At the moment when Shanhu felt extremely uneasy, Xingchenzi unexpectedly nodded and said, "Your cultivation has been halved, and staying in the palace to protect His Majesty is indeed challenging. Instead, why not help Bai Ruozhu and the others? You grew up in Yuchen Palace, so you have some insight. Even if your cultivation is weak, you can still offer some advice."

"Master..." Shanhu’s voice choked a little. Her master was still worried about her safety, yet she deceived her master and played tricks on him.

She felt truly guilty, for she was raised by her master; how did she end up like this?

She gently touched her abdomen. But she must protect this child.

Suddenly, Shanhu’s heart skipped a beat. Her child wouldn’t be the Naihe Demon too...

Realizing this, she hardly listened to the rest of what Xingchenzi said. Bidding farewell to Xingchenzi, she immediately went to find Bai Ruozhu.

"Ruozhu, do you think the child in my belly might be the Naihe Demon?" Shanhu asked anxiously.

Bai Ruozhu was taken aback for a moment, then comforted her, saying, "Don’t overthink. If it really were the Naihe Demon, there’d be no need to use a poisonous insect to harm you."

"But Song Yi is treacherous. Who knows if it’s just a bluff?" Shanhu’s emotions were a bit unstable, probably due to her pregnancy.

Bai Ruozhu quickly reassured her, saying, "Don’t worry. I checked your pulse, and there’s no issue. Or let’s ask the astrologer to look at it. Although he’s not as experienced as your master, if your pregnancy is a result of the Naihe Demon’s demonic method, he can detect it too."

Only then did Shanhu calm down a bit, nodding and saying, "Alright, I’ll trouble you then."

Bai Ruozhu sent someone to invite the astrologer from the astrologer family. The astrologer performed his divination, carefully checked, and said there was nothing wrong; it was a normal fetus.

Shanhu was finally relieved and felt a bit embarrassed because of her paranoia.

"These are extraordinary times, so being cautious is right." The astrologer said, pausing momentarily before continuing, "As far as I know, Yuchen Palace doesn’t allow marriage and childbirth, correct?"

Shanhu’s face turned crimson. Bai Ruozhu hurriedly winked at the astrologer and said, "Don’t ask too much, and please don’t spread this matter."

"Of course not, of course not." The astrologer quickly replied.

After the astrologer left, Shanhu and Qiu Zhi rejoiced for quite a while. The child was indeed theirs, and it was healthy and not related to the Naihe Demon’s demonic method.

The next day, Shanhu found an opportunity to thank Bai Ruozhu. Bai Ruozhu smiled and said, "What thanks? It was no big deal. I understand your feelings; I’ve been there myself."

Saying this, she winked at Shanhu, having already given birth to three mischievous sons.

"I used to not understand why Qiu Zhi would acknowledge you as his master, but now I slowly get it." Shanhu suddenly said, blushing.

Bai Ruozhu laughed, "I didn’t dare take him as a subordinate; his master is really formidable."

Shanhu laughed, "But you’re a nice person, caring for friends and being very righteous. It feels very safe around you."

Bai Ruozhu felt very comfortable hearing this and brightened up, "You’re praising me to the skies; I might become proud."

Shanhu laughed aloud, "Even if you’re proud, it doesn’t matter. You have the right to be proud."

After the two joked around for a while, Bai Ruozhu asked again, "I noticed whenever your master mentions their name, they know she’s an elder of Yuchen Palace. Is she very well-known in Fusang?"

"No, she actually rarely comes to Fusang. This time, she left the sect to find me. Yuchen Palace has always had a rule: the sect leader is called Yuchenzi, while the elders are Xingchenzi, Yunchenzi, etc., and becoming an elder entails inheriting that title. Master originally wanted me to inherit her elder position, but unfortunately, I was unpromising and let her down." Shanhu said a bit dejectedly, being plotted against by Fushan was a lifelong shame.

"Don’t overthink it. You still have plenty of time; if your cultivation is lost, you can practice again." Bai Ruozhu consoled.

Shanhu nodded vigorously, "You’re right; I’m going back to the room to cultivate."

"But don’t overwork yourself. Take good care of the child in your belly." Bai Ruozhu said.

"Alright." Shanhu responded lightly. Now, mentioning her child, she no longer had the initial troubles and hesitation. Even though she didn’t expressly say it, she had already made up her mind to have the child.

Bai Ruozhu was happy for a Shanhu like this; at least she tried, so there would be no regrets in the future.

...

At Yaxi’s home, she was returned to her residence. As soon as she got home, her parents surrounded her and looked at her for a long time. Fortunately, Yaxi’s parents didn’t notice that her eyes lacked focus.

"Good daughter, it’s good that you’re alright. Hmm, you look quite well, and your face has gained a bit of flesh. It seems the meals at Master Bai’s place are very nourishing." Yaxi’s mother said happily.

"Indeed, the Zhongyuan cuisine there is so delicious; the variety changes almost daily. There are so many breakfast types. I freeloaded off them for quite a few days and gave them a bracelet when I left." Yaxi said a bit sheepishly.

Yaxi’s father hurriedly said, "That’s the way it should be; that’s the way. Next time, let your mother take you to visit and send some more gifts. Master Bai and the others are our family’s benefactors."

Yaxi happily agreed. She felt her parents were especially understanding and knew how to be grateful. She felt proud of her parents.

Subsequently, Yaxi shared quite a lot of intimate talk with her mother. Her mother even asked what kind of man Yaxi wanted to marry, to which Yaxi immediately refused.

"Mom, I don’t want to marry so early. Besides, I see how good Lord Jiang is to Master Bai every day. If I can’t find a husband like Lord Jiang, I don’t want to marry carelessly." Yaxi said.

Yaxi’s mother’s face changed dramatically upon hearing this, "Yaxi, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for Jiang Yichun? Let me remind you, some people should never be desired."

She spoke very earnestly, and her tone had a slightly reprimanding undertone.

Yaxi let out a chuckle, "Mom, what are you thinking? I just envy their life-and-death bond. How could I butt in? Besides, Lord Jiang is only good to Sister Ruozhu. I don’t want to ask for trouble."

Yaxi’s mother saw her pout playfully, which reassured her that Yaxi wasn’t lying and indeed had no other intentions towards Jiang Yichun.

"That’s good. Besides, you’re still young; waiting another year isn’t late. Your father and I can’t bear to see you marry off yet either." Yaxi’s mother heaved a huge sigh of relief.

"I can’t bear to leave you and dad either." Yaxi smiled sweetly, her mind flashing the image of a pair of eyes; those seemingly gentle eyes hidden with a touch of sorrow, leaving her wondering what kind of hurt he had endured.

Yaxi and her mother chatted for a while longer before each retired to their rooms to rest.

In the middle of the night, a black poisonous insect slowly crawled into Yaxi’s yard, inching towards her bed...

In her sleep, Yaxi suddenly had a terrifying dream, dreaming of a scene where a poisonous insect crawled into her eyes. Startled, she let out a scream and jolted upright from her bed.