Transforming into a stunningly beautiful fox spirit, leaving a scar on the heart of a prodigy.

The snow in the capital had stopped for some time, and the snow on the road was compacted by people's footsteps, making a crunching sound.

Below the Star-Picking Tower, an inconspicuous blue-canopied carriage was already waiting.

Gu Xiang walked out of the building carrying a thick stack of ancient books.

These books are all rare copies from the Imperial Preceptor's library. The paper is yellowed and the edges are worn. If you're not careful, a speck of dust will fall off.

He walked very steadily, each step firmly planted on solid ground, as if afraid of hurting the baby in his arms.

In the past few days, he has practically turned the Imperial Preceptor's library upside down.

He read any records that were even remotely related to formations, the Phoenix True Fire, or how to break ancient seals.

The Imperial Advisor said that Su Qing's true form was trapped under the phoenix tree, a method left behind by the Phoenix Clan.

To get someone out, you can't force them; you have to use a clever approach.

The so-called "skillful technique" refers to the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart within Gu Xiang's body and Su Qing's current clone.

"You've written it all down?"

The Imperial Advisor stood on the steps, not wearing that frightening bronze mask. His exquisite face was expressionless, except for a hint of weariness in his eyes.

The matter of the monk consumed too much of her energy.

"I've got it." Gu Xiang put the book into the carriage, turned around and bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, Imperial Preceptor."

"Why thank me?" The Imperial Advisor waved his hand, pulling his cloak tighter around himself. "That's your wife, not mine. If you really want to thank me, make sure she doesn't suffer any more injustice after you rescue her."

Gu Xiang straightened up, said nothing, but nodded heavily.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Su Qing leaned out halfway.

With half a piece of osmanthus cake in her mouth and a handful of melon seeds in her hand, she looked nothing like the majestic nine-tailed celestial fox; she was more like a rich young lady going out for a spring outing.

"Old man, don't bother seeing me off." Su Qing spat the sunflower seed shells onto the snow. "Once I get my true form out, I'll treat you to roast chicken. This time, I promise I won't use any poison."

The imperial advisor was so angry he laughed and cursed, "Get out!"

Su Qing wasn't annoyed. She chuckled and retreated back into the carriage.

Just as Gu Xiang was about to get on the bus, a mound of earth suddenly appeared at his feet. The soil churned, and a large head covered in green hair popped out. Two beady green eyes darted around, and upon recognizing Gu Xiang, the head immediately adopted a fawning expression.

"Son-in-law! Eldest sister! Wait for me!"

It was the earth spirit that Gu Xiang brought back from the rocky slope.

These past few days, Gu Xiang has been busy researching, while Su Qing, bored, has been using this earth spirit to pass the time.

Unexpectedly, after a few back and forth, this guy actually became attached to Su Qing and couldn't be driven away no matter what.

Gu Xiang looked down at it, "Didn't I tell you to go back to the Rocky Slope? The earth there has plenty of energy, which is suitable for your cultivation."

Tu Ling shook her head vigorously, her short hands tugging at Gu Xiang's trouser leg, tears streaming down her face. "No way! That wretched place is nothing compared to being with my older sister! She said that as long as I'm obedient, she'll take me to eat and drink the good life. Besides, I have elderly parents and young children to take care of..."

"You're just a bumpkin, where did you get this old and young stuff from?" Gu Xiang bluntly exposed him.

Tu Ling choked for a moment, then her eyes darted around before she immediately changed her tune, "That was before! Now I acknowledge you as my eldest sister, you're my elder sister, and you're my younger sister... ugh! You're my provider!"

Su Qing's languid voice came from inside the carriage, "Alright, let him get on. We need someone to serve tea and water on the journey, and I think he's quite suitable."

Upon hearing this, Tu Ling immediately perked up. Without Gu Xiang having to lift a finger, she darted onto the carriage shaft and obediently huddled in the corner, giving Gu Xiang a fawning smile.

Gu Xiang shook his head helplessly, got into the carriage, and raised his whip.

"drive!"

The carriage, pressing down on the accumulated snow, slowly drove out of the capital.

Heading west, we arrive at Luofengpo, Su Qing's "hometown".

The carriage was lined with thick, soft cushions, and in the middle was a small stove with a pot of wine warming on it. The aroma of the wine mixed with the smell of charcoal fire, making one feel warm just by smelling it.

Su Qing leaned against the cushion, flipping through a storybook in her hand, while her toes restlessly stretched into Gu Xiang's arms for warmth.

Gu Xiang held the book in one hand and naturally covered her feet with the other, occasionally turning a page of the storybook for her.

