Beware Of Chicken v7c59: Last Days at the Peaks

The Verdant Blade Sect’s manor in the Dueling Town was not a far journey, and the streets were notably less crowded now. They attended with all their companions, as the invitation for tea had been quite casual. Xiulan herself joined them, taking a pause from her usual responsibilities.

According to Meiling’s assessment, the compound was even more stunning than Yun Ren had depicted in his recordings. While the manor in the recordings had possessed a pleasing appearance, a significant portion of the structures had an almost unlived-in quality.

That situation had clearly been rectified. With the Verdant Blade Sect occupying the manor year-round, the locale had undergone a transformation—the gardens were overflowing with blossoms, and the walls were adorned with traditional operatic backdrops, painted in hues of pale gold and stylized clouds.

“Master Rou, Lady Hong, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you,” Cai Xi Kong announced with a bow, the manor’s servants aligning behind him and mirroring his gesture. Xi Kong was remarkably handsome—Meiling would even venture to describe him as beautiful, with his cascade of silky brown hair. She could discern the origin of Xiulan’s striking features.

“We thank you for your hospitality, Sect Master Cai,” Jin responded in an equally formal tone, and they all returned the bow… albeit with less depth. They held this posture for a moment, before Jin let out a chuckle, which Xi Kong joined. “Shall we abandon these formalities?”

“But of course, Jin,” Xi Kong agreed, rising and stepping forward to grasp Jin’s forearm. After a shared nod, Xi Kong shifted his focus to Meiling. “My lady,” he greeted with impeccable politeness. “It is a profound pleasure to finally meet the one who preserved my daughter’s life. Please, if there is anything at all the Verdant Blade Sect can do for you, do not hesitate to ask.”

Meiling’s cheeks flushed at the genuine warmth in his words… and she recognized the gravity with which he extended his support.

“Well, the father of my dear friend could begin by addressing me by my name,” Meiling suggested, prompting another chuckle from Xi Kong.

“And what is your disposition, Young Master? May this old man address you by your given name as well?” he inquired of Zhuye.

Meiling’s son regarded the man, his nose twitching. He glanced between Xi Kong and Xiulan, then back again, sniffing the air as if trying to decipher something. He narrowed his eyes at Xi Kong.

“ Au’ Lala,” he pronounced solemnly, his voice laced with suspicion. Xi Kong did indeed carry a scent reminiscent of Xiulan—his Qi was a blend of grass, flowers, and blade oil, yet it lacked the complexity and comforting warmth of Xiulan’s presence; Xiulan’s aroma was perpetually fresh and pure, whereas Xi Kong’s possessed a faint, sharp undertone stemming from minimal pill toxicity.

“He is my Papa,” Xiulan clarified. “Auntie Lanlan’s papa.”

Zhuye contemplated her statement for a considerable moment before reaching a conclusion. “Unc’ Lala,” he declared, the suspicion vanishing from his eyes… and his hands reached out, intending to grab Xi Kong’s hair for a chew.

Meiling’s finger swiftly intervened, blocking the grasping digits, while Xi Kong burst into laughter.

“Truly an honor!” he exclaimed, before continuing his introductions down the line with Wa Shi, Bei Be, the Lord Magistrate, and Lady Wu. Even Bane received a greeting of utmost respect, the man engaging in conversation with an insect without missing a beat.

He welcomed each of them with genuine warmth and sincerity. His charisma was effortless, punctuated by lighthearted jokes that made everyone feel at ease.

They were also introduced to two other individuals: Li Lee and Xi Bu, who were Xiulan’s disciples. Huyi was currently on leave, spending time with his family, while An Ran remained in Grass Sea City.

These two, therefore, were “Grass Head” and “The Smallest Blade of Grass,” as Tigu had affectionately christened them. The appellations were quite fitting; Lee sported spiky green hair styled into a long ponytail, whereas Xi Bu was as diminutive as Ri Zu’s human form—yet the bald young man possessed a surprisingly resonant voice.

Mei soon found herself seated at a table, with Jin to her side and Xiulan on her other. The remainder of their party dispersed somewhat, occupying spots on the back porch or in other areas of the room.

The atmosphere was far more relaxed than Meiling had anticipated, as they were all guided into the manse, and Meiling found herself quite enjoying the ambiance.

“Ah, your musculature looks absolutely fantastic today, Pretty Eyes,” Tigu remarked with a grin. “I see you’ve heeded my counsel!”

“Naturally, I have!” Xi Kong affirmed, rolling up a sleeve to display his bicep. “Your guidance on proportionality was indeed sound, and by employing the ancestral arts, our physique must be refined.”

