I am Guhuoniao, not an umbrella demon, please do not disturb me.

The little girl sat obediently in Bai Qingyu's arms, and Bai Qingyu picked up a dry towel and gently wiped her wet long hair.

There are three rooms in total, excluding the kitchen. The two kids each have their own room. Bai Qingyu usually sleeps with Dong Qing, while the other kid has his own room. He is young but not afraid of being alone. He is not afraid of sleeping in a dark room by himself.

As Bai Qingyu wiped the little girl's hair, she gradually drifted off into thought and didn't hear the little girl calling her.

"aunt."

"Hey, Auntie."

Dongqing blinked and softly called out again, "Mother!"

As expected, Bai Qingyu lowered her head upon hearing this shout. "What?"

"It's nothing, I was just calling you 'Miss' affectionately.'"

The little girl is very sensible. She calls Bai Qingyu "Auntie" but in her heart she regards her as her mother. Sometimes she doesn't understand why her aunt doesn't let her and Changsheng call her "Mother." In Dongqing's eyes, her aunt is her mother, who raised her all these years.

Bai Qingyu didn't speak, and the little girl asked softly, "Auntie, how did you find me back then?"

Why are you suddenly asking this?

"Um... I just suddenly wanted to know."

“Three years ago, I found you on the outskirts of the mountains. Your parents, along with your brother, had entered the mountains for some reason and encountered a tiger. Your parents and brother died under the tiger's claws. When I arrived, only you were still alive. It was already autumn, and I couldn't bear it, so I brought you back to raise you.”

Bai Qingyu never intended to hide the truth about her child's origins. She could hide it for a year, two years, or three years, but what about when the child grew up? She was a bird, and she couldn't possibly tell the child that she was her offspring. It was better to tell her the truth. If her feelings for the child faded because of this, then she could only say that she had raised an ungrateful child.

However, it's easy to talk to Dongqing, but not to Changsheng. Back then, she killed Changsheng's biological parents because of the poisoned milk. It's said that the hatred of killing one's father is irreconcilable. If you explain to him that you did it to save him, otherwise your own father would have poisoned you with the milk, it would sound rather strange.

Changsheng is still young, but he's already three years old. Bai Qingyu still hasn't figured out how to tell him about this.

"Thank you, Auntie. I will definitely repay you when I grow up!" the little girl said earnestly.

She had no memory of her biological parents; all she knew was that she was raised by her aunt, and without her aunt, she would have died long ago. To give birth to someone but not raise them is a debt that can be repaid with a severed finger; to give birth to someone but raise them is a debt that can be repaid with a severed head. But to raise someone without giving birth to her is a debt that can never be repaid, not even in a hundred lifetimes!

"As long as you grow up healthy and don't cause me any trouble, that's fine." He said, then patted the little girl's head again.

After saying that, Bai Qingyu suddenly remembered something, "Dongqing, didn't you tell me yesterday that you wanted a new calligraphy brush?"

"Yes, Auntie, the pen I've been using is almost worn out."

"Then I'll go buy you another one tomorrow."

Hearing this, Dongqing's eyes lit up. "Auntie, are you going out?"

Seeing through the little girl's thoughts at a glance, Bai Qingyu said calmly, "You and Changsheng stay at home."

·

Two years later, Bai Qingyu felt she could go to Peach Blossom Town to buy some daily necessities.

She wanted to be self-sufficient, but some things were simply impossible, such as seasonings like salt, rice, and flour. She also wanted to buy some clothes and books for the children. Early in the morning, Bai Qingyu set off with her basket, not too worried about leaving her two children at home.

There were no other monsters around, and the poisonous insects and wild beasts had long been driven away by her demonic power. Moreover, the wooden house was well hidden.

She used her demonic powers to transform into the appearance of a human woman, her hands still tucked into her wide sleeves.

We arrived in Peach Blossom Town with ease, and there were already quite a few people in the town early in the morning.

Bai Qingyu didn't expect that as soon as she entered the town, the old Taoist priest who ran a fortune-telling stall by the roadside would set his sights on her.

This old Taoist priest has actually been here for a long time. In the past two years, the residents of the town have noticed a problem: the Taoist priest Lin from the south of the town has opened a fortune-telling stall in the west of the town. You know, the west of the town is surrounded by mountains and forests, so there is almost no foot traffic in this area.

"Please wait a moment, young lady."

Bai Qingyu ignored the old Taoist priest behind him and continued walking.

"I wonder how that child is doing now." Seeing that Bai Qingyu was ignoring him, the old Taoist stroked his beard and spoke again.

As expected, Bai Qingyu stopped in her tracks upon hearing this.

