Chapter Thirty: Reunion

Page (1/3)

Why would someone be knocking at the door so early in the morning? Puzzled, but not thinking much of it, he opened the door to find an elderly man standing outside.

This old man managed the dormitory. It was said he had once served in the army and learned some martial arts. Though age had taken its toll, his burly frame, thick arms, and stern, square-jawed face still exuded an air of authority and ferocity. The students in the dormitory were all somewhat afraid of him; that unpleasant face was terrifying even when he tried to smile.

But Liu Ping had managed to get along with him, even bringing back small gifts for him whenever he went out shopping.

So, when Liu Ping opened the door, Old Ding immediately broke into a grin and said, “Young Master Liu, there’s a little girl here who says she’s looking for you. She calls herself Bai Zhi.”

Liu Ping was taken aback, his eyes lighting up. Before he could say anything, a sweet, delicate voice rang out.

“My dear sir, I’ve missed you so much!” A petite figure darted around the mountain-like Old Ding and leaped into Liu Ping’s arms.

Liu Ping hastily caught Bai Zhi, feeling her nuzzle affectionately into his embrace. He couldn’t help but laugh, ruffling her hair. “I’ve missed you too.”

Old Ding’s smile faded as he grumbled, “Didn’t I tell you to wait at the door? Ah, well, never mind. Since you know Young Master Liu, I’ll take my leave.”

“Thank you, Uncle Ding,” Liu Ping waved after him. It was no easy feat for an outsider to enter Tianqi Academy, much less the dormitory. If it had been any other student, Old Ding would never have shown such leniency. “Next time, let me buy you a drink.”

The old man smiled again, bowed slightly, and said, “Much obliged, Young Master Liu.” Then he turned and left.

“Fengchang, who’s here?” Zhu Yingtai called out in her sweet voice as she emerged from the study, where she had been checking incense for bathing.

Liu Ping turned, about to explain, but noticed Bai Zhi frowning and asking, “Sir, who is this sister?”

“Sister?” Liu Ping was surprised that Bai Zhi could see through Zhu Yingtai’s disguise so easily.

Zhu Yingtai’s expression changed immediately, her confidence evaporating. She stammered, “Though I may be a bit good-looking, I’m no woman. Why call me sister?”

Bai Zhi pouted, “You’re clearly a woman, just using magic to look like a man. Your interests are quite peculiar.”

“You can tell?” Zhu Yingtai’s mouth fell open, panic flashing across her face. How was this possible?

“Of course I can tell,” Bai Zhi replied, raising her little chin proudly. “I am Bai Zhi, after all.”

“What does that mean—‘you are Bai Zhi’? Tell me, how did you see through it?” Liu Ping squeezed the little one’s cheek, amused.

Zhu Yingtai hurried to the bronze mirror, Bai Zhi’s words sending shockwaves through her heart. How could the Supreme Yin-Yang Concealment Technique fail? As long as she remained pure, it should never lose effectiveness. How could this be?

She stared into the bronze mirror; it still reflected a handsome young man. If anything, she was more bewildered.

Just then, Liu Ping repeated his question, and she turned back, eager for an answer.

“This is Bai Zhi’s innate divine talent—the Celestial Eye—which can pierce all illusions and see the truth beneath. That’s why I saw through Sister’s magic,” Bai Zhi said with great pride. “Aren’t I amazing?”

Page (2/3)

Hearing this, Zhu Yingtai was even more perplexed. Celestial Eye? She’d heard of such a technique, but this little girl claimed it was an innate power? Just what was her background?

Liu Ping, not fully understanding but sensing its significance, ruffled Bai Zhi’s hair. “Yes, you’re quite remarkable.”

“That’s too perfunctory, sir! You should be shocked and amazed!” Bai Zhi ducked away from his hand, then suddenly had a thought. “Wait, I just revealed her true identity—why aren’t you surprised?”

“Because I already knew,” Liu Ping replied.

Bai Zhi sighed, “Oh, I thought I could show off, but you already knew. Then again, is there anything you don’t know?”

Zhu Yingtai, thoroughly confused, looked at Liu Ping. “Fengchang, what exactly is going on?”

He smiled. “She’s not human, but a little white fox. So it’s not surprising she has such abilities.”

Not human! Zhu Yingtai’s eyes widened as she stared at Bai Zhi, deeply shaken. It was her first time encountering a spirit.

She couldn’t help but reflect: her first time seeing a ghost, her first time meeting a spirit—it all happened after meeting Liu Ping.

Bai Zhi, unnerved by Zhu Yingtai’s fervent gaze, buried her face in Liu Ping’s chest, relishing the warmth she’d missed so much. Nothing smelled as good as her dear sir; she really liked him best.

