"Whatâs there to focus on about what your parents gave you? Itâs better to put more thoughts into cultivation."
Jiang Lai replied with a line that fit perfectly with the original character, causing those disciples who were still hung up on appearances to hang their heads in shame for a moment.
Indeed, when youâve become an immortal, whatâs there to care about appearances for? Everyone looking the same doesnât count for much; itâs truly the cultivation that earns respect from others.
Meng Tao gritted her teeth and said nothing beside him; Jiang Laiâs words seemed like a warning directed at her as if she always wanted to stand out, and yet she was born different without having to be conspicuous.
Ever since Yu Fanxin began to reevaluate Jiang Lai, she found that she was previously blind, unable to see the many advantages Jiang Lai had.
"Senior Sister is right; everyone shouldnât care too much about appearances. Only power can truly let you stand firm in the Immortal Realm. Alright, now letâs arrange identities. Since we plan to disguise as a caravan, everyone should think about their identity and name. Iâll be the boss of the caravan, and Dazhuang and Erhan, youâre the tallest and strongest, so youâll be the accompanying guards... Finally, the girls."
The identities for the men were assigned; in this male-preferred society, womenâs roles were really limited.
Yu Fanxin thought seriously and then, without a sideways glance, said with righteous fervor.
"Letâs do this: I and Senior Sister will pretend to be a couple, Yun He and Meng Tao will be Senior Sisterâs siblings. This way, we wonât easily be exposed. Got it?"
After speaking, she meaningfully pursed her lips, her eyes remaining forthright and righteous, and no one sensed anything amiss.
Thereâs nothing wrong with Senior Brother and Senior Sister pretending to be a couple.
"But Senior Brother, Senior Sister is nearly four thousand years older than you. I thought youâd choose Meng Tao as your wife! Sheâs only eighteen!"
Eighteen is whatâit doesnât even scratch the surface of everyone elseâs age.
Yu Fanxin waved a hand.
"What nonsense are you talking about? This kind of matter should be taken seriously. Besides, does age matter in the Immortal Realm? Three-thousand-year-old couples arenât unusual, let alone a few thousand years difference between me and Senior Sister."
Everyone heard something off in their ears, but none of them thought about it further, so their eyes were full of confusion.
"Senior Brother, your attitude towards Senior Sister lately... if we didnât know you two used to be at each otherâs throats, weâd almost think you like her."
Yu Fanxin, upon hearing this, almost jumped three feet high like a cat whose tail was stepped on, waving her hands and wagging her head in refusal.
"What nonsense is that? Me like Senior Sister? Ha! How is that possible? Do you think it could happen?"
"Of course not! We all know what your standards are, Senior Brother!"
"Yes, how could Senior Sister, being so much older and fiercer than you, ever match up?"
"Donât worry, we wonât talk about it anymore. Look, Senior Brother is so mad, his face is red with anger! Such jokes shouldnât be made. Itâs one thing to joke about Meng Tao, but with Senior Sister, itâs going too far!"
Everyone helped Yu Fanxin clarify, thinking they had cleanly severed any connection, making it a joyful affair. Yet Yu Fanxin felt a bit of unease and anxiety, especially in the next second, when Jiang Laiâs voice suddenly rang from behind.
"What are you talking about? Are you done with your tasks?"
Everyone scattered to prepare, leaving only Yu Fanxin to quietly turn around and give Jiang Lai a glance, feeling inexplicably guilty and couldnât help but ask her.
"Did you hear everything we just said?"
"Yes, I heard it. Rest assured, as long as you donât come over, I wonât go over to bother you. Iâm your Senior Sister; youâre my Junior Brother, always will be."
After she spoke, Jiang Lai turned around and left, leaving Yu Fanxin standing dumbfounded, perpetually mulling over the words Jiang Lai just said, pangs of regret tugging within.
He frowned, and a Junior Brother walked over at this time.
"Senior Brother, if youâre really unwilling, I can sacrifice myself. I can pretend to be married to Senior Sister."
"Get out of here, go look in the mirror!"
The Junior Brother was reprimanded and completely bemused.
Whatâs up with Senior Brother? Asking him to look in the mirror? Is it possible he canât match someone whoâs several thousand years older?
What a headache to deal with.
Everyone got dressed up, concealing their Immortal Energy, and led the carriage into the city.
In Yueyang City, people bustled about, and the myriad shops and stalls were filled with the sounds of vendors, making the caravan led by Yu Fanxin quite unassuming in this bustling hub of trade.
Chu Xiuhuan was hiding in this city, although they werenât exactly sure where. But when the demonic qi leaks out, it canât be controlled. As long as he doesnât leave this city, heâll eventually be exposed.
Today was sure to yield nothing, and they found an inn to stay. They had an endless supply of Silver Coins from the Mortal World, but still kept a low profile, opting for two people per room to avoid drawing attention.
Meng Tao and another Senior Sister took a room, while the rest of the Junior Brothers paired up, leaving only Yu Fanxin and Jiang Lai.
"If itâs too crowded, we can get one more room. Weâre already keeping a low profile; nobody will notice one extra room."
Yu Fanxin glanced at Jiang Lai and, seeing her silence, decisively made the call.
"Just one room, I donât need sleep; meditative rest is sufficient."
At this moment, Meng Tao walked to Jiang Laiâs side.
"Senior Sister can stay with us; our room is large, and three girls can look after each other, right, Senior Sister?"
Jiang Lai rejected her straightforwardly.
"No thanks, I donât like sharing a room with others. The demons are rampant at night, so someone needs to stand watch. Iâll keep watch; you all rest."
Meng Tao looked a bit disappointed, glanced at her dull surroundings, and whispered.
"Senior Sister, if you donât want to share a room with me, just say it. Youâre badly wounded, you should rest. Iâll keep watch tonight; Iâm familiar with the Mortal World anyway."
Here it comes again, just like in the original plot. Meng Tao volunteered to keep watch. The original host thought nothing bad would happen on the first night and let her go, leading to her sneaking out to play, catching the interest of Yu Fanxin at the time.
Tonight is the Lantern Festival in the Human World; the riverside is vibrant, with lanterns everywhere. Meng Tao, mischievously playful, quickly lost track of Yu Fanxin and then accidentally came across a young man on a bridge attempting to propose to a girl. Meng Tao intervened with Immortal Law to help, but Chu Xiuhuan, a demon, was in the crowd. Upon sensing the Immortal Law, unsurprisingly, he abducted Meng Tao.
Yu Fanxin found out and immediately notified others to chase after them. The original host charged ahead but was hit hard by Chu Xiuhuan, coughing up blood. Many others were severely injured, but only Yu Fanxin had the strength to continue the chase, though Chu Xiuhuan ultimately got away.