When Qi Xuansu left Sage Cihang, it was still early. Just as he was hesitating whether to visit Sage Donghua, Madam Qi suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Qi Xuansu was slightly startled. “Madam Qi, were you waiting here just for me?”

Madam Qi thought for a moment, likely realizing that claiming it was a coincidence wouldn’t be convincing, so she turned it around. “You came back and didn’t even think to visit me. Instead, you rushed over to flatter your mother-in-law. Tsk tsk, how filial of you. I had no choice but to come and find you myself.”

Qi Xuansu defended himself. “I didn’t even know where you were, so how was I supposed to find you? Also, didn’t you say before that when the Imperial Preceptor is the Great Sage Lunzhi, you wouldn’t dare come to Jade Capital because you were afraid he’d arrest you?”

Madam Qi replied confidently, “And you just believed that? Times are different now. Aren’t they trying to normalize secret societies? I’m not from the Lingshan Witch Cult or the Cult of Fates, so I’m naturally within the scope of normalization.”

Then, without ceremony, she stretched out her hand toward Qi Xuansu.

Qi Xuansu immediately understood and handed her the two boxes of cigars he had prepared.

“That’s it?!” Madam Qi opened the box and glanced inside. “Your secretary took a large sum from me to buy gifts for your dear mothers-in-law, and this is all I get?”

Qi Xuansu said with a straight face, “The sentiment is different. How can they be compared? Those gifts may be expensive, but money can buy them. But I got these cigars by shedding blood on the battlefield. They’re taken from a Western general, not something you can buy with money. Tell me, which shows more sincerity? Besides, they’re not just my in-laws. They’re your in-laws too!”

Madam Qi weighed the cigars in her hand. “But I want both sincerity and value!”

“Whatever. Take it or leave it.” Qi Xuansu snapped, reaching to snatch the cigars back. “You can’t have everything. I treat you, Qing Xiao, and Little Yin equally. You can compare yourself with Qing Xiao or the mothers-in-law, but are you really going to compare yourself with Little Yin? She’s your granddaughter!”

Madam Qi did like Little Yin, so this time, she had no rebuttal and took the cigars back. “You brat... Fine, I’ll take it, alright?”

After so many years, Qi Xuansu finally scored a small victory and felt quite pleased with himself.

Madam Qi took out a cigar, skipped the cutter, and used her fingernail to pinch off the tip. With a snap of her fingers, she lit it and began puffing clouds of smoke.

Qi Xuansu looked troubled. “Sigh... You and Qing Xiao are setting a bad example for Little Yin with your smoking and her drinking. What’s going to happen to Little Yin in the future?”

Madam Qi argued confidently, “What’s wrong with smoking? Those so-called refined ladies might not smoke or drink, but they keep several male companions. I haven’t even done that.”

Qi Xuansu raised his hand to interrupt. “Alright, alright... That’s enough.”

Madam Qi said, “Tian Yuan, have you heard a joke?”

“What joke?” Qi Xuansu asked.

Madam Qi said, “A child made a bet with someone that if the other party didn’t apologize within three days, he’d kill them. When the father heard this, he was shocked and scolded the child for gambling.’”

Qi Xuansu grew wary. “What do you mean by that?”

“What do I mean?” Madam Qi snorted. “Your daughter eats people, yet you don’t care about that. But you’re concerned about smoking and drinking?”

Qi Xuansu retorted, “When has my daughter ever eaten people? She’s eaten demons and dragon meat, but when has she eaten humans?”

Madam Qi listed casually, “Back in Nanyang, the people from the Goddess Society.”

Qi Xuansu said righteously, “Those were steam constructs.”

Madam Qi added, “The people in Fenglin.”

Qi Xuansu said angrily, “How can the Wa people count as—”

Madam Qi smirked slyly. “Were you about to say that the Wa people don’t count as humans?”

Qi Xuansu swallowed his words and instantly denied it. “I didn’t say that.”

Madam Qi laughed. “Then you must have thought about it.”

Qi Xuansu continued denying it. “I didn’t think that either. Don’t slander me!”

Madam Qi said, “Then tell me, when your daughter first went to Fenglin, what did she eat?”

Qi Xuansu replied, “She didn’t eat anything. She just opened a gate and sent people into the Ghost Kingdom to fertilize the Emperor Willow. It’s no different from you killing people.”

Madam Qi scoffed. “As if you’ve never killed anyone. Back in Fengtai County, who was it that went on a killing spree?”

