Chapter 8, The Varieties of Human Experience

Thank you, Xiangsu! My wish after so many years has finally come true! Xiao Huai is in tears

Kunpeng fell silent for a moment; he was not skilled at comforting women. "That is your good fortune, to have encountered His Majesty"

You have no say in this! With a fierce glare from Kunpeng, she still felt frightened, timidly releasing her arm that was wrapped around the golden cup, her face displaying a look of grievance and distress

The unformed celestial spirits of Lingze Mountain all wish to see these, yet only I have witnessed them. Xiangsu sniffed, having gained some experience with crying; first, her nose and eyes would feel sour together, and then the tears would flow.

Not far after entering the city gate is the South Market, filled with numerous food stalls. Xiang Su was almost clinging to Kun Peng's arm, feeling as if every passerby was a formidable opponent. Kun Peng spotted a stall selling flaky pastries and recalled her silly claim of calling herself a flaky pastry, unable to suppress a smile as he pulled her over to buy six. Xiang Su was fixated on the dirty, blackened oven used for baking the pastries, while the vendor carelessly wrapped them in oil paper, his greasy fingers and dirt-encrusted nails touching the pastries. She timidly looked up at the vendor, who was both old and ugly, far more monstrous than she herself appeared.

Xiang Su was truly infuriated, not wanting to say another word to Kunpeng in the clouds! That remark of his: "Just based on her, hum!" is enough for her to hold a grudge for ten thousand years!

Eat! He handed the pastry to her, and the most critical issue was his low magical power, which made him unable to escape the mundane necessities of eating, drinking, and relieving himself. The Kunpeng sadly foresaw that the sovereign would not have the patience to guide her in resolving these trivial matters, leaving only him, this poor soul! A dignified Kunpeng, reduced to the status of a wet nurse, how could he bear such a fate

Let us go. After finishing the shopping, Kunpeng did not wish to linger any longer. He used his arm to guide the pale-faced Xiangsu, who, despite her evident fear, kept staring at the boss without respite, truly a foolish person who brings suffering upon herself

Although the divine realm and the demon realm possess the power to destroy the heavens and the earth, when it comes to prosperity and enjoyment, the human realm truly ranks first. According to Bai Zhi Cao, the most delicious food is found in the human realm, and the liveliest markets only exist in the human realm. She also felt that she was very heartless and ungrateful; recalling these things, she found it impossible to feel sad.

"The water in the Qingze Pool?" Bai Zhicao almost jumped up, clicking his tongue in amazement, "You truly are the attendant of the Sovereign of the Universe, to be able to obtain such a precious item! Xiao Huai has struck it rich! I am going to find him right now!" Bai Zhicao, overly excited, snatched the jade gourd from Kunpeng's hands and ran out without even glancing at Kunpeng.

Kunpeng glanced at the elderly beggar at the city gate and had an epiphany. "Xiangsu, humans are different from us; they experience birth, aging, illness, and death. What you see is merely their appearance after they have aged." Kunpeng paused, "They... generally do not look good." He suddenly understood a question: the reason she did not exhibit a 'normal' reaction to the Emperor and his appearance. She was originally a small flower tree in a desolate place, and the teachings of the Qing Sui Emperor and the Mountain God to these small celestial beings were quite inadequate. What she had mostly seen were fully formed flower spirits and tree monsters, who generally had very beautiful appearances. Given her own unfortunate looks, she mistakenly believed that all living beings should conform to this standard. Thus, upon seeing the appearance and aging of humans, she felt a great fear.

Xiang Su shook her head, continuing to bury herself in Jin Zhan's clothes, "The human world is very frightening, everywhere... is different..."

It was precisely because he had come to understand this point that he exhibited extraordinary patience, standing by the small path at the city gate, enduring the fearful and trembling gaze of Xiang Su as she watched the passing humans. Xiang Su tightly clutched the back of Kunpeng's shirt, dodging and peering at the rude farmers, the shabby scholars, the nagging plump women, the unfamiliar livestock, and the various unpleasant odors emanating from them. A thief snatched the scholar's wallet and ran away swiftly, while the scholar shouted in a high-pitched voice, chasing after him but unable to run fast, slipping into a muddy pothole overflowing with sewage. No one came to help him; instead, they all laughed uproariously as if in mockery. Xiang Su tightly clutched the back of Kunpeng's shirt, dodging and peering at the rude farmers, the shabby scholars, the nagging plump women, the unfamiliar livestock, and the various unpleasant odors emanating from them. A thief snatched the scholar's wallet and ran away swiftly, while the scholar shouted in a high-pitched voice, chasing after him but unable to run fast, slipping into a muddy pothole overflowing with sewage. No one came to help him; instead, they all laughed uproariously as if in mockery.

This statement has once again left Xiang Su feeling aggrieved. Although Dong Tianyun saved her at a critical moment between life and death, she has also paid a heavy price! As a celestial spirit from the Wood Spirit Realm, she had to follow the capricious Emperor of Gold, abandoning her childhood friends, and instead working alongside a 'divine beast' like Kunpeng, who has fully adopted the master's bad temper. Moreover, she constantly encounters fierce and malevolent figures like the Red Phoenix and the Purple Dragon Lady, which makes her feel very wronged!

Xiang Su held the cake timidly, unable to comprehend why Kunpeng was suddenly so angry, glaring at her as if she had dug up his old roots. Sitting gloomily on the cloud while eating the cake, although it was something she had longed for one or two hundred years, the taste was quite ordinary when it finally reached her mouth. Moreover, the boss, the pot, and the black fingers... all tormented her. Indeed, eating was a burden; no wonder everyone was striving to cultivate desperately to rid themselves of this trouble! It is still better to drink clean and sweet water!

Kunpeng noticed that Xiangsu seemed to enjoy burying her face in other people's clothes, probably a bad habit formed from being buried in the ground for many years. Remembering the feeling of her warm breath gently brushing against his skin, he found Jin Zhan's feigned indifference particularly irritating

When Xiang Su saw the Qing Sui Mansion from a distance, she felt a pang in her nose. Although she had only lived there for one day, she felt a deep attachment, as she had never found anything in the Qing Sui Mansion that intimidated her.

The Kunpeng instinctively detests the human realm, especially in places densely populated with people, frowning as it descends from the clouds

Kunpeng glanced at the sky and announced: "We shall go to Qingsuifu to deliver the holy water from the Sacred Pool." They certainly could not return this early, as Ziyin Longnv would think they lacked discernment.

"Wait a moment, let me take another look." Xiang Su's tone surprised Kunpeng, who glanced at her in astonishment, not expecting that she too could experience moments of melancholy. When a faint sense of desolation tinged her brows and eyes, it was more heart-wrenching than either crying or laughing. Kunpeng let out a hum, unsure whether it was directed at her or himself, as the cloud hovered steadily in mid-air, leaving him feeling somewhat reluctant.

I... I still have something to say to Jinzhan. She greatly enjoys the feeling of being in sync with her kind. Although Jinzhan speaks little, each word comforts her deeply. She leans against him, and that feeling of growing together with everyone on Lingze Mountain returns, bringing a sense of stability and reassurance. It is unlike talking to a bird like Kunpeng, where they can never quite connect.

Xiang Su nodded repeatedly, stuffing the flaky pastry into her mouth. This terrifying day finally had something to make her happy. She frequently glanced ahead, feeling for the first time that the Kunpeng was not flying so fast after all

Bold! The Kunpeng coldly rebuked, daring to directly call the name of the sovereign

"You should quickly state the matter at hand, Your Majesty has summoned you," Kunpeng said coldly, disdainfully spitting into his palm, as the jade gourd was sent into his hand, returning to its normal size

Xiang Su turned her head and saw that Xiao Huai's skin had become delicate. "Xiao Huai, you have become so beautiful!" Xiang Su and Xiao Huai excitedly held hands, almost jumping up and spinning around.

Kunpeng adjusted his back molars and wondered, "Is 'birds and beasts' referring to him?" His impression of this daffodil grew increasingly negative! A flash of spiritual energy crossed his forehead, indicating that the monarch was summoning him. Kunpeng hesitated for a moment, estimating that the monarch would be occupied in the Purple Micro Palace for at least two or three days. Why was it so soon?

The Kunpeng soared through the clouds, glancing at the dazed and contemplative Xiang Su. He felt that her ordinary appearance was truly unbefitting of her; she was foolish, clumsy, and had never seen the world. Even her superficial charm could only barely salvage some of the situation. He restored Xiang Su's appearance, which made him once again feel that she was hopelessly naive and unsophisticated, as she still had not realized that he was changing her back and forth.

"Scared... so scared!" Xiang Su buried her face in the clothes behind Kunpeng, gripping the fabric tightly by her cheeks as if trying to shield herself. Her ragged breaths brushed against Kunpeng's back through the fabric, and he suddenly felt powerless to scold her.

This sentence made Xiang Su even more sorrowful

What she said was disjointed, yet Jin Zhan, also a wood spirit, understood it all too well. When Qing Sui took him to the town in the human realm, he tried to remain calm, but internally he experienced a tumult of emotions. He sighed and gently patted Xiang Su's head, "Alright, be brave. When you grow older and gain more experience, you will no longer be afraid. Although we are different from those flying birds and roaming beasts, we are all beings in the three realms. Gradually, we will become accustomed to it and no longer find it strange."

As soon as Xiang Su stepped outside the hall, she heard someone calling her name with deep emotion while running towards her

Everything happened very quickly. Xiang Su felt that in the time it took to widen her eyes, the people on both sides surrounded them even faster. Just as Xiang Su finished listening to the girl's words, the person involved was already encircled in the center. Kunpeng was blocked from moving forward, his expression particularly gloomy, and he decisively dragged Xiang Su out of the city. Xiang Su was filled with the crowd's condemnation of those who "took advantage".

That feeling of disappointment towards Sister Qingse has resurfaced again

Kunpeng frowned, the time had exceeded his patience, "Go down!" he announced in an unfriendly tone. Clearly, the words had already been spoken, yet he heard himself continue, "You can take a closer look!"

Xiang Su then remembered the purpose of returning to Qing Sui Mansion, leaning in Jin Zhan's embrace, and spoke of the origins of the Sacred Pool water

"Alright, let's go, let's go." Xiang Su realized the situation was not good and instead came over to pull Kunpeng out. Jin Zhan was picky and had little ability, making him no match for Kunpeng; if a fight broke out, he would surely suffer losses.

As they approached the city gate, the number of pedestrians on the road increased. Xiang Su suddenly let out a loud cry and hid behind Kunpeng. Kunpeng pinched his forehead; if he truly had to serve the Emperor alongside her in the future, he really did not know how much longer he could endure! "What is wrong with you now?!" He could even feel her trembling.

Xiang Su suddenly felt very dejected; the human world she had imagined was not like this! The fantasies she had held onto for so long were shattered by the reality before her, and she felt her heart sinking deeper and deeper.

When a person is angry, their stomach growls even more quickly, rumbling and clattering, completely shattering the tragic atmosphere from just a moment ago. Kunpeng, with a cold expression, silently looks down on her, and even she feels that it is quite a mood killer. Enough with the melancholy; it is more important to fill the stomach first. Looking again at the small city beneath the clouds, she feels a strong yearning. Are there any flaky pastries?

What is the matter? He is actually impatient, but his tone is very gentle when he asks.

Xiang Su nodded, revealing an expression that seemed to be neither crying nor laughing, which left Kunpeng feeling quite conflicted. "What is wrong with you?!" It was truly difficult to have a proper conversation with her; just looking at her complex and inscrutable expression was driving him nearly mad, causing him to frequently lose the majesty of a divine beast.

Jin Zhan frowned in displeasure. Although she disapproved of Kunpeng's attitude towards Xiang Su, considering Xiang Su's special relationship with Dong Tianyun, she felt it inappropriate to urge him to stay. "You may go. Endure for a little longer; as long as Dong Tianyun successfully forges the sword, you will be free."

Kunpeng snorted, and as he turned around, he flicked his sleeves. Xiang Su secretly shook his head, thinking that this annoying attitude was learned too well, indeed having followed Dong Tianyun for many years

Xiang Su Mu Mu Di followed Kun Peng as he turned around. Across the street was a low-quality jewelry stall, where a girl of mediocre beauty was selecting jewelry. In the corner, a young man dressed in a gaudy manner emerged, with a sharp face that was quite unpleasant. He approached the girl from behind, quickly pinched her bottom, and raised his leg to run away. The girl, alert, turned around and slapped him, the sound of her hand striking his face crisp and clear, "Dog lecher, taking advantage of this young lady!"

Xiang Su still wanted to comfort him a few words, but was roughly pulled by Kunpeng, "Alright, let's go! You," he pointed his chin at Xiao Huai, "should thank the Emperor of Victory, just based on her," his gaze swept over the indignant Xiang Su, "humph!"

"What are you crying about?" Jin Zhan noticed that Kunpeng was glaring at them unfriendly, and he returned the unkind gaze. "Is someone bullying you?" he asked with a hint of implication.

So this is what it means to "take advantage"... Moreover, it seems that the person being taken advantage of suffers tremendous losses... Thinking of how the Lord is treated by the Purple Yin Dragon Lady... It is impossible, right? The Lord could crush the Purple Yin Dragon Lady to dust with just a finger, right? Unless, the Lord is willing to be "taken advantage of"! To allow the Purple Yin Dragon Lady to weave the Fire-Repelling Silk? She feels an overwhelming sense of despair; even someone as strong as the new Lord has so many helpless moments. Unless, the Lord is willing to be "taken advantage of"! To allow the Purple Yin Dragon Lady to weave the Fire-Repelling Silk? She feels an overwhelming sense of despair; even someone as strong as the new Lord has so many helpless moments

"Let's go!" Kunpeng pulled on Xiangsu's arm, but was shaken off by Xiangsu.

In order to avoid drawing attention, they fell into a thicket outside the city where pedestrians were scarce. When they emerged, Xiang Su was acting furtively, attracting ambiguous glances from a passing woodcutter. Kun Peng's face turned pale under such scrutiny, wishing he could slap Xiang Su on the back of her head for her sneaky demeanor. After the woodcutter clearly saw their faces, he did not continue on his way; instead, his legs went weak, and he sat down, staring dreamily at Xiang Su. Xiang Su was too busy tiptoeing to look into the city to notice anything amiss. Kun Peng shot a sharp glare at the woodcutter, scaring him into a hasty retreat. Kun Peng frowned as he looked at Xiang Su, who was tugging at his sleeve and stretching her neck like a silly goose to gaze into the distance. He sighed inwardly; originally, the flower spirit tree was prone to producing beauties, and with her having the blood of the monarch, her appearance was indeed a disaster. Seeing her oblivious and foolish expression, he was tempted to reveal his true form and peck her on the head. He could not allow her to enter the city with such an obvious demonic demeanor. He silently recited a spell, transforming her into an ordinary young girl. Xiang Su was too focused on peering ahead to notice anything; she eagerly tugged at his arm, urging him to hurry. After her transformation into an ordinary appearance, she looked even more foolish, which greatly pleased Kun Peng.

Thinking of them, Xiang Su felt a sharp pain in her heart. Do not think of the past, the Wood Spirit Realm has its rules! She believed this saying held great power; as long as she thought this way, her heart would not feel so heavy.

Before they even entered the main hall, Jin Zhan and Bai Zhi Cao had already rushed over upon hearing the news. Xiang Su truly shed tears and threw herself into Jin Zhan's embrace. It was rare for the usually cold and sarcastic Jin Zhan to say nothing, to not push her away, but instead to gently stroke her disheveled hair in a comforting manner

When she could faintly see the small town on the ground from the clouds, Xiang Su involuntarily held her breath. It turned out that the "town" described by Bai Zhi Cao and Jin Zhan was such a lively place! The square city walls and the roads extending from the city gates were crisscrossed in all directions. On the various roads in the city, people as small as black dots walked through the streets and alleys, with various merchant flags fluttering, creating an incredibly bustling atmosphere. This was the human realm, the town that she and Ying Chun Hua had discussed passionately countless times.

The Kunpeng actually wanted to comfort her, "To humans, you are the true monster; they should be afraid of you!"

"So terrifying! It looks so terrifying!" Xiang Su trembled again, "There are wrinkles on its face, and its chin... its chin is all sucked into its mouth!"

"Alright, alright, let's head into the city." Kunpeng feigned ferocity, but in truth, he felt somewhat constrained. When it came to dealing with the newly transformed wooden spirit, he was truly at a loss. Unlike other celestial beings, whether flying in the sky or running on the ground, they all had a clear understanding of the human world, even when they lacked spiritual awareness.

Upon reflection, Xiang Su's disregard for his appearance no longer troubled him as much; after all, it was simply a matter of having not seen much of the world