14 - The Cannon Fodder is Prepared to Divorce

Winter had come swiftly, bringing a blanket of snow to the seven peaks, cloaking them in glistening white. Yue Bai found himself entangled in Ji Wu Nian's whims, dedicating each morning for the past two months to making a pair of belts with hooks at Ba Chi Peak. He was so diligent that even Qi Yue Elder couldn’t help but visit him once. It’s said that Qi Yue Elder used Yue Bai’s dedication to reprimand his disciples, causing some resentment towards him. Yet, Yue Bai had no mind to care about the gossip. Ji Wu Nian was impossible to please, this one was unsatisfactory, and that one didn’t meet her standards. She played the victim, pouting and feigning tears, lamenting, "Little Yue won’t listen." Even Jiu Yi sighed, calling her a "drama queen." Not only critical about the appearance, Ji Wu Nian also made demands on materials, claiming, "How can what’s made for my master be inferior to what’s made for peers?" Yue Bai went through nearly all available materials at Ba Chi Peak for those belt hooks. Ji Wu Nian even sent him rare iron and jade, leaving the disciples of Ba Chi Peak in awe. Yue Bai, not wanting to reveal his expertise in artifact crafting, pretended to seek guidance. Some materials were so rare that even the senior disciples didn’t know how to handle them, prompting another visit to Qi Yue Elder. Yue Bai knew Ji Wu Nian was pushing him to learn artifact crafting, but he played along patiently. However, as time dragged on, he grew weary. On this particular day, Yue Bai brought out the rare Zijin Silver and Three-Black Gold that Ji Wu Nian had given him. These materials required not only precise handling of fire but also meticulous spiritual tempering. Even the senior disciple overseeing the furnace remarked on the difficulty, but Yue Bai insisted, and they set up two furnaces for him. Yue Bai timed it precisely and placed the materials into the furnace. The metal inside melted into a crimson liquid at high temperatures. With molds prepared, he made a cut on his palm, blood dripping from his sword Feng Yu onto the ground. Ignoring the gasps of others around, Yue Bai flicked the blood off his sword and sheathed it. He quickly grabbed the Zijin Silver with his right hand, timing it perfectly, pouring it into the mold. His left hand clenched tightly, letting his blood mix with the molten metal. Once one mold was filled, he poured the Three-Black Gold into another, the burning white iron mixing with his bright red blood, forming a black void. "Miss Ye Er," the senior disciple rushed over with medicinal powder and bandages, "you shouldn’t..." Using one’s own blood for crafting after just two months was indeed extreme. The disciple had watched Ye Er repeatedly pushed to limits by Ji Wu Nian and knew how grueling it was. He hoped this would end the torment, but seeing her use her own blood for a mere belt hook? "I'm fine, Brother Mo," Yue Bai reassured, wrapping the bandages around her hand, holding it up to stop the bleeding. Despite being young and a late entry with low cultivation, her high status made others avoid calling her “master” or any senior title, allowing them to address her by name. She made a habit of sweetly calling others brothers and sisters. Jiu Yi mocked Yue Bai’s tactic of feigning youthfulness but recognized it was well-received, maintaining friendly relations outwardly. More onlookers gasped, but when Yue Bai glanced their way, they fell silent. "Such self-harm," Jiu Yi commented reflectively. After tending to her wound, Yue Bai thanked Brother Mo and declined further help, insisting it was her master's request, which she must complete personally. News of Ji Wu Nian’s beloved disciple using her own blood for crafting immediately spread. Yue Bai knew this day was the elders’ meeting at Sanqing Sect, where Ji Wu Nian's presence, though unofficial, was often requested by the Sect Leader. Taking advantage, she boldly injured herself knowing Ji Wu Nian would be preoccupied. By the time the meeting concluded, Ji Wu Nian exited with the elders, still thinking about lunch, when she noticed disciples whispering upon seeing her. Confused, she called one over. "What’s going on?" she asked. Startled, the disciple stammered in front of the elders, "We heard Miss Ye Er used her own blood for crafting this morning, out of curiosity..." "Blood?" Ji Wu Nian narrowed her eyes, "At Ba Chi Peak?" The disciple trembled, "Y-Yes..." Ji Wu Nian bowed to the elders, "Excuse me, I need to go." With a burst of spiritual energy, she soared on her sword. The disciple, left