After Being Certified by the Immortal Lord on the Path of Ruthlessness - Chapter 32.1

“You know, my nightmares are quite severe.” Ye Qingge’s voice gradually softened as she lowered her gaze, staring intently at Jiang Mianhao.

 

Watching the dawning comprehension on the other’s face, Ye Qingge smiled inwardly.

 

She continued, “Taking you along on this journey to cultivate will deplete a great deal of my spiritual energy. I need you to ensure I can sleep well.”

 

After speaking, Ye Qingge lifted her eyes to Jiang Mianhao, quietly awaiting her response.

 

It was Ling Lan, who had just caught on, who immediately interjected, “If it’s going to be this troublesome, why don’t we just stay at the foot of Mount Taibai instead of going to Mount Hua?”

 

At her sudden change of heart, Ye Qingge’s eyes darkened slightly, but she said nothing more.

 

A mix of emotions surged within Jiang Mianhao—confusion, anticipation, and guilt?

 

Ye Qingge analyzed these feelings, momentarily unable to pinpoint their origin. She could understand the confusion and anticipation, but why the guilt?

 

Jiang Mianhao stole a glance at the white-robed immortal before her.

 

Going to Mount Hua to cultivate and attain human form was an incredible opportunity but it would cost Lu Jiu her spiritual power and put her at risk, while all Jiang Mianhao had to offer was a bit of sleep.

 

Lu Jiu was too kind, and this kindness should have been reserved for her destined partner.

 

Quietly, Jiang Mianhao lowered her lashes, concealing all her emotions.

 

Ye Qingge, who had read every thought, was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected the guilt to be directed at her.

 

Even more unexpected was that this silly plant was still hung up on the question of who her destined partner was. Hadn’t she made that clear enough?

 

Each lost in their own thoughts, neither spoke again.

 

Caught in the middle, Ling Lan remained oblivious to the emotional turmoil between the two. She glanced at Jiang Mianhao, then turned to look at Lu Jiu.

 

Finally, she lowered her head, her gaze falling on the peachwood sword in her hand.

 

“Mount Hua…” Ling Lan murmured, having heard of it before.

She had learned about it from a poplar tree that had successfully attained human form and hailed from Mount Hua.

 

It was home to the finest sword cultivation in the world. The ultimate dream for every sword cultivator in the martial realm.

 

And Ling Lan yearned for it, hoping to one day become one of them.

 

She had only ever dared to imagine visiting Mount Hua, yet now Lu Jiu not only offered to guide her cultivation but also promised to help her find a sword that truly suited her.

 

But…

 

Ling Lan closed her eyes, ruthlessly severing all traces of hope in her heart.

 

Mount Hua and sword cultivation were her deepest desires, yet if pursuing them meant losing Jiang Mianhao, she would rather not go.

 

The reason she had allowed Jiang Mianhao to sleep near Lu Jiu these past few days was purely out of fear of repeating the previous incident.

 

But after several days, nothing unusual had occurred.

 

As Ling Lan hesitated inwardly, unsure how to ask for Jiang Mianhao back, she suddenly heard Jiang Mianhao’s voice.

“Alright! I agree.” Jiang Mianhao’s reply was crisp and decisive, her youthful voice clear and refreshing, like a mountain spring flowing through the heart.

 

Ling Lan’s breath hitched, and she looked up in astonishment.

 

Ye Qingge was satisfied with the answer she had hoped for. “Good,” she acknowledged. “This journey is fraught with dangers. Try to stay close to me as much as possible.”

 

Jiang Mianhao nodded in agreement.

 

After responding to Lu Jiu, she quickly stepped forward and took Ling Lan’s hand, giving it a gentle shake.

 

“Lanlan, we get to go to Mount Hua!” Jiang Mianhao’s heart brimmed with joy, her tone and eyes sparkling with excitement. Ling Lan had told her more than once how much she wanted to visit Mount Hua.

