Chapter 589 - 480: Seems a Little Different Towards You

This shows just how terrifying the Demon Race with noble bloodlines can be.

Xiao Mo was also starting to understand why the Demon Race’s World was a society stratified by bloodline.

Because several days of cultivation for an ordinary Cultivator couldn’t even compare to a single night’s sleep for them.

And aside from Tushan Jing Ci’s academic knowledge and cultivation Realm, the now-grown Tushan Jing Ci had also become the object of affection for most of the young men at Cold Mountain Academy.

By now, everyone at Cold Mountain Academy knew that a Nine-tailed Celestial Fox was studying in the Book Hall on Yunxiao Peak, and her beauty was said to be beyond description.

This was only to be expected, though.

The Fox Race had always been known for its beauties.

Not to mention she was from the Nine-tailed Celestial Fox clan.

Moreover, Xiao Mo felt that even among the Nine-tailed Celestial Foxes, Tushan Jing Ci’s beauty was likely unrivaled.

In the past, Lady Tushan had been called the number one beauty in the Demon Race’s World.

Perhaps in a few more years, that title would fall to Jing Ci.

However, because no unfamiliar men were allowed near Tushan Jing Ci’s courtyard, and because she rarely attended any poetry gatherings of scholars and geniuses aside from spending time with her close friends, her admirers had no way to approach her. They could only wait at the foot of Shallow Study Peak or outside the Book Hall on Yunxiao Peak, all for a chance to catch a glimpse of her beauty.

And when they did see Tushan Jing Ci, they would all be lost in a daze, only slowly coming to their senses long after she had left.

Just that one glance was enough to make them toss and turn all night, as if everything else in the world had lost its color.

Many young masters from prominent Demon Race families wrote love letters to Tushan Jing Ci, but she never accepted a single one, nor did she read a single word.

Although the young woman was inexperienced in the ways of the world and didn’t know what "love" was, she knew that she didn’t like any of those Demons.

Before long, Xiao Mo and Tushan Jing Ci returned to the courtyard.

From outside the courtyard, Xiao Mo could see Liu Shui inside, hanging clothes to dry.

Although Liu Shui’s talent was only average, she was incredibly hardworking.

Now twenty-one years old, Liu Shui’s Realm had also reached the Early-stage Foundation Establishment Realm.

To an ordinary mortal, Liu Shui would already be considered an immortal master from the mountains.

However, Liu Shui’s mother knew nothing of her daughter’s cultivation.

Her mother had always thought her daughter was an ordinary person, and as she got older, she had tried to arrange a few marriages for her.

But Liu Shui had refused them all.

After Liu Shui entered the Foundation Establishment Realm, her cultivation path was largely dependent on her own comprehension. The guidance Xiao Mo and Yue Shi could offer was extremely limited. No one would cause trouble for her, so she no longer needed to come to this side courtyard.

But Liu Shui still came by frequently, just as she always had, to sweep the courtyard, do chores, and wash clothes.

However, Liu Shui didn’t wash Tushan Jing Ci’s clothes, as she had maids who did that specifically.

Liu Shui washed clothes for Xiao Mo and Yue Shi.

It almost made it seem as if Liu Shui were Xiao Mo and Yue Shi’s servant.

Even though Tushan Jing Ci, Xiao Mo, and Yue Shi had refused her help many times, Liu Shui still insisted.

In the end, they could only let her be.

What Xiao Mo didn’t know, however, was that every time Liu Shui washed his clothes, she did so with extra care.

"Miss Tushan, Young Master Xiao, you’re back."

Seeing Xiao Mo and Tushan Jing Ci return, Liu Shui hurried forward and curtsied.

"Mhm, Sister Liu Shui, we’re back." Tushan Jing Ci nodded and quickly took Liu Shui’s hand. "My mother is coming soon. Why don’t you stay and have a meal with us, Sister Liu Shui?"

"No, no, there’s no need to go to such trouble..." Liu Shui waved her hands frantically. "I have some relatives visiting today, so I should probably be leaving now. It would be rude if I were late."

"Alright then..." Tushan Jing Ci looked regretful. "Be careful on your way down the mountain, Sister Liu Shui."

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Tushan."

Liu Shui curtsied once more, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries with Tushan Jing Ci, she left the courtyard.

Just as she was leaving, however, her gaze lingered on Xiao Mo for a few extra moments, a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

Tushan Jing Ci naturally noticed this and asked Xiao Mo, "Xiao Mo, have you noticed that Sister Liu Shui seems to treat you differently?"

