Chapter 28: Bonds of this world are like dust (Part 1)
If it had been before yesterday, Jiang Yuebai might have agreed to Mo Baichun's offer, especially if Mo Baichun was willing to take her grandfather along. However, she now had a clear goal and someone she wanted to chase after, so she wouldn't be vacillating or wavering in her decision.
The person she wanted to apprentice under was Fuyi Zhenjun, and what she wanted to learn was the Formation Path of Shaking Heaven!
As Mo Baichun's wooden stick snapped in her hands, she looked at Jiang Yuebai in surprise.
"Little girl, this is an extremely rare opportunity. You really need to think it through," Tao Fengnian urged anxiously.
Jiang Yuebai's gaze was resolute as she spoke to Mo Baichun, "I appreciate your interest, True Immortal, but I already have my own path that I want to pursue. I can only apologize for declining your offer."
Tao Fengnian wore an anxious expression, fearing that Jiang Yuebai might anger Mo Baichun. However, to his surprise, Mo Baichun showed open admiration in her eyes.
"A young child with such a steadfast heart; you're truly a gem of talent. If you were to say that you were hesitant because of your family or any other reason to refuse me, I would have no choice but to take you away forcibly. Since you're unwilling to become my disciple, then quickly go far away. Don't cause me any heartache."
Jiang Yuebai bowed respectfully and left with Tao Fengnian.
Mo Baichun replaced the broken wooden piece and continued filing, waiting for another destined person to approach.
Outside the bookstore.
"Little girl, are you truly not regretting this?" Tao Fengnian felt sorry for Jiang Yuebai.
Jiang Yuebai's expression was calm as she curiously looked into the bookstore.
"Why should I regret it? I don't want to be her disciple. My grandfather and father have been filing wood their whole lives. I used to find wood shavings even in my steamed buns. I don't want to keep filing wood like them."
"Just because of that?" Tao Fengnian was astonished. Were children's thoughts really this simple?
Jiang Yuebai grinned mischievously. "Most importantly, I want to stay by my grandfather's side forever. Besides my family, there's no one in this world who treats me better than he does."
Tao Fengnian's nose tingled with bittersweet feelings, almost bringing tears to his eyes. "You, little rascal, you're sweet-tongued and sharp-mouthed!"
"I'm sweet-tongued and sharp-mouthed."
Tao Fengnian took a deep breath. "Let's not talk about this matter anymore. Where would you like to go next? Grandpa will accompany you. We'll stay out until you're satisfied and then return."
The old and the young explored every corner of Southern Valley Marketplace.
They bought writing brushes in the East Market, books and scrolls in the West Market, yellow paper in the South Market, and seeds in the North Market.
Since her family members passed away, Jiang Yuebai hadn't been as happy as she was today for a long time. Her belly was round from eating, and her purse was empty from spending.
Useful and useless items filled her storage bag. If not for the lack of a mine at home, she would have wanted to clear out the entire market.
As the sun set over the western mountains, the sky was painted with vibrant colors.
"Slow down a bit, you're still eating. Watch out, the skewer might prick you."
Tao Fengnian wore a cat-face mask on his head. One hand held a wooden box, and the other hand grasped the paper bag of uneaten sweet-preserved fruits that Jiang Yuebai was still holding. He panted as he followed her.
Children's energy was unbelievably boundless.
"Grandpa, hurry up! They're having a talisman competition over here."
Jiang Yuebai lifted a cat-face mask on her face, took a bite of the candied hawthorn skewer, swung her rabbit lantern over her shoulder, and bounded around like a little monkey among the crowd. Inside the mask, she was scratching her head and cheeks in frustration.
Sparks flew, and explosions rang out. The crowd occasionally erupted into exclamations of surprise.
"Oh dear! Get down from there!"
Tao Fengnian caught up, pulling Jiang Yuebai down from the city archway she had climbed onto.
For the first time, he realized that this girl was like a mischievous monkey at heart. When she let her nature loose, he really couldn't keep up.
"It's not like we're never coming back again. Find a place to settle down for now. Tomorrow, I'll let you play for half a day. We'll head back in the afternoon."
Guest room at Qiyun Pavilion.
As soon as Tao Fengnian entered the room, he collapsed onto one of the couches and fell asleep almost instantly. It didn't take long for him to start snoring loudly.
