Chapter 53 Indulgence "I think Li Xia should like this."...
"They must have colluded with demonic cultivators."
After listening to Simmons's explanation, Qiao Yanshen put his previous conjectures aside and frowned. "I wondered if such a conclusion was too extreme, but given the current situation... that's probably how it is."
They were not natives, and had only been in the sect for a short time. Their knowledge was limited, and their understanding of demonic cultivators was limited to that of wild beasts that ate human flesh and blood to cultivate. Most of them were surrounded by demonic energy, and in the later stages, they could hardly maintain their human form.
It is said that the blood of demonic cultivators is different in color from that of ordinary people, being jet black. However, those few yesterday did not bleed at the end; instead, they turned into black mist and dissipated.
Qiao Yanshen lowered his eyes, as if he could hear the rustling sound of guesses being written down and crossed out in his mind.
"This place is really filthy." Shen Lixia leaned back in her chair. "It seems that taking on this commission was the right decision."
“A commission?” Simmons caught the key point in her words.
Shen Lixia trusted her completely, so she didn't mince words and said frankly, "The person traveling with us is a princess from the Southern Kingdom who was exiled. She's returned to seize power. But first, finish what you're saying. What invitation did you receive? Who invited you?"
Mentioning this, Simmons' expression became slightly strange, as if she didn't know how to bring it up, as if she felt that this matter was completely different from the atmosphere just now. Seeing this, Shen Lixia put her hand on the table, about to lean over and ask her properly, but was stopped by Qiao Yanshen.
She blinked, turned her head to look, and saw that Qiao Yanshen wasn't looking at her; his gaze was still focused on the Simmons mattress, which seemed rather deliberate. The boy obediently sat back down, guessing that she probably thought he had been somewhat impolite.
"Actually, it was... a pair of Daoist lovers who were unaware of the changes in the Southern Kingdom for a hundred years and wanted to descend to the mortal world to hold a marriage ceremony. One of the Daoist lovers was the daughter of the two sisters who were the mother of the Southern Kingdom in history, so they set the location in the imperial city, saying that at that time, many sisters could also receive the blessings and share in the benefits and joy of the spiritual things of heaven and earth."
After Simmons finished speaking, she took out a piece of red paper from her storage bag and placed it on the table. The two turned it over and saw that it indeed contained an invitation to the Covenant Ceremony, and they could vaguely feel a burning aura from the ink. One of the two was Yue Qifeng, the senior sister of the Wuji Sword Sect; the other was Yun Zhixiao, from the Xihe Palace, which was on good terms with the Wuji Sword Sect, and was also from the Southern Kingdom.
"...This is really bad timing." Qiao Yanshen said in a low voice after a long while, "Since the invitation has been sent out, it must mean that the Emperor has agreed. At that time, there will be a mix of people and cultivators, making it even more difficult for the Princess to return to the city safely."
"Has no one told them about the current situation in the Southern Kingdom?" Shen Lixia frowned. "Aren't there any cultivators who have gone up from the Southern Kingdom in the past few decades?"
Simmons shrugged. "That situation is both possible and impossible. And those who can go up there naturally won't make a special trip to say it. After all, they are very united. They don't need to discuss lying in advance. Even if they are complete strangers, they can tell the same story."
"Alright then." Shen Lixia sighed softly, "The invitations have already been sent out, and the date mentioned above isn't far off. There's no solid reason to go and tip them off."
After all, not all cultivators are willing to interfere in worldly affairs. Those demonic cultivators vanished into mist, leaving no evidence. Sects like the Wuji Sword Sect are known for their reclusion and are the most classic group of people from the Cloud Hidden Border in the story. It is probably because this pair of Daoist partners held extremely high positions in the sect that this union was able to be established in the mortal world. Otherwise, it would probably not have been possible.
Simmons put away the invitations and stroked his chin. "Speaking of which, you might as well come with me. We're going to the capital anyway, so we'll just be going the same way."
