Seeking Help

Su Qing naturally handled things with ease on her end...

As for Hu Lin'er, Su Qing was in no rush to pressure her. After all, what Hu Lin'er had to do was far more complex than Su Qing’s tasks. While it wasn't exactly difficult for her, it was still mentally taxing.

Su Qing carried the medicine into the inner room. At that moment, Li Yichou was looking over the medical texts Su Qing had left for her, while the elderly woman had already fallen asleep. Li Yichou naturally noticed Su Qing’s entrance.

She put down the medical book, looked at Su Qing, and asked, "Miss? Is the medicine ready?"

Su Qing nodded slightly. "It’s ready. Just wake her up and feed it to her. If all goes as expected, the effects should be quite good. If she drinks it for a few more days, her internal injuries should be mostly healed."

Su Qing didn't speak with absolute certainty this time. It wasn't that she lacked confidence in the cure; she was mainly worried that if the recovery was too fast, it would frighten the woman.

Li Yichou didn't find this strange. After all, it was normal for a serious illness to require some time to heal. "Thank you, Miss," Li Yichou said.

Su Qing waved her hand. "We’re on the same side; there’s no point in all this constant thanking! Alright, go ahead and feed her the medicine. I’m going out to stretch my legs. I’m exhausted... sitting there for so long."

"Understood, Miss." Li Yichou nodded, then asked, "Is the Miss planning to deal with that fellow now?"

"You could say that," Su Qing said with a chuckle. "However, the one actually taking action isn't me. He’s not worth my personal attention! Alright, I’m off. Take good care of this elder."

Su Qing left the room before Li Yichou could ask anything else, leaving her to continue tending to the woman.

As Su Qing walked out, she happened to run into Ao Yiyi. Ao Yiyi looked at her and suddenly asked, "Sister Su... do you think Li Yichou will leave the medical hall later to seek revenge against the enemies of the Yue-Nu Sect?"

Su Qing was momentarily stunned by the question; she hadn't actually thought about that. But thinking about it now wasn't too late. After a moment of reflection, she stroked her chin and said, "It doesn't matter. If she wants to leave, I won't stop her."

"I thought Sister Su would be reluctant to let her go!" Ao Yiyi tilted her head.

In Ao Yiyi's view, the reason Su Qing had kept Li Yichou around wasn't because of some 'old acquaintance' as she claimed, but primarily because she liked the girl's figure. Although Li Yichou’s original appearance wasn't particularly stunning, her figure was indeed very good, so it wouldn't be surprising if Su Qing had taken an interest. Moreover, Su Qing had later used a spell to give her a more beautiful face. Didn't that further prove Ao Yiyi's suspicion?

Even though Su Qing always insisted she wasn't 'that kind of woman,' in Ao Yiyi's eyes, Su Qing’s actions were often more excessive than the rumors. Thus, Ao Yiyi didn't believe a word of Su Qing’s denials. She just assumed Su Qing kept emphasizing it to save face, much like her own master.

Su Qing found Ao Yiyi’s words a bit strange. She shook her head and said, "Why would I be reluctant? We haven't been together that long. Although it would be a pity if she left, I wouldn't go so far as to stop her."

A pity? Yes, Su Qing would indeed find it a pity. After all, a clerk who didn't require a salary and only needed room and board was truly hard to find. However, Su Qing also sensed that Ao Yiyi was hinting at something else. She looked at Ao Yiyi with a suspicious gaze and said, "You aren't thinking of something inappropriate, are you?"

Ao Yiyi froze for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I was just thinking about some things regarding you, Sister. By the way, where is Sister Su planning to go?"

"Just to check on Hu Lin'er’s work," Su Qing said plainly, hiding nothing.

Hearing this, Ao Yiyi looked at Su Qing and nodded. "Then I won't disturb you, Sister. I’m going to prepare some medicinal ingredients for Su Qingyu."

Although Su Qingyu was just a child, she consumed quite a few supplements. Since the little one would need to practice martial arts in the future, her physical foundation couldn't be neglected. It was right to start preparing early. This task had always been handled by Ao Yiyi, as she had relatively little to do and was happy to help the girl. She quite liked the little girl, Su Qingyu.

Su Qing nodded. After parting with Ao Yiyi, she went to find Hu Lin'er.

