4 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

Yue Bai's body remained frail, and the healing of her bones was not progressing quickly. Ji Wunian was considering bringing her under his tutelage, so he spared no expense on medicine to nurture her health. Liu Li had also learned from Ji Wunian that this young girl had unimpeded meridians, making her suitable for cultivation and possessing decent talent. It was said that even with a slight bit of guidance from Ji Wunian, she could already start to draw in Qi—truly a good protégé. As for her weak constitution, with proper care and additional physical training, this problem could be resolved in due course. Thus, due to these personal interests in nurturing her, Yue Bai had already become somewhat well-known within the Sanqing Sect even before the disciple recruitment meeting. According to Zhao Qi, in recent years, very few had received such esteemed treatment from two immortals. Yue Bai did not say much about it. She lived a leisurely life. In the evenings, she would unblock her meridians and occasionally, she would possess her soul to wander around the Sanqing Sect, though not straying too far. Her soul was strong, yet still tied to this fragile body. Using too much power would eventually affect it. This small courtyard, apart from Zhao Qi, had no other young disciples visiting—said to be by Ji Wunian’s orders, forbidding others from disturbing. So, once Yue Bai could move around, she only remained within the courtyard. When Zhao Qi asked her whether she wanted to take a walk around Baicao Peak, she refused. Ji Wunian’s actions were high-profile, yet Yue Bai preferred to stay out of the limelight. However, Yue Bai’s preference for anonymity could not overshadow Ji Wunian’s conspicuous nature. Not only did Ji Wunian reject Yue Bai’s proposal to descend the mountain early, but on the day of the disciple recruitment meeting, Ji Wunian, citing her ongoing illness, directly carried the young girl while sword-flying. The recruitment meeting was held in the plaza of the Sanqing Sect's outer temple. When they arrived, the plaza was bustling, but as she stepped down from the sword, the crowd instinctively gave them a wide berth. Ji Wunian wore a white Daoist robe, adorned with golden cloud patterns on the shoulders and wave patterns at the hem, exquisite and elegant. With bright eyes and pearly teeth, a dark red mole under her right eye, she always exuded confidence and charm, making it hard for anyone to look away. Landing in the center of the plaza unperturbed, she left the dazed young girl to be showered by the crowd’s attention. Jiu Yi whistled, but Yue Bai did not want to respond. “Go,” Ji Wunian patted the young girl’s back, even causing her to stumble forward a step, “Sign up.” The young girl gave Ji Wunian a somewhat forlorn look, as if she hadn’t yet recovered from the high-altitude flight. As she looked around, she noticed many eyes on her, surrounding them from all sides. Seeing this, Ji Wunian watched her sigh in resignation, purse her lips, and eventually lift her head to head forward. Barely taking two steps, someone called out, “Immortal Ji.” An outer disciple wearing Daoist robes emerged from the crowd. This person looked to be in his forties or fifties but still bowed to Ji Wunian. “Lian Jing, you’re just in time,” Ji Wunian summoned him over and pulled the young girl, who only reached her shoulder, back to her side. “I’m entrusting Yue Bai to you. Measure her, and I’ll come to pick her up in the afternoon.” To pick her up in the afternoon—this was an open declaration of favor, directly taking her under her wing. Yue Bai kept her head down, glancing at Ji Wunian out of the corner of her eye. She thought she had used a ruse to deceive her target, but this unexpected closeness felt off. Ji Wunian didn’t seem like someone who enjoyed taking care of children, so why had she suddenly taken such an interest in her? Was it because she got injured on her account? Or because her meridians were clear? Was she a promising talent? Or was it because of her stubborn resistance? The more you reject, the more intriguing you become? This behavior seemed odd, making Yue Bai suspect something unnatural. “It’s even better that she takes you in,” Jiu Yi teased, “Getting close to her wouldn’t harm you.” Yue Bai withdrew her gaze. Even though Jiu Yi said so, she did not believe it was a good path. Given there was no better option currently, her mild resistance was a bait to lure Ji Wunian, without genuinely wanting to upset her. Lian Jing bowed again and said to her, “Miss Yue, please follow me.” Yue Bai slightly bowed back, her tone gentle, “Thank you.” After that, without looking at Ji Wunian, she followed Lian Jing away. Ji Wunian stood behind them for a moment. When she saw that the young girl did not look back, she smiled and said, “Yue Bai, wait for me here in the afternoon.” The young girl pursed her lips, bowed slightly, “Understood.” Once Yue Bai left, someone approached Ji Wunian from the crowd to talk. She responded casually and then soared away on her sword. *** With Ji Wunian’s open protection, Yue Bai’s path through the tests was very smooth. Based on her peasant background, she did not display much in the knowledge test, merely stating that she barely knew how to read, and could not write long essays. The Daoists seemed somewhat surprised but did not make things difficult for her. Later, she was taken to test her bones. An elder applied a gentle flow of spiritual power just like Ji Wunian had done before. However, this person was even more gentle, so much so that an ordinary person might not feel it. The elder’s face displayed a mix of emotions. He, too, noticed her clear meridians superior to most but found her physical constitution weak, which might hinder her cultivation progress in the future. She was a good seedling, but not exceptionally outstanding like Ji Wunian. He wondered what had caught Ji Wunian's eye about her. Despite his doubts, this was a person whom Ji Wunian had clearly marked, making the Sanqing Sect and the visitors curious about this openly favored young girl. The disciple recruitment meeting lasted three days. Once