Chapter 29: Pftt!—
Note: Bai Xuci, Baixu Ci is now Bai Xuzi. I didn’t notice this mistake.
Xiao Yunhe walked the main street alone, a wave of frustration swirling in his stomach.
How could this bunch of gluttonous layabouts ever do anything for the common folk? Up on the mountain, they were all so eager to prove themselves, but it turns out they’re just a bunch of sanctimonious hypocrites.
Still, his thoughts turned to his Senior Martial Brother. He had only gone to the Scripture Pavilion, so how did he suddenly get framed for stealing the sect’s secrets? The whole sect knows Senior Martial Brother isn’t that kind of person…
He pursed his lips, unable to make sense of it.
But a good person is destined for a good outcome; he’s bound to be alright.
Xiao Yunhe pressed his lips together, a surge of resentment swelling within him toward the Sect Master. Why didn’t he get to the bottom of the whole thing?
Just then, the chorus of hawkers’ cries from behind interrupted his thoughts. With his sword strapped to his back, Xiao Yunhe glanced over his shoulder.
A pang of regret hit him. He had been looking forward to this trial expedition for so long, and that entire bunch had ruined it.
Whatever. He could just go find the Crescent Moon Fish on his own.
With that thought, he pulled out his compass, intending to follow the direction of the needle. But suddenly, a strange change occurred.
The needle began to tremble violently, spinning wildly in every direction. It looked as if it were about to break.
Xiao Yunhe was instantly flustered. He tried to steady it with his spiritual energy more than once, but each time, it was repelled.
How could this be? This was the most basic Spirit-Seeking Compass of the Azure Cloud Sect, and his Senior Martial Brother had even improved upon it. How could it suddenly malfunction?
With a flutter of panic in his heart, Xiao Yunhe could only walk around aimlessly with the compass. Did those people tamper with his magical artifact, too? How utterly despicable!
But just when he was convinced the compass was broken.
Ding!
The needle stopped trembling and pointed straight ahead to a single location.
Xiao Yunhe held the compass up and followed the direction of the needle, which led him to a—
Li’s Steamed Bun Shop.
“…”
So what’s it pointing at this for? It must be broken after all. He felt his spirits sink.
“Boss, I’ll have another basket of steamed buns!” The voice was so clear and bright, one could tell just by listening that it belonged to a young man.
“Alright! Straight from the steamer! The pork was butchered just yesterday, so it’s guaranteed to be juicy and fragrant!” The smiling boss quickly wrapped the buns in a piece of oiled paper. “Careful, it’s hot!”
“You can still eat more?” a slightly muffled voice asked, a stark contrast to the first.
The street was still bustling, and the sound of their voices became a bit muddled. Xiao Yunhe turned his head toward the noise, trying to find the source of the voices.
The crowd was thick and jostling. He stood on his tiptoes, only to make out a vague glimpse of a white robe hem that was quite eye-catching in the sunlight.
“Hey, what’s with this? Are you going to let people get through?”
“Hey, little brother, you’re blocking the path.”
A few complaints rang out, and some annoyed glances were shot his way. Feeling he was in the wrong, Xiao Yunhe bowed and apologized, then took a big stride toward the direction of the voices.
He had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It was as if a voice was ringing in his head… They’re about to leave, hurry up!
Meanwhile,
Bai Xuzi held the paper-wrapped bag the boss gave him, bowing his head to blow on it with great concentration. He looked completely focused.
“Big Brother, that’s not right,” Bai Xuzi said, clutching his buns and looking up at his companion with a serious expression. “Eating pastries was a good fifteen minutes ago; I’ve already digested it all.” He even added with a straight face: “The me right now can definitely eat it,” he declared with great conviction.
The buns from this shop looked good just from their appearance alone. The skins were thin with generous filling, and a little oil even seeped through the wrappers. The aroma wafted through the air. Bai Xuzi had smelled the scent the moment he arrived on the street, and it hadn’t taken him long to track it down. He had made sure to be one of the first customers.