 

With Lu Jiu’s help, Ling Lan’s cultivation would surely progress much faster. Jiang Mianhao didn’t want Ling Lan to miss this opportunity.

 

Moreover, in her heart, she couldn’t bear to part from Lu Jiu. If she were to sleep with Lu Jiu every night along the way.

 

Jiang Mianhao’s ears flushed slightly as she shook her head repeatedly.

 

“Mianhao,” Ling Lan held her hand, “you—”

 

Jiang Mianhao raised her hand to cover Ling Lan’s lips. “Alright, alright! I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast?”

 

She then turned to the person behind her. “Lu Jiu, hurry up and freshen up. I’ll go next door to check on Xiu Xiu first.”

 

Ye Qingge nodded in agreement.

 

Almost as soon as she nodded, the door closed.

 

The inn they were staying in was the finest in the area, bustling with people coming and going downstairs. Even though it was past mealtime, the place remained lively.

 

Ling Lan had practiced her swordplay that morning without drinking a drop of water and had been eager to see Jiang Mianhao ever since. Only now did she begin to feel hungry.

 

The pastries on the table exquisite lotus flower pastries exuded a fragrant aroma.

 

Jiang Mianhao picked up a piece and gently placed it in front of Ling Lan. “Lanlan,” she said softly.

 

Ling Lan picked up the lotus flower pastry, took a bite, and hummed in acknowledgment.

 

“On this trip to Mount Hua, let’s not separate again, okay?” Jiang Mianhao’s tone was gentle. “You, me, and Lu Jiu.”

 

Ling Lan froze, the pastry forgotten in her mouth, staring blankly at the person before her as she searched for any hint of jest.

 

But Jiang Mianhao was entirely serious.

 

Her clear jade-green eyes were bright and unwavering, reflecting Ling Lan’s own chewing expression back at her.

 

Ling Lan understood perfectly what Jiang Mianhao meant by “not separating again.”

 

Though it sounded like a simple and reasonable request, a sudden tightness gripped Ling Lan’s chest.

 

“Mianhao,” Ling Lan set the pastry back on the plate, her expression serious, “are you trying to tie Lu Jiu to us?”

 

Just moments ago, when Jiang Mianhao had agreed, a fleeting thought had crossed Ling Lan’s mind, an urge to escape with Jiang Mianhao again, just like last time.

 

But it seemed as though Jiang Mianhao had seen right through her the moment the thought surfaced.

 

“So, will you really stay by her side throughout this journey?” Ling Lan’s voice was quiet, almost muffled.

 

The hall bustled with diners, the constant flow of people creating a noisy, chaotic backdrop.

 

Ling Lan’s words seemed to vanish into the clamor the instant they were spoken.

 

Yet they still reached Jiang Mianhao’s ears. Seeing Ling Lan’s downcast expression, a pang of guilt crossed her heart. She pursed her lips and whispered softly, “Lanlan, you will always be my only family. The two of us will never be apart.”

 

The word family brought a slight warmth to Ling Lan’s heart, easing some of her tension.

 

Still, a lingering dissatisfaction remained. For some reason, she didn’t want to be “just” family with Jiang Mianhao. She wanted more—something deeper, more intimate.

 

But she didn’t voice it aloud. She simply nodded, echoing, “The two of us will never be apart.”

 

 

Ye Qingge, left alone in the room, had no intention of going downstairs to eat.

 

This trip to Mount Hua was far from a spur-of-the-moment decision.

 

The soaring bird and the red snake that had appeared at the foot of Mount Taibai were no coincidence.

 

Yet no matter how hard she searched, that mass of black energy always vanished the moment she tried to seize it.

 

The soaring bird that had injured Jiang Mianhao and the red python that had bitten Ling Lan were nothing more than illusions just like what she had seen atop Mount Taibai.

 

Only Mi Xiu’s origins were truly suspicious. After being wounded by her last time, he had fled. She had assumed he would disappear for good.

