Chapter 67: Master, Heehee~

Xia Baiqian’s silk-clad jade feet swayed lightly in Chu Huaizhou’s lap, brushing against him unintentionally.

Silently mouthing, “Master, we’re dao companions, so this is fine,” her invasive charm was palpable.

Bai Li, terrified of insects, refused to leave Chu Huaizhou’s neck after learning the entire room—including the floor—was part of a gu insect. Trembling like a frightened koala, she clung, eyes shut tight.

Xia Baiqian was inwardly annoyed. What a clingy fox, seizing every chance. A Great Vehicle cultivator afraid of insects? Just a ploy for Master’s attention.

Did she think no one saw through it? Foolish fox! I’ll toss her into a gu pile someday!

Hearing Xia Baiqian’s words, Bai Li cracked open her eyes. Seeing Xia Baiqian’s legs nearly in Human’s face, and his gaze fixed on her feet—like Bai Li eyeing Snow Soul Silver Clouds—a strange feeling surged.

She wanted to lash out, shove those legs away, and replace them with her own. But she shook her head, trying to dispel the thought, reflecting inwardly.

Xia Baiqian was her friend. Logically, she should be happy, like sharing a new toy. So why… why this awkward, sinking feeling?

Two conflicting emotions tangled in her heart. Praised as clever by Chu Huaizhou, she was at a loss. Soon, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

Right, it’s not me—it’s others. Human was hers. Private property wasn’t for sharing, even with friends!

During their days alone at Heavenly Sword Peak, Bai Li had plenty of chances. She’d transform into human form, kissing him for a quarter-hour daily. In exchange, she stayed a fox otherwise, no excessive moves.

Xia Baiqian’s clever mind hadn’t foreseen how many opportunities Bai Li would get. Nodding eagerly, Bai Li felt as light as lying on Snow Soul Silver Cloud petals.

Later, realizing her mistake, Xia Baiqian regretted it deeply.

Unable to snap at Xia Baiqian for wanting a “massage,” Bai Li had a spark of inspiration. Human seemed to like legs. Why not say her legs were sore and ask for a rub?

True, he’d forbidden human form outside kissing time, but swapping it for this worked! She’d noticed his gaze lingering on her chest and legs in human form, his aura like facing gourmet food. He’d love it, right?

But shy, she lacked the courage, fearing he’d think her a fool. Kissing in front of Xia Baiqian? Too embarrassing, like doing something naughty and getting scolded. Illusion spells? Too close to work.

After much thought, a leg rub was the better deal—Xia Baiqian wouldn’t mind; they were friends!

She recalled playing with Xia Baiqian and Yin Lu, catching fish, comparing fruits’ sweetness, or hiding under trees. Leng Qingqiu never joined but watched silently.

Those carefree days vanished as their cultivations advanced. Could they return? Was there a chance?

Since Human’s amnesia, Leng Qingqiu and Xia Baiqian’s attitudes had shifted subtly. Bai Li couldn’t pinpoint how, but everyone seemed lighter around him.

In recent decades, Human had stopped smiling or joking, always serious and burdened. Maybe… his amnesia wasn’t all bad?

Her thoughts drifted back, eyes locked on her favorite person, ignoring the gu-room’s reality.

“Human, my legs are sore too. Can you rub them?”

Chu Huaizhou: “Hm? Uh, I… no problem, but rubbing… you know.”

Bai Li nuzzled his neck, her sweet, clear voice purring, “Mhm, I know… w-waaah!!!”

Before she finished, the room lurched, tilting wildly.

Perched on Chu Huaizhou’s neck, shifting from scarf to standing, she leapt off.

Thud—

Hitting the floor, she instantly transformed into her gourd-backed dragon form, bouncing up.

“Ugh, ugh, gross, gross, gross! Medicine!”

At a speed Chu Huaizhou couldn’t track, she zipped back to his neck, reverting to a scarf-fox.

Xia Baiqian seized the chance, slipping her legs deeper into his lap, tilting her head with a playful, apologetic grin.

“Sorry, Little Bai Li! A bird flew by, and I swerved the gu to avoid it. You okay?”

Bai Li’s face drooped, eyes teary, utterly defeated.

“N-No… I’m fine. You didn’t mean it, no need to apologize.”

Like a pet pleasing its owner, she rubbed Chu Huaizhou’s neck.

Xia Baiqian, catching something, nudged him with her silk-clad foot.

“Then transform back already! Didn’t you say your legs were sore?”

Bai Li glanced at Chu Huaizhou’s hands, longing in her eyes, but a shiver hit as she eyed the gu-room.

“N-No… I’ll stay here a bit. I’ll transform for dinner.”

Chu Huaizhou, unaware of their inner drama, watched their interplay, guessing their thoughts. Bai Li was utterly outplayed by Xia Baiqian.

This gu insect, built for travel, had no combat ability but carried Transformation-stage pressure. Mindless creatures fled it; bold ones stayed put. Cultivators with sense would detour from its terrifying aura.

Only naive Bai Li would buy Xia Baiqian’s “bird” excuse.

How did she survive the cutthroat cultivation world? Oh, right—she’s with me.

As for Xia Baiqian, why was she getting so… green-tea and yandere? She wasn’t like this before.

He recalled an afternoon years ago, en route to the Sacred China Secret Realm on a flying boat.

Xia Baiqian, then Qi Refining, proudly showed off a precious gu he’d bought her, like a child with a new toy. After bonding, it obeyed, lying quietly.

She’d beamed, “Master, look! It’s listening, staying still!”

The memory faded.

Now, Xia Baiqian’s cheeks flushed, her damp pink pupils heart-shaped, gazing at her jade feet.

“Master, look! It’s listening, staying still!”