My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 782 - 489: Picking up the Bride (Combined into One)

The small boat traveled for two days and two nights.

Another serene morning arrived. Chen Yi noticed that Yin Tingxue was still asleep, so he got up and sat alone at the bow of the boat.

Scholars often wrote about the Yellow River's floods, always leaving the impression that it was in a perpetual state of turmoil. But as the river breeze blew and with the chilling winds of early New Year, the Yellow River was not turbid—on the contrary, its waters carried a piercing clarity brought by the cold air, a rare sight.

Chen Yi turned back to glance at Yin Tingxue, confirming she was indeed asleep, then reached into Square Land to retrieve something.

Under the gentle sunlight appeared a slightly yellowed book cover. Chen Yi's fingertips pressed against the few words inscribed on it—"Mystic Temple's Scandalous Record."

During his solitary travels before this, with time hard to pass, he had bought many books for the sake of distraction. Among them were miscellaneous titles such as "Jian Deng Xin Hua," "Wushan Love Affairs," and "National Beauty." Though it hadn't particularly enhanced his cultural refinement, he had gained a fair amount of unusual knowledge.

He counted the days—it had been some time since he last read. As they say, studying the old often brings new insights. Recently, he'd grown increasingly in sync with the little fox spirit. Since she liked him so much, it seemed only appropriate he learn a few new skills to reward her.

As for whether this counted as teasing her?

As long as she'd feel good being teased, it wouldn't count as bullying.

The river breeze brushed past, the water flowed swiftly. Chen Yi was engrossed in his reading, turning to about the tenth or so page when he heard a light murmur, "Mm…"

Suddenly, Chen Yi closed the book and tucked it back into Square Land, deftly performing a one-handed gesture to restrain his emotions.

He stood and walked over, "Awake?"

"Mm…" Yin Tingxue rubbed her sleepy eyes, glanced outside, and said, "We should be nearing the destination, right?"

"By noon, we'll arrive." Chen Yi replied.

Yin Tingxue nodded. She untied her water pouch, then took out a toothbrush, leaning against the stern of the boat to freshen up. After finishing her tasks, she gathered her robe and admired the fine scenery from the bow.

She soon turned back, giving Chen Yi a curious look.

"What's the matter?"

"You… didn't want me to hear something?" Yin Tingxue scratched her head in puzzlement.

Chen Yi chuckled, "Do you just want to hear everything?"

Yin Tingxue considered his disposition—soft but firm, prone to seizing the moment—and realized that always overhearing others' thoughts might not be entirely polite.

She replied in a soft voice, "I can't help it… Master Zhou hasn't taught me how to control my Heavenly Ear yet."

Chen Yi was naturally aware of this matter. Truthfully, he never felt much resistance toward Yin Tingxue's ability to hear his thoughts. But this time, he had genuinely wished she didn't overhear.

After all, stealthily flipping through a book like that—if it were any other woman hearing, it might be fine. But to let a naturally innocent little fox spirit hear would be embarrassingly inappropriate.

...…

Moving south along the river, they reached the borders of Mount Songshan. The two disembarked, and Chen Yi tossed a few silver taels onto the boat, shouting to the shrimp soldiers and crab generals, "Return the boat."

Upon receiving their orders, the shrimp soldiers and crab generals dove into the water, rapidly propelling the boat downstream until it vanished from sight.

"Where to next?" Yin Tingxue asked curiously.

"Head further south, of course."

Chen Yi replied decisively, taking a brisk step forward.

Yin Tingxue hurried behind him, grabbing his sleeve.

Since leaving Yin Sword Mountain, the two had not been rushing on their journey. Their pace alternated between walking and resting, wandering leisurely.

This area was still some distance from the Hu-Guang province. Signs of unrest weren't yet visible, as the locals were still enjoying the New Year celebrations. Asking passersby about the White Lotus Sect rebellion usually yielded either vague summaries or wildly exaggerated descriptions. Chen Yi shook his head, realizing he'd only find out the true situation upon reaching Hu-Guang.

Not long after disembarking, a few pieces of spirit money fluttered through the air, drifting gracefully like snowflakes.

Chen Yi looked to the side, spotting a household that seemed drenched in a layer of white paint. Paper garments and hats were worn, and someone was blowing on a suona horn.

It was just a funeral.

By midday, Chen Yi asked for directions from the locals and led Yin Tingxue away from the unremarkable small town. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

The road was much the same as before—dirt paths that weren't easy to traverse. But Chen Yi affixed two talismans to his feet and sped along nimbly.

As the sun dipped in the west and dusk painted the skies in amber hues, a light drizzle began to veil the surroundings. After half a day's trek, the talismans lost their efficacy. It was time to find a place to rest for the night.

The area was remote, surrounded by mountains and forests. There were no inns to be seen, so they had no choice but to seek lodging in a village. Guided by the columns of cooking smoke, Chen Yi and Yin Tingxue found a settlement.

At the entrance of the village stood a stele engraved with the words "Suilin Village." Night had already fallen, and the houses scattered along the ridges disappeared into the darkness, their outlines indistinguishable. Only one household faintly emitted light. Looking up, they saw a green-stone tile house with a crimson plaque and Spring Festival lanterns still hanging—a clear sign of wealth.

Chen Yi changed into a Taoist robe and intentionally lit a lamp before knocking on the door of the residence.

After a moment, a pair of eyes peeked out from a crack in the door.

"Who is it?" A woman's voice asked.

"Pardon the intrusion, we are travelers returning to our hometown and seek a place to stay for the night. Would that be possible?"

"…It's not entirely impossible."

After a brief hesitation and seeing Chen Yi's lamp and the young maiden behind him, the door slowly opened.

A well-dressed woman appeared before Chen Yi. He raised his lamp, stepped over the threshold, and bowed respectfully.

"May I ask your name?"

"My surname is Du. You may call me Madam Du, Taoist sir."

"Madam Du, my junior sister and I are imposing on you. Please forgive the inconvenience."

"It's no trouble, no trouble at all. Please sit. I'll bring you some tea shortly."

The woman turned and went to prepare tea, while Yin Tingxue surveyed the house. In the corners of the walls grew patches of ghostly green moss, the wall surfaces stained with alternating circles of white and yellow, and cracks ran through them. Wind seeped in from the fissures, making her instinctively shrink her neck.