Bai Xifeng's ears perked up the moment she realised the gossip was centred entirely on her own identity. She leaned back slightly, feigning interest in her tea while focusing her senses on the conversation at the neighbouring table.
"So, what happened next? Did the ritual work?" One of the men asked, leaning in.
"Not at all. The monk failed completely." The other replied, shaking his head.
"Who did the General's family invite to handle such a mess?"
"You've certainly heard of him. The High Priest from the Monshuki Temple at the peak of Tensei Mountain."
"That master? If a man of his spiritual calibre failed, how is that possible?"
"Perhaps she isn't possessed at all." A third voice suggested.
"Nonsense. The servants within the Bai household are all saying the same thing that the young miss has changed entirely. Her personality is unrecognisable."
"It could just be a coincidence, or perhaps she simply snapped." The man countered.
"Who knows? Regardless, the rumour has definitely reached the ears of the Royal Family by now."
"Ah, that's right. The young miss is still betrothed to the Crown Prince, isn't she?"
The men burst into a collective sneer. "The Royal Family will never allow a woman like that to cross their threshold. This scandal is a far greater stain on her reputation than her being a 'trash' who can't cultivate."
"Exactly. Honestly, even I would not want to marry her. Think about it, she is unable to cultivate, she is hard on the eyes, and now she is rumored to be haunted by something unclean. I doubt any man in the kingdom would take her as a wife now."
The table erupted into mocking laughter. Bai Xifeng listened to the insults in a cold, heavy silence.
'They are talking about you, aren't they?' Baishe's voice echoed in her mind.
'Indeed.' Bai Xifeng replied with a mental nod.
'You aren't enraged?' Baishe asked, curious.
The spirit had expected a flare of temper, yet Bai Xifeng's expression remained as calm as a mountain lake.
"Why should I be angry?" Bai Xifeng thought back, propping her head up with one hand in a lazy, nonchalant gesture. "Words can't draw blood. They can talk until their throats are dry. It won't change my reality or hinder my progress."
'I see.' Baishe felt a surge of respect.
Bai Xifeng possessed a remarkably firm mindset, a trait befitting the chosen one.
"Actually, this rumour of possession is quite beneficial." Bai Xifeng added.
'In what way?' Baishe asked.
'Did you hear them? They believe the Royal Family will reject me. That means the engagement between that arrogant bastard of a Crown Prince and me will likely be severed soon. I honestly can not wait to be rid of that burden.' Bai Xifeng explained, a small, satisfied smirk playing on her lips.
The arrival of her food cut the conversation short. As expected of such a renowned establishment, the Moo Shu Chicken was heavenly. The flavours were complex, and the meat melted on her tongue. Before leaving, she signalled the waiter again.
"I'd like another order of these three dishes to go, please." Bai Xifeng requested.
She thought of Xiao Li back at the estate. The poor girl had likely been too worried to eat a proper meal.
Back at the Bai manor, Xiao Li was pacing frantically near the courtyard gate, her heart hammering against her ribs. Just as her anxiety reached its peak, a man suddenly flickered into existence directly in front of her. Xiao Li let out a small shriek, stumbling back and falling onto the grass.
"Xiao Li! Are you alright?" Bai Xifeng hurried forward, feeling a pang of guilt for the startled reaction.
"Young Miss... is that you?" Xiao Li squinted at the handsome male face before her.
"Oh... right." Bai Xifeng realised she was still wearing the masculine illusion Baishe had crafted for her. She quickly signalled the spirit to drop the disguise.
"It's me." Bai Xifeng said as her true features returned.
"You're finally back! You didn't run into any trouble with the guards or the authorities, did you?" Xiao Li asked, scrambling to her feet.
"Not a bit. In fact, I brought you something. Here." Bai Xifeng handed over the fragrant parcels from the restaurant.
"What is this?" Xiao Li pondered.
"Dinner. You haven't eaten yet, have you? It's a peace offering for making you wait." Bai Xifeng said gently.
"Young Miss... I'm so touched. You actually remembered me while you were out?" Xiao Li's eyes welled with tears of joy.
"Of course. Now go on, go eat while it's still hot." Bai Xifeng urged.
"But what about you? Won't you join me?" Xiao Li looked at her young lady.
"I have already eaten my fill. This is strictly for you, so make sure you finish every bite. I am going to go prepare for a bath." Bai Xifeng said, waving her off.
"I'll prepare the hot water for you first!" Xiao Li insisted, rushing off toward the kitchen before Bai Xifeng could protest.
Later, as Bai Xifeng soaked in the steaming tub, she felt the newfound energy of her cultivation swirling within her. She was thrilled to finally have power, but she knew she could not test it here. The Bai family and the Royal spies were everywhere. She needed to keep her growth a secret until she was strong enough to defend herself.
"Baishe, I need to test my actual combat strength. Do you know of a place where I can practice without being watched?"
"I'm glad you asked," Baishe replied, its voice shimmering with a predatory delight.
"I need real experience," Bai Xifeng added firmly. She knew that raw power was useless without the instinct to use it.
"I can lead you to Sophia Mountain," Baishe suggested.
"What kind of place is it?" Bai Xifeng became interested.
"Sophia Mountain is a treacherous range, home to many fierce beasts. From what I recall, the most dominant predators there reach the Emperor Rank." Baishe explained.
"The Emperor Rank? That sounds formidable." Bai Xifeng mused.
"It is. You must remember, however, that a beast in the Emperor Rank is often equivalent to a human in the Nascent Soul stage. Their physical constitution and raw instinct give them a terrifying edge."
"So even in the same realm, a beast is naturally stronger? I understand..." Bai Xifeng nodded thoughtfully.
"Exactly. In a true life-or-death struggle, power levels are just numbers. Anything can happen, though humans often compensate with their endless supply of underhanded tricks." Baishe commented.
"I will go. I need that experience. But I can't let the household know I'm missing." Bai Xifeng stated.
"We shall leave at the stroke of midnight and return before the sun touches the horizon," Baishe planned. "However, do not think this excuses you from your studies. You still have many scrolls to master."
Bai Xifeng sighed. Baishe was beginning to remind her of her master from her previous life, a man who loved to nag the moment he saw her relaxing, constantly drilling herb's characteristics into her head. Some things, it seemed, never changed.
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. It breaks my heart when someone steals my hard work. Can you consider reading it on the original website for those who read my novel on another website besides w e b n o v e l .c o m, as your support to me? Thank you, from, your shameless author, ZerahNeko***