Rebirth of the Abandoned Male Empress

Chapter 4

It appeared that her daughter had cultivated to a degree that had elevated Qi to her head.

"Don't fret, Mother. I'll handle it myself. I believe it's best if you keep an eye on Yuze; I have a feeling he's involved in our recent streak of misfortune," Xing Mei said before leaving her mother's quarters. Yanjin followed closely behind, and they entered Xing Mei's quarters. She waved Yanjin closer.

"Inform our Master of the current turn of events. We need to be prepared. Something doesn't feel right," Xing Mei instructed as she sat at her table.

"My lady, should I also notify Lady Rouwei to dispatch some of our men to search for that fool?" Yanjin asked as she began grinding ink.

Xing Mei nodded and replied, "Yes, we must ensure that fool never has the chance to rise too high. It should be me who fulfills the destiny of the Phoenix."

Xing Mei nodded again and smiled. "Of course, my lady. You are the only one worthy of becoming the Phoenix soaring high in the sky. Rest assured, my lady, Rouwei and I will not let you down," Yanjin vowed.

Xing Mei smirked. "I was never mistaken in choosing both of you as my sworn sisters," she said with pride.

***

In the land of icy mountains, Frostgate Outpost stands as a testament to resilience. Nestled at the meeting point of the North and West Nations, it boasts the impenetrable Stonewrought Sanctum walls and the serene greenery of Verdant Enigma Grove.

Every morning, this lively outpost comes to life. People, bundled in thick furs, make their way to the bustling market square. Colorful stalls offer warm, steaming bowls of hearty soup, while traders passionately haggle over rare herbs collected from the northern slopes.

Houses here are hewn from robust stone, adorned with intricate carvings that tell stories of bravery and valor. Roaring fires within these homes ward off the winter chill, sending plumes of white smoke into the crisp, frigid air.

Children's laughter fills the air as they gleefully sled down snow-covered hills, and elders gather around the central hearth to share tales of bygone days. The clang of blacksmiths' hammers resonates throughout, crafting tools designed to withstand the harshest of winters.

Frostgate stands as a portal between two nations.

As for someone like Xiaoniao, now considered a rogue cultivator, this place could be quite accommodating.

With a deep sigh, Xiaoniao settled onto a bamboo-made sofa and took a small sip of his freshly brewed tea. For the past three months, this had become his morning routine. Each day, he'd sit in the foyer of the modestly refurbished cabin he had acquired at a bargain price. Meanwhile, Lixin would be bustling in the kitchen, and Yanfang handled the laundry down by the river behind their home.

Thinking of Yanfang, Xiaoniao couldn't help but reminisce about how they had crossed paths once more.

While on their way to ascend the mountains, Xiaoniao and Lixin encountered a group of rogue cultivators. This group was peddling stolen magical artifacts, holy weapons, and even engaging in the illicit slave trade at exorbitant prices. It was all considered highly illegal.

Facing financial constraints, Xiaoniao had decided to barter the hairpin he had pilfered from Concubine Mengtao at a premium. With this newfound wealth, he had purchased a small house and a plot of land. The land would serve as the foundation for cultivating rice and vegetables, which he intended to sell later, thus establishing a sustainable source of income.