Tigu puffed out her chest, radiating pride.

This was indeed purely a social engagement; the conversations flowed organically amongst the group, the tea was exquisite… but most notably, Cai Xi Kong possessed a truly magnificent treasure.

“Ah, this was her initial form presented to the Sect,” he explained, a smile gracing his lips as he gestured towards the recording playing from his crystal.

“She’s so adorable!” Meiling exclaimed with adoration, her gaze fixed upon the young girl gracefully executing a martial arts sequence, a solitary blade hovering behind her.

Xiulan's cheeks were flushed, and she sat as demurely as possible while taking sips of her tea. Jin couldn't help but grin at the charming sight.

“Indeed, my daughter is a beauty unparalleled!” Xi Kong proudly declared, causing Xiulan’s blush to deepen.

“Ah, isn’t that Elder Yi? I recognize some of your Elders from when we first met,” Jin remarked, his gaze lingering on the man. “His cultivation style was certainly… from twenty years ago.”

Meiling squinted at the individual, her attention drawn to his peculiar facial hair. His mustache was sculpted into a magnificent, upward curve that extended halfway towards his eyes.

Xi Kong’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “He once said that all should embody the spirit of a Blade of Grass, constantly growing upwards. He had a whole theory about hair and Qi flow, and well… the results were rather inconclusive.”

“Didn’t Elder Xinling ask him if she could stick pieces of chicken onto his mustache and then use him as a makeshift grill?” Xiulan inquired, a hint of mischief in her voice.

“Yes, she did,” Xi Kong admitted, then glanced around furtively. “Please, do not let Elder Yi know I shared this with you…”

“Our lips are sealed,” Jin promised, his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. Then, he paused, his gaze catching sight of a woman approaching. “Wait, is that…?”

He trailed off, his finger pointing towards a woman with hair as dark as midnight and a… well, a rather remarkable figure. A figure Meiling recognized all too well, and in that moment, she understood perfectly why those Storm Wings from Soaring Heaven’s Isle had been so insistent. Meiling knew those curves intimately; they had served as a remarkably comfortable pillow not too long ago.

“Yes. That is my mother, Yangtze Liusei,” Xiulan stated, her voice remarkably calm. Meiling studied the woman’s features—aside from her impressive physique, she bore a striking resemblance to Xiulan.

“Still no word back?” Jin inquired, and Xiulan simply shook her head.

“Not as such, no,” she replied, yet there was no trace of bitterness in her tone. “If she wishes to speak with us again, we are here. But until then, we have our own matters to attend to.”

Meiling reached out, her hand finding Xiulan’s beneath the table. Her friend squeezed her hand back in return. Xiulan seemed to be at peace with the situation for the moment.

“Blade of Grass! Blade of Grass!” Tigu’s boisterous voice cut through the air. “We need another player for the mahjong game! Are you prepared to be utterly defeated?!”

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“Oho? You’re challenging me again? Very well, I shall gladly oblige you all!” Xiulan declared, rising from her seat and marching towards where Tigu was enthusiastically heckling her.

Xi Kong watched her depart with a complex expression gracing his features, before letting out a sigh and shaking his head.

“Once, I told Jin that I wished to entrust my daughter into his care,” Xi Kong confided to Meiling after a moment’s reflection. “He responded by telling me I should entrust her to herself instead. You truly possess a vision that extends far beyond my own.”

“I am incredibly glad that we met her,” Meiling replied sincerely. “I honestly don’t know where we would be without her guidance.”

“Isn’t that the undeniable truth?” Jin interjected. Slowly, a smile began to spread across Xi Kong’s face. It was a smile imbued with profound paternal pride.

“She is the greatest blessing of my entire life,” Xi Kong wholeheartedly agreed.

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“I still find it hard to believe he brought that recording crystal along,” Xiulan muttered to Jin and Meiling as they settled together on the plush couch in their room within the mountain. It was just the three of them for the present moment; everyone else was either out with Xiulan’s students or occupied with other pressing duties.

It had been a delightful change of pace to simply go out, enjoy some tea, and take a much-needed break from the intricate world of politics. Her father had facilitated this outing, and it had indeed put everyone in a remarkably good mood… though Xiulan couldn’t help but feel that perhaps her father hadn’t needed to have the ‘wondrous idea’ of showing her friends what she was like in her younger days. She didn’t particularly mind it herself, but it had certainly provided Meiling with an excessive amount of ammunition to wield against her.