"Young lady, I mean no harm, I just have a favor to ask you."

"Hey, young lady, wait a moment. I can guarantee with my life that this is a great opportunity for your child." Seeing that Bai Qinghao still ignored him, the old Taoist priest became a little anxious.

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Volume 1: Chapter 15 The Child's Tribulations

The old Taoist priest surnamed Lin had been setting up his fortune-telling stall in the west of the city for two years, waiting for Bai Qingyu to step into the town again. Now that Bai Qingyu was ignoring him, he was getting a little anxious. He thought to himself, "Why is this bird demon so hard to talk to? Even after I've revealed her identity, it doesn't work."

The word "children" was the key word in Bai Qingyu's heart. As soon as Lin Daoshi finished speaking, she turned around and said, "I should have no enmity with you. Since you know about what happened back then, you should understand why I killed those two beasts."

Beneath Bai Qingyu's wide sleeves, her wings were taut, ready to grip the umbrella handle and retaliate at any moment.

She hadn't expected that there was such a person in Peach Blossom Town. If she wasn't mistaken, this old Taoist had some cultivation, but unfortunately, she couldn't see through him and didn't know his exact strength.

Faced with Bai Qingyu's readiness to fight at any moment, Lin Daoshi could only feel helpless but also understand. Most of the monsters who came out of the Ten Thousand Mountains, especially those with kind hearts, lacked a sense of security, especially towards humans, and were very wary.

Lin Daoshi patted his Daoist robe, his face showing a kind and gentle smile, without a trace of hostility. He looked at Bai Qingyu and reached out to stroke his neatly groomed beard.

“There’s no need for you to do this, young lady. I have no ill intentions. As I just said, I called you back because I have a favor to ask. This is not only an opportunity for you, but also an opportunity for the child you adopted.”

The old Taoist's attire and demeanor already exuded an otherworldly air, and with his beard neatly trimmed, he seemed even more like a hermit master. However, Bai Qingyu was somewhat skeptical.

Where would you find a hermit master who would stop you and tell you how to get a great opportunity? How is that any different from a roadside vendor selling products and telling you that if you invest a certain amount of money, your investment will multiply many times over in a certain number of years? It's really hard to believe.

If it weren't for the fact that they were talking about the cubs, she wouldn't bother with this guy. If he wanted to fight, she would; if not, she would just let the bird go.

Although she thought this way, Bai Qingyu's attitude softened. Since others didn't show much hostility, she didn't need to be so. She could just be wary in her mind.

"I wonder what you have to say, Your Excellency. My son is still young and I'm afraid he can't handle any opportunities."

Old Master Lin bowed to Bai Qingyu and spoke slowly, “Miss, please don’t rush to listen to my explanation. Opportunities vary from person to person, and no one dares to make any definitive conclusions. I am no exception. There must be a reason why I dare to say this today. I dare to guarantee with my life that if you complete this matter, you will surely receive merit from heaven and earth.”

“I observed the celestial phenomena last night and foresee an impending drought. This town will also be affected. I am but a mortal and cannot help everyone. I only hope that you, young lady, will lend a hand when the time comes.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Qingyu suppressed the urge to turn around and leave immediately. "Since you know my identity, Daoist, you should also know that I cannot change the natural disaster with my power."

Not to mention himself, Bai Qingyu doubted whether even top cultivators could do it. Cultivators are powerful, but they shouldn't be able to move mountains, fill seas, or suppress natural disasters. To be able to empty the ocean with a gourd is something that would make one an immortal. They would have already ascended to the immortal realm, so why would they remain in this world?

In short, even top-tier cultivators have limited power. Saving a small town is no problem, and a small city is also within their grasp. But he himself is not such a top-tier cultivator; he is just a little monster who has been cultivating for less than thirty years.

"No," Old Master Lin shook his head. "It's not about asking you to protect the town from natural disasters. I only hope that you can help the town resolve man-made calamities if conditions permit."

"Man-made disaster?" Bai Qingyu's eyes flickered.

“Young lady, you know how terrible people can be. This is how it is in ordinary times, let alone in chaotic times. Peach Blossom Town is located in a remote area with mountains behind it. The major sects have limited manpower and cannot take care of this place. In the future, there will surely be mountain bandits attacking. I hope that you will lend a helping hand when that time comes.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Qingyu narrowed his eyes. Dealing with bandits was no problem, but he was afraid that there might be strong individuals among them. Even if they were just some rogue cultivators, Bai Qingyu didn't have much confidence. However, those with some cultivation wouldn't come to this poor place. How much ambition could you expect from the bandits who were eyeing Peach Blossom Town?

