Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 47

On the other side, after Gu Xiyan left with Mujin, she teleported directly outside the wooden house where Qingwu and Qu Lin’er lived.

As soon as Mujin landed, she almost sprang up, rushing over to support Gu Xiyan. Panicked, she checked her body. “My lady, are you alright? What about your wound? How is it?”

She stared intently at Gu Xiyan’s back, her eyes turning red. Earlier, out of the corner of her eye, she had caught a glimpse of the final attack unleashed by that man. Even now, her hands and feet were still ice-cold from fear.

Gu Xiyan felt a heavy pressure in her chest, and her blood and energy churned violently within her, but she knew this was already the best outcome. She shook her head to reassure Mujin, placing her hand gently over her chest. The white silk ribbon over her eyes had come slightly loose, and the cloth tied at the back of her head now draped over her chest. She simply sat on the ground, gripping her hands tightly as she recalled the events of that moment.

“I… I think I saw a green glow suddenly burst from Miss Gu’s back, dispersing his manifested sword,” Qingwu said, still shaken but also curious.

“A green glow? My lady, did you bring some kind of treasure with you?”

Mujin then saw the pale-faced Gu Xiyan curve her lips into a smile and whisper, “It is a treasure. Someone gave it to me on purpose, but I never expected it could actually protect me.” When she mentioned the treasure, her expression softened with warmth and joy, exactly the same as when she spoke of that person.

“Is it the friend you said has helped you many times?” Mujin’s eyes brightened.

“Yes.” Gu Xiyan stood up, brushing the dust off her clothes. She couldn’t help but recall the words that person had spoken when they left this fragment of consciousness within her.

“But if the day ever comes when you truly turn your blade against me, your life or death will be decided in an instant. Do you understand?”

Gu Xiyan let out a helpless smile, unable to describe the emotions in her heart. At the time, Ye Qinming’s words had truly hurt her. She never imagined that the very consciousness meant to decide her life or death would ultimately end up saving her. That person was truly someone who said one thing but meant another.

She glanced at the sky and immediately spoke. “We must leave at once. He will likely come after us. Let’s go.”

Qingwu nodded, holding the unconscious Qu Lin’er. She watched as Gu Xiyan erased all traces of their presence before the three of them swiftly departed from Ying City.

“My lady, we’re leaving just like this? Aren’t you going to take one last look?” Mujin carefully asked as she gazed down at the mist-covered city below.

She knew that her lady’s parents lived in Ying City. When they had arrived, her lady had secretly gone to see them a few times. Mujin had even spotted someone who looked exactly like her lady inside—the puppet that she had mentioned. Knowing the truth, Mujin felt heartbroken. Since they were leaving, she thought it might be best to take another look, considering the situation made future visits unlikely.

“No need. It’s better for me to stay as far away from them as possible. They are still in good health, and she takes care of them well—that’s enough.” Gu Xiyan had already made peace with it. When she made that decision back then, she had prepared herself. As long as they lived happily and peacefully, what happened to her no longer mattered.

She spoke calmly, but Mujin could still sense the helplessness and bitterness within her words. Seeing this, Mujin decided not to bring it up again.

“So, where are we going now? That man doesn’t seem like he will let you go. It’s truly strange—he’s already dead, yet his soul relentlessly chases after you. My lady, you’re only in your twenties. How did you end up entangled with a demon of such profound cultivation?”

Gu Xiyan did not answer directly. She merely sighed softly. “Perhaps it’s a karma from a past life, unavoidable. We shouldn’t stay here long. Miss Qingwu, if you trust me, come with us to Dongzhou for now.”

“Dongzhou?” Mujin’s excitement showed for a brief moment before her expression darkened again. “My lady, can I even enter Dongzhou?”

Gu Xiyan patted her on the head. “It’s fine. Your cultivation is high enough, and if you use the technique I taught you, you can conceal your devilish aura. Since you aren’t a demon, most people won’t be able to detect your true identity. Just be careful to avoid appearing before a few of my shibos and shixiongs.”

(T/N: Shibo: The literal meaning is “martial uncle.” It refers to older martial brothers of one’s own master.)

After reassuring Mujin, Gu Xiyan immediately increased her flying speed, heading toward Dongzhou without pause. Noticing Qingwu’s continued silence along the way, Gu Xiyan understood her concerns and spoke gently. “Miss Qingwu, you’ll need to disguise yourself for now. If you trust me, seal away your demonic aura and bring Miss Qu into Dongzhou. As for her illness, I will find a way to save her.”

Qingwu’s eyes lit up, her lips trembling with emotion. “Qingwu is deeply grateful for Miss Gu’s immense kindness. Whatever you say, I will follow.”

Following Gu Xiyan to Dongzhou was a huge risk for Qingwu. Her cultivation wasn’t strong enough, and she could easily be discovered. If she was caught again, she wouldn’t be lucky enough to escape a second time. But Qu Lin’er didn’t have time to wait—this was the only path forward.

***

Gu Xiyan kept her promise. Upon arriving in Dongzhou, she rented a quiet courtyard for the two of them to stay in. With the medicine Gu Xiyan had previously provided, Qu Lin’er’s complexion improved—at least, her condition was no longer worsening.

