PID Chapter 34

We’re on roll today ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡
Kofi thanks to Choco and also lily for the support!

(3/5)

 

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Xiao Mo spent another half-day hunting in the forest, focusing on killing fourth-tier demonic beasts. He deliberately made his presence known to Immortal Alliance disciples during this time.

 

In the final layer, there weren’t many visiting cultivators, and among them, Xiao Mo—wearing a striking golden mask—stood out as the only one of his kind. Some Immortal Alliance disciples had started to take note of him.

 

This alibi might not be useful later, but since it was convenient to establish, Xiao Mo went ahead with it—it didn’t waste any time.

 

By the end of his hunt, Xiao Mo had killed thirty-five fourth-tier demonic beasts, along with five third-tier and six second-tier ones on the way.

 

Thanks to Zi Jiao’s storage device and its wealth, Xiao Mo kept five fourth-tier beast cores for himself while exchanging the rest for spirit stones.

 

When Xiao Mo approached the Immortal Alliance disciples to exchange spirit stones, Huanjian Sect and Xiao Qing Sect were already in a standoff outside Black Forest. The two groups stood clearly separated, tensions high, with swords drawn. A crowd had gathered nearby to watch the drama unfold.

 

Xiao Mo glanced over casually. Su Baimo looked pale and was trembling uncontrollably. He was visibly shaken and barely standing upright, relying entirely on Dai Zisheng to keep him from collapsing. Xiao Qing Sect’s members were aggressive, while Immortal Alliance disciples stood nearby observing the situation.

 

The Immortal Alliance disciples weren’t there to mediate—they were present because Su Baimo had claimed he’d been captured by a demonic cultivator.

 

A demonic cultivator infiltrated this place!?

 

While waiting for his spirit stones to be counted, Xiao Mo feigned curiosity and asked casually: “Daoist friend, what’s happening over there? It looks quite lively.”

 

An Immortal Alliance disciple scoffed: “Xiao Qing Sect lost a disciple and found his plaque in Huanjian Sect’s hands.”

 

“That’s a minor issue—the real problem is that they’re claiming a demonic cultivator is involved. No idea if it’s true or not—they’re still questioning people.” The disciple handed Xiao Mo a cheap storage pouch filled with spirit stones. “Here are your spirit stones—three hundred mid-grade and five hundred sixty low-grade ones. Please check.”

 

Xiao Mo had watched him count earlier. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, his divine sense wouldn’t fail to perceive the correct number of spirit stones—especially when it came to money. Xiao Mo accepted the pouch: “Thank you.”

 

With so many people watching the commotion, one more spectator like Xiao Mo didn’t stand out. He positioned himself at a spot neither too close nor too far away and listened to their argument.

 

To his surprise, the gray-robed demonic cultivator had indeed revealed his identity during his journey with Su Baimo and Zi Jiao. He’d boasted about being a demonic cultivator and threatened to eat their blood and flesh—and Su Baimo had spilled everything.

 

In the sea of consciousness, Xiao Mo remarked: “He’s cooperating so well—I almost feel bad.”

 

Chu Jinglan: I don’t see your ‘feeling bad,’ but your enjoyment is certainly blatant.

 

The Golden Core Martial Uncle leading Xiao Qing Sect seized on this point immediately: “You claim he was a demonic cultivator—so why did he kill Zi Jiao but spare you?”

 

Su Baimo couldn’t help but shrink back, stammering as he bit his lip: “I—I don’t know… I fainted…”

 

The Golden Core cultivator’s sharp gaze turned predatory as he barked: “Could it be that you’re colluding with the demonic cultivator?”

 

Accusing someone of collusion with a demonic cultivator was no small matter. Dai Zisheng’s face darkened as he retorted: “Daoist friend, mind your words!”

 

Su Baimo finally realized he’d said something wrong. He had thought naming the demonic cultivator would absolve him completely—but instead, it had backfired spectacularly. But I’m a victim! Why are they twisting things like this?

 

Mu Jian also spoke up from beside Dai Zisheng: “Su Baimo has only recently reached Foundation Establishment and comes from a small family in the Lower Realm. His background is clean and verifiable—he doesn’t even know your sect’s disciple. What reason would he have to collude with a demonic cultivator to harm him? With Immortal Alliance and so many sects present here, would he be insane?”

 

Su Baimo glanced at Mu Jian in surprise—he hadn’t expected Mu Jian to speak up for him and felt a bit grateful.

 

But Mu Jian wasn’t defending Su Baimo—he was defending Huanjian Sect.

