The Dragon

Nanzhu Drunk, Ah Man Branded

Zhong Michu had only been summoned by Gu Fuyou twice in times of crisis. She had always kept her promise, never using the contract for fun. So this time, when she was summoned, Zhong Michu assumed Gu Fuyou was in danger.

However, when she responded to the summons, she found herself on a bustling street, with tall red lanterns, fluttering colored ribbons, and a crowd of passersby. It was excessively lively.

Zhong Michu didn’t see Gu Fuyou anywhere and began to search for her when she heard someone calling her from above.

She looked up and, perhaps it was because of Gu Fuyou’s sweet smile, she spotted her instantly among the crowd leaning over the balcony.

Gu Fuyou was dressed in a vibrant red dress, her long hair braided and resting on her shoulders, with a lily tucked behind her ear. She was radiant, as dazzling as the morning sun.

Gu Fuyou then took the flower from her ear and tossed it down.

Zhong Michu, still confused, caught the flower, not understanding what it meant.

Soon after, a shower of flowers cascaded down from the towering red building.

The women above laughed and chatted, their merriment seeming to gather all the world’s joy to this spot.

Gu Fuyou was about to invite her up when Zhu Ruo commented, “Why did Miss Zhong leave?”

Gu Fuyou leaned over the railing and peered down, and sure enough, Zhong Michu was walking away. “She’s shy,” she noted.

Gu Fuyou called out to her twice with no response. In a moment of anxiety, she forgot their agreement and retrieved the summoning talisman, calling out,”Nanzhu Jun.”

This time, with better control, she summoned Zhong Michu directly to her side.

Zhong Michu, who had been walking forward, felt a sudden shift in her surroundings. She found herself on a balcony, naturally taking a couple more steps forward. Realizing something was off, she abruptly turned back to face Gu Fuyou.

Gu Fuyou greeted, “Senior Sister Zhong.”

Zhong Michu responded, “I thought you were in danger.”

Her tone seemed a bit off, probably annoyed.

Just as Gu Fuyou was about to explain, Zhong Michu approached her, handing back the lily, stating gravely, “Here, I’m returning this to you.”

Preoccupied with the idea that Zhong Michu was upset, Gu Fuyou reflexively accepted the flower, not immediately grasping its deeper significance.

However, Zhu Ruo and the others, being observant bystanders, noticed the exchange. Someone couldn’t help but chuckle, leading everyone to burst into laughter.

Hearing the laughter, Gu Fuyou suddenly realized the significance of what had happened. She looked at the flower in her hand, feeling as if it was burning her. Her whole body felt hot, her face flushed with embarrassment.

In ancient times, men and women expressed their affections subtly. Women would throw fruits from buildings at the men they admired, and men would throw flowers to women they were fond of.

Nowadays, this custom had evolved. Throwing a flower generally just expressed admiration.

Gu Fuyou throwing the flower was meant to show her admiration for Zhong Michu. The others joined in, either because they appreciated Zhong Michu’s appearance or just for fun.

Throwing a flower was no big deal, normally.

But Zhong Michu only caught the flower thrown by Gu Fuyou and gave it back. Gu Fuyou actually accepted it, which changed the entire implication of the gesture.

In ancient times, this act signified mutual affection, and that hasn’t changed.

Gu Fuyou said, “Sister Zhu, stop laughing. She doesn’t get out much and doesn’t know these customs!” Zhong Michu was a well-mannered girl who wouldn’t keep something that wasn’t hers. Even though she was angry, she politely returned the flower instead of throwing it back.

The other women laughed so hard they could barely contain themselves. Zhu Ruo, wiping away tears of laughter, said, “She might not know, but how could you not?”

Biting her lip, Gu Fuyou admitted, “I didn’t think of it at the moment!”

Zhong Michu might not have known the significance, but she understood it had something to do with the flower.

Seeing her expression, Zhu Ruo, still laughing, said, “Miss Zhong might not be aware of the meaning of catching and returning a flower. Let me tell you…”

Gu Fuyou yelled, “Ahhhh!!! Sister Zhu, please don’t tell her, I’m dying of embarrassment.”

