13 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

Thus they embarked, with Ji Wu Nian following closely. Not only did he follow, but he also did not allow Yue Bai to fly her sword on her own. Wrapping his arms around her, he leaped onto their sword, insisting they flew together. "At least you're not being carried..." Jiu Yi tried to comfort her. Yue Bai had grown accustomed to it; her heart remained calm and unperturbed. They arrived just as the graduation ceremony concluded. The disciples preparing to leave were returning to their rooms to pack their belongings. To Yue Bai’s surprise, Ji Wu Nian did not land them in the center of the square but rather in the pavilion where she had earlier had a secret conversation with Ji He Guang. The cup she had left behind was gone, likely taken by whoever had cleaned the area. "Go ahead," Ji Wu Nian said lazily, sitting down in the pavilion. "Finish your conversations and bring He Guang along." Yue Bai bowed and turned to leave. Ji Wu Nian watched her retreating figure, his smile fading, lost in thought. Upon entering the main hall, Yue Bai found that two other inner disciples were also there to bid farewell. The three acknowledged each other with a nod but exchanged few words. These two boys had arrived earlier, and many were curious about news from the inner sect, naturally asking about Xiao Ye, who had recently been quite prominent. The boys embellished their stories, leading to curious glances cast Yue Bai's way when she arrived. A few who had previously chatted with her came over to greet her and ask about her recent activities. Yue Bai responded to each courteously. One of them, also leaving that day, engaged in an extended conversation with her. At that moment, Ji He Guang and Yu Mi noticed the commotion outside, prompting Yue Bai to bid farewell to the crowd and approach them. In her student days, Yue Bai had been close to Ji He Guang, leading to various speculations, which she ignored. She sought Ji He Guang because, through his soul sea, she learned that someone had sent a message regarding a recent flooding incident in the southeastern coastal region where the Prince's Mansion was located. He would need to return there once his current duties were concluded. Sensing something amiss, she intended to give him something for his journey. Even if it turned out unnecessary, it would help maintain their good relations. She hoped to use Ji He Guang to establish connections with other powers, such as the court or the emperor. Her main mission revolved around Ji Wu Nian, but the persona of Xiao Ye had to navigate the entire world. Ji He Guang and Yu Mi were both surprised to see her, and the three exchanged smiles and chatted warmly. Yu Mi, noticing the sword in Yue Bai's hand, recalled the rumors and asked if it was crafted by Master Ji and if it could fly, his curiosity as lively as ever. The trio found a secluded spot, and Yue Bai unsheathed her sword, Feng Yu. The chilling aura made them shiver. Yu Mi tentatively touched it and exclaimed, eyes gleaming, "Xiao Ye, can you take me for a flight?" Then, remembering something, he looked eagerly at Ji He Guang, seeking permission. Ji He Guang, seeing his hopeful expression, turned to Yue Bai. He, too, was curious but as a man, he didn't know where or how to stand on such a delicate sword—grasping her waist was out of the question, it wouldn't be proper. Yue Bai didn't mind, but since Ji Wu Nian was still waiting, she suggested taking Yu Mi down the mountain with her sword if Ji Wu Nian agreed. As for Ji He Guang, Yue Bai suggested that if he agreed, Ji Wu Nian would find a way. Yu Mi cheered, and Ji He Guang, after some thought, suggested she pack her belongings. Regardless of Ji Wu Nian's later response, Ji He Guang intended to leave after seeing him. As Yu Mi skipped away, Yue Bai and Ji He Guang watched her. Ji He Guang glanced at the young woman beside him, who seemed to shine brighter with each passing day. "Xiao Ye, you seem much more composed than before." "All thanks to our master's teachings," Yue Bai replied. Being in the spotlight daily had worn down any shyness. But she didn’t dwell on it with Ji He Guang, instead handing him a hooked clasp, "You've taken good care of me; this is a token of gratitude. I made this at Ba Chi Peak recently, please accept it." The clasp was small, made of the commonly found black iron from Ba Chi Peak, with a simple fish scale pattern inlaid with turquoise on the surface. She shouldn't have owned such materials, but the disciple teaching her might have given her a choice from their abundant supplies, so she'd taken some. During crafting, she had embedded a protective spell within, sufficient for safety. Ji He Guang was taken aback by the small clasp. Making a farewell gift by hand was... He examined it and then glanced at her. The girl, having been nourished well over the last two months, had a radiant complexion, her features more defined and lively, especially her dark, round eyes that were very expressive. Ji He Guang couldn't deny a moment of astonishment and even affection upon first seeing her, but... She was destined to cultivate immortality... "Hey," Jiu Yi seemed about to poke Yue Bai's mind, "won't he think you're