Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 222 - Birthday Presents (1)

The commotion caused by the demons in the human world was getting bigger and bigger.

Gufeng Mountain was starting to become busy. The disciples were intensifying their training to improve their cultivation, and the Martial Uncles were nowhere to be seen. The resurrection of Gui Diaotang had caused widespread panic. Several times, Zanxing had made up her mind to reveal the truth, but she was always interrupted. The more time passed, the less confident she became.

This evening, she sat in her room, inventorying the treasures in her Qiankun Bag.

Now, she had a Wuyou Staff, a rare Heart Sutra, several niche talismans, a large amount of vitality pills, and most importantly, the inheritance of Fairy Qinghua. Among these, the inheritance of the Fairy Qinghua was the most precious. However, the cultivation level of the Fairy Qinghua was too high, and many of the techniques were beyond her current ability to practice. She could only slowly ponder over them, which ended up slowing down her cultivation progress.

As she was thinking, Hong Su walked in holding a set of clothes, smiling, “Young Mistress, it’s time to change your clothes.”

Zanxing was puzzled, “It’s not evening yet, and I haven’t taken a bath. Why should I change clothes?”

Hongsu’s eyes widened, “Today is your birthday, did you forget again? Immortal Xuan Lingzi said he would host a banquet for you at the Duluo Platform.”

Zanxing was stunned, she had indeed forgotten that she had an engagement tonight. These days, everyone in the sect was busy with matters concerning the demons. She had been focused on her training and the begonia flower mark on her palm, leaving no room for other thoughts.

Hong Su placed the clothes next to Zanxing, “There will be many people today. Young Master Gu and Young Master Mu will be there too. You should dress nicely, not as casually as usual.”

Zanxing sighed, resignedly picking up the clothes in front of her. Honestly, she wasn’t in the mood for this right now.

Hong Su was skillful. After Zanxing changed into the clothes, she also styled her hair. Finally, she looked at the mirror and sighed, “The scar on your face has faded a lot, Young Miss. In another month or two, it should completely disappear. Immortal Li said it would take two years to heal, but it didn’t take that long. That’s fortunate.”

Zanxing looked at the young woman in the mirror, feeling a sense of unreality. When she first arrived here, her face was disfigured by the injuries from the Yu. To save her life, she came to the Taiyan Sect, and step by step, without realizing it, so much time had passed. She didn’t know when she had grown accustomed to life on Gufeng Mountain. Although the black scars on her face had faded, something deeper had been left behind.

She just didn’t know how much longer these days could last.

Hong Su fixed a jade hairpin in her hair, clasping her hands together in satisfaction. “Alright, now it’s perfect. Young Miss, let’s head out.”

*

The breeze at Duluo Platform was as cool as ever, but the lotus flowers in the Changchun Pool were no longer as lively as before.

After the appearance of the Demon King’s seal, the disciples were busy all day with their cultivation, meticulously inventorying talismans and magical tools to fend off the demons, leaving no room for leisurely pursuits.

However, there were always some unexpected moments.

On one side of the Changchun Pool, there was a large green stone, flat and wide. The stone platform was covered with a golden banana leaf. This banana leaf was a treasured gift from Xuan Lingzi’s travels years ago, given to him by a wealthy family. The leaf was embroidered with golden threads, the craftsmanship flawless. Spread over the stone platform, it served as a beautiful tablecloth, making the white porcelain dishes on it appear even more precious.

The dishes were quite sumptuous: red bean porridge, Dragon Well tea with bamboo fungus, candied fairy peaches, Gui Lu mountain chicken, and golden crispy sparrows… Due to the current order from the Sect Leader to seal the mountain, the disciples couldn’t go down the mountain to buy wine and dishes, so they had to make do with local ingredients from Gufeng Mountain. Although there was no shortage of poultry and fish, the mountain’s cooking methods were lighter and healthier compared to the rich and tempting fare from the lower regions. At first glance, it didn’t seem as appetizing.

Xuan Lingzi sat at the table, looking into the distance, puzzled, “It’s past the time already. Why hasn’t Zanxing arrived yet?”

Sitting at the lower end, Ziluo smiled, “For women attending a banquet, they need to dress up carefully. It’s common for Junior Sister to arrive a bit later.”

“That’s not always the case,” Men Dong immediately countered, “Senior Sister Meng always arrives early and never takes much time to dress up.”

Tian Fangfang laughed heartily, “Of course. Senior Sister Meng’s looks don’t need any makeup… Oh,” his laughter suddenly stopped as he stared at Meng Ying for a long while. It wasn’t until Mu Cengxiao started frowning that he hesitantly asked, “Senior Sister Meng, did you put on rouge?”

Meng Ying’s complexion was like snow, delicate and translucent, but today there was a hint of pink on her face. At first glance, it seemed she might be feeling warm, but upon closer inspection, the magenta hue spread like rouge stains.

Ziluo paused, also looking at Meng Ying. Everyone in the Taiyan Sect knew that Meng Ying’s natural beauty was extraordinary, and she had always avoided makeup. Today, for the first time, she was wearing some, and Ziluo hesitated, “It does seem like rouge, but the color…”

Before she could finish, Zanxing’s voice came, “Martial Uncle! Master!”

Gu Baiying looked up to see Zanxing walking in with Hong Su, followed by Mimi.

Today, Zanxing wore a plum-green feathered silk dress. The skirt was modest and the sleeves narrow, giving her a slender and energetic appearance. Her long hair was tied up in a small bundle at the back of her head, not with the usual matching ribbon, but with a jade hairpin that was quite fetching.

She sat down next to Gu Baiying, asked Hong Su to find a seat, and addressed everyone, “I was delayed on the way, my apologies.”

“Today is Miss Yang’s birthday,” Liu Yunxin said with a smile, “It doesn’t matter how late she arrives.”

Seeing her and Mu Cengxiao interacting so naturally, Zanxing guessed that Mu Cengxiao had explained things to Liu Yunxin. Liu Yunxin’s expression showed no sadness. Since coming to the Taiyan Sect, she had been using pills to maintain her heart pulse, and her complexion had improved. She no longer appeared as weak as before, now showing a bit more liveliness.

“Ahem,” Xuan Lingzi cleared his throat, “Good disciple, this is your first birthday with us at the Taiyan Sect. I didn’t know what you would like, so I arranged a simple feast at Duluo Terrace. The meal is modest and the dishes are plain, so please don’t be disappointed.”

Gu Baiying interjected, “The food is just as good as what you cook.”

Zanxing noticed the implication in his words and looked at him in surprise, “Martial Uncle, did you prepare the feast?”

Xuan Lingzi gave an awkward laugh, “Among us, Seventh Junior Brother’s cooking is the best. Even the Sect Leader loves his dishes. I was worried that the food might not be to your taste.”

Zanxing had previously tasted Gu Baiying’s pastries in Li’er Country and knew his skills were outstanding. Preparing such a large spread must have required considerable effort, which moved her. She leaned in and whispered, “Thank you, Martial Uncle.”

Gu Baiying’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before quickly shifting away. He grunted, “Consider it a thank you for helping me find the Sacred Tree’s fruit.”