But Zhu Ruo, not one to let go of a teasing opportunity, continued, “This flower, you see…”

Gu pleaded, “Sister Zhu, spare me. If you really tell her, I’ll jump off here and end my life.”

Zhu Ruo retorted, “You won’t die from jumping.”

Inside, the table was set with food and drinks. Gu Huaiyou came out and announced, “Alright, enough teasing. The feast is ready. Let’s invite our esteemed senior sister to join us.”

Gu Fuyou agreed and, turning around, took Zhong Michu by the sleeve, saying, “Senior Sister Zhong, don’t be angry. They were just joking. I invited you here to thank you for protecting me several times in Xian Luo. Brother Liu is here today as well; we should all gather and celebrate.”

Before Zhong Michu could respond, Liu Guizhen also came out. They exchanged greetings, and Liu Guizhen bowed, congratulating her, “Congratulations on your advancement, Senior Sister.”

“Thank you.”

Hearing this, Gu Fuyou’s face lit up with excitement. “Senior Sister Zhong, you’ve advanced in your cultivation?!”

Upon Zhong Michu’s arrival, Gu Fuyou sensed something was off, only to realize that Zhong had broken through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core.

She had guessed right; after a trip to Xian Luo, Zhong Michu had indeed made a breakthrough.

“It’s all thanks to the rare treasure you gave me,” Zhong Michu said.

She had absorbed it, and over the past month, she had digested half of its power, resulting in her breakthrough to the mid-Golden Core stage. Her spiritual energy was still slowly accumulating.

“In that case, we must celebrate even more. You can’t leave,” Gu Fuyou insisted.

With a playful tug on Zhong Michu’s sleeve, she led her inside and made her sit.

In the past, Gu Fuyou would have been more reserved around Zhong Michu, especially in life-threatening situations like those in the snowy forest. She wouldn’t openly test her limits. But now, seeing Zhong Michu differently, she forgot her usual restraint.

The ladies began to play the pipa, the music flowing like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

Zhu Ruo said, “I know cultivators are particular about impurities in their food. These ingredients are all spiritual plants, beneficial for cultivation.”

Sitting beside Zhong Michu, Gu Fuyou attentively served her dishes, saying, “Senior Sister Zhong, try some.”

“I’ve already renounced food,” Zhong Michu replied.

Gu Fuyou persisted, “I know, I know. But as a the sages say – there are certain tastes in life one must experience.”

Si Miao teased from the side, laughed. “I bet that ‘sage’ was you.”

Gu Fuyou, playfully tossing a fruit at her, picked up a slice of bamboo shoot, urging Zhong Michu, “Senior Sister Zhong, just try it. Yinxue Pavilion’s cooking is famous across the land. I promise you’ll love it and never forget the taste. I swear.”

After a moment of hesitation, Zhong Michu opened her mouth, her pristine teeth biting into the bamboo shoot, her tongue pulling it in.

It wasn’t Gu Fuyou’s sweet words that moved her, but something Gu Fuyou had said earlier: “There are certain tastes in life that one must experience.”

No one had ever spoken to her in such a way. Her teachers always preached, “Maintain your Dao heart, eliminate human desires. You are an immortal, not a human.”

Was discarding personal desires snd pursuing the Great Dao to become an immortal important, or was living joyfully and freely, cultivating as fate allowed, better?

In reality, the two notions aren’t conflicting. Her teachers, cherishing her talent and knowing her destiny was to become immortal, feared she might squander her potential if led astray by worldly pleasures. They chose to emphasize the former, keeping her focused solely on cultivation, avoiding the distractions of worldly splendor.

Because she rarely left Gushen Peak as a child and grew lazier to venture out as she grew up, she had gradually become like a caged canary.

She had long forgotten what she originally wanted for herself.

Yet, for some reason, after meeting Gu Fuyou, she slowly began to remember.

Gu Fuyou, holding her chopsticks, grinned from ear to ear, looking like she had accomplished something major, radiating a sense of achievement.

