6 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

In the following two days, Ji Wunian followed through with his promise to personally instruct Yue Bai. Yue Bai occasionally posed some simple questions, and the interactions between the two remained amiable. Within these days, they managed to skim through the book, and by the second night at dinner, Ji Wunian quizzed her on a few points. Yue Bai, while intentionally withholding some trivial details, still performed excellently overall. Ji Wunian was reasonably satisfied and rewarded her with what seemed like a torturous treatment. And so, the "handicapped" Ye Er found herself in Ji Xianzhang’s arms once again, precisely carried down the mountain to the Taoist temple courtyard, attracting everyone's attention. Jiuyi whistled once more, but Yue Bai paid him no mind as usual. At that moment, a ceremony was to take place, ostensibly welcoming new disciples into the order, with the sect leader also in attendance. Yue Bai had not communicated with anyone the previous day and did not even know where she should stand. Ji Wunian again found Daoist Lianjing to guide her. As soon as she joined the group, she naturally attracted everyone's gaze again. Fortunately, before too many people could approach her, the ceremony began. Zhao Zichen, dressed in a solemn daoist robe and holding a fly-whisk, exerted a slight pressure with his speech, which weighed down on the gathered crowd. Yue Bai followed the surrounding people and bowed her head, her peripheral vision catching sight of Ji Wunian standing on the side of the courtyard. Ji Wunian held a special status, one of transcendent prominence, yet he wasn’t a managing elder within the Sanqing Sect. Thus, he did not stand at the forefront but casually found a small corner to watch over his chosen disciple. Yue Bai naturally felt that gaze and still couldn’t understand Ji Wunian's peculiar favoritism toward her. After the meeting concluded, Ji Wunian did not come to her. Instead, he directed Lianjing to take her to her room. Yue Bai had previously counted; less than two hundred people were recruited this time, with only thirty or so likely to be selected into the inner sect. All new disciples stayed in a single courtyard, seven or eight per room, large shared bunk beds. Lianjing led her to the innermost room, and needless to say, they were scrutinized along the way. Yue Bai only showed a bit of shyness, occasionally smiling at others, still maintaining a somewhat composed manner. In any case, she had already "officially" walked through this back door, so acting shy now would seem pretentious. When Lianjing arrived, the room door was open, and sounds could be heard inside. It was likely that someone had quickly returned from the meeting. Since this was a female dormitory, he did not enter but merely knocked on the door frame. A fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl came to the door, still dressed in a daoist robe, imbued with a certain heroic spirit and standing tall, indicating a good background. Seeing Lianjing, she saluted, "Daoist Lianjing." Lianjing introduced Xuemu and Ye Er to each other. The girl was named Yu Mi. Upon hearing the name Ye Er, she was astonished. "This is Miss Ye Er?" The name Ye Er was well-known; every new disciple knew of the little girl whom Ji Wunian carried around daily. However, from a distance, Yu Mi had never seen Ye Er up close. Rumor had it that she was a simple farm girl of a delicate appearance, yet some didn’t believe it, circulating rumors that Ye Er was actually Ji Wunian’s illegitimate daughter. Either way, Ye Er was quite the sensation. At this time, several other roommates also returned in pairs. Seeing Lianjing there, they all began to scrutinize Yue Bai. "Hello everyone," Yue Bai greeted them with a bow and a slight smile, "I’m Ye Er; please take care of me." Lianjing gave a brief introduction, reminded the group of the afternoon class schedule, and then left. The girls were all curious about Ye Er, especially Yu Mi, who bombarded her with numerous questions, particularly about Ji Wunian. Yue Bai answered one question only to be met with another. Many questions were quite tricky, such as "What’s Ji Xianzhang’s favorite food?" or "What books does Ji Xianzhang like to read?" or "What does Ji Xianzhang do in her spare time?". Yue Bai repeatedly answered, "Xianzhang is often busy and not always with me," but Yu Mi only nudged her shoulder, her eyes saying, "I understand." Eventually, Yue Bai could only smile and remain silent. By lunch, more people surrounded her, asking questions solely about Ji Wunian. Her own demeanor did not indicate any special