Chapter 180 - 5: The Gu Dao Girl, an Unfathomable Heart Nature

Chapter 180: Chapter 5: The Gu Dao Girl, an Unfathomable Heart Nature

’Out here in the desolate mountains, I just left a den of ghouls. Have I run into some other evil spirit or Demon Ghost?’

He didn’t look back. Instead, his pace quickened.

"Sir! Sir, please don’t go!"

Seeing that he was about to leave, the voice grew anxious.

The bushes rustled, and then a chubby rabbit struggled to emerge from within.

It was a grayish-brown wild rabbit with a pair of exceptionally large ears, but its cheeks and front paws already had the faint appearance of a human’s.

’A demon!’

A chill ran through Chen Ye’s heart. His right hand instantly fell to the hilt of the sword at his waist. The blade hummed softly, killing intent ready to be unleashed at a moment’s notice.

When the rabbit spirit saw his stance, it trembled in fear, its two big ears flapping wildly like a rattle-drum. It looked both comical and pitiful.

"Sir, please don’t misunderstand! This little one means no harm!"

It spoke with a quavering voice, full of terror. "This one... this one was sent by Granny to specially invite you to a banquet tonight."

"Granny? A banquet?"

Chen Ye’s brow furrowed slightly. He truly didn’t sense any malice from this rabbit spirit. Besides, its aura was incredibly faint—so weak that he could cleave it in two with a single strike. It posed no threat at all.

He relaxed his guard slightly, but his hand did not leave the hilt of his sword.

"Who is this Granny you speak of? And what’s this about a banquet?"

Seeing that he was willing to talk, the Big-eared Rabbit let out a sigh of relief and quickly explained, "Granny is Granny Liu! She’s wonderful. She’s always protected us Little Demons of the mountain. The banquet is because you got rid of that bad guy on the mountain. Granny was so happy that she specially arranged this feast to thank you in person."

’The bad guy?’ 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ

Chen Ye had a sudden realization. The rabbit must be talking about the Evil God that was worshipped in that small temple.

It seemed this so-called Granny Liu, like the rabbit spirit, was also a local demon. And from the rabbit’s words, it sounded like she meant no harm.

At this thought, Chen Ye’s interest was piqued.

However, it was already getting late. If he went to some banquet now, he probably wouldn’t make it back to the city tonight.

The Big-eared Rabbit seemed to sense his hesitation and quickly added, "Sir, please rest assured, Granny has absolutely no ill intentions! And after you go, you can stay the night at her place. If you don’t wish to, Granny will find a way to see you off. It absolutely won’t interfere with your business!"

Chen Ye pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Is it far from here?"

"Not far, not far!" The Big-eared Rabbit was overjoyed that he had agreed, its two ears perking up in excitement. "It’s only five li from here!"

"Lead the way."

"Right away! Please follow me!"

Chen Ye then followed the strange rabbit spirit into the woods, heading deeper along a small path trampled by beasts.

Just as the Big-eared Rabbit had said, after walking for no more than four or five li, the view ahead suddenly opened up, and a vast Willow Forest appeared before him.

Under the setting sun, countless willow branches hung down like green waterfalls, swaying in the wind, serene and mysterious.

"Sir, Granny’s residence is just ahead," the Big-eared Rabbit said, stopping with a respectful tone.

Only then did Chen Ye understand that this so-called Granny Liu was actually a Willow Tree Spirit.

Just then, all the willow branches in the Willow Forest began to move on their own, despite the lack of wind, making a rustling sound.

Then, a gentle breeze brushed past his face, and the scene before him changed.

An old woman with graying hair and a kind, benevolent face, dressed in coarse cloth garments and leaning on a Willow Walking Stick, appeared before the Willow Forest.

Behind her, a group of children who looked to be about seven or eight years old followed, craning their necks and peeking at Chen Ye with a mixture of curiosity and timidity.

Even the Big-eared Rabbit from before suddenly transformed into a chubby-cheeked little boy with a pair of fan-like ears, standing obediently by the old woman’s side.

"I was unable to greet you from afar, warrior. I hope you’ll forgive me." Granny Liu wore a warm smile, and her voice was gentle yet cheerful.

Chen Ye didn’t sense any danger from her. Even the sword at his waist remained still, which indicated she truly had no ill intentions.

He cupped his fist. "You’re too kind."

"Warrior, this way, please."

Granny Liu turned to the side and made a welcoming gesture, inviting Chen Ye into the forest.

Upon reaching the depths of the forest, Chen Ye discovered a whole other world within.

In a clearing, a banquet had been laid out on a table, lit by several soft lanterns that illuminated the surroundings.

Chen Ye didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down with Granny Liu, taking the seat of the guest of honor.

"This is but a humble, rustic place. We don’t have much to offer, just some Yellow Ginseng Wild Fruit we picked ourselves and some simple wine. I hope you will not take offense, warrior," Granny Liu said apologetically.

Chen Ye looked down. The dishes on the table were indeed foraged mountain goods and wild vegetables, but they were washed spotlessly clean and arranged quite exquisitely, giving off a fresh fragrance.

He took a bite and found it incredibly delicious, far surpassing the food from the city’s restaurants.

He was indeed a bit hungry after the great battle. Once he was sure the food wasn’t poisoned, he stopped being polite and began to eat heartily.

Granny Liu watched with a smile, then personally poured him a full cup of wine.

The liquid was amber-colored, clear and bright.

Chen Ye lifted the cup and took a sip. It was fragrant, mellow, and sweet on the palate. After he swallowed, it transformed into a warm current that spread through his limbs, even dissipating much of the fatigue from his intense battle.

"Good wine!" he couldn’t help but exclaim.

Granny Liu smiled. "This was a gift from the little monkeys on the back mountain. It’s made from a Hundred Fruit Brew, then aged for years deep within the mountain. It’s a shame this old woman is too old to appreciate its flavor, so I’ve just been storing it. Today is the perfect occasion to pass on the gift and treat you, warrior."