When the Immortal Venerable Picked-Up the Demon Cub - Chapter 17

Lin Xiayan propped her chin on her hand, her gaze fixed on Zhu Ning, trying to discern what she knew. She realized Zhu Ning was completely unaware of her true origins, and even seemed curious about them. Of course, she thought, how could someone so secluded and aloof possibly know about my messy past?

Zhu Ning didn’t press Lin Xiayan to speak, instead using the time to fetch the teapot and begin brewing tea, following the steps she remembered.

Her wide sleeves were rolled up, revealing a jade bracelet that shimmered faintly on her wrist. The bracelet clinked softly against the table as she moved, its delicate sound blending with the soothing rush of hot water pouring into the teapot, creating a sense of calm.

Lin Xiayan strained to decipher Zhu Ning’s intentions, but her slender wrist moved with practiced grace, her fingers dancing over the teapot. Even as the fragrant tea was poured, she remained clueless.

Zhu Ning looked up again, pushing a cup of tea toward Lin Xiayan. She waited patiently for Lin Xiayan to speak.

“In the Demon Realm, I was just a nameless, faceless figure,” Lin Xiayan said, her voice low and somber, a stark contrast to her earlier spirited demeanor. It’s this vulnerability that makes my heart ache for her, Zhu Ning thought.

Was Lin Xiayan always this pitiful? Is it true what they say, that villains always have tragic and lonely pasts?

Zhu Ning didn’t interrupt her, so Lin Xiayan continued, “Everyone else cultivates by harming others. I’m different. I cultivate day and night on my own, and my progress is painfully slow. The day I faced my Minor Tribulation, I went to the Mortal Realm to hide, but I nearly got killed by a Taoist priest.”

As she spoke, Lin Xiayan’s eyes reddened slightly, but she forced a smile to hide her distress. Zhu Ning sensed something was wrong. Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked up, only to find Lin Xiayan’s smile frozen, a little awkward.

Zhu Ning didn’t know what to do. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked. Remembering that sweets might cheer her up, Zhu Ning decided to take Lin Xiayan to the Yun Cang Mountain kitchens to see if there were any snacks. It would be a good way to distract her and get some fresh air.

As long as I keep Lin Xiayan within sight, it’ll be fine. As for who she spent more time with, Zhu Ning didn’t think it mattered much.

I’m no master of balance, Zhu Ning thought. Lin Xiayan seems to need my comfort and company even more right now.

“Come on,” Zhu Ning said, deliberately making her voice sound cheerful. “I’ll take you to try the pastries from Yun Cang Mountain.” She grabbed Lin Xiayan’s hand and pulled her outside. Zhōng Yuè instantly appeared in Zhu Ning’s hand, as if the sword followed her everywhere she went.

Lin Xiayan was dragged out in her red dress, still in her child form. Zhu Ning only realized this when they were already standing on the path.

“You you you, hurry and change back!” Zhu Ning looked around anxiously, afraid a passing disciple might see them. But right now, everyone was likely busy dealing with the Demonic Beasts and wouldn’t come this way.

Lin Xiayan looked completely relaxed, her arms covered in red silk that seemed to keep her warm. She took the lead, walking forward with a nonchalant air. “Don’t worry so much,” she said. “Even if someone sees us, we’ll just say I’m your friend. You know, being a kid is really uncomfortable. It’s hard to walk and so cramped.”

Lin Xiayan’s back faced Zhu Ning as she walked away. Despite being a powerful figure with immense Demonic Power, she acted just like a child.

Zhu Ning hurried to catch up, afraid of being left behind. Yun Cang Mountain wasn’t particularly heavily guarded, so it seemed plausible that someone like the original owner could have cultivated relationships with elusive figures who came and went without a trace.

She reassured herself, letting go of her worries.

The snow had stopped, blanketing Yun Cang Mountain in a silver-white cloak. Even the winter trees weren’t completely bare; snowflakes clung to their branches, resembling white plum blossoms from a distance.

The kitchen was still some distance away, requiring a trek across half the mountain. Lin Xiayan wasn’t in any rush; the snowy scenery held far more appeal in her eyes.

Zhu Ning walked beside her, their shoes crunching softly through the snow. Lin Xiayan glanced over. Zhu Ning stood in the icy landscape, her face drained of color. It should have been a sight to stir pity, yet it left an indelible impression on the observer. Gazing at this frail, almost sickly beauty, Lin Xiayan found her gaze drifting aimlessly, unsure where to settle.

The pair reached the edge of Yun Cang Mountain’s Training Ground. White-robed disciples practiced swordplay, each displaying their unique style and honing their strengths.

Zhu Ning stood at a high vantage point, taking in the entire scene. A flicker of satisfaction warmed her heart. So what if Yun Cang Town was all bark and no bite? Centuries of accumulated strength, the complete Daoist code, all were here. How could a tree that had stood for centuries fall so easily?

Lin Xiayan hurried up beside her, but her gaze held none of Zhu Ning’s contentment. Instead, a deep-seated hatred burned in her eyes, hidden beneath a calm facade.

The sight of those white-robed disciples felt like a microcosm of all righteous cultivators. Her hands clenched into fists beneath her wide sleeves, her hatred surging. But when Zhu Ning turned, her captivating peach blossom eyes seemed to draw away Lin Xiayan’s fury, softening her gaze.

“Let’s go,” Lin Xiayan said, her voice almost gentle for the first time in her life. She could never bring herself to show her terrifying side to Zhu Ning.

Zhu Ning, oblivious to the turmoil in Lin Xiayan’s heart, lowered her lashes and gazed at her own feet, feeling a surge of happiness. This was the first time Lin Xiayan had spoken so softly, and the first time she had used the word “we.”

Lin Xiayan had always been a loner, disdaining companionship. Even as the Lord of the Demon Realm, she never conflated herself with the Demon Realm as a whole.

Zhu Ning’s heart felt warm, even though the frigid air made her breath mist as she spoke. Lin Xiayan led the way, wandering aimlessly through Yun Cang Mountain until they stumbled upon the hidden medicinal herb garden.

Perhaps because Lin Xiayan was a demon, she possessed an acute sensitivity to medicinal scents. Standing before the garden, she noticed many herbs growing out of season. Zhu Ning had only read about such sights in books, but witnessing it firsthand filled her with wonder. Without waiting for Lin Xiayan, she stepped inside.

The air within the garden felt noticeably warmer. Each footstep rippled across the ground, creating waves of blue patterns. Lin Xiayan noticed this and followed Zhu Ning inside, covering her nose with a cloth. The same ethereal blue patterns spread with each step, creating a dreamlike scene.

“Lord Immortal Venerable,” Lin Xiayan said, her smile as unrestrained as a child’s. “Yun Cang Mountain truly holds such a wondrous place.” It was only in such secluded spots that she could truly let her guard down.

Zhu Ning remembered this medicinal herb garden from the book, but the description hadn’t captured its true grandeur. Seeing it with her own eyes, she realized the world held wonders beyond imagination.

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