closeness to Ji Wunian, maintaining the boundaries between a senior and junior, a rescued girl, and her savior, careful not to overstep. Her gentle attitude, combined with occasional displays of supposed ignorance, helped her maintain a modest stance, making her a pleasant person to interact with, thus attracting more people wishing to befriend her. Where there was enthusiasm, there were also those watching coldly from the sidelines. Jiuyi reminded her that some still thought she was downplaying her situation and, figuratively speaking, showing off. Yue Bai saw it, understood it, and chose to ignore it. If it weren’t for her desire to return, she wouldn’t bother to interact with anyone in this world at all. "Suit yourself," Jiuyi had no objections to the matriarch’s approach. Yue Bai was still engaging with the crowd when she spotted a boy entering the dining hall. He had a refined face and a graceful bearing. Although there were many noble disciples here, his presence still stood out. As he entered, Yu Mi ran over to him, addressing him as Shizi. It turned out they were acquainted. After paying her respects, the boy’s eyes turned to Yue Bai. Yue Bai timed her gaze perfectly, meeting his eyes, smiling warmly, and nodding in acknowledgment. The Shizi did not join the crowd around her. It wasn’t until after the afternoon lecture that Yu Mi found an excuse to take her to a secluded area behind the lecture hall. Ji He Guang was waiting there. Seeing her approach, he bowed slightly, "Daoist Ye." Yue Bai asked Yu Mi, "Who is this?" "I am Ji He Guang," the boy kept his demeanor polished, speaking with melodic serenity, "I admire the doctrine and have come here to learn. By seniority, Ji Xianzhang should be my grand-aunt. Yu Mi is a servant from my father’s palace, accompanying me here. Seeing that you are close with Ji Xianzhang, I was quite curious. Hearing from Yu Mi that she has already met you, I asked her to invite you for a private meeting. I hope Daoist will forgive the intrusion." Yue Bai looked at the two of them, hesitated and then returned the bow, "Greetings, Shizi." "Ah…" Ji He Guang’s demeanor was light, though he waved it off with a small laugh, "I’m merely a prince’s son, while Miss Ye Er is soon to be Ji Xianzhang’s chief disciple. You might outrank me in the future…" His carefree smile and daoist robe could not hide his youthful vigor. Yue Bai relaxed a bit, "Please don’t say that, Shizi… Ji Xianzhang is kindhearted, and only because of his unmatched care, I…” she faltered, showing discomfort over the notion of being entitled to such an honor. Ji He Guang seemed genuine in his reassurance and comforted her. They chatted casually, Yu Mi occasionally interjecting, maintaining a somewhat servant-like relationship, yet still quite familiar. After Ji He Guang left, Yu Mi resumed chatting away with Yue Bai. *** Their room was said to house the leftover girls after the initial assignment, meaning it had fewer residents than the others. With five people on bunk beds meant for eight, the room was quite spacious. As night fell, the other girls slowly drifted off to sleep, while Yue Bai pretended to sleep. In reality, she was practicing her breathing exercises and converting spiritual energy, resting but not deeply asleep. She had completed the purification process while healing her physical injuries and planned to gradually improve her fragile meridians. As the crescent moon ascended, occasional bird calls drifted through the window. Suddenly, a wave of sword energy stirred. While keeping her brow smooth, Yue Bai’s spirit separated from her body and leaped out the window, heading towards the trees behind the dormitory. Deep within the forest stood a pavilion; Yue Bai chose not to approach too closely, instead perching on a branch. From this angle, she could see Ji Wunian standing with his hands behind his back in the pavilion. Ji Wunian’s sword lay on the stone table, and he faced the darkness of the forest, obscured further by the dappled moonlight. He should have been a person of radiant sunshine, yet he now appeared inexplicably lonely and cold. From afar, footsteps approached, a warm orange light dancing through the trees with each step. Yue Bai saw Ji Wunian turn slightly, and at his motion, several lanterns around the pavilion lit up, finally releasing him from the darkness. Ji Wunian smiled, his eyes curving as he spoke to the approaching figure, "He Guang, you've grown quite a bit." "Grand-aunt," Ji He Guang stepped into the pavilion, extinguishing his lantern and bowing to her, "It is good to see you." Ji Wunian laughed, appearing more youthful than Ji He Guang, "Why call me grand-aunt? Call