As expected, Luo Sheng's intuition was spot-on.
This little troublemaker was a magnet for chaos. On their way back to town from the wild forest, Dongfang Muqing made it her habit to play her instrument while the beasts were napping, disturbing their dreams and waking them in a fury. Inevitably, they ended up being chased by enraged beasts.
Fortunately, Luo Sheng had three main battle cards at his disposal. When things got dicey, he could summon the [Frost Dragon] and fend off the beasts without much difficulty. As a bonus, he also collected a substantial number of beast cores and rare treasures guarded by the beasts.
Items like luminous pearls, Pangu jade, and Hundred-Spirit Flowers—things Luo Sheng didn't even recognize—were all stuffed into a single green feather by Dongfang Muqing.
"I love eating beast cores!"
"This flower smells great, and it tastes even better!"
"And this little bug is so cute—also delicious!"
Dongfang Muqing was in high spirits, frolicking through the wilderness as if it were her personal playground. Carefree and unbothered, she treated it like a holiday.
Luo Sheng, meanwhile, played the role of a super nanny, handling the combat.
But he noticed that Dongfang Muqing's aura grew more profound after consuming the beast cores, indicating some level of growth. It seemed the beast cores were benefiting her development.
This confirmed his suspicions: this world was likely an ancient cultivation world, entirely different from the ghostly divine-human realm where Bai Moxue resided, with distinct systems and rules.
While lost in thought, Luo Sheng absentmindedly patted the two small green buns of hair on Dongfang Muqing's head.
The moment he touched them, her cheeks flushed red, her delicate body trembled slightly, and her smooth skin turned rosy. It was hard to tell whether she was enjoying it or resisting.
"Th-that… that spot is off-limits!"
Dongfang Muqing's face was as red as a ripe apple. Her misty eyes and little tiger teeth added to her bashful yet charming demeanor.
Luo Sheng raised an eyebrow. "Is touching your head such a big deal?"
"Because that spot… that spot… is special!" Dongfang Muqing stammered, offering a vague explanation.
"What species are you?" Luo Sheng asked, puzzled.
"I can't say. Grandpa told me never to reveal my race to anyone; it might bring disaster. What if they catch me and use me for experiments?"
"Fine, live your life then." Luo Sheng rolled his eyes and started walking away, planning to find a secluded spot to leave the card world.
"I'm your Card Master, yet you're keeping secrets from me? Aren't you afraid I'll sell you to someone?"
"Wait, wait! Don't go! I'll tell you. But you must swear not to tell anyone!" Dongfang Muqing called after him.
Luo Sheng stopped and nodded. "Fine, I swear. My integrity is impeccable."
"You need to swear an oath to the heavens!"
"Alright."
Luo Sheng didn't hesitate. Since he wasn't bound by this world's laws, the so-called Heavenly Dao Oath likely wouldn't affect him. Following Dongfang Muqing's instructions, he made the oath. A beam of light descended from the heavens, enveloping him momentarily before fading away.
"Now, can you tell me?"
"Yes… I'm from the Jade
Dongfang Muqing hesitated but eventually spilled the truth.
Luo Sheng's reaction, however, was underwhelming. He blinked at her with a blank expression. "Oh, I see."
Dongfang Muqing felt deflated. How could he not be shocked by such a monumental revelation?
"You're not surprised? I'm a divine bird!"
"What's so surprising? I'm a Ghost Knight. What other species could possibly shock me?"
Luo Sheng shrugged, feeling she hadn't seen much of the world. He'd encountered ghostly maidens, magical girls, and mechanical beings. Adding a bird-girl to the mix didn't faze him.
"Fine, I guess you're even weirder than me, summoning all those lifelike puppet girls who feel just like real people. Especially that ghostly one who keeps sizing me up, measuring my… uh… dimensions. It's so strange."
Luo Sheng patted her head lightly again. "Stop overthinking and focus on getting stronger. I'm leaving in half a month."
"Can you stay longer?"
"No."
"Alright…" Dongfang Muqing sighed.
Eventually, they arrived at a human border town. However, her return caused quite a stir, especially with a certain young lady from a prominent family. Murong Yingnu glared at Dongfang Muqing in fury.
"You dare show your face here, you performer? Do you want me to destroy your instrument again?"
It turned out that Dongfang Muqing had passed through the town earlier, performing to earn money. Her enchanting music attracted a host of admirers, including Murong Yingnu's fiancé. Furious, Murong Yingnu had cut the strings of Dongfang Muqing's instrument and chased her out of town.
"I didn't do it on purpose. Besides, I don't even like your fiancé. He's old and ugly, and he keeps complaining about how you're aging and plans to replace you. It's honestly exhausting to hear," Dongfang Muqing said bluntly.
Murong Yingnu's face turned red with anger, veins bulging.
"You little brat! Today, you're dead!"
She began preparing a sword formation to unleash her wrath.
"Ma'am, I'm just stating facts. Why don't you believe me?" Dongfang Muqing innocently added.
Luo Sheng facepalmed. He finally understood why enhancing the [Dongfang Muqing] card was such a headache—she was a walking disaster.
Before things escalated further, Luo Sheng used his [Frozen Wasteland] card to cool Murong Yingnu's temper. "Let's call it even. This girl is under my protection."
"I'm not your pet!" Dongfang Muqing huffed indignantly.
Ignoring her, Luo Sheng turned to Murong Yingnu. "She's already paid for her mistakes. Let's leave it at that."
"Impossible!" Murong Yingnu snarled.
"Then let's fight." Luo Sheng didn't waste words and summoned Alice to resolve the issue.
In no time, Murong Yingnu fled the scene, sniffling pitifully.
Dongfang Muqing teased, "You're so mean, bullying an old lady."
Luo Sheng rolled his eyes. "Would you prefer I let her beat you up?"
"Well… I'm your pet—wait, no! I'm not your pet! I'm… uh…" Dongfang Muqing struggled to come up with an alternative. In the end, she sighed, resting her chin in her hands. "Fine, I'm your pet. But you have to take responsibility for me!"
Luo Sheng raised an eyebrow. "And what can you offer me in return?"
"I can earn money to support you!" Dongfang Muqing declared confidently.
In the next town, she proved her words. Performing for just two days, she earned enough to buy a three-room courtyard and even a teahouse. Luo Sheng stared at the piles of silver and spirit stones, dumbfounded.
This wasn't just talent—it was modern-day influencer-level prowess!
Too bad she also had a mouth that caused endless trouble.
(Chapter End)