Chapter 28: She Was Here to Join Them
That evening, Li Yu let Mu Tao cry in her arms for a long time, soaking her robes.
She instinctively patted Mu Tao’s back.
As Mu Tao sobbed, Li Yu’s heart felt numb.
Why?
She truly didn’t understand.
This increase in blackening value was so inexplicable it baffled her.
She wanted to ask the system if the stat was malfunctioning.
But she knew that even an unscrupulous system wouldn’t glitch in such a way.
Mu Tao’s blackening value had increased, but the reason was even more mysterious than the reasons for her own compatibility drops.
After dinner, Mu Tao returned to her room.
Li Yu sat there, staring at the 25% blackening value for a long time.
Although it hadn’t returned to its initial 30%, she still felt a sense of defeat.
Had she approached comforting the wrong way?
Was Mu Tao just saying she would be obedient, while thinking otherwise?
Sensitive girls were often prone to hiding their true feelings, yearning for others to guess what they were unwilling to say.
Wasn’t that how it was in the original story?
The only difference was that the little protagonist in the original story was more introverted and reserved, revealing even less of her inner thoughts.
But even if the current Mu Tao openly expressed her unhappiness, Li Yu still couldn’t figure out how to appease her completely.
It felt like a final exam designed by the little protagonist, the answers hidden within her heart. Correct guesses earned points, wrong guesses lost points, and if she failed, she would have to retake the exam endlessly.
With regular exams, failing wasn’t a big deal.
But this examiner, though seemingly sweet and gentle, could blacken.
If she kept failing, when the examiner finally blackened, she wouldn’t just face death; she would definitely suffer.
—Being a master was truly difficult.
Li Yu sighed silently.
She was too amateur, too careless, too presumptuous when it came to raising children.
How could she have assumed that just six months was enough to change a girl who had been gloomy for over two hundred years into a genuinely optimistic and cheerful person?
Having grown up in a lonely and oppressive environment, the little protagonist must have many emotional scars…
Perhaps she needed more love and attention to slowly heal?
Regardless, she had to stay calm.
Don’t panic, don’t be afraid, always look on the bright side!
Her compatibility had a kill threshold at 70%, but the protagonist’s blackening value didn’t!
So, the blackening value was much safer!
Hadn’t her compatibility been constantly decreasing before?
But after a while, after everyone got used to the new her, it had stabilized.
Perhaps the blackening value also needed to increase before it could decrease and finally stabilize within a safe range?
Perhaps the fluctuations were simply a matter of:
—Identify the problem, solve the problem!
It was just a part of the job!
No work is easy; no one can avoid unpleasant things in life.
But it didn’t matter, she could handle it.
She hadn’t done much lately, but bouncing around in that carriage for so long had been exhausting.
Might as well wash up and get a good night’s sleep.
She could deal with everything else after regaining her strength.
Thinking this, Li Yu lay down on the bed.
The bed in this best inn in Yanyang was much more comfortable than those in the inns along the way.
A subtle, pleasant fragrance filled the room.
Li Yu slept soundly, dreamlessly, and woke up feeling refreshed, the fatigue from the journey gone.
She opened the window. The sun hadn’t risen yet, and the market outside was just waking up, not yet bustling, but not quiet either.
This was the most prosperous city in the human realm!
She had a main storyline to complete and wouldn’t be here long, so she felt the urge to explore.
She should wake up her little disciple, go out for a stroll, and find somewhere for breakfast.
As soon as this thought crossed her mind, Li Yu changed her clothes with a spell, tidied her hair, and happily walked to the door, ready to leave.
But the moment she opened the door, the scene outside made her freeze.
Her door was blocked!
Not exactly blocked, there was still a path out, but she couldn’t bring herself to step outside.
There were so many people, led by a familiar face—the maid from yesterday.
They weren’t just a chaotic crowd; they were neatly lined up in two rows, extending from the staircase to her door.
Each of them held a wooden tray laden with various items.
Those closest to her door held trays of food.
There were so many breakfast options.
Besides staple foods, there were fresh fruits, beautifully presented pastries, and unfamiliar, but presumably expensive tea leaves.
Further down the line, there were cosmetics, incense, jewelry, and various trinkets she didn’t recognize but looked valuable.
They seemed to have been waiting for a while. Seeing her open the door, the maid at the front smiled brightly.
“Immortal, you’re awake!” She curtsied slightly. “The Princess wasn’t sure of your preferences, so she instructed us to prepare a variety of everyday items for you to choose from.”
Li Yu: “…Choose?”
So many things, all seemingly expensive, and she could choose anything she wanted?