The group ate and drank, chatting happily. In truth, it was mostly Gu Fuyou, Si Miao, and Gu Huaiyou talking, with Liu Guizhen occasionally chiming in, while Zhong Michu spoke the least.

As the meal concluded, Gu Fuyou remembered that she hadn’t settled the price of the pills with Zhu Ruo. She quietly pulled Zhu Ruo aside into the hallway to discuss.

Gu Fuyou said, “Sister Zhu, the pills this time are different from before. They’re made from rare spiritual plants, so their quality and efficacy have greatly increased. You know, if we sold these elixirs at the Wanyao Pavilion, they would fetch a much higher price. We’re only asking for eighty percent of the market price because of our good relationship with you, but you’re still trying to cut the price by half. That’s really unfair to us. If Si Miao doesn’t cry, I certainly will. At least add thirty percent more.”

Zhu Ruo sighed, holding her round fan to her forehead, “It’s not that I don’t want to give you a fair price, but we’re really struggling financially.”

Gu Fuyou, sensing an underlying message, asked, “Is it the Xu Ling Sect again?”

The Xu Ling Sect controlled Nanzhou, requiring all major cities to tribute a large amount of spiritual stones annually. However, many officials pocket some for themselves. To maintain the amount they tribute while also lining their own pockets, they levy additional fees from the people under them.

Looking at the brightly lit and lively pavilion, Zhu Ruo sighed, “Wantong City has been increasing its spirit stone quota every year. My Yinxue Pavilion may look glamorous, but at this rate, who knows how long we can keep going.”

Frowning, Gu Fuyou let out a disdainful snort after listening, then started telling Zhu Ruo about the Xiao siblings outside Xianluo. The more she spoke, the angrier she got. “The world of cultivation today is not what it used to be. The days of emperors and rulers are long gone. Initially, no one was a slave to anyone else. It was through unscrupulous means that the Four Immortal Sects gained their dominance over the regions. That would have been tolerable, but while the other three sects respect the virtuous and have a relatively clear moral climate, the Xu Ling Sect treats everyone like slaves, with their oppressive and tyrannical rules. They really think they’re royalty.”

Gu Fuyou scoffed, “But as the saying goes, ‘cold eyes watch the crab’—let’s see how long they can continue their tyranny!”

Zhu Ruo quickly covered Gu Fuyou’s mouth with her fan, cautioning, “You mustn’t speak recklessly! Ah Man, remember, words are like hooked threads, pulling out troubles from the start. With the tense situation between Xiaoyao City and the Xu Ling Sect, if someone with ulterior motives hears your words and makes a big deal out of them, who knows what trouble it will bring? Everyone below them is filled with resentment, yet they dare not speak out against the Xu Ling Sect because they’re untouchable.”

Gu Fuyou pursed her lips, muttering, “In times like these, we can’t even speak our minds.”

Zhu Ruo chuckled, “You’re not just anyone; you have to be careful with your words.”

Seeing the topic was sensitive, Gu Fuyou moved on, “Sister Zhu, given these circumstances, just add ten percent to the price of the pills. I’ll also gift you a bottle of Rejuvenation Pills for vitality and longevity.”

Zhu Ruo only smiled in response. Gu Fuyou, not one to give up, continued with a playful tone, “Sister Zhu, come on, be nice to me. If you don’t raise it at all, Si Miao and I would have made this trip for nothing.”

Zhu Ruo said, “Alright, alright, you have a sweet mouth. I’ll add ten percent, and I’ll consider the banquet my treat.”

Delighted, Gu Fuyou said, “I’ll go get the Rejuvenation Pills for you.”

She went inside to get the spiritual pills from Si Miao. As she was about to leave, she felt something was amiss.

Glancing at Zhong Michu, she noticed her eyes were misty and her expression somewhat vacant.

Gu Fuyou took a couple of steps forward and, smelling the alcohol on her, exclaimed, “How did Senior Sister Zhong get drunk?”

