Chapter 80: Returning to the Capital
Because of the sudden appearance of the Green Ox Demon, Hua Changxi no longer bothered to hide her identity as a cultivator in front of A Niu and Pu Cao. To save time, she didn’t take the official road and instead led the Green Ox along a mountain path.
Along the way, Hua Changxi flew through the sky on clouds, while in the forest, the Green Ox dragged A Niu and Pu Cao along the ground.
“Little Green, you can’t use the Cloud Ascending Technique?”
“Reporting to Fairy, besides inheriting the immense strength of the ox tribe, I don’t know any magical arts.”
The Green Ox was also a clever ox. Seeing Hua Changxi flying on clouds, it was very envious and took the opportunity to say, “Fairy, can you teach me the Cloud Ascending Technique?”
Hua Changxi glanced at the Green Ox, “There’s no free lunch in the world. If I teach you magical arts, what can you do for me?”
A Niu cared a lot about the Green Ox and immediately replied, “Changxi, as long as you can teach Little Green the Cloud Ascending Technique, we’ll do whatever you ask us to do.”
Hua Changxi said in a flat tone, “What can you do right now? Even if I have something for you to do, you need to have the corresponding ability.”
A Niu changed his usual timid demeanor, “As long as Fairy teaches Little Green, I can give up my own life.”
Hua Changxi looked at him, somewhat speechless, “You dare to risk your life for an ox, yet you’re afraid to stand up for yourself.”
A Niu seemed to want to say something more, but the Green Ox nudged him, signaling him to stop.
It could tell that the Fairy in front of them was different from the villagers they had encountered before. In the village, people who were willing to sacrifice themselves were very popular, but with the Fairy, she didn’t seem to like that very much.
A Niu had mustered up his courage to speak just now, and being interrupted by the Green Ox, his spirit deflated. Thinking that Sister Pu Cao would usually speak up for him, but today she was unusually silent, he couldn’t help but look at her.
What was Pu Cao doing? She was still lost in thought, not having recovered from her worldview collapsing.
The ox could talk!
The ox could actually talk!
And the new Master they recognized could fly on clouds!
Was she an immortal?
That’s right, the Green Ox called her Fairy, so she must be an immortal.
She actually found an immortal to be her Master!
“Sister Pu Cao, are you alright?”
Hearing A Niu’s concerned voice, Pu Cao snapped back to reality and said blankly, “I’m fine, I’m fine. I just need some time to adjust.”
Hua Changxi also looked at Pu Cao. It was understandable that an ordinary person would find it hard to believe after suddenly encountering the fantastical side of this world. She wasn’t shouting or asking endless questions, so her disposition was quite good.
Three hours later, as the sky began to darken, the city gates of the Capital City appeared in the sight of Hua Changxi and her companions.
Before entering the city, Hua Changxi looked at the two and the ox, “We’re about to enter the city. Since you’re temporarily following me, you must act according to my rules. My first rule is to be discreet.”
“Pu Cao, A Niu, you are my two hired shop assistants. I have a shop in Feng’an Ward, and I plan to open an apothecary shop. Your job is to help me manage the shop.”
“As for the Green Ox, it will be the beast of burden for transporting goods for the shop.”
“Remember your roles and don’t do anything outside of your designated roles.”
“If you cannot meet my requirements, then you cannot follow me.”
Pu Cao had mostly processed her emotions by now and quickly stated, “Changxi, don’t worry, we won’t talk nonsense. A Niu and I are capable workers, and we will definitely manage the shop well. As for this ox, A Niu will take good care of it and won’t let it cause trouble.”
A Niu nodded repeatedly.
The Green Ox’s large head also nodded in agreement.
Hua Changxi said, “I don’t judge people by their words, but by their actions. I hope you can keep your promises.” With that, she led the two and the ox into the city.
Hua Changxi did not return to the Hua Family, nor did she go to the Medical Affairs Department. Instead, she took Pu Cao, A Niu, and the Green Ox to the shop in Feng’an Ward.
The shop was bought at the beginning of the year, but she never had time to manage it. The weeds in the backyard were half a meter high, and the house was covered in dust.
A Niu and Pu Cao looked at the three large shops and the fully equipped courtyard behind them, their eyes shining, feeling that life had hope again.
Hua Changxi took out the one hundred taels of silver from selling fish and looked at Pu Cao, “Can you keep accounts?”
Pu Cao nodded, “Yes, I had to keep accounts when I helped my mother-in-law sell tofu.”