This was the power of a wealthy benefactor, it was overwhelming!
Maid: “Oh no, these are all for you, Immortal! If you like them, keep them, if not, you can just throw them away!”
Li Yu: “…Throw them away?”
Seeing Li Yu’s expression, the maid panicked. “Immortal? Are these worldly possessions… beneath your notice?”
Li Yu: “No, that’s not it…”
Beneath her notice? How could they be?
No one could possibly dislike money, right?
Although she wouldn’t need money after returning to Mount Chao Yao, what if the system allowed her to bring some belongings back to the modern world?
There was nothing valuable in her spartan dwelling at Chaoxi Pond; she couldn’t return empty-handed, could she?
These items, though small, looked expensive.
She wanted them, very much!
Worldly desires threatened to overwhelm her reason.
But thankfully, a shred of rationality remained.
She couldn’t accept gifts without merit…
The biggest problem hadn’t been solved yet; wouldn’t it be wrong to accept such lavish gifts?
Was this a test?
She wasn’t a true immortal; she was full of human desires.
And human desires were notoriously weak against temptation.
As Li Yu struggled, a sound came from the next room.
Mu Tao opened her door, saw the long line of people, and froze.
After a few seconds, she peeked out, looking at Li Yu, who was similarly blocked at her doorway, her face filled with confusion.
“Master!”
Mu Tao called softly, a hint of displeasure in her voice.
The maid at the front turned around and instructed, “What are you all standing there for? Make way for the Young Immortal!”
As the crowd parted, Mu Tao quickly ran to Li Yu’s side.
“Master, what are they doing?” She tilted her chin slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.
“Young Immortal, these are gifts from the Princess for Immortal Li Yu.”
As the maid spoke, Li Yu tensed,
She was worried that Mu Tao’s blackening value would increase upon hearing this.
Fortunately, Mu Tao’s expression only darkened slightly before she turned to look at the two long lines.
Perhaps because she had never seen so many beautiful things, the displeasure in her eyes gradually turned into surprise, then curiosity and longing.
The little girl, who had been captivated by a simple fan when they first arrived in the human realm, was quickly drawn to the exquisite jewelry.
The maid, noticing this, took Mu Tao’s hand and led her towards the jewelry.
“These are all crafted by renowned artisans in the city. Do you like any of them, Young Immortal?”
Mu Tao opened her mouth slightly, hesitation flickering in her eyes.
Suddenly, a voice called out from afar.
Qin Yuan, lifting her skirts, hurried towards them.
“Young Immortal Mu!”
Qin Yuan greeted her cheerfully and stopped beside Mu Tao, glancing at Li Yu.
Mu Tao: “…”
Qin Yuan picked up a moon-white bracelet and asked with a smile, “I think this bracelet suits you very well, Young Immortal Mu. Do you like it?”
Mu Tao shook her head silently.
“Try it on!” Qin Yuan took Mu Tao’s right hand and was about to put it on her.
Mu Tao froze; the bracelet was already on her wrist.
Her sleeve slipped slightly, revealing the silver bells tied with a red string.
Qin Yuan’s eyes lit up, and she leaned closer for a better look.
Mu Tao frowned and was about to pull her hand back when Qin Yuan gasped.
“Are those Harmony Bells?” Qin Yuan’s eyes were filled with envy. “I heard that once the Harmony Bells are tied, they represent a lifelong bond. Forcibly breaking them is equivalent to taking half the life of the person who tied them… You have such bells, Young Immortal Mu. There must be someone willing to protect you for life, right?”
Mu Tao’s eyes widened.
After a brief moment, she looked back at Li Yu.
Li Yu was also stunned.
So, the trinkets she regifted that day couldn’t be removed without sacrificing half a life?
No one told her that!
If she had known, she wouldn’t have tied them so carelessly! If Mu Tao met someone suitable in the future, she would have to wear these bells even on her wedding night, the chiming ruining the atmosphere.
—“The Harmony Bells on My Wife’s Wrist Weren’t Tied by Me.”
Just imagining that scenario was awkward!
As the two, lost in their thoughts, looked at each other, Qin Yuan’s attention was focused on the Harmony Bells.
When she looked back at the bracelet she had put on Mu Tao, she felt that the moon-white bracelet didn’t suit her as well anymore.
“It seems you already have the perfect bracelet, Young Immortal Mu. Mine pales in comparison.” Qin Yuan gently removed the bracelet and placed it back on the tray.
The moment Qin Yuan released her hand, Mu Tao ran back to Li Yu’s side and called softly, “Master.”
