Chapter 5, Settlement

I thought he was ignoring me, and with tears in my eyes, I tugged at the corner of his clothes and said: "A-Yao was wrong, Master is the best. Master will play the flute for me, cover me with a quilt at midnight, and sell himself to exchange for a rabbit for me. I want Master..."

Secondly, one should buy a house and find a job, earn a living with one's own hands, and lead a normal life. (Bai Guan suggested using the Five Ghosts Transport Method to steal some silver from corrupt officials and tyrants; this improper thought was sternly reprimanded by me for half an hour)

The Jade Rabbit looked at me in astonishment

On weekdays, the master and she take turns winning and losing at chess, with a difference of no more than 1 or 2 points

In the celestial realm, there are many terrifying stories that circulate among the fairies

"Do you still know how good my master is?" The master put down the chess piece, and his stiff face instantly relaxed. He gently pulled me closer, without scolding, and simply said, "Go back."

Without his flute music to accompany my sleep, my heart seems empty, painfully so, as if something is missing, no longer whole

I was taken aback, stammering as I asked: "What is the thirtieth day?"

A person and a rabbit were playing hide and seek in the pear orchard. By midnight, it was quiet and deserted. The jade rabbit curled up in the basket, resembling a beautiful fur ball, its three-part mouth opening and closing, muttering something unknown. I stood by and watched for a long time, beginning to feel drowsy. I wanted to call my master to play the flute, but suddenly remembered that my master was no longer there

The man with a black face let out a cry and became obedient

The master, with a stern expression, asked without turning his head: "What has led you to this realization?"

Who is by my side

Bai Guan was intelligent and managed to memorize over a hundred characters of the formula in one go. This made me, who took two days to remember it, envious for a few moments. Then, sitting under the lamp, I altered the oversized robe bought from the tailor shop for him, making it smaller. After practicing for a long time, Bai Guan asked, "Master, was your master also like this with you back then?"

Bai Guan pulled at the hem of my clothes, her small face, resembling that of a master, was filled with unease, fearing abandonment

The sun rises slowly from the east and gradually sets in the west, with the bright moon hanging in the sky. One wonders whether Sister Chang'e is drinking osmanthus tea, and whether her little jade rabbit is still shedding fur.

Bai Guan let out a sigh of relief

Le Qing is an exceptionally loyal dog. He took out the only three or two silver coins from his pocket, reserved a private room at the restaurant, ordered a table of vegetarian dishes, and encouraged Bai Guan to eat and drink to his heart's content. Meanwhile, I took out my pen and paper, listening to him explain various examples while diligently recording the "Rules for Survival in the Mortal World".

Bai Guan asked: "How good is it?"

The white dog pounced and bit someone

The master was so enraged that he was left speechless

Bai Guan and Le Qing each stepped on his feet with one foot

I asked Leqing not to call me "Fairy" and to address me directly as "Yuyiao" to avoid revealing any flaws. Leqing was reluctant and had to repeat it several times before finally changing her words. The only valuable item I had left was the white jade flute given to me by my master. After caressing its smooth and warm jade body for a long time, I wondered to whom it would eventually fall, and who would play it. After much contemplation, I truly could not bear to part with it. Finally, Leqing, blushing, cautiously asked: "Fairy... Yuyiao, if the jade flute is your cherished possession, perhaps you should keep it. Although my original form is that of a black dog, I am still a dignified city god and a man. How could I let a beautiful, kind, and gentle (omitting several modifiers) fairy suffer? I will carry the sack to support you!"

In about twenty days, it will pass in the blink of an eye

I was stunned

Chang'e held a round fan, covering her lips with a suppressed smile, and asked: "Jin Yu, my immortal friend, would you stay in the Moon Palace to help me grind medicine for Yu'er?"

Sweat beads the size of beans slid down from my forehead, and it seemed that all my magical powers had been sealed. I felt as weak and powerless as a newborn baby, trembling incessantly, using all my strength to force out a word from my throat, finally managing to utter a faint and feeble word: "Who?"

