Over the next few days, Wen Sheng came to tell Xiang Su that Junshang had injured some of his vital essence while retrieving the Ji Feng sword and needed to enter closed-door cultivation.
Xiang Su breathed a sigh of relief. She was really afraid she couldn’t control her resentment toward Junshang for standing by and watching her nearly die. If they met, she’d roll her eyes at him nonstop, or worse, speak abusively to him. After all, if she provoked Junshang to anger, she’d be the one suffering the consequences.
Holding onto the beautiful hope of returning to Qingsui Manor, she felt “safety” was her only current desire. Avoiding each other for a while would just give her time to dissipate her anger.
Liusu Hall was secluded and quiet, with lush flowers and plants. Aside from Wen Sheng, very few people came. Xiang Su settled her mind and cultivated diligently. After several days, she felt her mastery of various spells was more proficient than before, and her state of mind was much more peaceful. Her only dissatisfaction was that the meals Wen Sheng brought were very perfunctory. After eating that delicious meal Junshang had given her, eating bland rice porridge and pickled vegetables every day made her so ravenous her eyes were about to turn green.
At first she tactfully expressed that she wasn’t eating enough. Wen Sheng had no reaction. A few days later, she could only speak directly.
Wen Sheng smiled ethereally and educated her: “Excessive appetite will affect your cultivation progress.”
Xiang Su was about to cry. She was a wood spirit who could live for countless millennia—being a century or two behind others in progress wasn’t any big problem. She wasn’t in a hurry! And besides… what excessive appetite? With thin porridge and pickled vegetables every day, her stomach was hungry! The first few days she just wanted to eat something tasty, but these past few days she just wanted a full meal!
She firmly expressed her innermost thoughts to Wen Sheng. Wen Sheng still smiled as if he didn’t understand, tossing out a sentence: “This is Junshang’s special instruction.”
Only then did Xiang Su have a great awakening. Revenge! Because she’d given Chilin pointers? That was to save her life! If he’d intervened to help, knocked Chilin unconscious or something, would she have needed to do that?
Junshang and Chilin were simply a perfect match, though he refused to admit it! They all thought thousands of mistakes were everyone else’s fault, with nothing wrong with themselves!
After several more meals of thin porridge and pickled vegetables, Xiang Su decided to leave the manor herself to find food. Before, she’d thought the Mortal Realm was terrifying, but now she understood—having a hungry stomach was the most terrifying thing. Now even dirty Su Bing, she’d be willing to eat!
Shenghuan Manor was built on a high cliff. After observing for a long time, she realized there was only one gate to exit! There was a barrier above—that day Chilin couldn’t get in, and she’d tested it—she couldn’t get out from inside either. That left only the main gate… Thinking of the two giants guarding the gate, Xiang Su’s whole body turned cold. She’d originally been ready to retreat, but unexpectedly at dinner Wen Sheng brought white porridge and pickled vegetables again. She immediately made up her mind to sneak out first thing tomorrow morning.
She’d gradually grown accustomed to sleeping in the room’s bed. After all, once she had human form, sleeping in trees was very uncomfortable. As long as she opened all the windows and kept the lights burning all night so she could see light and hear the wind, falling asleep became easier and easier. She was even beginning to covet the softness of the bed.
To prevent oversleeping, Xiang Su nestled in a tree again for the night. As soon as dawn broke, she began preparing to escape.
Everything in the Mortal Realm required money—this much she knew. She’d also seen Kunpeng use it. There was no money in Liusu Hall, but there were far too many valuable things. Xiang Su pondered the luminous pearls and jade tripods for a long time. They were too precious and difficult to carry. Using them to trade for food—even if Dong Tianyun wouldn’t strangle her, Kunpeng would peck her head full of lumps.
Her bed curtains were exquisite, with patterns of blooming flowers inlaid with very tiny gemstones. Although Xiang Su was very reluctant, thinking of delicious food—she pried off an inconspicuous leaf, all bright green little gemstones. Trading them for a meal shouldn’t be a problem.