 

After all, Su Baimo was still under the banner of Huanjian Sect as a disciple and the lifesaving benefactor of its young sect master. Without concrete evidence, throwing accusations at him was something Huanjian Sect would never accept.

 

The Golden Core cultivator from Xiao Qing Sect sneered: “All I know is that my nephew is dead, but he’s still alive—and he has my nephew’s disciple plaque.”

 

In the cultivation world, bloodshed and conflict were daily occurrences. Killing and disputes were common, especially during large-scale secret realm expeditions or treasure hunts, where casualties were often massive. While some grudges were settled on the spot, most victims didn’t even know who their killers were. Still, the Golden Core Martial Uncle hadn’t expected such a simple training exercise to cost them a disciple.

 

And not just any disciple—his senior brother’s son.

 

Whether it was Huanjian Sect or the demonic cultivator, he needed to shift the blame and redirect hatred. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself when he returned to his sect.

 

Ultimately, it was Zi Jiao’s own arrogance and recklessness that led to this outcome. He had chased after a demonic beast and left the group, which resulted in them searching for him endlessly until the sect sent word that his soul lamp had gone out.

 

Both Huanjian Sect and Xiao Qing Sect were affiliated with the Immortal Alliance. While Huanjian Sect held slightly higher status, neither sect blamed the Immortal Alliance for negligence in monitoring—after all, if a demonic cultivator had truly infiltrated, it meant they either had exceptional skills or powerful artifacts.

 

An Immortal Alliance disciple spoke up: “We’ve already sent word to the alliance headquarters requesting reinforcements. If there really is a demonic cultivator involved, we can’t let it slide.”

 

Su Baimo clung weakly to Dai Zisheng’s arm and said shakily: “He wore gray clothes and a mask—gray-black and very ugly. You should look for him!”

 

The mention of “mask” made the Golden Core Martial Uncle instinctively recall the two masked individuals he had seen at Lin’an City’s gates. However, he quickly dismissed this thought—after all, there were at least ten masked people among those watching the commotion right now, not to mention several wearing bamboo hats. Surely wearing a mask didn’t automatically make someone a killer?

 

Huanjian Sect clearly had no intention of pushing their young disciple forward to take responsibility, so the Golden Core cultivator from Xiao Qing Sect knew this matter wouldn’t reach a resolution. But he didn’t need a resolution—he just needed to shift the blame onto someone else. He shot Su Baimo a venomous glare: “Su Baimo of Huanjian Sect, right? We’ll remember you.”

 

With that, he led his disciples away, while Su Baimo finally couldn’t hold on any longer and fainted again.

 

Dai Zisheng was startled, but Huanjian Sect’s medical cultivator checked Su Baimo’s pulse and said: “It’s just extreme fright and dehydration. Nothing serious—he’ll be fine after some rest and hydration.”

 

Dai Zisheng muttered gloomily: “It’s all my fault. I should have sent him out earlier.”

 

Mu Jian, holding his sword, shot him a sideways glance: “He said he was captured outside the forest. What does that have to do with you? Are you supposed to follow him around all the time?”

 

…Indeed, it wasn’t possible to watch over him constantly. Though Dai Zisheng still felt downcast, he didn’t refute Mu Jian’s words.

 

Seeing his expression, Mu Jian sighed: “Perhaps it was just bad luck for him. As for the conflict with Xiao Qing Sect, we’ll report it to the Sect Master when we return. For now, let’s avoid them entirely. Everyone should stay vigilant and avoid acting alone.”

 

The disciples responded in unison: “Understood, Senior Brother Mu.”

 

Xiao Mo watched the drama unfold with satisfaction before leaving with his spoils. Chu Jinglan had hoped this would be an opportunity to uncover some clues about Xiao Mo’s motivations but found nothing. It seemed Xiao Mo was simply looking for entertainment.

 

At times like this, he really did seem like a demon who thrived on chaos.

 

On the way back, Xiao Mo walked lightly and casually asked Chu Jinglan: “From your perspective, Su Baimo is irrelevant but not exactly a bad person. I’ve been messing with him—does that bother you?”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t understand the logic behind his question: “If he’s irrelevant to me, why would I be bothered?”

 

Xiao Mo smiled mischievously: “Maybe you think I’m just stirring up trouble for no reason?”

 

Chu Jinglan replied calmly: “As long as it doesn’t cause trouble for us, do as you please.”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t consider himself a kind person. Whether Xiao Mo killed or burned things down didn’t matter to him—as long as it didn’t harm his interests. A good partner should aim for mutual benefit rather than dragging each other down or creating unnecessary problems.