The answer to me is a man's sigh

The first house is located in the bustling western district, with an exquisite layout. However, I found the noise excessive, which is not conducive to my practice, so I declined it. The second house is a small manor outside the city, with larger accommodations, but there are many pigs nearby, creating an unbearable stench, so I also rejected it. The third house is next to the government office, consisting of one main room, two side rooms, along with a kitchen, a storage room, and a small garden. The feng shui is excellent, and it is said to be a small villa divided from a wealthy family's estate, left vacant and rented out for profit. The steward, seeing that I was dressed modestly and politely, though lacking official titles, was still a scholar. After asking many questions and being quite picky for a long time, he finally agreed to rent the house to me for twenty taels of silver per year. I promptly paid five years' rent in one go, and considering the social niceties, I also gave the steward and the doorman five taels of silver each as a token of gratitude, and finally settled in.

He is a good person, but I cannot rely on him too much. Thus, I steeled my heart and handed over the jade flute, allowing the pawnshop to babble nonsense and belittle its value, and then I received five hundred taels of silver. Le Qing found an old mouse demon named Bao Heilian, who was wandering in the mortal realm, and asked him to help me make connections and search for a house.

It is said that a fairy descended to the mortal realm to take on disciples, but she filled in the wrong date

I kept watch by the campfire, waiting for the messenger from the heavens, but he did not arrive by the next morning

Time has become very prolonged

Bai Guan saw me grinning foolishly and kept asking questions incessantly

I want to scream, but my throat feels as if it has gone hoarse, unable to produce even the slightest sound

I feel that something is amiss, and I hurriedly recite the incantation to summon Le Qing for inquiry

I bought a lot of things, and my hands are full.

I nodded vigorously

I wanted to get up, but my body was stiff, and I couldn't move even a finger.

He sat quietly beside me, exuding a powerful masculine aura, like a demon

The white long fur of the jade rabbit is indeed adorable, feeling smooth and glossy to the touch, even more so than silk. Its red eyes resemble coral beads, containing a thin layer of moisture. It knows it has been sent away by its master, accepting its fate without struggle, spreading its limbs and allowing me to caress it. I picked many pears to offer it, but it showed no interest at all, even biting my finger. I surmised that the rabbit might prefer meat, so I quickly fetched some food meant for the celestial dog to feed it. I picked many pears to offer it, but it showed no interest at all, even biting my finger. I surmised that the rabbit might prefer meat, so I quickly fetched some food meant for the celestial dog to feed it.

He also asked me if I wanted to buy two little maidservants to serve me, but I declined. After all, in thirty years, I will return to the heavenly realm, and if I have mortals by my side, it would be problematic if any flaws were discovered, leading to being kidnapped by bad people to become their wives. I also told Bai Guan: "Although you are a man and need not worry about your reputation and integrity, one must be kind-hearted. You are good-looking, and if someone takes a liking to you and tries to take you away as a husband, being burdened by family ties and unable to ascend to heaven would not be a good thing. Therefore, you must practice self-restraint and cultivate yourself, and not act recklessly, to avoid causing irreparable troubles."

I held the Jade Rabbit and said to Chang'e: "A Yao no longer wants the rabbit"

Master, if it were not for your disciple being present, I truly could not bear this humiliation

I immediately dismissed this unreliable idea

Tossing and turning, I found it difficult to fall asleep, and by midnight, I was in a daze, kicking off the blanket

After learning the truth, I finally understood why his clothes would constantly sway at the back when he bowed; it turned out to be a habitual wagging of his tail

At this time, as dusk approached, I looked at the tidy house and felt particularly satisfied. I had Bao Heilian go buy some light wine and vegetarian dishes to properly celebrate the housewarming. I do not drink alcohol, but Bao Heilian, who loves wine and seeks bargains, noticed that we were drinking little, so he insisted on pouring more for us. After a few rounds of drinks, he became somewhat tipsy and mysteriously leaned closer to me, saying: "Fairy, it is best for you to stay indoors and be cautious. I have heard that there has been some demonic energy appearing in the town recently"

Chang'e pondered for a moment and, with a mischievous smile, proposed to me: "Let Yu'er go to the Worry-Free Peak in exchange for your master. Are you willing?"

