Cultivating Immortality Begins with Acting as a Girl Chapter 124

The next morning.

Jiang Yujin came to Qinghong Pavilion, intending to bid Song Ling a final farewell.

However, Dong Zi informed her that Song Ling had already left at dawn, leaving only a few items on the table for Jiang Yujin.

Jiang Yujin approached the table and saw a book titled “Liu Chuan Spirit Nurturing Art” and three glowing, pearly white talismans.

“A’ling…”

Jiang Yujin was stunned, speechless for a long time.

…

The wind was light, the clouds were clear, and the sun was bright and gentle.

A clear eagle cry pierced the sky, as an exceptionally large eagle, with a satchel tied to its body, spread its wings and soared beneath the blue sky.

Its sharp eagle eyes were fixed on the ground below, its gaze like a torch.

Suddenly, the eagle adjusted the angle of its wings and plummeted rapidly towards the ground!

When it was only a few zhang from the ground, it flapped its wings to stop its descent, then twisted and transformed, changing from a huge eagle into a handsome young man with an elegant and ethereal appearance in the blink of an eye.

The young man untied the satchel on his back and took out a scholar’s straight robe from it.

“It’s really troublesome to carry luggage around. If only I had something like a storage bag…”

Song Ling dressed neatly, then turned his head to look behind him. He could vaguely see a not-so-large caravan approaching along the official road. His eyes flickered, and he walked to the side of the road, picked up some mud and patted it on himself, making himself look rather travel-worn, then continued walking forward.

Transforming into an eagle allowed him to fly hundreds or even thousands of li in a day, but it was also quite monotonous. Even if his physical strength could keep up, his mind would become fatigued. Plus, to travel lightly, he didn’t bring much food or water. Therefore, Song Ling would land every so often, attracting passing caravans to hitch a ride and replenish some food and water.

Not long after, the caravan behind caught up.

Song Ling consciously moved to the side to make way. Just as a carriage with a sedan compartment passed him, a female voice came from inside:

“Uncle Wang, tell everyone to stop.”

“Understood, Miss.”

Uncle Wang, who was driving, immediately stopped the carriage and notified the rest of the caravan.

The curtain was lifted, revealing a pretty and charming young girl’s face. She looked at Song Ling beside her, amazed by his beauty, her eyes shining as she said, “Young Master, why are you traveling alone in such a dangerous wilderness?”

Song Ling bowed to the girl and said, “Greetings, Miss. I am from Hului County. I originally set out with my fellow townsmen, friends, and a merchant caravan to Xiangding City. Unexpectedly, we encountered vicious bandits halfway. I feigned death to barely escape, but all my fellow townsmen and friends…”

Song Ling’s expression dimmed. He sighed, then continued:

“I originally thought that the most dangerous things in this wilderness were spirits and monsters, but I never expected it to still be our own human race.”

The girl stared at Song Ling’s handsome face, which was cool, refined, and carried a hint of weakness between his brows. She couldn’t help but feel a little heartache and said, “So that’s how it is. Those people are truly despicable. Young Master, you’ve suffered. It just so happens that I am also going to Xiangding City. If Young Master doesn’t mind, how about we travel together?”

Song Ling was surprised and said, “This might be inappropriate, Miss. You and I are strangers. If we travel together rashly, I’m afraid people will gossip and tarnish your reputation…”

“It’s fine.”

The girl shook her head and continued to persuade him, “This place is still hundreds of li from Xiangding City. I see that Young Master has no food or water, and the wilderness is full of dangers. If you continue to travel alone, I’m afraid it will be difficult to reach Xiangding City. Compared to Young Master’s life, what does a mere reputation count for?”

Song Ling was moved and exclaimed with emotion:

“Miss is truly a heroic woman. Since that’s the case, I, Zhu, will not decline.”

“Good, then quickly get in the carriage.”

The girl’s eyes curved into crescent moons with a smile, and she extended a fair, slender hand to Song Ling.

“Ride in the same carriage as Miss? This, this, this…” Song Ling’s face immediately flushed, and his body stiffened slightly.

Seeing Song Ling’s reaction, the girl was even more delighted. She cleared her throat and explained, “It’s like this, Young Master. Everyone else in our caravan has their own horses. If two people ride the same horse, it might be inconvenient. Therefore, Young Master might as well ride with me.”

“But… sigh, alright. This is the wilderness after all, and we can’t worry about the separation of men and women. Then I, Zhu, will take the liberty!”

As Song Ling spoke, he took the hand the girl offered and used his feet to get into the carriage.

The sedan compartment was quite spacious, and Song Ling sat down opposite the girl.

“My name is Ni Huaijun. May I know Young Master’s name?” the girl asked.

Song Ling said earnestly, “Greetings, Miss Ni. My name is Zhu Qing’an. I will never forget the life-saving kindness you showed me today. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will repay it a hundredfold.”

“Zhu Qing’an…” Ni Huaijun murmured, then smiled brightly, “That’s a very good name.”

Song Ling’s face flushed slightly, “Miss Ni’s name is also very pleasant to hear.”

Ni Huaijun giggled and asked again, “Young Master Zhu, are you going to Xiangding City to serve under the Prefect?”

Song Ling nodded and said:

“I have studied the classics since childhood, hoping to achieve official success and serve the country. Unexpectedly, in this chaotic world, human lives are like grass, and the world has become a place where martial artists run rampant. This time, I heard that the Prefect of Sizhou is widely recruiting talented individuals, not only those who practice martial arts, but also us literati who can offer advice and suggestions. Therefore, I thought of offering my services.”

“As expected, then this is quite a coincidence. My father is the Commander of Xiangding City. If he were to recommend you, you might receive some care in the future,” Ni Huaijun said.

Now, the Great Yong Dynasty was fragmented, and the official institutions established by the imperial court had long existed in name only. Only in the territory controlled by the Prefect of Sizhou was the old system of rule maintained.

“So Miss Ni is also an official’s daughter. I, Zhu, have been disrespectful.”

Song Ling bowed and said with a bitter smile, “It seems that what I, Zhu, owe Miss Ni will be difficult to repay.”

Ni Huaijun chuckled softly and whispered, “It’s better if you can’t repay it.”

“What did Miss Ni say?” Song Ling was startled.

“Nothing.”

Ni Huaijun shook her head and took out a small box from a drawer beside her, handing it to Song Ling: “By the way, Young Master Zhu, are you hungry? I have some walnut shortbread here. You can eat some to tide you over.”

“Thank you, Miss Ni.”

Song Ling took it and ate slowly.

Ni Huaijun propped her chin with her hands, smiling at Song Ling, her heart roaring wildly: “He’s too handsome, truly too handsome! How can there be such a beautiful man in this world?!”

Feeling the burning gaze from across from him, Song Ling lowered his head in embarrassment.

At an angle where Ni Huaijun couldn’t see, all expression vanished from his face, and he calmly savored the food in his mouth.

It seemed he had a meal ticket for the next few days.

…