This child was endless. Zanxing said casually, “There are many. For example, Seventh Master Uncle, who lives next door to us, he’s good-looking, has high cultivation, and doesn’t have any messy childhood sweethearts. A genuine, talented young man.”

Hong Su’s eyes lit up: “Really?”

Zanxing: “If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself.”

Zanxing was just casually placating the little girl. After all, Gu Baiying had a bad temper, so she figured scaring Hong Su would make her behave. But Zanxing never expected that Hong Su’s obsession with finding a new master’s husband would be so strong that she would crawl through a dog hole to get to the neighboring courtyard, just to see this “talented young man” with her own eyes.

Night fell like thick ink, scattered with a few star points. In the snowy ground of the courtyard, a line of footprints was particularly obvious, extending to the dog hole before disappearing.

Zanxing sighed, looking at the high courtyard wall and falling into contemplation.

After not seeing Hong Su for an hour, she came out to look and saw the footprints by the dog hole. Miaokong Hall was adjacent to Xiaoyao Hall, where Gu Baiying lived, and her Mingxiu Courtyard was separated from Xiaoyao Hall’s courtyard by only a wall. However, Zanxing herself had never thought of visiting, since Gu Baiying didn’t seem like a hospitable person. It was quite something that Hong Su had crawled through the dog hole.

This dog hole was extremely narrow. A little girl with thin arms and legs could squeeze through, but it would be quite difficult for Zanxing herself. Besides… it was undignified. Zanxing thought for a moment, used an iron rod as support, and easily leaped onto the wall.

She didn’t plan to use the front door. It would be best to bring little Hong Su back before Gu Baiying notices. There were no restrictions set up near this wall either. Probably because everyone in the sect knew this young master uncle had a bad temper, no one dared to sneak boldly into Xiaoyao Hall’s territory.

Zanxing jumped down from the wall and surveyed her surroundings.

This was Zanxing’s first time entering Xiaoyao Hall.

To be honest, Gu Baiying’s daily dress and habits didn’t seem like those of a cultivator, but rather like a noble young master from the mundane world. Zanxing had thought Xiaoyao Hall would also lean toward luxury and romance, but unexpectedly, this place was extremely cold and ethereal. It was completely different from Miaokong Hall’s warm and simple style. The level ground was covered with silver-white snow, and even the small bridge in the courtyard seemed untouched by anyone, appearing lonely under the night sky.

There was no moon tonight, only the still water in the pond reflecting a bay of stars. Being in this place, with wind, sky, and snow all quiet, one felt the vastness of heaven and earth.

This place indeed resembled a fairyland, but it was also too desolate and cold.

As Zanxing was thinking, she suddenly saw, at the end of the long courtyard, near the hall window, a giant tree growing. She didn’t know what kind of tree it was—the trunk was extremely thick and very tall. Among the branches and leaves bloomed large, large flowers, all in pomegranate red, brilliant and eye-catching, like clusters of bright clouds. Under the snow, they seemed to have flowing light.

Zanxing couldn’t help looking up.

In the lonely, cold, and empty snowy ground, this giant tree covered with brilliant flowers stood quietly in the courtyard. In an instant, it was as if deep spring had quietly arrived, or like red clouds illuminating frost—very romantic.

But… Zanxing was surprised. In the depths of winter, how could there be flowers? Gufeng Mountain had snow every night—how could there be not a trace of remaining snow on these flower branches?

“That’s an illusion.” A voice sounded from behind. Zanxing turned around to see an eight or nine-year-old child standing in front of her. This child had fair skin and delicate features, like the Guanyin boy in New Year paintings. Wearing a light pink robe, people would believe it if you said he was a girl.

“You’re saying this is an illusion?” Zanxing asked.

“Naturally. It’s winter now—how could flowers bloom so well? Of course, it’s maintained by my master uncle’s illusion technique.” The child spoke disdainfully: “You can’t even see through illusion techniques. How embarrassing.”

