Chapter 23: Shopping with Jia Qizhe (1/2)
“Isn’t that good? “ Yan Zun seemed relieved. “One more expert to protect you, and you don’t need to worry about the Lifeblood Jewel being stolen. Besides, that Duke is not exactly weak.”
Gu Qingyu yelled in exasperation. “How is that good? You know how much more trouble I’ll be in?”
“What kind of trouble?” Miraculously, Yan Zun was not angry, he was more intrigued instead.
“What do I do if he finds out that I’m actually a woman and a cat demon?” Gu Qingyu crossed her arms in annoyance. “And he would definitely fight with Jia Qizhe! The key is what to do when they actually fight…”
Yan Zun tilted his head. “Then, how about I teach you a few more moves?”
“Sure!” Gu Qingyu would never pass up the opportunity to learn more moves. “Hurry up!”
Yan Zun seemed to be in a teasing mood, he sat up. “Come, call me Master first.”
“Huh?” Gu Qingyu cringed. “Master?”
“Yes, my good disciple.” Yan Zun nodded in satisfaction.
What was that? Did I call him Master? Oh, I think I did...Wait! When did I recognize him as my Master? Argh, fine! For the sake of those moves, I will agree to it for now! Beggars can’t be choosers after all!
“Master, “ Gu Qingyu said reluctantly. “Please teach me!”
“Hm.. very good,” Yan Zun nodded in satisfaction. “I shall teach you some powerful moves then.”
Soon, it was morning.
“Xiao Yu? Wake up, Xiao Yu!” Xiao Qi shook Gu Qingyu awake. “The sun will scorch your butt!”
“The sun wouldn’t come inside. Don’t try to bluff me, our room is faced away from the sun.” Gu Qingyu rolled over and went back to sleep.
“Xiao Yu…” Xiao Qi was speechless, how did she know that so well? “Please wake up…” She suddenly changed her tone, leaned close to Gu Qingyu’s ear and said quietly. “Jia Qizhe and the rest are already having breakfast!”
“What?!” Gu Qingyu jumped up. “Breakfast? Dammit, and they didn’t call for me?”
Xiao Qi just watched all of this quietly.
Gu Qingyu got dressed and kicked open her door without a second word. She ran down the stairs and saw a group of people chatting happily. That got her even angrier. “All of you!”
“What about us?” Qi Yichen looked strangely at her. “Brother Zhu, did you forget your medicine?”
“Let me give you some.” Mo Bai took over the conversation.
Jia Qizhe rolled his eyes. “What hysterics in the morning, we’re all waiting for you to eat.”
Waiting for me to eat?
“You guys haven't started?” Gu Qingyu sat down in surprise. Murong Zuoyu gave a rare silent nod.
“Ah, since you all want it this way, then I will happily accept your kindness!’ Gu Qingyu took up her chopsticks without hesitation. “Come, come, come, let’s eat.”
Xiao Qi held her laughter as she slowly walked down the stairs and took her seat.
“What did you say to her?” Qi Yichen asked curiously.
Xiao Qi shook her head helplessly. “You guys were eating already. Usually, nothing would wake her up, but she immediately jumped up when I said that.”
All four of them were speechless, while Gu Qingyu stuffed more and more food in her mouth. “What? You guys aren’t eating? Aren’t you hungry?”
“Actually, we’ve eaten.” Qi Yichen clearly was holding back a laugh.
“What?!” Gu Qingyu exclaimed. “That’s so mean!”
“Haha, we’re just messing with you. Let’s eat!” Qi Yichen chuckled.
“How could you do this!”
They soon finished breakfast, Gu Qingyu then said solemnly. “Our journey will not be easy, it is full of danger and treachery. Murong Zuoyu, are you sure you want to follow us?”
Murong Zuoyu nodded with conviction.
Gu Qingyu sighed in defeat. “Oh well, one more mouth to feed…” She stopped herself. Feed? Oh my, what was I saying! Do I need to pay for the Duke and possibly, the future Emperor?
“Alright, as you wish.” Gu Qingyu shrugged nonchalantly. “Just saying, don’t look for us if you find trouble on the road.”
“Sure.” He nodded.
Gu Qingyu stood up. “Okay! Then let’s mosey!”
“Where are we going?” Qi Yichen asked curiously.
“Xieli Castle.” Gu Qingyu seemed very serious. “Yesterday, the Lifeblood Jewel told me to get an herb named ‘Blood Crystal’ from the Blood Crystal Castle.”
“Blood Crystal?” Mo Bai’s eyes gleamed. “I’ve heard of that herb. It is very strong and thrives in solitary environments. It’s said to grow on the peak of Xieli Castle and it’s guarded by the Lord of the castle”
“The Lord of Xieli Castle?” Gu Qingyu smacked her forehead. “Oh dear, that’s more trouble, and it sounds like it’s gonna be a huge pain in the neck!”
“Indeed, the Lord of Xieli Castle rarely shows himself in the world of martial arts, he is a mysterious being.” But, Murong Zuoyu frowned slightly. “The Blood Crystal Herb is rumoured to be extremely toxic, what does the Lifeblood Jewel want it for?”
Gu Qingyu honestly shook her head. “I don’t know, he didn’t say.” “He?” Jia Qizhe seemed alarmed. “Who is this ‘he’? ”
“Um…” Whoops! I slipped up!Gu Qingyu laughed it off. “He is...my heart.” Gu Qingyu said earnestly. “This is the conclusion that my heart and the Lifeblood Jewel reached!”