“I wonder who it could be?”
Su Qing set down her wine glass.
She glanced at Yudie, signaling for her to open the door.
Yudie pouted, put down her brush, and walked over to the courtyard gate to open it.
Upon opening the door, however, Yudie froze.
Standing outside was an elderly gentleman she didn't recognize.
However, after staring at him for a moment, Yudie felt he looked vaguely familiar.
She felt as though she had seen him somewhere before.
Or perhaps, she had seen a statue of him.
As she was pondering, the old man suddenly cupped his hands to her and said, “Sword Spirit Fairy?”
“Huh? Old sir, who are you looking for?” Yudie snapped back to her senses and asked quickly.
But after asking, she found it strange—how did this old man know she was a sword spirit?
For a moment, she couldn't help but grow wary.
She thought that if anything seemed off, she would simply cut him down and deal with it later.
After all, her mother couldn't use her spells freely right now.
Therefore, it fell to her to protect her mother.
Feeling the faint aura of killing intent radiating from Yudie, the old man suddenly shuddered.
He quickly said, “This old man is the City God of Long County. I have come today to find Azure Spirit Sovereign. Therefore, I must ask you to announce my presence.”
Yudie’s mouth hung open at the words.
Now she remembered who this person was.
She breathed a small sigh of relief and said, “So it’s Senior City God!”
“It is indeed I.”
Once she knew the other party was the City God, Yudie lowered her guard.
She said with a smile, “I’ll go tell Mother that Senior City God has arrived.”
“I must trouble you then, Fairy.” The City God nodded, letting out a sigh of relief.
Yudie smiled and then ran back to tell Su Qing the news.
Su Qing rolled her eyes and said speechlessly, “Since the City God is here, just let him in. Why make it so complicated?”
“Weren’t you worried he might be someone Mother dislikes? If Mother didn't want him in, I would have driven him away myself.” Yudie said playfully, “After all, I am Mother’s precious daughter!”
Su Qing wordlessly patted the girl’s head, wondering where she had learned such phrases.
Well, they were likely taught by the people at the playhouse.
Turning back, Su Qing went to the gate.
Seeing that it was indeed the City God, she said:
“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Senior City God. Please follow me into the courtyard to chat. This child is a bit dim-witted; please don't take offense.”
The City God looked at Su Qing, then recalled the child's killing intent from just a moment ago.
He shook his head quickly and said, “No offense taken, none at all. Your child is... quite lovely.”
Indeed, if he hadn't revealed his identity in time just now...
He would be a dead City God.
How could he not praise her as lovely?
However, the City God also found it strange. Why didn't this sword spirit call Su Qing her master, but instead called her 'Mother'?
After a brief thought, the City God suppressed his curiosity.
In case it was someone’s personal preference...
Wouldn't he be asking for a beating if he inquired?
He wouldn't dare lightly provoke the immortal before him...
This fairy was quite formidable!
In just a century...
He, the City God, had nearly lost his status in Long County.
At the very least, it proved one thing.
His investment back then had been correct.
Su Qing didn't know what the City God was thinking; she simply led him to sit under the Bodhi tree and poured him a glass of wine.
“Senior City God, what brings you to see me?” Su Qing didn't waste any time and went straight to the point.
Seeing Su Qing was being direct, the City God followed suit, “It is like this... it hasn't rained in the vicinity of Long County for over a month now. I was wondering if the Old Dragon King has forgotten his duties concerning the wind and rain?”
“Therefore... I was hoping to ask you to visit the Heavenly Palace and inquire when it might rain. After all, we in Long County have always been law-abiding and haven't committed any heinous acts. No matter what, surely we shouldn't be left without rain?”
Su Qing froze slightly upon hearing this, then let out a soft sigh and said, “Although I would very much like to help you with this, I cannot. Currently, I am evading the Three Calamities; I cannot use my magic at will, nor can I go to the Heavenly Palace. So...”
“This...”
Hearing Su Qing's words, the City God couldn't help but feel disappointed, though he didn't dare to blame her.
After all, he was the one asking for a favor.
“However, though I cannot help you myself, I can point you in the right direction.”
“I ask for your guidance, Immortal Su.”
“Go to Heaven Lake on Mount Changbai and find Ao Ying. Tell her I sent you, and she will naturally help you with this matter.” Su Qing stroked her chin and said after a moment of thought.
“I... this old man understands.” The City God nodded at her words. Whether it was true or not, whether she was brushing him off or being sincere, he had to try.
“Thank you, Immortal!”
After all, a great drought was a matter of life and death for a small county like Long County.
Once a drought set in, many commoners might starve to death in the winter.
“No need to thank me... truthfully, I am also curious as to why there is such a severe drought this year.” Su Qing shook her head and said, “It's just that I am evading the Three Calamities; otherwise, I would have inquired myself long ago.”
