Adjusting to Two Bodies

Early spring.

The forests of the Changbai Mountains were teeming with life.

Trees sprouted new buds, a vibrant green washed over the landscape, and flowers bloomed in a riot of colors.

A spring rain had fallen just last night, leaving the air thick with the fragrance of damp earth mixed with the scent of blossoms—a truly refreshing experience.

Within the forest, the animals had also become active.

Birds chirped and sang on the branches, squirrels leaped from tree to tree, and small creatures poked their heads out from the tall grass.

It was a picture of extraordinary harmony.

Deep within that forest, a woman dressed in a green ruqun walked slowly along a narrow woodland path.

Several birds circled around her, chirping incessantly as if trying to tell her something.

The woman in the ruqun paid little heed to these noisy little fellows.

She simply leaned down, plucked a flower from the ground, and brought it to her nose for a gentle sniff.

"It really does feel immersive..."

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she casually tossed the flower aside.

"However... the control isn't quite perfect yet. Managing two bodies at once makes it difficult to focus. Most of my mind is currently in this body, so the 'me' on the other side probably looks a bit dazed, doesn't she? It seems I'll need a lot more practice!"

At this thought, the woman couldn't help but chuckle helplessly.

She had originally thought that using her mind for two tasks to control two bodies would be easy.

But she had underestimated the difficulty.

Dividing her mind wasn't the hard part.

The hard part was controlling two physical forms simultaneously.

"Fortunately, the auxiliary techniques for the Body Outside Body Technique include a Mind-Splitting Method. Otherwise, reaching even this level of control would have been quite difficult." Su Qing laughed softly, then said, "Let's go. It's time to head back."

Hearing Su Qing's words, the Little Sparrows nearby quickly followed her pace, heading toward the mountain peak.

They continued to chirp, curiously asking Su Qing many questions.

That’s right.

This body was Su Qing's avatar...

In the months after obtaining the Body Outside Body Technique,

Su Qing had spent some time mastering it and had used the materials given by Taishang Laojun to refine an avatar for herself.

The strength of this body was quite impressive...

She had initially expected the fake body she refined to be very fragile.

But once the avatar was complete, Su Qing ran some simple tests and discovered it was exceptionally robust. At the very least, its physical durability was reliable.

It could withstand the impact of magic power at the Earthly Immortal realm...

In other words, it could exert the strength of an Earthly Immortal at minimum.

It could even reach the strength of the Great Circle without much issue.

This had completely exceeded Su Qing's expectations.

She had originally felt that having the magic power of a Divine Immortal would be enough.

As it turned out, she could manifest the strength of a perfected Earthly Immortal.

This showed just how precious the materials Taishang Laojun had given her truly were.

However, this also gave her more of a fallback when she eventually used the avatar to walk the mortal world.

Beyond the avatar's strength,

Su Qing's clone was also undeniably beautiful.

After all, she had spent a great deal of effort sculpting this person; the appearance was naturally top-tier.

However, there was a significant difference between the avatar's appearance and Su Qing's own.

If Su Qing's original appearance looked like a woman from the south with a gentle temperament,

Then her avatar looked more like a cold and aloof female immortal from a novel.

Her aura was frosty, and her beauty was ethereal.

Aside from appearance and strength...

What surprised Su Qing the most was that this avatar was truly identical to a human.

Except for the fact that it seemed like a corpse when she wasn't controlling it, there was no difference from a real person in any other aspect.

She had even briefly checked certain specific aspects and found that even physical sensations existed.

To this, Su Qing could only say...

This Body Outside Body Technique was indeed formidable.

In short, Su Qing was exceptionally satisfied with her avatar.

Returning to the courtyard on the mountain,

Su Qing withdrew the portion of consciousness that had been submerged in the avatar.

The original Su Qing, who had been somewhat dazed, regained her spirit.

Meanwhile, the avatar, which had been full of life, lost its luster and became somewhat mechanical.

Su Qing felt a bit helpless about this.

Although she could divide her mind to control two bodies, it was difficult to make both bodies act like normal people at the same time.

However, Su Qing wasn't in a hurry. Just because she couldn't do it now didn't mean she wouldn't be able to later.

She had only been studying the Body Outside Body Technique for a few months. With more time, she would surely achieve it.

If nothing else, Su Qing had plenty of time.

"Senior Sovereign, your Body Outside Body Technique is becoming more and more proficient, isn't it?" Seeing Su Qing's avatar return, Ao Yiyi, who had been waiting nearby, couldn't help but speak up.

