Chapter 181: Doubts Resolved, Knowing the Human Face

This little fox, what mischief is she bottling up inside again?

"Although I am of the Demon Race now, when I was alive, Rendong was just repairing the fence for Xianyun Abode when he saw Lingxiang hopping and skipping her way up the mountain, looking to be in an extremely good mood. Ever since this little master returned yesterday, she has been all smiles; I don't know what happened. Usually, when she returns from Wuji Hall, she is somewhat displeased. Could it be that the Sect Leader uncle is going to abdicate and pass the position to her?"

That would truly be...

A misfortune for the sect!

Lingxiang really seemed to be in a great mood; as she passed by, she even greeted Rendong, and even Long Qi, who was always bullied by her, actually received a smile.

Watching Lingxiang, who was walking with light steps as she slipped into the room, Long Qi felt inexplicable in his heart: Has this little girl taken the wrong medicine? How could she be so pleasant to him?

At noon, when Maidong came to Xianyun Abode, Long Qi asked if Lingxiang had obtained any benefits from the various Elders over the past two days, and why she was always beaming with joy, but he did not expect Maidong to remain silent for a long time after hearing this.

"The day after tomorrow is Shangyuan, isn't it?" she said with a sunken face, not even making jokes as she usually did.

Shangyuan? What about Shangyuan? "The world says that the Heavenly Official bestows blessings. I suppose this Heavenly Official sees that my bad luck is too heavy and has never been willing to bestow blessings upon me. Even wanting to see her is something I cannot achieve," Lingxiang said, turning her head to look at Fuyin Zhenren. "I only want to see my mother one more time, but why can I never have my wish fulfilled?"

On her pale face, tears rolled down.

Seeing this, Fuyin Zhenren felt a pain in his heart, but he did not know what to say to comfort her. He just pulled her into his arms, tears in his eyes, and looked up at the moon, not letting the tears fall.

Taiqing, oh Taiqing, you still have your full moments; when will you let this girl be fulfilled for once?

And in the forest not far away, Shangqing Zhenren and the other six Elders stood together in the shadows, all wearing plain robes.

On the auspicious day of the Shangyuan Festival when the Heavenly Official bestows blessings, the sect will hold a grand Dharma assembly at Banshan Temple. At that time, except for Sect Leader Shangqing Zhenren and Dharma Elder Chengxin Zhenren, all other Elders will personally attend the venue to light lamps for the believers and the dignitaries who come to offer incense. New disciples of the sect who wish to do so may also participate.

Lingxiang got up early that day. Although the aforementioned other Elders did not include her, it did not stop her from joining in the fun, did it? At that time, a small market would stretch along the road outside the temple, and many snacks that were usually unavailable would appear there. If she didn't go today, she would probably have to wait another year to eat them. Even some trinkets passed down from the capital would be sold by people, which she thought would be great fun.

Especially after nightfall, she could sneak down the mountain to see the lantern festival. If she were lucky enough to guess a few riddles, the lantern prizes would surely be very generous.

Seeing that Lingxiang had taken out the clothes she used to wear when traveling in the mortal world, Long Qi knew she was going to play at the small market down the mountain tonight. It was a waste of the time he spent worrying about her yesterday, even decorating Xianyun Abode quite nicely. Who knew this girl really acted on a whim; she said she wouldn't see anyone, then she wouldn't, and she went wherever she pleased.

However, seeing her full of anticipation, Long Qi seemed to have become interested in the small market down the mountain as well, and he even began to look forward to it.

Of course, such excitement would naturally not be without Maidong. Today, she even dressed up specially to come to Xianyun Abode. Although she came to find Lingxiang for the festival every year, this year Xin Yi was here after all. Perhaps if he saw her dressed like this, he would be moved by her!

It's the Shangyuan Festival, after all; surely a husband will be bestowed upon her.

Rendong and Long Qi were both extremely strange; even if the Shangyuan Festival was approaching, there was no need to be this happy, right?

