Ever since Bai Ruxue learned that Xiao Mo wouldn't marry the county magistrate's daughter, she had returned to being a carefree little girl.

Bai Ruxue was lively and energetic every day, even humming little tunes while cooking.

Actually, for Xiao Mo, he had never planned to marry the county magistrate's daughter in the first place.

At the time, Xiao Mo had wanted to politely decline County Magistrate Sun's kind offer, but County Magistrate Sun had interrupted Xiao Mo's words, telling him not to rush into agreeing and to think it over.

Xiao Mo couldn't say much at that moment, so he just planned to visit County Magistrate Sun personally in a few days to thank him for his favor.

Today, after Xiao Mo arrived at County Magistrate Sun's residence, he politely declined.

Although County Magistrate Sun felt it was a pity, he could understand, especially since Xiao Mo said he already had a woman he loved.

So County Magistrate Sun didn't discuss the marriage proposal further, instead discussing scholarly matters and court affairs with Xiao Mo, intentionally teaching him some principles of officialdom.

In County Magistrate Sun's view, Xiao Mo entering court as an official was already a foregone conclusion.

Because County Magistrate Sun later heard that Xiao Mo's ability to win first place in the provincial examination was due to gaining the appreciation of that Master Zhang.

That Master Zhang was highly respected, writing books and establishing theories. Although he currently held a sinecure position, he had enormous influence in the court, and even the current Prime Minister was his disciple.

"Xiao Mo, after you go to the capital, you should first visit Old Master Zhang's residence to present your calling card," County Magistrate Sun advised.

"Master Zhang?" Xiao Mo asked with confusion.

"That's Old Master Zhang Qianzhi, currently a Hanlin Academician and also a sacrificial wine of the Confucian Academy," County Magistrate Sun stroked his beard. "This time, your first place was recommended by Master Zhang."

"Then I should indeed pay a visit."

Xiao Mo nodded.

"However, you needn't be overly ingratiating, or you'll only displease Master Zhang. You just need to visit, have a cup of tea, and express your gratitude for his support," County Magistrate Sun said.

"This student understands. Thank you for your guidance, County Magistrate," Xiao Mo bowed.

"Haha, what guidance is this? In the future, this old man will need Lord Xiao's guidance," County Magistrate Sun raised his wine cup.

Xiao Mo just smiled slightly and also raised his wine cup.

"Goji berries... longan, mushrooms, old hen cut into pieces and blanched..."

Meanwhile, at home, Bai Ruxue was making chicken soup for Xiao Mo.

"Finally, simmer on low heat for one hour, and it's done!"

Bai Ruxue happily clapped her small hands and covered the clay pot.

She tended to the small fire while looking toward the courtyard entrance, waiting for Xiao Mo to return.

Half an hour later, Xiao Mo hadn't returned, but a woman appeared at the courtyard gate.

This woman looked ethereal and transcendent, holding a whisk in her hand and wearing Daoist robes. "Miss, could this poor Daoist have a bowl of water to drink?"

"Of course you can."

Bai Ruxue didn't refuse and quickly fetched a bowl of water for the female Daoist.

While the female Daoist drank water, Bai Ruxue carefully observed her, thinking she was truly beautiful.

"Thank you, miss," the Daoist drained the bowl in one gulp, returned the clay bowl, then fixed her gaze on Bai Ruxue.

Bai Ruxue blinked and asked with a tilted head, "Is there something you need, Immortal Master?"

"Not really."

The Daoist shook her head.

"This poor Daoist is an elder of the Tianxuan Sect, named Fuchen. I observe that the miss has exceptional talent and some immortal fate. I wonder if the miss would be willing to cultivate with this poor Daoist on the mountain?"

"Ah? Cultivation? I won't go," Bai Ruxue quickly waved her hands. "I still have someone to take care of. Without me, no one would cook for him."

The Daoist smiled, "Miss needn't rush to answer. You can consider it carefully. With your constitution, it would be a pity not to cultivate. After two days, this poor Daoist will come again."

With those words, the Daoist bowed, turned toward the sky, and in an instant, disappeared without a trace.

Standing at the courtyard gate, Bai Ruxue's eyes sparkled brightly.

It was her first time seeing someone who could fly.

Near sunset, Xiao Mo returned home.

"Xiao Mo, you're back! Come quickly, I made chicken soup for you."

Seeing Xiao Mo return, Bai Ruxue quickly ladled a bowl of chicken soup and placed it before him.

"Mm, I happen to be hungry too," Xiao Mo sat at the stone table and took a sip of chicken soup. The broth was rich but not greasy, and full of fresh flavor.

It had to be said, Bai Ruxue's cooking skills were really getting better and better.

"Is it good?" Bai Ruxue sat across from Xiao Mo, supporting her chin with both hands, her charming peach blossom eyes curved as she looked at him.

"It's good," Xiao Mo nodded.

"If it's good, drink more," Bai Ruxue picked up two more pieces of chicken and put them in his bowl. "Tonight there's only this chicken soup, I didn't cook anything else. You have to finish this whole chicken tonight."

"Then what will you eat?" Xiao Mo asked.

"I ate all the leftover dishes from lunch. Can't let them go to waste," Bai Ruxue said matter-of-factly.

Xiao Mo: "..."

"Eat quickly, eat quickly. The chicken soup won't taste good when it gets cold," Bai Ruxue ladled another bowl for him.

"You should eat some too. I can't finish it all by myself," Xiao Mo said.

Bai Ruxue shook her head, "I'm not hungry."

"You still need to eat a few bites, or it'll be wasted."

"Alright then, but you feed me. Ah..." Bai Ruxue opened her small mouth, revealing her pink tongue.

Xiao Mo could only pick up a piece of meat and put it in her mouth.

Bai Ruxue chewed happily, feeling that food Xiao Mo fed her tasted even better.

"Oh right, Xiao Mo, a female Daoist came to our courtyard earlier."

"A Daoist?"

"Mm-hmm," Bai Ruxue nodded. "She was so beautiful. She said she was from the Tianxuan Sect, an elder, and said I had some immortal fate and wanted to take me to cultivate."

"Hm?"

Xiao Mo was somewhat surprised.

He had heard of the Tianxuan Sect.

The Tianxuan Sect was the premier sect within the Qi Kingdom's borders, a righteous and renowned sect with an excellent reputation in the mortal world. Moreover, it was said they taught without discrimination, accepting even demon races as long as you had a sincere heart for seeking the Dao.

There was even a female elder in the Tianxuan Sect whose true form was a vermillion bird.

Xiao Mo felt that asking for water was false.

She must have seen Bai Ruxue, this white snake with exceptional talent, while passing by and wanted to take her as a disciple.

"So did you agree?" Xiao Mo looked up and asked.

"Of course not," Bai Ruxue waved her hand. "If I left, who would take care of you?"

Xiao Mo lowered his head, stirring the oil droplets in his bowl with his spoon.

"What's wrong, Xiao Mo? Why did you stop eating? There's still more than half a pot left," Bai Ruxue noticed Xiao Mo had stopped eating.

"Ruxue," Xiao Mo looked up, gazing directly into Bai Ruxue's eyes. "If you didn't need to take care of me, would you go to the Tianxuan Sect?"

"Eh?" Bai Ruxue was slightly stunned, her eyes trembling as she looked at Xiao Mo. "Xiao Mo, you... what do you mean?"

"Ruxue, immortal fate is hard to encounter. I think, Ruxue, you... should go."