Divine Tang Era

Chapter 163 Jiu Niang May Still Be Alive

"This little thing, I don't know where it got the novel idea from, actually came up with a hot pot cooked over charcoal, it's really amazing."

Zhu Yuxian leaned coolly against a corner of the carriage, her beautiful eyes slightly narrowed. The delicious aroma of the hot pot seemed to still linger on her tongue, and her words were full of amazement at the novel food.

"It's just food cooked on the spot, what's the big deal? It's not like we haven't seen it before."

Zhu held a round fan and fanned herself gently, somewhat dismissing what the immortals were saying.

"You can't say that."

Zhu Yuxian crossed his arms and retorted, "Cooking food is possible, but even in a prosperous place like the capital, where rare and exotic treasures gather, there is no such novelty as a hot pot cooked over charcoal. And there are those incredibly comfortable high chairs and tables. Sitting on them, one feels completely at ease and comfortable, unlike kneeling or sitting haphazardly, which is troublesome and makes one's back ache."

Zhu shook her head and said, "High chairs and high tables are not uncommon items in the capital, but they were mostly used by the Hu people in the past. In recent years, they have gradually become popular in ordinary people's homes because of their convenience and practicality."

However, since you usually stay at home and don't go out often, you naturally haven't seen it.

I only learned a little from the news my sisters passed on; otherwise, how could I, trapped in this remote and desolate place year after year, know anything about the happenings in the capital?

"Well, that's true."

Zhu Yuxian sighed helplessly, then her eyes lit up and she excitedly suggested, "But speaking of which, this hot pot is really interesting. Why don't we have someone make a batch and send them to the palace for the Empress and her sisters to see, so they can also experience this novelty? Although there's nothing special about cooking things in a hot pot, it's really lively and warm when everyone sits together and enjoys the steaming food, unlike the cold and indifferent way of sharing food."

"Hmph, it's people's hearts that are heartless, not external things."

Shanzhu snorted coldly, a hint of desolation flashing in her eyes, and the fan in her hand gradually slowed down.

Inside the hot pot restaurant, Rui Wuni made an excuse to leave, found a secluded corner where no one was around, and quietly slipped away in the direction the carriage had gone.

"My two sisters, please come with me."

A faint voice rang in the ears of Zhu and Zhu Yuxian.

The two were chatting when they suddenly heard a telepathic message. They lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out, only to see Rui Wu Ni slowly turn around and walk towards the west gate. The two exchanged a glance, gave a few instructions to the maids and guards, and then disappeared from the carriage in a flash.

Before long, the three arrived at the vast wilderness outside the city.

The world was a vast expanse of white, with snowflakes falling like goose feathers, as if to bury everything under the pristine white curtain. Amidst this pure white snow, only the three of them stood alone.

Shanzhu and Zhu Yuxian stood quietly, not saying a word, just looking at Rui Wuni, waiting for her to explain.

Since meeting Xu Dan, they have inexplicably felt a connection with him and have grown fond of this chubby little brother.

As they spent more time with him, the two women found him increasingly different from others. Previously, those people who met them were either terrified, fearful, envious, or infatuated. Some even went to great lengths to please them, simply to gain more benefits from them;

Either they were intimidated by their status and kept their distance, not daring to get any closer.

Xu Dan, however, would never do that.

He treated them all like ordinary people, whether they were maids at the door or street vendors, treating them all equally and without any distinction of rank. It was precisely this rare sincerity and equality that made them cherish Xu Dan so much and would never allow anyone to harm him.

Besides, they were eagerly anticipating hearing the little one tell those fantastical and legendary tales, so how could they allow anyone else to interrupt them?

Rui Wuni was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "There are some things I really don't know where to begin. I didn't want to talk about them, but I'm afraid you'll misunderstand, so I have to. I hope you'll keep this a secret and not leak it out."

"Please speak," Shanzhu said solemnly.

Although she and Zhu Yuxian did not make any promises, their attitude was the greatest promise of all.

Rui Wuni waved her hand and set up an invisible barrier around the three of them, completely isolating them from the wind and snow and the prying ears.

Seeing her so serious, Shanzhu and Zhu Yuxian's relaxed expressions turned solemn.

"That day, Xu Dan followed the people from the Mo Clan Martial Arts School, searching for treasure by following the aura of ghosts, and arrived at the place where Jiu Niang had died. At night, I suddenly sensed Jiu Niang's aura—" Rui Wu Ni's voice was low and hoarse, as if every word carried endless pain and longing.

"impossible!"

Zhu Yuxian abruptly interrupted her, saying decisively, "That kind of terrifying tribulation lightning is powerful enough to destroy the heavens and the earth. Not to mention Jiu Niang, who has no protective power, even a powerful expert with profound cultivation would have no chance of survival under such tribulation lightning."

You must be sensing something wrong.

"I found it hard to believe at first too."

Rui Wuni shook her head with a wry smile and continued, "But even if it's just a sliver of a feeling, I can't let it go. So, I rushed to his tent, but I didn't find any trace of Jiu Niang inside. However, Jiu Niang's aura was definitely there. These past few days, I've been secretly following Xu Dan. Although I haven't seen Jiu Niang yet, her aura hasn't dissipated with time; instead, it's become even stronger. Do you know what that means?"

