Chapter 1907: Fish Chicken

“This chicken…”

“Xu Xiaoshou?”

Yue Gongnu was briefly startled, unable to quite wrap her head around it. According to their descriptions, Xu Xiaoshou rose to fame at a young age, overshadowing his generation, and she had even seen his portrait; he looked quite good. As for this black chicken, anyone with eyes could see it was a different species entirely.

Yet, Yu Zhiwen’s joy didn’t seem feigned. If it was just a chicken raised by Xu Xiaoshou, it shouldn’t warrant such excitement, should it? Then she remembered hearing that young man was skilled in the art of transformation…

Yue Gongnu’s pause was due to her not quite understanding the new generation’s… how should she put it, flirting methods?

“It’s a Jianxian Ji, also called Jian Ji.”

“I usually just call it chicken, which is equivalent to Xu Xiaoshou.”

Yu Zhiwen quickly understood Sister Yue’s confusion and actively explained, “Xu Xiaoshou has an external avatar, identical to himself. Additionally, he also differentiated a black chicken, which is this one.”

She patted the fat chicken in her arms, which seemed to enjoy it immensely, eyes narrowed in blissful intoxication against her chest. Yu Zhiwen continued,

“When there’s nothing going on, this chicken follows Xu Xiaoshou and fetches his sword for him.”

“In his words, ‘At this level, how can I not have a ‘person’ to carry my sword?’”

As soon as Yu Zhiwen said this, she felt a bit embarrassed under the gaze of the two women. She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper, “His ideas are a bit… hmm, you might find them… eccentric…”

Sword-bearer?

Yue Gongnu stared at the chicken, speechless for a moment, unsure how to respond. Perhaps after the young couple discussed it, they each took a step back, downgrading the role of “sword-bearer” to “sword-carrying chicken”?

It was hard to comment, really…

“When there’s something important, the chicken doesn’t follow him, it follows me. The chicken’s belly holds his power; this chicken is very strong.” Yu Zhiwen stroked the black feathers of the chicken, wanting it to prove something.

But the fat chicken was lazy, snuggling motionlessly in Xiao Yu’s arms, so she casually added,

“The chicken being here means Xu Xiaoshou isn’t far from me.”

“He will protect me.”

Yue Gongnu was slightly surprised. Even though she had just met her, she knew Yu Zhiwen wasn’t the type to deliberately show affection in front of outsiders. She knew Dao Xuanji’s strong personality too well. A disciple of such a person, whose early life was overshadowed by the mysterious Dao Qiongcang, would inevitably develop a cautious and circumspect nature.

The chicken is here, so the person isn’t far…

Though seemingly a casual remark, would Yu Zhiwen not know what information she was revealing when she spoke those words? One must remember that the Three Ancestors resided outside the realm, and any news from Lingyu, big or small, could be perceived by them.

Yue Gongnu was quick-witted and immediately focused on the Xu Xiaoshou currently trapped in Hua Changdeng’s Sancai Sword Array on the mountain peak. Delving deeper, she understood Yu Zhiwen’s unspoken meaning:

This Xu Xiaoshou is not that Xu Xiaoshou?

This chicken, however, is a talking chicken, truly representing the will of the main body?

What did they talk about…

Yue Gongnu immediately concluded that after Jianxian Ji appeared, Yu Zhiwen’s will had become Xu Xiaoshou’s will. At least, judging from her performance in Nanming, Yu Zhiwen wouldn’t have spoken such convoluted, Dao Qiongcang-like words. She hadn’t been corrupted to that extent yet!

And now, Yu Zhiwen, or rather Xu Xiaoshou, speaking in such a roundabout way, revealed another piece of information:

Yue Gongnu, Liu Fuyu, and Yu Zhiwen had already entered the Three Ancestors’ sight when the abnormality occurred. Their every move would now be under extra scrutiny!

“How do you differentiate between Xu Xiaoshou, Xu Xiaoshou’s avatar, or if it’s Xu Xiaoshou’s chicken, or the avatar’s chicken?” Yue Gongnu casually continued the conversation, a hint of teasing in her eyes.

Liu Fuyu suddenly turned to look as well. Yue Gongnu was thinking while changing the subject, but Liu Fuyu was genuinely curious.

Yu Zhiwen seemed to have returned to her true self then, and was immediately stumped by the question. Her small face flushed slightly, and it was a long time before she could speak: “…I just know.”

The black chicken flapped its wings and pecked a few times at the front, making Yue Gongnu chuckle.