“Ai, indeed! I hope this drought is only temporary.” The City God sighed and said, “Since the Immortal has pointed the way, I shall trouble you no further.”
“Safe travels, Senior.” Su Qing nodded slightly.
The City God nodded, then vanished into a wisp of blue smoke.
Once the City God had left.
Su Qing shook her head and looked up at the bright sun in the sky, talking to herself, “The City God cares more for the common people than I do. However... this year truly is strange.”
“It couldn't be related to my evasion of the Three Calamities, could it? Surely not... the calamities are about me and should have nothing to do with the environment.”
“Besides, this is only the first five-hundred-year mark... the one that comes should only be the Lightning Tribulation.”
As Su Qing thought this, she looked up at the sky...
Amidst the boundless blue sky, Su Qing could vaguely sense a force watching Long County.
That was the Three Calamities.
It was still looking for her.
The lightning would eventually have to strike.
But as long as she hid well, it wouldn't hit her.
Su Qing withdrew her gaze and turned to pat the dazed Yudie, saying, “Don't just stand there. Have you finished writing what I gave you?”
“...” Yudie looked distressed as she said, “I'm... writing it now, aren't I?”
“Then focus.”
“Mom, why do you think Xuan'er hasn't come today?” Yudie’s lips twitched, so she decided to change the subject.
“There's probably something going on at home?”
“I see. Mother, do you think she’ll come tomorrow?”
Su Qing instinctively reached out to perform a divination, but once she realized what she was doing, she lowered her hand and said:
“I don't know. You'll have to ask tomorrow's version of me.”
“Mom... you're mean!” Yudie pouted and said.
“What did you say?” Su Qing asked, looking dissatisfied as she pinched the girl's small face. “Truly a disobedient little girl.”
As the two were playful, there was suddenly another knock at the door.
Seeing this, Yudie volunteered to open it and ran over.
Opening the door and seeing the visitor, Yudie broke into a smile.
It was someone she knew this time.
“Xu Xuan'er! I thought you weren't coming today!”
Yudie naturally liked Xu Xuan'er quite a bit...
After all, Xu Xuan'er was one of her few friends here.
Moreover, she was her only 'peer' friend.
Of course, this wasn't in terms of chronological age, but mental age.
After all, if they were talking about chronological age.
Xu Xuan'er's father would have to call Yudie his grandmother.
“I... I came to say goodbye to the teacher today.” Xu Xuan'er looked at the excited Yudie and, after a moment's hesitation, finally spoke.
“Huh?” Yudie froze, looking at Xu Xuan'er in confusion. “Why?”
“I'm sorry...” Xu Xuan'er clearly didn't intend to tell Yudie much, simply saying, “Could you take me to see the teacher?”
Yudie was silent for two seconds before finally nodding.
She brought Xu Xuan'er before Su Qing.
She also informed Su Qing of the purpose of Xu Xuan'er's visit.
“In other words, you won't be coming back?”
“Yes... I'm sorry, teacher.” Xu Xuan'er said with her head bowed.
“Why is that?”
“Due to some family reasons.”
“You'd rather not say?”
“My father told me not to say... so I'm sorry, I can't tell you, teacher.”
“I see!” Su Qing gave a helpless smile and shook her head, saying, “Very well! I understand. However, if you ever wish to come again, you may do so at any time. After all, I took your family’s money; I said I would teach for a month, so I certainly will for a full month.”
“...Thank you, teacher.” Xu Xuan'er had a lot she wanted to say, but in the end, nothing came out.
“No need to thank me.” Su Qing shook her head and said, “If you ever need help in the future, you can always come to find me. As long as it is within my power... I will do my best to help.”
Hearing this, Xu Xuan'er nodded and said, “I... I understand.”
“Well then, it's getting late. Why don't you have a meal before heading back?”
“No... that's not necessary. I still have to go back to take care of my father, so I won't stay.” Xu Xuan'er shook her head and said with a bright smile, “Teacher... I’ll be going then.”
Su Qing looked pensive upon hearing this, but she eventually nodded.
She watched Xu Xuan'er depart.
Su Qing lifted her wine glass and took a sip, turning to look at Yudie. “You must have something you want to ask, don't you?”
“Mm...” Yudie nodded and said, “Mother, why did you let her leave? Weren't you quite satisfied with this student?”
“Studying is her choice, as is leaving; I have no control over that.” Su Qing shook her head and said, “Besides, surely you noticed it as well? Even if we wanted to keep her here, it would be useless.”
“...”
“Foolish girl, you still haven't seen enough of the world.” Su Qing said, “There's a drought this year, and her father has a back injury; it was only a matter of time before she left. Ordinarily, she wouldn't have left so soon if not for the drought. But alas... there are no 'what ifs'.”
