Chapter 124 Chaos
The wind blows the clothes, making a rustling sound.
At some point, a line of low-pressure clouds in the sky quietly broke through, and the cold moonlight poured down like a waterfall. Jiunian stood on the roof, his skin as white as snow and wearing a black robe, like a lonely moon hanging high in the sky, looking down from above.
Xiao Wu looked at the newcomer. Although he couldn't see his face clearly, the icy aura and overwhelming presence made it clear that this was the guardian beast of the underworld! Unable to contain his excitement, he shouted loudly, "Master Jiunian! You've finally arrived!"
If we had come any later, we would have been left with nothing but corpses... No, no, no, judging by the situation, there might not even be a trace of corpse left.
She was surprised and excited. The Lingxi Suijing, which had just roared arrogantly, could no longer roar. Its voice was almost ferocious: "How did you get in?!"
Judging from his expression, he was actually genuinely confused.
Xiao Wu was a little confused. Didn't Lord Jiu Nian chase him all the way from the underworld to the human world? He was "reborn" here. Isn't it normal for Lord Jiu Nian to wait here and kill him in time when he was "freshly born"?
As expected, Jiu Nian remained silent about Sui Jing's doubts.
Sui Jing seemed to have found the answer from Jiu Nian's attitude. He sighed and said, "It seems I still underestimated Jiu Nian's ability. The secret orders of the underworld can't stop you, the giant locust tree formation can't stop you, and even if your soul leaves your body again, it can't stop you from killing me."
Secret orders from the underworld? Little Wu knew about this. It was the group of old ghosts in the underworld who were trying to gather the power of the city gods from all over the underworld to save the Suijing from Jiu Nian's sword, so that they could continue to use the Suijing to borrow the power of spiritual resonance to solve the problem of the injured souls accumulated in the City of the Dead.
But what is the Great Locust Tree Formation? What is the soul leaving the body?
It sounded as if these two had fought for no less than three hundred rounds somewhere unknown to them.
"...I'm just incredibly curious," Sui Jing said, stepping on piles of bones, still brimming with pride despite the approaching pursuers. "Master Jiunian is pressing me so hard, leaving me no chance of survival. Is it really because I've committed countless crimes, because you're so ruthless and unforgivable in your enforcement of the law, or is it...just to silence me?"
Silence...silence? Is this something I can expect to hear? Xiao Wu was startled. She glanced up and met Sui Jing's meaningful gaze, as if hinting at something.
Xiao Wu immediately retracted her gaze, watching her nose and her heart, fearing that she would fall for Sui Jing's scheme to sow discord... But what good would it do to sow discord with a minor official like her? If she had the guts, she could go to the underworld and stir up trouble.
Xiao Wu whispered in secret.
Jiu Nian was standing high enough, and with the light behind him, his expression was not very clear, but he probably did not take Sui Jing's provocative words to heart. The evidence was that at such a critical moment, he did not even look at Sui Jing, but turned around and looked back.
This look of indifference really showed that he did not take the former Lingxi tribe leader seriously. Suijing gritted his teeth at the sight, and Xiao Wu sighed at the sight.
However, in the next second, before the two of them could comprehend their expressions, they saw a ball of snow-white shooting towards Jiu Nian like a cannonball.
Xiao Wu was about to say "enemy attack" when he saw their ninth-year teacher skillfully reach out and take the "cannonball" into his arms.
Ah, this, this snow-white, fluffy fur, this pure and upright aura all around...it looks a little familiar.
Xiao Wu's eyes slowly shifted uncontrollably to the flint mirror on the pile of bones. Isn't this just a smaller version of... Sorry! I'm sorry for insulting you!
Not only did Xiao Wu recognize the true identity of the "White-haired Cannonball", but Sui Jing also locked onto its identity based on the aura of the same clan.
After a precise landing, Qing Bai felt lost. His two small paws alternately pressed against the arm holding him, like a cat kneading milk—cold, hard, and faintly shrouded in moisture. If the arm holding him hadn't been as gentle as ever, Qing Bai would have thought it was a stone statue.
Looking up again, the clear and smooth jawline is like a dividing line, and black and white, light and shadow are clearly distinguished on that handsome profile.
That is... if he is not blurry, then the lines extending from the corners of his eyes to his temples are... fish scales?
Fish scales? Where did those scales come from? How could they be fish scales? Why were they fish scales?!
Qing Bai immediately used all four claws and climbed up as hard as if he were climbing a rock, and put his little head close to Jiu Nian's face, wanting to see more clearly.
Qing Bai couldn't understand. Wasn't the nine-year-old prototype furry like him? How could it suddenly have scales?!
This species is not right!
Qing Bai relied on his beast body to act without scruples, but Jiu Nian had to maintain his image as a mature divine beast, but he was reluctant to do anything to Xiao Lingxi, so he could only silently tilt his head back and try to avoid Xiao Lingxi's "passionate affection".
To the uninformed, this scene looks like a reversal of roles, with the human and cat clearly being the ungrateful party... How could anyone refuse a little cat's affection? Has he been through drug rehabilitation?