I am embarrassed, and I return with deeper courtesy: "The way of learning is that those who are capable become teachers"

At midnight, there was no moon in the sky, nor any starlight; it was so dark that I could not see my own hand in front of me. I turned my eyes to the point of almost twitching, yet I still could not make out his appearance

The master was extremely accommodating to me. After a few complaints, he finally agreed. I joyfully kissed the master on the cheek and happily went home. The master, filled with endless resentment, reminded me from behind: "Remember to come back and pick me up"

I cannot help but laugh: "In today's world, the battle between celestial and demonic forces occurs frequently, and the mortal realm has become a neutral zone where the appearance of immortals and demons is commonplace. Although my position is high, I do not manage affairs, command troops, or handle finances, rendering me seemingly useless. Even if I were to be kidnapped or slaughtered, it would not cause any significant disturbance. I have received the true teachings of the immortal Jin Yu, and even though some of my abilities are restricted, I am not an ordinary demon that can be easily dealt with. As long as I handle matters discreetly, why would they seek me out to create trouble? If they truly come knocking, it would trigger the battle between celestial and demonic forces, which would surely attract the attention of the heavenly realm, allowing me to return sooner."

I do not want to be the female lead in a horror legend, nor do I want to be taken away to become someone's wife

I turned around, slightly bowing to him as I said: "All things are born and exist in mutual dependence, all are part of the cycle of reincarnation. Since I have entered this cycle, I shall abide by it. From now on, I will have my disciple Bai Guan live in the town as a mortal, following the rules of daily life, diligently cultivating, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the mortal world, traversing the ten thousand layers of worldly dust, and quietly awaiting the day of return to the heavenly realm. However, Ah Yao is rather dull, having lived alone on the Worry-Relief Peak for many years, seldom interacting with outsiders, lacking understanding of human emotions and worldly affairs, and not comprehending the rules of the mortal realm. If the City God could offer some guidance, Ah Yao would be immensely grateful."

Le Qing fell silent for a moment and said to me with compassion: "One day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth, and the time recorded in the register is based on celestial time"

He did nothing and said nothing, only letting out a series of satisfied sighs

I have once again brought shame upon my master

The master sighed, turned around, and glanced at me once more

In a state between half-dream and half-awake, I suddenly felt a terrifying gaze upon me, as if I were a frog being watched by a cold, venomous snake, flicking its fiery red tongue, ready to devour its prey at any moment

The master persistently advised me to give up

The old bachelor for a thousand years smiled and said

The jade rabbit, with great reluctance, was toyed with by the child, glaring at me with red eyes and kicking its legs wildly

The Jade Rabbit is rarely seen, but the master sees it every day

I can feel the chill of skin against skin and hear the rapid beating of my own heart

He is only a hundred times better than me

At last, he kissed my lips

Le Qing echoed: "So they are immortals, and you are a mouse"

Chang'e struck the white chess piece in her hand down, squinting her eyes and said unhappily: "Wasn't it supposed to be a two-day exchange? It has only been one day, and my friend Jinyu cannot leave. You won five games against me in chess yesterday, and now the outcome is still undecided; how can you leave so easily?"

The man with a black face muttered lewdly beside him: "With the beautiful master by my side, I can see but not touch, and yet I am asked to practice abstinence and self-cultivation, living as a bachelor for thirty years is truly unreasonable..."

I was scorned by my disciple, and awkwardly retreated to my room, holding a pillow and thinking of my master. As I pondered, I eventually fell asleep

Le Qing cast an admiring glance.

