They all want to change my future.

Chapter 5 The Fallen Phoenix

When Li Zhi opened his eyes, it was already broad daylight.

I didn't sleep very well last night, but I wonder how the owner of this place slept.

He sat up, feeling the true energy slowly flowing through his body. He hadn't cultivated last night, so why was it so much more solid and profound?

Like a mountain stream, it begins as a weak trickle, but accumulates overnight and grows into a babbling brook.

This entry is so strong it's almost boring.

A soft knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Is the young master awake?" It was Ji Baizhi's voice, clearer than last night.

"He's awake," Li Zhiying replied.

The door was pushed open, and Ji Baizhi walked in carrying a wooden tray.

The plate contained a simple breakfast: a bowl of porridge, two small dishes of side dishes, and a few steamed buns.

She changed her outfit today, wearing a white fitted dress, her hair loosely tied up with a jade hairpin, and a few strands of red hair falling around her cheeks, making her skin look even whiter.

"Eat something first," she said, placing the wooden tray on the table, "and then begin your workout."

His tone was flat, as if the conversation between the two of them last night had never happened.

Waking up so early clearly means you didn't sleep well, or rather, you didn't sleep at all last night.

Li Zhi could tell that Ji Baizhi had thought a lot about it, but still decided to do it according to her plan.

He taught him spiritual practice, which enhanced the relationship between the two.

Li Zhi didn't stand on ceremony and sat down at the table after washing up.

The porridge is millet porridge, cooked until thick and fragrant with the aroma of millet.

One side dish is pickled radish, and the other is pickled cucumber; both are crisp and refreshing.

He ate quickly, but not rudely; every movement exuded a calm rhythm.

Ji Baizhi sat opposite him, looking at him. "Young Master, is there nothing you'd like to ask?"

"What are you asking?" Li Zhi looked up. "Are you asking about your status or why this breakfast is so ordinary?"

Such a large mansion, yet it was located in such a remote courtyard. Although there is a spiritual energy node below, the room's decoration was rather shabby yesterday, which is a disservice to such a large mansion.

Not to mention, Li Zhi could also tell that she was somewhat vulnerable, or rather, used to being stoic.

This is why she found Ji Baizhi interesting; people with stories are bound to be interesting.

But if I don't want to ask, I'll just tell him. If he doesn't want to say, I won't ask.

Interesting things should be explored by yourself; revealing the answer makes them uninteresting.

Once again, Li Zhi saw through his thoughts.

Ji Baizhi remained silent.

Li Zhi maintained the same attitude: "If you don't say anything, I won't ask," and started eating breakfast.

Ji Baizhi wanted to say something because of this casual attitude, but then she thought it wasn't the right time yet, it was too early, and she should stick to her own plan.

After breakfast, Ji Baizhi led Li Zhi to the courtyard.

The morning light was just right, making the snow in the courtyard sparkle.

The old plum tree stretched its branches in the sunlight, its red plum blossoms blazing brightly, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air.

A clearing has been made under the tree.

"Young Master should have read the Body Tempering Manual from yesterday. I'll demonstrate it for you again today." Ji Baizhi stood in the center of the open space, turning to face Li Zhi. This set was the most basic, simple though it was, it was an ancient and orthodox method, the most balanced and peaceful, and the most effective.

As she spoke, she slowly assumed a fighting stance.

The starting position is very simple—separate your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and let your hands hang naturally at your sides.

Then slowly inhale, and slowly raise your hands from your sides, palms up, as if supporting something heavy.

The movement was extremely slow, as slow as if it were moving underwater.

Every detail is crystal clear: how to lower the shoulder blades, how to tighten the waist and abdomen, and how to coordinate breathing with movement.

Sunlight shone on her, and her white outfit rippled slightly with her movements, creating a graceful and flowing effect.

Li Zhi stood aside, watching quietly.

After Ji Baizhi finished her rounds, she stood still, her breathing as steady as ever.

"Did you understand?" she asked.

Li Zhi nodded, walked to the center of the open space, and assumed the same starting stance.

Ji Baizhi stepped aside and watched with her arms crossed.

Li Zhi began to move.

Her movements were exactly the same as before—neither too fast nor too slow, every detail precise and accurate.

But as she looked, Ji Baizhi's brows gradually furrowed.

Then I relaxed.

He frowned because Li Zhi was practicing incorrectly, and relaxed because he felt he was still a normal person.

The movements are correct, but the key to body training is not about the movements themselves, but about relaxing your muscles and bones and adjusting your Qi and blood circulation.

Logically speaking, some talented people will automatically sense that something is wrong, and won't play it out in such a rigid and methodical way.

"Stop," Ji Baizhi said.

Li Zhi stopped his attack and looked at her.

"Young Master's strike is very precise," Ji Baizhi said, walking to his side, "but it's not right."

"What?"

