Chapter 168
Chapter 168: Mother of Pearl Octagonal Palace Lantern
The spiritual power that poured from Jiang Wan Sheng’s palm transformed into sharp vines, driving the mud-caked white jade fish ashore. The dark purple dream butterfly, in sync with the clan chief, began to slay the fish.
Its translucent purple wings shimmered in the night, glowing like falling stars or sparkling gemstones, captivatingly beautiful.
Shi Zi Chu felt a stir in her hands.
She wanted to catch a butterfly!
However, her golden hook phoenix butterfly had yet to return from its hunt, while the dark purple dream butterfly was still engaged in battle.
Shi Zi Chu lowered her eyes, a faint sense of disappointment settling in her heart.
Meng Xi Yu, who had been quietly observing Shi Zi Chu, noticed her mood shift and, with a hint of helplessness, spoke.
With a loud “thud,” the fish surrounded by the dark purple dream butterfly was slammed onto the ground, making the earth tremble.
The dark purple dream butterfly, having completed its task, turned to fly toward Shi Zi Chu.
Qu Ru quickly warned, “Senior sister, be careful!”
Before her words could fade, Shi Zi Chu reached out, and the dark purple dream butterflies, now clustered together, landed gently on her fingers.
She turned to look at Qu Ru’s shocked expression, smiling softly, “I’m fine.”
Qu Ru glanced between Shi Zi Chu and the dark purple dream butterflies, then looked over at Jiang Wan Sheng, who was dissecting the white jade fish in the distance.
The dark purple dream butterfly is Young Master Jiang’s soul contract spirit beast, right? Why does it seem more like Shi Zi Chu’s spirit beast?
Meng Xi Yu expanded his spiritual sense, quickly scanning the surroundings. Once assured there was no immediate danger, he settled nearby.
Shi Zi Chu held the dark purple dream butterfly in her hand and said, “This little one is very pretty. Would you like to touch it?”
Qu Ru quickly waved her hands in refusal.
Who didn’t know that the dark purple dream butterfly was incredibly poisonous? She was too afraid to approach!
Slightly disappointed, Shi Zi Chu sat back down, playing with the dark purple dream butterfly.
Just then, the golden hook phoenix butterfly, returning from its hunt, spotted the butterfly in Shi Zi Chu’s hand and flew toward her, ready to strike.
With quick reflexes, Shi Zi Chu gently caught the golden hook phoenix butterfly by its wings, her voice soft and coaxing, “No, this one’s one of our own. Well, it should be our own butterfly.”
The dark purple dream butterfly waved its wings lightly, sending out a friendly signal.
The golden hook phoenix butterfly, its wings fluttering, landed in Shi Zi Chu’s hair, appearing aloof and high-strung.
Jiang Wan Sheng’s cheerful voice drifted over, “Qing Qing, do you want some fish scales?”
Shi Zi Chu wrinkled her nose, her voice tinged with distaste, “It smells too fishy.”
The lively tone of Jiang Wan Sheng faltered, and he replied, “Alright then.”
A short while later, after dissecting the white jade fish, Jiang Wan Sheng cast two dust-dispelling spells on himself before walking over.
“Qing Qing,” he said, reaching out to hug Shi Zi Chu, his head burying into her neck as if he were petting a cat.
“The white jade fish’s old nest is in the inner zone, and the second elder is still over there. I’m just going to grab a few things and I’ll be right back.”
After speaking, Jiang Wan Sheng released her and vanished into the mist.
Shi Zi Chu looked down at the dark purple dream butterfly on her finger, a mixture of amusement and helplessness in her gaze.
Meng Xi Yu watched her, his eyes dark and cold.
Since their last meeting at the city lord’s residence, it was clear Jiang Wan Sheng’s feelings were no longer concealed, yet Shi Zi Chu was still indulging him.
Shi Zi Chu met his gaze with a question in her eyes, pretending not to know, “What’s wrong?”
Meng Xi Yu had many things he wished to say, but the setting and situation were not appropriate. He shifted his gaze, “It’s nothing.”
Shi Zi Chu did not press further.
As things settled, Yao Ruo Ruo returned to Shi Zi Chu’s side.
Under two hidden, envious gazes, she clung to Shi Zi Chu.
With a bright smile, Shi Zi Chu took a steaming bun from her storage ring and handed it over.