 

Yet here he was again, appearing at this very moment.

 

What is his purpose?

 

Is it connected to those bird and snake factions?

 

Ye Qingge let out a deep sigh. At the summit of Mount Taibai, it had been only a fleeting black aura; at the foot of the mountain, however, there were now two distinct manifestations.

And what about the words “Huashan” engraved on the dart that had just shot into the screen?

 

Ye Qingge’s thoughts twisted into a chaotic tangle, leaving her with an indescribable unease.

 

Just as she was lost in contemplation, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Jiang Mianhao poked her head in, standing hesitantly outside, her gaze fixed on Ye Qingge.

 

Disturbed from her thoughts, Ye Qingge lifted her eyes to meet hers.

 

The indifference in her expression remained intact; her face, usually calm and expressionless, now appeared both cold and fierce.

 

Yet Jiang Mianhao didn’t seem to mind at all. Looking at that formidable face, she beamed brightly, her smile radiant. “Lu Jiu, since you didn’t come down to eat, I packed something for you.”

 

She stepped inside, pushing the door gently open. In her hands was an old, yellowish oil-paper package containing carefully prepared hibiscus pastries.

 

Ye Qingge, born with an immortal body, had never developed the habit of eating; her daily spiritual energy supply more than sufficed.

 

Her gaze first fell upon the pastries, then lifted to the person standing before her.

 

The young girl holding the pastry looked at her eagerly, hands cupped as she offered the wrapped treat.

 

The words of refusal hovered on Ye Qingge’s tongue, but she sighed softly and said, “Let me try one.”

 

Overjoyed by the response, Jiang Mianhao immediately began untying the string around the pastry.

 

The thin hemp rope was wrapped layer upon layer, yet it couldn’t contain the pastry’s aroma. With each layer undone, the fragrance drifted out a little more, teasing the senses.

 

Even though she was already full, Jiang Mianhao couldn’t help but swallow reflexively. “Lu Jiu, let me tell you. Everyone says the pastries at the foot of Mount Tai are famous far and wide. Especially these handmade hibiscus pastries. They’re crisp layer by layer, and with one bite, the fragrance lingers in your mouth.”

 

As she spoke, Jiang Mianhao carefully unwrapped the pastry and held it out.

 

Ye Qingge’s gaze fell on the treat before her. Just as Jiang Mianhao had described, the aroma was indeed enticing.

 

She lifted her hand, lightly pinching the pastry with her fingertips, and took a small bite.

 

Jiang Mianhao watched eagerly, bouncing slightly on her heels. “How is it? How is it? Is it delicious? Is it delicious?”

 

This pastry was the finest she had chosen after sampling countless varieties. Thinking that Lu Jiu hadn’t eaten yet, Jiang Mianhao had meticulously tasted an entire table of pastries before finally settling on this hibiscus treat.

 

“Mmm.” Ye Qingge swallowed the bite in her mouth and murmured lightly, “It’s delicious.”

 

Overjoyed by the response, Jiang Mianhao clenched her fists, raised them high, and cheered, “Yay!”

 

Ye Qingge didn’t understand why the girl was so ecstatic. The pastry in her hand wasn’t truly remarkable. Though considered a delicacy in the mortal realm, it paled in comparison to the confections of the Heavenly Palace. It was crispy, yes, but overly greasy, and its fragrance seemed to be a clumsy blend of several aromatic powders.

 

Taking advantage of Jiang Mianhao’s exuberant cheering, Ye Qingge quietly slipped the pastry under the table.

 

Yet, she still wore a smile on her face and said gently, “I’ve already finished one. You can have the rest.”

 

The oil-paper wrapper still held a small stack of pastries, forming a little hill that seemed almost too tempting to resist.

 

Jiang Mianhao licked her lips, her eyes sparkling with desire.

 

Newly manifested plant spirits were at their most gluttonous stage, and the mortal world’s delicacies were both abundant and enticing.