If what the old Taoist said is true, then we'll observe the situation. If there are no cultivators, killing some ordinary bandits to accumulate merit would indeed be a good thing. If there are cultivators, then she can only pray for good fortune. She can't possibly risk her life for such a small amount of merit.

"What does this have to do with my child?"

I can now accumulate merit points, but what about the so-called "opportunity" the old Taoist priest spoke of?

Old Master Lin paused in stroking his beard, frowned, and remained silent for a moment before speaking, “To be honest, I have seen the son of the Liu family. If I am not mistaken, he is the reincarnation of an ominous star. Your appearance is his greatest opportunity. However, perhaps this opportunity is the key to his transformation. This is the opportunity I am talking about.”

Instead of keeping everyone in suspense or leaving Bai Qingyu to figure it out on her own, they pretended that it was a secret that could not be revealed.

These words silenced Bai Qingyu. She didn't know how the old Taoist had figured it out, but he was right. Putting aside the mystery of being a reincarnation of an ominous star, the talent for longevity was indeed a demonic path.

Seeing the old man's hesitant expression, Bai Qingyu realized what was happening and bowed deeply, "Thank you for informing me, Daoist Master."

"No need, no need. I can only make some predictions by reading faces. The future disasters will depend on you, young lady. There's just something I'm not sure if I should say."

Normally, saying this means that it shouldn't be said, but since it involves the child, Bai Qingyu said softly, "Please speak, Daoist Master."

"It is like this, the son of the Liu family will surely face calamities in the future, and more than one. No one can overcome them, especially you, young lady. Only he can do it himself. It is a favor for you to keep him by your side, young lady, but it would be best to find an opportunity to let him leave many years later. Otherwise, when calamities come in the future, it may harm him and you, young lady."

The old Taoist priest spoke earnestly, and Bai Qingyu believed half of what he said but remained skeptical of the other half. If the old Taoist priest hadn't mentioned that Changsheng was the reincarnation of an ominous star, she would have turned around and left.

Sending such a young child out would be a disaster.

"I will consider it, thank you, Master."

Bai Qingyu took her leave, her heart heavy with sorrow.

The drought and bandits had little to do with her; the problem lay in what followed.

Whether it's Dongqing or Changsheng, they are both her children. She raised them with her own hands, and the warm scenes from the past linger in her mind. She really can't abandon her children.

Actually, the old Taoist's words also brought up another issue.

How long will it take her to raise two children?

She's willing to do it for the rest of her life, but will her child be willing?

Once one's wings are fully grown, one will always yearn for the outside world.

Children will grow up one day.

After buying many necessities in the town, Bai Qingyu returned to the Ten Thousand Mountains in a daze.

Back home, Dongqing and Changsheng happily looked at their gifts, but he soon discovered a problem.

My aunt doesn't seem very happy today.

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Volume 1: Chapter Sixteen - Descending the Mountain to Exorcise Demons

The drought, man-made disaster, and opportunity that the old Taoist priest spoke of took Bai Qingyu four whole years to witness. Four years had passed, and Bai Qingyu had almost forgotten about it. She stayed at home every day taking care of her child, who was already seven years old. In addition to supervising their reading and writing, she also had to supervise their sword practice.

The old Taoist priest's words did have some effect. After returning that day, Bai Qingyu planned to do something. No matter how things developed in the future, she hoped that her son would have the ability to protect himself.

So they carved swords out of wood, one for Dongqing and one for Changsheng.

Unfortunately, Bai Qingyu himself didn't know any sword techniques, so he could only teach the siblings some basic moves. Anyway, there was still a long time ahead, and the key was to build a solid foundation. If all else failed, they could always go down the mountain later and ask the old Taoist priest for some basic sword techniques.

The boy is working hard, and Bai Qingyu is working hard too.

Besides practicing swordsmanship, she is also studying the use of demonic power. She always felt that she possessed a gold mine but did not know how to use it. Now she is slowly developing it, and the effect is very significant. The improvement in her strength is almost visible to the naked eye.

It's worth mentioning that after her child grew up, she finally had time to go out and breathe in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the early morning. Then she gradually discovered that the spiritual energy she absorbed every day was less than what she gained from taking care of her child.

Bai Qingyu had already noticed something was amiss long ago, as her eldest daughter was already over seven years old. The process of raising a child was like cultivation, with the body involuntarily absorbing a large amount of spiritual energy from the outside world, which was equivalent to cultivating at all times.

I don't know the reason behind it, but it's definitely a good thing.

After leaping back into the valley, Bai Qingyu gazed at the two boys practicing their swordsmanship under a tree not far away. Recalling the scene he had just witnessed, he couldn't help but sigh softly.