Chapter Sixty: My Daily Chats with My Daughter
Meanwhile, on Jiu Ya and Rong Jiang's side, seeing that Yun Jian had locked up the female ghost and was chatting with Qing Yangzi, Rong Jiang took Jiu Ya and left the Luo residence together.
In the stillness of the night, the silvery moon hung high in the sky, its clear light casting long, thin shadows of the two figures.
Jiu Ya walked along the bluestone path, tilting her head to admire Rong Jiang's serene profile. Moonlight shone on her jade-like skin, making her appear even more aloof and ethereal. Jiu Ya couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "No wonder she's my daughter; even her profile is so perfect."
"Ranran," Jiuya suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of mockery, "I think those ghost messengers are all quite good-looking. Does His Majesty the Underworld Emperor select his subordinates based on their appearance? I think someone like me would be suitable!"
Someone shamelessly raised their chin and even winked, looking like they were saying, "Look how good I am."
"Appearance is secondary; ability is the most important thing." Hearing Jiu Ya ask the contestants if they also care about their looks, Rong Jiang couldn't help but chuckle. Not all the ghost messengers were personally selected by her, but those with decent appearances were always more pleasing to the eye than those who were ugly and deformed.
However, Jiu Ya's next words surprised Rong Jiang.
"With my abilities and good looks, wouldn't I be the best candidate for the Underworld?"
Rong Jiang observed Jiu Ya discreetly. She couldn't help but feel that Jiu Ya's words didn't sound like a joke; they seemed quite sincere. She chuckled inwardly.
“Someone like Ajiu is probably wasting his talents by becoming a ghost messenger,” Rong Jiang said gently, her tone tinged with a hint of probing.
Upon hearing this, Jiu Ya's eyes lit up. Her daughter clearly recognized her talent! She could almost see herself dominating the underworld in the future, just like Si Ge and Ying Jia, becoming Rong Jiang's right-hand woman, and then she would never have to worry about having her neck snapped again.
As Jiu Ya grew happier with each passing thought, a silly grin naturally appeared on her face.
Rong Jiang was momentarily bewildered. What was wrong with Jiu Ya? "A-Jiu?" she called softly, her voice tinged with worry.
"Please, Demon Lord, wipe that silly grin off your face. I'm worried you'll scare people, especially since it's late at night." Rong Jiang thought to herself, but maintained a polite smile on her face.
"Hmm?" Jiu Ya finally came to her senses, quickly switching to a more normal expression, and said seriously, "Ranran, it's getting late, let's go back." As she spoke, she even pretended to be calm and straightened her sleeves, trying to cover up her earlier lapse in composure.
Rong Jiang nodded, and the two set off on their way back to the inn.
As night falls on the long alley, rows of high-eaved, low-walled houses are hidden in the darkness, with only a few houses occasionally letting out dim yellow light from their windows, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly night.
Jiu Ya and Rong Jiang walked side by side, their shadows stretched long in the moonlight. Jiu Ya glanced at Rong Jiang every now and then, her heart filled with joy. She could sense that Rong Jiang seemed less wary of her now, which was a good sign.
A few barks echoed from the end of the long alley. The night was deep, the dew heavy, and a cool breeze swept through. Jiu Ya subconsciously moved closer to Rong Jiang. Rong Jiang seemed to notice her movement, glancing at her slightly but not looking away.
"Is Ranran cold?" Jiuya asked with concern, and then took off her coat.
Rong Jiang gently shook her head: "No need, I'm not cold." Her voice was still cold, but it had lost some of its aloofness.
Jiu Ya had no choice but to give up, but she felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Was her daughter concerned about her? She must be!
The two remained silent the entire way, yet there was no awkwardness between them.
When I returned to the inn, it was already late at night. Only a single candle flickered on the counter, casting a long shadow of the waiter on the wall as it swayed in the wind.
Li Yue and Bai Yu were sitting on the first floor of the inn. The two demons had been gathering information until evening, but when they returned to the inn, they found that their master had not yet returned. They first asked the innkeeper to arrange an extra room, and after having a simple dinner, they sat on the first floor waiting for Jiu Ya to return.
Seeing Jiu Ya and Rong Jiang slowly step into the inn, Bai Yu quickly got up to greet them: "Miss, you're finally back!" Her voice was filled with relief and joy.
After the initial surprise, the two demons, who had been waiting so long they were practically blind, greeted Rong Jiang again.
"Hmm." Jiu Ya noticed that both demons were there and was quite puzzled. "Why aren't you two resting? What are you waiting for? Do you think I'll get lost?"
"Miss hasn't returned yet, how can we subordinates rest?" Bai Yu wanted to give her Venerable One a look, letting her figure it out for herself. What kind of subordinates could sleep soundly when their master hadn't returned by midnight?
Besides, they are demons; even if they don't sleep for a night, it won't affect them much. Demons are physically stronger than humans. Bai Yu silently added to himself.
Seeing Bai Yu's helpless look, Jiu Ya immediately understood. "By the way, is Ranran's room arranged yet?" she asked impatiently, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Quickly tell them the inn is full, then we can legitimately invite our daughter to sleep in her room," Jiu Ya prayed silently.
