The Carefree Immortal, Episode 9: What is Love? Chapter 6: The Carefree Gentleman

Suddenly, strange cries came from above. The two looked up and saw a dozen or so large birds with blood-red eyes and beaks flying down from the gaping hole in the waterfall.

"It looks like those infant spoons!"

Xiao Xuan exclaimed happily.

"Yes, our own people."

E'yan nodded and quickly wiped away her tears.

"We're here!"

Xiao Xuan waved his arms and shouted.

The flock of birds flew lower and lower, circling in the air for a moment, and finally seemed to have spotted the two of them, swooping down towards them.

Xiao Xuan quickly recognized the three people riding on the three large birds at the front; it was none other than the Zi Bi sisters and Chu Chun, whom they had met earlier.

The three girls jumped down from the backs of the infant spoons and landed beside the two of them. Bi'er cried out anxiously, "How are you?"

"We're fine, not a hair on our heads."

Xiao Xuan smiled and opened his arms to show them.

"That is..."

The three girls stared in horror at the huge, mangled body and the python-like demonic arms hanging down from the sky.

"Guess."

Xiao Xuan smiled.

"The Thousand-Armed Demon?"

Chu Chun exclaimed.

Xiao Xuan nodded.

"You killed him? How could you kill him?"

Zi'er's cherry lips parted wide.

Xiao Xuan smiled without answering, beaming with pride.

"What exactly happened, E'yan, tell us quickly!"

Bi'er tugged at E'yan.

"Him? He killed him."

E'yan looked at Xiao Xuan, her face radiant, her previous delicate and fragile demeanor completely gone.

The three girls stared at Xiao Xuan, their faces filled with disbelief.

"No, it was E'yan who completely killed this demon."

Xiao Xuan feigned modesty.

"This demon is an ancient wood spirit that has devoured countless divine trees and spiritual woods..."

Bi'er murmured, her eyes almost worshipping as she looked at him.

"Hey, just how strong are you?"

Zi'er also stared at him.

"Hmph, someone tried to steal my things the other day, didn't they?"

Xiao Xuan rolled his eyes at the sky.

The two little fairies blushed instantly. Zi'er pouted and said, "Yes, yes, yes! I'm clumsy, I'm stupid, I overestimated myself, okay?"

"You are indeed clumsy, but you're kind of cute clumsy."

Xiao Xuan said with a grin.

"You're really taking advantage of my kindness!"

Zi'er said coquettishly, pretending to hit him, but her face showed joy.

"Didn't they say that the demon left the valley?"

Chu Chun stared at the huge remains of the Thousand-Armed Yuan Sheng.

"Maybe he's already back, maybe he never left at all, and has been secretly cultivating in this Tai Bi Yin Vein."

E Yan said.

"Can the Jie Mu Token really subdue this old demon?"

Chu Chun stared at her and asked.

"Yes, it's fortunate that we have this treasure."

E Yan nodded.

"No wonder so many people have been coveting it."

Chu Chun sighed, and continued, "You have to be careful about the Crown Prince, maybe..."

"That's not what he's after."

E Yan said expressionlessly.

Chu Chun snorted and said, "Anyway, I think he..."

E'yan suddenly interrupted and asked, "How is it outside?"

Chu Chun said, "The battle is fierce. The defense of Giant Bamboo Fortress is indeed astonishing, but our forces far outnumber them, and we have already broken through several points. That second young master of the Marquis of Fengtian is incredibly brave. He has several marks on his body but he still keeps charging forward. He has now reached the heart of the fortress. When I came over, I saw him being tripped up by a group of terrifying feet."

Xiao Xuan's heart tightened immediately, and he asked, "Is General Cheng injured? How badly is he injured?"

Chu Chun said, "I don't know. Although he has lost a lot of blood, he is still brave. I guess he is not seriously injured."

"He is injured but still fighting? The terrifying feet are very powerful!"

Xiao Xuan was very nervous.

The four women beside him were all puzzled, unaware that this man had already regarded Cheng Shiyi as his future brother-in-law.

"I will now seal this Tai Bi Yin Meridian, and the defense of the fortress will be greatly weakened."

E'yan said, and took out another earth-yellow magic talisman from the small pouch at her waist.