When she looked back at Qin Yuan, there was a hint of a smile in her eyes.
This Princess Qin Yuan…
Wasn’t so bad after all.
Thinking this, Mu Tao unconsciously reached out and gently tugged at Li Yu’s sleeve.
Qin Yuan approached them, her gaze sincere as she looked at Li Yu. “Immortal Li Yu, these are just small tokens of my appreciation. Are you unwilling to accept them?”
“Princess, this is inappropriate,” Li Yu said calmly.
Her tone was calm, but her heart ached.
What sins had she committed in her past life to deserve this torture, pretending to be a saint devoid of worldly desires in the face of such wealth?
“The City of the Undying is incredibly dangerous. Your willingness to resolve this issue for the Huai Kingdom is a blessing!” Qin Yuan said seriously. “If you feel uncomfortable accepting these gifts directly, perhaps you can consider them as partial payment?”
Li Yu: “This…”
Qin Yuan: “If you don’t accept them, I will be deeply troubled!”
This was why Qin Yuan had immortal destiny.
Offering a down payment before asking for a favor, how thoughtful!
Since it was a down payment, she had nothing to be embarrassed about.
Li Yu cleared her throat and said, “Since the Princess insists, I will accept your generosity.”
Qin Yuan beamed and quickly instructed the servants to carry the items into Li Yu’s room.
As everyone filed out, Li Yu entered her room, feeling slightly overwhelmed. The once simple and elegant room had been transformed.
It was filled with treasures!
So gaudy, so vulgar!
But she was a vulgar person, shamefully, she loved it…
Later, when no one was around, she would examine them carefully, identify the most valuable and portable items, and store them all in her spatial pouch!
As Li Yu turned around, she saw Mu Tao and Qin Yuan following her inside.
“Immortal Li Yu, Young Immortal Mu, please have some refreshments!” Qin Yuan said, walking towards the table as if she were in her own home.
The food from the hallway was now arranged on the round table.
She sat down first, then, realizing the immortals should be seated first, quickly stood up again, waiting for Li Yu and Mu Tao to sit before resuming her seat.
Li Yu: “Haven’t you eaten yet, Princess?”
Qin Yuan: “No, since you haven’t eaten either, I thought I’d join you!”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu smiled, trying not to look too awkward.
She filled a bowl with sweet porridge and handed it to Mu Tao, then placed a rabbit-shaped pastry on her plate.
Mu Tao smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Master!”
Qin Yuan watched this scene with envy, thinking—as expected of an immortal, seemingly cold and aloof, yet also gentle and kind.
If perfection existed in this world, she must have encountered it now.
Thinking this, Qin Yuan happily took a bite of a pastry.
The sweetness, which she usually didn’t enjoy, tasted surprisingly refreshing today.
It must be the immortal’s ethereal aura enhancing everything.
Qin Yuan: “Immortal Li Yu, is this your first time in Yanyang?”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
Qin Yuan quickly asked, “Would you like to explore the city after breakfast?”
Li Yu glanced at Mu Tao, who was also looking at her.
The moment their eyes met, even without Mu Tao saying anything, Li Yu knew another test had arrived.
But there was no need to panic!
She wasn’t a blockhead like the male protagonist and wouldn’t make her little disciple feel insecure!
After a moment of silence, Li Yu nodded slightly and said calmly, “I will naturally take my disciple to explore.”
As she spoke, she seemingly casually, yet deliberately moved her left hand.
The silver bells chimed softly, and Qin Yuan froze.
After a brief silence, she finished the rest of her pastry, the surprise in her eyes gradually turning into deeper envy and admiration.
So, the Harmony Bells on Young Immortal Mu were a gift from her master.
What a gentle master, giving such a precious artifact to her disciple.
Such subtle and profound protection!
She wondered how many Harmony Bells a person could wear. Would she ever have the chance to receive this immortal’s protection…
She really wanted to join this sect!
Qin Yuan: “Immortal Li Yu!”
Li Yu: “Hmm?”
Qin Yuan: “Since you and Young Immortal Mu are unfamiliar with Yanyang, I can be your guide!”
Li Yu: “…”
“I know all the best places in Yanyang. Watching plays, listening to music, enjoying the scenery, I can take you anywhere!” Qin Yuan’s voice was filled with excitement, her mind already planning their itinerary. “It’s very hot these days. Even if you’re not affected by the heat, Young Immortal Mu must be. You can ride in my carriage; it can shield you from the sun, no matter how far you go!”
As expected of the love rival who constantly pursued the male protagonist in the original story!
Such enthusiasm, even she didn’t know how to refuse, let alone that blockhead Mo Yichu.