At that moment, in the main hall of the medical hall, the man named 'Guo Yu' had already fallen unconscious. However, rather than saying he was unconscious, it was more accurate to say he had fallen into an illusion meticulously prepared by Hu Lin'er.

Although Hu Lin'er was relatively weak in terms of raw combat power among those of the same realm, her mastery of Illusion Arts was exceptional. Let alone a mortal—even a cultivator of the same rank would find it difficult to distinguish reality if they were suddenly pulled into her illusion.

Su Qing sat down beside Hu Lin'er and asked, "How is it?"

Hu Lin'er glanced at Su Qing, then continued to concentrate on her spell as she spoke. "He has completely fallen into the illusion. He couldn't tell at all... he thinks he’s already left with that old woman. I’m currently finding a way to make him lead me to his companions and their location."

Su Qing nodded and said, "Not bad... Pity you can't directly deceive his vision; otherwise, you could just have him lead you there immediately."

Hu Lin'er gave a helpless smile. "Miss, you make Illusion Arts sound too simple! Such powerful illusions aren't something a small demon like me can learn. Even if I could get my hands on them, I might not be able to master them! Spells like these rely heavily on talent, and mine isn't that great."

Su Qing shook her head. "To be honest, your talent is quite good. Didn't you manage to manifest the Samadhi True Fire I taught you after only about a year?"

"It’s merely manifesting it; I’m nowhere near the level of the Miss." Hu Lin'er didn't show a hint of pride at Su Qing’s praise. She knew her own level best, so she naturally didn't dare to be arrogant.

Su Qing didn't say more. In truth, Hu Lin'er’s cultivation speed was already very impressive. It was just that she had no one to compare herself to, or rather, she was comparing herself to Su Qing, which made her progress seem slow.

"Fine, anyway, just take your time. Once you’ve fully mastered the Samadhi True Fire, I’ll teach you some other spells." Su Qing spread her hands. "Also, roughly how much longer until you get all the information?"

"I don't know... maybe an hour, maybe half an hour. But it won't take more than two at most!" Hu Lin'er had some confidence in this. Although Guo Yu’s vigilance was quite high, what could he do against a group of monsters like Su Qing’s lot? No matter how high his guard was, it was useless in this situation. Thus, breaking Guo Yu down was no difficult task for Hu Lin'er; at most, it was just a matter of time.

Su Qing nodded slightly. "Then I’ll have to trouble you when the time comes..."

Actually, Su Qing had intended to resolve it herself to let Hu Lin'er rest, but there was a small matter on Changbai Mountain, so she had to let Hu Lin'er handle this. Regardless, Hu Lin'er had done this sort of thing many times before. At worst, Su Qing would find a way to compensate her later.

Hu Lin'er didn't know what Su Qing was thinking, so she didn't say much, only nodding slightly. "Don't worry, Miss. Since you’ve entrusted this to me, I will certainly settle it properly for you."

Though she found it a bit troublesome, since she had accepted the job, she would do it well. She didn't want her image in Su Qing’s heart to deteriorate.

Su Qing smiled. "Mhm, I’m at ease. My main body has some business, so I might not be able to respond immediately on this side. If anything happens, just call me."

Hu Lin'er was slightly surprised but still nodded. "Understood, Miss."

She was actually curious about what was happening with Su Qing’s main body, but since she had work to do and couldn't afford to divide her focus, she could only wait to ask later.

Su Qing withdrew her consciousness from this side and focused her mind back into her other body.

On Changbai Mountain, Su Qing put down her teacup and spoke. "Wukong, stop knocking and come in!"

Hearing Su Qing’s voice, Wukong finally walked into the courtyard with a cheeky grin. Seeing him, Su Qing said with a hint of helplessness, "Instead of protecting your master, what are you doing back here at my Changbai Mountain? Has your master met with disaster again?"

Su Qing was, of course, asking what she already knew. Given the situation with Wukong’s master, it was impossible for him not to encounter trouble. Even if his luck improved and he didn't run into trouble, someone would surely arrange some for him.

Wukong chuckled and scratched his back of his hand. "Big Sister is truly exceptionally clever... That master of mine has been captured by a demon again."

Su Qing raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Captured by a demon again? But which demon did you run into this time? To think even you couldn't handle it and had to come find me."

After saving little Red Boy, Su Qing hadn't paid much attention to the progress of the journey west. So, at this moment, she wasn't entirely sure where Wukong and the others had reached.