“Then Mom... should we help them out?”
Hearing this, Su Qing stroked her chin and said, “Life has its destined course; why should we meddle so much? However, if you wish to help, then go ahead! But do not overdo it.”
Yudie fell silent for a moment before nodding her head.
Her mother's meaning was quite clear.
Even without further questioning, she was able to understand.
“Then Mother...”
“Finish writing what I gave you first!”
“Ugh... fine.”
Yudie’s face fell as she looked at the problems on the paper; it made her head hurt.
But even though she was frustrated by the problems, she was still feeling somewhat happy.
Truthfully, she had thought Su Qing wouldn't let her step in to help, but the result had surpassed her expectations.
As expected, her mother was very kind-hearted.
She looked at Su Qing and couldn't help but smile.
But after smiling, she lost it again.
Because Su Qing gave her two more problems to solve.
“Sure enough, Mother isn't kind at all.” Yudie started getting a headache again.
Su Qing sat off to the side, calmly drinking wine as she watched Yudie work through the problems.
What would become of Xu Xuan'er’s family? Su Qing didn't truly know...
Nor was she particularly concerned.
After all, their relationship wasn't particularly deep.
As for Yudie’s desire to help, that was Yudie’s own business... what did it have to do with her?
In the blink of an eye.
The sun set over the mountains.
After finishing the homework Su Qing had left for her...
Yudie took advantage of the cover of night to leave the courtyard.
Candles were lit in Xu Xuan'er’s home.
The faint yellow light illuminated the small earthen hut.
Yudie stood outside the door and cast a spell, hiding her form.
She entered the hut and looked at the pale-faced old man on the bed inside, shaking her head slightly.
She performed another spell, dissolving a medicinal pill and dropping it into his bowl of medicine.
Afterwards, she turned to leave.
This pill might not cure his back injury entirely, but it would make him feel significantly better...
Yudie’s abilities were limited; this was as much as she could do.
“I’m sorry...”
Yudie whispered an apology, while also softly bidding her good friend goodbye.
Whether or not Xu Xuan'er would ever come back to the courtyard to study, or if she would come back to play with her.
She didn't know.
She simply wanted to do what she could to offer a bit of assistance.
After Yudie left.
Xu Xuan'er, having finished heating the medicine, brought the soup to her father.
Xu Chang took the bowl and downed the bitter medicine in one gulp, not wasting a single drop.
“Ai... you’ve worked hard, child.” Xu Chang sighed and said, “I intended for you to go study for a month, but I never expected...”
“It’s fine, Father. The teacher said I could come back to study anytime I wish.”
“That’s good, that’s good! Ai, that teacher truly is a kind soul.”
“She is. The teacher is a great person.” Xu Xuan'er said, “Father, you shouldn't go to the fields tomorrow, right? If you hurt your back again, you might not be able to get up.”
“How could I not go... I can't let you fetch water and tend to the crops on your own, can I? You're just a girl; can you handle that?”
“It’s still better than—”
“All right, all right. Listen to me!” Xu Chang said, “This medicine was prepared by Physician Zhou; it works quite well, I'll be able to work tomorrow. Hiss, but truth be told, after drinking that, I really do feel as though my back has improved quite a bit.”
“Father, quit joking around. Physician Zhou's medicine isn't an elixir of immortality!”
“No... it truly is better.” Xu Chang said in surprise. “Hiss, do you think Azure Spirit Sovereign has worked a miracle!”
“I would rather believe that Physician Zhou’s medicine is an elixir of immortality.”
“Heh, you cheeky girl.” Xu Chang said with a laugh. “No matter what, I won't put the burden of the entire family on your shoulders. Not unless I'm dead; so don't you think about carrying it yourself.”
“Father, what kind of things are you saying!” Xu Xuan'er rolled her eyes and said, “But... you truly feel much better?”
“Naturally, why would I lie to you?”
“...”
Seeing her father’s once pale face gradually turning red.
For the first time, Xu Xuan'er felt a sliver of doubt regarding the existence of Azure Spirit Sovereign...
Could she truly exist?
If so, maybe it was worth believing?
In any case, it didn't cost anything to believe.
“Xuan'er, let's go down to Mount Changbai tomorrow to make an offering to Azure Spirit Sovereign! While we're at it, we’ll ask her to send some rain.”
Xu Chang rubbed his back, which was no longer aching, and spoke with a chuckle.
Xu Xuan'er nodded her head slightly upon hearing this and asked, “Azure Spirit Sovereign oversees the rain, too?”
“I don't know... but the Sovereign is immensely powerful and even has a dragon girl by her side. She should have some say in the rain as well, shouldn't she?”
“...” Xu Xuan'er was left speechless for a moment.
However, she didn't argue with her father.
Again, it didn't cost anything to believe.
Rate on N.U.
