Chapter 938: Named Disciple

Seeing Mr. Ji's strange expression, Zao Niang dropped the branch, patted her skirt, stood up, and then sat back down at the stone table.

“Sir, Zao Niang is foolish. I've watched you practice swordsmanship so many times, but I still can't learn it. Those few moves I just did were carefully taught to me by Lady Bai after a long time of practice…”

This surprised Ji Yuan slightly; he had thought Zao Niang learned them by watching him.

“Bai Ruo taught you?”

“Yes! That misunderstanding led to me meeting Lady Bai. She is indeed as beautiful as I imagined. Young Master Zhou was truly blessed; Lady Bai still thinks of him all the time…”

Zao Niang's voice dropped, then she looked up at Ji Yuan.

“Sir, Lady Bai is quite loyal, isn’t she?”

Ji Yuan picked up a date from the table and ate it, remaining silent for a moment. He recalled the scene when he first met Bai Ruo, their final moments together with Young Master Zhou in the Underworld, and the crystal of true tears. He also remembered hearing about Bai Ruo's noble assistance in Da Zhen's military campaigns. He then nodded and said,

“Indeed, demon cultivators like Bai Ruo are rare. She is truly loyal and righteous.”

Zao Niang smiled, idly flipping through *Yellow Springs*. Even in this book, the second volume by Wang Li still mentioned the love story and devotion between Bai Lu (White Deer) and Young Master Zhou. While *White Deer's Destiny* concluded with their union in the mortal world and Young Master Zhou's passing, *Yellow Springs* filled in the Underworld portion of their tale, finally ending when Young Master Zhou's soul returned to the heavens.

“Lady Bai has a good temperament, Sir. You wouldn’t know, but ever since *Yellow Springs* was released and everyone started treating it as a treasure, and with Lady Bai and Young Master Zhou’s story in the Underworld… someone quickly wrote an Underworld version of *White Deer's Shame*…”

“Cough…”

Ji Yuan, caught off guard by the latter half of Zao Niang's sentence, choked on his date. He mused that there were indeed many talented people in this world; he had never imagined such a consequence after the release of *Yellow Springs*, let alone so quickly.

“You didn't buy…”

At Ji Yuan's words, a rare blush appeared on both of Zao Niang's cheeks. She lowered her head and nodded slightly.

“Sir, what that person wrote was only slightly inferior to Mr. Wang's work. It had more vulgar scenes, but it was also written with tender sentiment, and crucially, it explored other possibilities—more beautiful possibilities…”

Ji Yuan didn't know how to respond and could only shake his head helplessly.

“Sir, returning to serious matters, Lady Bai caught the person who wrote that book. Honestly, even if she had severely punished or even killed that person, as long as she revealed her name and had conclusive evidence, the Chunhui Prefecture Underworld might not have arrested her. Yet, Lady Bai merely administered a slight punishment and then released him. She later told me that she had actually read the book herself and wished that she and Young Master Zhou could truly have had such a beautiful ending.”

“Even so, Zao Niang still thinks Lady Bai is quite magnanimous, don't you agree?”

Ji Yuan remained silent, so Zao Niang continued.

“Sir, you must know that Lady Bai's talent and comprehension are also excellent. Her current cultivation method was passed down by you. She was able to convert centuries of her spiritual attainment into her current practice without much loss of cultivation, and she even advanced further. Oh, and Lady Bai's sword skills are excellent now, mostly self-taught!”

Ji Yuan frowned slightly, his gaze seemingly fixed on the dates in the basin on the table, and said softly,

“Indeed, that immortal beast cultivation method originated from old Mr. Ying's concept, which I then refined and modified. While it held grand ambitions, neither of us truly understood the authentic immortal beast techniques of immortal sects. Thus, the modifications were naturally not entirely perfect. Bai Ruo's ability to overcome its difficulties, to advance through self-understanding and self-improvement, and to achieve her current mastery in swordsmanship, proves her exceptional talent, comprehension, and perseverance among demon cultivators!”

A smile appeared on Zao Niang's face.

“Sir, you see? Lady Bai is loyal and kind-hearted, magnanimous, and exceptionally talented, perceptive, and persevering. She truly is a rare and extraordinary woman in this world!”

Ji Yuan also smiled. Zao Niang's talkativeness today had initially puzzled him, but now her intention was quite clear.

“What exactly are you trying to say? Just tell me directly!”

Zao Niang clasped her hands together, looked up at Ji Yuan with a hint of nervousness, then lowered her head and said,

“Sir, Lady Bai says she's not worthy to be your disciple… but in *White Deer's Destiny*, she *is* your disciple. Everyone who has read or heard that book, though they might not know your esteemed name, knows that Lady Bai is the immortal's mount and disciple…”

Seeing that Ji Yuan wasn't speaking but also didn't look angry, Zao Niang gathered her courage and continued.