Chang'e is in a difficult position

I solemnly declare: "My master is a person of integrity, having practiced asceticism and self-cultivation in the heavenly realm for ten thousand years. It is only fitting for me, as his disciple, to learn from him."

The two individuals exchanged pleasantries for quite some time, and after a while, Bai Guan's stomach growled again. We decided to head to the town first to find something to eat for him

Beneath the osmanthus tree, the slender silhouette appears quite desolate

The master smiled and said: "My mood is not very good, and I lost my composure when I made my move. I apologize for my rudeness. Please, fairy, continue to make your move. Be good, A Yao, do not rush. Go to the side and prepare a cup of fragrant tea for me. Once I finish drinking, we will resolve this matter."

In the celestial realm, no one would so recklessly comment on the figure of a fairy

Master has been feeling depressed for a long time and asked: "Dai A Yao, do you want to exchange Master for a rabbit?"

The life of a being of the material world is eternally unchanging, time holds no significance for me. The safest method is to find a secluded cave, revert to my original form, and sleep, indulging in beautiful dreams. As I dream, thirty years pass by.

I feel like I am going to die

First, single women in the mortal world are often bullied, and they must never reveal their true appearance to avoid being targeted by rogue swindlers, who may spy on them while bathing, steal their clothes, or abduct them to become their wives. (Le Qing originally praised my unparalleled beauty for a full three quarters of an hour, using excessively flattering language that is truly impossible to record.)

I replied calmly: "It is of no concern, Master is an immortal and will surely find a way."

A solitary woman, not allowing any outsiders, bid farewell at the hour of the first watch, accompanied by the bruised and swollen black-faced Bao He and the flushed-faced Le Qing. After I finished tidying up the dishes and utensils, I called Bai Guan to the room to teach him the method of breathing and meditation.

According to legend, there was a fairy who descended to the mortal realm and transformed into a rice snail. She was captured by a villain, lost her purity, and could not return to the heavens. Subsequently, she became the wife of the villain.

Le Qing and Bao Heilian stayed behind to help me tidy up the house. I have been doing the work myself for many years and enjoy cleaning, so I do not need them to lend a hand. I let the three of them go sweep the fallen leaves in the garden while I picked up the tools and quickly cleaned the house until it was spotless. I first arranged the white quilt neatly, and then, finding the silk cotton quilt rough and dirty, I washed it myself once more, feeling sorry for the servants who had to live with it.

He extended his hand, the movement gentle as if caressing fine jade, softly gliding across my cheek, pausing slightly on my lips

The pear tree in the small courtyard is in full bloom with white flowers, and waves of refreshing fragrance permeate the night, particularly enticing

Le Qing suddenly had a nosebleed, not knowing what had come to mind

However, this matter also proves to everyone that my master is the best in the entire realm

Le Qing hurriedly arrived and asked, "I have never heard of celestial messengers being negligent before. May I ask, how many days did the immortal write in the earthly registration book?"

Le Qing put down his chopsticks and sighed, saying: "In the place where Bai Guan fell into a coma, those more than ten people who died were all killed by demons"

Le Qing asked nervously, "What should we do, Immortal?"

I held the jade rabbit, weeping and refusing to let go

According to legend, there was a fairy who descended to the mortal realm and was deceived by a swindler's sweet words, losing her purity and unable to return to the heavens. Subsequently, she became the swindler's wife

I gazed at my master in astonishment

At midnight, Bai Guan began to doze off and fell asleep under the tree

Le Qing seemed to be startled, and he quickly returned a deeper bow, saying: "I am unworthy of your guidance. It is truly a blessing for Luoshui Town that the fairy resides nearby. I am willing to offer my humble assistance."

