Chapter 289: This Humble Servant Knows Master Will Return Again (4000 words, Two-in-One)
As Ming’s gaze rested on Ye Ye before him, he froze.
Ming clearly saw residual demonic aura clinging to Ye Ye but couldn’t discern her true form.
“Great Demon of the Nascent Soul Stage!”
Ming concluded in his heart.
After this evolution, Ming’s Dao Pattern Eye had gained some ability to perceive the essence of things.
For example, it could see through ghostly illusions and reveal the true forms of demons disguised as humans.
As long as they were from the Golden Core Realm or below, Ming was confident that with this pair of Dao Pattern Eyes, he could see their original forms.
But now, all he could see was the swirling demonic aura around her, nothing else.
This was enough to indicate that her realm was at least Nascent Soul Stage.
Ye Ye sensed something and turned around.
When Ye Ye looked at Ming, his Dao Pattern Eye was already retracted, everything back to normal.
“What’s wrong, Sister Ye?” Ming asked with a smile.
“Nothing…” Ye Ye shook her head. “I thought someone was knocking on the door. Guess I heard wrong.”
With that, Ye Ye turned and continued leading Ming into the house.
Ye Ye brought Ming inside and poured him a cup of tea. “There are many children in the outer courtyard, so it’s a bit noisy. If you don’t mind, please wait here for a moment. Han should be back soon.”
“Sister Ye is too polite,” Ming said, taking the tea and sipping it.
“Hmm? This tea feels familiar.” Ming looked at the leaves in his cup.
Ye Ye nodded. “This tea is Long Leaf Bud that Han brought back from the military camp.”
“No wonder it feels so familiar,” Ming chuckled. “Long Leaf Bud is the military tea of Blood Floating Pagoda, with benefits like strengthening blood qi, quenching thirst, relieving heat, and regulating breathing. We each drink several large pots every day, getting used to it. Before, I thought this tea was a bit bitter and not very fragrant, but after such a long time without drinking it, it tastes pretty good now.”
Ye Ye smiled gently. “Long Leaf Bud isn’t cheap. Although it’s sold outside, one jin costs quite a bit of silver. I told him not to bring things back or he’d be punished, but Han never listens. Every time he comes back from the military camp with something, I worry. Normally, I don’t dare to drink it. Only when guests come from the military camp do I brew some.
However, given Master Xu’s status, this tea means nothing, but it’s the most expensive tea we have at home. Please forgive me, Master Xu.
If the military camp investigates this tea, please say something on our behalf.”
“I’m no one special. If I must say, I’m just Han’s brother. Moreover, many people take this tea out, so there’s no big issue,” Ming reassured her. “In our military camp, Long Leaf Bud is abundant. Soldiers often take some home, and most officers turn a blind eye unless someone takes too much to sell outside. Usually, they won’t investigate.”
Listening to Ming’s words, Ye Ye only nodded silently, adding more tea without saying much.
“By the way, judging by your accent, you’re not originally from Wudu, right?” Ming asked.
“That’s correct,” Ye Ye nodded. “I come from Baihe Kingdom. During the war in Baihe Kingdom, I fled to Wu Kingdom.”
“Is that so?” Ming remembered hearing about Baihe Kingdom when he was young.
Baihe Kingdom was actually a small country next to Wu Kingdom.
Because it was a small country and served as a buffer zone between Wu and Wei Kingdoms, it remained peaceful. As long as Baihe didn’t provoke either side or align with them, maintaining neutrality, life was pretty good.
But the king of Baihe insisted on stirring up trouble. Though a ruler, he sought immortality like a cultivator.
He even worshipped the leader of a devilish sect as his State Preceptor.
From then on, the king of Baihe focused solely on cultivation, neglecting governance. Corrupt officials dominated, and the common people suffered.
Five years ago, Baihe erupted in internal strife, the entire nation collapsing. Half was annexed by Wei Kingdom, the other half by Wu Kingdom.
“As for these children in the yard?” Ming asked again.
“Most are from Baihe Kingdom, and some are orphans from Wudu,” Ye Ye explained.
“Sister Ye truly has a Bodhisattva’s heart.”
If she had no ulterior motives and genuinely did good deeds, this Ye girl indeed had a Bodhisattva’s heart, without a doubt.
But Ming feared this demon might have other plans.
“Not a Bodhisattva’s heart, just doing what I can. And it’s not just me taking care of these children.
Some kids grow up, leave here, and start working—some become shop assistants, some tailors, some cooks.
The most successful is Han, who joined Blood Floating Pagoda and became a captain of a hundred men.
They occasionally send clothes, food, or money, and visit when they have time.
So this place isn’t managed by me alone.”
Ye Ye looked out the window at the playful children and smiled.
Ming nodded, silent, quietly sipping his tea.
“Sister Ye, I’m back.”
Not long after, a familiar male voice came from the courtyard.
Ye Ye and Ming went out together.
Han saw Sister Ye, especially Ming standing beside her, and his eyes lit up immediately. “Brother Ming! Why have you come?”
Ming laughed. “I just returned to Wudu yesterday. How could you not welcome me to see you?”
“How could I not!” Han quickly put down the things in his hands, walking forward joyfully and gripping Ming’s arms and shoulders. “Brother Ming seems even stronger! Even though I’ve been in the military camp, seeing Brother Ming always appear on the Azurecloud List fills me with pride!”
“The Azurecloud List isn’t anything special. My ranking is merely due to luck,” Ming said.
“Hey, by the way, Sister Ye, I forgot to introduce you—this is my good friend, Xu Ming, the one I’ve mentioned to you many times,” Han grinned.
“I know,” Ye Ye smiled and nodded. “Master Xu has already introduced himself.”
“Then you two can catch up slowly. I’ll make dinner. Master Xu, if you don’t mind, please stay for a meal,” Ye Ye invited.
