Bai Shuo was puzzled too. She looked up and asked, “Madam, what did Hu’er eat today?”
The woman looked momentarily stunned. “It’s early in the day—he only drank some water and ate a few of the fruits from home.”
“Fruit? What kind of fruit?”
“Autumn Cicada Fruit. He eats them every day, but nothing like this has ever happened.”
The Autumn Cicada Fruit is a spiritual fruit with faint spiritual energy. In the barren wilderness, the non-celestial tribes rely on it for sustenance, which contributes to their robust health.
Bai Shuo glanced at the child, noting that, despite being born among the strong non-celestials, he appeared uncommonly frail. Clearly, he couldn’t absorb the spiritual energy within the Autumn Cicada Fruit, causing it to accumulate and disturb the balance of celestial and demon energy within him.
The pill Bai Shuo had given him was a Qing Xin (Clear Mind) Pill, which dissolves spiritual energy. She had originally concocted it on Miao Miao Island out of boredom, intending to create a laxative to prank the inner disciples who bullied her. Instead, she accidentally created this unusual remedy. Made from common ingredients, it was only effective for half-immortals and had no effect on higher celestials.
If not for the child’s chaotic spiritual energy, she might have forgotten about the pill altogether.
“Madam, the Autumn Cicada Fruit contains spiritual energy. Hu’er’s body is too frail to absorb it, causing a buildup and resulting in the chaotic energy. Once he grows stronger, he can eat it again.”
The woman nodded repeatedly, guilt crossing her face. “It’s all my fault. I wanted to strengthen Hu’er’s weak body by feeding him the fruit daily, not realizing I was causing him harm.”
The woman bowed with her child in her arms. “Forgive me, Daoist. I was too anxious just now…”
“No harm done! Look, I’m perfectly fine.” Bai Shuo quickly helped the woman up, scratching her head as she glanced at the crowd of non-celestials outside. “Perhaps you could let them know it’s all resolved. It’s not ideal to have everyone gathered here like this.”
The woman promptly called out, “It’s fine now! You can disperse. Hu’er ate something he shouldn’t have, but thanks to this Daoist, he’s okay!”
Hearing the woman’s voice and seeing the healthy color in the child’s face, the non-celestials outside the inn relaxed and gradually dispersed.
As they left, the woman turned to Chong Zhao. “Thank you, Celestial Lord, for bringing me here.”
Chong Zhao’s expression softened. “As long as the child is safe.”
He exchanged glances with Bai Shuo, who was just about to wink at him when he suddenly turned away, as if he didn’t know her.
What’s with him? Bai Shuo was puzzled but soon noticed Nan Wan’s stony expression—he didn’t look pleased at all.
Oh no, she’d nearly forgotten about this “living Buddha.” The woman had thanked her and then Chong Zhao, completely ignoring Nan Wan.
Ever quick-witted, Bai Shuo spoke up. “Madam, I’d like to ask you something.”
The woman paused. “What is it, Daoist? Please feel free to ask.”
Just as Bai Shuo was about to speak, Nan Wan interrupted, “The child has been through enough. Let’s escort the lady and her son home first, and we can discuss other matters later.”
Noticing the curious looks from the other celestial disciples in the room, Bai Shuo quickly caught on. “Yes, let’s take Hu’er home first. I’ll give him another Qing Xin Pill to stabilize his energy.”
The woman looked at the Yun Xiao disciples, still cautious. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Thank you, Celestial Lord, but perhaps this young lord here can take me back. It was thanks to him we came here.”
The Yun Xiao disciples appeared kind, but their distant and disdainful expressions weren’t fooling her. Only Chong Zhao and Bai Shuo showed genuine concern. Although the woman was grateful to Bai Shuo, as a non-celestial, she didn’t wish to be too entangled with the celestial beings.
Seeing Nan Wan’s frown, Bai Shuo immediately pulled Chong Zhao forward. “Madam, don’t worry. Yun Xiao and Miao Miao have close relations, and this is Lord Nan Wan’s friend, Young Master Chong. Isn’t that right, Young Master Chong?”
She quickly scribbled the character “Wu” (梧) in Chong Zhao’s palm, giving him a meaningful look. Chong Zhao hesitated, then, setting aside his earlier irritation, nodded. “Yes, Madam, there’s no need to worry.”
Seeing the woman’s lingering hesitation, Nan Wan spoke calmly, “Ming Xin, you and the disciples stay at the inn. I’ll accompany Young Master Chong and return shortly.”
“Yes, Senior Brother.”
Satisfied that Nan Wan would be coming alone, the woman finally agreed. “Thank you, all.”
Once she nodded, Chong Zhao took the child in his arms. “Let’s go, Madam.”
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