 

“Cold and ruthless,” Xiao Mo commented.

 

But then he added: “I admire that about you.”

 

For Chu Jinglan to remain indifferent toward Su Baimo was exactly what Xiao Mo wanted—otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense to him.

 

They ended their Black Forest expedition early and didn’t rush back to the inn immediately. Instead, they visited a property agent in Lin’an City to find a house they could rent.

 

They didn’t need a large house or one in a bustling area—such places were easy to find. After visiting three options with the agent, they settled on a courtyard house.

 

It was a small courtyard with no dedicated reception hall. The main hall served multiple functions—dining area, tea room, reading space, and relaxation spot—all in one. There was one kitchen and three side rooms—perfectly suited for Chu Jinglan to have one room, Yan Chun and Mo Zhi to share one room, and Chu Xia to have another.

 

Of course, if Xiao Mo ever needed it, Chu Jinglan’s room would automatically become his room.

 

The owner of the house had been away from Lin’an City for years and reportedly settled elsewhere permanently. Thus, negotiating the lease terms was easy. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan signed for one year and paid upfront.

 

As Xiao Mo thought about it: It’s not our money—it doesn’t hurt to spend it. Zi Jiao had tens of thousands of spirit stones—clearly spoiled by sect benefits. Compared to that… look at Du E Sect—they don’t even give monthly stipends!

 

The house was ready for immediate move-in. After collecting the keys, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan headed back to the inn.

 

When they returned, they found the three children reading books in their room. As soon as they entered through the door, Xiao Mo appeared beside Chu Jinglan in his physical form. The three children immediately put down what they were holding and ran over excitedly—but stopped obediently two steps away from them, tilting their little heads upward with bright eyes as they looked at them expectantly.

 

“Master and Shixiong are back!”

 

Chu Jinglan found the situation oddly familiar. He couldn’t quite understand why the children were crowding so close, but then he saw Xiao Mo raise his hand and pat each of them on the head: “Good kids, we’re back.”

 

After Xiao Mo finished patting their heads, the three children turned their heads in unison to look at Chu Jinglan.

 

Including Xiao Mo.

 

Four pairs of eyes—three filled with anticipation, one full of playful teasing.

 

Chu Jinglan: “…”

 

There was no way he was going to pat their heads. Instead, he pulled out an oil-paper package and handed it to the children.

 

The children opened it, and a sweet aroma wafted out. Inside were freshly made candied fruits—sweet and fragrant.

 

The children were immediately distracted, their faces lighting up with joy: “Thank you, Master!”

 

Chu Jinglan lowered his gaze slightly: “Your Shixiong Xiao picked them.”

 

The children instantly chirped again: “Thank you, Shixiong!”

 

Xiao Mo chuckled: “I picked them together with him. We weren’t sure what you liked to eat, so we mixed a few varieties. If there’s something you like, let me know next time so I’ll remember.”

 

The three children happily divided the candied fruits among themselves as Chu Jinglan said: “Finish eating and pack your things—we’re leaving.”

 

Upon hearing this, the children immediately popped a piece into their mouths. Even Mo Zhi, who was usually greedy for snacks, didn’t eat more. They carefully sealed the oil-paper package and turned to start packing their belongings right away, planning to finish their tasks first and eat the rest of the candied fruits on the road.

 

Xiao Mo sighed with an air of maturity: “Children are so sensible it makes your heart ache.”

 

Chu Jinglan glanced at him indifferently, his gaze silently evaluating Xiao Mo’s still-slightly-immature facial features.

 

Talking as if you’re much older.

 

Over the past few days, Yan Chun and Chu Xia still hadn’t entered cultivation officially, but following a steady regimen of breathing exercises and physical training had significantly improved their health. Mo Zhi was progressing steadily—not too fast or slow—and had even learned a few more characters.

 

Since they didn’t have much to pack, they quickly finished tidying up. Returning early allowed them to check out of the room and reclaim some spirit stones. Xiao Mo decided to give those spirit stones to the children as pocket money, which Chu Jinglan didn’t oppose.

 

The children swiftly finished packing their belongings. However, instead of taking them directly to the courtyard house they had rented, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan planned to head straight to Lin’an Academy’s vicinity to secure a spot. Before leaving the city, though, they decided to treat everyone to a good meal.

 

After all—they were rich now! No more plain steamed buns every day—they could finally feast properly!