Rui Wuni stared intently at Shanzhu and Zhu Yushan, and said, enunciating each word clearly, "Ninth Mother—may—possibly—"

Still alive!

"Absolutely impossible!"

Zhu stared wide-eyed, her face filled with disbelief. "That kind of heavenly tribulation was far more powerful than we could have imagined. Even those with extraordinary cultivation would find it difficult to withstand, let alone Jiu Niang, who was completely powerless to fight back at the time. You should know more about this than we do."

"I understand, and I've been trying to convince myself that it's impossible. But as long as there's a glimmer of hope, I can't give up. That's why I came to the shop." Rui Wu Ni's eyes were full of determination as she sincerely explained, "Please rest assured, sisters, no matter what the final outcome, I will never make things difficult for Xu Dan. If you still have doubts, I'm willing to swear an oath with my Dao heart." As she spoke, she was about to recite a spell and make her vow.

"That won't be necessary."

Zhu quickly reached out to stop her, saying, "We believe that with your status and character, you would not stoop to harming the innocent. However, I still have to remind you that Jiu Niang is probably gone."

"I understand, but I won't be at peace until this matter is thoroughly investigated. I hope my two younger sisters can understand."

After a pause, Rui Wu Ni continued, "Please, my two sisters, do not reveal this matter. If Jiu Niang is truly still alive, she should not be in a physical body. Since she has already passed away, let her go cleanly and without ever appearing in public again. Even if she is still alive in the future, I hope she can live as an ordinary person, far away from the turmoil of this world. To be honest, being a princess of the Li Tang royal family is not a good thing."

Upon hearing this, Shanzhu and Zhu Yuxian exchanged a glance, both seeing a trace of sympathy and helplessness in each other's eyes.

Even if they have their own thoughts about matters involving royal secrets, they must never make unwarranted comments in front of others, lest they leave themselves open to criticism and cause unnecessary trouble.

"We understand, let's pretend this never happened. But if you want to stay in the restaurant, you'd better disguise yourself. There are many people in the hot pot restaurant, and you might get recognized. Once your identity is exposed, it will inevitably arouse suspicion and cause a lot of trouble," Ya Zhu reminded her.

Rui Wuni nodded and said, "Thank you for reminding me, sister. I will be careful."

Zhu took out a piece of glossy black ebony from her sleeve and handed it to Rui Wu Ni, saying, "This is an ancient paulownia wood that I obtained by chance. I've kept it with me all this time, but I don't know what use it is. Now that your life artifact is broken, this ancient paulownia wood is full of spiritual energy and may be able to help you rebuild your life artifact."

Zhu Yuxian hurriedly stepped forward, took out an exquisite brocade box from his bosom, opened the box, and inside were some silk threads that emitted a soft light.

She smiled and said, "Last time I went to the Endless Snow Mountain, I obtained some silk from the Golden Ice Jade Silkworm by chance. This silk is incredibly tough and contains unique spiritual power. It would be perfect for you to use as strings for your zither."

"Thank you both, sisters," Rui Wuni said, moved.

"No need to be so polite. After all, you were once a member of the Jade Pool, and we are sisters. Now that you are in trouble, we should naturally lend a helping hand," said Zhu Yuxian.

"It's getting late, we should head back," Zhu Yuxian said, glancing at the sky.

"Well then, we'll take our leave." Shanzhu and Zhu Yuxian said goodbye to Rui Wuni.

"Take care, my two sisters." Rui Wu Ni watched the two leave, standing for a long time in the swirling snow. She looked up at the falling snowflakes, lost in thought, seemingly pondering something. After a long while, she finally headed towards the hot pot restaurant.

"Do you really believe she won't hurt the little one?" Zhu Yuxian asked amidst the swirling snow.

"Don't worry, I left a very subtle protective force on the little guy, which ordinary people can't detect at all. As long as this force is there, no one can hurt him," Shanzhu said confidently.

"That's good." Zhu Yuxian nodded gently.

"Don't worry about it. Just look who the little guy's teacher is now. Who would dare to lay a hand on him?"

"That's true. With Master Xue around, anyone who wants to make a move has to think twice before getting shot dead by his arrow."

The snow continued to fall, soon engulfing the two figures and leaving only a pure white world.

Xu Dan had originally planned to have the shop sign made again tomorrow, but since it was still early, he went out to take care of it to avoid having to make another trip tomorrow. On his way back, he invited some close friends over for hot pot the next day and asked them to give him their feedback.

After all, this was his first time making hot pot, so there were bound to be shortcomings, and he needed other people's opinions as a reference.

Just like today, if Zhu and Zhu Yuxian hadn't reminded him, he would have almost forgotten about making the signboard.

Back inside the shop, Chi Lei'er was still there.

Xu Dan quickly told him to go back, and to take a hot pot back to his mother so she wouldn't have to cook it when she got home. Chi Lei'er was so touched he almost cried. Xu Dan couldn't stand seeing this, so he quickly told him to go back. Besides, it wasn't a big deal, was it really that big of a deal?

Which restaurant doesn't let its employees pack up their leftovers freely? Some employees even disdain eating them, feeling they're unhygienic.