"My mother died long ago, let's go down to the underworld and find her," Feng She laughed. "Want some Gelsemium elegans soup?"
"No one from Hongling Temple will die a good death!" The man finally left in anger.
Feng She chuckled and turned back to look at Xue Zhi: "Zhi Zhi, I never believed that there could be a girl like you in this world, with such high martial arts skills and such stunning beauty. A girl as perfect as you, I'm afraid all the men in the world would be fighting over you, right?"
"How come you've been following Man Feiyue since you were little?"
“I heard from the Holy Mother that my father got into trouble in the martial arts world. They found my mother, killed her, and then, not satisfied with that, severed all the tendons in my hands and feet. My father saw that I was now a cripple and abandoned me. Later, the Holy Mother saw that I was pretty and took me away, so I grew up in Hongling Temple.”
"You had your tendons cut? You look perfectly healthy now."
"Oh, I heard from someone that she planted Gu in my bones. Those Gu have small hooks at the head and tail, which can be connected together to replace the tendons in my hands and feet. They also rely on sucking bone marrow to survive—sigh, don't make that face. They can't suck much. I'm still young, and my bone marrow regenerates quickly, enough for them to suck for many years."
"What about when you get old?"
How would I know?
Xuezhi's face twisted in disgust: "How could such a cruel and disgusting thing happen?"
"Zhizhi, I didn't even feel disgusted, how could you say such a thing?"
"What was your father thinking? Why did he abandon you?"
“I was already a cripple back then, why didn’t he just throw me away?” Feng She looked bewildered and puzzled. “I don’t know how you became the Palace Master. You’re not even as smart as your protectors.”
Xuezhi suddenly realized that there was always someone worse off than her. Feng She was only about ten years old, yet he spoke of these horrific events without batting an eye. It was clear that none of the children raised by Man Feiyue were normal.
Not long after, the people from Chonghuo Palace came out. Xuezhi told Fengshe with a serious expression that he could no longer follow them. Fengshe's words made Xuezhi compromise once again: "I have no money. The only way to make money is by selling honeysuckle soup."
Many incidents occurred along the way.
Xuezhi often thought back to her second uncle. When Lin Yuhuang was around ten years old, he also enjoyed harming people, but he never took their lives. He could drive a butcher to become a monk, and a convict to castration. Lin Yuhuang made someone suffer a fate worse than death, while Feng She simply made them disappear completely. Many times, Liuli had planned to kill this brat, but Mu Yuan always stopped her, saying he didn't kill good people and there was no need to offend Man Feiyue. Then, at Xuezhi's command, a group of people beat him half to death.
But can beating Feng She really stop him from killing? Have you ever seen a fish that doesn't swim?
The incident continues.
Early June, Suzhou.
Xuezhi met with Zhusha, Tridacna, and two other newly appointed protectors, Yunhui and Yaokong, in Suzhou. Since Xuezhi's return to the martial world, the people of Chonghuo Palace have been taking on extra prestige.
Suzhou has remained unchanged for many years: thousands of vermilion-lacquered houses, a city full of willow catkins, and boats sailing under 360 bridges.
However, almost every sect with a bit of reputation sent people to attend Feng Zi's birthday banquet. The amount of praise for Feng Zi that could be heard from all other places combined probably didn't match the amount heard from the Jiangnan region.
Lanterns hang high on both banks, amidst pavilions and terraces by the water.
Having not lived in this city for very long, Xuezhi didn't even know which road led to the restaurant.
However, the images of the colorful lanterns, the various masks, and the sweet and fragrant snacks at the Taibo Temple Fair that year, along with the image of someone carefully protecting their arm amidst the crowded throng, are things that I can never forget, no matter how hard I try.
At that time, she always had a misconception.
It feels like I'll always be wearing a red cotton-padded jacket, holding a little windmill, arm in arm with Sister Zhaojun, walking forward with the crowd, walking and walking... It feels like I'll never grow up, always be a little girl.
79 80 81
79
Mu Yuan had already booked a room in Yingzhou, the Immortal Mountain, but Xue Zhi insisted on finding somewhere else. Unfortunately, all the inns were full at this time, so if they didn't sleep in Yingzhou, they would have to sleep on the street. Xue Zhi managed to find a small, run-down inn to stay in, saying that if she could stay in a place like the back mountain of Chonghuo Palace, what place couldn't she stay in?