Hua Changxi said, “There are shops selling food and clothing in the ward. For your daily necessities, you and A Niu can purchase them yourselves and just keep the accounts.”
“The shop hasn’t opened yet, so I’ll give you a salary of one tael of silver per month for now. Once the shop opens, we’ll adjust your salary based on the business.”
“Working in the shop includes food and lodging, but you’ll have to pay for any other expenses yourself.”
“You know what an apothecary shop looks like, right?”
“If you’re not sure, you can go for a walk on the streets for the next few days and see how other apothecary shops are set up.”
“I’ll give you a month to find people and clean and set up the apothecary shop. Can you do it?”
Although it was her first time in the Capital City and she didn’t know anything, Pu Cao still took the silver and said, “We can do it. A Niu and I will definitely clean up the shop properly.”
Hua Changxi looked at her, “If the money isn’t enough, you can tell me. Oh, and we need to get a cart for the Green Ox. If the shop needs to transport anything, it will do the work.”
The Green Ox suddenly asked, “Do I get a salary too?”
Hua Changxi paused, “Yes, the same as them, one tael of silver per month.”
Knowing that it would also receive a salary, the Green Ox was satisfied and indicated that it would work hard transporting goods.
Hua Changxi said, “I have to report to the Medical Affairs Department tomorrow, so I won’t have much time to be here. If you have anything, you can find me at the Medical Affairs Department.”
She didn’t want her family to know that she had opened a shop outside, so she didn’t tell them the Hua Family’s address.
After assigning the tasks, Hua Changxi let Pu Cao and A Niu handle things themselves, and she left Feng’an Ward to return to the Hua Family.
When Hua Changxi returned to the Hua Family, it was completely dark. As she approached the Hua Family courtyard, her expression changed.
Spiritual Energy fluctuation!
Why was there a spiritual energy fluctuation in the Hua Family courtyard?
Hua Changxi leaped up and landed directly on the courtyard wall. After sensing it, she found that the spiritual energy fluctuation was coming from the second and fourth branches in the backyard.
“Who’s there?”
Hua Minghe came out with foot-washing water to pour out and immediately noticed someone on the courtyard wall. He shouted a warning and grabbed a broom from under the eaves to throw at her.
Hua Changxi quickly called out, “Father, it’s me.”
“Jiu Niang.”
Hearing his daughter’s voice, Hua Minghe was first surprised, then his face lit up with joy.
At this moment, other rooms in the front courtyard also opened. Hua Liulang, wearing only his shorts and holding a knife, rushed out.
Hua Changxi jumped down from the courtyard wall, “It’s me, it’s me.”
Hua Liulang’s face lit up with joy, “Jiu Niang, you’re back.”
Madam Yao also ran out of her room. Seeing Hua Changxi, she hurried forward and took her daughter to examine her. After confirming that her daughter was fine, she chided, “You child, why don’t you use the main entrance to come home? Why are you climbing over the courtyard wall?”
Hua Changxi smiled sheepishly. Seeing people from the second and fourth branches hurrying over from the backyard, her gaze paused on Hua Silang and Hua Shierniang from the second branch, and Hua Qiniang from the fourth branch.
These three had actually already achieved Qi Induction!
“I just wanted to give everyone a surprise.”
Old Madam Hua’s displeased voice rang out, “No surprise, but quite a fright. You haven’t been home for months, and not only have you not improved, but you’ve also learned the ways of a bandit.”
“Mother.”
Hua Minghe called out to Old Madam Hua, stopping her from lecturing further.
In the living room of the main house, Old Master Hua’s cough was heard, “Jiu Niang is back, let’s all go inside to talk.”
Old Madam Hua then stopped talking and turned to go inside.
Hua Changxi had long been immune to Old Madam Hua. At this moment, she only wanted to know how Hua Qiniang and the other two had embarked on the path of cultivation. Pulled into the living room by Madam Yao, after greeting the elders, her gaze remained fixed on the three of them.
Hua Shierniang saw Hua Changxi staring at her and smiled somewhat smugly, “Jiu Niang, why are you looking at me like that?”
Hua Changxi immediately asked, “Shier, your skin and Sister Qi’s are so radiant. What kind of beauty treatment are you using?”
As soon as she said this, the faces of the Hua family elders stirred.
Hua Minghe and Madam Yao exchanged glances, both surprised by their daughter’s perceptiveness.
