Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1546 - 956: Lotus Blooms with Every Step

"I don’t like this place."

Shu Ci, wrapped tightly in a fox fur cloak that she didn’t mind being of her own kind, fixed her inherently dazed and lifeless gaze upon the majestic city that loomed through the relentless snowstorm.

Her facial burns were healing admirably, lending her a bewitching yet icy appearance as she stubbornly refused to venture any further.

Baili An, having traversed a great distance alongside her, could vaguely perceive that this little demon harbored an inexplicable dread and aversion towards the biting cold.

Her spirits had been high during their journey, but as Shifang City loomed closer, a pervasive ache settled into her bones, a soreness that seemed to loosen them entirely.

Even after five bags of hot water had been utilized, a persistent chill clung to her body.

Her body temperature plummeted lower than Baili An’s, who resembled a corpse, as if she had just been plucked from a frigid river.

Through considerable persuasion, Baili An finally managed to coax her into the city.

Leveraging his status as a disciple of the Taixuan Nine Classics, they passed without impedance and were lodged in the same inn as other disciples who had already reached the city.

"Don’t open the window. This damned place is awfully cold!"

Shu Ci bundled herself with three thick blankets, transforming into a mere lump save for her paling face, her expression more gaunt than usual.

Disregarding her plea, Baili An proceeded to open the window, his brow furrowed. "I’ve already set up five stoves indoors to your liking, and yet you forbid me from opening a window for fresh air. Do you intend to wake up thoroughly chilled come morning?"

As night descended, the wind and snow within the city intensified.

Notwithstanding the heavy snowfall, the throngs of visitors remained undeterred. The streets, veiled in mist and snow, were illuminated by three thousand radiant lights, teeming with vibrant activity.

The lively chatter of the night market mingled with the whistling wind, creating a unique ambiance, a place where elegance and opulence intertwined, a rarity in the Mortal World.

Having wandered the Six Realms for countless millennia, Shu Ci was accustomed to realms of both life and death.

This marked her first encounter with a prosperous and enchanting metropolis like Shifang City.

The ambient temperature within the room began to climb, and her body, swaddled in blankets, gradually grew warmer.

Her mischievous spirit reignited, she leaned towards the window, her blanket-draped form almost entirely extending outwards.

Attuned to the calls emanating from the city pathways, her eyes absorbed the captivating spectacle of Shifang City—its ornate beams, soaring eaves, and beaded curtains dancing in the snow. The magnificent architecture presented a delightful vista, a stark contrast to the Demon World.

For a fleeting moment, a sense of profound wonder washed over her.

She rested against the window frame, her face resuming its characteristic vacant and indifferent mask, devoid of any discernible emotion.

Yet, her body swayed involuntarily to the energetic performances of fire-breathing and knife-swallowing unfolding on the street below. She rocked back and forth, heedless as her blanket slipped away.

Beneath, she was clad in a form-fitting dress, utterly unconcerned. Viewed from behind, her long hair cascaded elegantly, and her slender waist appeared impossibly delicate.

At this instant, her upper body arched backward, the elegant curve from her waist to her hips seamlessly merging with a subtle fullness.

Her form exuded an almost immeasurable soft sensuality.

Her two furry tails swayed in rhythm with her hips as she occasionally let out gasps of awe at the lively spectacle unfolding beneath.

Who could fathom, upon seeing this innocent fox-like demeanor, that she was the formidable Shu Ci of Mohe?

Unaware of her true identity, Baili An had, throughout their journey, contemplated abandoning this audacious fox on multiple occasions.

However, this fox spirit clung to him like a stray dog, famished and suddenly catching the scent of meat buns—she simply refused to be dissuaded.

Once her injuries had mended, Baili An had attempted to leave her behind discreetly several times, but to no avail.

By some inexplicable means, she had managed to follow him all the way into Shifang City.

Baili An found himself utterly perplexed by her unyielding nature. "You were just complaining about the cold, and now you’re stretching your body outside the window, why are you wagging your tails carelessly?"

"Shifang City is filled with cultivators, and this inn houses disciples from the Taixuan Sect. With your meager cultivation, if you don’t conceal your tails properly and get discovered, don’t expect me to bail you out."

Shu Ci obediently tucked her tails away.

She found every aspect of the person she had fixated on endearing, with the sole exception of his nagging, elder-like mouth.

Baili An had pressing matters in Shifang City, and thus could not linger with Shu Ci.

After ensuring Shu Ci was settled, Baili An performed the Absolute Cleansing Technique within the room, masking and isolating her demonic power before preparing to depart.

The moment he turned to depart, Shu Ci, positioned beyond the window, completely disregarded the captivating night scenery of Fan City.

Fearing another abandonment, she swiftly descended from the bed as she observed his intention to leave.

She transformed into a small fox, agilely leaping onto Baili An's head, her paws gripping his eyelids firmly.

"Are you planning to abandon me once more?"

Baili An brushed away her paws with a frown, stating, "Urgent matters require my attention. Can't you remain here peacefully?"

Shu Ci, unyielding, used her hind paws to vigorously tousle Baili An's hair.

"Little one, your current weakness is considerable. It would be best to keep me by your side; I can offer protection."

This minuscule creature, insufficient even to be a meager dish, shamelessly proclaimed its protective capabilities.

A mixture of amusement and vexation washed over Baili An. He grasped her head and placed her on his shoulder, remarking, "You? It's sufficient if you refrain from causing any trouble."

Ultimately, his resolve softened, unwilling to leave the little fox to face its circumstances alone.

Just as his hand reached for the door, his Vermilion Bird pouch, secured at his waist, began to vibrate erratically, its spiritual power surging outwards.

Baili An reacted with surprise, hastily unfastening the Vermilion Bird pouch, from which a small, shadowy figure shot out.