After Being Certified by the Immortal Lord on the Path of Ruthlessness - Chapter 61

Jiang Mianhao was taken aback, tilting her head slightly as she asked softly, “What’s wrong? Why do you want to go back all of a sudden?”

 

“This is someone else’s home,” Ye Qingge murmured, burying her face in Jiang Mianhao’s neck, her voice barely a whisper.

 

The person leaning on her shoulder fell silent, yet Jiang Mianhao felt her breath catch, her heartbeat slowing as if responding to the closeness.

 

Someone else’s home. In a daze, Jiang Mianhao recalled the two small neighboring houses atop Mount Taibai.

 

The waterbed she loved, the window that always let in the sunlight,

 

And someone she loved deeply, who loved her just as much in return.

 

Jiang Mianhao tilted her head, nuzzling the person behind her gently. “Alright, we’ll go back after the Longzhi Festival,” she whispered softly.

 

“Mm,” Ye Qingge replied, burying her head deeper into Jiang Mianhao’s neck, unwilling to lift it.

 

She didn’t know when it had begun, but she had started to crave the scent of Jiang Mianhao.

A sense of belonging settled over Ye Qingge, bringing a peace and tranquility she had never experienced before but now cherished deeply.

 

She tightened her arms, choosing not to push the feeling away, and allowed herself to sink into the serenity.

 

Feeling the weight of the person behind her and listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing, Jiang Mianhao curved her lips into a faint smile.

 

Lu Jiu had barely slept the night before and had been busy with paperwork all day. If she wasn’t tired now, she would truly be made of iron.

 

Jiang Mianhao slowed her movements, standing quietly, using her slender shoulders as a resting place for the person behind her.

 

Time seemed to stand still. The room was wrapped in deep, encompassing silence.

 

Yet neither of them felt bored, savoring this rare, fleeting moment of tranquility that belonged solely to them.

 

When the dumplings were served, Ye Qingge let Jiang Mianhao lead her by the hand and sat close to her.

 

Plump, round dumplings were scooped out and placed on a porcelain plate.

 

The aroma was irresistible. Jiang Yuanjuan sniffed the air and exclaimed, “Wow, Mian Mian, did you make all these by yourself?”

 

“Yes!” Jiang Mianhao stood up and carefully picked up a dumpling for Jiang Yuanjuan. “I followed the method you taught me, Sister. Please try it.”

 

Having spent a long time scolding Feng Mingyi, Jiang Yuanjuan’s appetite had grown considerably.

 

With one bite of the dumpling, her eyes lit up.

 

“Mian Mian, you’re so clever and talented!” Jiang Yuanjuan swallowed and praised without hesitation. “Next, I’ll teach you how to prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner! This year’s celebration will be lively!”

 

At these words, a fleeting shadow of sadness crossed Jiang Mianhao’s expression.

 

Ling Lan noticed the subtle change and asked gently, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

 

Jiang Mianhao shook her head. “No.”

 

“If not, then let’s eat!” Jiang Yuanjuan said, taking another bite of the dumpling and sighing with satisfaction. “It’s so delicious!”

Jiang Mianhao served dumplings to Ye Qingge beside her but poked at her own food listlessly.

Her usual cheerful and lively demeanor made her despondency all the more noticeable.

 

Jiang Yuanjuan quickly sensed something was wrong and put down her chopsticks, asking patiently, “What’s the matter, Mian Mian? Is something bothering you?”

 

“Sister Jiang,” Jiang Mianhao said, her voice tinged with guilt, “I might not be able to celebrate the New Year with you. After the Longzhi Festival, Lu Jiu and I plan to return to Mount Taibai.”

 

“What!” Ling Lan couldn’t believe her ears. Her chopsticks clattered sharply against her bowl.

 

Feng Mingyi also grew anxious. “Mianhao, is it because of what happened earlier? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

 

“It’s all your fault!” Jiang Yuanjuan shot her a glance before softening her tone. “Mian Mian, are you upset because of what Sect Leader Feng said? Don’t mind her. She means no harm. She just loses her head when it comes to matters involving me. I’ve already scolded her on your behalf, so don’t be angry, alright?”

