IW: Chapter 156: Another One Off the Market? Naruto Bai Ye: Kill Them!
"Daoist, actually my grandmother isn't like that!"
Taking advantage of the moment her grandmother left to prepare for the ceremony, Snowflake came to Bai Ye's side and whispered an explanation.
She didn't know why her grandmother acted that way upon seeing Bai Ye and the others.
This made her feel quite embarrassed; everything Snowflake had originally expected seemed to have gone awry.
"Your grandmother is just worried that you'll be deceived."
Although the attitude was indeed a bit cold, Bai Ye could actually see the reason behind it from Snowflake.
This girl, though she had some small thoughts, was still very innocent. If someone really wanted to deceive her, she could easily be led in circles.
"My parents passed away early, and I grew up with my grandmother. Grandma also often told me not to trust what others say."
Snowflake said softly with her head lowered.
She had been living with her grandmother since she was very young.
Perhaps it was because of this?
But even so, Snowflake felt it seemed a bit too cold.
"Don't dwell on your grandmother's attitude. Actually, I think it's normal for the first meeting!"
Ren Tingting walked up and held Snowflake's hand to comfort her.
The little girl seemed quite guilty.
But there was no need; they had actually considered many possibilities before coming, and this wasn't the first time.
"That's right, that's right. Is there anything fun in Miao territory? Snowflake, you should be starting tomorrow, right? Why don't we go play in Miao territory tonight?"
Ren Zhuzhu also took over the conversation. Compared to Snowflake's grandmother's attitude, she actually wanted to play in Miao territory.
After all, it was hard to come here once; if they didn't have fun, who knew if they could come here again in the future.
"Mm-hmm, I'll take you to the ancient city to play. I'll tell Grandma!"
The trace of unease in Snowflake's heart gradually dissipated. Perhaps, just as they said, she was overthinking it?
Actually, others might not really care that much.
"Go ahead, but don't play too late. You still have to come back to complete the ceremony tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm."
Snowflake shrank her head. So Grandma had been listening the whole time. It was fortunate she hadn't said anything foolish earlier, otherwise, Grandma definitely wouldn't have let her go.
Watching the backs of the few leaving, the old woman sighed. She always felt that the scene she least wanted to see was about to happen.
Was this a good thing or a bad thing?
"Is today a special day?"
The ancient city wasn't very far from where they were. It was Ren Tingting's first time in the ancient city of Miao territory, and everything here was so fresh. Moreover, just after entering, she discovered that the place was brightly lit, and everyone's Face wore an animal mask.
"Hehe, today is the Lantern Festival!"
Snowflake explained, then pulled everyone to a mask stall, ready to take them to pick out a suitable mask to wear, and then participate in the Lantern Festival together.
"Actually, it's not a formal festival."
"Not formal?"
A strange look flashed across Ren Tingting's Face. It wouldn't be that kind, would it?
"It should be a festival for young men and women to date. Most people who come here are in pairs."
Perhaps it was for dating?
Or perhaps it was friends coming here to play together. Bai Ye felt that this was probably why she said it wasn't formal.
"Yes, people who like each other will release sky lanterns together and guess lantern riddles!"
Snowflake nodded in response, but not everyone was a couple; there were also friends who came to play together.
So that was the reason why she said it wasn't a formal festival.
It was roughly similar to matchmaking.
Bai Ye drew this conclusion from Snowflake's words.
"Daoist, this one is for you."
"Aren't I supposed to choose it myself?"
Taking the fox mask handed over by Snowflake, a trace of doubt flashed in Bai Ye's eyes.
Wasn't it agreed that he would choose?
Why did she give him a fox mask?
"Because I feel the Daoist is like a fox, very smart."
Snowflake stuck out her tongue embarrassedly, then picked up another slightly cuter fox mask placed on the side.
"What about you?"
If he was smart, did she and the fox not match?
"Because I am a fox spirit!"
"..."
Was her thinking so jumpy?
Bai Ye muttered in his heart. He glanced at Snowflake; the other party had already covered half her Face with the mask. Seeming to notice Bai Ye's gaze, Snowflake blinked her left eye, then smiled mischievously, while simultaneously covering her Face with the mask.
"Daoist, hurry up and put it on!"
"Mm."
