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墨書 Inktalez
Sun Rongniang replied that it was indeed a special kind of oil, and once it was finished, it could be purchased for a modest price—ten coins for a small jar, which would last about ten days. For the impoverished common folk, this was quite a significant expense. The poor could obtain lamp oil for free, as Niu Xianshi generously provided it.
Sun Rongniang then went on to extol the many virtues of Niu Xianshi, painting him as a great benefactor. Sang Qingxiao half-heartedly echoed her praises but seized the opportunity to ask, "I saw two types of lanterns on my way into the city. Yours is one of the few; what distinguishes them?"
Though the two lanterns appeared similar on the outside, their internal lighting mechanisms were different. Sun Rongniang's lantern clearly produced a brighter flame, with flickering flames that danced more lively.
"You observe very carefully," she noted.
Sang Qingxiao blushed slightly. "Isn't that because I was so close? Such a festive lantern caught my eye, so I looked at it a bit longer. I even thought about finding the artisan to make some more."
"Ah, then congratulations are in order," Sun Rongniang replied.
Sang Qingxiao responded with a few words of agreement before steering the conversation back. "What do you exchange with the immortal? Is it true that those who seek favors from the immortal receive them?"
"I wonder what Rongniang exchanged," Sang Qingxiao mused. "If the cost is low, I would like to try as well."
The girl’s rosy complexion didn’t seem to indicate she had encountered any difficulties.
Sang Qingxiao shyly added, "In this world, how many couples truly have long-lasting bonds? I really wish to seek that."
Sun Rongniang kindly advised her, "If that's all you desire, then perhaps it's best not to pursue it."
With a hint of innocence and confusion in her eyes, Sang Qingxiao tilted her head and asked, "Why not?"
Sun Rongniang frowned and bit her lip. "The cost..."
After hesitating several times without providing an answer, an unkempt man barged in. He had a laughing woman nestled in his arm, and they were oblivious to their surroundings as they kissed. Sun Rongniang watched them enter the shop with an expression full of pain and struggle.
After taking a few steps inside, the man turned back and barked at Sun Rongniang, "Is the Yintao cheese that Qin Niang ordered ready? It can't be too cold; my Qin Niang is delicate and can't handle it. It also can't be at room temperature; it's too hot out—she needs something to cool her down."
The man rambled on while Sun Rongniang fought back tears. "Yes, husband, everything is prepared."
Husband? Was he truly her husband who had fallen ill? He looked quite healthy now.
Once they disappeared from view, Sun Rongniang let out a bitter smile and said earnestly to Sang Qingxiao, "I apologize for making you laugh; he is indeed my husband. I knelt before the immortal for several days to save him. What I exchanged was the bond between us."
In those early days, they had been an enviable couple. But ever since he recovered from his illness, he no longer valued her; if he allowed her to manage this shop, it was merely to treat her like a servant.
"Do you regret it?"
Before making the decision, I had already considered the worst-case scenario. Though I was mentally prepared, the heartache was still unavoidable. He had indeed treated me well in the past; I couldn't just stand by and watch him die.
If I were to stay here, it would only be because my heart had not yet died. The moment my heart dies, I will leave on my own.
After hearing this, Sang Qingxiao felt a pang in her heart. "The Immortal Statue has brought you to this point; it's better not to light this lantern at all."
"Your words are too harsh, Miss," she replied. "Everything is my own choice. The Immortal Statue is indeed spiritual; if I worship it, it is merely to seek a sense of peace."
"If you are interested, just seek a smooth and peaceful life like an ordinary person. Unless absolutely necessary, do not exchange lightly."
Sun Rongniang had things to attend to, so Sang Qingxiao returned to her seat. Qi Xiaomian served her a bowl of soup and whispered, "A lifetime together? Long-lasting?"
"Xiaoxiao, rest assured, I will never betray you."
Sang Qingxiao glared at him. "If you were like the boss's husband, even if there were hidden circumstances, I would personally deal with you. How could I allow you to act arrogantly in front of me!"
Old Vine interjected with ill intentions, "Tsk tsk, that man was severed from his feelings; betrayal was not his wish. If Qi Xiaomian were also severed from his feelings..."
Sang Qingxiao cut him off before he could finish. "He has no magic technique; he is no different from an ordinary person. If he could still be affected by others, then he simply hasn't cultivated enough."
With inadequate strength and failing to focus on cultivation while being distracted by love is irresponsible.
A woman willing to devote her life draws her confidence from the sense of security provided by a man. If he cannot meet this most basic requirement, any explanations for emotional setbacks afterward are merely excuses.
Once there are too many excuses, credibility diminishes, and this relationship can come to an end.
Just after saying this, Sang Qingxiao felt her reaction was somewhat excessive. She was truly angered by Sun Rongniang's interactions with her husband and couldn't express her frustration due to the underlying circumstances. Thus, she silently finished her meal.
After dinner, Qi Xiaomian acted as if nothing had happened and pulled her out for a stroll without mentioning the earlier scene at the table. He made small jokes to cheer her up. On their way back, they passed by the shrine dedicated to the Immortal Statue.
In the evening, the shrine was closed, but it was brightly lit inside, with guards stationed outside. At this hour, Niu Xianshi should be kneeling in worship—two hours is quite devout.
Old Vine had mentioned that Niu Xianshi was only about seven feet tall—short and stout—with a rather disheveled appearance. It seemed that he had gained some semblance of nobility only through recent fame.
With such looks, he shouldn't be a demon lord; judging from a benevolent perspective, demon lords are typically taller than you.
Qi Xiaomian responded, "Since entering Ancient Ruins City with my father, we have checked thoroughly and felt no traces of Magic Breath—not even in Niu Dali's residence."
"The higher the level of a demon king, the more cunning they become; it's normal not to sense anything. Tomorrow we will enter the shrine for further investigation; perhaps we can uncover some clues."
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