“Little fellow, you even know how to protect your master?”

Yue Gongnu reached out a finger to press its head, almost getting pecked again. Fortunately, Yu Zhiwen quickly grabbed the chicken’s head back.

Both Liu and Yu were bewildered. Instead, it was this black chicken that was on the same wavelength as her, giving plenty of feedback.

Since they were already being watched, they couldn’t show any abnormality. Yue Gongnu, not angry despite almost being pecked, picked up the previous topic and teased, “Master Xu’s avatar art is truly exceptional, and his strategies are unparalleled. I’ve seen the former, but I haven’t experienced the latter yet.”

“I should test you for little sister Yu. This sword you carried back, how much have you discerned from it?”

Yue Gongnu pointed at the Hu in Liu Fuyu’s hand, simultaneously retracting her Nu Xianfo Jian. Under the suppression of the Jian Guan Shu, the Hu had regained its calm, though it still trembled occasionally. But with the black chicken staring, it couldn’t cause any more trouble.

“Cluck, cluck, cluck.”

The black chicken couldn’t speak, so Yu Zhiwen translated for it, “He says the Hu needs to go to the Jianlou.”

Yue Gongnu waited a moment, but there was no further explanation. She couldn’t help but smile, looking at Yu Zhiwen, shaking her head playfully,

“He’s no good.”

Yu Zhiwen smiled.

The black chicken, however, immediately bristled. Its two chicken wings were raised high, and it clucked incessantly, as if it were about to lay a string of eggs. Yu Zhiwen’s small face changed slightly. She grabbed its wings and repeatedly smoothed its feathers to calm it down.

“What did he say?” Yue Gongnu asked curiously.

“Um, he said, Sister Yue is very beautiful…”

It seemed it had cursed quite vulgarly. But the taunt worked. Whether it was playing along, or speaking a truth disguised as a lie. Regardless, only if Xu Xiaoshou was willing to speak and chose to trust her, could information begin to be exchanged, and they could both gain more. Xiao Ba had already made her choice.

Others might still be wondering if Xu Xiaoshou was Ba Zun’an’s hidden move, as everything was hazy and unclear. Yue Gongnu glanced at the black chicken, received the first signal, and realized that Xu Xiaoshou’s true body had not yet entered the situation, though it appeared to have. She knew then that this young man’s methods were extraordinary and that he was trustworthy.

He should not be underestimated!

Talking more with Liu Fuyu and Yu Zhiwen wouldn’t help with the Ancestor God’s situation. So next, she needed to probe Master Xu’s mouth to find out what didn’t need to be avoided with the Ancestor God, and what needed to be conveyed indirectly. Then, she could gradually tell him about the Han Gong Dijin, what she knew, either directly or subtly.

But the root of the problem…

The black chicken’s earlier probing through Xiao Yu and its concise answers stemmed from this. They were strangers, yet he was Master Xu, and he had already proven himself. Conversely, would the esteemed Master Xu trust the capabilities of a discarded Saint Emperor’s successor, or value a frail woman who had been imprisoned in Han Yu for over thirty years?

Yue Gongnu couldn’t prove herself anymore. She had been out of touch with the times for too long and only wanted to help Xiao Ba a little, but she didn’t know how.

Fortunately, perhaps the taunt worked, or perhaps Xu Xiaoshou fundamentally understood her thoughts, becoming uncontrollably agitated.

“Cluck, cluck, cluck…”

The black chicken kept flapping its wings, clearly filled with indignation. Little sister Yu was simply too gentle; not a single word translated from its chicken speech sounded unpleasant:

“He said, Sister Yue, you are too clever. The Hu absolutely cannot return to Jianlou. Jianlou is already a critical place, no less dangerous than Shizi Jiao.”

“When he learned about the Jianlou incident, it was too late. He only regretted not having explored it earlier. However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. Sister Liu bringing the Hu out may not be a bad thing.”

“At least the Demonic Ancestor’s spirit can corrupt the Jianlou’s eleven swords. To completely control the Jianlou, perhaps it only lacks a Hu.”

“So next, Liu Fu… sister is also a key target. The Hu must be protected.”

Liu Fuyu’s expression immediately became serious upon hearing this, and she nodded to indicate she had noted it.

So fast…

Yue Gongnu simultaneously marveled at Xu Xiaoshou’s insightful grasp of the big picture and his quick thinking. Finally, she felt this guy was just like Dao Qiongcang!