Su Qing nodded and said, "There's still a long way to go! But at least the one-sided control of the avatar is mostly there... I don't get that stuttering sensation I had at the beginning anymore. I suppose you could say I've broken it in. It's just that I'm still far from perfection."

Hearing this, Ao Yiyi shook her head and said, "Senior Sovereign is already very impressive. I've seen that technique before; it's quite difficult. For Senior to reach this level in such a short time is already extraordinary."

"Regardless, thank you for the compliment." Su Qing smiled faintly and said, "However, although the spell isn't perfectly mastered yet, we can set out in a while..."

"We're setting out soon?" Ao Yiyi was slightly stunned and asked.

Ao Yiyi stayed with Su Qing to find answers to certain questions, but how could she find those answers just by staying on the Changbai Mountains?

If she just stayed here, it wouldn't be much different from staying in the Purple Bamboo Grove.

The main reason Ao Yiyi had remained was that she was waiting for Su Qing to head to the mortal world to spread Incense Power...

That's right, Ao Yiyi would be accompanying Su Qing to the mortal world.

This was something Su Qing had promised her.

Since she had said she would help Ao Yiyi find her answers, she would certainly do so.

"Well... I can't keep you waiting forever, can I?" Su Qing controlled her avatar to return to its room, then sat back down on a stone stool, saying with a smile, "Besides, I also hope to head to the mortal world sooner to spread faith and Incense Power."

"I... I'm actually not in a particular hurry," Ao Yiyi said, shaking her head. "Senior doesn't need to worry about me."

"Hmm? I'm not that worried about you. I just want to go collect Incense Power sooner! Didn't I say that?" Su Qing looked at her with a smile and said, "Don't overthink it."

After a moment of silence, Ao Yiyi still offered her thanks.

This made Su Qing laugh. "You girl, once you've set your mind on something, you really won't change your view! You're quite stubborn."

Ao Yiyi gave an embarrassed smile but didn't argue.

After all, Su Qing was right...

There was nothing she could say to refute it.

"By the way, will Senior be bringing anyone else on this trip?" Ao Yiyi thought for a moment and asked.

Su Qing pondered and then shook her head. "I'll only bring you and a little white fox from the foot of the mountain."

The little white fox Su Qing mentioned was, of course, the daughter of the White Deer Old Monster.

Su Qing had promised the old deer certain things back then.

However, she still hadn't brought the white fox up to the mountain yet.

So she simply changed her mind.

She planned to take the white fox to the mortal world to collect Incense Power.

While there wasn't much for her to do on the mountain, she might be useful in the mortal world.

After all, the 'mortal' version of herself wouldn't have anyone to look after her daily needs.

The white fox could handle those chores.

Besides, she had said herself that she wanted to do something.

"I see."

"Of course. Since my original body will be staying on the Changbai Mountains, why would I take everyone with me?" Su Qing said with a smile. "I practiced the Body Outside Body Technique specifically to do things like this! Otherwise, it would have been a waste of effort."

Ao Yiyi was speechless and simply nodded calmly.

She then made an excuse and went to attend to her own business.

After Ao Yiyi left,

Su Qing continued practicing the Body Outside Body Technique.

This sort of thing wasn't something that could be solved by talent alone; it was mostly a matter of practice makes perfect.

While practicing the technique,

Su Qing couldn't help but let her mind wander...

Specifically, about how she should go about collecting faith.

"Hmm, I ran a funeral parlor before. This time, I'll be a doctor! Burying the dead is far less effective at increasing Incense Power than saving the living."

With this thought, Su Qing formed a plan for what she would do once she reached the mortal world.

However, as for where exactly she would go,

Su Qing still had no real idea.

Fortunately, she wasn't in a rush.

The mortal world was vast; there were plenty of places she could go.

She could just wander around.

Now that she had an avatar, she could divide her mind and look after both sides.

Time flowed slowly, and in the blink of an eye, another month had passed.

Life on the Changbai Mountains remained relatively peaceful and leisurely.

Fortunately, it wasn't boring.

There were many people on the mountain, and everyone gathered together every day; there was always something to talk about and things to do.

Occasionally, Su Qing and the others would head to Chang'an City for a bit of fun.

That place was full of talented people and was incredibly prosperous, offering much entertainment.

During this time...

Wukong had come to find Su Qing once.

However, the reason he came was to ask her how to deal with a certain demon.

That's right, Wukong had eventually returned to Tang Sanzang's side to protect him on the pilgrimage.

Even though the Eighty-One Tribulations had changed quite a bit, this point remained constant.

