Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1521: 944: The Listener Is Unconcerned (Part 2)

~4 minute read · 1,086 words
Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Baili An learns from Aunt Wu that the fox demon Shu Ci might be pursuing the old Taoist, despite their recent intimacy. Later, Shu Ci returns with a new, expensive hairpin, which Baili An deduces she received from the Taoist. He confronts her, demanding she change it back, leading to a tense argument.

Shu Ci was left astonished by the outburst, completely baffled as to the source of his fury.

For a moment, she found herself unable to respond, her eyes placidly retorting: "This hairpin is more exquisite than my prior one. You refuse to relinquish it to me, nor do you permit anyone else to possess it. What logic does that hold? I have tended to your needs for numerous days, yet your disposition remains ill-tempered, devoid of any tenderness. You are merely a beautiful facade, relying on your countenance to throw petulant fits. That elder possesses a far superior temperament to yours. He not only bestows gifts upon me but also provides sustenance. You ought to learn considerably from him..."

"Bang!" A resounding collision.

Baili An's countenance was frigid yet reasonably restrained during the initial portion of Shu Ci's speech, but it exploded upon hearing the concluding sentence.

He forcefully impacted the wooden table with his fist, upturning the small brazier containing chicken and egg flower soup, thereby splashing the scalding liquid onto Baili An's hand.

At that precise instant, the Thunder Power coursing within him had not yet dissipated, his physical prowess akin to that of a mortal, and his hand immediately became flushed red, presenting a quite formidable appearance.

However, Baili An's visage was now even more alarming; not even when Shu Ci had initially declared her intent to consume him upon their first encounter had it provoked such a tempestuous rage.

"What preposterousness are you uttering!"

Baili An erupted in fury: "Is it that the moment someone bestows a kindness upon you, you become disoriented, daring to accept anything indiscriminately? Do you even comprehend the meaning of self-regard!"

It was merely the acceptance of a hairpin; how did that signify a lack of self-love?

These pronouncements were detested by Shu Ci, and a flicker of animosity instantly surfaced in her eyes...

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Yet, the intense emotional upheaval instantaneously exacerbated the injury within her, the arrow wound upon her shoulder reopened, causing the white silken garment to bloom with scarlet flowers that extended, crimson upon crimson, rendering Baili An's features ashen and displeasing.

The Thunder Power within him ran amok throughout his physique due to his uncontrollable emotions, perhaps a consequence of the acute discomfort.

Observing Shu Ci's unyielding stance, the veins on Baili An's forehead began to protrude.

This very sight instilled genuine trepidation in Shu Ci.

She exerted considerable effort to recall, vaguely apprehending his mention of the old Taoist's possessions being desirable; perhaps he harbored jealousy that she received items while he did not?

Out of the blue, she recollected the commotion witnessed earlier in the day.

Perceiving Baili An's intensely enraged expression at that moment, Shu Ci inexplicably drew a parallel between him and the consort of that aforementioned Blind Sun.

Fearing that he might once again expel blood and weaken, Shu Ci hastily dislodged the hairpin from her hair.

Gently inclining, exuding an aroma akin to incense, she affixed the ornament directly into Baili An's topknot.

Attempting to emulate Blind Sun's theatrical demeanor, she narrowed her eyes and contorted her face to imbue her gaze with a more languid and affectionate quality.

Extending her hand, she tenderly caressed Baili An's cheek, her voice soft, her posture deliberately humble:

"Cease your anger, cease your anger. Whom I hold dear within my heart, others may remain oblivious to, but you, who lie beside me, could you possibly harbor doubt regarding my affections? My interactions with others are merely a facade; it is all an act to be dismissed without seriousness. It is common knowledge that the old Taoist is an individual of considerable difficulty to handle; it was he who initiated contact with me. I have merely committed the transgression that every woman in this world might potentially commit. Observe, if I did not cherish you, why would I search for such a beneficial item for you? Henceforth, whatever you desire, I shall endeavor with all my might to procure it for you, entirely for your sake... Oh my, do not be incensed, do not be incensed; gaze upon this delicate countenance turned pallid with fury, truly causing this foxy heart of mine to ache."

Baili An's wrath, which had been blazing fiercely, was further inflamed by her ministrations, and his indignation escalated even more.

He clenched his jawline relentlessly, entirely unaware of the origins of these flirtatious phrases, learned from itinerant paramours and dissolute dandies.

Adherence to proper decorum seemed an insurmountable challenge.

Courtesans of the brothels, as well as heartless rogues, were adept at fabricating such insidious narratives, grasping them with a mere glance!

Baili An experienced a profound sense of indignation stemming from her actions, which ran contrary to his expectations; he jerked his head away forcefully, dislodging her hand.

In a fit of pique, he seized the hairpin, crushing it with considerable force into a misshapen lump:

"For you to be so incompetent, with only base instincts guiding you, it is a futile endeavor for me to instruct you on the righteous path, only to realize all efforts are in vain! Since you delight in associating with ignoble individuals, I am far too disinclined to concern myself with your affairs! Whether you choose to debase yourself willingly or accept glittering riches, refrain from meeting the fate of the Three-tailed Demon Fox, only to then comprehend the malevolence of human nature, and lament when it is regrettably too late!"

Baili An expounded at length, and Shu Ci grasped only half of his discourse.

This brat possessed such a rigidly conventional and peculiar disposition!

It was acceptable if he was parsimonious and denied her sustenance.

From the tone of his voice, she would gain no advantage from him, and if she remained cautious of pain, she would receive no nourishment, yet she was unable to seek provisions elsewhere.

Even though Shu Ci possessed a stubborn nature, she had only ever considered Baili An as her sole sustenance for over a millennium, disregarding all other potential nourishment. Normally, it was the master who selected their food; how could the food possibly dictate terms, demanding to remain uneaten and patiently await ripening while simultaneously forbidding the master from consuming anything else? This overbearing and illogical behavior genuinely displeased Shu Ci. Even an inanimate clay figure would exhibit temper; how much more so Baili An, whose words were steeped in offensive and sarcastic undertones.