I embraced the jade rabbit, mounted the azure phoenix, and flew towards the Moon Palace as if in flight

The man with the black face was so pleased that his little mustache perked up. He took the initiative to take me to the street to buy a brand new quilt and various household items. On the way, we encountered many confused young ladies who had dropped their purses. I asked the man with the black face to pick them up and return them to them. Those overly polite young ladies, for some reason, became very rude and walked away in a huff

I packed up the clay figurines, shadow puppets, paper cuttings, wooden carvings, and other items I had purchased in the mortal realm early on, tipped the innkeeper with all the remaining money, and then left the inn with Bai Guan to wait in the wilderness for the celestial beings to come and take us away

Regarding the master's disgraceful matters, I dared not respond, only patting his head and promising: "If one day you take a liking to little cats or dogs, and wish to exchange them for the master, I would be willing to do so."

However, his act of selling himself for a rabbit on behalf of his disciple has become a laughingstock in the heavenly realm

The black-faced man taught me new knowledge—negotiating prices is possible when buying and selling goods

The person with a black face, in a drunken stupor, exclaimed: "Oh dear, who says that you, fairy, are worthless? There are indeed many admirable qualities about you..."

In my childhood, I adored plush animals. When I first saw the Jade Rabbit at Chang'e's home, I was almost rooted to the spot, persistently begging my master for the rabbit. My master was at a loss with me, so he brought a generous gift to the Moon Palace to visit Chang'e, requesting her to allow the Jade Rabbit to stay at the Peak of Sorrow for a while to fulfill his disciple's wish

I said: "It is indeed the thirtieth day"

Chang'e laughed until she could hardly breathe

Chang'e maliciously patted his shoulder with a fan and said: "Jin Yu, my immortal friend, hurry and prepare the medicine"

In an instant, the master's handsome face, pale with a hint of green, and green with a hint of black, displayed a remarkably vivid complexion

I maintain a calm smile

The disciple must have cried out...

According to legend, there was a fairy who descended to the mortal realm to bathe carelessly. Her clothes were stolen by a rogue, resulting in her loss of purity and inability to return to the heavens. Subsequently, she became the wife of the rogue.

I blushed belatedly

Thirty years

Le Qing blushed

The Moon Goddess Chang'e was furious; after assessing the situation on the chessboard, she ordered us to leave

At this moment, I did not change my appearance. Following his gaze, it finally rested on my towering chest, and I was taken aback

I closed my eyes in despair, waiting for something even more terrifying to happen

Bai Guan anxiously tugged at the corner of my garment and asked, "Master, we can't go back, what should we do?"

From then on, no celestial beings were willing to play chess with the master. The master said it was all my fault, forcing me to play with him. Each time, the outcome was only a matter of one or two points, leaving me perpetually perplexed about my own level of chess skill

In casual conversation, it is known that Le Qing is not an ordinary person who has become an immortal; in his previous life, he was a black dog who perished while saving his master. He was rewarded by the heavenly realm for his "loyalty and bravery" and was appointed as the city god of this small town covering a radius of one hundred miles. Although he is an immortal, he possesses a certain naivety, is not skilled in accumulating wealth, and enjoys helping the poor. As a result, he remains completely honest and transparent, unable to curry favor with his superiors, making promotion difficult. However, he does not mind this and finds contentment in his life.

Bai Guan said with admiration: "Master has a far-reaching vision, and I, your disciple, will follow your guidance diligently"

How good is the master? I couldn't help but laugh

Upon waking, I looked at the quilt on the floor and suddenly cried

Bai Guan despises me: "Who would exchange a master for a kitten or puppy? That is simply too foolish! It is the behavior of an idiot, a fool!"

Without waiting for the attendant to announce, I stumbled into the Moon Palace. Fortunately, my master was not concocting medicine; he was engaged in a game of chess with Chang'e. Upon seeing my return, he was quite delighted

I pondered for a moment and replied loudly: "I am willing!"

Thirdly, find the master by the way

... ...

I retracted my head and assured, "How about just two days?"

The jade rabbit has fluffy white fur, while the master has no fur