Since Wukong had come to Su Qing for help, he naturally wouldn't hide anything. "Sigh, I ran into a demon I couldn't handle, which is why I came to ask Big Sister for help!" Wukong shook his head helplessly.

"So, exactly what kind of demon did you encounter?" Su Qing asked again.

"That demon is called King One-Horned Si, and he lives in the Cave of Linked Peaks on Mount Jindou... That King One-Horned Si’s strength is exceptionally formidable... If it were just his strength, it would be fine, but the main problem is that he has a strange weapon. That white circle is incredibly eerie... it snatched my weapon away. Not just mine, but even the weapons of the Third Prince and Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li were all taken... It takes whatever it sees."

Wukong said helplessly, "If I had my weapon, I could still fight that monster, but that white circle is too bizarre. So, I had no choice but to seek Big Sister’s help..."

Hearing this, Su Qing immediately knew which demon Wukong had encountered. Wasn't that Taishang Laojun’s Green Ox?

"I didn't expect them to have reached this place already," Su Qing thought to herself. However, on the surface, she remained composed.

"That is indeed a troublesome demon if it can snatch away weapons." Su Qing raised an eyebrow. "But for such a demon, I’m afraid I can't be of much help. After all, as you know, my weapons are Leng Xiang and Yudie. If they were snatched away, it would be a disaster..."

Hearing Su Qing say this, Wukong let out a small sigh. Although he had expected such an outcome, it was still a bit of a pity. He felt that if Su Qing took action, she might actually be able to deal with that demon. However, Su Qing’s concerns weren't without reason, and he understood them. Since she had declined, he naturally didn't intend to force her.

Although Wukong was thick-skinned, he wasn't that thick-skinned with Su Qing. However, even if Su Qing couldn't come to help, Wukong still intended to ask if she had any ideas or if she could point him in the right direction. In his eyes, Su Qing was very intelligent and knew a great deal about the affairs of heaven and earth. No matter the problem, she always seemed to know something about it. Thus, he decided to try his luck.

"Then... does Big Sister have any guidance?" Wukong asked. "Do you know anyone who can deal with this demon?"

Su Qing nodded. "Well, I do have a way, but it requires you to go see an old enemy of yours."

"An old enemy?" Wukong was stunned. "Is Big Sister referring to the Buddha?"

Su Qing nodded. "I’m afraid only going to the Buddha will work! I remember the Buddha has a Dharma treasure called the Golden Cinnabar Sand... it’s a heartless substance; perhaps it can counter that demon. If even the Buddha’s Golden Cinnabar Sand can't handle it, then I’m afraid you’ll have to go find Taishang Laojun."

Wukong scratched his head. "I understand seeking the Buddha, but what use is finding that old official who only knows how to refine elixirs? He’s not even as good a fighter as Nezha!"

In Wukong’s impression, Taishang Laojun was just an old man who only knew how to launch sneak attacks. In terms of direct combat strength, he wasn't even as good as the Third Prince, Nezha! After all, if he were a great fighter, how could Wukong have plucked his beard? Wukong’s words made Su Qing’s lip twitch slightly.

How should she put it? Wukong seemed to still think Taishang Laojun was weak! But she couldn't blame him; he had never truly fought the man, so it was normal not to know his true strength. Moreover, that old fellow Laojun probably deliberately acted weak in front of others, putting on the facade of a weakling... One could only say that Wukong had been miserably deceived.

However, Su Qing couldn't be bothered to expose these things. She simply shook her head and said, "You can't judge a person by their appearance. Laojun has lived for so many years; he surely has some powerful Dharma treasures. However, don't go to him first. You know how stingy that fellow is with you. If you go directly to him for help, he certainly won't give it."

"That’s why I told you to go to the Buddha first... If the Buddha is willing to help you personally, that’s for the best. If not, ask for his Golden Cinnabar Sand to deal with the demon. If that still doesn't work, then go find Laojun. At that point, you just need to say some nice things to him, boast that he’s more powerful than the Buddha, and he’ll surely trot over eagerly with his good stuff to help you."

Wukong listened to Su Qing’s words, completely dazed. He never imagined Su Qing would think so far ahead, even calculating for both the Buddha and Laojun at once. How should he put it? He suddenly felt that the Idiot’s fear of Su Qing was justified... his Big Sister was far too good at scheming. However, having such a Big Sister was a good thing. After all, she was his sister; no matter who she schemed against, she would never scheme against him. Wukong was very confident in that! This was his sister, closer than blood; how could she ever trap him?