“Sir, you yourself said that Lady Bai's method was passed down by you. You and she may not have the *title* of master and disciple, but you have the *reality* of it. And the book even gives her that status…”

After much beating around the bush, Zao Niang finally spoke what she had been holding back.

“Sir, why can't you accept Lady Bai as your disciple?”

Ji Yuan smiled and shook his head.

“Regarding that title of nominal disciple, I have never publicly denied it. Whether she is worthy or not is her own thought. Of course, if she is eager to learn some heaven-shaking, earth-shattering abilities from me, then that is out of the question.”

Zao Niang looked up at Ji Yuan in surprise and delight.

“Sir! Really? No, I mean, you acknowledge Lady Bai as your nominal disciple?”

Ji Yuan nodded.

“Go tell her quickly.”

“Yes, yes, yes! Sir, I'm going to Chunhui Prefecture for a bit, I'll be right back!”

“Go ahead.”

Zao Niang quickly stood up, waved her hand to gather some dates from the tree into her sleeve, then went to the courtyard gate, pulled it open, bowed to Ji Yuan, and left with a smile. Ji Yuan watched her retreating figure thoughtfully.

It wasn't difficult to deduce that Zao Niang and Bai Ruo had a good relationship, but perhaps Zao Niang envied women like Bai Ruo who dared to love and hate fiercely. Of course, Ji Yuan was still very pleased that Zao Niang could make more worthwhile friends.

“Oh, I almost forgot.”

Saying this, Ji Yuan took out the Sword Intent Scroll and the Xiezhi painting from his sleeve.

Immediately, the painting transformed into the Xiezhi, appearing as a man, who plopped down beside the stone table, reached for a date, and began eating. Around them, the chirping little characters all flew out.

“Wow, finally home!” “Zao Niang just left!”

“Little Paper Crane went to the Underworld, should be back soon.”

“My Lord, you should have let us out sooner, we didn't get to say hello to Zao Niang.”

“Idiot, how far is Chunhui Prefecture? She'll definitely be back soon!”

“Right, right, right!”

“Come on, let's practice the sword formation!” “Okay, okay, let's go!”

The Xiezhi glanced at the little characters beginning to cause a ruckus in the courtyard, eating the crispy, fragrant dates.

“Heh, these little guys are truly energetic!”

The Xiezhi no longer dared to underestimate these character spirits. Was there truly nothing simple among the spiritual objects around Ji Yuan? After witnessing the transformations of their sword formation, these little guys were practically weapons of mass destruction.

“These dates are so delicious too, Ji Yuan. Next time you go out, take more. This date tree is much bigger than before, and there are more ordinary spiritual dates on it. Just pack a hundred catties or so.”

Ji Yuan didn't respond to the suggestion about taking dates; instead, he looked at the Xiezhi and said,

“You still can't fully emerge from that painting?”

The Xiezhi shook its head helplessly.

“My physical body was destroyed in ancient times. If not for a master using the art of painting gods and souls to help me gather my soul within the painting, I might have already died. To truly leave this painting is not yet possible for now. However, I now have many more abilities, enough to be of great help to you. Don't hesitate to ask if you need me for anything.”

“Hmm, you said Zhu Yan's true spirit, which he had previously condensed, was destroyed. It should be difficult for him to establish contact with this side from the Barren Region, right?”

Having been with Ji Yuan for so many years, the Xiezhi knew Ji Yuan's temperament and unconventional thinking well, and instantly understood.

“No, no, no, I definitely cannot impersonate Zhu Yan. I might be able to fool his demon subordinates, but if those guys come looking, I'd easily be seen through, and that would cause a lot of trouble. It's better to let Zhu Yan remain missing. Even if news of his death at your hands gets out someday, just pin it on me.”

“You said that yourself?”

Ji Yuan watched the Xiezhi with a smile, and the latter also broke into a grin.

“I did say it. I'm on your side. You've helped me so much; I, Xiezhi, am not one to be ungrateful. I know how to return a favor.”

“Alright, I'm deeply grateful for your sincere help, Xiezhi!”

“You're too kind, too kind. And do bring more dates!”

“Hahahahaha…” “Hahahaha…”

The Xiezhi laughed along with Ji Yuan, then suddenly thought of something and said with interest,

“Hey, Ji Yuan, those people who embroider my likeness on their official hats, or even on small coronets and scarves, aren't some of them starting to call themselves Legalists? So, am I, Xiezhi, considered their deity?”

“No, they believe the divine beast Xiezhi represents strict justice and integrity, and they have further embellished their imagination of you. However, they don't believe that if someone takes an oath by law and then breaks it and falls, a Xiezhi will appear and devour that person. It's more of a spiritual and aspirational self-identification.”

“What if I really showed up and devoured those who break their oaths and fall? Hmm, there aren't any in Da Zhen right now, but who knows about the future!”

Ji Yuan looked at the Xiezhi, who was clearly intrigued.

“How would I know? You can try it someday. Just remember to be more serious then.”

“What part of me isn't serious?”

“Just don't make that greedy, begging face.”

Xiezhi: “…”