Chapter 16: The Resurrected Beloved Who Took the Blade for Me (Fifteen)

Tu Shanxi let out a sigh. “I hope that giant python hasn’t done anything unforgivable. I really don’t want to see any bloodshed.”

The system asked curiously, “Host, are you faint at the sight of blood?”

“No, it’s just that my spiritual power is so weak right now. I worry that if I see blood, I might act on impulse and rush in. Wouldn’t that be the same as giving myself away for free?”

Having understood her reasoning, the system felt rather awkward, spinning itself a couple of times to ease the embarrassment. “So that’s how it is.”

“Forget it, I won’t dwell on it. I’d better think about whether there are any wild fruits around here to eat.”

After a brief stroll around the area with the system, Tu Shanxi returned with a basketful of wild fruits, setting off on her way home.

As she neared the bamboo house, an enticing aroma drifted toward her. “System, you have to admit, it smells wonderful. I wonder how it tastes.”

The system replied, “Host, don’t tempt me. I can’t sample the delicacies of this little world.”

“That’s truly a pity,” she said, her smile growing brighter. She quickened her pace and pushed open the bamboo door, only to see Qingyuan and Xiyun sitting before a blazing fire, attentively turning fish skewered over the flames.

The orange glow of the fire flickered across their faces. For once, the two of them sat opposite each other without any animosity; the atmosphere held a subtle, ambiguous intimacy.

A gentle breeze carried the unique fragrance of roasted fish to her. Looking at this scene, Tu Shanxi could almost imagine their future lives together. Who would have thought their combined presence could be so harmonious when they were quiet?

Could this be what they call a match made in heaven?

As she pondered this, Qingyuan finished grilling the fish and walked toward her.

“Senior Sister, what are you daydreaming about?” he called softly.

His voice brought her back to herself, and she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking how rare it is for you two to be so at peace together.”

“Senior Sister must be joking,” Qingyuan said as he took the basket from her hands, explaining, “I just realized you were right earlier. I was in the wrong regarding Fairy Xiyun before. Besides, she’s much younger than I am; it’s only right that I give way to her, rather than behave as I did.”

Hearing this, Tu Shanxi nodded in satisfaction and gently patted his shoulder. “Qingyuan, I’m truly glad you’ve come to this realization. As long as you keep it up, I’m sure Xiyun will forgive you. She’s a reasonable child, and I look forward to the day you two genuinely reconcile.”

Qingyuan nodded meekly, looking up at her like an obedient puppy. “Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I believe this day won’t be far away if I keep trying.”

Yet, in his heart, Qingyuan thought, Senior Sister probably won’t live to see such a day.

Still, he had made his attitude clear. Even if things didn’t work out, she couldn’t blame him—he truly wanted to make peace.

Arriving a step later, Xiyun saw the pair deep in conversation and, for reasons she couldn’t explain, a wave of unease swept over her, darkening her expression.

“Sister, what are you two talking about at the door? Why not come inside?”

“We…” Tu Shanxi had barely spoken when Qingyuan cut her off. “We were just marveling at how many wild fruits grow around here—they all look delicious.”

He picked a red fruit at random from the basket and offered it to Xiyun with enthusiasm. “Fairy Xiyun, would you like to try one?”

Seeing the vivid red fruit, Xiyun cast a wary glance at Qingyuan, then at Tu Shanxi, hesitating to reach out.

Tu Shanxi immediately took the fruit from Qingyuan’s hand and handed it to Xiyun. “Have a taste. This is a Crimson Spirit Fruit, an excellent tonic for fire spiritual roots. I recall you telling me your root is fire-aligned—this will be perfect for you, and it can even boost your spiritual power.”

At her words, Xiyun’s doubts vanished, and she accepted the fruit with delight. “Thank you, Sister!”

“You’re welcome. Let’s go in—if the grilled fish burns, it won’t taste as good.”

“Alright.”

Once Xiyun turned away, Tu Shanxi had a moment to glance at Qingyuan and noticed his crestfallen expression. She quickly whispered reassurance, “Don’t worry, Xiyun just isn’t used to it yet. Be a bit more proactive, and she’ll adjust.”

Buoyed by her concern, Qingyuan dropped his act of dejection and nodded to her with determination. “I’ll do my utmost to win Fairy Xiyun’s forgiveness, but I’ll still need you to put in a good word for me, Senior Sister.”

“You can count on me.”

Indeed, Senior Sister was always soft-hearted.

By the fire, Tu Shanxi seated herself between the two, playing peacemaker and ensuring they didn’t quarrel.

“Sister, try my cooking. I used several different spices—it’s sure to be unforgettable.”

Tu Shanxi took a bite, and a burst of herbal freshness mingled with tartness shot straight to her head. In an instant, she was utterly captivated by the flavor.

Covering her mouth in curiosity, she asked, “What plant is this? How can it have such a taste?”

“I don’t know the name,” Xiyun replied. “I stumbled upon it by chance. Its unique flavor made it unforgettable, so I remembered it, and now it’s finally come in handy.”

As if fearing Tu Shanxi might worry, she hastily added, “Rest assured, Sister, it’s not poisonous. I’ve eaten it several times myself.”

“I trust you completely.”

The fish from Fierce Fang Mountain were enormous. After finishing one each, Tu Shanxi felt quite full.

Seeing the fatigue flicker in her eyes, Qingyuan immediately offered, “Senior Sister, if you’re tired, why don’t you rest first? I’ll clean up here.”

“Yes, Sister, go ahead and rest. I’ll help the Immortal Lord with the rest.”

Since both insisted, and she truly was tired, Tu Shanxi didn’t protest further. “Then I’ll leave you to it. Don’t stay up too late.”

“Alright, alright.”

Yet the moment Tu Shanxi left, the harmony between the two evaporated. Neither spared the other a glance, their faces darkening.

After a long silence, Xiyun finally spoke. “Who would have thought that the Immortal Lord, once so aloof, would suppress his true nature for a woman and put on such a show.”

“And you, Fairy Xiyun—aren’t you also feigning peace with me, when you’d rather see me dead? I imagine you find this performance exhausting as well.”

“Don’t forget, Immortal Lord, you’re only sitting here talking to me because I allowed it. If I told Sister I no longer wished to see you, do you think she’d throw you out tonight?”

“No,” Qingyuan replied calmly, smiling.

“What?” Xiyun was taken aback by his certainty.

Qingyuan turned to her, confident. “An hour ago, I might have feared your threat, but now it’s meaningless. Even if you plead with her, Senior Sister will never send me away. If you doubt it, go ahead and try.”

“You—!”