I am the old, fiery-faced man from the senior department.

"That seller's shop is too dirty and messy. Please wait outside for a moment, sir. I will be right out."

During the day, Bai Zhou carried the clothes and followed Xi beside her, explaining the route ahead to her.

"Get rid of it quickly."

Ignoring the constant stares coming from around them, Xi urged Bai Zhou to act quickly.

"Yes, sir."

■

"What! Why is there only this little calf after 1,500 coins! Or is it sick?"

Bai Zhou frowned, holding a money bag in one hand and pointing at the mooing beast with the other, shouting at the bearded bald man.

"Guest, as we've already discussed, it's 1,500 coins for a sturdy steed."

The bearded man rubbed the silver notes in his hands and explained with a "smile".

"Look, this is a genuine 'Fengti Beast' parent. Although it's a bit small, it's a real 'Fengti Beast' parent. I'm not lying to you."

"Tsk! The kid you showed me yesterday wasn't this kind of coward who can't even walk!"

Bai Zhou coldly watched this heartless businessman. He even deceived children; how disgusting!

"Oh, that one from yesterday, it wasn't cheap. It was muscular and had a glossy coat. If you want it, it's cheap, a fixed price of eight thousand coins. Only eight thousand coins."

"Oh, guest, don't go! You haven't taken your magnificent steed with you yet!"

"Guests! Guests! Oh, what a pity."

Watching the daylight storm off, the merchant felt only the joy of "making money" and felt no remorse.

As for retaliation?

Ha, what kind of background could a little snake with a broken horn, ragged clothes, and who even has to pick up a bargain when buying a beast mate?

"Sir, I'm sorry, I have let you down."

As Yumi came out and was about to go back, she was stunned by Bai Zhou's sudden apology.

"What is the matter?"

"I... I was cheated because I was greedy! Sir, that guy is so bad! He actually lied to me! He didn't keep his promise at all!"

As if something painful had been touched upon, Xi saw the little devil crying for the first time.

No, it should be said that it was the second time.

When she pulled him out of the water and listened to his story, the little rascal cried just like that.

He cried not because he had lost money, but because he had given his trust but had not received a corresponding return. He hated those who broke their promises.

"……Innocent."

Xi sighed and raised her hand to pat his head.

"It's gone. It was just a wild beast. Consider the money as feeding the stray dogs."

She just tripped and fell; if she doesn't get up quickly, she'll get really angry.

"Sir...we...have no choice but to walk to Wuyue..."

"Sea bass... can't eat it anymore... it's not fresh..."

Although Bai Zhou stopped crying, her tone hadn't recovered yet. She was still sniffling and thinking about food, looking both cute and silly.

"I have my own way."

Xi didn't care about the so-called oxcart from the beginning.

She could draw it directly if she wanted, it would just take more ink. If she wanted, she could even draw the car without ink. Of course, the latter would take more effort, and she generally wouldn't waste her energy on something like that.

"Sir, you are so kind."

"..."

Xi tilted her head and glanced at Bai Zhou.

Why are you suddenly praising her again?

"It's so good to meet you."

"..."

Although she didn't fully understand Bai Zhou's thoughts, Xi had a pretty good idea.

She is quite trustworthy.

###

"One thousand, two thousand, oh, three thousand! Haha, there are really a lot of idiots in this town."

The bearded, unscrupulous businessman counted the money he had earned that day under the dim light of an oil lamp.

He was laughing heartily and didn't notice that three dark figures with indistinct faces had appeared behind him at some point.

"Is this the guy who broke his promise to that person?"

"That's the guy. A liar who breaks his promise deserves to die."

"In that way, he can disappear."

"Here!"

The brief conversation ended, and with it, the life of one of the dishonest individuals also came to an end.

Returning to the fifteenth ink spirit, Ah Yao; radish, green vegetables

Back at the inn, Xi was searching for something. When Bai Zhou returned with lunch, Xi still hadn't found it. Curious, Bai Zhou asked, "Sir, what are you looking for?"

"A scroll of ink paintings."

Xi Dao carried the bamboo box containing the paintings and turned it inside out, scattering the scrolls all over the ground.

"Ink Spirit? Sir, is that the Ink Spirit painting?"

"I remember putting that picture here, sir. I'll find it. Please continue with your meal."

After setting the food out, Bai Zhou moved closer to Xi, ready to help her search for the scroll painting.

"Alright."

Feeling a bit dizzy from searching for something, Xi rubbed her temples and got up to sit in a chair.

The little devil is usually in charge of organizing these paintings, so it's easier for him to find them than for her to just rummage around in them herself.

Let's see what dishes the kid brought back this time.

Xi picked up her chopsticks and lifted the lid covering the food.

Hmm, it's stir-fried pork with celery, the cooking time is just right.

It's just plain white rice again; I'm actually craving steamed buns.

"Oh, I found it. Sir, is this one?"

Xi swallowed her food and looked at the painting unfolded by the daylight.

"Yes, that's right."

"Then I'll leave it here, sir."

Bai Zhou lowered his head and began to organize the paintings that Xi had poured out.

"Sir, what do you need this painting for?"

After the bamboo box, now filled with the new painting, was arranged, Bai Zhou curiously inquired about the purpose of the painting.

"Find the things to use to pull the cart."

Xi put down the empty bowl and picked up a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.

"The cart pullers?"

Bai Zhou sat down opposite Xi with a puzzled look in his eyes, picked up his chopsticks and ate a few bites.

"Eat quickly, then come in."

Xi got up and hung the painting on the wall, then waved her hand and stepped into the painting.

"Oh, wait for my husband."

He didn't even bother to eat during the day, abandoning his bowl and chopsticks to follow after them.

■

"Ugh?"

Following Xi into the painting, Bai Zhou curiously looked around.

The distant mountains resemble ink paintings, hazy and ethereal.

The sun and moon rise together in the sky, a truly fantastical sight.

The place where the two were located was full of ink pools, some large and some small, all filled with thick black ink.

Xi stopped and looked around, seemingly trying to find her way.

During the day, he would take the opportunity to squat next to an inkwell to look at the ink inside.

"This ink is so thick, sir. It feels soft and smooth to the touch. Oh? There's something in here... licking my hand."

The little hands probed into the pool, and the ink gave Baiyue a strange feeling.

The warmth felt like being held in someone's mouth.

And these two things... why do they look so much like eyes?

Huh? Eyes?

Bai Zhou blinked, then abruptly pulled his hand back. When he raised his right hand again, it was covered in a clear, viscous liquid.

"Is this...is this saliva?"

"Ok?"