The farmer carrying a sword and the beautiful woman in palace attire gave a clear answer.
They intended to support Ji Shiyou, showing no respect to Elder You Sanqiu of the Tianyin Sect.
Moreover, the beautiful woman was even more direct, declaring she simply disliked You Sanqiu and intended to beat him.
Such an arrogant attitude made the onlookers at the inn's entrance anticipate another good show.
This was because You Sanqiu gave the impression of being a hot-tempered individual.
He would surely not tolerate such blatant provocation.
He would fight the two before him to the death.
Thus, they all adopted a posture of enjoying the spectacle, waiting for the drama to unfold.
"Hmph, let's go."
Unexpectedly, You Sanqiu snorted, flipped his palm,
retrieved the Fuxi Qin, and pulled Jing Hao into the inn to return to their room.
The onlookers who were waiting for a spectacle let out a collective boo.
Seeing that there was no excitement to be had, they dispersed.
"Ji Shiyou, leading the Golden Crow Palace disciples, pays respects to Martial Aunt Shi and Martial Aunt Gui."
Unlike their previous attitude towards You Sanqiu, Ji Shiyou, along with the Golden Crow Palace disciples and Mingyue,
came forward to bow to the farmer and the beautiful woman, their demeanor a stark contrast to before.
"Rise!"
"We are family, no need for formalities!"
After they responded, the farmer hesitantly approached the beautiful woman.
A shy expression graced his face; yes, it was shyness.
A blush appeared on his dark, aged face, as if he wanted to look but dared not.
He dared not look but couldn't help stealing glances, his words caught in his throat.
"Farmer, must you make that constipated face at me?
If you have something to say, spit it out!"
The beautiful woman said impatiently and forcefully.
"Azi, I know you are leading the Hundred Flowers Palace this time.
So, I neglected the urgent rice harvest in the fields, pleaded with my senior brother,
and became the leader of the Sword Sect's contingent, all to come and see you."
The farmer, despite being rebuffed, did not take offense. Instead, he wore a fawning smile.
This was a complete departure from his previous demeanor when facing You Sanqiu, filled with sword intent and murderous aura.
He seemed like a different person, displaying a thoroughly subservient attitude.
"The one disguised as a farmer is Shi Li, an elder of the Sword Sect.
Aunt Gui is an elder of the Hundred Flowers Palace and a close friend of my master.
Her true form is a osmanthus tree, and Martial Uncle Shi is fond of Aunt Gui.
He has pursued her for decades, but Aunt Gui doesn't fancy him."
Ji Shiyou was familiar with them. He pulled Mingyue aside,
watching the scene unfold while explaining to Mingyue.
"So what? Are you trying to say
that because you came to see me, you've delayed your harvest?
Do you want me to bring the disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace
to Wan Jian Mountain to help you harvest rice?
Have you seen enough? If so, scram, don't bother me.
I get annoyed just looking at you. I have important matters to attend to."
Gui Zi cast a sideways glance at Shi Li, then turned towards Mingyue.
Shi Li, caught off guard, his dark old face flushed crimson.
He was speechless. That wasn't what he meant.
Although he cultivated the Qing He Sword and valued farming above all else,
in his heart, Gui Zi was the most important.
He was just clumsy with words and had angered Gui Zi again.
Unsure how to explain, he summoned the Qing He Sword from behind him
and flew away directly on his sword, wanting to find a place to be alone.
"Not bad, your true form is a pear blossom tree?
Are you interested in joining the Hundred Flowers Palace?"
Gui Zi walked up to Mingyue and asked with a smile.
The "important matter" she mentioned was recruiting Mingyue to join the Hundred Flowers Palace.
"Greetings, senior. I..."
Mingyue was overjoyed, her heart screaming that she was willing, extremely willing.
However, before she could finish speaking, Ji Shiyou, standing beside her, pulled her behind him.
"Martial Aunt Gui, she is my person."
Ji Shiyou interrupted Mingyue and said to Gui Zi with a serious expression.
"Good boy, you've learned to protect your own.
Alright, if she's your person, Aunt Gui won't snatch her.
Die Yan, it's getting late.
This inn is nice, let's rest here for the night."
Seeing Ji Shiyou's nervous expression, Gui Zi smiled.
She turned and instructed Die Yan, the senior disciple of the Hundred Flowers Palace, to lead over a dozen young girls into the inn.
"Brother, well done!
It's only been a few days, and your cultivation has improved again.
You could even repel You Sanqiu with a single sword strike, impressive!
But even so, I still have to compete with you for the rare treasure appearing at Sifang Mountain.
Also, who is this young lady?
Why is she your person? Could she be... sister-in-law?"
"Sister-in-law, my name is She Conghu. I study under the Sect Master of the Sword Sect.
He is my good friend and brother. Please look after me in the future.
Sister-in-law, what's your name? Which sect are you from?
Why haven't I seen you before? Is this your first time descending the mountain?..."
Mingyue was about to question Ji Shiyou, asking why he interrupted her,
prevented her from joining the Hundred Flowers Palace, and lied to Senior Gui Zi.
Also, when did she become his person?
Before she could react, she saw from the Sword Sect's team opposite them,
a tall, burly young man running over, his messy hair unbound,
held only by a cloth band. He wore coarse gray linen clothes,
under which his muscles were faintly visible, looking very strong.
A giant sword was strapped to his back. With sword-like eyebrows and tiger-like eyes, he exuded an air of righteousness.
He seemed like a serious person, just like Ji Shiyou.
But she was mistaken. As soon as She Conghu started speaking, his true nature was revealed.
His features were lively, and he was a chatterbox.
He put his arm around Ji Shiyou's shoulder and bombarded Mingyue with a torrent of questions.
Mingyue didn't know which to answer first, her mind momentarily blanking.
"Chatterbox, you have this time, why not go and check on your Martial Uncle?"
Ji Shiyou disdainfully pushed She Conghu's arm
off his shoulder and pulled Mingyue, about to leave.
"Hey, don't go?
My Martial Uncle has been rejected by Elder Gui for decades, he's used to it.
No need to comfort him, he'll be fine in a while.
But you two, you still haven't answered my questions!"
She Conghu trailed behind them, shouting loudly, showing no intention of giving up until he got answers.
"Scram!"
Ji Shiyou pulled Mingyue into the inn, upstairs, and into a room.
It was a seamless maneuver, shutting She Conghu out.
Although this guy was one of his few friends, he was a chatterbox.
He could talk non-stop even without anyone responding, and Ji Shiyou didn't want She Conghu to bother Mingyue.
Hearing the footsteps of the talkative She Conghu leaving outside the door, Mingyue patted her chest.
The crisis averted, she poured herself a cup of tea.
After taking a few sips, she suddenly realized.
"Wait? Why did I come in with you? I was supposed to get a room!"
She had been so confused by the string of events that she had forgotten her original intention. Wasn't she initially unwilling to share a room with Ji Shiyou?
How did she end up being led into Ji Shiyou's room in a daze?
Mingyue stood up abruptly, opened the door, and rushed out.
She wanted to get a room, a room, and she absolutely had to maintain distance from Ji Shiyou.
Fearing Ji Shiyou would stop her, she even used a light body technique.
She floated directly down from the second floor, landing in front of the counter, startling the innkeeper.
Ji Shiyou, caught off guard, couldn't stop Mingyue.
When he chased after her, he saw Mingyue already talking to the innkeeper.
He thought, it's over.
If Mingyue found out the room rate, she would definitely think he was tricking her.
He silently returned to his room, contemplating how to explain.
A moment later, Mingyue walked in, fuming.