How to Raise a Crazy Beautiful Snake Demon - Chapter 28

Exiting the pharmacy, Ji Qingwu walked to another door, still angry yet compelled to communicate telepathically:

 

 

“This is our spiritual stone and artifact vault. Would you like to go in and take a look?”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin:

 

 

“Yes! I happen to need some materials.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu didn’t ask what they were for, assuming it might be for dealing with the Bl00d Moon. She pushed the door open and stepped into the spiritual stone section.

 

 

The spiritual stone vault was anything but dark—it was dazzlingly bright at first glance. Various spiritual stones were neatly arranged on shelves, categorized by type. Some of the more precious ones were even stored in small jade boxes. Each stone radiated the brilliance of the five elements, shimmering in a kaleidoscope of colors, breathtakingly beautiful.

 

 

As she walked through, Ji Qingwu feasted her eyes. Though the original host’s memories had distinctions between different types of spiritual stones, they paled in comparison to the real thing’s radiant beauty.

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin, as sharp-tongued as ever, remarked:

 

 

“I thought a major sect would have more treasures. This is pitiful—not even comparable to my personal collection. What? They even keep low-grade ice crystals! Aside from cooling things down in hot weather, what use do these have? How miserly.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu didn’t appreciate the critique:

 

 

“Who asked for your opinion? Besides, these are just standard allocations for ordinary disciples, not the sect’s real treasury. Anything slightly higher-grade isn’t even kept here.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin:

 

 

“Then where is it? The main vault? You really can’t get in there?”

 

 

Ji Qingwu glanced down at the snake bracelet, her telepathic response quicker than she expected:

 

 

“You’re so eager to enter the sect’s main vault? Why? Do you have… ulterior motives?”

 

 

The moment this possibility surfaced, Ji Qingwu felt a chill in her heart. Given Zhu Jiuyin’s cultivation and background, was her presence in the Yuqing Sect really… that innocent?

 

 

Ji Qingwu had never wanted to consider other possibilities. Zhu Jiuyin was her first friend in this world—she didn’t want to speculate recklessly.

 

 

But now that the words were out, her thoughts spilled forth uncontrollably, carrying a faint hope that Zhu Jiuyin would deny it.

 

 

In the darkness, the glowing spiritual stones cast their light, making Zhu Jiuyin’s serpentine eyes gleam like genuine gemstones. Yet deep within those eyes lay a fathomless abyss, devoid of any light.

 

 

In their shared consciousness, the low, feminine voice—so close—seemed to sigh softly before answering:

 

 

“Yes.”

 

 

Like a hammer striking down, it shattered the fragile glass of trust between them. For a moment, Ji Qingwu staggered, gripping the shelf beside her, her gaze locked onto the snake bracelet.

 

 

She could hardly believe what she heard in her mind:

 

 

“What did you say?”

 

 

“I said… I came here with another purpose.”

 

 

The voice was magnetic, deep, and husky with melancholy—usually pleasant to the ear, but now it stabbed at Ji Qingwu’s heart like a blade.

 

 

“What purpose?”

 

 

“I can’t tell you. But… I truly didn’t expect to meet you.”

 

 

“Why…?”

 

 

“…I’m sorry. But I really don’t want to drag you into this.”

 

 

“Am I part of your plan?”

 

 

“Absolutely not! I told you, meeting you was completely unexpected—and… the greatest surprise.”

 

 

“Really?”

 

 

Silence fell between them, neither speaking another word.

 

 

 

The treasure vault was eerily quiet, so silent one could hear a pin drop both inside and outside her mind, as if she were the only person left in the world.

 

 

Ji Qingwu steadied herself against the shelf and stood up, a chill slowly rising in her chest. She pressed a hand to her sternum and caught sight of the snake bracelet on her wrist.

 

 

Frowning, her first instinct was to tear it off and throw it away, but she quickly regained her composure. She had never been impulsive—always thinking twice before acting—so this reaction was perfectly normal. Perfectly normal.

 

 

Whether in her past life or now, who didn’t act with some purpose in mind? For a snake to risk its life sneaking into a righteous demon-slaying sect without an agenda would be far stranger.

 

 

She knew this would leave a knot in her heart from now on, but Zhu Jiuyin wasn’t obligated to explain everything to her. What was she to Zhu Jiuyin? Not even a friend, most likely. What right did she have to demand more?

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin was a millennia-old serpent demon, while she was just… she didn’t even know how to describe herself. Maybe a fool.

 

 

Ji Qingwu refused to reveal any more of her thoughts and stiffly shifted her gaze to the shelves, changing the subject.

 

 

“You can pick what you need now.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin was silent for a moment before murmuring,

 

 

“What I said earlier was true. I only wanted to be honest with you about this. Don’t… don’t let it…”

 

 

She paused between each word, as if searching for the right phrasing, but Ji Qingwu’s calm voice cut her off.

 

 

“It’s fine. I understand. I won’t hold it against you. We’re both adults—some things don’t need to be said outright.”

 

 

She was well-versed in social niceties. That was precisely why she cherished Zhu Jiuyin, who had no need for them. But if even Zhu Jiuyin was playing that game with her now, she could respond in kind.