 

Jiang Mianhao had been eating quite a lot these past few days, yet it never felt like enough.

 

At that moment, the bag of lotus seed pastries carried an incredibly fragrant aroma. Still, she quickly suppressed the thought.

 

Forcing her gaze away, Jiang Mianhao asked with concern, “But you only had one, Lu Jiu. You don’t eat much every day. Can your body handle it?”

 

Since arriving in the mortal world, it seemed she had never seen Lu Jiu eat anything. Today’s lotus seed pastries were the first time.

 

Ye Qingge gave a faint hum and replied, “Actually, it’s fine if I don’t eat. After all, I rarely had these kinds of things before descending to the mortal realm.”

 

The sudden gentleness in her tone, so unlike her usual demeanor, left Jiang Mianhao momentarily dazed. She obediently nodded, careful not to provoke a return of the cold, distant Lu Jiu she so feared.

 

“Can you eat more?” Ye Qingge pushed the pastries toward her. “Go ahead, finish them.”

 

The person in front of her seemed hesitant, a hint of embarrassment flickering across her features.

 

Yet her gaze never left the pastries, unable to look away.

 

Jiang Mianhao pursed her lips and, without any ceremony, picked one up. “Logically, I’ve already eaten, but these lotus seed pastries smell too good to resist.”

 

Ye Qingge said nothing, simply watching her quietly.

 

The white jade pendant transmitted the other’s emotions, and at this moment, there was only happiness in Jiang Mianhao’s heart.

 

That happiness resonated quietly within Ye Qingge, softening her tone in an uncharacteristic way.

 

Jiang Mianhao lifted another pastry and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing softly, her cheeks slightly puffed out like a little hamster.

 

Watching her eat so freely, Ye Qingge’s previously troubled thoughts settled, and she found herself staring blankly at those round, full cheeks.

 

Only the gentle sound of chewing filled the air.

 

On the other side of the wall, the person quietly withdrew her ear.

Mi Xiu sighed, plopped down onto the bed, propping her chin in her hands, and stared blankly.

 

Earlier, Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan had come to check on her, but she had pretended to be asleep and brushed them off.

 

The soul-sucking talisman she had planted on Jiang Mianhao last night had miraculously disappeared. The little grass spirit, who should have had her spiritual power completely drained, was now lively and energetic.

 

This only strengthened Mi Xiu’s belief that Jiang Mianhao possessed an immortal bone.

 

If she were just an ordinary grass spirit, how could she possibly still be alive?

 

While eavesdropping by the door earlier, she had overheard the three of them planning to go to Mount Hua.

 

Mount Hua… Mi Xiu ruffled her hair, somewhat puzzled.

 

Why go to Mount Hua to cultivate immortality?

 

Could it be that Jiang Mianhao’s immortal bone was that of a sword immortal?

 

Tap, tap, tap.

Just as Mi Xiu was lost in thought, a knock came at the door.

 

She abruptly looked up and saw a figure standing there.

 

The next moment, Ling Lan’s voice drifted through: “Mi Xiu? Are you awake?”

 

Hearing the sound, Mi Xiu immediately lay back down, pulled the covers up to her neck, closed her eyes, and continued pretending to sleep.

 

Receiving no response, the person at the door gently pushed it open.

 

Seeing Mi Xiu lying on the bed, Ling Lan placed the pastries she had brought on the tea table and began to turn away.

 

Just as she reached the door, a soft groan came from the bed.

 

Ling Lan paused, her hand still on the door, and turned back.

 

“Lan Lan,” Mi Xiu coughed twice weakly, “is that you?”

 

Ling Lan hummed in acknowledgment and asked, “You’re awake?”

 

She had no intention of paying Mi Xiu much mind. For some reason, ever since descending the mountain, Mi Xiu seemed like a completely different person.

Or perhaps this was the real Mi Xiu all along.