"How so?" Xiao Mo asked.

"I... I can’t quite put my finger on it. It just feels different..." Tushan Jing Ci pouted.

"You’re just overthinking it. As far as I can tell, Sister Liu Shui has always been like this," Xiao Mo said with a small smile.

"Is that so... Okay then..."

Tushan Jing Ci glanced at Sister Liu Shui’s retreating back.

Even though Xiao Mo had said that, she still felt that Sister Liu Shui had been treating him differently from everyone else lately.

Just as Tushan Jing Ci was pondering what exactly was different, a familiar, fragrant scent drifted down from the sky.

"Mother..."

Tushan Jing Ci’s eyes lit up with joy. Forgetting her previous thoughts, she looked up at her mother, who was walking on air, and waved her hands excitedly.

Tushan Xinhua descended from the sky and took on her human form.

"Greetings, Lady Tushan."

Yue Shi and the other maids curtsied.

Xiao Mo also bowed in greeting.

"Mother, you haven’t come to see me in half a year! Did you forget about me?"

Tushan Jing Ci ran forward, pouting, her tone a mix of affection and complaint.

"I could forget anyone before I’d forget you, dear. I’ve just been a bit too busy with some things recently." Seeing her daughter, Tushan Xinhua’s eyes filled with motherly love and gentleness.

"Come, let Mother have a good look at you."

Tushan Xinhua took a step back, holding her daughter’s shoulders as she studied her carefully.

"Mm, you’ve gotten taller, dear. And more beautiful."

"Of course! After all, I take after you, Mother," Tushan Jing Ci said coquettishly, hugging her mother’s arm.

"You little rascal, when did your words become so sweet?" Tushan Xinhua flicked her daughter’s forehead. "But sweet talk won’t help you. Prepare yourself. I’m going to test you on your studies later."

"Huh???"

Hearing that her mother was going to test her, Tushan Jing Ci’s mood instantly soured.

’Suddenly, Mother not visiting so often seems like a good thing,’ she thought.

After dinner, Tushan Jing Ci made an excuse about being sleepy and wanting to go to bed.

But she was dragged back and rigorously tested by her mother.

And a parent testing their child is never a particularly pleasant affair.

Half an hour later, Xiao Mo saw Jing Ci walk out of the room, pouting and looking utterly wronged.

In addition to testing Jing Ci’s academics, Tushan Xinhua also wanted to inspect the results of Xiao Mo’s cultivation over the past six months.

When Tushan Jing Ci heard her mother was going to test Xiao Mo, her eyes suddenly lit up.

’I can’t be the only one getting scolded by Mother. Xiao Mo has to suffer with me,’ Tushan Jing Ci thought to herself.

But the result made Tushan Jing Ci a little unhappy.

Because her mother was very satisfied with Xiao Mo’s cultivation.

"Xiao Mo, your current cultivation is indeed impressive."

Tushan Xinhua praised the young man before her.

Not only had Xiao Mo reached the Early-stage Dragon Gate Realm at such a young age, but the Daoist rhythm surrounding him was thick and free of impurities. It was clear that the "Great Dream of Yellow Millet" was truly a perfect fit for him.

Given time, Tushan Xinhua believed Xiao Mo might even reach the Golden Core Realm by the age of twenty.

Most importantly, he was neither arrogant nor impetuous. His temperament was steady, and he lacked the so-called "pride" often found in geniuses.

"Thank you for your praise, Lady Tushan. I am only where I am today thanks to you and Miss Tushan."

Although there was an element of exaggeration in Xiao Mo’s words, it was true that all the resources he had used for his cultivation over the years, including his Cultivation Technique, had come from the Tushan Mansion.

"There’s no need to thank me," Tushan Xinhua said. "The Tushan Mansion is not raising you out of charity. Just be sure to protect Jing Ci well in the future."

"Yes, I will do my utmost to protect Miss Tushan," Xiao Mo replied.

Hearing Xiao Mo say he would protect her well, Tushan Jing Ci’s eyes curved into crescents, and a warm feeling spread through her heart.

But the next moment, Tushan Xinhua’s words wiped the smile right off Tushan Jing Ci’s face.

"Xiao Mo, you’re still living in this courtyard, correct?"

Tushan Xinhua looked at Xiao Mo, her expression neutral.

"Starting today, you will move out."