interested in him?" "What's wrong with that?" Yue Bai quickly waved her hand, "Your Highness, please don't misunderstand. Xiao Ye sincerely appreciates your care. As a mere villager, if not for Master's favor, I wouldn’t have met you. Moreover, having joined Master Ji's sect, I must sever earthly ties. I'm afraid there will be few opportunities to meet you again..." The more she spoke, the less coherent it became. Ji He Guang, understanding her shyness, gently interrupted, "No need to say more. We're of a similar age; I've always treated you like a younger sister. It's only natural to look after you. I hope, in a few decades, you won't mind calling an old man like me your brother." "Congratulations, Miss Yue!" Jiu Yi theatrically clanged a gong, "You've just received a sister card and a brother who should belong to your son's generation!" Yue Bai ignored him, smiling, "Of course." "Then I gladly accept the clasp," Ji He Guang cupped his hands and tucked the clasp and bead into his robe with a friendly smile, adding, "But let's not let my father find out; he’ll think his son is now his peer." As they chatted and laughed, Yu Mi returned with her belongings. Yue Bai led them to the pavilion where Ji Wu Nian was already waving at them, having procured a jug of wine. They shared it, making it a farewell toast. Yue Bai offered to take them down the mountain on her sword, which Ji Wu Nian readily agreed to, suggesting Yue Bai take Yu Mi while he carried Ji He Guang. Yes, carried. Ji He Guang was still smiling wryly when Ji Wu Nian tossed him a bead. Though black, it seemed to contain the universe, with stars etched throughout, gleaming beautifully. Holding it gave him a warm sensation. "This 'Chen Xing Pearl' is for you," Ji Wu Nian placed a hand on Yue Bai's head, "as thanks for taking care of Xiao Ye." Ji Wu Nian appeared smug, but Ji He Guang and Yue Bai both felt slightly awkward. "What?" Ji Wu Nian asked. Ji He Guang glanced at Yue Bai, unsure whether to speak. Yue Bai smiled wryly and bowed to Ji Wu Nian, "Master, I also thanked His Highness and gave him a small token." "Oh?" Ji Wu Nian looked at Ji He Guang, "What did you give?" Ji He Guang produced the clasp and the Chen Xing Pearl, explaining, "It was my duty; receiving Xiao Ye's clasp was already an honor, I cannot accept another..." Yue Bai watched Ji Wu Nian examine the clasp, her heart in her throat. The spell was well-concealed; it shouldn’t be discovered. She reassured herself, but one look from Ji Wu Nian still made her flinch. Ji He Guang, holding the bead, felt unsettled. His intention was to cement a bond of fraternity, not romantic implications; however, Ji Wu Nian’s gesture left him unsure. Accepting the clasp was one thing, but the bead... Ji Wu Nian glanced between them before placing the clasp back in Ji He Guang's hand, speaking lightly, "You may accept both. The clasp as thanks for your care, and the bead..." Twirling the bead before handing it back, she continued, "consider it repayment for the gift you gave Xiao Ye." Seeing Ji He Guang’s confusion, she patted his shoulder, "That peach wood sword was cute, I liked it." Huh? Peach wood sword? Yue Bai had almost forgotten where it was. Jiu Yi reminded her, "Hanging by your bedside..." "Oh." She had paid it little attention recently. "Let's go," Ji Wu Nian signaled Ji He Guang to store both items, casually calling for their sword and leaping away. Yu Mi, still a bit dazed, remarked, "Xiao Ye, Master Ji is quite fond of you..." Yue Bai would rather not have this strange affection, "Let's go." Throughout the journey, Yu Mi clung to her waist, shouting and hollering. Yue Bai didn’t stop her, allowing the young girl her excitement as they descended outside Qu Ren city, where Ji Wu Nian and Ji He Guang were already waiting. The carriage awaited them there, as the path up the mountain had no roads for it. Despite their early arrival, everything was in place. The four of them bid their farewells, watching as the carriage carrying Ji He Guang and Yu Mi gradually disappeared into the distance. Ji Wu Nian led Yue Bai a few steps further into a secluded area before lifting her into the air on their shared sword. He remained silent throughout the journey, and Yue Bai, uncertain of what to say, called out "Master" once without receiving a response. She decided to wait until they returned to Qing Lin Hall to speak further. As they passed through the mountain clouds into clearer skies, Ji Wu Nian's hold on Yue Bai tightened slightly. His head leaned closer to her left side, his breath tickling her ear. He sounded unexpectedly forlorn, "Xiao Ye'er, why don't you ask why I'm upset?" "Master?" Yue Bai's tone was one of surprise. She pondered for a moment, "Master, please understand, Xiao Ye holds no affection for His Highness..." "It's not that," Ji Wu Nian interrupted, pressing his forehead against her shoulder and moving it left and right like a child asking for candy. "Xiao Ye'er, I want one too." Want? Want what? Jiu Yi nudged her mind, "The clasp." "...If Master desires one, Xiao Ye will make another for you." "I want two." "Very well, Master." "I want them with cloud patterns." "...As you wish, Master." "And they need to be different." "...Understood, Master."