Path of the Sect Leader

Chapter 106: Pigfish Tastes Best

The passenger shuttle from Artifact Talisman City to Lian Shui City turned out identical to the Ethereal Wood Wind Shuttle they'd crammed into years back, fleeing south with the sect's remnants. Stepping aboard, Qi Xiu and Zhan Yuan locked eyes without a word—both flashing back to those days of hauling burdens on sore shoulders, enduring sneers from strangers.

"Time slips by like this shuttle," Zhan Yuan murmured, gaze drifting to Bai Muhan chatting with Wei Minniang and the little one. Softness warmed his eyes. "Almost a decade gone."

"Gu Ji and Huang He... they didn't make it this far with us."

The names hit Qi Xiu like a quiet ache. Gu Ji especially—vibrant, irrepressible kid brother in all but blood.

Zhan Yuan caught the shadow crossing his face, steered quick. "So... rooms tonight?"

Qi Xiu blinked, pulled back.

"Third-tier shuttle cabins cost a fortune. I only booked two."

Zhan Yuan winked, smug as a fox with a hen.

"Cut it out."

Qi Xiu shot him a glare. Intent clear—nice try—but Wei Minniang would freeze solid at the implication. Awkward mess, and it'd paint him sleazy. "You bunk with me. Ladies share the other."

"No fair—we're newlyweds too! Don't split lovebirds."

Zhan Yuan winced, plan backfiring. Protests fell flat; Qi Xiu claimed a cabin first.

Helpless, Zhan Yuan tossed Bai Muhan a woeful look and trailed in.

Like the Artifact Talisman Alliance, Lian Shui was a coalition of sects. But where the former thrived on tools and talismans, this one lived and breathed water—name, home, trade. Even before the city hove into view, the shuttle skimmed over vast lakes stitched by glittering channels, mountains mirrored in endless blue. Stunning expanse.

Bai Muhan explained: unlike most White Mountain powers flirting with gray lines, Lian Shui Alliance flew the righteous banner loud. Rare here. No wonder loose cultivators flocked for leisure—safer by far.

"Look—real White Mountain!"

Bai Muhan leaned over the rail, pointing eager. Qi Xiu followed her finger: a distant pale peak rising solitary. Impressive, sure, but nothing jaw-dropping. That the namesake?

"From here? Feels ordinary 'cause we're miles out," she said, excitement bubbling. "Up close? You'll feel how massive it truly looms."

Newcomers like Qi Xiu, Zhan Yuan, Wei Minniang—uprooted from afar—couldn't quite grasp that native pride. But knowing Nascent Soul, even Spirit Severing elders perched atop? Awe stirred anyway.

"Tired from the ride, Yue'er? Almost there—hot springs swim after?"

Qi Xiu crouched to her level, teasing gentle. Trip taught him fast: win the daughter, crack the mother's shell.

"Not tired! Wanna buy lots of yummy stuff."

Bold little thing, boundless energy. Without her pull, Wei Minniang likely stayed put.

"Plenty of treats. Pretty dresses too."

He played along; kid melted quick—no grasp yet of sharper edges.

"Don't spoil her rotten..."

Wei Minniang drew Yue'er close, tone mild wife-like today. That goose-yellow gown he'd gifted hugged her frame. Shift in her? Qi Xiu didn't question—sweet as honey on the tongue.

"My pleasure."

She caught the undercurrent, feigned annoyance—glanced sharp, cheeks tinting. Fair skin blushed easy; those phoenix eyes softened it deadly. Bones went loose.

Zhan Yuan and Bai Muhan traded grins, wandered off for their own whispers.

Left as a quiet trio—family easy around the child. Warmth settled in.

A crew member bellowed: landing soon.

Qi Xiu reached for Yue'er—Wei Minniang too. Both dipped; foreheads brushed light.

Air thickened, charged.

"Ahem."

She coughed delicate, sensing his stare. Qi Xiu straightened fast, hollered for the others—covering the flush.

"Lian Shui City's one of White Mountain's big cultivation hubs," Bai Muhan bubbled as they disembarked, arm looped through Wei Minniang's. "Water everything—cultivation goods, delicacies, beauty springs, views that steal breath. Parents brought me once as a kid. Gotta savor it this time."

Nostalgia laced her voice—precious memory, parents whole then. Now? Mother gone, father chained public on the main drag, humiliated daily. Betrothal shattered. Rough hand dealt.

"Where first?"

Crossroads halt. Yue'er nestled in mom's arms piped: "Eat! Fish!"

Qi Xiu chuckled. "Fish it is."

"Yay—fish time!"

Wei Minniang sighed fond helplessness. Bai Muhan led to a famed eatery.

Out to enjoy—no pinching pennies. Sect had breathing room now. Qi Xiu ordered lavish: dozen first-tier spirit fish courses, full banquet.

Flavor exploded fresh, worth every stone. All savored—except Yue'er, pouting sulky.

"Not good?" Wei Minniang coaxed.

She nodded fierce. "Not like Black River pigfish."

Laughter rippled. Even Wei Minniang's cool cracked, soft chuckles escaping. Black River pigfish packed no qi—just honest delicious. Different charms, apples and oranges. Kid's loyalty? Pure fate.

"Those pigfish won't last forever, though."

Qi Xiu's mood dipped, Zhao Liangde's face surfacing. Sigh slipped out.

"Why?"

Yue'er panicked—favorite vanishing?

"Because..."

Castrated stock, no breeding—eat one, gone one. Not kid talk. He booped her nose instead. "'Cause you gobbled them all up."

Fresh laughter rolled warm around the table.