In the days that followed, Hong Ning pushed aside all other distractions and focused on practicing fasting cultivation [a Taoist technique of sustaining oneself without food]. Perhaps it was due to her mindset, the weather, or the assistance of Bai Ling’s carefully refined medicinal pills, but the process turned out to be far easier than she had imagined.
After half a month, she subsisted solely on medicine and water, yet her body felt lighter and more energized. The unexpected changes fascinated her—fasting cultivation is perfect for lazy people. No need to cook or light a fire.
The camellia in the jade vase showed no signs of wilting.
Not only had it not withered, but its color had become even more vibrant, glowing with a brilliant radiance. It was likely being nourished by the spiritual energy within the vase.
Upon closer examination, Hong Ning noticed four small characters inscribed on the surface: Blossom Festival’s Dew and Breeze.
She had encountered plenty of strange things in this lifetime, but the most unexpected of all was that she seemed to have found herself in a romance with a celestial being—one that was progressing surprisingly well.
Wen Xin was about to enter the celestial registry. Bai Ling would, sooner or later, follow the same path.
And she—could she truly attain eternal love?
Hong Ning brushed her fingers over the soft, crimson petals. Feeling the warmth creeping up her cheeks, she hurriedly placed the flower back in its vase.
The sky had darkened. She rose and stepped outside, intending to fetch water from the creek.
But there, standing outside the door, was a man.
The moment his eyes met hers, a strange sensation rippled through her chest.
Startled, Hong Ning instinctively averted her gaze, gripping the peachwood sword at her waist as she took two steps back. “What are you doing here?”
Lu Jiu stepped forward, his deep, magnetic voice laced with undeniable charm. “Naturally, I came to see you. This formation is quite well set up—it took me a few days to break through.”
Hong Ning retreated inside, her expression calm. “Why are you looking for me?”
Lu Jiu spoke softly, “Living alone in the mountains must be lonely. I came to keep you company.”
That’s exactly what fox demons in old folktales say to unsuspecting scholars, Hong Ning thought, half amused, half wary.
Realizing the danger of being drawn into his tricks, she remained cautious, though outwardly composed. “I don’t think I need any company. Surely Young Master Lu wouldn’t be so bored.”
“Then I’ll be honest,” Lu Jiu stepped closer, lowering his voice. “He Lan Xue sent me to kill you.”
Hearing He Lan Xue’s name, Hong Ning immediately understood.
Old resentment surged to the surface.
So even after Master spared her life, she still refuses to repent?
Anger burned in her chest. She let out a cold laugh. “And you actually listen to her?”
Lu Jiu chuckled. “Women—when they start playing mind games, they’re all the same. You have a point, but unfortunately, that logic doesn’t work on me.”
Hong Ning lowered her gaze and stepped back slowly. “Of course. You’re a clever man, Young Master Lu. How could a few words from me change your mind?”
Lu Jiu took another step forward, crossing the threshold. “I could make you disappear without a trace.”
“If that’s what you intend, I have nothing more to say. But allowing yourself to be used like this—I can’t help but find it beneath you.”
As she spoke, Hong Ning had already retreated to the table. Without hesitation, she reached behind her and grabbed the jade vase containing the camellia. Only then did she finally relax.
“The Nine-Tailed Fox Clan is born with semi-immortal bodies and is known for their mastery of formations—intelligent and shrewd. Can you really not see that she’s simply using you as a blade to do her bidding?”
Lu Jiu’s gaze flickered at the sight of the camellia. He halted.
“Blossom Festival Palace.”
Jin Xiu's cultivation was higher than Lu Jiu’s, and Lu Jiu clearly had some reservations about provoking him—that much was certain. However, as the saying goes, "Better to offend a gentleman than a petty man." Making an enemy out of someone like Lu Jiu would undoubtedly lead to endless trouble.
After weighing her options, Hong Ning smiled slightly. “I was ignorant back then and inadvertently offended you, Young Master Lu. I sincerely apologize.”
She even lowered herself in a proper bow. “As they say, a nobleman does not hold grudges against a commoner. I hope Young Master Lu won’t take my past actions to heart—especially for Jin Xiu’s sake.”
Lu Jiu had already regained his composure, but upon hearing her words, he was once again caught off guard. “What did you just call him?”
Realizing that addressing him so casually might sound overly intimate, Hong Ning’s face flushed red, and she chose not to answer.
Lu Jiu studied her intently, his expression unreadable.
Hong Ning changed the subject. “Do you know why He Lan Xue wants me dead?”
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