Not only did he think what others thought and know what others wanted, like a worm in their stomach. Even his analysis was a mix of good and bad, with not a single wasted word, all aimed at finding a way out of a dead end.

The Hu…

It was indeed about to become the Demonic Ancestor’s spirit’s next target. If not mentioned, she wouldn’t have remembered to protect Liu Fuyu.

The chicken’s crowing continued. The black chicken crowed until its throat was practically smoking, and several feathers had flown off, yet it was still all beautiful words:

“He also said, Sister Yue’s strength is extraordinary, and she can control this Nu Xianfo Jian.”

“It’s not me…”

Yue Gongnu hadn’t spoken yet. Yu Zhiwen’s tone had already changed:

“But this Nu Xianfo Jian, whether Sister Yue controls it or Ba Zun’an… he’s also very powerful, he’s controlling it.”

“Essentially, there are Dao Qiongcang’s urine… marks on it. The further away… the better, to avoid being stabbed in the back at a critical moment.”

“The Jian Tu… is also very beautiful. Was it given by Ba Zun’an? But it also has… marks. It’s recommended not to carry it close to your body.”

“Also, he has cleared all the marks on your body, Sister Yue.”

Yu Zhiwen finally caught her breath, lightly patted the chicken, and gently reprimanded it, “Speak slower.” Then she secretly sent a message, “Don’t swear.”

Clearly, being a good translator was too exhausting. Even Liu Fuyu could tell that Yu Zhiwen paused each time, likely to filter out some less pleasant words.

And this serious yet playful reminder was understood by Yue Gongnu, who said, “Thank you.”

The chicken was haughty. Then it continued to peck the air furiously, stomping its chest and flapping its wings, ceaselessly busy.

“He also said, Ba Zun’an’s Kai Xuanmiao, indeed… is very powerful, but if he knew how to be grateful, he wouldn’t just be winking and making faces, but would quickly deliver a sword strike to the little Sancai Sword Array.”

Gratitude, really, was hard to translate. Yu Zhiwen blurted it out, then hit the chicken, telling it to mind its words and not demand repayment for favors. She then looked back at Sister Yue, clearly puzzled by something in the words: “What does ‘winking and making faces’ mean?”

Yue Gongnu froze, her earlobes slightly red. Just then, the black chicken hopped out, extended a chicken claw, hooked onto a toe, and then turned to flick Yu Zhiwen on the forehead.

“Ouch!”

Yu Zhiwen recoiled, clutching her head, and pulled the chicken back. Just as she was about to hit it, her head drew back, and she mumbled softly,

“…What, little kids shouldn’t ask? What’s wrong with that?”

She paused after speaking. Even with her eyes bandaged, Yue Gongnu could sense that the young girl’s spiritual念 had likely noticed her own fingers curled within her sleeve. She opened her mouth, unable to speak, clenching her fingers tightly, her face flushed red. After a moment of silence, she actually laughed.

This little fellow was too vengeful; she had only said one thing about it, and it had probably cursed her countless times behind her back, even revealing all her secrets… But so what! You two, one fish and one chicken, can openly mock others, but others can’t be straightforward? We weren’t even sneaking around!

“Xu Xiaoshou…”

Yue Gongnu had just opened her mouth. Over there, clucking, the chicken’s head was already raised. Yu Zhiwen quickly pressed the proudly raised chicken back against her chest, “He says he’s here… Sister Yue doesn’t need to speak, just listen to him.” Does this mean, he knows everything?

Yue Gongnu’s eyes closed slightly. She wanted to talk about the stone palace, her father, and the Demonic Ancestor’s intentions. Besides, there was her younger brother. Han Gong Dijin didn’t keep idlers; even her closest relatives, who usually seemed normal, might have problems at critical moments.

“He says if it’s about ‘Dao,’ we can listen later.”

“Also, Sister Yue, were you rescued by Dao Qiongcang?”

After Yu Zhiwen asked, she then said “Oh” to herself and spoke to the chicken, “Yes.”

The black chicken’s clucking even paused for a moment. It slowly twisted its head, its crossed eyes staring at Xiao Yu. Yu Zhiwen bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, and used both hands to force the chicken’s head back to the front. “…You’re the clumsy one.”

“Alright.”

Yue Gongnu knew too well what Xu Xiaoshou wanted to hear. “Regarding Dao Qiongcang’s process of rescuing me in Han Yu, including his words and actions in Nanming for the subsequent six months, every detail, I can tell you everything.”