me Elder." "Elder Ji," Ji He Guang smoothly transitioned. Calling this young-looking woman "grand-aunt" was indeed awkward, "Father missed Elder and told me to visit. He sent a few letters." From his sleeve, he produced several letters, "The elders often talk about you and know you rarely leave the mountain. Swamped by their affairs, they cannot visit personally and have tasked me with delivering these missives." Ji Wunian accepted the letters with a relaxed tone, "How are those little rascals doing?" "All are well at home," Ji He Guang seemed to refer to the entire royal family, "Uncle specifically asked me to thank Elder. Without Elder’s guidance, the disaster would have been worse." He bowed deeply, "Having Elder brings fortune to the world, and for that--" "Enough," Ji Wunian interrupted him, "No need for all that." She lifted his shoulder, urging him to stand straight, "Since you are here to learn the doctrine, focus on that. You can catch up with me, chat, reminisce about old times, but if you start talking about gratitude and blessing again, I'll leave." Ji He Guang, visibly struggling, eventually relaxed, "Elder Ji’s righteousness is unparalleled." Ji Wunian raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips lifting into a smile, "You youngsters are too rigid, not as amusing as these mountain kids." "Are you referring to Miss Ye Er, Xianzhang?" Ji He Guang asked. "Oh, you've met my little disciple?" Ji Wunian motioned for him to sit, "What do you think?" "Someone chosen by Xianzhang is not likely to be unworthy." Ji He Guang thought for a moment, "Miss Ye Er is gentle and courteous, and her manners are quite refined." Ji Wunian arched an eyebrow at him, "But?" "She often shows signs of timidity..." Ji He Guang hesitated but chose his words carefully, "Perhaps she needs more experience..." "A simple mountain girl, though not quite fit for the grand halls, she's done well to reach this point," Ji Wunian laughed, "She’s a stubborn one too, with considerable potential." Yue Bai slightly swayed her legs; this persona she adopted as Ye Er was achieving the intended effect. Since Ji Wunian had said so, Ji He Guang naturally followed her lead, "As long as Xianzhang is pleased." "Indeed," Ji Wunian looked at him, "I'll be busy this month and can't frequently come down the mountain. He Guang, you keep an eye on her for me." Ji He Guang was a bit surprised at the emphasis Ji Wunian placed on this little disciple but still replied, "He Guang understands. Please rest assured, Xianzhang." "You don’t need to over-protect her," Ji Wunian added, "As you said, she needs more experience." "The back door you’ve opened..." Jiuyi was also astonished, "Yue Bai, did you cast a spell on her or something?" Yue Bai pulled her legs in and hugged her knees. She too had yet to understand why Ji Wunian placed such importance on her. Ji Wunian and Ji He Guang continued with some casual conversation before she urged him to return. Yue Bai initially intended to dissipate her spirit and leave as well, but seeing that Ji Wunian had no intention of moving, she decided to stay on the tree to see what she intended to do. After Ji He Guang left, with his footsteps and the lantern light disappearing into the dense forest, Ji Wunian waved her hand, extinguishing all the lamps. She sat alone as she had come, enveloped in solitude. The forest shadows deepened, as if clouds concealed the moonlight. Ji Wunian retrieved a wine cup from somewhere, and with a slight flick of her wrist, the wine flowed smoothly into her throat. When she lowered her hand, the cup magically refilled itself. "The cheap wine often accompanies fewer guests; the moonlight is frequently obscured by clouds." Ji Wunian seemed lost in thought for a moment. Rubbing her fingers together, she downed another cup. A beauty drinking wine should be a picturesque and carefree sight, but Ji Wunian appeared as if she were drinking to drown her sorrows. Yue Bai simply watched as she drank cup after cup, her mind drifting. It wasn't clear how much she'd drunk, but eventually, Ji Wunian, seemingly unable to continue, chuckled lightly, placing the cup on the table with a crisp sound. With a swift draw of her long sword, she created a gust of wind. Ji Wunian leapt, carrying the scent of alcohol, and flew away on her sword. Yue Bai jumped into the pavilion, noting that the recently placed wine cup had once again filled itself. "Yue Bai," Jiuyi called to her, "Mission status updated. Ji Wunian has achieved her wish, progress five." Gazing in the direction Ji Wunian had flown, Yue Bai felt a tinge of regret. She had thought Ji Wunian was about to perform a sword dance.