Chapter 0.5: Daughter of the Celestial Master
In Wanhe City, a prefecture neighboring Fengnan City.
A middle-aged man with temples slightly graying and a handsome appearance strode into a pavilion.
This person was precisely the Chu Zhou Celestial Master, ‘Wang Xuan,’ who had been the talk of Wanhe City for several days.
However, no outsider would have ever imagined that at this very moment, she suddenly transformed, her eyes flashing with azure spiritual patterns, revealing her true form as a petite and exquisite young maiden.
“Our Celestial Master is back? Take this. The ‘fat sheep’ in Wanhe City are quite numerous. Today’s harvest was good; here’s a share for you.” A red-robed cultivator smilingly handed a spirit stone to the maiden.
Though he spoke generously, the maiden actually received only an ordinary mid-grade spirit stone.
The maiden tightly grasped the spirit stone, her tone indignant as she asked, “When do you plan to release my mother?”
“Didn’t we already agree? Three years. You serve us for three years, and you’ll regain your freedom,” the red-robed cultivator replied, hands behind his back, with a full smile.
“Three years?” A flicker of pain flashed in the maiden’s eyes, and she gave a bitter laugh. “Three years after three years! How many more three years will there be? You’re just full of lies!”
“Hmph!” The red-robed cultivator dropped his pretense. His expression suddenly turned cold, and he chuckled menacingly, “So what? Who told you your Natal Spirit Tool looks so similar to Wang Xuan’s ‘Dao-Peeking Eyes’? You can only blame your bad luck. If your spirit tool had even half the real skill of Wang Xuan’s Dao-Peeking Eyes, how would it have fallen into our hands? You can only rely on impersonating Wang Xuan to trick those with low cultivation!”
Upon hearing this, the maiden’s reddened eyes filled with tears. Gritting her teeth, she stubbornly shouted, “If my father, ‘Wang Xuan,’ knew about this, knew that you scoundrels dared to imprison my mother and treat me like this, he would definitely not let you off!”
“Hahaha!” The red-robed cultivator roared with laughter as if he had heard a joke. “I truly didn’t expect this, Wang Qisi, that you still haven’t woken up! You’re always fantasizing that Wang Xuan will come to rescue you and your mother someday. But in reality, after so many years, where is he?”
“Originally, Wang Xuan announced his retirement to the mountains and forests and hadn’t appeared in the Cultivation World for a long time. We assumed he had already passed away. Who would have thought he would become active again not long ago, even ranking on the Saint Immortal Ranking? But so what? A figure like the former Chu Zhou Celestial Master has likely long forgotten lowly existences like you and your mother, Wang Qisi! Even thinking about it, someone like him, a guest of honor in major sects, must be surrounded by beauties. He has likely forgotten that old debt of yours from who knows how many years ago.”
“You’re spouting nonsense!” For a moment, Wang Qisi wept tears like rain, sobbing incoherently, “You simply don’t understand the deep affection between my father and mother. He must have more important matters to attend to, and is unable to act freely, which is why he hasn’t come to find me! If you slander my father again, I, Wang Qisi, would rather die than work for you again.”
“You dare!” The red-robed cultivator’s gaze sharpened. “Otherwise, you’ll never see your mother again in this lifetime. You should know that I always keep my word.”
“I…”
Wang Qisi opened her mouth, but for a moment, she dared not retort. She could only wipe her tears and sob with grief in her eyes.
“Hmph, if you’re done throwing a tantrum, get lost. Don’t be an eyesore in front of me. We’ve already fooled most of the ‘fat sheep’ in Wanhe City. If we stay any longer, suspicions might arise. Tomorrow morning, we’ll be setting off for the most prosperous large city in this prefecture.”
The red-robed cultivator, knowing he had hit Wang Qisi’s sore spot, chuckled smugly. “This time, we’re definitely going for a big score… to Fengnan City!”
Meanwhile.
In Fengnan City, Taiping Tower.
“Daoist Friend Yi, what is the name of this spirit liquid?” Mu Tangchun, feeling the sweet and satisfying taste, couldn’t help but look at Qin Yuan and earnestly ask.
“Yuan Yuan Happy Water.”
“That’s a truly interesting name,” Mu Tangchun chuckled, amused.
Qin Yuan pursed her lips and smiled. “It’s useless to just know the name. This spirit liquid was personally refined and concocted by Little Scholar, unique in the entire world!”
“Then, Daoist Friend Yi, could you perhaps share the recipe… If you’re reluctant, just pretend I never asked, like a drunken slip of the tongue.” Mu Tangchun said shyly. She had truly fallen in love with this spirit liquid instantly. She had never imagined in her life that cultivating with spirit liquid could also be a pleasure. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be blushing like this, cautiously probing Qin Yuan.
“Madam Mu wants the recipe? Of course, no problem.” Qin Yuan blinked her cunning eyes playfully, “All you have to do is call me ‘Big Brother’!”
“Big Brother.” Mu Tangchun, without hesitation, cupped her fair, small hands respectfully, her voice gentle.
“You…” Qin Yuan was dumbfounded, unable to believe, “How can the esteemed Taiping Tower Master just call you that?”
“Does the Taiping Tower Master have to be so principled?” Mu Tangchun said earnestly.
Qin Yuan was completely stunned, thinking that Mu Tangchun’s disposition was indeed completely different from her own.
Looking at Qin Yuan’s dazed expression, Mu Tangchun couldn’t help but laugh like a silver bell. “Alright, it’s because I know this is just a joke. Daoist Friend Yi is Daddy’s friend. I believe that someone he approves of will definitely not harm me.”
This was a compliment to two people at once. Qin Yuan couldn’t help but sigh internally. Mu Tangchun didn’t seem as clumsy as she appeared on the surface. But then again, she was the Celestial Master’s daughter! Even if she had lost a lot of memories, how foolish could she be?! Wait, wasn’t she complimenting herself?
…
As the night deepened.
Due to the Yuan Yuan Happy Water, Mu Tangchun had drunk too much spirit wine and her eyes were now a little hazy, her body swaying slightly.
Noticing this, Qin Gou said, “Little Yi, you should escort Tang Nizi back to her room first.”
“Okay.” Qin Yuan gently supported Mu Tangchun and said helplessly, “I’ve told you long ago that when this spirit liquid is added to wine, it makes the spirit wine more potent. Don’t drink so much at once, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine at all.” Qin Yuan immediately whispered in Mu Tangchun’s ear, “If you don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of Master Qin, hurry up and come with me.”
As soon as the words fell, Mu Tangchun was obediently led out of the house by Qin Yuan.
“Daoist Friend Yi.”
On the way, Mu Tangchun, half-awake and half-drunk, slurred, “I really find it strange, why do you know me so well?”
“Do I?” Qin Yuan asked knowingly.
“Of course! Just now, you not only knew I disliked the original taste of that Fangzui spirit wine, but you even knew exactly what dishes I like to eat. This is very abnormal!” As she spoke, Mu Tangchun suddenly stopped, grabbed Qin Yuan’s shoulders, and stared intently at her, as if trying to see through her completely.
Qin Yuan’s expression changed slightly, and she cried out ‘Finished!’ inwardly. She had been too careless. Mu Tangchun must have seen through her true identity now. Just as she was about to argue.
“You’re more like my daddy than my daddy is!” Mu Tangchun’s pretty face flushed, her tone excited, her words nonsensical.
Qin Yuan: …