But if you look at it from the perspective of someone who knows the situation, everyone has their own opinion.
Anyway, Suijing was very angry. Anyone would be unable to hold back their anger if they were ignored again and again like this. Moreover, he was not a person with a big temper. What he could not stand the most was that others did not take him seriously.
"It's been so long since we've met, and I don't think I've congratulated Master Jiunian yet?" Sui Jing coldly gazed at the joyful scene on the rooftop. His voice was gentle and pleasant, but the content was extremely sarcastic. "The Naihe River has once again descended upon the spirit, which is probably more than just a new auspicious sign for the underworld now, right? It can also be considered a celebration of the birth of a new child?"
This didn't sound like a big deal, but Xiao Wu's heart was still in her throat. Although they had not been in contact for long, she could already see clearly that this person was afraid that the underworld would not be in chaos, and every word he said was intended to sow discord.
As expected, Suijing continued, "This time, the nosy Lingxi tribe hasn't gotten in the way. Little Lingxi is in Master Jiunian's care, so you can raise him however you want... What's the point of being born naturally? It's no match for raising a child with your own hands! When he grows up, I'll be able to enforce my orders and punish him wherever I point my finger. I'm afraid all the underworlds will be begging Master Jiunian to come."
After saying this, Suijing pretended to be shocked. If it weren't for the beast form having no hands, he would have applauded on the spot: "As expected of you, Master Nine! Your profound thoughts, brilliant vision, and decisive actions are beyond the reach of the rest of us!"
Although he knew about Sui Jing's character, Xiao Wu couldn't help but let his thoughts wander for a moment, and he secretly complained that even without Little Lingxi growing up, the head of their Shangjing Yinsi, Yin Beiyin Yinjun, would have been trying to find an opportunity to beg Lord Jiunian to come... But what Sui Jing said was not wrong. Once Little Lingxi's existence was made public, Lord Jiunian's reputation in the various Yinsi in the underworld would surely rise to a higher level.
After all, which underworld doesn't have thousands of long-standing soul-scarring cases waiting to be resolved by Lingxi?
What's more, next to hell there is a city of the dead that has been overcrowded with souls for many years and only allows people to enter but never leave.
The countless wounded souls within were golden merits for Lingxi, but to the underworld, they were like an active volcano, with cracks overlapping and unable to be resolved. Once an eruption occurred, the disastrous consequences of the wounded souls scattered throughout the city would probably send all the current Yin Lords to the reincarnation platform...
Thinking of this, Xiao Wu couldn't help but shudder all over, and finally understood why Sui Jing could still stand here and speak sarcasticly to Lord Jiu Nian after making such a big mistake.
——He is well aware of his importance to the underworld.
Even with Qing Bai now, I think the Yin Lords in the underworld are unwilling to give up the more mature and experienced Suijing in healing souls.
This is probably the reason why Lord Jiunian did not take the formal route through the underworld, but chose to attack Suijing directly.
...But what about the Suijing? He was fully aware of his own importance, knowing that the underworld could not be without Lingxi. The underworld was a sanctuary for him, not a beheading platform. Even someone as powerful as Jiu Nian could not take his life without the combined efforts of the Yin Lords.
...So why did he choose to escape to the human world?
Jiunian was broad-minded and didn't mind Suijing's endless malicious speculations. However, Qingbai's cultivation of his spirit wasn't quite up to par yet, so he relied on his youthful exuberance and spoke directly, "Your congratulations to Jiunian were fake, but some people's congratulations were genuine. Instead of forcing yourself to be false to Jiunian, why not look back at your old friend who has remained devoted to you for so many years?"
After saying this, Qing Bai ignored Sui Jing's suddenly gloomy expression and clambered onto Jiu Nian's shoulders with his two claws like a cat. He poked his head out, his eyes fixed on a dark place shrouded in darkness. He said loudly, "Didn't we agree to come here to congratulate our partner on his successful escape? Why are you hiding? The Giant Locust Tree is your territory. Logically, you should be the one entertaining outsiders like us."
Qing Bai revealed Xuan He's whereabouts, and Xuan He could no longer hide in the dark, so he had to fold his wings and show up.
The moment Suijing saw Xuanhe's face clearly, his expression was extremely complicated. It was hard to tell whether it was more of disbelief or fear. In short, it was very complicated.
After Xuan He appeared, he didn't look at him immediately. Instead, he gave a wry smile and said to Qing Bai, who was lying on Jiu Nian's shoulder, half in admiration: "Little Lingxi is very agile. I can't even compare to him."
This explained that he hadn't been hiding on purpose, but rather that Qing Bai had rushed over too quickly, and he hadn't caught up. As for whether the others believed it or not, that was up to them.
After explaining, the respectable Xuan He added: "Of course, even so, this is indeed Xuan He's fault. I hope you will not blame me."
Although he said "everyone", his bird eyes were honest and kept sticking to little Lingxi. You could tell at a glance that he was still determined to steal Lingxi!
Xiao Wu spat inwardly, looked around vigilantly, and hid in a corner quietly when no one was paying attention, for fear that these great gods would start fighting and bring harm to her, a small fry.