Xiao Xuan was anxious and said, "There are no enemies here, I'll go help outside."

"What?"

E'yan was taken aback and said, "Wait until I seal this place off before we go out together."

"What if something happens to this brother-in-law? How will we explain it to Shui'er later?"

Xiao Xuan became increasingly impatient, so he said to the Zi Bi sisters, "You stay here and take care of E'yan, I'm going to help General Cheng."

Before he finished speaking, he had already leaped up and rushed towards the waterfall like the wind.

"What's the rush? I'll be done in a minute!"

E'yan stamped her foot and shouted.

But Xiao Xuan was already far away, flying upwards along the waterfall.

"Does he know the second young master of the Marquis of Fengtian? Why is he so concerned?"

Zi'er asked.

E'yan shook her head.

************************************** Xiao Xuan flew up along the waterfall and in the blink of an eye, he had already passed through the giant mouth at the top. Just as he was wondering where to go, he suddenly heard strange cries and someone behind him called out, "Wait for me!"

Looking back, he saw Chu Chun riding more than ten infant spoons towards him.

“Sister?”

Xiao Xuan stopped mid-air.

“You’re going to find General Cheng, right?”

Chu Chun asked.

“Yes,”

Xiao Xuan replied.

“Do you know where he is?”

Chu Chun asked again.

Xiao Xuan shook his head.

“Come on, I’ll take you there.”

Chu Chun moved aside on the back of the baby spoon and patted the empty space next to her.

Xiao Xuan quickly flew onto the baby spoon, saying happily, “Thank you, sister.”

Chu Chun flew forward on her bird, and suddenly took out something from her sleeve. It was E Yan’s Unraveling Token. She said, “Take this.”

“Ah?”

Xiao Xuan was stunned. “How did it end up with you?”

“E Yan asked me to bring it to you. Take it.”

Chu Chun said.

Xiao Xuan took it and stared at the token in disbelief.

“Impressive, you actually managed to get E Yan to entrust this treasure to you so confidently.”

Chu Chun smiled.

"This...this fortress is full of wood-elemental spirits and traps, she wants this treasure to help me,"

Xiao Xuan stammered.

"I know, I didn't ask you to explain,"

Chu Chun said, gazing ahead with a suggestive smile.

Xiao Xuan's face flushed.

"As far as I know, E'yan has never lent this little knife to anyone else,"

Chu Chun glanced at him.

Xiao Xuan's heart fluttered, his mind filled with E'yan's beautiful smiling face.

"By the way, what's your name? Why do Zi'er and the others call you Xiao Bai?"

Chu Chun suddenly asked.

"Xiao Bai?"

Xiao Xuan paused for a moment before reacting, replying vaguely, "Xiao Bai is my nickname."

Chu Chun gave an "oh," and suddenly heard the sounds of battle echoing from afar. The flock of birds circled past a cluster of suspended pavilions, and suddenly saw a forest of swords, spears, and halberds on the arched bridge ahead. Xiao Xuan stared intently, seeing hundreds of monsters being blocked on the bridge by twenty or thirty terrifying feet, fighting fiercely. Among the monsters were dozens of bluish-white stone lions, clearly aware that his future brother-in-law was here. He immediately stood up from his infant spoon, his qi moving at will, and flew into the air, heading straight for the arched bridge.

The battle on the bridge was intense. Although there were many monsters, only a few could fly, and not all of them could reach the arched bridge. The terrifying feet were exceptionally sharp, dozens of long, hook-like feet striking out in turn, either sweeping the monsters away or pinning them to the ground.

Xiao Xuan flew closer and quickly spotted Cheng Shiyi among the dozens of stone lions. He was charging forward, wielding a spiked mace that gleamed with a bluish light. Though covered in blood, he was incredibly brave. Suddenly, he clashed head-on with a terrifying foot, smashing it with a thunderous blow, forcing the foot, several times his size, back several steps.

Just then, a nearby stone lion was pierced through the body by several long legs of the terrifying foot, flung high into the air, and then thrown far away, flying off the bridge and plummeting into the abyss.

Cheng Shiyi was enraged. The bluish light on his mace suddenly burst forth like flames, and with several fierce blows, he tore off half the head of the terrifying foot in front of him, but his armor was also slashed several times, blood gushing from the wounds.