“Don’t be upset, Xiulan, you were absolutely adorable! I could only wish for a daughter who is half as cute!” Meimei exclaimed enthusiastically, nestled against Xiulan’s arm. Xiulan rolled her eyes, while simultaneously attempting to suppress a warm, pleasant sensation blooming in her stomach. Meiling’s compliments were simply too much to handle!

She absolutely had to strike back somehow!

“I’m sure any daughter you and Jin have will be the absolute cutest in the entire world, especially if they inherit anything from Zhuye. My nephew is truly the best!” Xiulan retorted, and she was utterly delighted to witness Meiling’s offensive immediately crumble—as always, she could dish it out with the best of them, but she couldn't take it when it was turned back on her! Meiling flushed prettily at the unexpected compliment. “I hope my own children turn out to be as cute as Zhuye too!”

Meiling let out a soft, wounded sound and turned away, her cheeks tinged with pink, thoroughly defeated. However, when she spun back around to face her other adversary, who had been contentedly observing the exchange and chuckling, Jin’s smile had also vanished.

In its place was a distinct grimace. He chewed his lip, looking visibly uncomfortable.

“Jin?” she asked, a hint of concern coloring her tone.

He let out a small sigh. “It’s… well, it’s probably nothing significant, but last night, we happened to overhear some rather unpleasant individuals. There were some rumors being spread about you… and about me.”

Ah. I see.

“Yeah. Jin stopped me from going on a poisoning spree, but they were…” Meiling let out a low growl of rising anger.

Xiulan let out a breath and was about to dismiss their worries—but Jin continued, his gaze locked onto hers. “Back home, with the villagers, it's kind of a non-issue. They don’t know who you are. But here? Xiulan, is it causing problems for you? And is there anything I can do to help?”

Xiulan paused, studying his eyes, recognizing the sincerity within.

So many connections in this world were fraught with conditions. Yet, as always, Jin's only motive was a genuine eagerness to assist.

Most men wouldn't concern themselves. Xiulan had encountered such rumors before, many even fueling them, laughing and feigning such encounters, claiming to have ‘conquered’ her. She understood her perceived value; her cultivation level, her standing as Grand Marshal. Numerous individuals would welcome such gossip, if only to deter other suitors.

Yet, when she spoke of bearing her own children… his sole concern was to eradicate that rumor, preventing it from disrupting her life.

She was acutely aware of how many desired something from her, wishing her to conform to their expectations. This pressure had likely intensified since she became Grand Marshal, a stark contrast to her days as the Young Mistress of the Verdant Blade Sect.

Jin, however, desired nothing from her but her happiness.

A smile touched her lips as she regarded her dear friend, her sworn brother. Reaching out, she gently cupped his cheek. It felt warm beneath her hand, his green eyes, flecked with shimmering gold, focused intently on hers.

“...Jin,” she began, and his frown softened. “But… those rumors are merely whispers. I doubt we can truly stop them. Someone will always find a way to slander me, and it’s best to pay them little mind… unless they’re plotting my demise rather than merely lamenting their own lack of skill.” Jin and Meiling both let out soft chuckles, Jin clearly acknowledging her point.

“As for whether it bothers me?” she continued. “No, it does not. I have vowed to marry only whom I truly love. If I find that person, they will undoubtedly be reasonable, and those rumors won't jeopardize our bond.”

Xiulan admitted she hadn't actively sought a relationship, primarily due to her demanding schedule. And perhaps… it might take some time before she found her own person. She wasn't entirely sure what she sought, beyond a desire for a partner akin to Jin—steady, calm, a solace for her spirit, someone who could alleviate the burdens she carried. Or perhaps someone like Meiling? Spirited and perpetually playful… that held its own appeal.

However, she was drifting off-topic. Pushing the thought aside, she refocused on the present.

“Honestly, it’s often quite advantageous. Initially, I had to fend off numerous marriage proposals until people began assuming I was already ‘claimed’ by you,” she concluded with a faint smile.

Jin sighed, nodding in understanding.

“Alright,” he said simply, accepting her perspective. “It still stinks that you have to endure that at all, though.”

“We can still poison a couple of them if you want,” Meiling interjected, resting her head on Xiulan’s shoulder.

They both watched Meiling, each in their own way… and Xiulan cherished their support.

“...I’ll reserve judgment,” Xiulan replied, and the three of them erupted in laughter.