stunned on the ground, watched her vanish into the sky. Arriving at Ba Chi Peak with a stern face, Ji Wu Nian found from the senior disciple that Ye Er had finished and left before noon, confirming she used her own blood. The disciple detailed the scene, hoping Ji Wu Nian wouldn’t push her further. Qi Yue Elder, arriving just in time, was pleasantly surprised at Ji Wu Nian's actions. "Quite the disciple you have, just like you were back in the day..." Ji Wu Nian glared at him but let him continue. "I like her, she’s talented. If you ever tire of her, send her to Ba Chi Peak, I’d be happy to teach her." Ji Wu Nian’s smile was icy, "Don’t even think about it." Returning to Qinglin Hall in a huff, Ji Wu Nian checked Ye Er’s room, only to find it empty. Realizing Ye Er planned to visit Baicao Peak that afternoon, she slumped into a seat, fuming with mixed emotions. Unable to stay still, she slammed the table and headed to Baicao Peak to find her. At Baicao Peak, Zhao Qi was treating Yue Bai’s wound again. The medicines used in the furnace were good for burns and cuts, but the sword Feng Yu left an icy mark. Zhao Qi frowned as she worked. "Why are you always getting hurt..." Yue Bai smiled without explaining. "Zhao Qi!" someone called. Zhao Qi, on hall duty, answered, telling Yue Bai to wait a moment. Yue Bai agreed and quietly moved to a corner. Many greeted her, glancing at her bandaged hand. Sitting down, she felt bored. “Jiu Yi, any new tasks?” “No,” responded Jiu Yi, the diligent task-report system, reiterating the current tasks, “Ongoing tasks: ‘Protect Liu Li’s safety during the tour,’ incomplete; ‘Aid Ji Wu Nian in improving her cultivation,’ incomplete, progress twenty-one percent. Main tasks: ‘Help Ji Wu Nian achieve her desire,’ progress six percent; ‘Ensure Ji Wu Nian lives to a hundred years,’ incomplete. That’s all.” Ah, it all revolved around Ji Wu Nian. Folding and unfolding like a paper fan, always about Ji Wu Nian. Yue Bai sighed deeply. Ji Wu Nian often went to a secret place to drink at night, sometimes not speaking, just drinking cup after cup. Yue Bai sensed her absence and would project her soul to watch from afar. Ji Wu Nian sometimes drank through the night, and Yue Bai had accompanied her. Watching quietly, Yue Bai felt no emotional stir, only puzzled by Ji Wu Nian’s sorrow despite appearing content. Jiu Yi speculated, “Maybe she’s lovesick?” Having observed enough, Yue Bai occasionally wandered, exploring other places while keeping an eye on Ji Wu Nian. With these nightly outings, Yue Bai had explored most of Sanqing Sect, even the mountains and collected a few small beasts. She had even visited Sect Leader Zhao Zi Chen’s cloud temple. Projecting her soul seemed to go unnoticed. Zhao Zi Chen, who had ingested her blood earlier, showed no signs of recognizing her, allowing Yue Bai to keep her spiritual power concealed. Everything appeared smooth in the sect, yet Yue Bai sensed something amiss. “Where’s Liu Li now?” “In Yingzhou.” Yue Bai’s connection to Liu Li remained vigilant in her mind, with Jiu Yi monitoring, proving its usefulness, "All seems peaceful so far." She pondered if maybe Liu Li was in contact with Ji Wu Nian, possibly causing her distress. Just as Jiu Yi was about to comment, in walked Cao Cao—or rather, Ji Wu Nian. Having attended the elders’ meeting, Ji Wu Nian was dressed formally in a white robe, with gold-threaded cloud patterns on the shoulders, exuding elegance. Today, she even wore her hair up, adding a touch of heroism. But she entered with a frosty expression; her response to greetings was a terse "Hmm," devoid of her usual affability. Ji Wu Nian’s icy demeanor melted slightly upon noticing the little girl dazed in the corner; she smiled again. Yue Bai had sensed her master coming but was preoccupied with thoughts until someone called out "Immortal Ji." Feigning surprise, she quickly turned and hurried toward Ji Wu Nian, greeting her respectfully, "Master." The little girl's humble demeanor made one want to protect her. Yet, the sight of her bandaged left hand stirred a flash of anger in Ji Wu Nian's eyes, which she quickly masked. "Ye Er," Ji Wu Nian gently cradled Yue Bai's left hand, her smile kind but not reaching her eyes, "Does it hurt?" Yue Bai kept her head bowed. "No, Master. It doesn't hurt anymore." "Using your own blood for crafting takes a lot out of you. How about you come back and rest with me today?" "...Alright..." "I have this feeling you’re going to be locked in a dark room..." Jiu Yi murmured, feeling uneasy, "Do you think your master is angry?"