Xiao Xuan flew swiftly forward, and while still in the air, a fiery dragon spun from his sleeve. The crimson flames instantly tore apart several terrifying feet blocking Cheng Shiyi's path, causing them to stagger. Cheng Shiyi seized the opportunity to charge forward, shouting as he swept one of the unbalanced feet off the bridge.

"General, retreat! Leave this to me!"

Xiao Xuan yelled, his foot touching the bridge railing. With a flick of his arm and a flourish of his sleeve, the Fiery Dragon Whip surged like a fiery dragon, scattering the terrifying feet into chaos. Suddenly, it swiftly twisted and pulled a terrifying foot, larger than a carriage, into the air, drawing gasps and cheers from the hundreds of monsters behind.

"Excellent skill!"

Cheng Shiyi exclaimed, his spirits soaring. The azure light on his staff shone even brighter as he steered the stone lion forward with unwavering resolve.

"General, please retreat! You're injured again!"

Xiao Xuan cried again, his whip lashing out and forcefully pulling another terrifying foot off the bridge.

"What's a little injury? Charge!"

Cheng Shiyi roared, his voice filled with awe-inspiring power. He and the stone lion beneath him leaped into the air, their giant club crashing down like lightning, smashing one of the terrifying feet, breaking its limbs and splitting its back, causing it to tumble onto the bridge.

"Impressive!"

Xiao Xuan secretly cheered, knowing that Cheng Shiyi would not retreat now. He said no more and advanced alongside him. His skill was no longer what it used to be, and Cheng Shiyi was as brave as a tiger. The two of them overwhelmed the terrifying foot like a tidal wave, tearing it to pieces. The monsters behind them seized the opportunity to advance, and the situation quickly became one-sided.

Just as they were about to cross the arched bridge, a sinister laugh was heard. Someone said arrogantly, "It seems that I really have to take action myself!"

Xiao Xuan looked up and saw a man standing on the opposite bridgehead. He had a broad face, a white beard, and eyes as sharp as lightning. In his left hand, he held a shimmering, emerald-green diabolo, and in his right hand, he held a long spear. It was none other than Chief Steward Mao, whom he had met on his first entry into the valley.

"These mechanisms seem to be controlled by this old man. Let's rush over and take him!"

Cheng Shiyi whispered to Xiao Xuan.

"Mao Ku!"

Xiao Xuan shouted, "Weren't you one of those who attacked Giant Bamboo Fortress that day?"

"That's right, the Spirit Bamboo Clan tastes incredibly delicious!"

Mao Ku smacked his lips and grinned maliciously, his left hand holding the bell to his waist, and his right hand slamming the spear into the ground.

Xiao Xuan was furious. He suddenly leaped up, abandoning the remaining terrifying legs, and charged straight at Mao Ku.

"Die, all of you!"

Mao Ku roared. His armor shattered, and his body suddenly and inexplicably swelled up. Three mottled monster heads appeared on his shoulders, and dozens of giant python-like demonic arms shot out from both sides, whipping away one of the terrifying legs beside him.

"So you're just another ordinary demon!"

Xiao Xuan shouted.

Mao Ku's true form was far inferior to the Thousand-Armed Yuan Sheng, but it was still a towering figure of five or six zhang (approximately 10-13 meters), a truly terrifying sight standing at the bridgehead. Hundreds of demons were instantly captivated, and even Cheng Shi stopped his charge.

Xiao Xuan, however, showed no fear and continued to rush forward like a meteor.

"Be careful!"

Chu Chun and Cheng Shi shouted in unison from behind.

Mao Ku raised its three heads to the sky, and suddenly dozens of enormous demonic arms around it erupted, striking Xiao Xuan like a torrent.

Xiao Xuan swung its right arm in a crisscrossing motion, and suddenly saw fire dragons crisscrossing and heat surging. Large swaths of flames covered the sky and slowly descended, dyeing the surroundings red, a terrifying sight. This was the killing move of their sect's whip technique, "Heavenly Fire Burning the Plains." At this moment, the dozens of demonic arms had already struck, but upon touching the flames, they were all blasted away, some even exploding into flames. Mao Ku was secretly alarmed, angrily brandishing its arms, about to strike again, when suddenly a green light flashed within the flames, and a small knife appeared before it.