Since Wukong had come to her, Su Qing naturally wasn't stingy with information.

Once she figured out which demon it was, she casually pointed him in the right direction.

Other than that, Su Qing hadn't had many other major events this month.

Most of her time was spent practicing the Body Outside Body Technique.

Thanks to her hard work, after another month of adjustment, Su Qing's proficiency with the technique had improved significantly.

While it still wasn't perfect, at least when she was controlling one body, the other wouldn't look too dazed.

"Well, even if it's not perfect, it's time to set out..." Su Qing sat in the courtyard, her consciousness sinking into her other body, looking at herself through its eyes. "But then again, looking at myself from this angle feels a bit like looking in a mirror... Well, it's not actually a mirror, but this way, there seem to be quite a few convenient aspects. I can properly appreciate my own beauty..."

While Su Qing was talking to herself, Ao Ying said helplessly, "Sister Qing, don't be so narcissistic... Aren't you preparing to set out? Why aren't you getting ready?"

Ao Ying and the others naturally knew about Su Qing's plan to go to the mortal world via her avatar.

They had no objections and even quite approved of it.

The only slight annoyance was that since Su Qing's avatar control wasn't yet perfect, the 'original' Su Qing beside them would look dazed whenever her mind was on the other side.

However, even so, this dazed Su Qing provided them with a different kind of fun.

After all, they didn't usually get many chances to tease her.

When Su Qing heard Ao Ying's voice, she reflexively looked toward her—but because it was sudden, both Su Qings looked toward her at the same time.

This made even Ao Ying feel a bit unaccustomed.

"Actually, I'm mostly prepared..." Su Qing didn't pay it much mind, but after a moment of thought, she said, "However, even if I don't prepare that much, it won't matter. After all, most things in the mortal world can be bought."

"Aren't you going to practice medicine? You should at least bring some medicinal herbs, shouldn't you?"

"That's not necessary. I'll just bring some money and buy them," Su Qing said, shaking her head.

"Sister Qing is really... casual!"

"It's just that there are so many rules in the mortal world," Su Qing said, spreading her hands. "Besides, it's not like I won't be making money while practicing medicine..."

"Fine, since Sister Qing doesn't think it's necessary to bring more things, we'll do as you say." Ao Ying didn't plan to keep arguing and instead said, "Anyway, once Sister Qing realizes she doesn't have enough stuff, she'll definitely fly back to deliver it herself."

"That's true... I fly fast, anyway." Su Qing smiled and nodded. "But speaking of which, I just remembered there is one thing I should prepare."

"What?"

"A weapon."

"Sister can just use... ah, Sister doesn't like to use magic casually in the mortal world."

"Exactly. It's easy to scare people," Su Qing said with a faint smile. "But a weapon is mainly for decoration, or for dealing with bandits and the like. If I really encounter a demon, I'll still have to use magic."

Ao Ying didn't say anything more; she could more or less guess Su Qing's thoughts.

"By the way, does Sister plan to take that horse? Lately, that fellow has done nothing but eat for free. He won't even let Yudie ride him when she wants to," Ao Ying said, suddenly remembering the white horse at home.

Su Qing was stunned for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "You've reminded me... traveling the mortal world does require a means of transport. It's perfect; that fellow has been idle here for so long, it's time to take him out for some exercise."

Ao Ying nodded. "Alright, I'll go bring the white horse over for Sister."

"Mm, and help me prepare a sword while you're at it."

Ao Ying didn't say much else, just waved her hand and turned to help.

As for Su Qing, she wasn't actually going to be idle; she had something else to do.

And that was, naturally, to notify her travel companion.

Su Qing formed a hand seal and summoned an auspicious cloud to fly down to the demon town at the foot of the mountain.

Since she was ready to leave, she couldn't forget the person she had promised to bring along.

Su Qing walked to the front of the old white deer's house.

In the courtyard, the white-faced fox was weaving cloth.

Although the white-faced fox looked like a young lady who wouldn't know how to do anything, she actually knew quite a lot.

Her craftsmanship was also excellent...

She looked very proficient with the loom.

However, Su Qing's arrival caused the white-faced fox to freeze slightly.

Because Su Qing hadn't come to get her for so long, she had thought Su Qing had forgotten her.

As for why she hadn't gone up the mountain to ask Su Qing directly...

Naturally, it was because she didn't dare.

The gap in status made this timid fox spirit afraid to take the initiative to seek out Su Qing.

"It seems you've become quite accustomed to life here!" Su Qing said, looking at the fox spirit.

