Chapter 6: I Was Born Without Parents

“A mere trifle, nothing worth mentioning.”

Su Changling was startled by the woman’s sudden bold gesture, hastily stepping back and turning aside, while discreetly suppressing the restless dark blue compass hidden in her sleeve.

— That little thing had been restless ever since entering the Cheng family estate.

She knew it was sensing the presence of the ghost pearls, but dared not openly display any ghost-catching stance in broad daylight.

— If she had immediately told the lady, “There’s a ghost in your home,” she would surely be chased out as a fraud.

Moreover... if she frightened anyone without cause, her master would punish her upon returning to the mountain.

Such matters must be dealt with secretly in the dead of night.

“Besides, Buyun Ruins usually guards Mount Huangshan; saving the world and helping the people is our duty.” Su Changling avoided the gazes of those around her and quietly formed a finger seal, gently trying to help the woman who was lying on the ground. “Madam, there’s truly no need for this—please, allow me to help you up.”

“No, no, it’s well deserved.” Unexpectedly, Madam Cheng was not about to rise. Instead, she motioned for Cheng Yingxue to kneel beside her. “Fairy, you may not know—my husband passed away early, leaving me with only these two children. If Yunniang were to suffer any misfortune today, I might not wish to live either.”

“Therefore, the one you saved today is not just Yunniang. You have also saved my life!”

“Fairy, though I am but an unlettered woman, I deeply understand the magnitude of a life-saving kindness—please, do not refuse, accept my deepest bow!”

Madam Cheng’s earnest words left Su Changling no room to refuse. She could only slightly turn her body and awkwardly return a half bow.

“Thank you, Fairy, for your understanding.” After the bow, Madam Cheng felt somewhat reassured and rose to invite Su Changling indoors for tea. She cautiously probed whether the young woman might stay a couple of days at the Cheng residence, so she could prepare a proper token of gratitude.

Su Changling was indifferent to the promised gift but had planned to find lodgings nearby. Since Madam Cheng offered first, she pretended to consider it briefly and then accepted the offer.

Madam Cheng was overjoyed and quickly sent the maids to prepare tea and snacks. She then scolded her daughter sharply, “Go! Yunniang, change your clothes at once. You’re a young lady of a respectable family. Wearing such tattered clothes all the time is a disgrace.”

“Not even afraid of making people laugh!”

---

“Sis Su wouldn’t laugh at me!” Cheng Yingxue grinned and made a funny face before returning to her room to change.

“Please forgive Yunniang’s lively nature, Fairy.” Madam Cheng lifted her hand, inviting Su Changling to the seat of honor and personally served the tea.

The fine Huangshan pine-lichen tea, with its fresh green hue and high fragrance, softened the slightly cold lines of the young girl’s features. Madam Cheng felt a growing fondness for her.

“Fairy Su, please forgive my impertinence—” Once seated, the woman cautiously laid her hand on the tea table, “You are so radiant and youthful, unlike ordinary immortals. May I ask your age?”

“Nineteen,” Su Changling replied succinctly. “But Madam, since you are my elder, there is no need for such formality—just call me Changling.”

“Oh, only nineteen—no wonder you look so young.” Madam Cheng thought for a moment. “Then, Changling Fairy, how are your parents?”

“You went to the mountain so young to follow immortals. Do they miss you?”

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with warmth. Su Changling knew this was because she was unsure how to properly thank her and wished to bring the gratitude back to her worldly “family.” She found herself at a loss for words.

So Su Changling fell silent. After a moment without response, Madam Cheng softly called out, “Changling Fairy?”

“Madam, I was born without parents.”

“Ah... I’m sorry, it was rude of me to say such things.” Madam Cheng was stunned, then immediately covered her face with apologies.

“It’s no matter. Cultivators do not mind such things.” Su Changling looked at her, her eyes flickering subtly—the soul-seeking jade in her arms seemed to warm again.

“Sis Su, Mother, what fun things did you two talk about while I was away?” Cheng Yingxue broke the looming awkwardness as she reentered, acting coquettishly toward Madam Cheng. “I want to hear too!”

Madam Cheng quickly pulled her close. “You child, how old are you and still so careless?”

“Come here, let me see where you’re hurt.”

“It’s nothing. I scraped my hands and feet climbing the mountain—they were all healed with fairy medicine by Sis Su.” Yingxue smiled, showing her hands, flipping them beneath her mother’s eyes.

---

“See? There’s hardly a mark left now.”

“Looks fine, thanks to Changling Fairy’s divine medicine.” Madam Cheng carefully examined her daughter’s arms twice. “But no more dangerous stunts, alright?”

“Don’t worry, Mother, I know my limits.” Yingxue exaggeratedly promised. “I swear I won’t do it again.”

“You better not.” Madam Cheng gave her a sharp look. As the mother and daughter spoke, a hurried maid entered from outside.

The maid’s face was slightly flustered. Upon entering, she bowed low, “Madam, Miss.”

“The master heard the young lady has returned safely and requests her presence immediately in the main hall—the lords of the house are waiting to question her.”

“Miss nearly fell off a cliff today and has just returned home. How can she be expected to answer now?” Madam Cheng frowned deeply. “Go tell the lords she was frightened...”

“No need, Mother.” Cheng Yingxue shook her head, soothing her. “It’s just a question. Uncle won’t eat me alive.”

“But...” Madam Cheng hesitated. Yingxue glanced back and smiled lightly at the maid. “Go ahead and tell the master I will be there shortly after freshening up.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The maid bowed and quickly left. Yingxue exchanged a glance with Su Changling, then summoned her personal maid.

Only after the girl’s figure disappeared beyond the courtyard gate did Madam Cheng turn back, worry etched on her face. She rose and deeply bowed to the young woman.

“Changling Fairy, forgive my boldness—I must ask you one more question. Please, in consideration of my motherly heart, speak truthfully with me.”

The woman frowned and raised her eyes. “Yunniang went up the mountain today...”

“Was it really only to vent her anger?”