Chapter 11: Young Master, Am I Beautiful?

This fish spirit, too, had cultivated for one or two centuries, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, and the wisdom pearl in his hand was the crystallization of all those years of cultivation. Holding the wisdom pearl, Xu Xuan immediately took out the Mirror of Merit. He directed the mirror towards the pearl; a golden light flashed, the pearl vanished, and the numbers within the mirror rose once more.

Though he had not slain the demon this time, saving a human life and settling the fish spirit’s departed soul were deeds of merit. The wisdom pearl was naturally recognized by the Mirror of Merit, and upon absorption, his merit increased considerably. Seeing the number had reached two hundred, Xu Xuan felt a surge of joy; he knew he could now draw a reward.

The Mirror of Merit contained many treasures, but each was precious—none could be redeemed for less than a thousand merit points, which Xu Xuan had not yet amassed. However, the mirror allowed for a lottery draw, each costing two hundred points. With merit now at two hundred, Xu Xuan did not hesitate to try his luck.

At once, the Mirror of Merit radiated brilliance, golden light shining forth, and a yellow talisman flew from the mirror into Xu Xuan’s hand.

“The Summoning Talisman!”

When activated, this talisman could invite a celestial to descend and possess the user—of all the stars in heaven, one of the twenty-eight constellations would randomly arrive and merge with him.

Stunned by its function, Xu Xuan pondered. This treasure was indeed a double-edged sword: if summoned during battle with a demon, and a mighty constellation descended, all would rejoice. But if the unlucky star appeared, then today next year might be the anniversary of his death.

As Xu Xuan wondered how best to use the Summoning Talisman, a sudden gust of cold wind swept through the room, and the fish spirit appeared before him once more. The candlelight flickered uncertainly. Seeing Xu Xuan still awake, the fish spirit bowed respectfully.

“Master, forgive my late intrusion, but I have a request.”

“What is it? Speak.”

“I heard that you plan to go to West Mountain. My elder cousin cultivates in Dragon Resonance Pond there and has recently encountered trouble. I hope you might lend your aid.”

“Your cousin? Is he another yellowtail fish?”

“No, his true form is a golden carp.”

“Braised carp is a dish fit for a royal banquet—a true delicacy.”

“…”

The fish spirit’s face darkened, and seeing Xu Xuan smack his lips with anticipation, he began to doubt the reliability of this benefactor. He had hoped to help his cousin out of peril, but now it seemed he might be leading him into a fire.

This gourmand before him, if he saw his cousin’s true form, might well be tempted to cook him into a braised carp.

Witnessing the fish spirit’s nervous demeanor, Xu Xuan smiled.

“Tell me, what is your cousin’s name, and what troubles him? If it is but a small effort, I will certainly help.”

Assured by Xu Xuan’s promise, the fish spirit was overjoyed.

“My cousin’s name is Crimson Current. He has cultivated in Dragon Resonance Pond for over a hundred years. Recently, a black fish demon arrived, seized his cave, and torments him daily. My cousin confided in me, but the black fish’s magic is too strong. Even together, we are no match for him, so I appeal to you.”

“Crimson Current? That’s quite a name. We’ve known each other so long, yet I don’t know yours.”

“My name is Yellow Current.”

“Do you have a brother named White Stripe?”

“That’s my seventh uncle. How did you know?”

“…”

From Yellow Current’s account, Xu Xuan learned that his cousin Crimson Current was a kind soul, never harming anyone, dedicated solely to cultivation. The black fish demon who had taken his cave had a history—he was once a spirit from a nearby water palace but, having committed a crime, was expelled and became a wicked demon, devouring human flesh and spreading evil.

Knowing there was a villain in West Mountain, Xu Xuan, committed to eradicating evil, promised Yellow Current that he would help his cousin reclaim his home.

Yellow Current, grateful for the promise, thanked Xu Xuan profusely before departing. Before leaving, he presented Xu Xuan with a golden scale—a wondrous item that allowed its bearer to walk in water as on land.

“You are truly kind, not only providing a home for the fish spirit but also pledging to help his brother reclaim his cave.”

After Yellow Current left, Zhao Jinqian’s graceful silhouette appeared before Xu Xuan. The candlelight illuminated her in a simple white gown, making her seem all the more pure and radiant.

Xu Xuan gazed at her in the soft glow; her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes bright and teeth gleaming, and those beautiful eyes looked directly at him. She smiled gently—a smile that could topple kingdoms.

Just that enchanting smile left Xu Xuan stunned, nearly bewitched.

Seeing him so openly captivated, Zhao Jinqian felt a flutter of joy in her heart, but her cheeks flushed red.

“Am I beautiful, young master?”

She asked, as if compelled by some mischievous spirit.

“Mm! Ah?!”

Xu Xuan nodded lightly, then regained his composure, suppressing the stirring in his heart and feeling somewhat embarrassed.

This ghostly woman truly bewitched the soul, especially with that gentle smile, making his heart feel as if a kitten scratched at it.

No wonder so many scholars throughout history, seduced by such spirits, would rather be drained dry than miss a night in their company.

After all, it is no exaggeration to say men think with their lower bodies.

“Pfft!”

Seeing Xu Xuan’s awkwardness, Zhao Jinqian covered her mouth and laughed.

“You dare laugh at me?”

Xu Xuan narrowed his eyes, and seeing her trembling with laughter, he tickled her mercilessly.

Suddenly, Zhao Jinqian cried out, lost her balance as she tried to dodge, and fell toward the floor.

He caught her just in time.

Fragrance wafted around him, her face glowing, skin pale and almost translucent. Her slender figure felt fragile in his arms, cold to the touch, utterly lacking warmth.

This only added to her melancholy beauty and made her all the more deserving of pity.

Her gaze was like water, fixed quietly on Xu Xuan before her.

When their eyes met, Xu Xuan quickly released her, feeling guilty.

“I forgot you’re a ghost; even if you fall, you won’t feel pain.”

“Thank you for your compassion, young master.”

Zhao Jinqian smiled, knowing her young master was a bit shy.

She’d heard from the City God that Xu Xuan’s cultivation had reached a critical juncture and he must not break his purity, lest his yang energy dissipate.

Otherwise, alone together in this room, who knows what might happen.

“Bah, shameless! How could I crave the young master’s body?”

She cursed herself, cheeks burning, her expressions shifting rapidly.

“Ahem, it’s late—we should rest.”

“You’re tired, young master?”

“Why? Do you mean to keep me company through the night?”

“Keep you company? I wouldn’t mind, but I fear you wouldn’t have the stamina.”

“…”