The fox spirit stood up and gave Su Qing a deep, traditional bow, replying, "Since I am living under your care, Great One, I must naturally get used to it."

"Is that so? Then do you still want to come with me?" Su Qing asked.

If the fox spirit told her she didn't want to go, Su Qing naturally wouldn't force her.

After all, she had the right to choose.

But in the face of Su Qing's question, the fox spirit's answer was: "This lowly girl is naturally willing to follow Sovereign, even if it is just to be an attendant."

The fox spirit remembered what her father had told her and the stakes involved. Following Su Qing would definitely bring more benefits than staying here.

Even if it made her a bit afraid...

It was still worth it.

After all, this was both her father's command and a decision she had made after weighing the pros and cons herself.

Seeing her answer this way, Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "Since you're willing to come with me... then follow me! I'll tell you my plans for the future on the way."

The fox spirit was momentarily stunned, sensing that Su Qing had something else to do and wasn't planning on staying on the Changbai Mountains.

However, she didn't plan on changing her mind...

No matter what, following Su Qing was bound to be better than staying by her father's side.

The woman was a Heavenly Immortal, after all.

So, after a brief moment of surprise, she still quickly followed.

Su Qing naturally noticed all of the girl's movements...

She could also roughly guess what the girl was thinking.

But she said nothing...

She simply told the fox spirit her future plans according to her original intent.

Soon.

Su Qing had explained her plan to the fox spirit...

And the fox spirit still gave her answer, expressing her willingness to follow Su Qing.

To this, Su Qing had nothing more to say.

She nodded and asked, "By the way, I never asked you—what is your name?"

The fox spirit was slightly stunned, a trace of helplessness appearing in her eyes.

It turned out the woman hadn't even bothered to learn her name.

But she also felt there was nothing strange about that...

She was just a nobody; there was indeed no need to pay her much attention.

However, this also sparked a bit of spirit in the fox spirit. She wanted to prove herself... at least enough for Su Qing to remember her.

She was silent for a moment before answering, "Hu Lin'er. Sovereign can just call me Lin'er."

Hearing this, Su Qing nodded and said, "Mm. From now on, don't call me Sovereign either. Just call me Miss."

Hu Lin'er didn't object and nodded respectfully. "Yes, Miss."

Su Qing was very satisfied with Hu Lin'er's attitude...

This girl was indeed very obedient.

Much more obedient than she had imagined.

People always said fox spirits were good at schemes and liked to play mind games, but this fox spirit in front of her clearly... wasn't very good at those things.

But even if she were, it wouldn't affect Su Qing.

If anything, it might add some fun to the journey.

"Alright, let's go! We should head back up the mountain." After finishing her talk with Hu Lin'er, they had just walked out of the town, so Su Qing grabbed her hand, summoned an auspicious cloud, and flew back to the courtyard in the mountains.

Back at the courtyard.

Ao Ying and the others had already brought the horse to Su Qing's avatar. The avatar was currently holding the reins with a longsword strapped to its back.

Ao Yiyi was also standing by the horse, a small bundle on her back.

When Hu Lin'er arrived at the courtyard, she didn't have time to look at the scenery. She just stood by Su Qing's side with her head bowed, not saying a word.

Even though it was just a feeling, Hu Lin'er still felt a bit of difficulty breathing...

In this courtyard, almost everyone was more powerful than her.

Even those few sparrows that were as round as balls gave her the feeling that they shouldn't be underestimated.

Once Su Qing returned to the courtyard, she directly used more of her spirit to control the avatar, while her original body found a place to sit down to minimize distractions.

After taking control of the avatar again, Su Qing stretched her body slightly.

She then asked Ao Yiyi, "Well? Is there anything else you need to bring?"

Ao Yiyi shook her head, indicating she didn't need anything else.

Seeing her say this,

"Good! Let's go!"

Su Qing said no more and simply called Hu Lin'er to her side.

She then summoned a white cloud and led everyone down into the county town at the foot of the Changbai Mountains.

Although Su Qing could have flown directly to a more distant place, she felt it wasn't necessary.

Since they were going to spread faith everywhere, starting from the nearest place was perfectly fine.

Besides...

There was one more thing Su Qing needed to do, or rather, one more thing she needed to see by going there.

Because she had calculated the date, and today happened to be the day that half-demon child was to be born...

If she went down to the county town now, she might even be able to snag a job as a midwife. It would also give her a chance to see what a child born of a human and a demon would actually be like.

To be precise, she wanted to see what a child born of a human and a demon from her Changbai Mountains would be like.