 

Jiang Mianhao shook her head gently. “No, I’m not angry with Sect Leader Feng. I’ve been very happy on Mount Hua too, but I just miss my little house more.”

 

“Sister, after you have your baby, come play with me on Mount Taibai!” Jiang Mianhao’s tone brightened. “Mount Taibai has snow that never melts all year round, the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and it’s the closest place to the Goddess Temple. You’ll definitely love it!”

Jiang Yuanjuan nodded. “Alright, once your sister gives birth, I’ll come find you to play. But there’s no rush to go back right now.”

 

Feng Mingyi was filled with self-reproach. She gently tugged at Jiang Mianhao’s sleeve, looking pitifully at her.

 

“I’ve had a wonderful time playing at Sister’s place,” Jiang Mianhao said sincerely. “I just miss Mount Taibai a little and I miss Granny Rong Qi.”

 

Feng Mingyi couldn’t help but interject. “Then if you go back, will Ling Lan return too? What about her sword training?”

 

“I’m going back.”

 

“She’s not!”

 

The two voices clashed, leaving everyone present stunned.

 

Ling Lan insisted, “If you go back, I’m going back too.”

 

“You can’t go back!” Jiang Mianhao said firmly. “You still have to learn sword techniques from Sister Feng. If you go back now, wouldn’t that mean giving up halfway?”

 

Ling Lan frowned, wanting to argue. “But—”

“No buts!” Jiang Mianhao said softly. “I’m not going back alone. I’m going with Lu Jiu. I’ll come find you to play again after some time, alright?”

 

Ling Lan was naturally unwilling, but when she heard Jiang Mianhao was returning with Lu Jiu, she understood.

 

Hiding her emotions, Ling Lan let go of the hand she had been holding, silently turned away, and lowered her head to eat dumplings.

 

The room, which had been filled with laughter moments before, fell into silence.

 

As soon as Jiang Yuanjuan heard Jiang Mianhao was returning with Lu Jiu, her words of concern stuck in her throat.

 

She could tell that the relationship between the Immortal Lord and Mian Mian was progressing rapidly. Mian Mian’s sudden decision to return was likely influenced by the Immortal Lord.

 

Once Jiang Mianhao announced her plan to return, the atmosphere in the manor remained subdued for several days.

 

Ling Lan went out to practice swordplay before dawn every day and didn’t return until midnight, as if avoiding something.

 

Yet, the Winter Solstice Festival arrived nonetheless.

 

On the day of the festival, the snow, which had long ceased, began to fall again—thick, fast, and fluttering to the ground.

 

In the kitchen, the chef wielded his knife with swift precision.

 

Along the corridor, Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan ran back and forth, arguing over who would get the last candied hawthorn.

 

Ling Lan, who usually left early and returned late, had surprisingly stayed home today to play with Jiang Mianhao.

 

Jiang Yuanjuan smiled, shaking her head as she continued embroidering a baby’s bib.

 

Watching the two figures in matching red clothes chasing and laughing, she felt a fleeting sense of the New Year’s joy.

 

Indeed, these were the festive New Year clothes Jiang Yuanjuan had carefully prepared for Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan.

 

This year marked the Year of the Rabbit, and Jiang Yuanjuan had spent three nights embroidering a pair of snow-white rabbits on the garments.

 

Each fine, dense stitch, every carefully placed thread, carried her affection and fondness for Jiang Mianhao.

“If only Mian Mian could stay for the New Year,” Jiang Yuanjuan said with a hint of reluctance. “When New Year’s Eve comes, there will be fireworks to watch. With Mian Mian here, it would surely be even livelier.”

 

Feng Mingyi felt a pang of jealousy and grumbled, “Clearly, it’s lively enough with me here. My wife’s heart has been completely stolen by Mianhao.”

 

“Indeed,” Jiang Yuanjuan sighed. “Mian Mian is sincere, kind, brave, and genuine. No one could help but adore such a wonderful girl.”