Just as the two were puzzled, they heard Maidong speak again:

"Some people, on the surface, are full of joy, but in reality, it is only to cover up the sorrow in their hearts. The more sorrowful they are, the happier they appear..."

Sorrow? Grief?

How could such thoughts appear in Lingxiang?

Long Qi and Rendong were even more confused after hearing what Maidong said, but Maidong did not continue, only rising and leaving Xianyun Abode.

Watching the departing Maidong, Xin Yi thought about what she had just said, lost in thought.

The next day, the three of Long Qi got up early. Although Xianyun Abode was full of wooden houses and thatched roofs, it was a big festival after all.

Shangyuan is the birthday of the Ziwei Yuanyang Great Emperor. Every year, mortals in Chenjian hang lanterns and decorate to celebrate his birthday, praying for blessings and the elimination of disasters.

It was fine when it was just Lingxiang alone before, but now it is a residence for four people; they should decorate it a bit for good luck.

During the New Year's Eve, everyone was exhausted from the martial arts competition and did not celebrate. Only later did they hear that the sect held a grand ceremony to welcome the gods, set up altars to sacrifice to the gods on the first day, and mortals from down the mountain climbed the mountain to pray, which was in full swing.

And two days later, they went to Wuji Hall to test their Spirit Roots, and then Lingxiang went to the Ancient Bamboo Forest, missing the God of Wealth's incense day. They only knew that the incense at Banshan Temple was very prosperous at that time, with people coming and going, and it was extremely lively.

Afterwards, they were repairing the house in Xianyun Abode, and even if they wanted to join the fun at Banshan Temple, they had no chance.

Therefore, Long Qi discussed with Rendong and Xin Yi early on to get up early on the 14th to decorate, so they could have a lively festival.

"You are also a reader, how can you do such thieving and dog-stealing things?"

If it were in the past, he would definitely have agreed readily, and might even have helped Lingxiang with ideas. But now, he had not yet walked out of the thoughts from just a moment ago; the sensation of the tail tip remained, as if it were still being held in Lingxiang's hand. For a while, he lost his usual ease.

Hearing this, Lingxiang did not look anxious; instead, she smiled even more cunningly.

"Yo, yo, yo~" With a tone like an actor, it made Xiaobai shudder all over. "Look at what you're saying, you're a reader! Since you're a reader, how could you do such a thing as abducting a woman? Could it be that your sage books have all been read into a dog's belly?"

Hearing her say this, Xiaobai did not know how to refute for a moment, stammering, only saying that he was confused at the time. Lingxiang found it even more ridiculous; if it weren't for the late night, she would have laughed out loud.

"Forget it, we"

"You are? The eldest daughter of the Liu family?" Lingxiang struggled to get up and asked.

"Chiyanzi the immortal said your internal injuries need a few more days of recuperation. You have just woken up from a long sleep, do not be in a hurry to get up." The eldest daughter of the Liu family said, hurriedly pressing Lingxiang down and tucking the quilt for her. "If you don't mind, you can call me Alan."

"So, those women were all released?"

"Yes, speaking of this, I really have to thank you."

"In that case, I still have to apologize to you for telling the fox demon about your affairs without permission. I hope you can forgive me."

"It doesn't matter. If those women were saved because of me, it would be a good deed."

"Then you..."

Alan held Lingxiang's hand and then stood up and walked to the window.

"In the battle with the Barbarian Clan, he disappeared. Whether he is dead or alive, I don't know, but I still can't let him go. At that time, it was to marry me in glory that he went to that blood-bathed place. If he is lucky enough to survive and return to see me, but I have married another man..." Speaking of this, Alan seemed to be choking with sobs.

"So you discussed with your younger brother to pretend to be captured, but you didn't expect that the fox demon would really find you."

"Yesterday he found me, and I told him everything. He is also a pitiful person..."

Alan sighed with sadness, then persuaded Lingxiang to rest well, and went elsewhere herself.