"Dismember the tree!"

Mao Ku roared in alarm, his massive body retreating backward, his arms flailing wildly in a desperate attempt to block it, but the tree snapped at the touch of the azure light, instantly freezing as the right head flew off its neck.

Xiao Xuan appeared before the giant tree, his left hand flashing, shattering Mao Ku's remaining two heads into pieces. Xiao Xuan reversed his blade and sliced down, the dismembered tree transforming into azure rainbows that pierced through Mao Ku's neck, cutting straight to its root.

The demonic arms thrashed wildly, falling from the sky.

Xiao Xuan coldly sheathed his blade, returning the dismembered tree to its sheath. The giant tree before him suddenly split open, crashing to both sides.

Silence fell. Xiao Xuan flicked his whip, snatching the azure bell from Mao Ku's body.

Only then did cheers and shouts erupt from the hundreds of demons, shaking the heavens and earth.

**********

...

Eyan smiled and poured him a full cup of wine.

"What a wonderful place! What a wonderful place!"

Xiao Xuan tilted his head back and downed another cup.

"Well..."

Eyan continued to pour him wine, glancing at him and saying, "Would you like to stay here a little longer?"

"Sure, if you don't rush me, I won't leave,"

Xiao Xuan said, as he was worried about having nowhere to go.

"Really?"

Eyan's face lit up with joy. "Don't you like mechanical arts? Stay here, and I'll show you the amazing craftsmanship of my valley."

"This is the best!"

Xiao Xuan was overjoyed. Suddenly remembering something, he silently recited a spell and took out a jade-green bell from his magic pouch, laughing, "Look what this is!"

"The Wood Binding Token!"

Eyan exclaimed in surprise.

"I got it from that Mao Ku. So he's also a Wood Spirit."

Xiao Xuan said.

"My family's three treasures are finally all together..."

Eyan held the bell to her chest, seemingly lost in thought, her face filled with mixed emotions of joy and sorrow, on the verge of tears.

Seeing her eyes redden, Xiao Xuan quickly comforted her, "Hey, hey, you should be happy now, right?"

"I am happy,"

E'yan said gratefully, her voice choked with emotion, "Brother Xuan, you're so kind..."

"Then how will you thank me?"

Xiao Xuan asked happily.

"You think..."

E'yan's icy cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "How do you want me to repay you?"

"Hmm..."

Xiao Xuan hesitated.

E'yan gently bit her cherry lips, gazing at him tenderly.

Xiao Xuan glanced at her a little shyly, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

E'yan's cheeks grew increasingly red, and she suddenly became impatient: "Fine, don't tell me then! There's nothing."

"Wait! Wait!"

Xiao Xuan said urgently: "How about giving me two Terror Feet and a Mantis Craftsman?"

The girl was taken aback, and it took her a long time to come to her senses. Suddenly, she seemed annoyed: "Fine! It's a deal!"

"If you're not happy, then forget it."

Xiao Xuan said unhappily: "Then I'll just give you one Terror Feet, that's what you promised."

"Idiot!"

E'yan muttered under her breath, gritting her teeth.

"Stingy!"

Xiao Xuan muttered to himself, angrily gulping down a large cup of wine.

Just then, someone walked up to the table, raised a cup, and said, "Young brother, I toast you!"

Xiao Xuan looked up and saw that the newcomer was none other than King Jueying. He quickly stood up, raised his cup, and said, "Thank you, thank you, cheers! Cheers!"

The two drank it down in one go. King Jueying asked, "May I ask your name, brother?"

"My name is Cui Xiao... Xiaobai,"

Xiao Xuan hesitated, thinking that he was being hunted everywhere, and it was best to be careful for now.

E'yan, who was next to him, glanced at him.

King Jueying said, "Brother, your skills are amazing. Today, you defeated your enemy with a single move on the bridge. It was truly a pleasure to watch. May I ask where you reside, brother? What sect are you a disciple of?"

"I... I live far overseas. My sect is..."

Xiao Xuan's eyes darted around, and he said, "I am from the Xiaoyao Sect."