 

Feng Mingyi let out another sigh. “What a pity. She and Lu Jiu are already deeply in love. I thought Lanlan might end up with her, but not every childhood sweetheart ends up like us.”

 

Jiang Yuanjuan playfully patted her shoulder and chided, “Even if you noticed Ling Lan’s feelings, you shouldn’t have said it. Ling Lan chose to keep it hidden herself. She wants Mian Mian to be happy, so don’t bring it up and make her sad.”

 

“True,” Feng Mingyi sighed again. “Fortunately, that Immortal Lord is also an excellent person.”

 

The two of them stood on the corridor, watching the figures laughing and playing in the distance, leaning their heads together as they quietly embraced.

 

To make up for Jiang Mianhao’s inability to stay on Huashan for the New Year, Jiang Yuanjuan specially instructed the kitchen to prepare an elaborate feast. She even pulled out the menu reserved for the New Year and ordered the chefs to bring it to life.

A table laden with dishes came into view, and Jiang Mianhao’s face lit up with a grin from ear to ear.

 

“Silly girl, why are you just standing there?” Jiang Yuanjuan waved her over. “Come, sit next to your sister.”

 

Jiang Mianhao hummed in agreement, grabbed Ye Qingge’s sleeve, and pulled her along.

 

“Today is the Winter Solstice Festival, the second-to-last festival before the New Year,” Jiang Yuanjuan said, her eyes tinged with reluctance. “Are you really not staying here for the New Year?”

 

Jiang Mianhao held her hand and gently shook her head. “This year is also the first New Year I’ll spend with Lu Jiu, so I want to celebrate at home. Next year, we’ll come to celebrate with you, sister. By then, your little one will be born and will call me Auntie!”

 

“Of course!” Jiang Yuanjuan laughed. “They’ll call you Auntie, and you’ll have to give them a big red envelope! What, you won’t come when they’re born, only during next year’s New Year?”

 

Jiang Mianhao immediately shook her head obediently. “I promise to come and stay with you just before you give birth!”

 

Jiang Yuanjuan chuckled and grumbled a bit before letting her off.

 

Traditionally, the Winter Solstice Festival only involved eating dumplings, but Jiang Yuanjuan had added many New Year dishes. She carefully picked food for Jiang Mianhao, explaining the symbolism of each dish and emphasizing that they must be eaten during the New Year.

 

“For example, this ‘Abundance Every Year’ fish!” Jiang Yuanjuan picked up a piece with her chopsticks. “It means the coming year will be smooth and successful!”

 

Jiang Mianhao nodded obediently, accepted it in her bowl, and then used her own chopsticks to pick another piece for Ye Qingge.

 

And so it went: Jiang Yuanjuan served Jiang Mianhao, and Jiang Mianhao served Ye Qingge.

 

The atmosphere at the table was warm and harmonious.

 

“Look how your shiniang is enchanted by that little enchantress Mian Mian,” Feng Mingyi grumbled through gritted teeth, jealousy evident in every word. “She used to serve all these dishes to me.”

 

Ling Lan watched as Jiang Mianhao served food to Lu Jiu, her heart stirring with mixed emotions.

 

“Here, let your shifu serve you,” Feng Mingyi said, picking up a portion and placing it in Ling Lan’s bowl. “Poor little unloved cabbage, bring the wine!”

 

After several rounds of dishes, wine was brought to the table, filling the room with laughter and chatter.

 

By the time they had drunk several rounds, the atmosphere grew even more festive.

 

“What festival is today?” Jiang Yuanjuan asked with a smile, glancing at those who were already tipsy.

 

“Yes!” Jiang Mianhao swayed slightly, letting out a burp: “Win—ter—Sol—stice—”

 

The drawn-out tone made it obvious she had drunk quite a bit.

 

After speaking, she slumped against Ye Qingge, reaching up to pinch her ear.

 

“Green Wine!” Jiang Mianhao mumbled incoherently. “If you don’t eat dumplings, your ears will freeze off!”