 

 

Respect, understanding, gentle tolerance, lighthearted banter—but never crossing the line.

 

 

No probing, no prying, no demands, no depth. They would walk the same path for a while, maintaining an unspoken parallel.

 

 

There was no need to agonize over each other’s “purposes.” Those complicated emotions stirred up by the other were unnecessary to begin with—better to suppress them.

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin’s voice was low and melodious, carrying a hint of coaxing sweetness.

 

 

“Qingwu… your tone frightens me a little.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu ignored the remark and instead reached for a beautiful gemstone atop the shelf.

 

 

“Do you like this one? If so, I’ll request to take it.”

 

 

She looked down at the mid-grade Aqua Wave Jade. Semi-transparent, it contained faint blue water-attribute spiritual energy, emitting a cool glow. The water currents inside flowed slowly, calming to watch.

 

 

She should have cooled down long ago.

 

 

“Well… do you like it?”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin turned the question back on her.

 

 

“I do. You know I have dual water and fire spiritual roots—I’m naturally attuned to both.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu’s tone was perfectly even.

 

 

“Good, we’ll take this one. And a mid-grade Fire Spirit Stone as well.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin said.

 

 

With nothing else left to discuss, Ji Qingwu collected a few spirit stones as requested and browsed the artifact section.

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin refrained from her usual sarcastic critiques, even attempting a few compliments. But the low-grade artifacts offered little to praise, and she soon fell silent.

 

 

Carrying the spirit stones, Ji Qingwu left the small vault. Just as she was about to step into the main hall, she suddenly stopped.

 

 

 

“Hmm, today’s routine check… not bad… keep up the good work…”

 

 

The voice outside belonged to Elder Yu Yan!

 

 

Ji Qingwu felt goosebumps rising. Why now of all times… It should be Elder Yu Yan’s monthly inspection day for the small storeroom, but why did she have to run into her…

 

 

At the previous gathering, Elder Yu Yan had seen the snake bracelet and didn’t seem to notice anything unusual. But if she suddenly appeared inside the inner storeroom, there was no guarantee the elder wouldn’t become suspicious…

 

 

Yet if she didn’t go out and was later found to have deliberately avoided the elder, the consequences might be even worse.

 

 

She had to go out. She sent a mental message:

 

 

“Be careful. Don’t get discovered.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin asked curiously:

 

 

“Are you really that afraid of her?”

 

 

Ji Qingwu pressed her lips together:

 

 

“She has special detection magic.”

 

 

That was right. Yu Yan cultivated the “Scorching Truth” technique, which allowed her to directly read the thoughts of anyone with lower cultivation and see through all disguises. This was why she became the Discipline Elder—no one was more suited for the position.

 

 

She had never used this technique on ordinary disciples before, but last time at Changming Mountain, she had already shown suspicion toward Ji Qingwu. If that suspicion grew, there was no telling whether she might resort to using it.

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin’s tone became serious:

 

 

“I’ll do my best.”

 

 

Taking a deep breath, Ji Qingwu stepped into the hall. Feigning surprise upon seeing Elder Yu Yan, she immediately bowed in greeting:

 

 

“Greetings, Elder Yu. I wasn’t aware of your arrival and failed to welcome you properly.”

 

 

Yu Yan was also surprised and quickly seized the key point:

 

 

“Why are you here? I recall you hardly ever came here before. Are you short on cultivation materials, or here to collect medicine?”

 

 

Ji Qingwu replied:

 

 

“This disciple was previously narrow-minded and unaware of the uses of spiritual pills and medicines. During this month of confinement, I took the opportunity of quiet cultivation to study various elixirs and spirit stones. As I require some for artifact forging, I came here to apply for them. I ask Elder Yu to verify this.”

 

 

Elder Yu Yan’s hawk-like gaze swept over her snake bracelet before nodding slightly:

 

 

“That does make sense. Artifact forging would require spirit stones… But as for the medicines, you must be cautious. Your master must have told you this as well.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu answered respectfully:

 

 

“Yes, this disciple understands. These medicines are only for research purposes and won’t be taken long-term.”

 

 

Yu Yan pressed:

 

 

“What medicines did you take? Show me the list. Your master hasn’t emerged from seclusion yet, and with no one to look after you, I’ll oversee this for her.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu’s heart pounded violently. She did have a list, but… she couldn’t possibly show it! The items on it were… were… Ahhh!

 

 

This was the one oversight in her meticulous planning. She had been so focused on guarding against Elder Yu Yan questioning the snake bracelet that she never expected the elder to target the medicines instead—and even demand the list!

 

 

“Reach into your sleeve as if you’re retrieving something. Quickly.”

 

 

The magnetic female voice echoed in her consciousness, bringing an unexpected sense of reassurance in this critical moment.

 

 

She instantly understood what Zhu Jiuyin intended to do. It was risky, but… perhaps the only method available now.

 

 

Lowering her head, Ji Qingwu said to Yu Yan:

 

 

“This disciple will show you now.”