“Sure!” Mu Tao suddenly said.
She knew her master was feeling awkward.
She couldn’t let her master suffer because of her…
Qin Yuan was overjoyed.
The Immortal was aloof and distant. If she wanted to join her sect, she should first build a good relationship with her future senior sister!
She quickly moved to sit beside Mu Tao and enthusiastically tugged at her sleeve.
Qin Yuan: “Where do you want to go, Young Immortal Mu?”
Mu Tao replied blankly, “I, I don’t know…”
Qin Yuan: “Then do you prefer quiet places or lively places?”
Mu Tao: “I don’t know…”
Qin Yuan: “Then let me arrange it?”
The Third Princess placed a plate of pastries in front of Mu Tao. “Young Immortal Mu, these are my favorite pastries. They’re savory, quite unique, and hard to come by. Try them!”
As Mu Tao hesitated, Qin Yuan brought a pastry to her lips.
“Try it!” she urged playfully.
Mu Tao quickly took the pastry and took a bite.
Qin Yuan’s eyes were full of anticipation. “Is it good?”
Mu Tao nodded vigorously.
Qin Yuan giggled and nudged Mu Tao’s arm, as if they were close friends. “I’m glad you like it! I’ll bring you more later!”
Mu Tao blinked and nodded again, the wariness in her eyes fading slightly.
Li Yu, watching the scene unfold, was bewildered, but she silently finished her porridge.
After breakfast, Qin Yuan suggested they go out.
As Mu Tao stood up to join Li Yu, Qin Yuan intercepted her, linked arms with her, and led the way.
Li Yu, outwardly calm, inwardly confused, followed them.
Outside the inn, a large carriage awaited them.
Qin Yuan led Mu Tao and Li Yu into the luxurious carriage.
A pleasant fragrance filled the carriage, which was stocked with tea, pastries, ice for cooling, fans, and a Go board with black and white stones.
This was far more luxurious than the carriage they had traveled in!
Such thorough preparations clearly indicated premeditation.
Qin Yuan pulled Mu Tao to sit beside the ice, placed a fan in her hand, and turned to Li Yu, asking with a smile, “Immortal Li Yu, do you enjoy playing Go? I’m somewhat proficient; if you’d like, I can…”
Li Yu: “I don’t know how.”
Gomoku was fine, but she couldn’t play Go.
Qin Yuan: “With the endless years on the immortal mountain, don’t you ever play Go to pass the time?”
Just as Li Yu was about to answer, Mu Tao said seriously, “My master is dedicated to cultivation and has no interest in such things!”
Qin Yuan’s eyes widened in realization. “The Immortal has abandoned worldly pleasures for the sake of all beings!”
As expected of an immortal, so selfless and devoted!
Such a noble pursuit, it made her feel ashamed!
Qin Yuan quickly ordered the Go board and stones to be removed.
As she sat back down, she felt as if she had also abandoned worldly pleasures along with the immortal, her spirit elevated.
She had made a bad impression earlier; she had to work harder to please her future senior sister!
The coachman outside urged the horses forward, heading in an unknown direction.
That day, Qin Yuan enthusiastically showed them around Yanyang.
It seemed that she focused all her attention on Mu Tao.
If there was delicious food, she bought it for Mu Tao first.
If there was something beautiful, she asked Mu Tao if she wanted it.
She even took Mu Tao to a famous clothing store, patiently trying on clothes with her, and bought over a dozen outfits.
“This is too much; I can’t wear so many, and they’re difficult to carry…”
Qin Yuan, her arm linked with Mu Tao’s, said with a smile, “Don’t worry, they’re not that heavy. Just let me know when you’re returning, and I’ll have someone carry your luggage!”
Mu Tao looked at the clothes being carried into the carriage and said shyly, “But…”
Qin Yuan swayed Mu Tao’s hand, the Harmony Bells chiming softly.
“Don’t refuse me, it’s just a small token of my appreciation!”
“Alright then…”
“There’s a preserved fruit shop over there; they have the most delicious treats. Let’s go and see!”
“Huh?”
“Let’s go!”
“Um…”
Qin Yuan pulled Mu Tao’s wrist and hurried off in another direction.
Li Yu, following behind, felt utterly bewildered.
What was going on?
Why couldn’t she understand anymore?
—What was this princess up to?
Wasn’t she all over Li Yu yesterday? Why was she now clinging to her little disciple?
The two girls were inseparable, leaving her trailing behind like a ghost…
Was this really appropriate?
Her clingy little disciple hadn’t spoken to her all day!
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