 

“I’m a little thirsty,” Mi Xiu said softly, swallowing. “Could you help me have a sip of water?”

 

Ling Lan hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded, holding out the cup.

 

“Th-thank you.” Mi Xiu didn’t reach for the cup. Instead, she tilted her head up and drank directly from it.

 

The intimate, boundary-crossing gesture made Ling Lan somewhat uneasy.

 

Suppressing the urge to pull her hand back, Ling Lan frowned and watched silently as Mi Xiu drained the entire cup.

 

“Thank you, Lanlan.” Mi Xiu gently pressed her lips together.

 

Ling Lan didn’t respond, merely humming softly in acknowledgment before turning to leave.

 

“Hey!” Mi Xiu called out quietly. The person in front of her paused mid-step, stopping.

 

Ling Lan glanced back, her expression as indifferent as ever.

 

Mi Xiu met her gaze, her mind racing as a single tear slipped down her cheek.

 

Seeing it, Ling Lan looked puzzled.

 

“I’m sorry, Lanlan,” Mi Xiu said softly. “I know you still dislike me because of what happened with Mianhao last time, but I wasn’t lying. I really was injured.”

 

As the girl on the bed poured out her grievances through trembling words and tears, Ling Lan sighed but remained silent.

 

There was more at play than this one suspicious incident, and Ling Lan’s temper wasn’t aimed solely at Mi Xiu.

 

Finally, the young girl by the doorway let out a quiet sigh. “I’m not blaming you.”

 

Seeing her relent, Mi Xiu inwardly smiled, though tears still streaked her face.

 

After spending time together on the mountaintop, Mi Xiu had come to understand this person’s temperament all too well.

 

Jiang Mianhao was soft-hearted and couldn’t resist persistent pleas. And though Ling Lan’s words could be sharp, her heart was tender.

 

Back in the alley, Mi Xiu had acted on a whim.

When she saw Ling Lan approaching without a word, Mi Xiu closed her eyes and collapsed right there.

 

She was taking a gamble and it had paid off.

 

Just as she had hoped, she was taken in.

 

“Lanlan, thank you,” Mi Xiu sighed softly. “Once I’ve recovered, I’ll take you and Mian Mian to my hometown on the plains. It’s far more prosperous and abundant there.”

 

But Ling Lan shook her head. “There’s no need. Once you’re healed, you should return home on your own. You’ve finally succeeded in your transformation. Your family will be overjoyed for you.”

 

Hearing the word family, Mi Xiu inwardly scoffed.

 

The fabricated story she had spun had actually convinced these two foolish plant spirits.

 

As she hesitated, unsure how to brush off the topic, a voice called from the doorway.

 

“Xiu Xiu, you’re awake!” Jiang Mianhao peeked in.

 

Hearing her voice, Mi Xiu felt as if she had grasped a lifeline, her heart fluttering with relief and renewed hope.

 

“Mian Mian!” Mi Xiu couldn’t contain her joy, but her gaze suddenly froze and her smile stiffened.

 

Standing behind Jiang Mianhao was another person.

 

“Are you feeling better?” Jiang Mianhao tugged at the hem of the person behind her and stepped inside. “Both Lu Jiu and I were very worried about you.”

 

Ye Qingge glanced at the hand clutching her clothes and instinctively frowned.

 

This plant spirit had been begging and coaxing her in the room earlier, insisting she come along to visit Mi Xiu and now, as if afraid she might run away, was holding onto her robe.

 

“Thank you, Mian Mian, and thank you, Immortal Lord.” Mi Xiu shrank back slightly, not daring to meet Ye Qingge’s eyes.

 

This subtle movement was noticed by Ling Lan, who followed Mi Xiu’s gaze.

 

The person before her was still dressed in white robes, her expression indifferent, not even sparing a glance toward the bed.

 

“Is Mi Xiu afraid of Lu Jiu?”