“And hey, if everyone gets spooked off by your massive marriage shield, we can always just make it official~” Meiling whispered flirtatiously into her ear, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. Xiulan’s face flushed at the jibe, a ticklish sensation sending shivers down her spine. She turned to glare at the imp, but Meiling merely grinned wider, turning her playful assault on Jin. “See, hubby, you’d better be prepared to take responsibility!”

Jin reached over, effortlessly scooping his wife onto his lap like a wayward kitten.

“The Divine Brat-Sealing Prison Formation, activate,” Jin declared with a sigh, calmly subduing her. Meiling cackled, thoroughly entertained. “Warden Xiulan, commence the prisoner’s torture.”

The laughter abruptly ceased.

“Wait, what?” Meiling asked, a sudden tremor of apprehension in her voice.

Cai Xiulan rose, towering over Meiling. She retrieved the storybook Meimei had been engrossed in from her bag.

Xiulan opened it, unfurling the scroll to reveal the ending. Instantly, Meiling grasped her intention.

“No, no, no, no, no!” Meiling shrieked.

“Ah, I see, so in this investigation, the apothecary deduces that it was the—” Xiulan began.

“No!” Meiling squirmed futilely, held fast.

Both Xiulan and Jin burst into laughter. Xiulan deliberately drew out the revelation of the mystery’s culprit, prompting Meiling to yelp and wriggle.

The scene was undeniably hilarious, effectively dissipating the somber mood from earlier.

Thoughts of romantic entanglements could wait for the future. This moment, right here and now, was more than enough.

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An additional two days were spent at the Dueling Peaks, concluding the itinerary that Xiulan had meticulously laid out. This included a grand feast showcasing every local delicacy, a gesture Washy deeply appreciated.

Then came the moment of departure. Once more, various sects convened, orchestrating a spectacular send-off for us.

We extended our gratitude to Xiulan, the assembled sects, and Director Huizhong for their exceptional hospitality—and truthfully, the experience had been quite enjoyable.

============================

Ye Shun stood at the edge of the precipice, his decision made.

He resolved to forge his own path, as he always had. While his son would accompany him, his grandson would remain. The boy expressed a desire to learn more here… and Ye Shun, with a benevolent nod, granted his blessing.

With that, he turned his gaze eastward. This was only after he finally encountered Master Rou, on the very day the esteemed man was departing the city.

Master Rou emerged amidst great fanfare, a figure tall and broad-shouldered—Ye Shun halted, his breath caught in his throat. His jaw went slack as the realization dawned: the humble peasant he had spoken with on that fateful night was, in fact, a Master of unparalleled prowess.

He had received profound and insightful counsel from Master Rou. The thought was staggering!

His contemplation was then abruptly interrupted as, standing right beside Master Rou, was the formidable beast in the guise of a woman who served as the Magistrate’s guardian.

Her slitted eye fixed upon him, and she impaled Ye Shun and his son with her piercing gaze. For a fleeting instant, he believed his end had come. He had crossed paths with her, defying the very warning she had issued.

Yet, she observed his gaping mouth, his visible shock and dread, and the travel packs indicating his departure—and discerned that they had not transgressed her boundaries.

Still, such an oversight was a minor offense to a cultivator of her formidable power. She possessed every right to strike them down then and there for their disobedience.

Nevertheless, this monstrous protector displayed a degree of benevolence. She stooped to consider their predicament.

She granted them their lives. Her gaze shifted away from them, her dismissal unmistakable.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Ye Shun and his son vanished, retreating as swiftly as they had that night.

And in his hurried flight, a profound realization struck him:

He had indeed made the right choice, had he not?

=========================

Thus, our journey commenced towards Grass Sea City. The Acting Lord Magistrate had endured long enough. Once we were en route, Meiling and I planned to diverge, heading towards Ash Forest to investigate the root cause of the Qi mutations.

With only two such incidents reported in the span of six months, it was unlikely to be a monumental issue.

But given our track record, who knew? It was bound to be a complicated affair.

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Fa Bi De had found contentment. The period had been peaceful since the demise of one of Vajra’s scouts. No further signs of their enemy had reached them, and the community had seamlessly reverted to their agricultural routines.

Or so they had believed.

A warning arrived from Vajra’s scouts: an intruder had crashed through the trees, moving with reckless abandon, prioritizing sheer speed above all else.

Consequently, Bi De ventured forth to intercept this trespasser. He positioned himself atop the Great Pillars of Fa Ram, prepared for any eventuality.

The interloper burst through the dense foliage, and Bi De unleashed his power as a stern warning.

The intruder's hasty run devolved into an uncontrolled tumble, as a Blaze Bear tripped and rolled head over heels for three full rotations before finally coming to a halt.