Yes, who hasn't had a past? Whether happy or sad, it is all just clouds and smoke, so why be persistent and not move forward?

Leaving Cangzhou and passing Xiangcheng, it was only a day's journey to Guyang. To thank Lingxiang and her group, Magistrate Liu specially prepared a carriage to send them off.

Arriving at Guyang, Lingxiang specially gave Chiyanzi a Marrow Cleansing Pill to express her gratitude. Chiyanzi declined in every possible way but could not refuse, so he accepted it and went to visit an old friend.

But what is the intention of this Long Qi following her to the end?

Youran Abode is located in the bustling city south, with wine shops on both sides. "This time the Demon Race appeared, the ancestor did not appear like last time. I think it should be fine." Qianyuan Zhenren, in a yellow robe, walked out of Wuji Hall, looking at the sky together with Shangqing Zhenren. That nebula was like a rose, dreamlike and illusory.

But Shangqing Zhenren seemed not to have heard it, not knowing which star he was staring at in a daze. After a long time, he replied:

"I hope so..."

This martial arts demonstration was just as Long Qi said; although the topic was the Spirit Keeper Fruit, it was actually testing the disciples' ability to adapt. Regardless of whether what they picked matched the topic, as long as it could be used as medicine, they would receive points. As for the point deductions Danyang Zhenren mentioned before entering the array, that was merely a ruse.

Yet, because of that very statement, some people were truly timid and cautious, and ended up with empty Storage Bags, having picked nothing at all.

But what no one expected was that the winner was Banxia, who supposedly couldn't do anything.

It was quite a coincidence that Banxia won this martial arts demonstration.

That day, after Shangqing Zhenren drove away the Demon Race, Banxia, who was sitting on the ground, felt as if she had grabbed something in her hand. Looking down, she saw it was a Long-bearded Immortal Grass.

The grass seemed like a living thing; its long white whiskers drifted like immortal clouds, while its stems and leaves were reddish-brown.

And the moment she picked it up, the Mountain-Arranging Array on Yinyu Mountain immediately collapsed.

That's right, she was the person Danyang Zhenren spoke of as having excellent Dao luck.

The Cloud-Roaming Perilla can suppress stubborn pain and resolve strange poisons. Unlike ordinary Spirit Plants, it is a rootless Spirit Plant; it stays wherever the Spirit Qi is abundant, yet it never stays in one place for long.

At the time, Zhaoming Zhenren had taken a fancy to this habit, which is why he set the array eye on a Cloud-Roaming Perilla; that was why the array was so obscured by clouds and sun-blocking, making it difficult to distinguish directions.

It was also because of this that Banxia, who had originally gained nothing, suddenly obtained the highest score and won this martial arts demonstration.

For shops like the miscellaneous goods pharmacy, Lingxiang had spent quite a lot of silver to acquire this storefront back in the day.

Having lived here for several years, she got along extremely well with her neighbors. Seeing her return, they all greeted her, and Lingxiang responded to each one, her mood seeming quite good.

"This is my Youran Abode," she said while opening the door. Long Qi had no heart to listen to what Lingxiang said later; he only felt that as soon as she arrived, a burst of fresh fragrance assailed his nostrils, which was truly intoxicating. He even forgot to breathe, and when he came to his senses a while later, he felt his face heat up and his breath quicken, so he hurriedly got up, grabbed the two wooden buckets, and fled the door.

After finally filling the two vats, Long Qi felt as if his entire body was beyond his control. Before he could rest for a moment, he was called by Lingxiang to bathe and soak in the hot spring.

The bathroom was filled with the scent of medicine, and the bathtub was steaming. The water was the Spirit Vein spring water he had just fetched, and it contained a Medicine Pouch prepared by Lingxiang. As soon as he entered the tub, his whole body felt comfortable. Just as he was stretching out, he heard the door open and close; it was Lingxiang entering, so he hurriedly covered himself with a towel and buried himself in the water.