Picking up the mask in his hand, Bai Ye's thoughts turned, and he immediately put on the mask.
"Tch, you old thing, you actually like playing this kind of stuff!"
"Aren't you the same?"
Nine-Uncle muttered. He and Ma Ma Di had both chosen a pure white mask with some embellishments. Although they were a bit reserved, they felt this way actually seemed quite good.
"What should we do next?"
Ren Tingting randomly chose a mask to put on, then looked at Snowflake curiously. Were they just going to stroll through the lantern fair?
"Just go stroll separately, and then we'll meet up later, okay?"
"Ah?"
Ren Tingting paused. Weren't they supposed to be together?
"If you're not lovers, maybe everyone can appreciate the mystery of the lantern fair by strolling separately!"
Saying this, Snowflake turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving the people present looking at each other.
Nine-Uncle pondered for a moment. He had originally intended to leave alone, but in the end, he was dragged away by Ma Ma Di.
"Cousin, let's go together!"
"Um... is that okay?"
Ren Qingqing pondered for a moment and raised her hand weakly to ask.
Although there was nothing wrong with being with Bai Ye, it felt very strange.
How could a Disciple stroll around like this with her Master?
"Of course it's okay!"
"Hehe, Master, you're the lonely one then!"
Saying this, the three of them walked away holding hands, leaving Bai Ye alone in the wind, in a mess.
So in the end, was he the only one left alone?
Shaking his head, Bai Ye didn't think too much about it. Walking alone was fine too. He had been in this World for many years.
When he first crossed over, he had always been cultivating on the mountain and knew the terror of this World. Plus, his Aptitude was good at the beginning, but Spiritual Qi was scarce, so he wanted to improve his abilities first.
Consequently, he had been cultivating on the mountain. Later, with the disappearance of his Senior Sister, he also carried the burden of the Shenxiao Sect's revival on his shoulders, so naturally, the pressure was even greater.
At that time, Bai Ye couldn't even consider playing. It was only now that the situation of the Shenxiao Sect could be considered to have improved slightly.
This was the first time Bai Ye had come to such a lantern fair. He looked around curiously; the people around were all wearing masks.
"Aren't you going to play by yourself? Why do you keep following me?"
Bai Ye turned around and looked curiously at the little fox mask that had been following him.
It had been following him ever since he turned and left just a while ago.
"Daoist, how did you find me?"
Snowflake was a bit curious. She had clearly hidden herself very well, and Bai Ye hadn't turned his head to look, so how did he know someone was following behind?
With so many people, wasn't it normal for someone to follow? Could he even notice this?
"Because your bell sound is very special."
He had just heard Snowflake's bell sound. Although there were actually many bell sounds around, which even made Bai Ye doubt if he had misheard, he was later convinced that the person behind him must be Snowflake.
"So it was because of my bell." Snowflake mumbled, putting her hands behind her back, slowly coming to Bai Ye's side, and said: "I just saw that you, Daoist, seemed to be alone, so I followed to see."
She was the host, after all. If everyone else was alone, she would be relieved, but seeing Bai Ye alone here, thinking about it later, Snowflake felt bad, so she followed to see.
Looking at her for a while, Bai Ye finally nodded and didn't continue to probe, although he knew Snowflake was likely there for other reasons.
Along the way, Snowflake was also intentionally or unintentionally chatting with Bai Ye about things outside and some secrets.
This trip out also gave Snowflake a great shock. So the World was so big, and there were so many things.
The two walked on until they arrived in front of an altar. The flames on the altar were burning fiercely, and countless young men and women gathered here, seemingly waiting for something to arrive.
"The fireworks are about to be set off. We've watched them since we were little. When I was a child, Grandma told me that watching the fireworks at this time every year can bring good luck."
Watching Bai Ye stop there, looking at the fireworks in the distance, Snowflake stopped and added an explanation.
When she was a child, her grandmother would take her along, but as she grew older, coupled with her increasing cultivation goals, she hadn't watched them for a long time.
Bai Ye nodded slightly and glanced sideways at Snowflake. He also saw the emotional changes in this little girl.
After the host on the stage ignited them, the fireworks formed countless patterns in the sky—there were Phoenixes, Dragons, all sorts of things.
The men in front also began to take off the masks of the women beside them. Bai Ye had some doubts in his heart. He turned his head to look at Snowflake, wanting her to explain it to him.