Now that she knew Bai Zhi wasn’t human, Zhu Yingtai was relieved. The chances of meeting a spirit were slim, let alone one with the Celestial Eye.

Her eyes now alight with excitement, she looked at Liu Ping hopefully. “Fengchang, could I…could I hold her for a bit?”

“No! I won’t let you!” Bai Zhi pulled her head out, stuck out her tongue, and declared, “Only my dear sir gets to hold me!”

Hearing this, Liu Ping could only manage a wry smile and shrugged helplessly. Zhu Yingtai’s excitement vanished, though her eyes remained fixed on Bai Zhi, clearly unwilling to give up.

Liu Ping looked down at Bai Zhi. “You’ll live here from now on. The academy forbids attendants, but you can just become a white fox.”

At those words, Bai Zhi fell silent, clearly struggling with something.

This puzzled Liu Ping. She liked him so much; shouldn’t she have agreed immediately?

Bai Zhi finally spoke, “Though I’d love to live with you, and I’m happy you asked, I can’t stay.”

“Really…” Liu Ping asked, disappointed. “Why not?”

“I actually woke up after the New Year,” Bai Zhi explained. “I’ve been training with Granny Hu San ever since. Thanks to her guidance, I awakened the Celestial Eye. A fox must never forget a favor. Granny Hu San has been very kind to me and told me I can only leave after I reach the rank of Demon General. I agreed. So even though I want to be with you, I… I really want to be with you. Why did I agree to Granny Hu San in the first place…” Her voice trailed off, and she started to cry.

Liu Ping panicked, hastily comforting her, “I’m not blaming you at all. Think about it—once you’re stronger, we’ll have much more time together. And you’re here to see me now, aren’t you?”

After much coaxing, Bai Zhi finally stopped crying and wiped her tears. “But it’s only for today. I have to go back…”

Liu Ping considered, then said, “Then I’ll spend this day with you.” Turning to Zhu Yingtai, he added, “Jiezhi, I’ll take her out for a while. Please request a day off for me.”

“But…very well, Fengchang, just come back early.” She wanted to go too, but both of them skipping class would be too much, so she had to let it be.

Page (3/3)

Riding in a carriage, Liu Ping left Tianqi Academy.

The capital of Zhang Prefecture was bustling, but as the academy sat in the western outskirts, it took nearly half an hour to reach the marketplace.

As the noise grew, Bai Zhi lifted the curtain and marveled, “It’s so lively!”

The broad avenue was packed with people, vendors shouting from all sides. Carriages struggled to pass and only sped up once they reached the main road.

Here, the carriage could go no further. Liu Ping and Bai Zhi had to get out.

He tossed a string of copper coins to the driver, who accepted them with delight, thanked him profusely, and led his horse away, calling out, “Make way, make way, please let us through!”

Liu Ping paid him no mind, instead taking Bai Zhi’s small hand. “With so many people, don’t get lost.”

Bai Zhi looked up. “Why not just carry me?”

“You always said you didn’t like being treated like a child,” Liu Ping reminded her.

“That was then. This is now. I hardly get to see you—how can we not be affectionate?” she replied.

Liu Ping broke into a sweat. “Do you even know what being affectionate means?”

“Of course I do! Doesn’t it mean taking off your clo—mmm!” Before she could finish, Liu Ping covered her mouth and picked her up, already sensing the curious looks from those nearby.

Bai Zhi’s ethereal charm was enough to make anyone instinctively adore her, but such outrageous words drew suspicious glances.

“We’ll eat first,” Liu Ping said.

Bai Zhi clapped her hands. “Great! I’m starving. Granny Hu San always feeds me raw meat—it’s awful!”

Soon, they arrived at a restaurant, found a quiet spot on the second floor, and ordered over a dozen dishes.

“Remember, a long time ago, I promised to let you taste all the delicacies of the world. This place isn’t much, but last time I was here, the food was decent. Try it.”

Bai Zhi smiled, eyes narrowing. “You’re the best.”

Just then, the sound of drums and gongs rose from below. Bai Zhi turned her head, peering out the window, and Liu Ping followed her gaze.

A street performer was juggling four or five flaming torches. Though impressive, the crowd was unimpressed and began to disperse. Sensing this, one of the performers called out, “Don’t leave, gentlemen and ladies! There are only two of us, but we have a real show for you. That was just the opening act.”

Someone in the crowd shouted, “What’s your real show? Let’s see it! If it’s good, you’ll get a tip. If not—don’t expect a single coin!”