Xiao Li also put away her laziness. This era of war was not so safe. She needed more strength to protect herself and her family.
Beside the spiritual spring in the space, Xiao Li broke through to the fifth level of Qi Refining. Now she could practice more minor spells.
She carefully selected a spell: Entangling Roots, Sharpen, Water Arrow, Explosive Flame, Swamp, and also learned the Cleanse spell she had been wanting for a long time.
Seeing her master's unusually focused cultivation, Xiao Jiu prepared a lot of delicious food for her. Various fruits were washed and placed within reach, along with a pile of grilled fish and meat, and a pot of chicken soup. After Xiao Li finished her cultivation, she immediately indulged in a hearty meal.
Xiao Li was very generous to her spirit pets, allowing them to freely use the resources in her space. As a result, her spirit pets progressed rapidly and all advanced to a higher realm.
Fire and water flickered in Xiao Li's palm, with small vines flying out from time to time. The bushes in front of her were already a mess. Fortunately, this was deep in the mountains and forests, where few people were around. Otherwise, if someone saw this, it would be quite terrifying.
She stopped when she felt her spiritual energy in her dantian was empty. She used the little spiritual energy she had left to clean up before flashing into the space. After meditating and recovering some spiritual energy, she opened her eyes.
"Xiao Jiu, it's good that you're all with me. That's why I feel so at ease and have the ability and confidence to protect myself." Xiao Li said gratefully and with emotion.
"It is my honor to be able to stay by my master's side, and it is also Xiao Yuan and the others' good fortune. If it weren't for my master bringing them into the space, they would never have been able to advance in their lives. Even if they had gained intelligence, they would only be relatively smart." Xiao Jiu was as proud as ever.
Xiao Li touched the leaves on Xiao Jiu's head and dotted a little red flower. The fourth leaf had already sprouted; it was growing really fast.
"The master is kind and generous. Everything in the space is imbued with spiritual energy, which is rare in the world. He gave it to Xiaoyuan and the others. They should be loyal to the master to repay his kindness."
Xiao Jiu spoke with absolute certainty, her face completely matter-of-fact.
"Xiao Jiu, you are all my partners, my closest friends. Good things should be shared. Xiao Yuan and the others have also helped me a lot. They deserve all of this."
Xiao Jiu was unusually silent.
“I know you have noble blood and look down on ordinary beasts like Xiaoyuan, but they all treat you with utmost respect and regard you as their leader. You should give them the respect they deserve and not look down on people, or they will be saddened.”
Xiao Li had long noticed that Xiao Jiu was somewhat arrogant. After all, in the cultivation world, strength was paramount, and bloodline was an insurmountable barrier. She could understand that, but this was no longer the cultivation world. She just hoped that they could get along well.
"I understand, Master. Xiaoyuan and the others are our partners, our friends. They are closer than family. I know what to do from now on."
"It's good that you've figured it out. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we'll be together for decades. I hope we can continue to live happily like this, making progress together and having fun together. That would be wonderful."
Xiao Li's wish is really simple: wouldn't it be great to be a lazy bum? With food and drink, entertainment, martial arts practice, and beautiful scenery, she wouldn't trade it for anything better than being an immortal.
Xiao Li carried two rabbits down the mountain. Since they started raising chickens on the back mountain, her family hadn't kept rabbits. Firstly, they were too busy—cleaning the rabbit hutches and cutting alfalfa required constant attention. Secondly, with more people in the village raising rabbits, the price had dropped. The Mo family didn't care about the money anymore; if they wanted to eat rabbit, it was much more convenient to catch some on the mountain.
Xiao Li took them out of her spatial storage, of course. Now she had so many rabbits in her space that she couldn't eat them all, so she was too lazy to hunt.
Skilled at skinning and gutting, the hides were washed clean and placed directly into the cupboard, awaiting the return of my brother for tanning. We've already accumulated quite a few pelts; in winter, we can sew hats and gloves, and add fur collars to our winter coats—both stylish and warm.
Early in the morning, Chen Jiu waited at the door of Xiao Li's room. Hearing the sounds coming from inside, he quickly prepared the water for washing her face.
"Sister Li, go wash your face quickly, I'll go get you breakfast." Xiao Jiu'er called out and then busied herself again.
After washing up, Xiao Li sat down to eat. "Little Jiu'er, have you eaten? Why did your parents leave so early?"
"Sister Li, Aunt and the others have gone to work in the fields, so it's just the two of us at home." Xiao Jiu'er went to the kitchen and brought out a bowl with two eggs in it.
"Sister Li, I want to go to town to sell the handkerchiefs I've embroidered. Can you come with me?" Xiao Jiu'er has been learning needlework from Yun Yuniang for half a year, and now her embroidery skills are quite good, and she can sell her handkerchiefs for a good price.
“Okay, we don’t have anything planned for today. Let’s go to town together after I finish eating.”
"Thank you, Sister Li!"
Xiao Jiu'er smiled, her eyes crinkling, and nodded emphatically.
The two tidied up the dishes, picked up their small bundles, and prepared to go out. Just then, Chen Niang returned, and they hopped on the oxcart and set off.
First, they went to the embroidery shop and sold the handkerchief. Then they strolled around the street and bought a bunch of fruits, snacks, and candied hawthorns. Chen Niang followed behind carrying the package. The three of them ate a bowl of wontons before slowly walking back.
"Chen Niang, is something on your mind?" Chen Niang glanced at the alley entrance several times, hesitant to speak, but Xiao Li had already noticed that something was on his mind.
"Sister Li, I want to go home for a visit, see Grandpa Wu, and tidy up the house so we'll have a place to stay when we come to town. What do you say?" Now that she's got the fighting power, Chen Niang isn't afraid of Chen San anymore. If they don't run into each other, fine; but if they do, she'll teach him a lesson.
Xiao Li nodded, "Of course, Grandpa Wu has helped you a lot, you should go and thank him."
It's a good thing that the two children know how to be grateful. Xiaoli took out the pastries she bought, separated a box of osmanthus cake and a box of mung bean cake, and went to the butcher shop next door to buy a string of pork belly. Chen Niang quickly took out his money and insisted on paying for it himself, so Xiaoli let him have his way.
The three of them went directly to Derentang. Doctor Wu was relieved to see that the brother and sister looked well and were dressed in good clothes.
"Xiao Niang, Xiao Jiu'er, you two should live well with your aunt and be diligent, okay? If anything happens, come here to find your grandpa. Grandpa will come to Mo Family Village to see you when he has time."
Doctor Wu glanced at Xiao Li discreetly, secretly supporting the two siblings.
Xiao Li found it somewhat amusing, but then solemnly said to Dr. Wu, "Dr. Wu, please rest assured, my parents will take good care of them, and you are welcome to visit our home."
Dr. Wu smiled sheepishly and nodded, "Okay, okay, I'll definitely go."
Chen Niang stuffed the meat and pastries into Old Wu's hands, then grabbed Xiao Jiu'er and ran off. The three of them then passed through several alleys and arrived at the home of Chen Niang and his sister.
Last time I ran away in a hurry, Chen San took all my belongings. Later, I came back, packed up some things, and then locked the yard.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com