Chapter 14: That Woman Is Out of Her Mind

Fan Jingwen was somewhat embarrassed. “This… it’s a bit complicated.”

The little snail, acting as Fan Jingwen’s mouthpiece, snorted and muttered, “Hmph, that woman’s got a screw loose. The master only pitied her and gave her some food, and now she wants to pledge herself to him! The master already turned her down, but she just won’t give up…”

What on earth? A little princess of the Demonic Clan lacking food? Listening to the snail’s rambling, Jiang Yan found himself utterly bewildered!

Noticing Jiang Yan’s confusion, Fan Jingwen could only offer a brief explanation of how things had come to this.

Three years ago, the Western Mountain Secret Realm opened, drawing many cultivators to its trials. The Demonic Clan’s little princess, Mo Youyue, went along for the excitement. She disguised herself as an ordinary female cultivator; no one knew she belonged to the Demonic Clan.

At the time, Fan Jingwen had only been a disciple of the Violet Profound Sect for three months. As an inner disciple, he had the chance to join his seniors for the trial.

Fan Jingwen first encountered Mo Youyue in the illusionary forest of the secret realm, having become separated from his senior brothers and sisters. He saw the young girl out in the trial alone, lost and hungry, so he shared half his rations with her.

From then on, the girl often sought him out, repeatedly saying she wanted to devote herself to him. He insisted it was merely a small kindness, nothing to worry about, and she disappeared for a while.

When they met again, her attire had changed dramatically.

Still unwilling to give up, she asked if he’d marry her. He told her she was a good girl, but he didn’t wish to wed so early. Without another word, she turned and ran off.

Unexpectedly, three envoys from the Demonic Clan came looking for him, saying they wanted to take him back to marry their princess.

They explained that Mo Youyue was their little princess, but she’d run away from home because of him. If they brought him back, perhaps she’d return as well…

After hearing all this, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but inwardly remark: Tsk, tsk, tsk, buddy, that girl’s clearly fallen for you at first sight—drawn by your looks, no doubt!

He didn’t buy the whole “pledge herself” story.

Sizing up Fan Jingwen, he thought: sunshine-bright, charming, puppy-like—so this is the type the Demonic Clan’s little princess fancies.

“Brother, tell me—do you like her?” Jiang Yan asked, curious.

Fan Jingwen’s handsome face reddened as he replied, embarrassed, “Right now, I just want to focus on cultivation. Matters of love can wait.”

“Is it her identity as a member of the Demonic Clan that troubles you? Listen, brother, let me tell you—love knows no boundaries of race or age…”

He paused, then shifted his tone. “Don’t wait until you’ve lost her to regret it!”

Jiang Yan recalled that the Celestial Heaven Continent was home to four major races: humans, demons, spirits, and beasts. All had the chance to cultivate to immortality, though their paths differed.

The Demonic Clan, once of the same origin as the human race, diverged long ago when some humans, lured by the pursuit of power, strayed into demonic ways and eventually formed their own race. Relations between the two have been tense ever since, with endless conflicts over the centuries.

“Actually, I hold no prejudice against her identity…” Fearful Jiang Yan might misunderstand, Fan Jingwen patiently elaborated.

He explained that not all of the Demonic Clan were evil; there existed a virtuous branch known as the “Righteous Demons.” Mo Youyue was a princess of the Moon Demon Hall.

The Moon Demon Hall belonged to the Righteous Demons, never having committed any heinous acts. It was said that in the past, they’d even allied with cultivation sects to eradicate evil cultivators.

“Oh, alright…” Jiang Yan mused inwardly, reckoning that the sect elders probably wouldn’t stage some heart-wrenching drama for him and her after all.

Fan Jingwen was simply slow-witted—he hadn’t yet awakened to the truth!

As the saying goes, those involved are lost, those observing see clearly! How true.

To avoid the three demonic envoys returning, Fan Jingwen decisively chose to leave early.

He bade Jiang Yan farewell. “Jiang Yan, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. Until fate brings us together again!”

Jiang Yan waved back. “Alright, brother. Safe travels!”

“Little Treasure, let’s go.” Fan Jingwen addressed the snail.

As soon as he finished, the snail leapt from Fan Jingwen’s shoulder and instantly grew as large as a truck tire.

With the parrot earlier and now the snail, Jiang Yan was no longer surprised.

He realized that cultivators nowadays favored mounts that could be carried around and changed size at will!

But, a snail—so slow—could it really serve as a mount?

Just as he expected Fan Jingwen to climb onto the snail’s back, Fan Jingwen sprang lightly on tiptoe and landed atop it.

The snail then retracted its head into its shell. Mimicking Jiang Yan’s earlier gesture, Fan Jingwen waved goodbye.

Jiang Yan felt a gust of wind; in the blink of an eye, the man and snail had “flown” far away.

Calling it flying wasn’t quite right; it was more like Fan Jingwen was standing atop a giant tire as the snail rolled forward like a massive wind-and-fire wheel.

Even Nezha would be left in awe!

Still, what had the snail done to deserve such treatment? Tsk, tsk, and he called it “Little Treasure,” too!

Jiang Yan didn’t linger either. It was time to return to the cave and wait for the old patriarch.

As he neared the cave entrance, the sky had grown pitch black, so dark he couldn’t see his hand before his face.

“Boy, you’ve finally decided to return?” Old Mo’s booming voice echoed in Jiang Yan’s ears.

Hearing this, Jiang Yan immediately dashed into the cave, where Old Mo was enjoying tea.

The little parrot, once perched on Old Mo’s shoulder, flapped its wings and flew toward Jiang Yan. “Weakling’s back, weakling’s back!”

Jiang Yan gritted his teeth. “You! Who are you calling ‘weakling’?”

“‘Weakling’ means you, ‘weakling’ means you!” the parrot repeated.

Jiang Yan doubled over laughing. “Hahaha, that’s right, you’re the real weakling—don’t forget it!”

“Cough, cough…” Old Mo feigned a cough to remind Jiang Yan of his presence.

“Ancestor, long time no see!” Jiang Yan greeted Old Mo, still smiling.

After sizing Jiang Yan up, Old Mo nodded repeatedly. “Hmm, not bad, not bad. You’re at mid-stage Qi Refining now. I’m here to take you back.”

“Excellent, Ancestor! Let’s head out right away!” Jiang Yan replied, excited.

He’d stayed at Jade Blossom Peak for far too long, eating bland food day after day—his mouth was desperate for flavor! Those novel protagonists who carried spices everywhere were truly wise!

Old Mo pulled a sheet of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Yan. “Boy, the sect’s recruitment is in three days. I’ve already registered you. Keep this notice safe.”

“Thank you, Ancestor!” Jiang Yan accepted the notice, expressing his gratitude.

“Xiao Wu, let’s go.” Old Mo commanded.

And so, the two and the bird left the cave.

This time, Jiang Yan was clever—he jumped onto the parrot’s back and immediately hugged its neck tightly. On the way back, man and bird had no further quarrels.

Back at Bamboo Grove Courtyard, Little White shot toward Jiang Yan like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Jiang Yan scooped up Little White and teased, “Ah, Little White, you’ve certainly been conquered by my irresistible charm!”

“Meow… meow… meow…” Little White rolled its eyes inwardly and complained: Hmph! Conceited narcissist!