 

Ye Qingge clicked her tongue in annoyance and gently pulled Jiang Mianhao’s hand away. “So dirty.”

 

“Not dirty!” Jiang Mianhao lifted her face to kiss her, but Ye Qingge dodged.

 

Ye Qingge’s expression darkened slightly, but the corner of her mouth twitched with suppressed amusement.

Seeing Ye Qingge’s refusal, Jiang Mianhao pouted, tears welling in her eyes. “You’re a bad person! Last night you said you wouldn’t bully me, and now you’re bullying me again.”

 

Ye Qingge: …

 

Hearing her little sobs grow louder, Ye Qingge sighed helplessly.

 

She took a clean cloth, dampened it with water, and carefully wiped Jiang Mianhao’s lips and each fingertip.

 

Ye Qingge’s gaze softened as she looked at the flushed cheeks of the girl in her arms, reddened further by the alcohol.

 

Somewhat resigned, she lifted her hand to pinch the chubby little face—and perfunctorily kissed her lips.

 

Little did she know, the kiss was deftly dodged.

 

“Hmph!” Jiang Mianhao pushed her away with force, sending Ye Qingge stumbling back. “I won’t let you kiss me, you bad person!”

 

Watching the playful tantrum unfold, Ye Qingge glanced at the others at the table who had already passed out drunk. Then, with a quiet sigh, she pulled Jiang Mianhao gently into her embrace, holding her close.

 

“What are you doing? Let me go, let me go! How can you be so mean to Little Grass!”

 

Ye Qingge lightly raised a fingertip, and a Binding Immortal Rope twirled around it.

 

In the next moment, the flailing hands were securely tied.

 

Ye Qingge scooped up the now-compliant Jiang Mianhao and strode steadily outward. “Why can’t I be mean to Little Grass?”

 

As she walked, she met the gaze of the person in her arms. Those jade-green eyes, hazy from the alcohol, shimmered with unshed tears.

 

“Because… because…” Jiang Mianhao’s voice softened gradually. “Because Little Grass likes you, so you should be nicer to her.”

 

Though spoken in a near whisper, Ye Qingge caught every word.

 

She responded with a faint, noncommittal, “Hmm,” adding, “We’ll see how you behave.”

 

“Bad person.” With her hands bound, Jiang Mianhao could only allow Ye Qingge to maneuver her as she pleased, a mix of resignation and affection in her gaze.

 

Though using a spiritual energy sphere would have been easier, Ye Qingge preferred to carry Jiang Mianhao in her arms, walking slowly.

 

As they passed through the corridor, a sudden burst of fireworks shot into the night sky.

 

The tranquil darkness shattered, the sky becoming a canvas for brilliant blossoms of light.

 

“Wow! Fireworks!” Jiang Mianhao’s eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the sky. “Sister Jiang said they set off fireworks for the New Year in the mortal world too. Green Wine, when we return to Mount Taibai for the New Year, can we set off fireworks too?”

 

Ye Qingge glanced at the dazzling display before returning her gaze to the corridor. “Hmm.”

 

“They say the New Year is a time for family joy. When the time comes, the two of us will be joyful too!” Jiang Mianhao’s voice carried a hint of excitement and anticipation.

 

“Okay,” Ye Qingge replied softly.

 

Fireworks bloomed one after another overhead, lighting the corridor as if it were daytime.

 

The person in her arms chattered endlessly, her voice ringing through the hallway, filled with the warmth of simple happiness.

“Were the dumplings I made tonight delicious?”

 

“Delicious.”

 

“Then I’ll make them for you again for the New Year! But you have to set off fireworks for me!”

 

“Okay.”

 

The fireworks continued to blaze, sparks soaring high into the night sky, exploding into fleeting brilliance before fading away.

 

The once-bustling night fell into a hushed silence, the air tinged faintly with the scent of gunpowder.

 

Those who had returned to their rooms, freshly washed and rested, soon found themselves entangled in passionate kisses.

 

The fireworks in the sky had burned out.

 

But the brilliance unique to the two of them was only just beginning.