concluded, all the recruited disciples would be gathered together, first to study Daoist classics. Only those who passed further evaluations could enter the inner sect, with assignments based on their talent. Therefore, apart from Yue Bai, who was already marked as an inner disciple, the other new disciples maintained a facade of harmony, unsure of their own status. But Yue Bai remained an exception, shrouded in mystery, having a close relationship with the renowned Immortal Ji, and literally carried in by her that day. After completing her tests, the new disciples, regardless of inner or outer sect status, were led to the dining hall. Many approached Yue Bai to start conversations. “Miss Yue,” someone asked out of curiosity, “what is your relationship with Immortal Ji?” “Immortal Ji kindly saved my life,” Yue Bai concealed the fact that it was her who got hurt because of her, “she is my lifesaver. I owe her a lot these days for taking care of me.” “Is the attire you are wearing the robe for inner disciples?” Yue Bai had not paid much attention to her attire. She wore whatever Zhao Qi gave her. Compared to Zhao Qi's outfit, hers differed in design. The outer sect disciples of Sanqing Sect wore dark blue Daoist robes, while inner sect favored light, fitting outfits. Her clothes were light in color but not as refined as inner sect robes, suggesting that Zhao Qi found her ordinary garb. “No, it isn’t.” “Miss Yue…” “Miss Yue…” People had many questions, some wanting to befriend her. Yue Bai answered them all, her tone gentle. Ji Wunian and Liu Li happened to arrive and observed the young girl, responding fluently, only occasionally showing signs of nervousness. She refrained from discussing her relationship with Ji Wunian in depth, not appearing to flaunt their familiarity. Liu Li chuckled, “That young girl seems more keen on drawing a line between you and her than becoming your apprentice.” Ji Wunian glanced at him. Naturally, she sensed it too. The young girl appeared guarded against her closeness. “Let her think what she wants,” Ji Wunian said without displeasure, “but this apprentice is as good as mine.” To emphasize, she added, “Otherwise, it wouldn’t justify all the copies of the disciple code I made her transcribe.” Liu Li chuckled, saying no more. Yue Bai ate until her mouth was parched. She had not intended to be so high-profile, risking becoming a target. Though unafraid, she felt it did not benefit her so-called mission in any way. She merely needed a distant yet observing relationship with Ji Wunian, without binding too closely. Fate, however, did not favor her wishes. After lunch, despite the crowd, Yue Bai was once again boldly carried away by Ji Wunian, citing her need for rest. Carried. Away. Yue Bai felt conflicted. She understood Ji Wunian’s plan now. Her low-key disposition did not please her, and she intended to thrust her into the center of attention, likely for amusement, enjoying her reactions. Taking an apprentice for fun, with no consideration for her feelings. Considering another way to interact, Yue Bai acknowledged that this demeanor already reflected a part of her true nature. Changing now would appear odd, only provoking more interest from this person. Besides, as Jiu Yi suggested, staying close to her target was not a bad choice now. As for Jiu Yi’s talk about destiny’s impact, Yue Bai remained skeptical but chose to believe for now. Leaf Bright made it clear she didn’t want too close a relationship with Ji Wunian. Controlling her attitude might achieve the calm distance she desired. Deciding so, Yue Bai dedicated herself to playing the subdued, stubborn young girl. Keeping her lips tight in defiance of Ji Wunian’s high-profile ways throughout. Ji Wunian, fully aware, led her back to the medicine hut and, still smiling, remarked, “Yue Bai, now everyone knows you’ll be my apprentice.” Yue Bai kept her head down, her voice muffled, “Thank you for your kindness, Immortal Ji.” Ji Wunian observed her for a while before finally patting her head. “I heard you don't know many characters? Can you understand Daoist classics?” The young girl hesitated a bit before shaking her head. Ji Wunian wasn't surprised; in fact, she smiled. “Well, as a new disciple, you still need to read the Daoist classics. Most disciples memorize them by heart before they even arrive, just as a formality. Since you're my chosen one, you must not bring shame to me. Starting tomorrow, I will teach you word by word. I don't expect profound insights, but at least grasp the general meaning.” Yue Bai looked down. “I'm afraid I’m not very bright…” “Dullness can be overcome with hard work,” Ji Wunian said boldly, supporting her head with her hand and smiling warmly at Yue Bai. “If you disappoint me, then you won't make it into the Sanqing inner sect…” What good does it do to bully a young girl like this? Yue Bai couldn't figure out what she had done to attract so much attention from Ji Wunian. Just an insignificant girl from the mountains, saying it was ambitious to hope to join an immortal sect would be an understatement. How did she catch the eye of this arrogant and domineering person? Jiu Yi’s mocking voice echoed in Yue Bai’s mind, “Discussing: What it feels like for a powerful being trying to conceal their strength while being forced to be competent.” His comments, known as ‘吐槽’ (tucao, meaning ‘roast’ or ‘mock’), were increasingly hard to deal with. Yue Bai gritted her teeth, “Yue Bai will do her best.” Ji Wunian seemed quite pleased with this and patted her shoulder. “Stay in this medicine hut for two more days. Once the disciple recruitment ends, you’ll join the new recruits on the mountain. After you complete your studies, I’ll take you back to Luán Qīngfēng.” Luán Qīngfēng was the main peak. Ji Wunian, being the sect leader’s junior sister, naturally resided there. Yue Bai gave up her resistance. “Yue Bai understands. Thank you, Immortal Ji.” “Good,” Ji Wunian acknowledged her bowed head and said no more. She stood up to leave, but paused at the door to add with a smile, “Yue Bai, soon enough, you’ll need to start calling me ‘Master.’” Before Yue Bai could react, Ji Wunian had already pushed open the door and left.