Fan Yue couldn’t quite understand this. It was only a steamed bun, after all. Why it could bring him such joy was beyond him. He still paid for the little demon, who had not yet reached the stage of transcending mortal food, all the while watching the tip of an ear that was trying to peek out.
Bai Xuzi poked at one of the buns inside the paper bag, eager to see if it was cool enough to eat, but a jolt of heat made him yank his hand back. His face scrunched up.
Good food is worth the wait.
Fan Yue glanced down and cast a small spell.
“It’s lukewarm now. Go on, eat.” His tone was flat.
Bai Xuzi: “!!”
He spun around in delight, then, as if swayed by some animal instinct, he involuntarily shuffled closer and nudged against Fan Yue’s side.
“Wuu-wuu-wuu, thank you, Big Brother! I will definitely work for the Qilin—”
Before he could finish, he was lifted off his feet and safely deposited back to his original spot.
“Stand still.” The tone was as cold as ever.
Bai Xuzi obediently stood his ground, his ears automatically tuning out Fan Yue’s scolding, his full attention on his bun. Happily, he pulled one out.
With a sense of ceremony, he took a gentle bite.
Pftt!—
A burst of savory broth erupted, and then… it just so happened to splatter all over the “innocent bystander” across from him.
Bai Xuzi froze. He swallowed the rest of the bun whole and slowly, slowly, raised his gaze.
It was a complete stranger.
He was in trouble.
He slowly shuffled to the side, and Fan Yue’s brow furrowed slightly as he prepared to say something. But the little demon nudged against him again. Looking a little impatient, he lowered his gaze to look at him. With a pitiful expression, his lips were pulled into a tight, straight line. He looked exactly like a child who knew he’d done something wrong.
And…
Lord, stick with me, help me out. I can give you a year’s supply of dried radishes.
Fan Yue’s eyebrow shot up, and his expression instantly changed, a flicker of genuine anticipation in his eyes.
“Fine. A man of his word.”
Bai Xuzi blinked, utterly baffled. Was he talking to him? But he hadn’t even said anything out loud? He wanted to ask for clarification, but the man opposite them had already spoken.
“Gentlemen, please don’t worry about it. I can take care of it myself.” Not only was there no anger in his voice, but his tone was also incredibly gentle and generous.
Bai Xuzi, who hadn’t expected such a reaction, shifted his gaze to look at him. He had been so caught up in his embarrassment that he had forgotten to properly look at the “victim.” The man was, for one, quite handsome. His eyes held a keen brightness, his back was ramrod straight, and he carried himself with an air of proper decorum.
“It’s fine, we can compensate you,” Fan Yue said, not at all inclined to accept the gesture. He was too busy watching the man across from him with great interest, his eyes on the familiar clothing and the highly distinctive object he held in his hand.
What commendable bravery…
Bai Xuzi furrowed his brows. He felt like he had seen this person somewhere before, but he couldn’t quite place him. Had he just caught a glimpse of him somewhere?
Suddenly, a thought struck him. He looked up abruptly, his eyes wide with disbelief. This person was none other than—
“This is a small matter, not worth mentioning. My name is Xiao Yunhe. I am a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect on a trial expedition. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
When Bai Xuzi heard this, he was instantly speechless… Why was he so forthcoming? On top of that, he was the one who had clearly gotten the man’s clothes dirty, so why did the man seem so apologetic? He furrowed his brow, finding the situation terribly strange.
He was just a little timid and didn’t really dare to speak to strangers, especially when he was the one who had messed up. But— he wasn’t entirely silent.
“I’m sorry. I got your clothes dirty. Let me replace them for you,” Bai Xuzi said, involuntarily stepping forward to offer a sincere apology.
Noticing the little demon’s action, Fan Yue subtly pulled him back by the waist. He thought to himself nonchalantly: Still so foolish. He doesn’t even see what the other person is holding. The man could sell him, and he’d probably help count the money…
Bai Xuzi looked down at his waist, where a hand was resting.
“???”
He tried to shift experimentally, but was only pulled in tighter.
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