Hua Shierniang said happily, “It’s not a beauty treatment at all. It was Shi Niang. Shi Niang came back a while ago and had everyone touch a transparent crystal stone. Only I and Sister Qi made the stone light up.”
“Shi Niang said that those who make the crystal stone light up can cultivate Daoist cultivation methods. She gave me a copy of the Five Elements Art, and Sister Qi a copy of the Fire Wood Art.”
“After Sister Qi and I practiced, we really felt that our bodies and complexions had improved a lot.”
Hua Changxi was delighted to hear that Hua Shiniang had returned and looked at Madam Yao and Hua Minghe, “Father, Mother, Shi Niang is back? Where is she?”
Speaking of her youngest daughter, Madam Yao’s expression darkened, “She’s gone. There was something at Taisu Palace, so Shi Niang only stayed for a day before being called away again.”
“Shi Niang originally wanted to go to Medicine Valley with your Third Brother and Sixth Brother to see you. She said you were alone there and worried something might happen to you, so she asked us to bring you back.”
Hua Changxi smiled, “Shi Niang always worries too much. By the way, Mother, has Shi Niang been well at Taisu Palace all these years?”
Before Madam Yao could speak, Hua Shierniang interjected, “Of course she’s been well. Jiu Niang, you should have seen it. Shi Niang is now even more refined than a young lady from a good family, and she’s very dignified.”
“Shi Niang also left health-preserving pills for the elders in the family. Haven’t you noticed that Grandfather, Grandmother, and Eldest Uncle’s complexions have also improved a lot compared to before?”
“However, when it comes to health preservation, cultivating Daoist cultivation methods is still the best. Unfortunately, not everyone can practice Daoist cultivation methods for self-cultivation. Only I and Sister Qi in the whole family can.”
Hua Changxi looked at Hua Silang, “I notice that Fourth Brother’s complexion is similar to Sister Qi’s and Shier’s, and better than others. What’s going on?”
As soon as she said this, Hua Shierniang, who had been enthusiastically showing off, suddenly fell silent.
Old Madam Hua glanced at Hua Changxi and muttered, “Your eyes are really sharp.”
Hua Changxi looked at her silent family members, especially noticing her Father and Mother lowering their heads with guilt on their faces, and others looking uncomfortable, “What’s wrong?”
Hua Liulang said in a low voice, “It’s not that only Sister Qi and Sister Shier can cultivate Daoist cultivation methods. Sister Qi and Sister Shier have their own talent, but others can also cultivate by taking pills.”
Hua Changxi’s eyes flickered, “What pills?”
Hua Liulang looked at his sister, “Shi Niang left three portions of pills, two in each portion. One Body Transformation Pill and one Green Wood Pill. As long as you eat them, you can cultivate Daoist cultivation methods.”
Seeing that Hua Liulang seemed to want to continue, Old Master Hua spoke up, “It’s getting late, and Jiu Niang must be tired. Let’s stop here for today. Everyone go back and rest.”
After speaking, he was the first to return to the west room. Old Madam Hua immediately followed. Seeing the old couple leave, the people from the second and fourth branches also got up and returned to the backyard.
Hua Changxi watched this scene with a calm expression, having already guessed what had happened.
Given Shi Niang’s personality, she would definitely have left pills for her. But given her grandfather’s patriarchal tendencies, her pills were probably eaten by other male members of the family.
Hua Changxi followed Hua Minghe and Madam Yao to their east room. Hua Sanlang and Hua Liulang exchanged glances and followed them in.
“Father, Mother, who were the three portions of pills from Shi Niang given to?”
Seeing that Hua Minghe didn’t speak, Hua Liulang said, “Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother, and Eleventh.”
Hua Changxi asked, “Grandfather distributed them?”
Hua Liulang replied, “Besides Grandfather, who else could it be? Grandfather said that the first branch has Eldest Brother and Shi Niang, the second branch has Fourth Brother and Shier Niang, and the fourth branch has Qi Niang and Eleventh. This way, all three branches can develop equally and no one is left behind.”
Hua Changxi looked at Hua Minghe and Madam Yao, “Father, Mother, the pills were Shi Niang’s. Even if they weren’t given to me, it would have been good to give them to Third Brother and Sixth Brother. Why did you let Grandfather make the decision?”
Hua Minghe looked at Hua Changxi, “Jiu Niang, your grandfather was also thinking of the entire Hua Family.”
Hua Changxi sneered, “Grandfather can be far-sighted for the Hua Family, but the premise is that he has the ability himself. What is it to be generous with other people’s things?”
