Chapter Ninety-Three: Leisure and Adventure

It was simply a brief note, explaining the reason for her sudden departure. Each word conveyed worry, for she truly had no idea what Liuping intended to do. All she could offer was her blessing, urging him to take care. Yet, there was a trace of reproach as well—a daughter's petulant tone, unmistakable in its expression, which made Liuping chuckle. "Just a few hundred words, and so much emotion comes through, so clearly that I can feel it. Such literary talent—she truly deserves the title of Peach Blossom Scholar."

Having packed his belongings and prepared to leave, he approached the doorway, when suddenly he heard the deep, gruff voice of Old Ding. "I said you can't go in, and that's final. The holidays have begun, and your young master has surely left already. Go home."

"My young master hasn't left yet! Move aside!" That was Baizhi's voice. Hearing it, Liuping quickened his pace, only to see Baizhi standing with hands on hips, scolding, "How tactless you are! Do you think you can stop me?"

Though Old Ding was burly and had learned some military arts, to Baizhi, who stood at the threshold of becoming a demon general, he was no different from an ordinary mortal. If not for the fact that this was the young master's academy, where violence was forbidden, she would have dealt with him long ago.

"Baizhi," Liuping called out in delight. At once, Baizhi darted around Old Ding and rushed into his arms.

Though she appeared to be only seven or eight years old, she was still light and easy to lift, just as before. Feeling her nestle and nuzzle in his embrace, Liuping couldn't help but smile, gently patting her head.

"Greetings, Young Master Liuping. I didn't expect you hadn't left yet?" Old Ding was clearly surprised by Liuping's presence.

"I just returned to pack my things before leaving."

Liuping's hands were empty—his belongings were nowhere to be seen. Old Ding didn't ask further, merely nodded with sudden understanding. "Ah, I went to the dining hall earlier, so that's why I didn't see you."

"Hmph, I knew the young master was here! You oaf, you just wouldn't believe me!" Baizhi snorted coldly, her hostility towards him obvious.

"Mind your manners," Liuping chided, rubbing her cheek and turning to apologize. Old Ding's mood improved greatly, and he replied repeatedly that he dared not take offense.

With Baizhi now at his side, there was no need to rush his departure. Liuping hired a carriage and decided to spend some time accompanying Baizhi on an outing.

That volume of "Investiture of the Gods and Three Kingdoms" had earned him enough silver to indulge freely. He recalled his long-held wish to let little Baizhi taste all the delicacies of the world—a dream now closer than ever. If he didn't start realizing it now, then when?

After several months apart, Liuping had missed Baizhi dearly. Sitting in the carriage, feeling her small body nestled in his arms, he couldn't help but wrap his hand around her slender waist, inhaling her faint fragrance, and began to ask about her recent experiences.

Only then did he learn that Baizhi had claimed a mountain as her domain. Though not yet a demon general, she had acquired the rights of one, able to command the monsters on the mountain. This was a range of peaks, nothing like the small hill beside Liuping's village. The number of monsters was not few—over a hundred—but inevitably some were unruly and wild, requiring discipline and management. It was no wonder she hadn't been able to leave.

"Madam Hu has gone to the Lesser Demon Realm. Who knows what important events are unfolding there? Luckily, I took this chance to sneak out and see the young master," Baizhi complained. "Those stupid monsters—if I don't beat them for a day, their hides start itching. If I could break through and become a demon general, I'd never have such trouble."

"Demon Realm? Which Demon Realm?" Liuping was startled and asked.

The so-called Demon Realm, as the name suggested, was the world of monsters.

This world consisted of the three primary realms: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Each was governed by its own organization: the Celestial Court, the Human Dynasty, and the Underworld. Within these realms lay countless worlds, large and small. If a world was exceptionally small and self-contained, it was called a paradise. By extension, the so-called Demon Realm was merely a larger world, not a self-contained paradise.

Baizhi thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. Madam Hu said the Lesser Demon Realm. I don't think that's its actual name."

Liuping nodded. "If you don't know, that's fine. I’ll take you to eat something delicious—anything you want."

Outside wasn’t his senior sister’s paradise. If someone else could cook, he certainly wouldn’t do it himself, since preparing food took considerable time and effort.

Upon hearing this, Baizhi’s eyes lit up, and she craned her neck to give Liuping a delighted peck. "Young master, you’re the best!"

It had been many days since she’d tasted the delicacies of the mortal world. On the mountain, the monsters’ attempts at cooking were nothing short of sacrilege.

To save a bit, they could have gone to a humble inn—Baizhi’s appetite, good as it was, could be satisfied with two or three taels of silver. But Liuping was never one to pinch pennies. Even when he had little money, he’d spend ten taels for a grand meal; now, he had even more.

He chose a top-rated restaurant and booked a private room, ordering dozens of dishes. Soon, a parade of delicacies was served.

Baizhi ate happily, and Liuping sampled some as well.

Truth be told, it wasn’t as good as his own cooking, which made him feel a touch of pride. Still, it was tasty enough, and had its own charm—after all, he’d spent quite a bit of silver.

After their meal, he spent several hundred taels to rent a pleasure boat.

Inside the pleasure boat were singing girls, plucking zithers and lutes, their gentle music pleasing to the ear.

The boat drifted leisurely along the river, smoothly and steadily.

There were three decks, and Liuping and Baizhi lay on a soft couch by a window on the third floor, chatting idly.

Outside, a gentle breeze blew. It was early May, and the Dragon Boat Festival was approaching. The heat was rising, but as the boat sailed along the river and the wind caressed them, it felt refreshingly cool.

"Young master, the chilled fruit is here." A girl, dressed lightly and attractively, walked over with a tray of iced watermelon.

"Watermelon!" Baizhi cheered, waving her tiny hands. "Bring it over, quickly!"

"Yes." The girl hurried forward, bowed slightly, and set the tray beside the couch. Baizhi, though small, was utterly peerless in her beauty—a rare treasure. Compared to her, the girl's own looks seemed painfully ordinary. At first glance, she was stunned, feeling a pang of inferiority. Sensing the noble and mysterious aura of the young man beside her, she dared not linger, nor attempt any subtle allure or hints, and quickly excused herself with respect.

"Young master, you’ve changed so much," Baizhi said as she munched on the icy watermelon. "You’re not only much more handsome now, but richer, too. Has something happened?"

"How can you call it that? I’ve become more charming, that’s all," Liuping shamelessly boasted, then added, "Guess why?"

"How could Baizhi possibly guess?" Baizhi grumbled as she took a big bite of watermelon.

Liuping took a piece himself. The moment he tasted it, his eyes lit up—it was cold and sweet, driving away the last traces of summer heat, delicious and refreshing. Listening to her complaints, he replied, "Baizhi is so clever—can’t you guess?"

The compliment made Baizhi giggle, and she began to think seriously. "You’re generous because your novel made a lot of money, right? As for your aura, you must have been practicing some spell or cultivation method, right? Young master, am I correct?"

"You guessed them all," Liuping nodded with a smile. "My Baizhi is truly clever."