 

With newfound extravagance, they headed straight for the best restaurant in Lin’an City.

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan entered the restaurant still wearing their masks, though Chu Jinglan had switched to a new one. Since the “Golden Feather Masked Man” was known as a Nascent Soul cultivator, while Chu Jinglan was barely at the threshold of Qi Refining, it wouldn’t do to let people associate the two identities.

 

Initially, Chu Jinglan wanted to switch back to his iron mask, but Xiao Mo handed him another new mask instead.

 

This time, the mask was silver like Xiao Mo’s, though Xiao Mo’s featured intricate floral patterns while Chu Jinglan’s depicted an auspicious beast.

 

The designs were different but equally refined and elegant.

 

As Chu Jinglan accepted the mask, he thought: He really does find the iron mask ugly.

 

The two silver-masked men led the three children into the restaurant and sat down to order food. The restaurant offered spiritual dishes, but since neither Chu Jinglan nor the three children could fully absorb the energy contained in such meals yet, Xiao Mo hadn’t planned to order any.

 

However, after glancing at the menu, Chu Jinglan ordered two spiritual dishes: a bowl of Purple Flower Spiritual Rice Soup and a plate of Essence Rabbit Meat.

 

Spiritual dishes were expensive. Pure spiritual food underwent meticulous processing to remove all impurities before being served. For example, the meat from the Essence Rabbit was refined to extract only its essence, and all seasonings used were spiritual herbs to ensure every bite contained pure spiritual energy without any residue.

 

Xiao Mo wasn’t bothered by the cost but asked curiously: “Can you handle the energy in spiritual food right now?”

 

And why did he only order one bowl of soup—was it meant to be shared?

 

The waiter had already noted their order and left to pass it on. Sitting at the table with his gaze lowered, Chu Jinglan replied calmly: “It’s for you.”

 

Xiao Mo froze for a moment.

 

It took him a while to process what had been said before murmuring: “Ah, that’s right—I can eat spiritual food.”

 

Having gotten used to watching others eat while he could only observe, Xiao Mo had almost forgotten that he could consume pure spiritual food himself.

 

Xiao Mo felt as though a little feather had brushed against his heart—not something he was accustomed to. It was soft and ticklish, warm yet slightly unsettling.

 

His voice dropped slightly as he awkwardly said: “Mm… thank you.”

 

Xiao Mo’s upbringing had left him with little opportunity to experience genuine care from others. When it happened unexpectedly, it felt like winning the lottery—exciting yet unreal. He could easily outwit anyone who argued with him by taking an even more dominant stance, but when someone treated him gently or kindly, he’d immediately become flustered. Internally unsure where to place his emotions or actions, he’d mask his discomfort with feigned indifference.

 

Classic case of “soft-hearted but resistant to force.”

 

When the dishes arrived, both the Purple Flower Spiritual Rice Soup and Rabbit Meat were placed in front of Xiao Mo. He picked up a spoon and scooped up some rice soup for his first bite.

 

It tasted sweet and soft, with a rich fragrance that lingered on his tongue and filled his mouth with warmth. The rabbit meat was tender and delicate, coated with flavorful sauce that left an unforgettable aftertaste.

 

More importantly, as soon as it slid down his throat, it transformed into pure spiritual energy without leaving any residue behind. Xiao Mo didn’t feel even the slightest discomfort.

 

His crow-feather-like eyelashes trembled lightly.

 

…Delicious.

 

And perhaps… a little too warm for comfort.

 

The three children watched Xiao Mo eat for the first time and found it fascinating. However, knowing their status was below that of Master and Shixiong’s, they didn’t dare serve him directly. Instead, Yan Chun pushed a plate of fish toward Xiao Mo: “Shixiong, this is delicious—you should try it.”

 

Mo Zhi nudged over some roasted duck while Chu Xia selected a plate of pastries.

 

Xiao Mo was still chewing his food and hadn’t swallowed yet when Chu Jinglan pushed all those dishes back toward them: “He only eats spiritual food. You eat your own.”

 

The children obediently withdrew their offerings without protest.

 

The three children let out an “Ah!” and then pushed the dishes toward Chu Jinglan instead: “Master, you eat!”

 

Xiao Mo swallowed a spoonful of rice soup and couldn’t help but smile as he watched the lively scene at the table.

 

Chu Jinglan turned his head to look at him and asked, “Is it good?”

 

Xiao Mo replied, “Mm.”

 

It had indeed been a long time since he’d eaten something so delicious.

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter