Chapter 10, Charming
Bai Guang remained silent for a while, then softly said: "You are my only friend"
Bai Guang was skeptical, "Is that so?"
I saw ... ... Hu Chun smiled mischievously and turned her eyes, wanting to trick Qingya, saying you are small and agile, you go. Before she could finish her sentence, Hai He pressed a small button on the wall, and with a snap, Miao Yunzhu was collected into a small box below
Qingya saw through her scheme and glared at her again
Hu Chun felt somewhat ashamed of herself; compared to them, she, a country fox from the mountains, seemed utterly unsophisticated and unrefined.
Nonsense. By the way! Hu Chuntai was so happy that she spoke in a startled manner, "I have saved up a lot of treasures for you! Come quickly, come quickly!" She took Bai Guang's hand and led her inside the door
"How can I get you to come see me?" Hu Chun complained as she patted her back. After Hui Ya sent the message, she listened intently by the door every day, fearing that if Lao Bai came, he would knock but she wouldn't be able to see him.
Bai Guang shook his head, leaning back and refusing to enter. He timidly looked up at the magnificent and luxurious gate tower, where the three golden characters "Shitang Palace" shone brightly. "Let's just talk here, I... I don't dare to go in"
Every time he saw them, Hu Chuncai felt his own inferiority, from his demeanor to his attire. The attendants of the deity, both male and female, were all exceptionally beautiful, and their wooden faces gave them an ethereal quality, as if they were untouched by the mundane world. The men wore light orange wide-sleeved feather robes, while the women donned off-white garments, together resembling a sky filled with countless floating clouds at dusk. The men styled their hair in half-buns, with the remaining hair cascading smoothly down their backs, adorned with golden carefree ribbons that danced gracefully in the absence of wind, exuding an unparalleled elegance. The women wore crescent moon buns, embellished with long golden tassels that shimmered brilliantly yet tastefully. The women also draped themselves in light orange shawls that, like the men’s attire, moved gracefully without wind, giving the impression that they were poised to dance at any moment.
Erlang Shen was very pleased, and he smiled as he rode the black dog into the clouds
Then, Hu Chun became quite adept at her role, skillfully gauging people's preferences and being both talkative and active. When she served as the Fox Fairy, she exhibited a commendable work ethic, and since she wished to linger at the Shitang Palace for a few more years, she was particularly diligent and responsible. The guests, having never encountered a welcoming smile at the Shitang Palace, were especially fond of her, and although she was merely a door attendant, the gifts they presented her were quite generous. Qing Ya, feeling envious, also tried to emulate Hu Chun by smiling at everyone, but being just a child, no matter how sweet his smile was, it could not compare to that of a beautiful woman. The guests, having never encountered a welcoming smile at the Shitang Palace, were especially fond of her, and although she was merely a door attendant, the gifts they presented her were quite generous. Qing Ya, feeling envious, also tried to emulate Hu Chun by smiling at everyone, but being just a child, no matter how sweet his smile was, it could not compare to that of a beautiful woman.
Hu Chun smirked, but there was nothing she could do! She merely curled one corner of her mouth in disdain for Qingya's hypocrisy, yet her fixed smile made it appear as if she was sneering. Qingya Haihe shot her a glare.
My goodness! Hai He Yi calmed down and instructed Hu Chun and Qing Ya to open the door, saying, "The Manifestation of the True Lord has arrived"
Hu Chun roughly understood his confusion. From the way the Hellhound was barking furiously at Qingya, scaring her to the point of nearly wetting her pants, it was clear how difficult this black dog usually was to deal with. However, to her, everyone had two ears, four paws, one nose, and one tail; how hard could it be to get along?
Hai He murmured, "The deity has conveyed a message: starting today, the Miao Yun Pearl is to be collected."
No wonder the deity comes and goes without even glancing at her. Of course, she also lowered her head to her chest, fearing that he might see her smiling
This unexpected benefit excited Hu Chun, although he did not know when he would encounter such good fortune again
"Speaking of the unseen guest..." Hai He furrowed his brow and took out a black notebook from his sleeve, "Although it is unlikely that they will come to the door, you should still make a note of it."
"The true gentleman has always been well, please come in, true gentleman." Although Hai He bowed and nodded, he still appeared expressionless, looking not at all warm.
She had just laid out the quilt and was planning to enjoy a cozy nap when she heard a scratching sound at the door. Her heart leaped with joy; she had gained experience as a doorman. This kind of sound was almost certainly from a minor spirit of the same level as Bai Guang, and since it occurred while the deity was away, it indicated that the light of the Miao Yun Pearl was not visible. She happily ran to open the door, and indeed, it was Bai Guang.