Having secured the gems, Xiang Su took several deep breaths with effort. The most terrifying hurdle was coming.
She sneaked behind the spirit wall. Actually, there was no need—in all of Shenghuan Manor, she was the only one who didn’t use spatial transference. Basically, she wouldn’t encounter anyone. In front of the spirit wall stood the towering manor gate, with two divine general statues almost as tall as the gate’s flying eaves standing on either side like wood carvings or clay sculptures.
Xiang Su vigorously patted her chest, comforting her wildly beating heart, repeatedly telling herself: Junshang sent me out, I’m going out on orders!
She straightened her chest and emerged from behind the spirit wall. Her legs beneath her skirt kept shaking, so she walked very slowly. To show she was justified and confident, she looked straight ahead—actually, she didn’t dare look at the gate guardians.
Walking past their legs the whole way, everything was peaceful. Xiang Su’s face showed joy as she quickened her pace. The high threshold was right before her feet. Xiang Su excitedly lifted her leg to step over—
“Halt!” The giant divine general shouted, his voice like a great bell, coming so suddenly that Xiang Su felt yesterday’s thin porridge had all turned to water, causing urgent need to urinate. “Token!”
“Junshang sent me out, I’m going out on orders!” This sentence Xiang Su said very smoothly—she’d repeated it countless times in her mind.
The divine general completely ignored her explanation and said again: “Token!”
Xiang Su was helpless and timidly turned back. “Junshang told me to go out…” To make her tone more sincere, she even emphasized, “Really!”
The divine generals’ movements seemed practiced thousands of times, coordinating quite tacitly. The great axes in their hands, as large as half a vermillion door, fell down with a whoosh, crossing an inch in front of Xiang Su’s nose. The two also spoke in unison: “Those without tokens may not leave.”
Xiang Su stared at her own reflection on the chillingly cold axes, frightened stupid. The axes’ razor-sharp thin blades were fierce and terrifying. If these chopped down on her, she’d be in two halves instantly.
Was this necessary?! The more she thought, the more wronged and angry she became. She just wanted to eat a full meal—was that a capital offense? With a wail, she burst into tears, her voice no less than the divine general’s shout at her.
The gate guardians were dumbfounded. All sorts of people came to Shenghuan Manor, but not one was so pathetic, frightened into crying like this. They didn’t know what to do, only continuing to maintain their crossed axes, the posture of death for those who force entry.
“What is this commotion?”
Xiang Su recognized Dong Tianyun’s voice. Looking back, Dong Tianyun and Wen Sheng stood in the open space before the spirit wall. Junshang’s expression matched his tone just now—cold and slightly displeased. Wen Sheng wore his eternal smile.
Seeing Wen Sheng’s smile reminded Xiang Su of eating thin porridge and pickled vegetables for so many days. Though Dong Tianyun had just startled her and her crying had subsided, it immediately surged up in a new wave.
Both Dong Tianyun and Wen Sheng’s bodies stiffened slightly. For many years… no one at Shenghuan Manor had made such a crying scene, or rather, no one had ever made such a crying scene.
Xiang Su rushed straight toward Dong Tianyun. She’d seen Jin Zhan and Bai Zhicao carry Qingsui Manor tokens, all hanging at their waists.
Wen Sheng watched her run sobbing toward Junshang, originally wanting to block her, but remembering Junshang had her dine at the same table, he felt he shouldn’t act rashly. Moreover, if Junshang had any intention of keeping her away, with Xiang Su’s meager abilities, she fundamentally couldn’t get within three steps of Junshang.
Xiang Su practically threw herself into Junshang’s arms. Wen Sheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief—it seemed not intervening had been correct. However… he discovered Xiang Su wasn’t acting coquettish, but rather groping Junshang up and down. Wen Sheng was puzzled. Was this a new form of intimacy?
“Looking for what?” The vein at Dong Tianyun’s temple started jumping again. He lowered his brows to glare down at the flower tree spirit who was much shorter than him, especially tiny standing before him. He’d thought she would complain to him and report grievances…
Normally Xiang Su wouldn’t dare, but she was too aggrieved and indignant now! Having felt around Dong Tianyun’s waist once, she began reaching into his robes. Never mind—she just wanted to go out, she just wanted to eat delicious food!
