Chapter 11: The Unexpected Bond

High above the clouds, enveloped in a misty aura, lies the majestic Purple Mist Peak. Atop its craggy summit, a delicate wooden cottage stands. Outside this cottage, several playful little birds chirp loudly, their beaks filled with the fruits of their morning labor, seeming to boast of their efforts. Their clear, melodic voices infuse the morning with a sense of vitality.

But despite the lively appearance of the cottage’s exterior, the interior tells a different story. Following Xiao Xixi’s recent transformation, a momentary silence hangs heavy in the air. Xiao Changgu approaches, intending to admonish his newly-transformed younger sister for her usual impulsiveness. However, his words falter as he gazes upon Master Bai Luozhu, whose pristine white attire and serene demeanor make her seem untouched by worldly concerns, like a pure lotus flower. Xiao Changgu can’t reconcile the idea of this ethereal figure with the crass notion of ‘smelly feet.’

Caught in this awkward moment, Bai Luozhu, who doesn’t understand the foxes’ language, curiously asks, ‘Xiao Shidi, what did Xixi just say to you?’

Xiao Changgu, having visited Master Su Mei earlier that day, knows that his sister has been given the name ‘Xiao Xixi.’ He isn’t surprised by the name, but the content of Bai Luozhu’s question makes him break into a cold sweat. Knowing the sensitivity of humans and their inability to face their own flaws, Xiao Changgu quickly alters his sister’s words. ‘Xixi said she’s grateful for your ‘cold remedy’ and care, but she’s worried about impeding your cultivation. She doesn’t want to bother you further.’

Bai Luozhu, holding Xiao Xixi, doesn’t suspect a thing. She’s pleased that the little one is so considerate, especially since she went to the trouble of brewing the medicine for her. Remembering the remedy, she sets down her gentle task of combing her hair and retrieves a large, steaming bowl of it.

Xiao Xixi, who has been waiting for a system reward that never came, is instead greeted with a bowl of bitter herbal medicine. Despite her initial reluctance, Xiao Xixi’s guilt over falsely accusing Bai Luozhu compels her to drink it all. As she finishes the last drop, she can’t help but think how lucky she is to have taken human form, as a fox, she would never have been able to stomach so much.

Bai Luozhu, surprised by Xiao Xixi’s cooperation, finds herself oddly pleased by the little one’s obedient behavior. She can’t help but smile, her pink lips curving into a gentle arc. But as Xiao Changgu takes Xiao Xixi away, Bai Luozhu is left with an empty, weightless feeling and a lingering scent of citrus in the air. Her smile fades as quickly as it came, and she returns to her usual, distant demeanor.

Sitting alone, Bai Luozhu realizes with a start that in just three days, Xiao Xixi has managed to affect her emotions. She finds this both absurd and unsettling, as few have ever touched her so deeply. She wonders at the strange hold this new little sister has over her heart.

Meanwhile, Xiao Changgu lectures Xiao Xixi on the ways of humans as he carries her back to their quarters. ‘Xixi, you’re new to this human world, but you should know that humans can be very hypocritical. They can’t stand to hear their flaws pointed out.’

Xiao Xixi, with 18 years of human experience, listens but says nothing, merely nodding her small head in acknowledgment. As they walk, Xiao Xixi can’t help but worry about her brother’s safety. She’s concerned that if she doesn’t complete her system’s newbie task, her brother will meet the same fate as in the novels—sacrificing himself for Bai Luozhu and becoming a mere stepping stone for the protagonist.

Just as she’s deep in thought, Xiao Changgu stops his lecture and clears his throat. ‘Xixi, remember, everyone has flaws, and we shouldn’t judge people for theirs…’ He goes on, finally revealing his true intent. ‘Even if your Bai Shijie’s feet are a bit smelly, we should still respect her. I know a bit about medicine, so if her odor is mild, perhaps I can help her. So, just how bad is her foot odor?’

Xiao Xixi, caught off guard, hesitates for a moment before responding, her small hands clutching her heart. ‘Xixi… Xixi…’ (Translation: ‘Bai Shijie’s feet are much worse than yours, Brother.’)

Xiao Changgu is stunned into silence for a moment before accepting the truth. As he carries his sister, he lectures her on the importance of respect, even for those with unpleasant flaws. Just as he finishes, Xiao Xixi’s mind rings with a monotone mechanical voice.

[Ding, detected that antagonist Xiao Changgu has no romantic feelings for Bai Luozhu. Congratulations, Host, on completing the newbie task.]

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Xiao Xixi, looking at her brother who is still talking about not minding the foot odor, can’t help but think, ‘Huh, who would have thought you were this kind of brother.’