, right? Jing Aoxue cautiously glanced at Shen Luman as they walked on the quiet path through the wilderness. The sounds of a bubbling stream and startled wildlife were all around them. In such peaceful tranquility, Jing Aoxue hesitated for a moment before speaking the truth, "Shen Luman, as I mentioned before, I'm not the real Jing Aoxue. I can gradually understand your conflicted feelings now. I'll give you all the time you need to get used to my presence. I just hope..." She noticed Shen Luman's suddenly tense shoulders and sighed, "I just hope you don't outright deny my existence, okay?" For the first time, she pleaded sincerely. Shen Luman pressed her lips together and turned to look at her. After a long pause, she said, "I didn't love her. She was my responsibility. The reason I distanced myself from you before was due to guilt. I failed to protect her, leading to her death. But I am grateful for your existence. I... I died once and then was miraculously revived." "There is one thing I am certain of." "I like you, and I want to be with you." "I've thought it over, and my previous treatment of you was wrong. Let's be together as we were before, okay?" Jing Aoxue's eyes widened in shock, her body trembling with excitement, unable to speak a word. She even suspected she was hallucinating. Otherwise, how could she hear Shen Luman not only not reproaching her but saying she liked her? She must have floated off the ground and into the sky. Seeing her incredulous expression, Shen Luman's heart softened, and she hugged Jing Aoxue with a gentle smile, "I truly like you." In the face of death, people become particularly honest. Life is short, so one should strive to pursue what they like. Even though she owed the original Jing Aoxue, having died once was like trading one life for another. Now, with a new lease on life, she was no longer the half-demon she used to be. The past was like a fleeting shadow. Now she just wanted to live well with Jing Aoxue and Liu’er. Of course, she wouldn't spare the National Teacher. As her current demon bloodline was far more powerful than her previous five-spiritual roots, a few more years were all she needed for revenge against the National Teacher. This was a vengeance she was determined to exact! Jing Aoxue's eyes were moist, and she rubbed her face against Shen Luman's shoulder, speechless. Like a fool in bliss, she let Shen Luman lead her home and settled her into a rocking chair. Afterward, Shen Luman went to confront the Bai Ma Priest, who had suddenly appeared in the yard. She glanced at still-dazed Jing Aoxue and coldly addressed the Bai Ma Priest, "What purpose brings you here? I warn you, if you dare harm Liu’er, I'll end you immediately!" The Bai Ma Priest sensed the intense demonic energy rising from her, mingling with a scorching aura it couldn't bear. It quickly backed away a few steps, saying, "I wouldn't! Liu’er is my savior; I won't harm her again. I was wrong before, and I've given up on the prophecy I glimpsed. As compensation, I can tell you the location of the most powerful alchemist in the immortal cultivation world from thousands of years ago." Shen Luman frowned in thought and then, shocked, said, "You mean Qingmu Zhenjun, the first sixth-grade alchemist in ten thousand years?" The Bai Ma Priest nodded, "Yes, her. Liu’er seems to have a wood spirit root, and Jing Aoxue a dual fire-wood spirit root—ideal for becoming alchemists and craftsmen. She enjoys making herbal pills. With Aoki Zhenjun's legacy, she might become the second sixth-grade alchemist in the cultivation world." The temptation was immense. Shen Luman couldn't help but glance back at Jing Aoxue. Happily lost in Jing Aoxue's loving gaze, she nearly drowned in the warmth of those eyes. Blushing, Shen Luman turned away, "Alright, I'll spare you for now, but..." Her fingertip transformed into a blood-red vine, clamping onto the Bai Ma's mouth and forcing it down its throat. She sneered, "I learned one thing from dying: if you can't eliminate a threat immediately, keep it under your control. If you have malicious intent, I can kill you with a mere thought." The Bai Ma Priest trembled in