After speaking some polite words, Xuan He finally remembered to take care of his partner whom he had not seen for a long time. However, when he looked at the pile of bones at the foot of Sui Jing, he could not utter any sincere words of congratulations.
There was a long silence, followed by a sigh. "I thought that after being imprisoned in the underworld for so many years, even sacrificing your life to atone for your sins would be enough. I'm truly happy for you to be able to leave the underworld and regain your freedom...but I didn't expect that I still underestimated your ability."
Huh? Aren't these two birds of a feather? Why does it sound like Suijing is trying to trick Xuanhe?
Xiao Wu's eyes were bright, afraid of missing anything.
Qing Bai had long suspected the fragile cooperative relationship between Xuan He and Sui Jing. Xuan He's current attitude only further confirmed the correctness of his guess. Compared with the discord between the two colluded beasts, he was more concerned about the subtle nine years surrounding him after they met again.
Nine years: "Not enough."
Qing Bai was stunned: "What?"
Nine years of seriousness: "The crime committed by Suijing cannot be redeemed by a hundred lives."
How can it be possible to just imprison him for a few decades?
Qing Bai: “…”
Xuan He didn't hear Jiu Nian's verdict on Sui Jing, and continued to question Sui Jing three times in a row: "How did you know I was in the giant locust tree? How did you enter this barrier? This pool... was all your work?"
These questions were also the doubts that lingered in Xiao Wu's mind, especially the pool of skeletons and human heads... and Fatty Qi who fell into the pool and disappeared without a trace!
Xiao Wu was extremely anxious, but he didn't dare to say anything at this time, for fear that he would not be able to save the person and would be exploited by the other party.
Jiu Nian tightened his grip on Qing Bai's hand, his eyes clear and focused as he silently watched the developments below.
Although he only recently learned that Sui Jing had been imprisoned by the underworld in the City of the Dead to eliminate the accumulated injured souls, he did not agree with the underworld's handling of the matter. However, he also believed that although the underworld did not deal with Sui Jing seriously according to the laws of the underworld, the intensity of his imprisonment must be very high, and he would never be given the opportunity to communicate with the outside world again.
...In this case, Sui Jing's behavior of fleeing to the giant locust tree with a clear goal after being released from the City of the Dead and chased all the way to the human world is worthy of consideration.
In short, judging by Sui Jing's actions, Jiu Nian didn't think he'd truly shut his eyes and ears all these years. In the underworld today, the number of people capable of delivering information to Sui Jing, trapped in the City of the Wrongly Dead, could be counted on one hand. Without solid evidence, Jiu Nian was unwilling to suspect anyone.
Sui Jing was so disgusted by Xuan He's righteous words that his stomach churned. He looked Xuan He up and down in surprise and snorted coldly, "It's been so many years since we last met, and things have really changed. You actually dare to question me."
Suijing's words were extremely impolite in both content and tone, and Qing Bai and Xiao Wu smiled knowingly after hearing them - the relationship between these two people was indeed purely one of profit (benefit) and benefit (use), without any true feelings at all.
Okay, okay, tear it louder!
"Why, you don't think that by putting on a show of singing and dancing in front of them, you can shift all the sins you've committed here onto me, do you?" Suijing sneered, "You ask me how I know you're in the Giant Locust Tree?"
"I didn't know you were hiding in the giant locust tree. I came here following the spiritual energy."
As he spoke, Sui Jing glanced at Qing Bai, barely looking him in the eye. However, the look in his eyes was not like that of a fellow tribesman, but rather a critical one, as if he were looking at a dish that was not to his taste and was a filling in his teeth.
"This little Lingxi is really strange. It's not big, but its spiritual energy is vast... but also mottled." Suijing frowned and said with disdain, "It's not clean."
Qing Bai, whose aura was disliked as "dirty," remained calm. His mind flashed through the image of the towering Jianmu tree behind the ancestral hall, and the lotus-like beauty of the White Bone Mountain before him. He curled his lips.
...Who knows what the unclean thing is.
Not seeing the reaction he wanted to see, Suijing clicked his tongue and changed the subject back to Xuanhe's questioning.
"The barrier you're talking about isn't referring to those twelve losers outside?"
The real barrier of the giant locust tree would naturally not be so obvious and simple, but seeing Sui Jing's relaxed look, Xuan He suddenly had a bad premonition in his heart.
Seeing that Xuan He's disgusting righteous posture finally couldn't be maintained, Sui Jing finally felt relieved and his tone became more friendly: "Although they are useless, I actually like them. After all, they treat me as one of their own and listen to me very much... It's really strange, why is that?"
"As for this pool of...treasures and shells," Suijing said meaningfully, his fluffy tail gently caressing the bones beneath his feet. "The Giant Locust Tree is your territory, so these are naturally...gifts you prepared for your distinguished guests."
He tilted his head towards the beast, which had grown considerably in the short time since then, and said in a brisk voice, "I'm just enjoying it first~"
Seeing how the flint mirror was "born" with his own eyes, Xiao Wu couldn't help but praise from the bottom of his heart, "What a great son..." What a disobedient and unfilial son!
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