"Brother Li, isn't this situation a bit chaotic?" Mu Yufeng asked, feeling puzzled.
"What's chaotic about it? Xin'er is called Xin'er, and you can call yourself whatever you want. The bottom line is, if you want to cure the poison of this toad demon beast, you have to become my apprentice. According to the rules of the Li family, I can't detoxify Xin'er without you worshiping me as your teacher," Li Zifu replied, looking out the window. Internally, he felt frustrated and wanted to cry. He was a renowned ghost doctor, yet he had to resort to such methods to accept an apprentice. If it weren't for Xin'er's perfect physique for pill refining, he wouldn't have needed to go through all this trouble.
Su Qi looked at Li Zifu in disbelief and said, "Grandpa Li, are you not afraid that others will learn your unique techniques by accepting apprentices?"
Li Zifu lowered his head and glanced sideways at Su Qi, finding the little rabbit cub quite cunning and sly even at a young age. His words were calculated and designed to touch people's hearts.
"Boy, as an alchemist yourself, are you willing to casually reveal your unique skills to outsiders?" Li Zifu asked, pouting. He found Su Qi to be quite stingy.
"Grandpa Li, that's just being narrow-minded. A true master doesn't hide their skills, especially when it's for the benefit of someone like Xin'er! Didn't my mother promise to take care of you for the rest of your life?" Su Qi retorted, seeing Li Zifu as a stingy old man.
This caused everyone to chuckle and laugh. Su Zimo gritted her teeth, wondering when she had promised to take care of Li Zifu for a lifetime. That little rascal, Su Qi, had sold her out with just a few words.
Li Zifu glared at the laughing crowd, refusing to back down. He didn't believe he couldn't handle this little rabbit cub today.
"You're quite generous, huh? But even if you have a chicken leg, you're reluctant to share it with me, so how can you claim to be a sage who doesn't hide anything? Do you think I can't see through your act?" Li Zifu responded, carefully choosing his words.
"Grandpa Li, a true sage has the value of a treasure. Are you sure that after you pass on all your medical and alchemy skills to Xin'er, you won't be left with nothing? Aren't you afraid that if you teach your apprentice well, you'll be left with nothing?" Su Qi asked, curious about Li Zifu's intentions. Xin'er didn't lack masters, as long as she was well, Su Qi would go to the ends of the earth to find her a teacher.
"If a donkey knows eighteen lazy methods, then this old man knows nineteen ways to keep going. Half a year later, this old man will return Xin'er to you, reborn," Li Zifu confidently declared, not believing that the apprentice he was handing over would be weaker than this stinky boy always in front of him.
Everyone observed that the old man, who seemed small and frail, had a tendency to go against the flow.
"Even an old horse knows the way, how could the old man have an accident?" Su Qi's pink and jade-like face smiled, his eyes forming crescent moons.
This caused everyone to blush even more. Su Qi's words were truly sharp.
"Eldest brother, second brother, mother, father, I am willing to be Grandpa Li's apprentice. Mother, don't you always say that actions speak louder than words? I trust Grandpa Li's medical and alchemy skills," Su Xin said, wiping away her tears, her expression determined.
Su Zimo's eyes softened, and she spoke gently, "Xin'er, if you've made up your mind, then I won't stop you, my child."
"Is that so? Xiao Xin'er, the Jade Dragon Sea stands tall, and the Tiger Forest is in a hidden place. You haven't even come to meet your master," Li Zifu teased, stroking his already small beard and looking at Su Qi with a sense of victory.
"Hmph!" Su Qi snorted. He was secretly pleased. In fact, he had intentionally provoked this old man. As long as he didn't hide all his skills from Xin'er, they would be happy. How could they stop Xin'er from becoming his apprentice?
"Daddy!" Su Xin looked at Mu Yunxuan with wide, confused eyes. Her father hadn't spoken yet, and she wondered if he agreed or disagreed.
"Xin'er, Daddy hopes you can become strong. As long as Xin'er is happy," Mu Yunxuan said, gently touching foreheads with his daughter, filled with endless love and warmth.
"Thank you, Daddy!" Su Xin's smile bloomed like a lily, pure and radiant, bringing warmth to everyone present.
Mu Yunyue helped Su Xin bring the teapot and teacup over.
"Xin'er, pour the tea!"
"Hmm! Thank you, Aunt!" Su Xin replied, coming down from Mu Yunxuan's arms.
The sight of Su Xin calling her aunt almost brought tears to Mu Yunyue's eyes. The smile on the corner of her lips widened even more.
Su Xin gently lifted Bai Xi's delicate hand and carefully approached a cup of tea.