But she kept staring at the fireworks in the sky. Bai Ye hesitated for a moment. After looking at others taking off their masks and not making other moves, he thought it must be a ritual, so he also raised his hand, placed it on Snowflake's mask, and gently took it off.
"Wait..."
Half of Snowflake's Face was revealed. She looked at Bai Ye in shock, but the words to stop him seemed unable to come out.
"Uh, isn't this the ritual for watching fireworks here?"
Bai Ye pointed to the front. Weren't all those people doing this?
Did he do something wrong?
"It's okay, Daoist, I just..." Snowflake hesitated, then gritted her teeth, looked at Bai Ye, and said: "Daoist, stand still."
Saying this, she walked in front of Bai Ye, stood on tiptoe, took off the mask on Bai Ye's Face, and then held it in her arms: "I'll take this mask, Daoist. You must keep my mask well."
Mask?
"Master, are you here too?"
Ren Tingting and the other two walked up, each taking off their masks, and then walked quickly toward Bai Ye and the others.
In the second half of the lantern fair, people had already taken off their masks.
For a moment after it ended, Ma Ma Di and Nine-Uncle were still enjoying it. Relaxing like this in addition to cultivation felt quite good.
Just now, being pulled to dance by the people of Miao territory, wearing masks, even Nine-Uncle, who was always concerned about "Face", had forgotten himself in the fun.
"Daoist, I'm going back. You must come to my ceremony today."
Saying this, Snowflake waved her hand and said goodbye to Bai Ye. The ceremony was about to start, and she had to go prepare.
"Master, why do I feel like you guys are acting weird?"
Ren Tingting looked back and forth between Bai Ye and Snowflake, always feeling that the two of them seemed very wrong.
"Is there?"
"Is there not?"
It looked like there was, and it looked like there wasn't.
"Let's go, don't guess blindly. We're going back soon. Next, I'm going to make you Cultivate properly!"
Taking advantage of the remaining time, Bai Ye prepared to let them Cultivate properly on the mountain for a period of time.
AI Model: deepseek-chat
Snowflake, what am I to say to you?
Grandma looked at Snowflake with some distress. She was perfectly fine just before going out. Could this be the destined fate of the Miaojiang Saintess?
"Grandma, I..."
Snowflake's Face paled. She wanted to say something, but didn't know what.
She never expected Bai Ye to lift her mask. At the Miaojiang Lantern Festival, when a man lifts a woman's mask, it signifies his interest in her. At that moment, the woman whose mask is lifted also gets a chance to make a choice.
If she lifts his mask in return, it means she is also interested in him.
After both parties lift their masks and see each other's Faces, if either wishes to back out, they can simply pick up their own mask and put it back on.
She had been genuinely surprised at first, but there was a chance to reconsider. However, these past few days with the Taoist had made her feel very warm.
Was it love at first sight upon their initial meeting? Or the unprecedented experience on the Flying Sword? Or perhaps it was the Three True Samadhi Fire that burned away Wang Po's venom as it was about to splash on her, a fire so scorching it seemed to ignite her heart along with it.
"So, I regretted letting you go out alone back then."
Grandma had been through it all. She could tell something was off with Snowflake the moment she brought Bai Ye and the others back.
Snowflake was inexperienced in worldly matters, a simple young girl. Any man who put in a little effort could potentially deceive her, let alone someone as stunning as Bai Ye.
With a Face like jade, the elegance of a refined Young Master, formidable strength, a gentleman's gentle demeanor like water, and being the Sect Leader of the Shenxiao Sect—he was captivating in every aspect.
When you encounter someone who takes your breath away in your youth, that person will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
The reason a 'white moonlight' remains a 'white moonlight' is that even if the person themselves were to appear now, they could never compare to the memory of them from back then.
Snowflake had fallen in love.
But for a woman of Miaojiang to fall in love was not a good thing, especially with an outsider.
She was the Saintess, bearing a mission on her shoulders.
"Then, Grandma, I..."
Snowflake bit her lip tightly, her eyes misting over. She knew what Grandma wanted to say, but the unwillingness in her heart made her resistant.
"This is a Love Gu."
Grandma placed a jar in front of Snowflake. Her meaning was clear to Snowflake.