fear. It could feel the vine lodged in its dantian, understanding that unless a more powerful demon helped expel it, Shen Luman could end its life with a mere wish. More ruthless than before, Shen Luman turned to Jing Aoxue, "I'll cook. You go wake Liu’er." Nodding, Jing Aoxue glanced at the sky. Shen Luman had awakened at dawn, and it was still early for Liu’er to wake. She lightly slapped her cheeks, washed up by the well, and, once refreshed, cheerily went to Liu’er's room to wake her. Liu’er responded almost by the second knock, with sounds of rustling sheets from inside. Knowing she was awake, Jing Aoxue opened the door and entered, "Liu’er, your mom's back. Get dressed and come to the kitchen with me." Filled with joy, Liu’er quickly threw on a robe and was about to slip on her shoes when Jing Aoxue scooped her up and hurried to the kitchen. Seeing Shen Luman cooking, Liu’er got teary-eyed, tears spilling uncontrollably as she reached out, "Mom." Shen Luman wiped her hands and hugged Liu’er close, nuzzling her affectionately, "I'm so glad you're okay, Liu’er." Liu’er's tears flowed like streams, soaking Shen Luman's clothes as she cried, "Mom, it was my fault. I'll be good and listen to you from now on. I'm learning skills from General Qin and will become strong so you won't worry about me anymore." Warmed by Liu’er's words, Shen Luman kissed her forehead, "Silly girl, it's not your fault. It was Zhang Qiao'er's fault. You've realized it and corrected it. Stay away from her from now on..." Liu’er quickly agreed, "It was my poor judgment that got me into trouble. I won't trust Zhang Qiao'er again." Shen Luman, still unaware of later events, glanced at Jing Aoxue, who spread her hands out in a helpless gesture. Calming Liu’er by gently stroking her hair, it took Shen Luman quite some time to console her. Once Liu’er, rubbing her eyes, returned to her room to dress, Shen Luman sternly asked, "Zhang Qiao'er isn't dead yet? Where is she now?" Jing Aoxue sighed, "A lot has happened since then, and it's too complicated to explain quickly. Let's eat first; I'm starving." Unable to argue with her, Shen Luman glared playfully before focusing on cooking. Jing Aoxue approached with a grin, draping herself over Shen Luman, inhaling deeply, "Sweetheart, you're amazing. The food I made before was awful; poor Liu’er had to eat it with me." Shen Luman was well aware of Jing Aoxue's culinary skills. Initially, she tried teaching her to cook, but even with hands-on guidance, Jing Aoxue's cooking remained barely passable. Shrugging, she said, "Alright, stop acting cute and go check on Liu’er. I feel something's off with her..." Suddenly pausing, she added, "There's a familiar demonic aura about her. What's happening? And her stuttering..." Jing Aoxue playfully bit Shen Luman's earlobe, her warm breath grazing her ear. Perhaps due to Shen Luman's recent uninhibited state, with only the two of them now in the kitchen, Jing Aoxue was losing restraint. Blushing fiercely, Shen Luman pushed her out with a kick. Jing Aoxue: "..." Feeling wronged, she thought, clearly, Shen Luman had been the one tempting her before. Heading towards Liu’er, she noticed her eyes were swollen and asked hesitantly, "Liu’er, maybe we shouldn't go to Qin Yishu's today." Liu’er, washing her face with cool water, shook her head, "I can't fall behind in my studies, and I should tell my adoptive mother about mom's recovery, but..." She looked at Jing Aoxue apprehensively, "Mom doesn't know I see General Qin as my adoptive mother yet. Will she be upset? Will she not want me anymore?" Tears brimmed as she spoke, her lips quivering. Though much improved from before, Liu’er seldom cried now. But her mother was different; while she loved her adoptive mother dearly, her closest bond was with her mom. The thought of upsetting her mother left Liu’er feeling dejected. Quick to comfort her, Jing Aoxue said, "Why would she? Knowing you have another person to love you would surely make her happy. I'll talk to her, and if she's upset, your adoptive mom can set her straight." As her voice trailed off, she leaned closer to Liu’er, whispering. Liu’er firmly