The two nodded, and seeing that Simmons seemed to have finished telling them what she knew, they recounted how they encountered Qin Shiying on the road and were attacked on the water. After they finished, Simmons pressed them for details about their recent situation.
“Both of you have made rapid progress and have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage,” Simmons said with a shake of her head and a smile. Compared to the two people in front of her, she appeared more mature. Although her demeanor was casual, she also exuded a sense of worldly experience. Calling them “fellow Daoists” at this moment was more like that of an older sister, curious about everything they had experienced during this time.
Qiao Yanshen went to brew another cup of tea, and Shen Lixia told her to wait a moment. She then went downstairs for a quarter of an hour and returned carrying a plate of pastries, with another plate on her head. Because she walked steadily, none of the pastries spilled, and she arrived at the table unharmed.
“Li Xia…” Qiao Yanshen saw the pastries on the table and gently reminded him, “We are currently practicing fasting…”
Before she could speak, Shen Lixia had already reached out and quickly grabbed one, stuffing it into her mouth. Hearing the reminder, she quickly chewed it twice and swallowed it.
"This is for Fellow Daoist Xi. I'm just testing it to see if it's poisoned." She said vaguely, putting on an innocent face, and then reached for another plate of pineapple cakes, but her movements were much slower, as if she was waiting for something.
Seeing the boy's self-righteous yet guilty appearance, Qiao Yanshen had no choice but to give up and said helplessly, "Eat one more piece, that's all."
"Thank you, Senior Sister!" The golden pineapple cake was taken away, and Shen Lixia was no longer as eager as before. She took small bites and savored the sweet and sour taste.
Fasting is really too difficult, so she wants to cherish this hard-won treat.
"How pitiful." Simmons shook her head with a smile and went to get some snacks. Although the inn was small, the food prepared was very delicious. These flower cakes, pineapple cakes and other desserts tasted excellent. Paired with slightly bitter tea and the bright sunshine at the moment, it was really pleasant.
The three chatted briefly about their recent situations, giving a general overview of what had happened in the sect. Regarding the divine fire and the strange dreams, thinking that the person before them might have some solutions, the two discussed it with their divine senses and decided to mention some of it, albeit with reservations.
After listening, Simmons seemed to be thinking about something, "Since the Great Dream Formation allowed the two of you to see the relevant scenes before, then whether these strange things are from the past or parasitic souls, we might be able to find more if we do it again."
As she spoke, she snapped her fingers and said cheerfully, "It just so happens that I've gained more insights into dream techniques recently, and I've modified other array techniques based on the Great Dream Array. Fellow Daoist Li Xia might as well come and take a look later."
Upon hearing that there was something new to learn, Shen Lixia immediately agreed: "Sure, I can do it now. If I can't finish learning now, I'll come find you again when I have some free time."
Just as she was about to take out a blank talisman, she heard someone next to her say, "I'd like to see one too."
Qiao Yanshen smiled gently, his voice as soft and natural as ever.
"Although I am a sword cultivator, as the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' I am also curious about dream techniques. May I observe your discussion?"
Simmons felt a chill run down her spine for no apparent reason, instinctively sensing a coldness. But Qiao Yanshen seemed quite serious, his words full of sincerity.
She dismissed the chill as an illusion and nodded in agreement: "Alright. I'm just worried that you're so focused on sword cultivation that reading too many other techniques might affect the purity of your sword intent."
"No, please believe me, fellow Daoist, that I have made progress in my cultivation, and that my mind is firm and I will not be easily swayed by anything else."
But you seem to be...
Simmons blinked, dismissing her own overthinking, and smiled slightly, "That's good, no wonder you are the personal disciple of True Monarch Mingji."
The two took out talismans and began discussing array techniques. Qiao Yanshen listened quietly, and after a while, he took out paper and pen, occasionally writing down a few words.
Feeling a bit tired, Shen Lixia suggested they all rest for a while. Xi Mengsi readily agreed and was about to return to her room when she was stopped. A moment later, she realized that the rest she meant wasn't going back to her room to sleep, but rather—
He lay face down on the table, buried his face in the small space between his arms, and closed his eyes.