She finally realized that Feng She's claim of meeting Manyeyue in Suzhou was just an excuse. He still intended to cling to her. Xuezhi suppressed her anger, kept him at the inn, and told him not to cause trouble.
A few days later, it will be Lin Fengzi's birthday banquet.
Xuezhi got up very early.
雪燕教的玉天仙，重火宫的狐狸精。这两个名字雪芝都无比讨厌，但拿她们来比的人是越来越多越来越多，甚至还有不少男子扬言要把她们都娶进门的。雪芝不知道奉紫是什么反应，但她每次听见，都会出手揍人。
Xuezhi had never quite been able to describe her feelings towards Lin Fengzi. The two of them had been compared so often that it was natural to become somewhat sensitive. Moreover, the grudge they had once held against Lingjian Manor was something many people had witnessed and remembered. It was true that Lingjian Manor hadn't made a mistake in inviting them, but since they were here, they had to be careful.
A tall tree catches the wind, and at this critical juncture, even the constipated dogs of Lingjian Manor would blame it on her.
Therefore, even though she desperately wanted to dress up as a fairy, flaunt her beauty and charm, and stroll around Lingjian Manor to vent her anger, she couldn't do it for her own sake and for Chonghuo Palace.
A few days ago, Xuezhi, Yanhe, and Zhusha massacred Suzhou. The three women bought a lot of clothes with very little money, but Xuezhi never wore them once. The old clothes were almost all unisex martial arts uniforms, interspersed with a bunch of brightly colored floral skirts that Zhusha had bought. Every time Xuezhi wore those, she looked like a top courtesan in a brothel, attracting a lot of attention.
At this moment, she chose a white silk dress she had bought at the market a few days ago, with fuzzy collar and cuffs. Her hair was loose, with a tuft of snow-white fuzz casually pinned to the side, and two pearl earrings hanging from it. Then she raised her eyebrows, applied some rouge, and looked dignified without being flashy.
After that, he ignored the pitiful Toyotsugu and instructed someone to take his sword and go out.
They hired a carriage, and Xuezhi, Muyuan, Yanhe, and Liuli rode in one. Yanhe lifted the curtain and looked around, chattering incessantly:
"Everyone says Suzhou has a lot of beautiful women, but I haven't seen a single one."
Mu Yuan said, "After seeing so many palace masters, of course you won't be able to find any more beautiful women."
Xuezhi looked up at Mu Yuan in surprise: "Brother Mu Yuan, I rarely hear you praise me."
"I'm not praising you, I'm just stating the facts," Mu Yuan sighed. "How can we feel at ease if you continue like this? It feels like everyone is going to lie to you."
"Great Protector, your words are so cheesy." Yanhe wrinkled her nose, then looked at him with longing. "But it really feels good to hear..."
Liuli flicked her head: "It's not like I'm praising you, why are you so excited?"
Soon, the carriage arrived at the foot of Lingjian Manor.
Looking up from below, there are steps leading up and down everywhere, or people staying to exchange greetings.
The coachman lifted the curtain, and Xuezhi stepped down from the carriage with her head down.
Then, a strange sight occurred.
Everyone's eyes, regardless of gender, were like blocks of iron. Xuezhi seemed to be holding a giant magnet, drawing in the eyes of everyone along her way as she climbed upwards.
Yanhe, following the other three minor protectors, whispered, "It feels so scary."
Shengxiao nudged her with his elbow: "Never seen anything like this before? Don't embarrass Chonghuo Palace."
Zhu Sha turned around and said, "Besides Palace Master Lian, I'm afraid only you could do this. But Palace Master Lian is known for her unparalleled elegance, while you are stunningly beautiful."
Liuli said, "Zhusha, you're not a child anymore..."
Upon arriving outside the main hall of Lingjian Manor, Xuezhi spotted Lin Fengzi, the most eye-catching figure inside.
She was dressed exceptionally elegantly that day: a long, pale gold dress adorned with delicate white embroidery, her black hair styled in a bun, and a gold agate crown adorning her slanted bangs. Two gold ribbons cascaded down from the crown, complemented by a large ruby gold pendant, and a single beauty mark served as the finishing touch, making her appear both incredibly noble and charming. No one would doubt that she was a princess, let alone the daughter of a manor lord.