The black chicken nodded contentedly.

“He says that’s great.” As soon as Yu Zhiwen spoke, she realized that perhaps she didn’t need to say that sentence.

“He also said, not only Dao Qiongcang, but Dao’s father… Hmph, chicken!” Yu Zhiwen continued, her chest trembling with anger. She couldn’t translate anymore. What kind of words were these? She couldn’t understand anything.

“Gan Shi Shengdi?” Yue Gongnu knew something. “Alright.”

The black chicken nodded again.

“He says that’s great…”

Yu Zhiwen abruptly stopped. She exhaled softly, and with a blank expression, she reached out, pinched the chicken’s wing, twisted it hard, and pulled out a black feather.

“Cluck!”

The chicken flapped its wings and took flight, screaming in pain, staring in disbelief at the terrifying woman who would actually pluck its feathers.

“That’s for tricking me.”

As soon as Yu Zhiwen spoke, her spiritual thoughts already perceived the slightly unusual glances from Sister Liu and Sister Yue. Her voice immediately lowered. She mumbled, her later words inaudible. With a gesture of her hand, she quickly grabbed the chicken back. The black chicken covered its face, blocking the setting sun.

“He, he says! He asks Sister Yue, if the twenty-one Ming Jian being collected is an ancient tradition, or a legend that emerged in recent decades? Has no one truly collected them all before?” Yu Zhiwen spoke very quickly.

Yue Gongnu smiled sweetly at the young girl, “The ancient texts of Han Gong Dijin record that it has been around since ancient times.”

“He says that’s great… Ha.” Yu Zhiwen let out a breath. This time, she didn’t flare up:

“He says, even if it’s ancient, there are countless talented people in the Five Domains, and it’s not necessarily true that no one has ever collected them all.”

“And at the current juncture, Jianlou has just had an incident, and the Hu is supposed to return to Jianlou, but wants to enter through the Xuanmiao Gate…”

As Yu Zhiwen spoke, her voice gradually became heavy. She put down the black chicken, holding it tightly to her chest, clearly realizing something, and said solemnly:

“If Kai Xuanmiao leads to the Sword Ancestor’s legacy, that would be fine.”

“If it leads to the Sword Ancestor’s legacy within Jianlou, though it’s only a few words’ difference, your little… Eighth Sword Immortal, might be in trouble.”

What?

Liu Fuyu’s pupils contracted, and she turned her gaze back. Yue Gongnu also looked towards the peak of Lingyu Mountain, only to see Dao Yun erupting from the Xuanmiao Gate, cascading like a waterfall over the entire Lingyu Mountain.

Not to mention Ba Zun’an. Hua Changdeng, Mei Siren, Gou Wuyue… All ancient sword cultivators, all Spirit Refiners, everyone on the mountain, were bathed in the incomparably sacred Dao Yun Xiaguang.

In the faint shadows, as the Xiaguang faded. Behind the Xuanmiao Gate, the illusory image of a twelve-sided solitary tower with a hanging moon slowly emerged. They could also hear excited cheers from Lingyu Mountain:

“Jianlou! It’s Jianlou!”

“Look quickly, the Sword God’s solitary tower shadow, that’s the figure at the top of the tower! The legacy is about to emerge!”

It was clearly a fortunate event, but after Xu Xiaoshou’s words, the Xuanmiao Gate, the sacred Dao Yun Xiaguang, and the illusory image of the Sword Ancestor’s solitary tower all seemed to take on a demonic aura.

Xiao Ba…

Yue Gongnu immediately understood, realizing something. Her heart anxious, she took a step forward. Yu Zhiwen moved quickly, holding the black chicken, blocking her path.

“He says, you can’t go up the mountain!”

Yue Gongnu looked up at the void. The sword sea buzzed and trembled. After Kai Xuanmiao, the twenty-one Ming Jian also returned. Ba Zun’an no longer paid attention to the situation at the foot of the mountain and also stared at the sudden Sword Ancestor phenomenon behind the Xuanmiao Gate.

“He…”

Yue Gongnu’s body tensed, and her words unconsciously gained more force.

“He says, believe me.” Yu Zhiwen’s expression was solemn. The black chicken spoke, correcting Xiao Yu’s slip of the tongue.

Yu Zhiwen then held the fat chicken, turned her back to block the Xuanmiao Gate’s Xiaguang phenomenon on the mountain, stood in front of Yue Gongnu, and said softly,

“He says, believe us.”