Ji Baizhi didn't explain much, only saying, "Young master, please play it again. I'll adjust it for you, and you'll be able to sense it."

As she spoke, she reached out and put her hand on Li Zhi's shoulder, starting to help him adjust his posture.

The two were very close, so close that it was almost intimate.

Her fingers were very cold; you could feel the refreshing coolness even through her clothes.

Li Zhi let her do as she pleased, adjusting his posture according to her guidance.

Just as the two were adjusting.

A soft laugh suddenly came from the courtyard gate.

The laughter was soft, yet it was like ice beads hitting a jade plate—crisp, cold, and carrying undisguised sarcasm.

"Oh," a female voice said, "I never expected that the dignified Princess would be seen in the courtyard so early in the morning, arguing and getting intimate with a man. If this gets out, the Great Zhou will lose all face."

Li Zhi turned around, and Ji Baizhi, who was behind him, also released her.

The two looked towards the courtyard gate together.

A girl dressed in black stood at the entrance of the courtyard.

Her black hair cascaded down her shoulders, glistening in the morning light.

She was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, covered by a black cloak, with a sword hanging at her waist, the hilt of which was wrapped with dark red silk thread.

What's most striking are her eyes; her pupils are a fiery red, burning like flames.

Ji Baizhi's face remained expressionless.

"Who are you?" she asked calmly.

The girl in black smiled.

That smile was beautiful; the girl was already pretty, but that smile made people afraid to get close.

Like a sword drawn from its sheath, dazzling and beautiful.

"My surname is Lin," she said, "Lin Yueyin."

She paused, then added, word by word, "That Lin who was executed along with his entire family."

The courtyard suddenly fell silent.

Even the wind has stopped.

A few snowflakes fell from the plum tree with a soft rustling sound, shattering on the bluestone slab.

Ji Baizhi looked at her for a long time before slowly speaking, "People from the Duke of He's mansion."

"It's rare that the Princess still remembers," Lin Yueyin said with a smile. "I thought you Ji people had long forgotten."

Her voice was calm, eerily calm.

Ji Baizhi was silent for a moment, then said, "This is all the Empress's fault."

"So?" Lin Yueyin laughed, her laughter full of sarcasm, "That empress wasn't brought here by the emperor."

Ji Baizhi fell silent again, her voice low: "What do you want to do?"

Lin Yueyin did not answer. She stepped into the courtyard, her black leather boots making a clear sound on the bluestone slabs.

She stopped when she was about three zhang away from the two of them, and her gaze fell on Li Zhi.

"Is this the person you picked up last night?" She looked Li Zhi up and down. "I'm taking him with me."

Li Zhi didn't expect that this woman was actually after him. He looked at the woman and then at Ji Baizhi, whose expression was off.

Things suddenly became interesting.

"This Miss Ji has been incredibly kind to me," Li Zhi said, pointing to Ji Baizhi.

"Oh?" Lin Yueyin raised an eyebrow. Her eyebrows were heavy and long, like swords, and now, as she raised them, they carried a hint of disdain: "How heavy are they?"

Meeting Ji Baizhi's expectant gaze, Li Zhi shook his head and gave his answer: "Miss Lin, you misunderstood me. What I meant was that you need to pay more."

"Add more money?" Lin Yueyin looked at Ji Baizhi with a hint of smugness. She chuckled, "As expected, a fallen phoenix is ​​no match for a pheasant."

Faced with such mockery, Ji Baizhi lowered her head, clenching her fair fists, and endured it all.

She wanted to endure it, but Li Zhi didn't want her to. If she backed down, the whole thing would lose its meaning.

"Miss Ji, aren't you going to say anything?" Li Zhi approached Ji Baizhi and tapped her shoulder. "Am I not very important to you?"

This somewhat frivolous and unreasonable action made Ji Baizhi look at Li Zhi with even more resentment: "Young Master, didn't you want to leave? Why bother with me?"

"What you're saying is meaningless." Li Zhi shook his head: "What I was thinking was to get the two of you to raise the price, but judging from your expression, you feel very indebted to this Miss Lin, and you don't even dare to speak up."

Ji Baizhi, whose thoughts had been seen through, remained silent.

She remained silent, and Li Zhilai stepped forward and stood between the two women.

One side is white, the other side is black.

Immovable and unwavering, like a dividing line.

"First, let me tell you about Miss Ji's price." Li Zhi pointed at Ji Baizhi with his right hand, as if auctioning off: "She will find me a master to help me cultivate, and she saved my life before, and now she's taking me in."

After speaking, Li Zhi looked at Lin Yueyin and asked, "What can you give me?"

"Master, I can give you that too. As for saving your life..." Lin Yueyin looked at Li Zhi: "Last night, in Mud Bottle Alley, if it weren't for her, you would have met me too."

These words were so certain that Li Zhi looked at Ji Baizhi and said, "So, you only feel guilty now that you've already snatched it away."

