The Cowardly Old Deer

Divination wasn't omnipotent... Even Su Qing couldn't get every calculation perfectly right. Only those truly powerful masters could see the future with absolute clarity every single time. Thus, whenever her deductions proved correct, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"Next... forget it, I won't overthink it. I'll just find an opportunity to meet him face-to-face."

Su Qing had many plans for what to do next, but in the end, she chose the most direct and simple method. The White Deer wasn't particularly strong; even if she just charged straight in, there shouldn't be any issues. It wasn't nearly as troublesome as the Lion Camel Kingdom...

"Mother, the rooms are booked! Let's put our things away and go out to play!" While Su Qing was lost in thought, Yudie popped her head out from the side and spoke to her with a beaming smile.

Su Qing nodded and said, "Mhm, but you girls go out and play today! I won't be joining you for the stroll."

Yudie asked curiously, "Does Mother have something to do?"

"Yes, a small matter I need to handle."

"Do you need Yudie's help?"

"No need. Just go and have fun with peace of mind," Su Qing said, patting Yudie on the head.

The reason Su Qing refused Yudie's help was naturally because she didn't want the girl to miss out on playtime, and also to prevent the girl from accidentally making things worse.

Yudie looked at her mother, and seeing that her help wasn't required, she nodded. No matter what her mother was busy with, if she didn't need help, then she would just stick to the original plan and go play.

Su Qing and the others went upstairs to put away their luggage. Jingyue led the horse to the stables; although the horse had gained some spirituality, it was still an animal, and leaving it randomly on the street wouldn't be right.

Once everything was settled, Chaoyan and the others headed out to play. They also planned to buy some dry rations on the street. After all, after leaving the Bhikkhu Kingdom, who knew how many months it would take to reach the next city? Buying extra rations was definitely the right move.

After Chaoyan and the others left, Su Qing walked downstairs and looked around. She found that the Old Deer and the fox were no longer there. She raised an eyebrow and performed a quick divination... then she relaxed. It turned out they hadn't run away after discovering her; they had simply returned to their room.

However, the other party had likely discovered her long ago! They probably just thought she wouldn't recognize their current appearance, which was why they hadn't fled.

Su Qing shook her head. Regardless of what the Old Deer thought, she definitely had to go find him.

Su Qing arrived at the door of the Old Deer's guest room and knocked. After a short while, the person inside pushed the door open just a crack and looked at Su Qing.

"Has the young lady perhaps found the wrong room?"

"No, I'm here for you," Su Qing replied, shaking her head.

"For me? This old man does not know the young lady. What business do you have with me?" The Daoist in the room frowned, a drop of cold sweat rolling down his temple as he asked with forced composure.

He had thought Su Qing was just passing through and hadn't recognized him, which was why he hadn't fled immediately. But now that she had come to his door, it meant she had recognized him. Talking to her might be fine... but he feared she had some business with him. Ordinary small matters were fine, but if it was trouble, he would be in a bind.

Seeing that the other party was still pretending, Su Qing formed a hand seal, pulling the door open to face him directly. She said, "No, you know me, and I know you! Do you want me to call out your true form? There are many prying ears here; it wouldn't be good if mortals heard us, would it?"

Su Qing didn't like using her strength to intimidate or oppress others... but right now, she was too lazy to waste much time. The sooner she finished this, the sooner she could go back and rest.

The Daoist transformed from the Old Deer felt cold sweat break out at these words. He said, "No... no need. Since the Immortal has recognized this old man, I shall stop pretending. Sigh, I never imagined that even with such a disguise, I would be seen through by the Immortal. Please, come in!"

The Old Deer sighed and finally let Su Qing inside. He saw that Su Qing had already prepared a hand seal... guessing that she was prepared for a 'physical exchange.' Therefore, rather than being beaten up and then accepting her terms in humiliation, it was better to honestly let her in. At least this way, there was some room for negotiation.

Su Qing smiled slightly and followed the Old Deer into the room. The fox demon inside had naturally heard the commotion outside. Seeing the Old Deer lead Su Qing in, she couldn't help but ask, "Father, who is this?"