Junshang’s robes clearly hid good things. Her hand had just touched them when he grabbed her wrist, somewhat painfully.
Tears flowed from Xiang Su’s eyes again. “I just want to eat my fill!” Was this necessary? First the divine generals frightened her by fanning axes, now Junshang was gripping her hand until it nearly broke! “Is wanting to eat my fill such a great crime? Hand over the token!” For the sake of filling her stomach, mortals could become immortals, tree spirits could become war gods!
“Hmm?” Dong Tianyun drew out his tone, but his glance swept toward Wen Sheng.
Wen Sheng frowned, cupped his fists and bowed. “This humble servant followed Junshang’s instructions, delivering meals to Minor Immortal Xiang Su on time, not neglecting a single meal.” He actually wanted to say plainly that Xiang Su wasn’t hungry at all—she was gluttonous.
Dong Tianyun turned his gaze back to Xiang Su’s face, looking at her quite imposingly.
“Meal after meal of thin porridge and pickled vegetables—how can I eat my fill!” Mentioning this point, Xiang Su nearly jumped. “I’m still young, I’m not afraid of slow progress, I want to eat delicious food!” She raised her eyes defiantly to glare at Junshang. “If you’re punishing me, punish me some other way, Junshang!” She knew the mastermind behind this was him! All the bad ideas came from him.
Dong Tianyun pressed his lips together, his face cold as he glanced at Wen Sheng again. Wen Sheng immediately felt deeply wronged.
Xiang Su narrowed her eyes. Having come this far, she wasn’t afraid anymore—she must persist to the end!
“Come.” Dong Tianyun said coldly, clearly not too pleased. When he took a step, Xiang Su nearly fell—he was still holding her wrist.
Xiang Su wanted to ask where they were going, but seeing him lead her out of the manor, her heart filled with joy. Seeing him summon a cloud, she felt even more reassured. “Junshang…” Once happy, her tone calling Dong Tianyun took on a fawning quality. “Are you taking me to eat delicious food?”
“Mm.” Dong Tianyun’s voice was still icy cold.
“How about we eat back at the manor?” Actually, Xiang Su felt the food at the manor was more delicious and also clean.
Dong Tianyun ignored her.
The wind between the clouds blew directly at them. Xiang Su’s loose long hair flew wildly. She struggled against the wrist Junshang held, pulled her hand back and kept arranging the hair blocking her eyes.
Dong Tianyun turned his face to look at her with disdain. At this moment Xiang Su remembered the crane feather hairpin again. Junshang had taken it and not returned it—was he planning to privately pocket it? Xiang Su weighed the situation. If she brought it up now and Junshang turned hostile, she wouldn’t get this meal. She had deep experience with how petty and vengeful he was! Better to wait until she’d eaten and drunk her fill, then bring it up with him.
“Come here.” He turned to tell her. Actually, Xiang Su was only one step away from him. Xiang Su hesitantly stepped forward one step—did he mean to stand even closer? The cloud was only so big—where else could she go?
Dong Tianyun raised his hand and inserted something into her hair. Xiang Su immediately felt the hair that had been troubling her was all bound up, a moment of refreshing clarity. It was the crane feather hairpin. Xiang Su smiled at Junshang with satisfaction, praising him for not basely pocketing it. She felt Junshang froze for a moment, his gaze turning away somewhat unnaturally.
“It’s been washed.” He still had that tone as if everyone owed him money, but upon hearing this, Xiang Su beamed with delight. Good that it was washed.
She raised her hand to touch it and immediately let out a scream, quickly pulling out the hairpin. Why was it fuzzy? Junshang was playing tricks on her again! She just knew—how could he suddenly be so kind-hearted!
She wanted to disgustedly throw it away but couldn’t bear to. Looking at it—it didn’t actually look as scary as it felt. A feather like a phoenix eye plume, but pure black in color, was embedded in the tail of the crane feather hairpin, glowing faintly silver with somewhat metallic texture.
