The beginning of the legend of the gluttonous trio: one person, one cat, and one bird.

The news that Ji Wushuang had "negotiated"—or rather, extorted—the mining rights to a century-old spiritual vein from the Wu family spread swiftly throughout the Yunlan Sect.

Disciples who had previously harbored minor grievances against Ji Wushuang were so astonished that their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"Is our junior sister really this fierce? She even managed to secure a mine from the Wu family!"

"Oh, oh, oh! And it's not just her; Mo Shimei had a hand in this too."

"I heard Mo Shimei, in an act of 'righteousness over family,' implicated even her own 'kin.' Whether this was deliberate or accidental, though, no one knows."

Mo Lanyi, who still had a few confidants within the sect, trembled with rage upon hearing this.

"They're trying to ruin me!"

"This won't do!"

If things continued this way, her relationship with the Wu family would truly become irreparable.

After much deliberation, Mo Lanyi decided to make a trip back to the Mo family. However, the old ghost immortal reminded her, "Rather than that, wouldn't it be better to quickly siphon the fortunes of Lu Xingzhou and Lian Yuan?"

"They're in seclusion. I'll deal with them when I return."

"Are you sure you want to leave?"

"Yes! I must!"

The old ghost immortal sighed lightly and said no more.

After bidding farewell to Yue Qing and apologizing to Ye Qian, Mo Lanyi left the sect. Her pitiful expression melted the hearts of her master and senior sister, who softened their attitudes despite themselves.

Yue Qing sighed. "Be careful on your journey."

"Yes, Master!"

"If your mother scolds you, don't take it too much to heart."

"Thank you, Master and Senior Sister..."

Mo Lanyi, ever obedient, had originally planned to retrieve the Longevity Pill from Ye Qian, as she felt uneasy leaving it in her hands. However, given her current tarnished reputation, she decided to wait until the storm had passed.

No sooner had Mo Lanyi departed than Ji Wushuang finally "escaped" from the clutches of Star-Moon Daoist, Miao Bi Daoist, Master Lu, and Chen Xuanji.

The four, brimming with curiosity, had bombarded Ji Wushuang with endless questions about her talisman crafting. Yet most of her methods relied on her semi-saintly experience, something she couldn't explain and could only attribute to "innate talent."

The way the four looked at her was… complicated.

At that moment, they all shared a single thought: it was fortunate that they were seasoned cultivators with tempered Dao hearts. Otherwise, Ji Wushuang's casual mention of "innate talent" might have crushed their spirits so thoroughly that they wouldn't be able to smile for three days.

But such was the indifference of the Dao. Some were born prodigies, while others were like withered wood. Yet even so, the heavens envied talent, and the Dao was unjust.

Observing Ji Wushuang's aura, devoid of any spiritual fluctuations, they thought: If we were her, with such unparalleled talent but unable to cultivate, we might have long since succumbed to despair or even cursed the heavens.

Yet Ji Wushuang carried herself with such composure.

They couldn't help but feel ashamed of their own inadequacy.

After seeing off Star-Moon Daoist, Miao Bi Daoist, and Master Lu, Ji Wushuang bade farewell to Chen Xuanji before heading to meet Ye Qian, who had invited her to split the spiritual stones.

By the lakeside of Emerald Lake, they had gathered a bounty of Spring Glow plants. Even selling them at cost to Beast God Peak, Ji Wushuang's share was enough to sustain the operation of the Seventy-Two Starfiend Immortal-Slaying Formation for a good while.

Adding her contributions of "spiritual stone recording crystals" and "spiritual vein dividends," Ji Wushuang mused that she no longer needed to worry about providing sufficient nourishment for the Tianyuan Fruit.

After planting the silvery Spring Glow near the Tianyuan Fruit, she arrived at Ye Qian's abode.

"Junior Sister! You're here!"

"Senior Sister Ye."

"I've prepared everything. Come on in."

Ye Qian's abode, much like her demeanor, exuded an air of refined elegance that immediately put one at ease upon entering.

She led Ji Wushuang to the courtyard, which was filled with spiritual plants. At its center stood a small pavilion with a wooden table laden with exquisite pastries and steaming tea.

"I asked Senior Sister Hua, and she mentioned you enjoy all kinds of desserts. These are specially ordered from Jinfu Pavilion."

Jinfu Pavilion, owned by the steward of Hongfu Peak, Jin Fuxi, was renowned for its spiritual cuisine, particularly its intricate pastries, which didn't come cheap.

Ji Wushuang accepted Ye Qian's kind gesture. "Thank you, Senior Sister, but isn't this a bit much? I can't finish it all."

"Not at all. Jinfu Pavilion gave me a discount when they heard it was for you."

Ji Wushuang chuckled helplessly. "I see. When I order from Jinfu Pavilion, it's usually for my two little ones as well."

"Two little ones?"

"Yes, my cat and… bird."

Ji Wushuang had intended to say "chicken," but recalling Little Phoenix's true form, she decided "bird" was more appropriate.

Ye Qian's eyes lit up. "Then let them join us!"

Ji Wushuang hesitated. "They eat a lot."

Ye Qian patted her chest confidently. "Don't worry, Junior Sister! The Spring Glow spiritual stones have already been converted by Beast God Peak. A cat and a bird—how much could they possibly eat?"

Ji Wushuang sighed inwardly and sent a message to her two little ones.

Moments later, a small black cat arrived riding on a plump bird, chirping and meowing along the way.

Ye Qian was delighted. "They're so affectionate with you, Junior Sister!"

Ji Wushuang remained silent. No, they're scolding me.

Once the two landed, they eagerly leapt toward the table but were promptly stopped by Ji Wushuang, who held them back. "Greet the host first."

The pair reluctantly nodded at Ye Qian, their adorable cries melting her heart.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable. No need to be so formal."

The duo climbed onto the table and immediately transformed into ravenous beasts, devouring the food with reckless abandon.

Ji Wushuang, unwilling to be outdone, joined in. She, too, had a fondness for Jinfu Pavilion's pastries.

Watching the whirlwind of consumption, Ye Qian was left speechless as the trio even squabbled over the last piece, clawing and pecking at one another.

Ji Wushuang finally scolded, "You two, behave! Senior Sister hasn't even eaten yet!"

Ye Qian quickly interjected, "Oh, it's fine! I can take fasting pills."

Realizing her words might seem impolite, she hesitated before asking, "Are you full? Should I order more?"

The cat and bird looked up at her in unison.

Ye Qian: "..."

For some reason, she suddenly felt the urge to guard her purse.