The Journey of Immortal Cultivation-Chapter 593 - 339: Secret Deliberation
"Easy to find, which house here is not a vast and extravagant estate? Yet your small building stands uniquely splendid—it’s impossible to miss." Ning Xiaoxian cast a sidelong glance at him, "Given that Lord Miluo’s comings and goings usually demand the attendance of luxury carriages and horses, it’s truly hard to believe you would choose to live in such a serene place." She originally thought that the most luxurious among these grand mansions would be Miluo’s residence.
Unperturbed by the faint sarcasm in her words, Miluo smiled and said, "This is indeed not to my taste, but rather my mother’s dwelling. She preferred simplicity over complexity and enjoyed tranquility, so my father bought this quiet courtyard for her in Chiming City."
Ning Xiaoxian halted in her steps: "Can I meet your mother later?" Why did this fox spirit bring her here to see his mother?
A flicker of amusement flashed through Miluo’s eyes as if he was quite pleased with her nervousness, but he sighed lightly and said, "You won’t be able to see her. My mother passed away hundreds of years ago." Ning Xiaoxian sheepishly apologized and listened as he continued, "Human lifespans are naturally short, and unfortunately, she lived only into her forties."
Her red lips parted slightly in shock as she stammered, "What?" Miluo’s mother was a human! In other words, he, like Ning Yu, was a Half-demon, or he had been one! This contemptible demon, who viewed humans with such disdain, had once been a Half-demon too!
On this short walk, Miluo and she walked side by side; he could already smell the sweet fragrance of rose flower dew emanating from her. When he was a little fox recuperating in Wutuo City, he was surrounded by such delicate and fresh aromas every day. Now, reminiscing about the past, a tenderness welled up in his heart. Observing her with a mouth agape in surprise, this expression seemed to hark back to when she was still a mortal woman, something she seldom showed after their subsequent encounters when she appeared composed and confident, rarely revealing such an innocent demeanor.
His eyesight was excellent, and he couldn’t help but notice the slight moistness on her red lips, which made his own mouth feel dry. He had to clear his throat to disguise it as he said, "Yes, my mother was human. She was the most renowned beauty in the entire Southwest, chosen by my father. Not long after that, I was born. When she... passed away, this place became a residence for me to stay at when I came to inspect Chiming City. Later, when I underwent the blood exchange to become Pure Demon, the city was given to me as a coming-of-age gift by my father."
Fengtian Prefecture sure had extravagant resources, the gift given to him was an entire city. However, she noticed he used the word "chosen," not "married,"—the Master of Fengtian Prefecture didn’t take his mother as his wife with all due ceremonies. How much unknown sorrow and pain lay within this story?
"I’m sorry, I didn’t know." She felt uneasy, "I shouldn’t have brought it up, only to make you sad."
Miluo’s crimson eyes turned slightly dim, revealing a hint of sorrow, yet he waved it off, "What’s there to be sorry about? She’s been gone for hundreds of years, and I was so young back then that I can hardly remember her face, let alone feel saddened."
If he wasn’t saddened, then why stay in his mother’s courtyard if not to reminisce about her? She mused inwardly, had she been wrong about him all this time, thinking he lacked a heart?
Qi Zai quietly transmitted to Changtian, "Why is this fox demon sharing these things with the Mistress?"
Changtian replied coldly, "Women are soft-hearted. By revealing his vulnerability, he can more easily gain her sympathy." He seemed contemplative as he added, "This move is really not bad at all."
Miluo saw her biting her lower lip with a hint of regret, realizing that she had been touched by him, and knowing this was the moment to back off he smiled and suggested, "If you like, you can stay in this small building for a few days while you’re in Chiming City. How about it?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶
She protested, "How could I comfortably move in and force you out?"
He really wanted to say that she did not have to drive him out, and they could live here together. But he knew she would not agree, so he had to say, "I have another official residence in the north of Chiming City, where all the city’s affairs are handled. This place is just a spot for nostalgia."
She laughed and shook her head, "Forget it, I want to experience more of the local culture, so I might as well just stay in the biggest and most luxurious inn. With the God Demon Prison in my hands, I’m not picky about accommodations. Besides, am I that familiar with this fox demon?"
Miluo did not press further, and with a smile, he said, "As you wish."
As they spoke, the two stepped into a study, and the maid standing by hurriedly approached to pay her respects and extended both hands towards her.
"What’s with this act?" she asked uncertainly. It was not the maid’s place to be so bold; this had to be Miluo’s bidding.
"The sparrow tongue tea here is good, but it can’t compare with your Spiritual Tea," he said with a cheery smile, "I haven’t tasted it since we parted in Wutuo City; please bring some so I can satisfy my craving and cleanse my palette. I’ll take you out to eat later... there’s no chef in this building."