Ling Lan wasn’t entirely sure of her observation, but when she shifted her gaze back, Mi Xiu had already returned to her usual self.

 

“No need to be so formal!” Jiang Mianhao pulled the person behind her closer to her side. “You can just call her Lu Jiu. Lu Jiu is very nice; she just doesn’t like to talk much.”

 

As she spoke, Jiang Mianhao gently tugged on Ye Qingge’s sleeve.

 

Feeling the emotions transmitted through their spiritual connection, Ye Qingge sighed helplessly and responded with a faint, “Mm.” This seemed to confirm Jiang Mianhao’s words.

 

After receiving the response, the emotions in their spiritual connection indeed became livelier again.

 

Jiang Mianhao asked softly, “Are you feeling better now, Xiu Xiu?”

 

“I’m much better, Mian Mian,” Mi Xiu chuckled lightly and asked, “What about you? How is the injury from last time healing? Does it still hurt? Any discomfort?”

 

Jiang Mianhao shook her head in response to the barrage of questions.

 

“The injury from last time has long since healed,” Jiang Mianhao said. “It doesn’t hurt anywhere now.”

 

Mi Xiu let out an “Oh” and murmured, “I see.”

 

Her expression and every subtle movement were carefully observed by Ye Qingge.

 

“You’re disappointed?” Ye Qingge spoke suddenly.

 

Her words were like a stone thrown into a lake, sending ripples outward and drawing the attention of everyone present.

 

“Immortal  Lu Jiu, what are you talking about? I don’t understand,” Mi Xiu laughed nervously. “I was just… I was just worried about Mian Mian.”

 

Jiang Mianhao turned to look at the person behind her, blinking in confusion. For some reason, she had sensed a faint undercurrent of tension.

 

Ling Lan, standing to the side, shifted her gaze back and forth between Mi Xiu and Lu Jiu.

 

Ye Qingge said nothing more, quietly observing Mi Xiu.

 

Recalling the events of the previous night, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and a flash of killing intent flickered across her golden pupils.

 

Mi Xiu broke out in a cold sweat under that gaze. She quickly lay back down, pulling the covers over her head.

The gaze of the person before her was too sharp, as if her true identity could be exposed at any moment.

 

“Thank you, Lanlan, Mian Mian, Lu Jiu, for coming to see me,” Mi Xiu mumbled from under the covers. “I’m a bit tired. Could you let me rest for a while?”

 

Seeing her fatigue, Jiang Mianhao nodded considerately. “Then rest well.”

 

With that, she took the person behind her and walked out.

 

Watching them leave, Ling Lan’s expression darkened, and she followed.

 

As she reached for the door, voices drifted from the corridor:

 

“Hey, have you heard? A new storytelling house opened near the Narrow Gate. They say the stories are really bizarre.”

 

“Really? I should go check it out!”

 

A tall and a short figure walked out, chatting as they passed, pausing briefly in the corridor.

 

“Excuse me, could you make way for us?” the tall one said politely to the lady in white ahead.

The lady in white didn’t move, but the girl in green gently pulled her forward in her embrace.

 

Jiang Mianhao said softly, “Sorry, please go ahead.”

 

“Thank you, miss,” the short one cupped his hands politely.

 

As the two walked away, Jiang Mianhao gently tugged on Ye Qingge’s sleeve, looking up with pleading eyes.

 

Through their spiritual connection, emotions of longing, anticipation, and a hint of entreaty surfaced.

 

Ye Qingge clicked her tongue. “Don’t even think about it.”

 

“Please, Lu Jiu,” Jiang Mianhao coaxed, tugging at the sleeve again, swaying it back and forth. “I’ve never heard of that storytelling house. I want to go see it.”

 

Ye Qingge tried to pull her sleeve free, but it wouldn’t budge.

 

The person before her held the fabric tightly, eyes glinting with mischief.

 

“Lu Jiu!” Jiang Mianhao pleaded softly. “You’re the best! Please say yes?”