She had indeed seen people sleeping like that in her dreams, a whole group of them. The two even tacitly agreed on a time, saying they would get up and continue when the time was up.
Before I knew it, the sky outside the window had darkened and the moonlight was gradually brightening.
When Qin Shiying pushed open the door, he saw the three of them chatting happily, drinking tea instead of wine. He immediately realized that he had missed a lot. Before he could speak, his stomach rumbled, indicating that he was very hungry.
As soon as several eyes turned to her, she blushed and explained, "I slept too long and missed lunch..."
Shen Lixia picked up the snacks and held them in front of her, saying, "Eat some first, to tide you over."
Qin Shiying took a piece of pastry, ate it, and asked, "It's getting dark outside. What are your plans for the three of you?"
Hearing this, Simmons turned to look out the window and realized they had been talking all afternoon. She could faintly hear voices outside. Her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying, “The night market in the South has always been lively. After much effort, although daytime regulations remain strict, women finally have the right to go out alone at night and run their shops.”
After saying that, she looked at Qin Shiying.
"The princess has been away from the country for a long time, and she must have been kept under house arrest in the palace under the guise of protection. Now that she's back, why don't we go and see what the night market is like and find out what's going on?"
"Let's grab a bite to eat," Shen Lixia added. "After all, it's getting late, and the food the inn has prepared should be cold by now."
Qin Shiying hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed: "Alright, then I'll trouble you to lead the way, Immortal Master. I haven't been back for a long time, and I haven't had many opportunities to travel, so I... lack knowledge about these situations."
The group packed their belongings and prepared their money. Qin Shiying was about to change his appearance when Xi Mengsi patted his shoulder and whispered, "Don't worry, the shops in the night market are all run by women, and they've been waiting for this for a long time. Your Highness can trust them."
The boy lowered his head, hesitated for a moment, then put down the disguise he was holding, adjusted his feather cloak, and walked out the door.
The group went downstairs, greeted the shopkeeper, and left the inn. They followed Simmons through the alley and onto the street.
The area was brightly lit, with shops clearly defined and no need for competition. Order was naturally maintained without guards patrolling or inspecting, creating a harmonious scene. A woman with her daughter browsed various snacks and candies at a treat stall, teasing her child with glistening malt candy. A monk, likely also invited, wearing a straw hat, stopped before a collection of old books, carefully examining a few without prompting. The shopkeeper across the street waited patiently, offering no prompting. Inside a fabric shop, several customers chatted with the shopkeeper, their faces beaming with smiles, occasionally picking up a garment to try on.
The lights illuminated their faces, revealing the joy and relief long hidden beneath their sorrowful expressions. The bustling marketplace was now quiet, devoid of noise and arguments, replaced by a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
“That’s wonderful,” Shen Lixia sighed softly. “I was worried that some unscrupulous people might try to sow discord, but as expected… the bond that exists only between them won’t break so easily.”
As she spoke, her hand was suddenly taken and someone stuffed a small bag into it. Shen Lixia turned her head and saw that it was Qiao Yanshen, who had been walking behind her, who had caught up.
She looked into her palm, picked up the bag, and only when she put it in her bosom did she smell the sweet and rich aroma of milk.
"I think Li Xia would like this."
Under the soft, warm light, Qiao Yanshen gently held her little finger, whispered these words in her ear, and then smiled slightly, his eyes and brows also tinged with warmth.
The girl's heart fluttered once more. The sweetness of lactose lingered, and something even sweeter sneaked into her heart, making her bite her lower lip tightly.
Qiao Yanshen seemed completely unaware of this, and said softly:
"This is a special permit. However, it's best not to tell anyone else."
It was a little indulgence and a secret between them.
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Author's Note: Senior sister secretly let Xia eat candy. Hello, senior sister. Eating is forbidden during fasting; fasting is bad.
Bonus chapter... I'm not finished yet, I'm too slow, sorry TVT
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