Having been away from Dongzhou for over two years, it was time to visit her shizun. When Gu Xiyan flew toward the Fifth Peak, the disciples there saw a woman dressed in white, her eyes covered with white silk, descending at the mountain gate. Their faces instantly turned red with excitement.

“Eldest Shijie is back! Eldest Shijie has returned!”

(T/N:Shijie: Older martial sister. For senior female members of one’s own sect.)

Gu Xiyan was the only direct disciple of the Fifth Peak. However, since the Fifth Peak was still one of the Five Great Peaks of Dongzhou, many disciples from the other four peaks had been assigned to it as well. According to the rules, they all had to address Gu Xiyan as the “eldest shijie.”

Gu Xiyan gave a slight nod. “Qingyuan-shidi.”

(T/N: Shidi: Younger martial brother. For junior male members of one’s own sect.)

He hadn’t expected her to call his name so accurately. Qingyuan was so overjoyed that his face turned completely red.

“Eldest Shijie, the Peak Master is in the Taihuan Pavilion.”

Gu Xiyan nodded. “No need to make a fuss. I’ll go by myself.”

“Yes, Eldest Shijie.” Qingyuan grinned foolishly, watching the ethereal figure gradually fade into the distance. His eyes were filled with admiration and awe—she was already incredible without sight. If she could see, how much more formidable would she be?

As Gu Xiyan approached the Taihuan Pavilion, she happened to hear footsteps coming from within. Two figures emerged side by side—one walked with disciplined precision, the other with a more relaxed grace. Gu Xiyan immediately bowed deeply. “Disciple Xiyan greets Shibo and Shizun.”

Yuheng looked at Gu Xiyan with a complex expression, while Yuxi smiled warmly and stepped forward. “Xiyan, you’ve returned. Let me take a good look at you.”

Yuxi carefully examined his cherished disciple before suddenly raising his hand to strike at her. Gu Xiyan swiftly leaned backward, her right hand brushing the ground as she spun in a quick, fluid motion. In the blink of an eye, she was back in her original position. The white silk ribbon over her eyes fluttered gently as it fell back into place. With a hint of helplessness, she called out, “Shizun.”

Yuxi’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Good girl—you’ve improved again! What a little monster you are!”

“Is that any way to describe your own disciple?” Yuheng frowned but couldn’t hide his admiration as he gazed at Gu Xiyan. “I didn’t agree when Yuxi first took you in, but it seems I was wrong.”

“You overpraise me, Shibo. It is thanks to Shizun’s teachings and the guidance of the other elders that I have come this far,” Gu Xiyan responded humbly.

“Humble and composed—very good. You’ve been away for nearly two years. Have you gained anything from your travels? Are the demons still as rampant as before?” As the head of the Five Peaks, Yuheng was primarily concerned with the state of the Mortal Realm.

“Shibo,” Gu Xiyan replied, “the barrier to the Demon Realm has been breached, leaving the entrance wide open. Although several elders recently reinforced the seal, the demons entering the human world are highly cultivated, and the barrier won’t hold for long. Chaos still plagues the realm. I have subdued many demons during my travels, but it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause.”

Yuheng and Yuxi both furrowed their brows in concern. Stroking his long beard, Yuheng said gravely, “The barrier is weakened, the human world is in turmoil, and the gods who have been worshiped for over a thousand years remain silent. What can mere cultivators do against this?”

Yuxi sighed as well. “Praying to the heavens is pointless—it’s better to rely on ourselves. Hoping for divine intervention is nothing but a fool’s dream now.”

“Is there a way to repair the Demon Realm barrier again?” Gu Xiyan asked.

Yuheng’s brows knit tighter. “Your shizun and I were just discussing this. If the Demon Realm remains connected to the human world, there will never be peace. But this matter cannot be rushed. Even if we repair the barrier, it’s only a temporary fix. The best solution would be to seal the entrance entirely. However, sealing it is far more difficult than maintaining a barrier—it would require the combined efforts of the senior elders of Dongzhou. And the price of sealing it will be heavy. If the demons gather in force, even we may be overwhelmed. By then, even if we succeed in sealing the barrier, we would already be at their mercy.”

Yuxi shared the same concern—one wrong move could lead to total disaster.

“But it’s the only path left to us.”

Yuheng’s expression darkened further as he nodded. After a long pause, he added, “Before the seal is placed, we must ensure they cannot grow stronger.”

“You mean…?” Yuxi’s brows furrowed. He already had an inkling of Yuheng’s thoughts.

“It has been a thousand years since the demon slayers last walked among us.”

Both Gu Xiyan and Yuxi stiffened at these words. Gu Xiyan knew well what the demon slayers were. Though they were cultivators, their sole purpose was to eradicate all demons and devils—they showed no mercy.

The joy of reuniting with his disciple faded under the weight of the conversation. Yuxi sat down, watching Gu Xiyan brew tea with her head lowered, and let out a heavy sigh.