However, things did not go as planned.
"Miss, Miss Rong's room has been arranged; it's right across from yours," Bai Yu replied respectfully, completely oblivious to her master's ulterior motives.
Jiuya felt a pang of regret, but what could she say? "The seat opposite me? This is a really good spot!" she forced a smile, her heart bleeding. What a great opportunity, and she'd just missed it!
"It's getting late, so let's all get some rest!" Jiu Ya cheerfully led Rong Jiang to their room on the second floor, trying to hide her inner disappointment.
It was already late at night. If this were modern times, Jiu Ya would probably be asleep by now. Sleep wasn't very good back then, and staying up late often meant trouble falling asleep, resulting in a pale and unhealthy appearance the next day. Thinking about this, Jiu Ya couldn't help but sigh, "The cultivation world is so much better; at least I don't have to worry about dark circles under my eyes."
As two hardworking subordinates, Li Yue and Bai Yu also had to do their best to prepare hot water for the two young ladies to wash up. Bai Ya carefully tested the water temperature, added some calming herbs to the water, and then carried the basin upstairs.
Jiu Ya took the key from Bai Yu and fawned over Rong Jiang as she opened the door. "Ranran, this room is similar to the one I live in. We live across from each other. If you need anything, just call me. I can hear you." As she spoke, she pointed to her own room, looking like she was ready to serve at any time.
"Thank you." Rong Jiang's lips curled up slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Then, A-Jiu, you should rest early too!"
"I know," Jiu Ya replied with a bright smile. "Bai Yu will bring the water for washing up soon."
"Okay." Rong Jiang replied softly, her gaze lingering on Jiu Ya's face for a moment before turning and entering the room.
Jiuya thoughtfully closed the door for Rong Jiang, stood outside the door grinning foolishly for a while, before reluctantly returning to her own room.
Back in her room, Jiu Ya was still in high spirits. She threw herself onto the bed, hugged the blanket, and rolled around several times before finally letting out a suppressed cheer: "Waaah, my daughter is so beautiful, gentle, and cute! I love my daughter so much!"
She carefully recalled everything that had happened since meeting Rong Jiang today and found that she hadn't made any mistakes. Her daughter had even told her her nickname! Good heavens, no one in the entire novel world has ever had such an honor! Jiu Ya felt that she had a great chance. As for her life, she felt that there was absolutely no need to worry about it anymore, hehe.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Jiu Ya couldn't help but start planning for the future. How wonderful it would be if she could truly become Rong Jiang's right-hand woman! She could see her daughter every day, protect her daughter, and incidentally... cough cough, admire her daughter's beauty. Thinking of this, Jiu Ya couldn't help but roll around on the bed a few more times until Bai Yu brought her hot water, at which point she barely managed to calm down a bit.
At that moment, Rong Jiang was standing by the window, gazing absently at the bright moon in the sky. After Bai Yu brought in hot water, she closed the door and set up a soundproof barrier around the room.
She sat at the table, finally loosening her grip on the Cheng Guang sword that she had been holding tightly. Her slender fingers trembled as she pulled the sword from its worn scabbard, which was covered in rust and sluggish as it was pulled out, making a harsh scraping sound.
Jiu Ya's idea was correct. Cheng Guang was indeed just an ordinary sword, and because its blade was stained with blood and hadn't been properly cared for in a long time, its once gleaming surface had become dull and covered with mottled black stains, making it look quite unsightly. An ordinary person would definitely think it was just a piece of junk.
However, Rong Jiang looked at the sword with unusual tenderness in her eyes, as if she were looking at a rare treasure.
"Cheng Guang—Cheng Guang!" Looking at the sword that was completely destroyed, Rong Jiang couldn't help but feel sad and tears streamed down her face.
If Jiu Ya were here, she would be greatly surprised. In her memory, Rong Jiang in the book had always been elegant and powerful; when had she ever shown such a distraught state?
After a long while, Rong Jiang made her next move. Her slender, white fingers gently stroked the longsword, from the hilt to the tip. As she moved, the blade gradually emitted a soft light, and the stains and rust disappeared, revealing the gleaming blade beneath.
The Big Dipper constellation on the hilt aligns in a line, radiating a dazzling light that shines brightly along with the gleaming blade. The restored Cheng Guang sword is clearly no ordinary item.
Rong Jiang stared at it for a long while before letting out a soft sigh and carefully putting it away. Her fingertips gently brushed over the seven-star pattern on the hilt, her eyes filled with a complex and unreadable expression.
This sword belonged to an old friend. Now things have changed, the friend is gone, but this sword remains by her side.
Rong Jiang stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the bright moon in the sky, her eyes gradually becoming deep. The moonlight shone on her, gilding her with a silvery edge, making her appear even more aloof and lonely.
Tonight is destined to be sleepless.
Meanwhile, after washing up, Jiu Ya tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she would think of Rong Jiang's stunningly beautiful face, her gentle smile, and her warm voice.
"Oh no, I'm doomed, am I beyond saving?" Jiu Ya buried her face in the pillow and muttered softly, "But my daughter is so beautiful..."
And so, in two rooms, two people, each with their own thoughts.
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