Of course, the Xiaoyao Sect was a fabrication; it came from Xiaoyao Peak, where he had grown up since childhood.

"The Carefree Sect?"

King Jueying frowned. "I've never heard of such a sect before..."

"A small sect, far overseas, it's not surprising that it's unknown,"

Xiao Xuan said with a smile.

King Jueying suddenly said, "Ah! I remember now, there's a Carefree Sect in the East Sea. So, brother, you mean this one?"

"Exactly! Exactly!"

Xiao Xuan blinked and said, "I'm a member of the Carefree Sect."

E'yan, standing beside him, was taken aback, hesitating to speak.

"Now that you mention it, I remember!"

King Jueying said, "The members of the Xiaoyao Sect are known for their secluded travels overseas, but their young master, Xiaoyao Langjun, has occasionally appeared in the Central Plains these past two years, accomplishing several remarkable feats. People say he is handsome, charming, and incredibly skilled, and his weapon is a long rope. Could it be... that you are my brother?"

Xiao Xuan hesitated for a moment, then chuckled vaguely, "Well... my weapon is a long whip."

King Jueying laughed, "It's normal for rumors to be a little inaccurate. Brother, you don't need to try to fool your older brother."

Xiao Xuan thought that if he denied it, he would have to explain again, and might even give himself away, so he laughed and said, "Your Majesty has a good eye! A good eye!"

"So it's Xiaoyao Langjun!"

King Jueying laughed loudly, "Good! Good! No wonder you're so skilled! Let's have another drink!"

The two drank another cup, and then King Jueying left. Before leaving, he secretly glanced at Eyan, his smile rather strange.

E'yan's pretty face flushed red, and she suddenly spat at Xiao Xuan, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

"What's wrong?"

Xiao Xuan asked, startled.

"Is your name Cui Xiao Xuan or Cui Xiao Bai?"

E'yan glared at him.

"I..."

Xiao Xuan stammered, hesitating whether to tell the truth.

"I'm asking you,"

E'yan said angrily, "Are you afraid that word will get out and others will know that you're fooling around with us monsters?"

"No, no,"

Xiao Xuan quickly shook his head.

"You're a respectable disciple of the immortals, so it's not surprising that you're afraid of this, but you can't even say what sect you belong to, yet you insist on impersonating that... that Xiaoyao Sect!"

E'yan said.

"What about the Xiaoyao Sect?"

Xiao Xuan was confused.

"Do you even know what kind of filthy, despicable sect the Xiaoyao Sect is?"

E'yan said angrily.

"A heretical sect, is it? I just made it up, who knew there really was such a sect."

Xiao Xuan said with infinite grievance.

Just as E'yan was about to speak again, someone else arrived. It was Cheng Shiyi, who brought over a cup and said loudly to Xiao Xuan, "Brother, young hero, I, Cheng, offer you a toast."

Xiao Xuan hurriedly stood up and said in a flustered manner, "I dare not accept such praise. General, you are truly a great hero with unparalleled bravery!"

Cheng Shiyi smiled, raised his cup, and said, "Cheers!"

The two drank it down, and Cheng Shiyi turned to E'yan and said, "The young valley master's forces are full of hidden talents, which is truly enviable."

E'yan smiled and said, "General, you're too kind. If we're talking about talent, how could I possibly compare to Marshal Cheng, the Marquis of Fengtian?"

Cheng Shi also said, "The battle here is over. I'll return to Yunzhou tomorrow morning. I hope the young valley master won't forget his promise."

"Of course! I'll make the arrangements shortly. Some of the supplies can be given to the general to take away tomorrow morning. The rest, I'll send to Yunzhou after I've settled things here,"

E'yan said.

"Thank you, young valley master!"

Cheng Shi was overjoyed, bowed deeply, and took his leave.

Xiao Xuan was reluctant to part, wanting to get closer to his future brother-in-law. He poured himself a full cup of wine and was about to return the toast when someone else arrived—it was King Bashan and King Zhuo Ri.

"I just heard from Jueying that you are the famous Carefree Gentleman! I've heard so much about you!"

King Zhuo Ri exclaimed loudly.

"A pleasure to meet you!"

Xiao Xuan quickly replied.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The two demon kings raised their cups in unison.