"No." Ji Baizhi shook her head: "I was waiting for you in Xicheng Alley. You wouldn't have appeared in Mud Bottle Alley, which is just a wall away."

Things are getting more and more interesting.

Li Zhi looked at Lin Yueyin: "It seems your price isn't enough."

Before coming, Lin Yueyin had naturally prepared her words, but she was distracted by Li Zhi and deviated from them.

The key to taking Li Zhi away did not lie with him at all, but with Ji Baizhi.

"You should know," Lin Yueyin turned to Ji Baizhi, "that many people are watching you, watching your every move, waiting for you to make a mistake, waiting for you to reveal a flaw."

Ji Baizhi seemed to already know what Lin Yueyin was going to say, and revealed a desolate smile.

"Someone has already investigated what happened last night," Lin Yueyin said. "You left the manor in the middle of the night, went to Xicheng Lane, and brought back a person of unknown origin. Now, there are many people in the entire capital who want to know who he is. Are you sure you can protect him?"

"Yes." Ji Baizhi had clearly thought it through and gave a very decisive answer.

The voice was clear and resonant, and the will within it was enough to make one back down.

But Lin Yueyin didn't back down. She took a step forward, closing in on Ji Baizhi: "You can't."

The voice was faint and cold, like frost, like reality.

Cruel and ruthless.

Ji Baizhi fell silent again, clearly indicating that what Lin Yueyin said was perfectly normal.

This speechless state made Lin Yueyin think she had won, and she turned to Li Zhi: "Let's go."

"There's no rush." ​​Li Zhi didn't move. He glanced at Ji Baizhi. This woman had made many preparations. How could she not have thought of a way to keep him?

But now, faced with the reality of his own fate, he hasn't revealed the solution.

Obviously, this method cannot be told to Lin Yueyin.

Or rather, even if this method was used, it wouldn't have mattered if Lin Yueyin took Li Zhi away.

interesting.

Li Zhi wanted to know what method it was.

It's impossible to ask, and I don't want to ask. It's more interesting to figure it out myself.

"Miss Lin, if you take me away, where will we go?"

Regarding this question, Lin Yueyin, who originally thought Li Zhi didn't want to leave, calmed her voice and said, "Go south. I'll have my master teach you there."

"Oh." Li Zhi nodded calmly. "Then, Miss Lin, what do you want me to do after you let me cultivate?"

Lin Yueyin paused for a moment, then looked towards the palace: "Kill the Demon Queen."

"It's the same reason again," Li Zhi said, looking at Ji Baizhi. "So that's why you didn't speak before."

Li Zhi withdrew his gaze and continued speaking.

"Then, I'd like to ask," he said, "just how powerful is the Demon Queen?"

The courtyard fell silent once more.

Lin Yueyin was stunned, seemingly not expecting him to suddenly ask this question.

Even Ji Baizhi frowned slightly, unable to understand why she would ask Lin Yueyin instead of herself.

"How strong?" Lin Yueyin repeated, then suddenly laughed: "You don't even know that?"

"I don't know," Li Zhi admitted frankly. "I don't even know why you call her the Demon Queen."

Lin Yueyin looked at him for a long time before slowly speaking.

"Of course the Demon Queen is a demon," she said. "A nine-tailed fox demon who wreaks havoc in the palace and disturbs the peace of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Her voice lowered, and every word sounded as if it were soaked in blood.

"So many noble families, so many loyal officials, all perished in that purge. And you—"

She stared at Li Zhi, her eyes sharp as knives.

"You don't even know who the Demon Queen is? Nor do you know how powerful she is?"

She paused, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

"You really fell from the sky."

"Does this mean that everyone already knows this?" Li Zhi pondered for a moment. "The fact that the world isn't in chaos means that none of you can do anything to that demon queen, and yet you can so openly declare that she's a demon. Could she be the most powerful being in the world?"

"The Ninth Realm." Lin Yueyin looked up at the sky. "Of course, it refers to the strongest realm in the world."

Li Zhi, who had just begun his cultivation, had no concept of powerful cultivators.

He glanced at the two women in front of him: "What level are you two at?"

Lin Yueyin frowned; she felt that Li Zhi had a lot of questions.

Ji Baizhi answered honestly, "Six Realms."

Upon hearing this answer, before Li Zhi could speak, Lin Yueyin reacted strongly, glancing at Ji Baizhi with disbelief.

"How could you only be at the sixth realm?"

"Is the Sixth Realm weak?" Li Zhi interjected.

"She's not weak anymore," Lin Yueyin said coldly. "But she is Ji Baizhi, the reincarnation of a phoenix. To be at the sixth realm would be a disservice to the world."

Ji Baizhi fell silent again.

The sunlight shone on her, making her white outfit dazzling, but her figure appeared so thin and fragile.

She is now truly a fallen phoenix, unable to hold onto or keep anything.