Seeing her like this, Xuezhi almost forgot how she used to cry and whine when she was little.
But in any case, this beauty has been the focus of attention since childhood.
Xuezhi thought she would be extremely jealous, but she was wrong.
She even felt a little lonely.
Actually, it's not a big deal if people are watching you on the stairs, since you'll pass by quickly anyway.
Upon entering the main hall of Lingjian Manor, even Xuezhi herself felt an overwhelming pressure.
The moment she stepped inside, Lin Xuanfeng, who was at the very back of the crowd, was the first to spot her. Then, he seemed to forget what he was saying halfway through and stared straight at Xuezhi.
The guests naturally followed the host's gaze.
So, in the blink of an eye, everyone in the main hall looked at Xuezhi, including Lin Fengzi who was next to Lin Xuanfeng.
Jasmine blossoms in Lingjian Manor are in full bloom, their pure white color surpassing even the snow.
Aside from her waist-length, jet-black hair, Xuezhi was dressed entirely in white. Because of her understated attire, no one paid attention to her eye-catching jewelry or clothing. Her face and figure became the most striking features.
Many people couldn't help but think of the four words: Tianshan Snow Fox.
This time, Xuezhi was even more deadly than when she appeared at Aotian Manor in bright red.
Only Zhu Sha whispered, "The Palace Master wanted to keep a low profile, but it seems that the opposite has happened..."
Upon hearing Zhu Sha's words, Xue Zhi thought she had done something wrong again. With an unnatural smile, she walked across the red carpet to Lin Xuanfeng and said with a smile:
"Uncle Lin, it's been so many years! How have you been?"
"Xuezhi," Lin Xuanfeng exclaimed in delight, "She really has blossomed into a beautiful young woman!"
"Sister, I didn't expect you to actually come." Lin Fengzi blinked and looked her up and down. "Look, everyone says we are the most beautiful twin sisters in the martial arts world, and it's true."
Xuezhi looked at Lin Xuanfeng again, and her face twitched uncontrollably.
Lin Xuanfeng... how did he embellish those messy rumors in the martial arts world?
80
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, someone announced the arrival of the new guests. Lin Xuanfeng said, "Xuezhi, it's been a long time since you and Feng Zi have seen each other. You two go over there and chat for a bit. I'll go greet them and come back later."
Xuezhi calmed down and looked at him. Actually, he wasn't that bad. Objectively speaking, he was quite handsome.
But looking back at Feng Zi, those bright, sparkling eyes and that red mole that had grown to her brow were still just as repulsive.
Xuezhi was reluctantly dragged to the table by Feng Zi. Feng Zi smiled and said, "Sister, I've heard everything about your recent activities in the martial arts world."
Xuezhi looked at her and nodded with a forced smile.
—None of these are good things, no wonder she's laughing so happily.
"Everyone says you're a vixen." Feng Zi gripped Xue Zhi's hand tightly, her voice trembling with excitement. "You know, being a vixen is the highest level a woman can reach. Some even say that a vixen like you only comes along once every thousand years! Sister, I'm so proud of you!"
Few people have seen the gentle Feng Zi smile so brightly. Everyone cast surprised glances at her.
Xuezhi felt very uncomfortable.
Even coming from Zhu Sha, who was known for her outrageous and witty remarks, these words sounded incredibly awkward. Xue Zhi couldn't help but overthink when the person she hated most spoke of her like that. She held back for a long time before managing not to ask her why she was acting like an idiot even at eighteen.
“Some people say that you look a lot like Palace Master Lian. Apart from my father, the people I admire most are him and Uncle Lin. It’s a pity that I will never have the chance to meet him in this life, but now that I see you, I know that he must be perfect.”
The veins on Xuezhi's forehead throbbed, and her beautiful face instantly turned comical.
Feng Zi, you heartless thing—you've forgotten who gave birth to you, who you were most attached to when you were little!
Lin Fengzi sighed, then smiled and said, "However, when I was little, Uncle Lin took care of me, and I still remember it. Because he came to see me later, and this too." She then pointed to her own eye, "He only has one eye, but he still has a dignified bearing. Your fathers really are great people."
"Lin Fengzi, I want to ask you something."
"Please speak, sister."
Why do you talk so much?