rejected, "Mother, don't bully mom." Jing Aoxue: "..." Clearly, it was your mom bullying me. Just the thought filled her with despair, almost to tears. Ruffling Liu’er’s hair, she encouraged, "Don't overthink. I prefer a happy Liu’er, and your mom, who loves you more than I do, certainly wants the same." Blushing, Liu’er nodded obediently. Jing Aoxue, speechless, thought if she'd known one sentence would fix it, she wouldn't have said so much. After Liu’er finished washing, Jing Aoxue inquired about her studies. Liu’er explained everything methodically. Meanwhile, Shen Luman had finished cooking and brought the dishes. Listening to Liu’er’s articulate and logical explanation, she glanced at Jing Aoxue and asked, "How long was I unconscious?" How had Liu’er changed so much? Laughing, Jing Aoxue shook her head, going to fetch more food. As she passed Shen Luman, she said, "I'll tell you after breakfast." Frowning, Shen Luman approached Liu’er and asked, "Who taught you all this?" Jing Aoxue would read Liu’er simple animal stories, but Liu’er had just laid out strategies for ruling a nation. Feeling uneasy, Liu’er confessed, "General Qin did." Ah, that made sense. Shen Luman understood. Once breakfast was served and finished, the family set off towards Qin Yishu's house while Jing Aoxue recounted past events. Liu’er chimed in with details, soon bringing Shen Luman up to speed. With a cold sneer, Shen Luman said, "In five years, that female cultivator's plan is naïve. Why should I give my daughter to an outsider, especially one with ulterior motives? She was the one who lured the National Teacher to the wilderness, and then that wretch Zhang Qiao'er seized the chance to betray us, leading to everything afterwards..." She caught herself when Liu’er's clear eyes locked onto hers. Shen Luman usually refrained from swearing, but this time it was driven by outrage. Liu’er nodded, "Zhang Qiao'er is an enemy, and enemies must be avenged. I will personally kill her!" In other families, a child's talk of killing would cause panic. But Shen Luman nodded in agreement, "Good. But Zhang Qiao'er is cunning. If you can't deal with her, I will help you eliminate her!" Liu’er nodded obediently, while Jing Aoxue watched and thought: she would be ready to hand out the weapons. As they approached Qin Yishu's residence, Jing Aoxue, hesitating, informed Shen Luman about Liu’er's regard for Qin Yishu as an adoptive mother. Shen Luman's expression was complex, taking a moment before speaking, "I understand. We owe Qin Yishu gratitude for her righteous help and for teaching Liu’er. I should repay this kindness." Acknowledging, Jing Aoxue suggested, "True, but the poison afflicting General Qin is tricky. We should try to find a solution." Shen Luman replied, "I have a plan, but I need to see Qin Yishu first, understand her condition, and then proceed." Intrigued, both Jing Aoxue and Liu’er quickened their steps, reaching the entrance to General Qin's courtyard. After a brief wait, they were brought inside, finding Qin Yishu with her trusted aide. Seeing Shen Luman, Qin Yishu gave a slight nod in greeting, unfazed. Admiring her composure, Shen Luman thought, if Liu’er learns from her, she'll greatly benefit. Volunteering to examine Qin Yishu, Shen Luman did not hold high hopes. Familiar with cultivation, Qin Yishu understood that their family likely lacked high proficiency, thus not expecting much. Shen Luman approached and held Qin Yishu's wrist, pretending to take her pulse but instead probing with demonic energy. Moments later, she withdrew her hand, "General Qin is in good health. Even with the poison, you could last another seven or eight years. I have a solution to rid the poison, but it's risky. Are you willing to try?" Qin Yishu's eyes widened slightly, eager, "What's the plan? Tell me." Shen Luman explained, "It's the 'poison versus poison' method. There are more potent poisons in the cultivation world. If I cultivate a stronger poison and infuse it into your body, it could eliminate the existing one." "Is that true?" Even Qin Yishu, usually composed, took the matter seriously concerning her life. Shen Luman nodded with a smile, while