Zanxing bent down to look at him: “Who are you?”

“I’m called Mendong. I’m Yueguang Daoren’s direct disciple. I entered the sect earlier than you, so you can call me Senior Brother.” The little child said proudly.

Zanxing straightened up, completely ignoring his words: “Since you’re younger than me, I’ll call you Junior Brother.”

Mendong was exasperated: “Are you ignoring what I said?”

Zanxing: “Yes.” Having said this, she withdrew her gaze and looked around for Hong Su.

Mendong followed behind her, saying angrily: “You… aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Master Uncle that you snuck in here? What exactly are you doing sneaking into Xiaoyao Hall?”

“Shh—” Zanxing raised a finger to her lips: “Be quiet, I’m looking for someone.”

Mendong became curious: “Who are you looking for?”

A voice rang out: “The one you’re looking for—are these two fellows?”

Zanxing suddenly turned around to see someone walking out of the hall. Gu Baiying was holding Mimi in one hand and carrying Hong Su in the other, looking down at her from above.

Zanxing: “……” This child, Hong Su, crawling through dog holes was one thing, but she brought the cat along too.

This person, carrying one small burden in each hand, walked to Zanxing’s side. Hong Su looked at her pitifully, while Mimi made an “aowu” sound, its tail nearly hitting Gu Baiying’s face.

Gu Baiying released his hands, and both the person and the cat immediately fell to the ground together. Hong Su rubbed her bottom and stood up, quickly hiding behind Zanxing.

“Seventh Master Uncle,” Zanxing tried to smooth things over: “Hong Su just arrived and doesn’t know the way. She was wandering around my courtyard and accidentally wandered into yours. Our two courtyards are close together… Xiaoyao Hall is quite spacious, and these flowers are blooming beautifully—well maintained!”

Gu Baiying watched coldly as she rambled.

Zanxing’s voice gradually grew smaller, and finally she said: “It’s late, I’ve found the person, so I won’t disturb Master Uncle’s rest. I’ll go back now.”

She pulled Hong Su and turned around, when unexpectedly she heard “Wait” from behind.

Zanxing turned back around. Gu Baiying stepped forward, walking in front of her, as if he had something to say.

“Today Liu Yunxin entered the sect, but you seem to be in a very good mood.” He spoke, his expression somewhat subtle: “Aren’t you sad at all?”

Zanxing: “…This is what you wanted to ask?”

The beautiful eyes of the young man were full of scrutiny: “Don’t evade the question.”

“I’m not sad.” Zanxing was frank: “I don’t like him anyway.”

He snorted lightly: “Lying.”

“Exactly,” Mendong chimed in quietly from the side: “Women always say the opposite of what they mean!”

Zanxing was speechless for a moment. Did she have the words “abandoned wife” written on her face or something? Why did everyone like to add drama to her story? She said helplessly, “In any case, I just don’t like him. If you want to think that way, there’s nothing I can do. Right now, I just want to cultivate properly and break through as soon as possible before spring.”

“Why do you need to break through before spring?” Mendong asked.

“After spring, I’m going to the secret realm trial in Li’er Kingdom.” Zanxing replied: “Although Master said the secret realm in Li’er Kingdom isn’t particularly dangerous, this is my first secret realm trial. I heard there will be talented people from other sects too, so I can’t lose face. Naturally, I need to be prepared for anything.”

At these words, both Gu Baiying and Mendong were startled. Mendong murmured: “That’s right, the Li’er Kingdom secret realm trial… The disciples chosen for this trial are the newly admitted direct disciples… you, Tian Fangfang… and Mu Cengxiao.”

Gu Baiying suddenly looked up: “Mu Cengxiao?”

“Yes.” Zanxing joked casually: “This time I’m going to the trial together with Senior Brother Mu. I wonder if the sect will spread more gossip, saying we’re using the trial as a pretext for romance?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she heard the young man in front of her speak coldly: “No.”

Zanxing was startled.

Gu Baiying stared at her: “I don’t agree.”