"This scholar is too stupid." Su Qing complained as she watched. "The vixen has already given him her heart, and he's still agonizing over the fact that humans and demons are not meant to be. If you ask me, this kind of man should be kicked into the river and fed to turtles."

Gu Xiang's gaze never left the array diagram in his hand, but he replied smoothly, "That's because the storybooks are wrong. If it's true love, who cares about transvestites? Even if the King of Hell comes, he'll still snatch the person back."

Su Qing paused, tossed the storybook aside, and leaned closer to stare at Gu Xiang's face.

"Lord Gu, your words are getting sweeter and sweeter. Have you been secretly enjoying some honey behind my back?"

Gu Xiang put down her book, looked at the pretty face so close to hers, and reached out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. "I didn't eat any candy, I was just telling the truth."

Su Qing pouted and lay back down, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her face.

The earth spirit in the corner huddled together, covering its eyes with both hands, but its fingers were wide open.

It thought to itself: This dog food is more filling than eating dirt.

The carriage traveled for two days and was getting closer and closer to Luofengpo.

The surrounding scenery changed from a bustling city to a desolate wilderness. The trees along the roadside were bare, and occasionally a few crows could be seen cawing noisily in the branches.

As darkness fell, Gu Xiang parked the carriage in a sheltered mountain hollow.

"Let's stay here tonight."

Gu Xiang jumped off the car and began gathering firewood to start a fire.

Tu Ling was quite diligent this time. Without being told, he burrowed into the soil and soon brought back several plump wild rabbits, along with a few unknown wild fruits, which he presented to Su Qing like a treasure.

"Sister, please try this fruit. It's sweet, and it was just dug up from the ground—it's so fresh!"

Su Qing picked up a piece, wiped it, and took a bite; it was indeed quite sweet. She casually tossed a piece of silver to Tu Ling, "Here's a reward for you."

Tu Ling hugged the silver, beaming with joy.

A bonfire had already been set up in Guxiang, and the wild rabbits, cleaned and roasted over the fire, were sizzling and dripping with oil. He took out several bottles and jars from his pocket; these were seasonings he had specially obtained from the imperial chef.

Ever since making a pot of chicken soup that was so salty it tasted bitter at Luofengpo last time, Gu Xiang has been working hard to improve her cooking skills.

Now, he roasts rabbits with great skill, sprinkling salt, brushing oil, and flipping them over with fluid movements. You would never guess that he was once the prime minister who once commanded the country in the imperial court.

Su Qing rested her chin on her hand, looking at Gu Xiang's serious profile illuminated by the firelight, and her heart melted completely.

"Fool," she whispered.

"Hmm?" Gu Xiang didn't even look up, focusing on brushing honey onto the rabbit.

"Once my true form appears, the wedding you promised will take place," Su Qing suddenly said. "I'm an old monster with a terrible temper. If you dare to lie to me or show disdain, I'll tear you apart with my bare hands."

Gu Xiang paused for a moment.

He turned his head and looked at Su Qing. The firelight danced in his eyes, reflecting a deep affection.

"it is good."

He tore off a golden-brown roasted rabbit leg, blew on it to cool it down, and held it to Su Qing's lips.

"What's wrong with being an old monster? She's three thousand years older than me and has risen to the ranks of immortals. I'm marrying above my station."

Su Qing paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. She took the rabbit leg, took a big bite, and mumbled, "You know how to talk. If you dare to complain about me, I'll stew you and drink the soup."

Tu Ling, who was listening nearby, shrank his neck in disbelief.

This woman is truly ruthless.

After a satisfying meal, night fell.

The wind was strong in the wilderness, making the withered grass rustle.

Gu Xiang took out the soft cushions from the carriage and laid them next to the fire, then wrapped Su Qing tightly in a cloak.

"Go to sleep, I'll stay here."

Su Qing didn't stand on ceremony. She snuggled into Gu Xiang's arms, found a comfortable position, and closed her eyes.

The earth spirit wisely burrowed underground to sleep, not wanting to be kicked awake by the two people in the middle of the night.

The wind blew across Luofeng Slope, stirring up the withered leaves on the ground.

This time, it was no longer the bleak autumn wind, but a warm breeze carrying a hint of spring.

Because an old friend has returned.

Partridge Sky - Returning Home from Fallen Phoenix Slope

Snow blocks the Blue Pass, preventing the horse from advancing; we gather around the stove, brew wine, and reminisce about bygone days.

A small fire warms the lingering dream amidst the red clay, while white-haired and withered people laugh and question the heavens.

The mountain road is long, the wild clouds drift leisurely, and worldly ties are formed beneath the paulownia tree.

Where my heart finds peace, that is my home; I envy not the immortals, but only the mandarin ducks.