“In that case, I won’t decline. Thank you for the trouble, Sister Ye,” Ming bowed respectfully.
“Not at all.”
Ye Ye bowed slightly and walked into the kitchen.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” Ming suggested, also wanting to inquire about Ye Ye.
“Of course, let’s go buy some wine on the way,” Han laughed. “But Brother Ming, please wait a moment while I distribute these things to the children.”
Ming nodded. “Alright, I’ll help you.”
Han didn’t refuse, and the two began distributing the things Han had bought.
Some older children also came to help distribute. The children in the courtyard were mostly very sensible; the older ones took care of the younger ones, and the younger ones cared for those even younger. Everyone was doing what they could.
After distribution, Han went out with Ming for a stroll.
The two wandered aimlessly along the streets.
It was just evening, and the stalls in the streets and alleys hadn’t closed yet. Street vendors were everywhere, performing acrobatics, cheering, and courtesans from Qinglou greeted customers.
Even the storyteller’s voice from a teahouse could be heard, narrating the tales of Ming’s adventures during his travels this year.
To be honest, since he didn’t travel with a camera, even if stories spread, they shouldn’t have been so detailed—it should be three parts truth, seven parts fiction.
But what this storyteller said was “seven parts truth, three parts fiction.”
Ming felt that if he wasn’t mistaken, these stories were deliberately spread by Emperor Wu to build his reputation.
“These days, hearing about Brother Ming’s exploits, we old brothers feel proud,” Han said to Ming.
Ming smiled. “How are you old brothers? You’re barely twenty.”
Han chuckled. “We’ve known each other for so many years; aren’t we old brothers?”
Ming nodded. “That’s true.”
Ming crossed his hands behind his back. “How have these years been for you all?”
Han thought for a moment. “What can we do? It’s the same old thing. Our Blood Floating Pagoda group risks our lives on various missions, but somehow, we’ve all become captains of a hundred men. Many of our peers are still foot soldiers.
We always think it’s because of you and Her Highness the Princess.”
Speaking of this, Han’s eyes sparkled with nostalgia. “Who would have thought that among our comrades-in-arms back then, one was the current princess, and another the future top scholar, second on the Azurecloud List, and son-in-law of Wu Kingdom.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. The title ‘son-in-law of Wu Kingdom’ is still far off,” Ming hurriedly said.
Han laughed. “Not far, not far. Both you and the princess are of marriageable age. How can it be early? Besides, in our eyes, you and the princess really suit each other.
Not to mention, both of you have experienced life and death together. You know each other’s characters thoroughly.
If you two don’t end up together, it wouldn’t make sense.”
Ming laughed. “You’re talking about me, but what about you? You’re already twenty and haven’t married yet? Blood Floating Pagoda is a place where today exists but tomorrow doesn’t. Didn’t you always shout about leaving descendants? Aren’t you afraid you won’t have any?”
“Hehehe,” Han scratched the back of his head. “I wish, but she doesn’t want me.”
Ming, looking at Han’s simple smile, already had an idea. “The person you like is Ye Ye.”
Han was stunned for a moment, not expecting his thoughts to be uncovered so quickly, but he didn’t hide it and nodded.
Ming: “…”
“What’s wrong? It feels like you have something against Sister Ye Ye?” Han looked at Ming, whose expression was complicated.
“What could I possibly have against her?” Ming shook his head and smiled. “I also feel Sister Ye Ye is a good girl, very suitable for you.”
“You’re telling the truth,” Han gave Ming a punch and wiped his nose. “Then when things work out, I’ll invite you for drinks.”
Ming nodded and smiled. “Alright.”
Ultimately, Ming didn’t tell Han that Ye Ye was a demon.
Feeling it was about time, Ming and Han returned to the courtyard.
The food was almost ready.
All were ordinary home-cooked dishes.
The children ate two dishes and a soup—one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and a meat broth. Their diet was decent.
However, to entertain Ming, Ye Ye separately prepared a full table of dishes for Ming and Han.
The children in the courtyard, seeing Ming eating better than them, didn’t complain. They believed guests should eat better, which was proper, and this person was Brother Li’s good friend.
After dinner, Ming caught up with Han some more.
As night fell, Ming decided it was time to leave. Han accompanied him for two streets before returning.
“Sister Ye Ye, let me help you clean up.”
After returning to the courtyard, Han entered the kitchen and washed dishes with Ye Ye.
“Has Master Xu left?” Ye Ye asked.
“Yes,” Han smiled. “At first, I thought Brother Ming had become a celestial being and wouldn’t bother with me anymore, worried if his personality had changed. Turns out I was overthinking; Brother Ming is still the same as before.”
Ye Ye nodded. “Master Xu is indeed a worthy friend to associate with.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Han boasted proudly. “We’re brothers who have faced life and death together.”
Ye Ye just nodded and silently washed dishes. After a long while, Ye Ye spoke. “Didn’t Master Xu say anything to you?”
Han curiously looked at Ye Ye. “Say what?”
Ye Ye shook her head. “Never mind.”
Since Ye Ye didn’t say, Han didn’t press further.
In Han’s view, Sister Ye Ye was always like this—sometimes having something to say but holding back.
As the night deepened, the children returned to their rooms to rest, and Han also went to bed, snoring loudly. Tomorrow, Han and Ming planned to get up early and visit other brothers.
After bathing, Ye Ye didn’t return to her room to sleep but quietly sat in the courtyard, as if waiting for someone.
As a gentle breeze passed by,
Ye Ye brushed her long hair behind her ear and softly said, “This humble servant knows Master will return again.”
Ye Ye turned around and bowed deeply.
Pointing his sword at Ye Ye’s throat under the moonlight stood Xu Ming.
…
…