But Bai Ye had no idea of its significance, and she wasn't even sure if Bai Ye liked her.
He was a cultivator; perhaps he needed to be detached and desireless. All of this might just be her own wishful thinking, and yet she was supposed to plant a Love Gu in him? Snowflake couldn't do it.
Her hand remained frozen in mid-air for a long time, unable to take the Love Gu.
"Snowflake, Grandma has seen many women like you who fell in love with outsiders and were ultimately devastated by love, left broken and bruised. They all started out just like you, innocent and carefree. Over the years, haven't you always asked Grandma why I wouldn't let you go out?
It's precisely because of this. You are too naive. You grew up sheltered under my wing, never truly experiencing anything, and you've never been around men either. Perhaps you might fall for someone just because of a few incidents or a couple of sweet words from them, and from then on, fall into an abyss."
How many Miaojiang women had thrown themselves into the flames of love like moths to a fire, only to meet a tragic end? Having lived so long, she had seen too much.
So, when she first saw Bai Ye and the others arrive, she had hoped to protect Snowflake this way.
But she knew deep down that she probably couldn't stop it.
Looking at Snowflake's struggling expression, Grandma continued, "Moreover, the Saintess has her own destiny. We need to protect the Dragon Vein Fragment for generations. Now, whether from the righteous or the wicked, many might be eyeing the Dragon Vein Fragment.In addition to some things that have been hidden in Miao territory for generations, your burden is heavy."
Grandma had originally thought that after Snowflake completed her task and succeeded as Saintess, she could begin the Legacy of their mission.
But an unexpected complication arose: Snowflake seemed to have fallen for someone else. What was she to do?
"Grandma, shouldn't a Saintess be allowed to have love? Then why did you and Grandpa..."
"Because I am one such example."
Grandma's words silenced Snowflake.
Since birth, she had asked several times about Grandpa, but Grandma always said he was dead. Now it seemed Grandpa might have abandoned Grandma.
"In my youth, Grandma also threw caution to the wind for love. Unfortunately, it ended in failure. Grandma doesn't want you to walk the same path."
Grandma raised her withered hand to stroke Snowflake's cheek, her eyes full of admonishment.
Snowflake... her very being was like her name: crystal clear, pure, and flawless. She should have realized long ago that Snowflake might fall for someone once she went out. But why did she let her go alone?
Perhaps this was the true trial every Saintess had to undergo.
An Inner Demon Tribulation?
It was like a curse, something every successive Miaojiang Saintess seemed to encounter.
"I don't believe the Taoist is that kind of person!"
Snowflake looked at Grandma Excitedly. Seeing her like this, a flicker of reminiscence passed through Grandma's eyes.
Wasn't she just like that back then?
Only, that heartless man ended up being backlash by the Love Gu in the end.
Since then, she had never left Miaojiang again.
"So, you place the Love Gu inside him. If he isn't that kind of person, he won't be affected. But if he betrays you, then he deserves to die!"
The love of a Miao woman is for a lifetime, from beginning to end, unwavering.
They can accept widowhood, but they absolutely cannot accept betrayal.
"Grandma, I told you, I don't need a Love Gu. I believe the Taoist isn't that kind of person. Moreover, the Taoist has never expressed any affection for me. This might just be my own one-sided feelings. So, Grandma, I will succeed, and I will also shoulder the responsibilities of the Saintess. Even if it ends with heart-wrenching pain, like a moth flying into the flame, I accept it!"
Snowflake looked at Grandma with a stubborn, Unwilling to admit defeat gaze. She had clearly prepared herself for the possibility of losing.
Love doesn't need to be tested!
"Sigh, Snowflake, you really have grown up."
Grandma sighed, ultimately unable to win against Snowflake. Wasn't this also a compromise with her younger self?
Back then, she had looked at her own grandmother with the same eyes.
Up until the succession ceremony... the succession of the Miaojiang Saintess. Today's Snowflake seemed a bit different from her usual self.
Bai Ye watched from far behind the crowd. As if sensing his gaze, Snowflake looked in Bai Ye's direction, a pang of sadness hitting her heart.
Although she had been resolute yesterday, that was just her own determination. Perhaps Bai Ye had no interest in her at all.
