Wanxi Rebirth - Chapter 68

Considering that no matter how righteous their actions were, the methods they used ultimately involved killing, the deeds Yue Tingxi and Qin Suoliu had carried out in the human realm over the past year were only known to three elders and Lan Fengqing, who provided intelligence.

Even while staying in the mountains, Yue Tingxi had to disguise herself as her original appearance. Otherwise, Bashe’s white hair might attract the curiosity of acquaintances, and it was unclear whether anyone would then associate her with the “Twin Fox Asuras.”

“Has it been a long time since we gathered like this?” Chansheng carried some dishes over. “During New Year, you two were in seclusion. Me and Shasha went to Yunruan’s place.”

Bifang stretched its neck and let out a call.

“I haven’t forgotten about you. Didn’t Shasha ride on your back to visit Aunt Yunruan?” Chansheng laughed, then looked at Yue Tingxi. “In previous years, Tingxi was always busy with us. Now even a simple gathering can’t get everyone together.”

But she only mentioned it casually, fully aware of the dangers and trials that awaited them in the future.

“Once we return from the Ghost Realm Secret Area, I’ll definitely celebrate New Year with you,” Yue Tingxi said with a smile, though her heart was uneasy.

The counterattack was imminent, yet the organization behind the invaders remained a mystery. Even if Yue Tingxi killed the invaders in the Ghost Realm Secret Area, neither the Savior Scale nor the World Consciousness intended to reveal the reasons in advance.

The only clue was all eighty cycles of reincarnation memories left by Bashe. But when she first accessed them, she had only skimmed through them, and those memories were sealed with the Soul Purification Pill afterward.

Moreover, she did not know how many times the World Consciousness had intervened, or in which reincarnation it had revealed the truth to them. Compared to recklessly reviewing hundreds of years of memories to obtain information, it might be safer to simply carry out the mission and pass the World Consciousness’s trial before asking for answers.

After all, sometimes “not knowing” is a form of protection.

Before the moon rose high in the sky, everyone carried the dishes and mooncakes to the open courtyard.

The autumn night wind was already chilly. Yue Tingxi draped a fox fur over Qin Suoliu, and from the corner of her eye, she saw Bifang flap a wing at Chansheng’s hand as she tried to give the garment, then shake off two feathers, transforming them into a fire-spirit barrier around them.

“You’re quite possessive, little one!” Yue Tingxi couldn’t help but say.

“Eh, I’m used to it. When the shell wasn’t broken, Xiaocheng used to hate it when I touched other beasts,” Luo Yanzha cheerfully patted the bird’s back.

“Well, you better be careful…” Yue Tingxi was about to say the words “maternal love gone wrong” when she received a fierce glare from Bifang.

Although Shasha treated Bifang as her child, they had no blood relation. Bifang, as an ancient spirit beast, grew fast and developed intelligence early. Considering the previous “lesson” with Qin Xiaojie, Yue Tingxi couldn’t help but imagine another possibility.

But judging by Shasha’s obliviousness and Bifang’s possessiveness even at such a young age, even a warning might be useless. After all, twenty years ago, she never imagined that the little girl she had saved would grow fond of her.

Better let Chansheng deal with this proud little bird. If the “family of three” wanted to live peacefully, the snake and the bird would have to settle their differences.

Bifang’s feather barrier shielded them from the night wind. Qin Suoliu warmly enjoyed the home-cooked meal, prepared by Luo Yanzha to suit everyone’s taste.

Since Yue Tingxi had shared the soul’s spiritual power, her recovery had gradually returned to normal. This meal finally felt like “enjoyment,” lifting her spirits.

“By the way, do you want some ‘Osmanthus Wine’?” Seeing the dishes nearly finished, Chansheng theatrically brought out two jars of wine—aged liquor she had stored in the inner chamber. “It’s from a few years ago. Shasha, who’s skilled in brewing, even praised it!”

Back when Yue Tingxi was at the Qin residence, she would have hesitated. Now, back in Xishan with Qin Suoliu, and having recounted past events, she felt free of restraint. She eagerly picked up four jade cups. “Great! I’ll try it!”

Tonight, the stars were sparse and the moon bright. With Bifang’s fire-spirit barrier above, the wine shimmered a pale gold, reflecting a warm orange full moon.

The flavor of osmanthus was intoxicating, and the aged wine made her lightheaded quickly.

But to ensure the experience, no one dispelled the alcohol with spiritual power, letting the remaining dishes and mooncakes slow the drunkenness.

“Actually, I think what the ‘Twin Fox Asuras’ did was amazing!”

Luo Yanzha’s voice came faintly. “They only killed evildoers, feared no authority, especially the Hongchen Pavilion! They even dared to take it down! So satisfying! As they say… uh! ‘If you do nothing shameful, ghosts won’t knock.’ With their strength, those pests wouldn’t dare cause trouble! Who knows who might die next?”

She praised the “Twin Fox Asuras” enthusiastically, showing no fear whatsoever.

“Then why don’t you go down the mountain and rent a stall?” Yue Tingxi instinctively asked, sensing something off.

“I have other important matters!” Luo Yanzha’s voice slurred slightly. “That’s the most important thing in life! Money can wait, but this cannot…”

“What important matter? Yours? Do you need my help?” Yue Tingxi, still lightheaded, leaned over to ask, but the world seemed to spin—like someone had scooped her up sideways.

“Tingxi Sister is drunk. I’ll take you back,” Qin Suoliu’s voice came from above.

Chansheng reminded, “Take the sobering pill; one will do!”

“I’m not drunk! I’ll carry you!”

Leaving Chansheng’s home, Yue Tingxi immediately tried to break free, transforming into her beast form.

But a hand stopped her. Before she could protest, a kiss landed.

The scent of grass and earth mingled with the lingering osmanthus wine. A thin mist gently enveloped them.

After exchanging breaths a few times, Yue Tingxi’s muddled mind cleared briefly.

“…You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” She blinked, trying to see clearly. “What was Shasha going to tell me?”

From her understanding of humans, “important matters in life” meant marriage besides success in career. She also knew Shasha’s personality well enough that she wouldn’t hide her marriage. As for business, it hadn’t been mentioned tonight.

Could it be… she was arranging the marriage of her old friend and benefactor?

Although the thought might seem narcissistic, Yue Tingxi turned her alcohol-tinged mind over it and found it wasn’t impossible.

“Do you really want to hear it?” Qin Suoliu asked instead.

—Yue Tingxi’s reaction almost confirmed her suspicion.

She adjusted her slipping clothes, sat upright, and took a deep breath, dispelling the lingering intoxication.

“…Have you truly decided?” She gazed into Qin Suoliu’s eyes and asked softly. “I’m a demon. Being with me will mean losing some of your freedom.”

As she spoke, her hand was grasped and lifted, then wrapped around Qin Suoliu’s waist.

“I am willing to be bound by you.”

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