"Tsk~ Although I am not skilled in the medical arts, I have treated patients by touch and sight; how could I not know every inch of your little frame? Why are you still hiding and covering up?" As she spoke, she put down a set of clothes and a book, "Remember this 'Guiyuan Sutra'..." 【Note: The source text appears to have a missing segment here regarding Maidong's fall.】... she lost her balance, and it was too late to gather her Qi again. Maidong had thought she would fall miserably, and she was certain her beautiful face would be ruined. Her heart turned a hundred times in an instant, filled with sorrow, and she closed her eyes tight, refusing to face it, but she did not expect to land firmly in an embrace mid-air.

When she felt her feet touch the ground, she opened her eyes and saw that the person was like a cypress, standing gracefully in the wind. Looking up, his brows were like long swords, his eyes like bright stars; he stood in the dusty world, elegant and imposing.

"I offended you." Seeing that Maidong had stood firm, Xin Yi let her go and bowed to her.

But Maidong seemed not to hear, staring straight at Xin Yi.

"No offense taken, no offense taken," Lingxiang said, hurriedly stepping forward and nudging Maidong with her elbow. "You are saving a life; in an emergency, one must act according to the situation. Do not pay attention to those pedantic dogmas."

Maidong came to her senses, instantly blushing, and lowered her head to thank him: "Th... thank you, Young Master..."

Seeing Maidong like this, Lingxiang understood immediately. Don't look at her as if she were careless; in reality, she was as meticulous as a needle. The two had grown up together since childhood, and this dead girl had always been unconstrained; when had she ever been this coy? Her heart must have been stirred, ripples of spring water flowing.

This hopeless girl! She only saved you once, and you've already secretly pledged your heart?

Seeing Lingxiang always trying to strike up a conversation with Xin Yi, Long Qi felt sourness rising in his stomach.

"Why did you come to the Yuanqing Sect?"

"This is my home to begin with, why can't I come?" Lingxiang said, dragging Maidong to the side.

"Your home?" Long Qi knew she had a deep connection with Yuanqing, but he didn't know what her identity actually was, and she could even command the Sect Leader like this. With Lingxiang saying it this way, he became even more suspicious.

"It is often rumored in the streets that there is a woman in Youran Abode who can make things flourish with a touch, but I did not expect it to be Miss Lingxiang, and that you are a disciple of Yuanqing. This truly leaves me stunned," Liu Xia said in surprise.

"Oh, these are trivial matters not worth mentioning. Heroes don't ask where they come from, let alone a woman like me."

"Since it is your home, why have I never seen you in all the time I've been here?" Long Qi asked, puzzled.

"The mountains are deep and vast, when have you been everywhere?" Lingxiang smiled. "Besides, I only came up the mountain yesterday, so naturally you wouldn't have seen me."

"... memorize it well. From now on, meditate and regulate your breath according to this formula every day when you bathe, to consolidate your foundation and nourish your essence."

Does this woman really not know about the boundaries between men and women, or is she just dense...

After a month like this, Long Qi felt his five senses become even sharper, his breathing seemed to merge with his whole body, and even fetching water every day was easy for him, without feeling tired at all.

The Chonglou obtained by the Taishang Sect began to sprout. Lingxiang was just experimenting; she didn't expect it to break through the soil even away from that Spirit Vein, but she didn't know if it could grow nine leaves.

Half a year ago, she obtained a pill formula from her mother's legacy called 'Heaven-Returning', but the required refining materials were all hard to come by, and the formula was incomplete, with the techniques unclear. If the trial refining failed, she couldn't just go to Changyun Peak to ask for more, could she?

Long Qi originally thought Lingxiang was just an alchemist, but he didn't expect her to have the ability to remove illnesses and ward off evil. From time to time, people would come to the door to ask for her help. Every time this happened, she would go to the appointment alone, and he didn't know if it was real or fake.

Thinking of those fake Daoists who shook their heads and put on airs, if she also acted like that, it would surely be very amusing...

A very beautiful woman acting in that manner—Long Qi couldn't help but hold his stomach and laugh...