The three drank a cup together.

"I've long admired the young sect leader's reputation for romance and long awaited this opportunity. I'm so happy to finally have my wish fulfilled!"

said King Bashan.

"Young sect leader, although we are rough men from the mountains, we also enjoy the arts of alchemy and the practice of replenishing one's essence. We are all like-minded, so we must have a good exchange today!"

King Zhuo Ri laughed lewdly.

Xiao Xuan was dumbfounded, finally understanding why E'yan was so annoyed.

"I've heard that the young sect leader is always surrounded by beauties, and not a single one today,"

King Bashan said with a smile.

"Well… I came in a hurry… so…"

Xiao Xuan stammered, suddenly catching E'yan's fierce gaze beside him, he was startled and dared not continue his charade.

"Ah… I understand! I understand!"

The two demon kings suddenly realized, grinning at him and E'yan.

E'yan blushed deeply, utterly embarrassed.

King Zhu Ri laughed, "Young Master is indeed remarkable. Our Palace Master has never..."

E Yan's eyebrows furrowed, about to erupt.

King Zhu Ri was startled and quickly shut his mouth. King Ba Shan suddenly put his arm around Xiao Xuan's shoulder affectionately and said, "Young Master, why don't you come to our table for a few drinks?"

"Sure!"

Xiao Xuan loved drinking, and seeing that E Yan's expression was not good, he quickly slipped away with the two demon kings.

Upon reaching the seats of the two demon kings, the three drank several more cups. Suddenly, King Zhuo Ri lowered his voice and

said, "I've heard rumors that the disappearances of the Flawless Fairy of the Evil-Repelling Palace, the Jade Dew Lady of Purple Smoke Island, and the Ninth Princess of the West Sea Dragon King in the past two years are all related to you, brother. Is this true?" Xiao Xuan was greatly alarmed and hurriedly said, "It's alright, it's alright, I've never seen these people before!"

King Zhuo Ri chuckled, his address becoming increasingly intimate: "Brother, don't be nervous. What kind of person am I? Why would I be so alarmed by such things?"

"Brother, your ability to accomplish these things proves your remarkable skill! Those women are all beauties coveted by men; such good fortune must have made countless others envious!"

King Ba Shan added.

Xiao Xuan broke out in a cold sweat.

"I've heard that the Flawless Fairy and the Jade Dew Lady both cultivate the Pure Elixir Method, their primordial yin reaching its purest state, and it has never leaked. Is this true?"

King Ba Shan lewdly asked.

King Zhuo Ri continued, "Many people say that Princess Long Jiu possesses a treasure, a perfect furnace for cultivation. Brother, you must be overjoyed, right?"

Xiao Xuan's scalp tingled, and he stammered.

King Zhuo Ri frowned slightly and said, "We're not those hypocrites from the Heavenly Dao Pavilion or the Evil-Repelling Palace. Does the young sect leader still have reservations about us?"

Seeing the two demon kings staring at him with some displeasure, Xiao Xuan quickly smiled and said, "This isn't the place to... talk about such things, is it?"

The two demon kings immediately understood, and King Zhuo Ri laughed heartily, "Indeed! Indeed! Then please, young sect leader, visit our place sometime, and we brothers can have a good exchange."

"Although our place is in the wilderness, we have collected several exquisite furnaces. We hope the young sect leader will help us appraise them and offer his guidance,"

said King Ba Shan.

"Of course, of course. If there's an opportunity, I will definitely visit your immortal abode,"

Xiao Xuan replied with a smile.

"Drink! Cheers! Cheers!"

The two demon kings raised their cups again.

Xiao Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, drank several more cups with the two demon kings, and then slipped back to E Yan's seat under an excuse.

"Why did those two sneak over there like that?"

E Yan glared at him.

Xiao Xuan dared not tell the truth, and laughed, "Just drinking and bragging."

E Yan stared at him suspiciously, when suddenly a female guard hurried over, knelt before the table, and whispered, "Reporting to the Palace Master, Crown Prince Yuan Yi has arrived."

"Him?"

E Yan was startled, her expression changing slightly. "What's he doing here!"

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The Carefree Immortal, Episode 9: What is Love? Chapter 6: The Carefree Gentleman

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