Wukong looked at Su Qing and nodded. "As expected of Big Sister! To think so far ahead!"

Su Qing’s lip twitched again. She couldn't exactly tell Wukong that she wasn't looking ahead, but had simply read the script. She could only chuckle and say, "Anyway, the plan is just a plan. As for whether it works... I wouldn't know. You’ll have to try it yourself."

Wukong nodded. "Regardless, thank you for the guidance, Big Sister!"

Su Qing shook her head. "I can't step in to help, so I can only assist you this way."

"But thank you nonetheless," Wukong said. "I won't disturb Big Sister any longer! I’m off to find the Buddha."

Su Qing nodded. "Then, good luck to you."

Wukong nodded in return, then mounted his Somersault Cloud and departed.

After watching Wukong leave, Su Qing took another sip of tea and remarked, "But then again, since he’s reached Mount Jindou, he’s not far from the Women's Kingdom, is he? It’s just a pity that Tang Sanzang’s most famous romantic encounter is likely gone! After all, the Queen of Women's Kingdom is already one of mine. Wait, that’s not right... wasn't there also that Pipa Cave Scorpion Spirit? I’m not sure what her situation is now... Oh well, it has nothing to do with me anyway. I’ll just head over for a look when they reach the Women's Kingdom."

As Su Qing was talking to herself, a little sparrow landed nearby and cried out, "Big Green Snake, Big Green Snake, help! Help!"

Su Qing frowned slightly, her nose twitching. "Where is that burnt smell coming from?"

Hearing this, the little sparrow hurriedly flapped its wings. "My tail feathers are scorched!"

"Oh? So what happened? And why are you asking me for help?"

"It’s Red Boy! And Ying'er," the little sparrow answered hurriedly.

"Oh? Don't just tell me who did it; tell me the specific situation," Su Qing asked again.

The little sparrow was about to embellish the story, but at that moment, Red Boy came skipping in. She said with a beaming smile, "Sister Su~"

"What have you two been up to? Why did you scorch this little one’s feathers?" Su Qing asked, glancing at the girl.

This girl had been living here for nearly a year... Su Qing had originally thought she would return once the heat died down, and she had initially arranged it that way. But who would have thought that although the girl had gone back once, she had come wandering back a few days later? Since then, she had stayed, only returning to her own cave once or twice a month. Su Qing was helpless to do anything about it.

Red Boy scratched her head and said, "I was just thinking of helping these little ones lose some weight! Sister Qing, you have no idea—when these little ones stand on a branch, I can practically hear the branch wailing. And, and, earlier when Sister Ying'er used these fellows to pelt me, I almost had my bones broken."

Hearing this exaggerated description, Su Qing’s eyebrow jumped. "That’s a bit too much embellishment... But weight loss is weight loss; why did you burn their feathers?"

"Because they’re just too lazy. So I had to use some... special methods," Red Boy answered with a giggle.

Su Qing looked at her suspiciously. "Let me guess, your so-called special method was chasing them with fire?"

"Hehehe, Sister is so smart. But don't worry, Sister! I have a sense of proportion; I was careful not to hurt them. It’s just that this little one is too lazy; while flying, she moved her tail feathers too close to the fire. I couldn't extinguish it in time... and accidentally lit her up."

Red Boy said helplessly, "It’s a good thing I used mortal fire. If it had been Samadhi True Fire, this little Feijiu’s tail feathers would probably be completely turned to ash."

Su Qing couldn't help but facepalm at these words. The ideas of these youngsters were truly too novel; even an old-timer like her was left speechless.

"You really are something... and you too!"

Su Qing flicked Red Boy on the forehead, then gave a light tap to the head of the little Feijiu with the scorched tail. "Your intention was good, but don't be so aggressive. I won't punish you this time; consider this a lesson. Oh, and as for making these little ones lose weight—don't stop."

"It’s been so many years; it really is time for them to slim down."

Hearing Su Qing say this, Red Boy’s face immediately broke into a wide grin. "Hehe, I knew Sister Qing would support this plan."

"I’m not supporting your plan; I’m just supporting making these little ones lose weight," Su Qing said, rolling her eyes.

Meanwhile, the little Feijiu let out a dissatisfied chirp. "Does no one care about my opinion? I’m really not fat!"