Chapter Eight: Nothing Better to Do After a Full Meal

The horizon was tinged with pale light, delicate strands of gold sneaking beneath the clouds, cautiously peeking out at the world beyond. In the dilapidated inn’s first-floor hall, Gu Zhiheng was drenched in sweat, while Chu Xingran stood behind him, carefully drawing a talisman on his back, and Chen Yuan watched the proceedings, cracking sunflower seeds and enjoying the spectacle.

Finally, with the last stroke completed, everyone let out a sigh of relief. They had underestimated how difficult drawing a talisman could be—if the first attempt was so arduous, would the dozens to come be just as challenging, or would each become even harder?

Gu Zhiheng straightened his clothes, wiped away his sweat, and rose smoothly, heading for the door as if nothing had happened. Chu Xingran and Chen Yuan were left staring at each other in bewilderment, unable—and unwilling—to understand Gu Zhiheng’s enigmatic behavior.

“Look at that lunatic of a man. What’s so special about him that you cling to him? Can’t you just pick another?” she scoffed. “What’s so good about men anyway?”

“And you!” she continued. “Single for over five hundred years, haven’t even had an earthworm approach you! Born single and still have the nerve to laugh at me?”

At the doorway, Gu Zhiheng glanced at the sky—the darkness before dawn. Now was the perfect time for them to travel through the air. Although his health was poor, the two women inside were more than capable; walking was simply too tiring.

“We’ll travel through the air to Mingmu Town—should take about an hour. Once there, we can have breakfast and rest properly,” Gu Zhiheng declared, looking at the two with earnest seriousness.

Chen Yuan listened to Gu Zhiheng’s words with thinly veiled disdain. He was clearly so powerful, yet insisted on making her and Chu Xingran do everything for him. Could he not show a little dignity?

“What? You have a problem? Keep it to yourself!” he retorted. If Chen Yuan wanted to be killed and devoured ahead of schedule, he’d be happy to oblige.

After all, anyone would be unsettled with a little earthworm tagging along day after day. Especially one like Chen Yuan, who had lived too long and could even take human form—the thought was increasingly intolerable.

Heh. Heh heh heh...

Chen Yuan forced a smile, grabbed Chu Xingran, and quickly followed behind Gu Zhiheng, afraid that a single second’s delay would incur his wrath. She looked harmless on the surface, but her heart was venomous, icy cold every day.

Suddenly, a chill wind swept by, and Chen Yuan felt her neck stiffen and grow cold. She turned, rather rigidly, to meet Gu Zhiheng’s sullen glare. The next moment, she was flung out of the door by him.

“Sis, I know you like cute little creatures, but next time, don’t pick some old monster,” he grumbled—old, ugly, and disgusting.

Of course, he didn’t dare say the last part aloud, for fear Chu Xingran would throw him out next, and he wouldn’t dare retaliate.

“Oh, it’s mainly because I’m more familiar with Chen Yuan. If not her, who else?” She spoke gently, though her inner thoughts were far from it.

On the surface, she seemed indifferent, but internally she complained about Gu Zhiheng, “Who’s old? Who’s a monster?” Ah, Gu Zhiheng, such a clueless man!

“I’m a bit sleepy. Can you carry me, and wake me when we arrive?”

Resigned, Chu Xingran called Chen Yuan back and searched the inn, eventually finding a functional car. Though dawn had yet to break, traveling through the air would be unwise—what if they were caught on camera?

Better to blend in and drive; it was more enjoyable anyway.

With a roar, the engine started, and the car sped off into the distance.

Gu Zhiheng, previously drowsy, perked up instantly, casting a resentful look at Chu Xingran—the woman was nothing short of a madwoman.

Chen Yuan, sitting in the back seat, turned pale. She’d ridden in human vehicles many times, but never had she encountered a driver like Chu Xingran—a wild woman behind the wheel.

“Nine... Ninth Lord, your lady is a bit much. When you have time, do something about her,” she pleaded, then rolled down the window and vomited outside.

Gu Zhiheng could only sigh. He wasn’t much attuned to emotions; it seemed all acquaintances were classified as family, and nothing further. The old men, Chu Xingran’s talk of romance, or the tragic lovers in books—he simply couldn’t feel such things.

“My sister has always been like this, ever since I met her. Hundreds of years, she’s never changed. No one can stop her from being herself. Besides, she’s not my wife.”

Chu Xingran glanced at Gu Zhiheng in the rearview mirror, knowing his heart held no place for romance, so she continued driving in silence.

She’d raised the boy herself and knew his thoughts inside and out. As Chen Yuan and the old men said, she was simply bored, too idle, and that’s why she clung to Gu Zhiheng.

But for others, Chu Xingran had little patience or respect. “Little earthworm, best keep quiet. I don’t mind helping Nine get to know you better!”

Indeed, on such matters, Chu Xingran and Gu Zhiheng were of one mind.

“Just drive. I’m hungry, sleepy, and exhausted. Don’t talk and disturb me,” Gu Zhiheng instructed, then closed his eyes to rest.

Chen Yuan, after vomiting for ages, withdrew her head, rinsed her mouth, wiped herself clean, and sat obediently. She was certain Gu Zhiheng and Chu Xingran weren’t bluffing about getting to know her. If she mouthed off again, by sunrise, she’d take one last look at the world before returning to dust.

“Ah Ran, I heard Mingmu Town has some performances tonight. Shall we go see?” She’d heard a well-known singer was in town and had never attended a live concert.

Chu Xingran was curious about human activities, but their priority was Gu Zhiheng’s safety. Mingmu Town was famed for snake breeding; to obtain black snake essence, they had to go there.

But... well, it’s just a snake!

The darkness swiftly faded, and golden light began to shine.

The matters in Ming Shui Town, she trusted Gui Zhi would make the right choice. As for the journey ahead, she hoped all would go smoothly.

“Sis, I remember the Black Snake once courted you. Is he the one we’re looking for?” In the quiet atmosphere, Gu Zhiheng suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

“It doesn’t matter. With your current condition, we just need his essence. The rest can wait until we return.”

Heading northwest, they were both hunters and prey.

But clever hunters often appear as prey.

Since Gu Zhiheng was averse to killing, they would take it slow; the next trip back would be time enough for hunting.

No matter what fate had in store for Gu Zhiheng, they would strive alongside him. Heaven’s decree be damned—they would defy destiny together!