Even though the news Zhang Ze brought back was bizarre, considering his uncanny luck and troublesome fate, Junior Sister and the others didn't keep it to themselves.

They quickly reported it back to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion to torment Tang and the others.

After all, reading comprehension isn't something that can be handled by one person alone.

And after analyzing this information, Tang and the others believed the emphasis wasn't on the academic festival or confucian ranks.

Because Zhang Ze would occasionally ramble this during his idle talks, and those close to him, like Junior Sister, have heard it before.

As for the origin of this odd phrase, the book that Zhang Ze called a Confucian classic, was spread under the false name of the White Emperor long ago, and circulated to the world, from the Northern Territory back to the East Continent.

These exotic classics, under new annotations and deconstructions by countless people, have long taken on different forms. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

They have come to align more closely with the values and realities of the cultivators of the East Continent and the Demon Race of the Northern Territory.

For instance, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" was deconstructed by the Sword Sect to mean "since you came here, you should end up buried here."

"With energy to spare, study" was interpreted by the Beast Taming Sect as after finishing a fight, if you still have energy, then read a book.

These modified worldly sayings and philosophies, combined with the accumulated wisdom of the Four Continents, were compiled into a book called "Classics" during the Dongqi era.

Books like "How to Succeed," "Healthy Life Starts Today," "The Light of the Righteous Path," "Immortal Cultivation and Love," sold on today's market, are all new annotations and expansions on this "Classics."

Therefore, Tang and the others believe the key lies with this Horror Saint.

Who exactly is this person Zhang Ze saw?

But after going through ancient books and tracing back, not even in made-up tales or primordial legends, was there any mention of such a figure.

"If you ask me, the kid was just talking nonsense, no need to take it seriously. If you do, you're losing."

After having disciples search the books in vain, Tang made a professional call.

Everyone also found it reasonable, so they prepared to set the matter aside for now.

However, there was someone who claimed to have some clues

...

Chang State.

Li Yueqi was holding Maomao in her left hand and a red strange bird in her right hand.

She glanced at her disciple Cat Lady, who was meditating while dozing off, sighed, and picked up a crescent-shaped gem to contact someone she was somewhat reluctant to communicate with.

Although she was her biological mother, as a child who stayed behind, Li Yueqi really had nothing to say to her.

But not saying anything felt uncomfortable too.

In any case, her feelings were quite complicated.

After thinking it over, she planned to use Zhang Ze's troublesome matter as an excuse to chat a bit and reconnect with her mother, who was as distant as water.

With emotions brewing, Li Yueqi activated the jade pendant.

"Mother, I..."

Nervousness made her voice a bit dry, not like her usual tone.

But the words imbued with deep feelings were interrupted before they could be spoken.

"Hey, hey, who are you looking for? I'm not your mom."

Junior Sister's voice came from the other side of the jewel.

Li Yueqi's remaining words were swallowed back by Junior Sister's clear voice.

"..."

"How come this thing is with you? Where... where's my mother?"

Junior Sister: "No idea, probably went out with Dad to have fun. She said the gem looked pretty and gave it to me. I didn't know it could be used for communication."

Li Yueqi: "..."

Being speechless was common, and the emotions she had brewed for half a day vanished instantly.

"Forget it... whatever, I need to talk to you about business. I know someone who knows about the Horror Saint."

Junior Sister: "Eh? Who?"

Li Yueqi: "Your bird."

Junior Sister: "What bird? I don't know of any."

Words unspoken were fine, but when spoken, fluttering wings and a bird beak pecking on the gem, along with Maomao's barking, came from the other end.

Amid this chaotic noise, Li Yueqi's voice was intermittent.

"Ha! Stop pecking, Chen Qin, wait... switch to Little Walnut for a chat."

A moment later, a disheveled Li Yueqi appeared across from Little Walnut.

Her shoulder carried a fiery red strange bird.

The strange bird had a golden feather crest, sharp eyes like an eagle, and fiery feathers that glimmered with mystical colors in the sunlight.

Its seven long tail feathers moved like snakes, serving as dog teasing toys for Maomao.

Meanwhile, Maomao was repeatedly charging her arm with its good dog head.

Clearly, Female Hero Li, this bird perch, and wooden stake, had become part of a bird-and-dog play session.

"Don't bump me! Go bump her!" Li Yueqi lifted Maomao by the scruff and tossed it into her good disciple's face.

And then, chaos ensued on that side again.

...

Back in Fucheng, while they didn't quite grasp the situation, the ever-observant Junior Sister noticed something off.

That was the strange bird perched on Li Yueqi's shoulder.

No matter how Li Yueqi moved, turned, fought with the dog, or hit her disciple, the bird's head maintained a majestic side profile in Little Walnut's camera frame, as if it had its own balancing axis.

Once Li Yueqi finally dealt with Maomao and casually resolved her disciple, she pointed at her shoulder's handsome bird.

"Exhausted, I say! Can your spirit beasts behave themselves and stop being pawned off on me when you're busy? If it's not your bird, then it can't be mine either."

Seeing Junior Sister's bewildered expression remain, even Xiangxiang sighed and whispered in Junior Sister's ear.

"Have you forgotten? Your Little Phoenix Rongrong turned into an egg before you went to the Northern Territory, and when you returned from the Northern Territory, you had it fostered in the Beast Taming Sect."