Hai He silently looked at her, and Hu Chun could not help but admire this skill that everyone in the Shitang Palace was proficient in, which was to maintain a blank expression and silence, making the other party feel as if everything that needed to be said had been said. She hoped that when she left here, she would also be able to apply it skillfully
Before long, Hu Chun had evidently become the most popular figure in the Shitang Palace. Some guests, after meeting the deity, would deliberately pause at the entrance to chat with her. Madam Jiao Island particularly favored her, bringing her banana paste every time she visited, which she applied to her face to achieve a fair and tender complexion with a hint of rosy glow. Hu Chun had more than enough for herself and saved a lot for Bai Guang. The couple of the Second Prince of Nanhai also treated Hu Chun exceptionally well; as regular visitors, they brought her three Nanhai pearls each time. Whenever she had some free time, Hu Chun would carefully drill holes in the pearls and string them into a necklace, intending to gift it to Bai Guang.
"Do your job well!" Hai Heluo said with a headache, "Guests who come to visit will usually give the doorman some small gifts. Just accept them graciously and be polite to the guests."
Lead the way, I need to borrow something from your deity. Er Lang Shen did not mind and replied calmly
Hu Chun listened and secretly squinted to take a closer look; indeed, there was nothing shining!
It is very strange that the deity never enters through the main gate upon returning. Hu Chun speculates that he directly descends to his sleeping quarters, after all, his sleeping quarters are at the very top of the Shitang Palace, and it takes quite a long time to walk up from the main gate. ... Going out is for the sake of appearances, but returning ... . ... Perhaps he is tired and simply does not bother to put on a show anymore. Therefore, while Hu Chun knows when he goes out, he does not know when he returns, which highlights the importance of the Miao Yun Pearl at this moment.
"It's nothing—" Hu Chun said confidently, patting his chest, "The old deity has gone out for a meal and won't be back for a while."
As he walked along the path, he turned back and quietly instructed Hu Chun: "Take good care of Lord Xiaotian!"
"You love to eat, so I will bring it to you every once in a while." Bai Guang was very happy, but after smiling, a hint of sadness appeared on her face, "I was originally worried... that after you become the fairy of the Shitang Palace, you would no longer look at this little broken pear of mine."
Hu Chun opened her mouth and smiled foolishly as she looked up. If it weren't for the guidance of the sea, she would not have noticed that there was a pole there. The pole was erected from the wall under the eaves of the gatehouse and was particularly thin; it was nearly invisible unless one looked at it with intention. At the top of the pole was a small round ball, about the size of a thumbnail, which Hu Chun would not have been able to see at all if it weren't for her excellent eyesight
The deity occasionally ventures out, and each time he does, it is a grand affair, requiring the two large doors of the gatehouse to be fully opened. His attendants line up to see him off, forming a procession so long that its end is out of sight. Sometimes the deity brings several attendants with him, and other times he goes alone. Once he steps outside, he vanishes in an instant, and the fairies who see him off return in silence, regardless of whether the deity is present or not. They remain expressionless, do not speak, do not look at each other, and each goes their own way. Sometimes the deity brings several attendants with him, and other times he goes alone. Once he steps outside, he vanishes in an instant, and the fairies who see him off return in silence, regardless of whether the deity is present or not. They remain expressionless, do not speak, do not look at each other, and each goes their own way.
Bai Guang carried a large bag, and after three days of wind and rain, the fragrant pears had become somewhat soft. Hu Chun took one out and wiped it on his chest before taking a bite. With a crunch, as he bit down, his nose tinged with sadness and tears streamed down his face, "Our Tangjia fragrant pears are still the best."
The next three days passed quite comfortably, filled with eating and sleeping, and sleeping and eating. I must say, the food at Shitang Palace is excellent. Hu Chun and Qing Ya were glowing with health, and every time they opened their assigned lunch boxes, there was a delightful surprise. No one came to knock on the door; not to mention the glittering names on the guest list, even the stray cats and dogs did not come to scratch at the door. Hu Chun lay comfortably on the bed with her legs crossed, speculating about what delicious food would be served next, while secretly mocking her new boss, the Lord God, who indeed had delusions.
Hai He let out a cold snort, "When your cultivation is sufficient, you will see the golden light of the Miao Yun Pearl amidst the vast layers of clouds. Those who seek an audience after placing the Miao Yun Pearl will not be received by the Divine Lord. Either they possess insufficient magical power to perceive the light of the Miao Yun Pearl, or they lack discernment, insisting on coming even when the master does not receive guests."
"Here, here." Hu Chun jumped out of bed like a carp leaping, quickly opened the door and ran out. Upon seeing Hai He standing in the living room, he asked with a beaming smile, "Why is breakfast ready so early today?"
In the following days, Hu Chun and Qing Ya still caused a bit of minor trouble; they reported matters that should not have been reported and made people wait to be taken to Songlin Pavilion when they should have been led immediately. However, there were no significant issues. With Hai He's timely remedy and Hu Chun's warm and friendly apology, coupled with their affiliation to the Shitang Palace, no one held it against them too much
Hu Chun bent down almost to a ninety-degree angle, receiving the elixir as if accepting a sacred decree, not forgetting to smile and express gratitude: "Thank you, esteemed True Monarch, safe travels to you." The person was smiling, and the voice was also filled with laughter; this was the rare and delightful enthusiasm of the Shitang Palace.
She jumped over the threshold and embraced the white light, truly overwhelmed with joy and tears this time, "Old Bai, I have missed you so much."