 

Last night, everyone had drunk themselves into a stupor.

 

They slept until the afternoon before slowly waking, the lingering scent of gunpowder from the previous night now completely gone.

 

The air was thick with the sorrow of parting.

 

After waking, Jiang Yuanjuan once again pulled Jiang Mianhao aside to talk, her voice tinged with concern and reluctance. By the time the sun began to set, Jiang Yuanjuan already having cried once was finally coaxed into resting. Feng Mingyi had arranged a carriage to wait at the foot of the mountain.

 

Watching the pair struggle with the impending separation, Feng Mingyi said softly, “Since you are so unwilling to part, let Ling Lan escort the two of you down the mountain.”

 

Jiang Mianhao tightened her embrace, refusing to let go.

 

“Mianhao.”

 

The soft call came unexpectedly from behind. Jiang Yuanjuan, draped in her robe, leaned against the doorway.

 

Jiang Mianhao’s nose tingled with emotion, tears threatening to spill. “Sister Jiang, weren’t you asleep?”

 

“How could I sleep knowing you were leaving?” Jiang Yuanjuan took Jiang Mianhao’s hand, her eyes filled with reluctance. “Didn’t you say you would be my child’s aunt? How can an aunt not be by my side?”

Jiang Mianhao raised her arms to embrace Jiang Yuanjuan, whispering, “In my heart, you have long been like my own sister. When the time of your delivery approaches, I will rush back to Mount Hua as fast as I can, staying by your side day and night.”

 

Jiang Yuanjuan’s nose stung, and she patted Jiang Mianhao’s back gently. “My dear sister, you must live happily. Since she loves you, love her with all your heart. Don’t dwell on whether you are a good match or not. As long as two people can be together, that is better than anything else.”

 

“Sister.” Jiang Mianhao held Jiang Yuanjuan tightly, her voice thick with emotion.

 

Ye Qingge noticed Ling Lan standing dejectedly at the back and raised her hand to call out, “Ling Lan.”

 

Hearing her name, Ling Lan lifted her head abruptly, quickly holding back the tears at the corners of her eyes. She hadn’t expected Lu Jiu to be the one calling her. Sniffling softly, she asked, “What is it?”

 

“Come here.” Ye Qingge’s words were concise, her tone calm yet commanding.

 

Ling Lan, who had initially thought the immortal lord only wanted to bid her farewell, dismissed the idea. She sniffled and quickly walked to Lu Jiu’s side, looking up at the immortal before her while suppressing the surge of envy stirring in her heart.

 

Once Ling Lan stood before her, Ye Qingge remained silent.

 

She raised her hand and placed it gently on Ling Lan’s head, repeating the soothing, stroking motion three times.

 

Then, with a light tap of her fingertip, she touched the center of Ling Lan’s brow.

 

In an instant, Ling Lan felt an immense surge of spiritual power awaken within her. Her dormant inner energy erupted, growing at an astonishing speed.

 

The force of this energy nearly threw her off balance, and just as she feared she might collapse.

 

She found herself strangely steady. The potent inner and spiritual energy had already coursed through her entire body, harmonizing and amplifying her strength.

 

Ling Lan lifted her fingertip, where a sharp blade of Ling Lan flower energy spun with blinding speed.

 

“This is…”

 

Ling Lan recalled the only immortal bone to emerge from Mount Taibai. A mortal body blessed with a unique immortal bone. Yet that person’s heart had become corrupted, eventually falling into demonic ways and becoming a rare, potent ingredient in the demon realm.

 

Every thousand years, the night of transformation resembled a parade of a hundred ghosts, rife with hidden turmoil and unspoken strife.

Ye Qingge’s expression remained indifferent. She withdrew the fingertip that had touched Ling Lan’s brow and pressed it lightly against her own lips.

 

The reason the immortal bone identity of the person before her had only been revealed now, Ye Qingge guessed, was largely due to her own fall.

 

Previously, when she had struck Jiang Mianhao who lived and ate alongside Ling Lan, the faint immortal awareness emanating from Ling Lan had been suppressed.