Observing this, Li Zifu triumphantly walked over to the chair and took a seat.
"Master, please have some tea!" Su Xin politely offered the tea to Li Zifu, holding it above her head with care.
"Good! Xin'er, from today onwards, I, Li Zifu, will be your master," Li Zifu declared with satisfaction.
Li Zifu's fingers moved gracefully, and a white light entered Su Xin's eyebrows.
Su Xin smiled sweetly and spoke softly, "From today onwards, I will rely on the guidance of my master."
Su Xin's every action was graceful and respectful, complementing her adorable appearance. Her heartfelt smile was captivating, showcasing her inner beauty.
Jun Zixi couldn't help but glance at Su Zimo several times. It seemed that the rumors weren't entirely true. She had indeed raised the three children well. However, Jun Zixi's mind couldn't help but drift towards Su Zimo's marriage with Jun Lintian. It was a turbulent affair in the city and would likely have some impact on Cloud City's reputation.
"I will take Xin'er back to Sanqing Mountain for half a year. After three months, Xin'er's condition will improve," Li Zifu stated after paying homage to his new apprentice.
Upon hearing this, Su Zimo became uneasy. "Why do we have to go to Sanqing Mountain? Can't Xin'er be healed at Mingyue Villa?"
She couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Xin'er for half a year. It felt like endangering her life.
"Girl, you're too impatient. Listen to this old man. Going to Sanqing Mountain for half a year is necessary, but I will bring Xin'er back to the medicinal bath in Shenchi every month. The silver plant grass can suppress the toxins in Xin'er's body. Combined with the phantom heart grass and the cold ice medicine bed, although half a year may not completely eliminate the toxins, it will enhance Xin'er's cultivation to the fifth stage of the High Xuan period. At that time, Xin'er will be able to protect herself, and her body will gradually grow stronger," Li Zifu explained, trying to reassure them.
"Hmph! You're really here to snatch Xin'er away from us," Su Qi couldn't contain his frustration. Not being able to see Xin'er for half a year was unbearable for him.
"Second brother, can't Xin'er come back once a month? As long as Xin'er recovers, she can stay with her brothers forever. Xin'er didn't expect to be away for half a year. She has never been separated from her mother and brothers, and she's also reluctant. But a short separation will lead to eternal reunion. Why not endure it for half a year?" Su Li interjected, supporting the idea of Xin'er going to Sanqing Mountain.
"Xin'er, just go. Your brother will be waiting for your healthy return," Su Li said, brushing a few playful strands of hair from Xin'er's forehead, making her even more beautiful.
"Big brother, Xin'er will be obedient. Big brother, don't worry too much about Xin'er," Su Xin reassured with tears in her eyes, looking pitiful.
"Alright, alright! Xin'er's life isn't at stake. If you don't want to, we will be back in a month," Li Zifu said, picking up Su Xin. "Xuan'er, send someone to deliver Xin'er's belongings to Sanqing Mountain tomorrow. You are not allowed to visit Sanqing Mountain during this time. When it's time to return, I will bring Xin'er back."
Before his voice faded, Su Xin and Li Zifu had already vanished from the spot.
"Xin'er..." Su Li tightly clenched his fists, unable to accept Xin'er's departure.
"Su Li, Xin'er will return to us soon. It's late now, so let's rest, okay?" Mu Yunxuan comforted Su Li gently, displaying a rare tender side.
Su Li turned to Su Zimo, seeking her opinion.
Su Zimo nodded, indicating that it was best to rest for one night before embarking on the journey. Bright Moon Villa was far from Cloud City, and the two brothers were also tired.
"Alright!" Su Li nodded at Mu Yunxuan.
A radiant smile crossed Mu Yunxuan's handsome face.
"Qingfeng."
"Yes, Holy Lord." Qingfeng understood Mu Yunxuan's intentions.
He looked at everyone present. "Everyone, please take your leave?"
Su Zimo initially thought that Mu Yunxuan had a task for Qingfeng.
However, with a single glance, she understood that Mu Yunxuan was instructing Qingfeng to escort the guests away.
"Madam, two young masters, please follow me inside!" Qingfeng invited them.
Upon hearing this, Jun Zixi's expression changed.
She stepped forward and said, "Xuan'er, I'm afraid this is not appropriate. Let Miss Su stay in the guest room. Miss Su's identity is special, and she is still... Su Zimo's identity has not been made public yet. If it becomes known, her past with Jun Lintian will stir up another storm, affecting Xuan'er's reputation..."
Mu Yunxuan's eyes turned cold, emitting a chilling aura. He asked in a cold tone, "Mother, when will you stop interfering?" His words lacked any warmth or emotion.
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