Seeing that it was somewhat difficult for you to push the door open, here is something for you. Erlang Shen rummaged in his sleeve, originally intending to take out a celestial pill, but upon noticing Qingya, who was petrified in the corner from being frightened by the Howling Celestial Dog, he thought it wouldn't hurt to give an extra one, so he generously took out two celestial pills instead
A voice coldly said behind them: "Not necessarily"
Hu Chun felt very uncomfortable, saddened by her emotions. She and Lao Bai had never been in this kind of atmosphere, so she quickly wiped away her tears, released her grip, and asked in a flustered manner: "Where is the fragrant pear? Where is the fragrant pear?"
Hu Chunqing leaned in to take a look, and in the black-covered book, there was only one name recorded: Ju Feng
"Where is the person?" It was the voice of a wooden-faced young man named Hai He. Now, Hu Chun felt closer to him than to her own father, as he was responsible for serving meals to her and Qing Ya.
Hai He delivered meals to them for three days, and he also felt some camaraderie, showing much more tolerance towards their ignorance. He led them out of the main room and pointed with his hand to a slender pole beside the gate, saying, "That is the Miao Yun Pearl"
Hu Chun recalled the difficulties he faced while climbing the mountain, holding the white light even tighter, tears streaming down his face, and sincerely said: "Old Bai, you are my true friend"
Bai Guang sniffed and said, "I wouldn't dare to come recklessly! Who knows if your behavior might upset the deity, and I could end up being crushed underfoot, having climbed three mountains just to see you. After waiting for a while, there was no bad news, so it seems you have settled down, and only then did I dare to come. Here, I even brought you your favorite fragrant pears."
Bai Guang also cried, "Lao Ba, I miss you too"
"If this person arrives, do not open the door, but report it immediately," Hai He said solemnly
When Erlang Shen was sent out by the sea, the Celestial Dog was happily playing with Hu Chun. Only when its master called it did it reluctantly run back to its side, its eyes still fixed on Hu Chun. This surprised Erlang Shen; his little black dog had seen countless worlds and even the little deities had to address it as 'Sir.' Why was it acting this way today? He took a closer look at Hu Chun.
Qingya arrived a step late, after all, he is an old fox who knows how to adapt to circumstances. One can tell from his expression of surprise that he is also here for a meal. However, he will eagerly ask: "Brother Haihe, is there anything you would like to instruct me on?"
Hu Chun silently formed several "oh oh oh" shapes with his mouth, bowing to respectfully send off this important figure who was in a hurry. Miao Yunzhu had just finished when he arrived, even faster than Cao Cao. She turned back with a smile to look at the Xiantian Dog still squatting at the door; her overly flattering smile appeared quite cunning, causing the Xiantian Dog to take two steps back in fright.
Hu Chun consumed the elixir and attempted to open the door, finding it even easier than opening a simple wooden door in the mortal realm. Her brows danced with joy, and indeed, Hai He was not exaggerating; guarding the Shitang Palace was truly a rewarding job
Hu Chun exclaimed, "The eyesight of the immortals is truly remarkable! Do they all possess the ability to see a thousand miles? Such small beads, and they can see them from afar, yet they do not come to visit?"
Just as the thought crossed my mind, there was a loud knocking on the door, accompanied by the barking of a dog
On that day, the deity made a grand exit in the form of a dragon, and upon hearing the sea's agreement, it was said that he was going to attend some banquet. One individual flew away with a gloomy expression. Hu Chun was quite pleased with his departure; although his presence or absence at the Shitang Palace made little difference to her, she felt much lighter at heart when he was gone. Moreover, there were no guests knocking at the door, making it an excellent time to be lazy
The deity placed the Miao Yun Pearl, indicating that he was either not in the Shitang Palace or did not wish to receive visitors, which is why no one has come these past few days. Hai He said this while deliberately glancing at Hu Chun, seemingly harboring resentment towards her words from that day.
Hu Chun scratched the top of his head, wondering about the misty cloud pearl? I have never heard of it
How can this bead be taken down? Qingya is considering a more practical issue; the wall is already very high, the pole is even higher, and it is thin, making it impossible to climb.
Hai He looked at Hu Chun and Qing Ya sharing the elixir with a hint of jealousy. He had been working as a doorman for five years, yet Erlang Zhenjun had never rewarded him with anything!
Erlang Shen? Hu Chun's mind exploded, and he had no time to think further. He hurriedly pushed the door open with Qingya with great difficulty. Outside stood a tall man with an ethereal demeanor, not wearing armor but dressed in a casual blue wide-sleeved robe. He was quite different from the statues in the temple, yet his dog was exactly as described in the legends, sitting beside its master, black and shiny.
Hu Chun slowly nodded her head. She realized that the Lord God might be somewhat immature; he must have some grievances with Uncle Zisun, which is why he placed him on the list of those he refuses to meet. If he doesn't want to see him, so be it. Yet, he still wants to be the first to know when someone comes to pay their respects to him, secretly enjoying it. This is clearly immature, isn't it