Qin Yishu, her gaze vacant, sighed, "If it's no trouble, I'll rely on you." Shen Luman assured, "Not at all. You're our savior and Liu’er's adoptive mother; it's my duty to repay you. Cultivating the poison takes time, so I urge patience. Stay put until I finish and completely cure you." Qin Yishu agreed, calling Liu’er over, "How did you find the book I gave you yesterday?" Liu’er shared her insights, and as they delved into discussions, Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman quietly left, planning to return for Liu’er in the evening. Walking home, Shen Luman reflected, "General Qin's better suited for education than us. Spoiling them isn't enough; proper guidance is essential. Unfortunately..." Her father disappeared before her birth, and her mother, frail and out of place in the demon realm, passed away shortly after. With no guiding hand, she grew up figuring things out alone. Jing Aoxue's upbringing was similar, even worsened by having an overbearing uncle nearby. Enough of the past, she thought. Looking at Jing Aoxue, Shen Luman said, "The Bai Ma Priest mentioned knowing a Nascent Soul True Monarch's burial cave. What do you think?" Surprised, Jing Aoxue asked, "A Nascent Soul True Monarch’s cave in the human world?" Hesitantly, Shen Luman nodded. The Bai Ma Priest hadn't specified, but if it mentioned it, it must be in the human realm. Seeing her nod, Jing Aoxue grew excited, "That's an incredible opportunity! Such a cave surely holds valuable treasures—wait..." Suddenly halting, she asked, "Do you remember the treasure map mentioned at the bandit camp?" Shen Luman replied, "Of course, I remember, and I share your thoughts. The reason the National Teacher and Madam Lan came to the human realm might be for the Nascent Soul cultivator's cave. Otherwise, with the spiritual energy depleted here, why would they travel such a distance to endure this hardship?" Jing Aoxue exchanged a knowing glance with her, a smirk playing on her lips. "Perfect. If we seize this opportunity from her, the National Teacher might just die of anger. But even death by rage is too easy on her." Shen Luman gazed at the distant mountains, a suspicion forming in her mind. She kept it to herself for the moment, as there were more pressing matters at hand. She blushed slightly, stealing a cautious glance at Jing Aoxue, who was still deep in thought about the Nascent Soul True Monarch’s cave and hadn’t noticed her gaze. That was for the best. Pressing her lips tightly together, Shen Luman felt her cheeks heat up. Back home, Jing Aoxue intended to question the Bai Ma Priest, but it had disappeared somewhere. Sighing, she turned to the herb room to continue processing the remaining herbs. She had already prepared quite a bit. Initially planning to harvest herbs from the field, the Liu family's incident interrupted her, leaving some herbs unpicked. She resolved to finish making the pills first and then return to gather more herbs. With a plan in place, she quickened her pace. After their midday meal, she mentioned the plan to Shen Luman, who readily agreed. Together, they went to the field to pick the remaining medicinal plants. Once they finished, Jing Aoxue’s back ached with exhaustion. After dinner, with a bath taken, she lay in bed, quickly drifting off to sleep. In the midst of her dreamy state, she suddenly felt a slight weight lift from her body; the blanket was gently pulled away, followed by soft, tender touches on her face and lips. Groggily opening her eyes under the faint moonlight, she saw Shen Luman clad only in a white inner garment. Holding onto the blanket, Shen Luman, eyes closed, leaned in to kiss her. For a brief moment, Jing Aoxue thought she was once again in a trance, but quickly realized that wasn't possible. Pausing to yawn sleepily, she murmured, "What are you doing? Don't tease me like before and leave. I'm exhausted today." Her words made Shen Luman's cheeks flush with warmth. Biting her lip, she whispered, "Tonight, it's different..." With that, she turned and pressed herself onto Jing Aoxue, sliding one hand inside her single garment, tracing gently along her slender, flexible waist.