She knew Zhong Michu never drank. Zhong Michu was very proper, and if she got drunk and lost her composure, she would be extremely upset when she sobered up. That’s why Gu Fuyou had only persuaded her to drink half a cup and not let her drink too much.

But in the short time Gu Fuyou was gone, Zhong Michu had gotten drunk.

The four women at the table giggled, “We just persuaded her to have two cups, and Miss Zhong couldn’t handle her liquor.”

“Oh no, this is bad,” Gu Fuyou worried. Not because Zhong Michu might blame her upon sobering up, but because if an elder discovered her state, they would hold Gu Fuyou accountable.

One of them laughed, “What’s so bad about it? Drinking and getting drunk is a common part of life.”

Another added, “Your senior sister is nothing like you described in your letter. She’s so obedient and gentle, not cold at all. She’s quite endearing.” To them, Zhong Michu seemed gentle because they were adept at dealing with all sorts of people at Yinxue Pavilion, mastering the art of persuasion like skilled foxes. Who could resist their coaxing?

Gu Fuyou replied with a smile, “It looks like you all are drunk too.”

With the feast ending and Zhong Michu drunk, everyone began to leave.

Gu Fuyou bid farewell to Zhu Ruo and, supporting Zhong Michu, mounted Si Miao’s three-legged crow. Along with Gu Huaiyou and Liu Guizhen, they headed back to Xuan Miao.

Upon reaching Gushen Peak, where flying on swords or spirit beasts was prohibited, Gu Fuyou had to help Zhong Michu down and walk up the mountain.

Zhong Michu, half-asleep, barely opened her eyes.

Liu Guizhen offered, “Let me carry Senior Sister up.”

“No, let me,” Gu intervened, “she doesn’t like being touched by others.”

Gu Fuyou carried Zhong Michu on her back and climbed the mountain. Zhong Michu was light, allowing Gu Fuyou to carry her with ease.

Si Miao and the other two followed closely. They were taking the front mountain path this time. The guard recognized Gu Fuyou and, seeing Zhong Michu behind her, didn’t stop them.

Gu Fuyou carried Zhong Michu into the courtyard. As they walked on the pebble path, a woman stepped out of the house. She wore her hair in a bun with a wooden hairpin, dressed in a purple robe, with a gentle demeanor and voice, “Michu?”

Gu Fuyou didn’t recognize the woman, but she knew that besides Zhong Michu, there was another person here who had previously been in seclusion, and so she hadn’t met her. Gu Fuyou surmised that this must be her.

Neither Gu Fuyou, Gu Huaiyou, nor Si Miao recognized her. However, Liu Guizhen’s eyes lit up a touch. Clearing his throat, he stepped forward, giving her a bow and greeted, “Senior Sister Dongli.”

Dongli responded, “Junior Brother Liu.”

She stepped forward, inquiring, “What happened to Michu?”

“Senior Sister Zhong is drunk,” came the reply.

Gu Fuyou intended to carry Zhong Michu into the house, but Zhong Michu semi-awakened in her drunken stupor and mumbled, “Gu Fuyou, you smell so nice.”

“What?” Gu Fuyou didn’t hear her clearly. Before she could ask again, her voice took a sharp turn, escalating into a scream, “Ahhhh!!!”

While carrying Zhong Michu, Gu Fuyou’s attire had become somewhat disheveled, revealing the skin between her shoulder and neck.

Zhong Michu opened her mouth and bit down on that exposed area.

The area was sensitive, and Zhong Michu bit hard. Gu Fuyou felt Zhong Michu’s sharp teeth pierce her skin. She collapsed to the ground in pain, and the others quickly came to help. Gu Fuyou, angry and hurt, exclaimed, “Senior Sister Zhong, are you a dog? Why are you biting me?”

Zhong Michu didn’t release her grip. Gu Fuyou felt a sharp, intense pain, as if Zhong Michu’s teeth had not only pierced her flesh but were gnawing on her very soul. The pain was unbearable, and she felt like crying out.

“Senior Sister Zhong, I apologize. Please, dear sister, let go. It hurts, hurts, hurts.”