The wind gently swayed Snowflake's hair. Her delicate Face was visible to all. Ren Tingting gazed foolishly at Snowflake and murmured, "Master, I finally understand why in ancient times there was the saying 'From then on, the emperor no longer held morning court.'."
She considered herself a beauty, but seeing Snowflake again today, she felt somewhat inferior. So, there really were people who could be as beautiful as celestial beings.
"Ahem, Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps cultivating the Path of Non-Attachment?"
Uncle Nine walked over to Bai Ye, patted his shoulder, and said slowly, "When I was young, I also had a Junior Sister I liked. Unfortunately, I lacked courage back then."
"Now that Junior Sister is already married."
Ma Ma Di couldn't resist taking a jab at Uncle Nine from the side.
Strangely, Uncle Nine didn't get angry this time. Instead, he seemed lost in remember. Yes. His Junior Sister was married. The groom wasn't him.
The succession ceremony was simple: the previous Saintess passed on some of the Legacy to the new one.
Even so, the ceremony lasted for a full two hours.
"Taoist, after parting today, I may never leave Miaojiang again."
Snowflake lowered her head, speaking somewhat dejectedly.
She knew the Saintess carried the hopes of countless people in Miaojiang. She couldn't abandon all of Miaojiang for her own personal feelings.
Perhaps after today, she would never see him again.
"Taoist, did you keep my mask safe?"
"Mhm."
"Then..."
Snowflake lowered her head, a flicker of Pity passing through her heart.
"This dagger is for you. When you miss me, channel a wisp of Spiritual Qi into it. I will come to you anytime."
"Huh?"
Snowflake suddenly looked up, caught off guard by the dagger placed before her. She took it instinctively and heard Bai Ye's calm voice tinged with a hint of playful: "I'm not cultivating the Path of Non-Attachment. Also, I asked some other people in your Miaojiang yesterday. They said when a boy lifts a girl's mask and they exchange masks, it's an expression of affection. My apologies for not understanding yesterday. So, I'll be going now, oh Snowflake Saintess. And I won't let you lose either."
Ah.
Another day of eavesdropping using the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and Observation Haki.
Perhaps having a Dao Companion while cultivating wouldn't be so bad after all.
Turning around, Bai Ye walked away in the opposite direction, waving behind him. The bewildered on Snowflake's Face was replaced by a flash of joy: "Taoist, you must come see me soon! If you don't, I'll go to your Shenxiao Sect to find you!!"
Snowflake cupped her hands around her mouth, shouting, sweeping away all the knots in her heart with that one cry.
Clutching the dagger tightly, a flicker of delight shone in Snowflake's eyes. Her love wasn't one-sided after all.
"Your little man has already left."
"Grandma!!"
Snowflake turned around in surprise. Seeing Grandma instantly, a wave of shyness washed over her. Did Grandma know everything that just happened?
"Mhm, falling in love is truly horrible."
Getting old, getting old... Grandma shook her head, hands behind back, and walked away on her own.
Perhaps she had indeed met the wrong person. Snowflake might not end up like her.
At a time like this, why should she say any discouraging words?
"Fellow Daoist, you're awesome!"
Ma Ma Di gave Bai Ye a thumbs up, heart also feeling a bit of admire.
"Success runs through one's entire life!"
Uncle Nine He sighed.. Bai Ye was simply a winner in life!
"Master, does that mean we have to call Snowflake'Shiniang' from now on?"
"Hehe, of course. I'm not cultivating the Path of Non-Attachment, after all. Huh!!!"
"Master, Master, when can we hold yours and Shiniang Snowflake's child?"
Listening to their teasing, a flicker of exasperation crossed Bai Ye's eyes. Then, as if remembering something, he looked at them with a Smiling expression: "After you all go back, I'll make sure you Cultivate properly!"
Even though he was smiling, Ren Tingting and the other two felt a chill run down their spines.
Zombie Bai Ye: [Got a Dao Companion, sorry everyone, leaving your organization.]
Inuyasha Bai Ye: [Normal, understandable, respectable.]
Naruto Bai Ye: [Kill them for me!!]
Pirate Bai Ye: [????]
KOF Bai Ye: [Reflect!]
Nichijou Bai Ye: [Tch, what's a Dao Companion? Today, I'll show you all by luring a female ghost!]
Just a Dao Companion, still human. Today, he was going to break free from human limitations!
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