“If the demon slayers are mobilized, every capable disciple of Dongzhou will be enlisted. They will not return until the last demon is eradicated. Xiyan, you…”

Gu Xiyan’s hand trembled slightly as she poured the tea, but she remained calm and steady. She placed a full cup before Yuxi and, after setting down the teapot, quietly asked, “Shizun, do all demons deserve to die?”

Yuxi was momentarily stunned. He studied his disciple in silence for a long moment before lowering his head with a faint smile and finishing the tea she had poured. “I’m not surprised you would ask such a question.” He glanced at Gu Xiyan, whose expression remained calm, and continued, “If you’re asking me, I will tell you—not all demons deserve to die. But… in Dongzhou, in the eyes of the vast majority, demons are meant to be eradicated. My shixiong is especially unyielding on this point. And given the current situation, there is no other choice.”

Gu Xiyan said nothing and instead accompanied Yuxi in recounting the events of the past two years in detail. As she was about to leave, she bowed and said, “Shizun, I will give my life without hesitation to protect the peace of this land, but I am unwilling to become a demon slayer.”

Yuxi looked at her in silence for a long time before finally saying, “I will do my best. But Xiyan, this world does not tolerate demons—Dongzhou even less so. Let me be the only one who knows your thoughts.”

Gu Xiyan cupped her hands in salute, nodded, and withdrew. Just before leaving, she hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “Shizun, I still believe that sealing barriers should be enough. The number of demons entering the human world has already decreased. The Demon Realm may not necessarily want demons flooding into the human world.”

“Xiyan, your kindness and tolerance are commendable. But humans have human nature, and demons have their own nature as well. The human world is far too tempting for demons. Placing hope in the demon race is too dangerous.”

Gu Xiyan fell silent. It was not that she believed in the demons’ nature—she simply believed in her. If she returned to the Demon Realm and reclaimed her position as the Demon Emperor, Gu Xiyan had a faint feeling that she would not bring destruction to the human world.

“Shizun, during my journey, I encountered a demon near Ying City. Its cultivation level far surpassed mine. If I hadn’t seized the opportunity to escape using teleportation, I might not have made it back. If we are to exterminate demons, relying solely on the current generation of disciples will be extremely perilous.”

“Were you injured?” Yuxi asked with concern, immediately checking her condition.

“Shizun, rest assured, I came out unscathed.”

Yuxi frowned, deep in thought. “That is my concern as well. After all, those who come from the Demon Realm are rarely benevolent. I will speak with the sect leader and have the elders accompany you.”

“Thank you, Shizun. I take my leave.”

As Yuxi watched his disciple’s departing figure, he let out a sigh. She understood things too well, yet carried the heart of an innocent child. He couldn’t help but worry about this disciple of his.

***

Gu Xiyan did not stay long upon returning and soon went to the place where Qingwu resided. She had not brought Mujin back to the Fifth Peak—after all, there were many powerful cultivators there. If they discovered Mujin’s identity, the consequences would be unimaginable.

As she approached the courtyard gate, she could already sense Mujin’s presence—it seemed somewhat listless and bored. The next moment, she heard an excited voice, and that once-weary presence suddenly became lively.

“My lady, you’re back!” Mujin immediately leaped to Gu Xiyan’s side, overjoyed. Dongzhou was truly dull. She disliked those cultivators, and she disliked even more that, because of them, her lady wouldn’t allow her to wander freely.

Gu Xiyan pressed her lips into a faint smile. “Ah Jin, are you feeling stifled?”

Mujin’s eyes lit up. “Yes! This place makes me uncomfortable.”

Gu Xiyan reached out and gently patted her head. “Bear with it a little longer. This isn’t like Ying City—we can’t let people discover your identity.”

“I understand.” Though Mujin seemed carefree, she knew how to prioritize important matters.

“Here.” Gu Xiyan brought her left hand from behind her back, revealing a set of bright red candied hawthorn skewers in front of Mujin.

“Candied hawthorn!” All her previous frustration and displeasure vanished instantly. Taking the skewers, Mujin beamed with joy. “Are all of these for me?” Seeing the three skewers in her hand, Mujin’s smile grew even wider.

“You’re not allowed to eat too many—these are for them.” Gu Xiyan handed her one skewer, ignoring her protests, and stepped into the courtyard.

Qingwu had already come out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing the two of them, a smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you, Miss Gu. But if Mujin likes them, just let her have them.”

Gu Xiyan smiled lightly. “She can’t control herself once she starts eating. These candied hawthorns are sweet and sour—you should try one.”

After handing one to Qingwu, Gu Xiyan spoke again, “You won’t be able to stay in Dongzhou for long. I’ll first help Miss Qu expel the demon energy from her body, and then you should take her to a small village and settle her there.”

Qingwu could sense the weight in her tone and felt a slight unease. “Miss Gu, has something happened?”

Gu Xiyan paused in her steps, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “Demons are pouring into the human world—conflict is now unavoidable. Qingwu, remove yourself from this before it’s too late.”

Author’s Note:

Up next is the White Lotus’ main show! My protagonist does have a golden finger, but the stronger the golden finger gets, the stronger the scumbags she encounters—so things are pretty miserable.

Don’t think the Divine Lord is weak right now; given the circumstances, she’s already doing remarkably well.