After almost forty years of cultivation, he hadn't slept so soundly in a long time.
Jiang Yuebai tucked Tao Fengnian in with a blanket, then knelt on a chair and began devouring the food spread across the table.
The person she wanted to apprentice under was Fuyi Zhenjun, and what she wanted to learn was the Formation Path of Shaking Heaven!
As Mo Baichun's wooden stick snapped in her hands, she looked at Jiang Yuebai in surprise.
"Little girl, this is an extremely rare opportunity. You really need to think it through," Tao Fengnian urged anxiously.
Jiang Yuebai's gaze was resolute as she spoke to Mo Baichun, "I appreciate your interest, True Immortal, but I already have my own path that I want to pursue. I can only apologize for declining your offer."
Tao Fengnian wore an anxious expression, fearing that Jiang Yuebai might anger Mo Baichun. However, to his surprise, Mo Baichun showed open admiration in her eyes.
"A young child with such a steadfast heart; you're truly a gem of talent. If you were to say that you were hesitant because of your family or any other reason to refuse me, I would have no choice but to take you away forcibly. Since you're unwilling to become my disciple, then quickly go far away. Don't cause me any heartache."
Jiang Yuebai bowed respectfully and left with Tao Fengnian.
Mo Baichun replaced the broken wooden piece and continued filing, waiting for another destined person to approach.
Outside the bookstore.
"Little girl, are you truly not regretting this?" Tao Fengnian felt sorry for Jiang Yuebai.
Jiang Yuebai's expression was calm as she curiously looked into the bookstore.
"Why should I regret it? I don't want to be her disciple. My grandfather and father have been filing wood their whole lives. I used to find wood shavings even in my steamed buns. I don't want to keep filing wood like them."
"Just because of that?" Tao Fengnian was astonished. Were children's thoughts really this simple?
Jiang Yuebai grinned mischievously. "Most importantly, I want to stay by my grandfather's side forever. Besides my family, there's no one in this world who treats me better than he does."
Tao Fengnian's nose tingled with bittersweet feelings, almost bringing tears to his eyes. "You, little rascal, you're sweet-tongued and sharp-mouthed!"
"I'm sweet-tongued and sharp-mouthed."
Tao Fengnian took a deep breath. "Let's not talk about this matter anymore. Where would you like to go next? Grandpa will accompany you. We'll stay out until you're satisfied and then return."
The old and the young explored every corner of Southern Valley Marketplace.
They bought writing brushes in the East Market, books and scrolls in the West Market, yellow paper in the South Market, and seeds in the North Market.
Since her family members passed away, Jiang Yuebai hadn't been as happy as she was today for a long time. Her belly was round from eating, and her purse was empty from spending.
Useful and useless items filled her storage bag. If not for the lack of a mine at home, she would have wanted to clear out the entire market.
As the sun set over the western mountains, the sky was painted with vibrant colors.
"Slow down a bit, you're still eating. Watch out, the skewer might prick you."
Tao Fengnian wore a cat-face mask on his head. One hand held a wooden box, and the other hand grasped the paper bag of uneaten sweet-preserved fruits that Jiang Yuebai was still holding. He panted as he followed her.
Children's energy was unbelievably boundless.
"Grandpa, hurry up! They're having a talisman competition over here."
Jiang Yuebai lifted a cat-face mask on her face, took a bite of the candied hawthorn skewer, swung her rabbit lantern over her shoulder, and bounded around like a little monkey among the crowd. Inside the mask, she was scratching her head and cheeks in frustration.
Sparks flew, and explosions rang out. The crowd occasionally erupted into exclamations of surprise.
"Oh dear! Get down from there!"
Tao Fengnian caught up, pulling Jiang Yuebai down from the city archway she had climbed onto.
For the first time, he realized that this girl was like a mischievous monkey at heart. When she let her nature loose, he really couldn't keep up.
"It's not like we're never coming back again. Find a place to settle down for now. Tomorrow, I'll let you play for half a day. We'll head back in the afternoon."
Guest room at Qiyun Pavilion.
As soon as Tao Fengnian entered the room, he collapsed onto one of the couches and fell asleep almost instantly. It didn't take long for him to start snoring loudly.
After almost forty years of cultivation, he hadn't slept so soundly in a long time.
Jiang Yuebai tucked Tao Fengnian in with a blanket, then knelt on a chair and began devouring the food spread across the table.
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