 

But now, with Ye Qingge’s touch, Ling Lan’s sealed meridians were completely unblocked.

 

An immortal’s touch on the head could bestow immensely powerful and profound inner energy.

 

The three gentle touches Ye Qingge had just performed not only cleared Ling Lan’s inner energy pathways but also elevated her spiritual power by an entire level.

 

With such rare natural talent, a once-in-ten-thousand-years immortal bone, and now Ye Qingge’s bestowal, she believed Ling Lan would soon ascend to the hall and uphold the righteous path.

 

Ling Lan looked at the immortal before her, her gaze brimming with gratitude.

 

She recalled the tension of her first meeting with Lu Jiu, the misunderstandings, the reconciliations, and the moves Lu Jiu had patiently taught her.

 

Tears welled up in her eyes once again.

 

Ling Lan sniffled, but her words carried a warning: “You must treat Mianhao well. If I find out you bully her, I will beat you up and make you kneel and beg for her forgiveness.”

 

The harsh words she had spoken during their first meeting were repeated, but now the seriousness in her tone blended with a completely different state of mind.

 

Ye Qingge’s expression remained indifferent, and she took a step back without responding.

 

Then, Ling Lan felt a weight on her back, bending her downward.

 

Jiang Mianhao had flung herself onto Ling Lan, wrapping her arms around the younger girl’s neck and humming lightly. “What are you two whispering about? I want to hear too!”

 

“You,” Ling Lan said, carrying the person clinging to her back and gently swaying. “I wonder who will let you bully them like this once we return to Mount Taibai.”

 

Hearing this, Jiang Mianhao pouted, a hint of sadness in her expression. “Lanlan, I’ll help you repair your house. Wait for me to come back and be your neighbor.”

“Okay. After I finish cultivating and become super powerful, I’ll come back to find you.” Ling Lan held Jiang Mianhao’s hand and patted it gently. “I’ll always be by your side.”

 

Ye Qingge coughed lightly and turned away, her tone calm. “It’s getting late.”

 

With a snap of her fingers, a sphere of spiritual energy enveloped the two, swiftly carrying them down the mountain.

 

Jiang Mianhao reluctantly bumped her forehead against Ling Lan’s. It was as if they were still a little flower and a little blade of grass, tenderly brushing against each other.

 

“Take care of yourself, Lanlan,” Jiang Mianhao said softly. “When Sister Jiang’s baby is born, you have to send me a message. I want to be the aunt!”

 

Ling Lan nodded seriously. “I’ll also show you the powerful new sword techniques I’ve practiced.”

 

“Lanlan,” Jiang Mianhao pouted, hugging her tightly, her heart heavy with reluctance.

 

She and Ling Lan had grown together for a thousand years, yet this was the first time they faced a true separation.

 

Ling Lan gently patted the shoulder of the person in her arms, comforting her. “We’ll see each other soon. When next spring comes, Sister Jiang’s little one will be born!”

The jingling of the carriage bells rang through the air.

 

At the foot of the mountain, Feng Mingyi’s summoned carriage had already stopped, the coachman standing ready, whip in hand.

 

Ye Qingge had intended to urge them along, but upon seeing Jiang Mianhao’s tears, she fell silent and stepped into the carriage first.

 

She made no attempt to rush their farewell.

 

After a long, reluctant parting, the two finally let go of each other.

 

Ling Lan helped Jiang Mianhao into the carriage, her eyes brimming with longing.

 

Once more, the jingling rang out as the coachman cracked his whip and called, “Giddy up!”

 

The carriage swayed as it began to move, merging into the bustling, chaotic streets of Huashan at dusk.

 

Wheel ruts cut deep lines into the muddy ground, stretching endlessly as if to mark the beginning of a long journey.

 

The sun had completely vanished, and the evening clouds blazed across the sky, connecting into a fiery, crimson expanse.

Everyone on the road was bathed in the glow of twilight, their bodies shimmering with an orange-red radiance.

 

Ling Lan stood in place, quietly watching the carriage disappear into the evening glow at the end of the long street.