Dong Tianyun calmly watched her, his emotions unreadable. Xiang Su became suspicious again, always feeling he was unhappy. “What… what is this?” She asked cautiously.
“Channel your spiritual power into it.” Dong Tianyun instructed. Xiang Su did as told. The hairpin whooshed open, transforming into a fan with black feathers and silver bones. “Since you’ve entered under my tutelage, naturally you must learn to control thunder and command wind.” Xiang Su looked at the fan with delight—a treasure! However… why did these feathers look so familiar?
“Retract!” Dong Tianyun called out, and the feather fan transformed back into a hairpin.
Xiang Su mentally recited: Style it just like Junshang styled it. She inserted the hairpin back into her hair with delight, completely satisfied.
She stole a glance at Junshang. The corners of his mouth seemed to curve up slightly. “Um… Junshang… this black feather…”
“That’s right, it’s the one you plucked from Kunpeng.” Dong Tianyun said calmly.
Xiang Su blinked woodenly for a moment. “Is Kunpeng’s feather as precious as the Nether Fish’s scales?”
Dong Tianyun was somewhat impatient. “Naturally more precious.”
Only then did Xiang Su breathe a complete sigh of relief. The feather fan’s status rose to lofty heights in her heart—otherwise she wouldn’t want to wear a bird feather fan every day. Suddenly she thought of another question. “Junshang, did you hide the feather away that very day?”
Dong Tianyun coughed lightly, straightened his face and asked back, “Such a precious object—should I have let others obtain it?” Actually, he’d long wanted to pluck one to make a fan but hadn’t found the opportunity.
Xiang Su nodded in deep agreement. Exactly, exactly—don’t let good things flow to outsiders.
“Junshang…” She had another worry. “Will Kunpeng want it back?”
“No!” Dong Tianyun clearly showed an impatient expression. Of course Kunpeng knew the feather had been taken by him.
Xiang Su had already gotten very good at reading his expressions and immediately fell silent. She tightly pressed her lips together, pretending to look at the land below the clouds.
Dong Tianyun glanced at her twice more. That was all she had to say? He’d made the fan for her during closed-door cultivation—not even a thank you? Xiang Su looked around falsely, actually unable to see anything. Dong Tianyun’s face darkened as he said coldly, “We’ve arrived.”
The cloud lowered in altitude. Xiang Su finally saw clearly the mountains and waters on the ground. “Where is this?” She asked delightedly. Compared to here, the small town Kunpeng had taken her to was too ugly.
Dong Tianyun was expressionless. “Jiangnan of the Mortal Realm.”
Xiang Su wanted to ask more when she suddenly saw another cloud flying toward them. A young master in ochre robes with jade belt flying stood on it, waving his hand quite exaggeratedly. “Isn’t this Little Yun? Little Yun—”
The young master in ochre robes had dazzlingly white skin, delicate brows and eyes, quite bewitchingly beautiful. As soon as Xiang Su looked at him, she felt he was a snake spirit.
Dong Tianyun completely ignored him, looking straight down at the clouds, slowly lowering his cloud. Xiang Su already understood well—pretending to be deaf was Shenghuan Manor’s ultimate skill. From Junshang to Wen Sheng, as long as they didn’t want to hear, no matter how loudly one shouted or what actions one made, they could act as if nothing was happening.
“Little Yun—don’t be like this.” The young master in ochre robes had very expressive features. When speaking, his flirtatious eyes rolled about, making even Xiang Su unconsciously follow him in raising her eyebrows. “You chased Bi Lian for three hundred years—I was worried you’d fallen in love with him. When I heard you’d become engaged to Chilin, I breathed a sigh of relief.”
Dong Tianyun suddenly stopped his cloud, looking at him with eyes one would use to look at a cockroach.
Anyone Junshang looked at with such eyes, Xiang Su liked. She smiled at the young master in ochre robes, finding him a very interesting person. Though his “Little Yun” sounded nauseating, it was much better than Chilin and the others calling him Dijun, Cloud Brother, and such.