Qi Xuansu retorted, “That was because you forced me. I’m just the blade, and you’re the one wielding it!”

Madam Qi rolled her eyes. “A blade that dares talk back to its wielder. That’s the first I’ve seen. I must have been blind back then—”

Qi Xuansu shuddered and quickly cut her off before she could continue. “Let’s find somewhere to talk this out slowly. How about Phoenix Tower? My treat.”

Madam Qi instantly composed herself. “Alright.”

Phoenix Pavilion occupied a prime location across from the City God Temple. Countless couples formed Daoist companionships there each year. After their ceremonies, they would hold wedding banquets at the Phoenix Tower, so business was thriving.

It was where Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu first met. Madam Qi and Sage Cihang had also discussed the details of the couple’s union there. Therefore, this place held deep significance to Qi Xuansu.

Phoenix Pavilion had four floors. The first floor was a main hall for general diners. The second floor had small private rooms. The third floor had larger private rooms, and the fourth floor housed the most luxurious private rooms.

Qi Xuansu requested a top-tier private room, but only after sitting down did he realize he had no money.

Madam Qi ordered a pot of tea and stopped bickering, turning to business. “Have you made up your mind yet, kid?”

Qi Xuansu replied, “Made up my mind about what? Also, stop calling me ‘kid.’ I’m already 30. Why do you sound just like Madam Wu? Don’t tell me you two know each other...”

Madam Qi said, “What, I can’t call you that? Then what should I call you? Sage Qi or Chief Deputy Qi? If one day you become the Grand Master, should I kneel to you too?”

Qi Xuansu sighed. “Forget I said anything. Call me whatever you like. How about ‘son of a bitch’? I won’t object.”

Madam Qi sneered. “Nice try.”

Over the past few years, Qi Xuansu had indeed grown more confident and composed, allowing him to trade blows with Madam Qi.

Madam Qi returned to the main topic. “Have you thought about Sage Donghua’s proposal?”

Qi Xuansu said, “Even if you hadn’t brought it up, I wanted to ask, what exactly happened to my master, or rather, my former master, Qi Haoran? I know there are restrictions, but can you at least tell me something you’re allowed to?”

This time, Madam Qi answered readily. “Fine, I’ll tell you what I can. Just agree to Pei Xuanzhi and forget Qi Haoran.”

Qi Xuansu fell silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled. “Madam Qi, is there something going on between you and Sage Donghua?”

“Go to hell,” Madam Qi snapped. “Is that something you should be saying?”

Qi Xuansu nodded. “My bad.”

Madam Qi grew serious. “Enough joking. That’s the only advice I can give you.”

Qi Xuansu said, “I think I understand.”

Madam Qi asked, “Understand what?”

Qi Xuansu said, “There’s a significant disagreement between Sage Donghua and the Earthly Preceptor. That might be my opportunity.”

Madam Qi replied, “No matter what, the Imperial Preceptor and Li Wugou are from the same family. They may disagree, but they can still find common ground. But the Yao and Pei families are not one entity. Their differences are real. Otherwise, Pei Xuanzhi wouldn’t have taken you in as a disciple.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “Then... I should really agree to it?”

“Agree to it,” Madam Qi said. “Then you’ll have another master, and I won’t need to deal with Su Yuanyi anymore. Pei Xuanzhi can handle her since he’s your master, and Su Yuanyi is Zhang Yuelu’s master. Both are among the top three Omniscient Sages and are perfectly matched. My opponent should be Tantai Qiong.”

Qi Xuansu could not help but laugh. “Madam Qi, don’t tell me you think Sage Cihang is too difficult, so you’re picking an easier opponent?”

“Nonsense!” Madam Qi denied firmly. “I just can’t stand Tantai Qiong because she dares bully you. I can easily deal with her.”

Qi Xuansu said, “Alright, I’ll listen to you. I’ll go give Sage Donghua my answer. But regarding the apprenticeship gifts...”

Madam Qi waved her hand. “I’ll handle it.”

Qi Xuansu nodded. “In that case, you can also pay for the tea today.”

Madam Qi refused without hesitation. “No way. You said it’s your treat. No backing out! If you don’t have money, just slam the table and tell the shopkeeper that you want to have a free meal since you’re the Chief Deputy of Beichen Hall and the future disciple of Sage Donghua. Maybe then, you’ll scare the shopkeeper enough that he won’t charge you at all.”