"An Immortal from the Heavenly Palace..." The Old Deer didn't know if Su Qing minded others revealing her identity, so he chose the most conservative answer.

Hearing this, the fox girl gave a soft bow and said, "Hu Yuer greets the Immortal."

Su Qing looked at the fox demon and couldn't help but size her up. Then, she nodded. This fox demon was indeed beautiful; no wonder she would be able to enchant the king in the future and be titled the Beautiful Queen.

"You certainly have a fine daughter," Su Qing said to the Old Deer with a chuckle.

Hearing this, the Old Deer could only smile and say, "The Immortal praises her too highly."

Su Qing shook her head and sat down, not treating herself as an outsider at all. Seeing this, the fox demon hurriedly poured tea. The fox girl didn't know Su Qing's exact identity, but seeing her father treat her with such respect and caution, she naturally understood that the other party was not simple. So, she behaved herself and acted obediently.

Su Qing didn't pay much attention to the fox girl, only saying to the Old Deer, "Why are you here instead of staying by that person's side? You've even raised a daughter?"

Su Qing didn't directly point out that he was a mount, giving the Old Deer some face.

The Old Deer shook his head, naturally not daring to tell the truth. He just made an excuse that they were passing through and resting here for a few days. Seeing her father not telling the truth, the fox girl stood honestly to the side, not daring to speak.

Su Qing chuckled at his words and said, "Fine, since you're unwilling to tell the truth, I won't tease you anymore. I actually know exactly what you've come here to do..."

"Immortal... we really are just—"

"You probably don't even believe those words yourself, do you?"

"This..."

"Heh, you don't think you can deceive me, do you?" Su Qing shook her head. "Otherwise, why do you think I came to find you?"

Hearing Su Qing's words, the Old Deer, who had lived for countless years, naturally understood the meaning she wanted to convey. He let out a long sigh and said, "Since the Immortal already knows this old man's purpose... then I shall leave myself at the Immortal's disposal."

The Old Deer's choice was undoubtedly wise. Although he was a mount that had snuck away... he was, after all, the mount of an ancient deity. This Immortal was also known for being quite reasonable... she was good at making friends and had some connection with his master. Therefore, if he honestly submitted, he would likely just be sent back to his master. But if he resisted... or continued to lie and displeased the Immortal, his end would surely be unpleasant.

Su Qing was somewhat surprised to see the other party give up so directly. She had thought the Old Deer would at least struggle a bit, or perhaps try to fight her before fleeing. But she hadn't expected him to be so straightforward...

However, through this, Su Qing vaguely sensed something. This Old Deer clearly didn't know that he was destined to be one of the tribulations on the journey to the West.

"Don't be in a hurry... before I tell you my plans, answer a few questions for me first."

Hearing this, the Old Deer felt some doubt in his heart, but he didn't dare refuse. He only said, "Please speak, Immortal."

"Are you acting under someone's instructions?"

"To answer the Immortal, no one instructed me."

"I see... then I understand."

Su Qing nodded and said, "In that case, I will give you another chance. I won't report your matter to the Heavenly Court, nor will I tell that person. However, do not even think about moving against the King or the common people. If you wish to enjoy yourself in the mortal world, I won't interfere, but if you intend to do evil... then don't blame me for taking action. I hope you do not squander the chance I've given you."

Su Qing was naturally confident in her acting... after all, she wasn't just a veteran deceiver, but a veteran actor as well. However, unlike Su Qing's calm demeanor, the Old Deer was shocked upon hearing this and couldn't help but look at her in confusion. For a moment, he couldn't quite understand her line of thinking.

Su Qing seemed to see through his confusion, so she said with a fake smile, "Don't overthink it. I'm only letting you off for the sake of your daughter. Although I know she isn't your biological child, you are still her foster father."

Su Qing didn't say much, but it left the Old Deer with plenty of room for imagination. He thought he understood why Su Qing was sparing him. While complaining about Su Qing in his heart, he bowed to her and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Immortal! This old man will never forget your grace as long as I live. In the future, I will surely bring my daughter to visit you."

Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "Alright, since you understand, I'll be going now. Take care of yourself."

As Su Qing spoke, she ignored the two of them and turned to leave the room. Once outside, she let out a long breath. Keeping a straight face and acting like a high-level master was indeed exhausting. But fortunately, the results were excellent...

Not only had she resolved a major future threat for the Bhikkhu Kingdom, but she had also confirmed a few things along the way. It could be considered killing two birds with one stone.

Su Qing returned to her room and looked up at the clouds in the west. "It seems... except for the truly necessary tribulations, the Buddha won't send anyone to interfere even if I sabotage the others," Su Qing thought with a chuckle. "But which ones are considered the truly important ones?"

Su Qing wasn't clear on this... because her understanding of so-called 'fixed fate' wasn't very deep. Shaking her head, Su Qing sat by the table, poured herself a small cup of wine, and drank alone while waiting for Chaoyan and the others to finish their business and return.

On the other side, in the Old Deer's room.

The fox girl looked at her depressed father and couldn't help but ask, "Father, are we still going to proceed with the original plan?"

The fox girl had little initiative and wasn't very brave, so she had always listened to her father. Even if she were told to marry a king she had never met... she wouldn't refuse at all. Now that Su Qing had appeared and changed everything, she was also plunged into confusion.

Hearing this, the Old Deer shook his head directly and said, "We're not going, we're not going! Although that Su Qing will leave the Bhikkhu Kingdom in a few days, her strength is immense, and she is skilled in divination. If we still do that and get caught, our end will likely be incredibly miserable."

The Old Deer had lived for so long, but unlike some who lost the will to live after a long time, he valued his life very much. So, he didn't dare take the risk at all. There was absolutely no need to throw away his life for a bit of profit. However, the Old Deer's words, while making the fox girl heave a sigh of relief, also made her increasingly lost. Now that they weren't going to the palace, where would they go next?

The fox girl couldn't help but ask the Old Deer.

"Where to? To the Changbai Mountains,"

the Old Deer sighed and said.

"To the Changbai Mountains?"

"Yes! Didn't you hear? That Immortal has likely taken a liking to you. That's why she let us off for your sake!"

The Old Deer shook his head and said helplessly, "Sigh, it's lucky you were born with such a beautiful face, otherwise we... forget it, no need to say more! In a few days, we'll set off. Once the Immortal returns to her mountain, we'll go see her."

The Old Deer's words left the fox girl somewhat baffled. She couldn't help but ask, "But isn't that Immortal a woman?"

"Yes, but she already has three wives,"

the Old Deer replied.

The fox girl was even more dazed now, and at the same time, she became even more confused about her future fate... she could see that the Old Deer wanted to give her to that Immortal. But although that Immortal was beautiful, what kind of person she was... she had no way of knowing.

"In the end, is my future fate still a mystery?" the fox girl lamented in her heart.

Su Qing naturally didn't know what the Old Deer was thinking... she could perform some divination, but she couldn't read minds. If she knew, she would surely curse at the stereotypes... How could she be that ridiculous!

Back to Su Qing's side.

After wandering around the city for a few laps, Chaoyan and the others returned, tired from their play. Su Qing had already ordered the food. When they returned, they were just in time for the meal.

Time passed slowly. In the blink of an eye, two days had gone by. Su Qing had already exchanged the travel clearance with the King, and today they could continue their journey west. Su Qing patted the horse's head, fed it a pill, and then looked up at the Old Deer and the fox girl who were seeing them off. She gave them a smile and flipped onto the horse.

She said to Jingyue and the others beside her, "Alright, let's set off!"

The others had played enough these past few days. Now that it was time to leave, they naturally had no lingering regrets. They followed Su Qing and set off.

On the road, Chaoyan was curious about who the people seeing them off were. Su Qing didn't tell the truth, only saying they were a father and daughter she happened to meet and helped out. Seeing this, Chaoyan didn't ask further and honestly followed Su Qing westward.