Yao Ruo Ruo bit into the bun, chewing happily as she said, “There’s nothing better than having something warm to eat at a time like this!”
Though the chilly dampness didn’t bother her much, this comforting bite was just what she needed!
Shi Zi Chu smiled as she ate her own bun, the warm steam releasing spiritual power. The nearby disciples, though hungry, knew the buns were precious. They glanced longingly but refrained from asking.
When Jiang Wan Sheng returned, he found Shi Zi Chu sitting by the fire, curled up like a fluffy ball, warming herself by the flames.
He was immediately struck by her cuteness and walked over, his palm gently ruffling her hair.
Shi Zi Chu clicked her tongue in mild irritation.
Jiang Wan Sheng’s hand moved to cup her face, pinching her cheek. “Qing Qing, you’re so cute!”
He desperately wanted to take her away, to hide her in a manor just for himself!
Shi Zi Chu, having been interrupted during her meal, swatted his paw away.
After receiving a couple of soft slaps, Jiang Wan Sheng quieted down and sat next to her, sticky and clingy, his gaze soft and fond.
With his beautiful face and delicate features, his actions seemed oddly fitting, giving the impression of a madman turned affectionate dog.
The nearby disciples dared not look at them, stealing a few glances before turning away.
After Shi Zi Chu finished her bun, Jiang Wan Sheng, seemingly boneless, draped himself across her shoulder. “Can I stay with you, Qing Qing?”
“You’re the Young Lord of the Jiang Family,” Shi Zi Chu replied with a sigh.
“The second elder thinks I’m clumsy. I don’t want to go back and face his scolding,” Jiang Wan Sheng said, his eyes full of pitiful pleading.
Unable to resist, Shi Zi Chu stroked his cheek lightly and smiled, “Alright, you can stay.”
If Uncle Jiang allowed the second elder to accompany Jiang Wan Sheng to Blue Rain Marsh, it was clear that the second elder was on their side. Besides, with Jiang Wan Sheng’s abilities and influence, there was no way the second elder would actually consider him clumsy.
Jiang Wan Sheng hid his joy, his face becoming a picture of docile innocence.
Seeing him act so pitiful, Shi Zi Chu gave his head a gentle pat.
Jiang Wan Sheng was clever, knowing how to use his advantages to the fullest.
Having succeeded in staying, Jiang Wan Sheng pulled out an octagonal palace lantern, presenting it to Shi Zi Chu like a treasure.
Shi Zi Chu leaned back slightly.
Immortal rank magic artifacts were becoming too common!
Noticing her reaction, Jiang Wan Sheng carefully asked, “Qing Qing, don’t you like it?”
Shi Zi Chu shook her head, her eyes falling on the pink mother-of-pearl octagonal palace lantern in his hands. “Did you rob Uncle Jiang?”
“I found it in the inner zone,” Jiang Wan Sheng replied, waving the lantern with pride.
[How did this magic artifact end up in Jiang Wan Sheng’s hands?!] System 003 suddenly spoke in Chu Zhi Rou’s mind.
Its sharp voice seemed to break through her calm.
Chu Zhi Rou shuddered, startled by the sudden intrusion.
Chu Zhi Sheng, concerned, looked at her, “What’s wrong?”
Chu Zhi Rou shook her head.
“003, this magic artifact doesn’t seem special,” Chu Zhi Rou communicated with the heroine system in her mind.
[This mother of pearl octagonal palace lantern is key to your strategy with the Buddhist disciple!] 003’s voice grew serious. [You must figure out how to obtain this magic artifact!]
Hearing this, Chu Zhi Rou bit her lip, her beautiful eyes fixed on the lantern in Jiang Wan Sheng’s hands.
Chu Zhi Sheng followed her gaze and saw Jiang Wan Sheng, proudly holding an immortal rank magic artifact, trying to impress Shi Zi Chu.
Shi Zi Chu tilted her head, smiling brightly at Jiang Wan Sheng. “Sheng Sheng, you’re so impressive!”
Flattered, Jiang Wan Sheng’s joy was obvious, as though his tail would be spinning in circles if he had one.
He placed the mother-of-pearl octagonal palace lantern in Shi Zi Chu’s hands, “It’s for you. If you don’t like it, you can hang it by your bed as a decoration.”