Hua Minghe was actually bothered by Old Master Hua’s distribution of the pills, but as a child, he couldn’t criticize his parents, “Your grandfather said that from now on, the family will fully support your Third Brother and Sixth Brother in practicing martial arts.”
Hua Liulang snorted, “However, Daoist cultivation methods are much more powerful than Martial Arts.”
Hua Minghe looked displeasedly at Hua Liulang, “You haven’t practiced it, so how do you know Daoist cultivation methods are more powerful?”
Hua Liulang said, “I just know that even if one becomes a Grandmaster in martial arts, they can’t fly, but Shi Niang can fly.”
Madam Yao, seeing her son’s resentment, tried to comfort him, “Everything has its destiny. Not getting some things might not be a bad thing.”
Hua Changxi looked at the four of them, “Father, Mother, Third Brother, Sixth Brother, do you want to cultivate Daoist cultivation methods?”
Hua Liulang muttered, “Who wouldn’t want to?”
Seeing that the other three did not deny it, Hua Changxi asked again, “Did you copy the Daoist cultivation methods left by Shi Niang?”
Hua Liulang immediately said, “Third Brother copied them.”
Hua Changxi looked at Hua Sanlang, “Third Brother, I’d like to see them.”
Hua Sanlang looked at her, “It’s useless to look at them. Without a Spiritual Meridian, you can’t cultivate.”
Hua Changxi said, “Just bring them for me to see first.”
Hua Sanlang had no choice but to return to his room and bring the three copied cultivation methods.
Hua Changxi took them and flipped through them, “《Green Wood Art》, 《Five Elements Art》, 《Fire Wood Art》.”
Hua Sanlang explained, “Sister Qi cultivates the Fire Wood Art, Sister Shier cultivates the Five Elements Art, and the three who took Shi Niang’s pills, including Eldest Brother, cultivate the Green Wood Art.”
Hua Changxi held the 《Five Elements Art》 and read, “It says here that the best Spiritual Meridians are of five types: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. If you had to choose, which would you choose?”
Hua Sanlang shook his head and chuckled, “Is this something we can choose?”
Hua Changxi looked at her parents and two brothers and smiled, “Since we’re idle, let’s treat it as a game. If it were me, I’d choose the Fire Spiritual Meridian.”
Hua Liulang was the first to respond, “I’ll choose the Fire Spiritual Meridian too.”
Hua Changxi looked at Hua Sanlang, “Third Brother, what about you?”
Hua Sanlang deeply desired to cultivate Daoist cultivation methods, but he also knew that he probably wouldn’t have the chance. Not wanting to fool around with his younger siblings, he remained silent.
Hua Liulang spoke for him, “Third Brother likes alchemy, so he’ll definitely choose the Wood Spiritual Meridian.”
Hua Changxi then looked at Hua Minghe and Madam Yao, “What about Father and Mother?”
Sensing something unusual from her daughter’s systematic questioning, Madam Yao said, “I like fire, and your father likes wood, I suppose.”
Hua Changxi smiled and said, “You all know that I’m valued by a Grandmaster from Medicine Valley, right?”
“That Grandmaster You gave me a few pills some time ago. I took one, and then I got a Fire Spiritual Meridian. I happen to have four left, one for each of you.”
Upon hearing this, Hua Minghe and the other three were stunned. It wasn’t until they saw Hua Changxi actually take out two red pills and two green pills, and smell the Incense of Pills, that they snapped back to reality.
Hua Liulang swallowed hard, “Jiu Niang, what kind of pills are these?”
Hua Changxi shook her head, “I’m not too sure either, but after eating them, you can cultivate Daoist cultivation methods.”
As soon as he heard this, Hua Liulang quickly grabbed a Fire Spiritual Pill and swallowed it directly. He felt the pill turn into a warm current flowing to all parts of his body and closed his eyes in contentment.
Hua Changxi handed the pills to the other three.
Hua Sanlang glanced at Hua Liulang, took the pill, and swallowed it as well.
Madam Yao said with some worry, “Jiu Niang, tell Mother, where did these pills come from?”
Hua Changxi smiled and shook her head, “Mother, I don’t want to lie to you, but there are some things I don’t want to talk about.”
Madam Yao and Hua Minghe exchanged glances, took the pills, and without hesitation, ate them.
Absorbing the pills would take some time. Hua Changxi helped the four of them sit down properly. Seeing that they were not having any problems, she returned to her own room.
