“Yun Qingxue.”
Yun Qingxue smiled and introduced herself. Faced with Xiao Xiaoxiao’s sincere and earnest demeanor, she suddenly felt a twinge of guilt.
She had proposed friendship with Xiao Xiaoxiao solely because of her identity as an underworld ghost official, not out of genuine intent. She merely wanted to use Xiao Xiaoxiao to check whether Adai or Qiandai had gone to the underworld. It was also a way to secure a backup plan—if her assassination attempt on Chen Qing failed and she was killed, becoming a ghost, having an underworld official like Xiao Xiaoxiao to look after her would prevent her from faring too poorly in the afterlife…
But the other party’s sincerity at this moment was truly too disarming, making her feel uneasy about the deception.
“Yun Qingxue.” Xiao Xiaoxiao repeated the name with a smile. “Your name is really lovely.”
“Thank you. Yours is quite unique too.” Yun Qingxue suppressed her thoughts and smiled faintly.
“Heh.” Xiao Xiaoxiao forced a laugh. Every time someone mentioned her name, she couldn’t help but complain inwardly—how careless had her parents been when naming her back then?
Xiao Xiaoxiao… Seriously, why not just call her Xiao Dada! If it hadn’t been such a hassle to change her name while she was alive, she would have long since replaced it with something more impressive…
“Qingxue, now that we’re friends, can you tell me where that evil ghost is?”
After silently griping about her name, Xiao Xiaoxiao didn’t forget the main task.
“I did see that evil ghost not far from here in Shanggu Town, but he’s already fled.” Having achieved her first objective, Yun Qingxue didn’t keep her in suspense.
“Ah—” Xiao Xiaoxiao sighed in frustration, her expression shifting from anticipation to disappointment. “Then where am I supposed to find that ghost now?”
“Follow me.” Yun Qingxue smiled confidently and explained, “The two men who just arrived are the Grand State Preceptor and the Prince of Ning from the human realm. That ghost has taken several lives, drawing the attention of the imperial court. The Grand State Preceptor was sent by the emperor to capture him. Though the ghost escaped, the cultivators under his command are still tracking him. If you stay with me, once they locate the ghost, they’ll report to the Grand State Preceptor. You’ll effortlessly learn his whereabouts—and might even reap the spoils without lifting a finger!”
“Really?” Xiao Xiaoxiao’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Yun Qingxue, her delight unconcealed. “Qingxue, you’re the best!”
Yun Qingxue’s expression dimmed slightly. Meeting Xiao Xiaoxiao’s bright gaze, she said in a subdued voice, “But I must warn you—staying with me comes with great danger.”
“What danger?” Xiao Xiaoxiao looked puzzled.
Yun Qingxue gestured for her to lean closer.
She intended to reveal her plan to assassinate Chen Qing. Though they had just met, and doing so carried risks, since she wanted to win Xiao Xiaoxiao over, she couldn’t hide it. Otherwise, when the time came, Xiao Xiaoxiao might feel deceived if she were caught in danger, turning this heaven-sent ally into an enemy.
By confessing now, she was giving Xiao Xiaoxiao a choice and demonstrating her sincerity as a friend. Whatever Xiao Xiaoxiao decided, she would at least appreciate the honesty and avoid hostility.
After whispering her reasons for wanting to kill Chen Qing, Yun Qingxue looked up at her. “I told you this because I trust you. Whether you stay or leave is your choice.”
Xiao Xiaoxiao’s expression shifted through anger, sympathy, surprise, and finally conflict as Yun Qingxue spoke. After a long moment of contemplation, she raised her head again, her round eyes clear and bright like pristine gemstones.
“I’ll stay with you,” she declared firmly.
Yun Qingxue smiled. “I won’t act against Chen Qing immediately. Besides, he’s sent many people to track the ghost, so news should arrive soon. Once you get the information, you can leave.”
Having secured Xiao Xiaoxiao’s decision, Yun Qingxue reaffirmed her goodwill.
“Qingxue, you’re seriously the best!” Xiao Xiaoxiao beamed, lifting her chin proudly. “Don’t worry, I’m not the kind to abandon a friend. I won’t help you kill anyone, but… if you fail, I’ll definitely take care of you in the underworld!”
Yun Qingxue chuckled, half-joking, half-serious. “Then I’ll thank you in advance!”
“No problem!” Xiao Xiaoxiao thumped her chest, radiating righteous pride.
Seizing the moment, Yun Qingxue pressed on. “Actually, Xiaoxiao, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
“Name it! If I can do it, I’ll give it my all!”
“Well… could you check on my two deceased friends in the underworld?” Yun Qingxue asked.
“That…” Xiao Xiaoxiao scratched her head. “I’d have to return to the underworld after catching the ghost. Right now, I don’t have the means.”
“It’s fine. Just look after them when you go back,” Yun Qingxue pleaded earnestly.
“No problem!” Xiao Xiaoxiao grinned, thumping her chest in assurance. The two exchanged smiles, though Yun Qingxue’s heart remained heavy.
The next day, dawn broke. The inn’s servants were already bustling about.
Yun Qingxue and Xiao Xiaoxiao descended the stairs together. Prince Ning and Chen Qing were already seated at the dining table in the hall. Seeing Yun Qingxue, they politely rose and invited her to join them.
Once the three dignitaries were seated, the innkeeper and servants brought out breakfast.
“You should sit and eat too.”
Yun Qingxue turned to Xiao Xiaoxiao, who was posing as her maid. She wasn’t sure if ghosts needed to eat, but courtesy never hurt.
Xiao Xiaoxiao grinned and sat down without hesitation.
Chen Qing and Prince Ning frowned slightly. Since ancient times, hierarchy dictated propriety—yet here was the Flower King, a ruler of her people, inviting a maid to dine at the same table. It was baffling, but neither voiced their discomfort.
The four began eating in silence, though the atmosphere was oddly tense. Chen Qing, Prince Ning, and Yun Qingxue were preoccupied, their meals tasteless.
Only Xiao Xiaoxiao seemed genuinely hungry. As soon as the others picked up their chopsticks, she eagerly snatched a chicken drumstick and devoured it with relish.
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