 

 

She reached into the wide sleeve of her robe, making a motion as if retrieving something. This wasn’t unusual—such traditional robes often had inner pockets sewn into the sleeves, and many disciples without storage rings habitually kept items there.

 

 

 

With her sleeve concealing the movement, Ji Qingwu lightly tapped the snake bracelet with her finger. In an instant, a slip of paper appeared in her palm, which she slowly pulled out.

 

 

The paper had an antique charm to it—it was the gold-veined rice paper she often used on Changming Mountain. Written upon it were the names of several medicinal pills, all quite common, such as Mid-Grade Revival Pills and Low-Grade Strength Pills. Each character was scrawled in a wild, chaotic manner, resembling ghostly scribbles.

 

 

She handed the paper to Yu Yan:

 

 

“Elder, please see for yourself. I truly only use these for research.”

 

 

Yu Yan had initially only glanced at it, but then she stared for a long while, making Ji Qingwu’s heart pound nervously. Suddenly, the elder curled her lips slightly:

 

 

“Your handwriting… I never noticed before. As the head disciple of the sect leader, your writing is actually so…”

 

 

She paused, seemingly searching for a more tactful adjective, but ultimately couldn’t find one:

 

 

“Ugly.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin immediately exploded:

 

 

“What! What did she say! How dare she call my handwriting ugly! What’s ugly about my writing? It’s called free-spirited, unconventional, dashing, and grand! Doesn’t this woman know how to speak? Disgusting! You righteous cultivators are all so annoying!”

 

 

Ji Qingwu couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of her mouth. She cupped her hands and replied:

 

 

“Ah, haha, is that so? This disciple will work hard to improve in the future.”

 

 

Yu Yan returned the paper to Ji Qingwu, asked a few more questions about cultivation, then turned and left. It seemed this hurdle had been cleared.

 

 

Ji Qingwu let out a huge sigh of relief. The male disciple at the door peeked in curiously:

 

 

“Senior Sister, I heard your calligraphy is highly sought after among the disciples. It can’t possibly be ugly, right? Could you let me see?”

 

 

Ji Qingwu stuffed the crumpled paper into her pocket and gave the clearly gossip-loving male disciple an icy look:

 

 

“Mind your own business. If I hear anyone discussing this matter, I’ll hold you accountable!”

 

 

The disciple immediately withdrew his head and replied meekly:

 

 

“Yes, understood. This junior was reckless and won’t dare again.”

 

 

Only then did Ji Qingwu glide gracefully out of the storeroom, covering vast distances with each step as she crossed the plaza and departed on her flying sword.

 

 

“Honestly, calling my writing ugly—how tasteless! Doesn’t she understand calligraphy? ‘The greatest music is silent, the greatest wisdom appears foolish, the greatest calligraphy seems ugly’—haven’t you righteous people always loved spouting such sayings?”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin kept grumbling in her mind, clearly very bothered by the insult to her handwriting.

 

 

Ji Qingwu remained silent, so Zhu Jiuyin bombarded her thoughts:

 

 

“Qingwu, tell me, is my writing really ugly? You saw it yourself—I helped forge that prescription in a critical moment. You can’t in good conscience call it ugly! Speak up, speak up!”

 

 

Ji Qingwu indeed couldn’t lie outright. After some thought, she couldn’t suppress a chuckle:

 

 

“Your handwriting… is truly unique, carrying an ancient charm.”

 

 

It resembled the scribbles of primitive humans drawing randomly with sticks—hence the “ancient charm.”

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin:

 

 

“Hmm~ that’s more like it. I knew you’d understand me. I’m quite satisfied with that praise.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu:

 

 

“Pfft… as long as you’re satisfied.”

 

 

Is this the art of language? This snake can be so easily appeased sometimes.

 

 

But regarding this matter, she still needed to properly thank her:

 

 

“The situation was urgent earlier. Thank you for your help. Your reaction was quick, and your magic was excellent—even Elder Yu couldn’t spot any flaws in the paper you conjured.”

 

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin was even more pleased by the praise, her small serpent body stretching out along the other’s arm, her tail brushing against the crook of the elbow like a little pet seeking affection from its owner.

 

 

“Good, good, keep the compliments coming. I love hearing them.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu then said:

 

 

“You… remain composed in danger.”

 

 

“And?”

 

 

“Wise and intelligent.”

 

 

“Mmm~ go on!”

 

 

“Knowledgeable, whimsical, elegant and beautiful, unpredictable…”

 

 

“Mmm-hmm~”

 

 

“Unrestrained and free-spirited, carefree and independent, inscrutable, sharp-tongued and sarcastic, untrustworthy…”

 

 

“Mmm… huh? Wait—”

 

 

“We’re almost at Changming Mountain. Tonight, we’ll share the west chamber.”

 

 

Ji Qingwu’s decisive tone cut off all of Zhu Jiuyin’s questions.

 

 

Zhu Jiuyin felt both pleased and displeased, though she couldn’t quite articulate why. In the end, she could only feign malice, lightly baring her fangs to nip at Ji Qingwu’s pale wrist as she hissed fiercely:

 

 

“Don’t think I didn’t hear you sneak in those insults. You’ll pay for it tonight.”