The sky was clear, the air crisp.
A clear stream cut through the mountains and forest, the shadows of the trees lush and dense, and sunlight scattered in delicate fragments across the water’s surface.
Several large black fish drifted lazily in the water, their tail movements slow and unhurried, showing they had never faced any predators.
At that moment, a fluffy, snow-white tail reached into the water from the riverbank, its tip twitching, sending ripples across the surface.
The fish below, as if enchanted, swam toward the disturbance.
In an instant, water splashed everywhere. A black fish flopped onto the grass, thrashing its tail violently, only to be pressed down by a paw.
Holding it was a snow-white cat. The black fish had no natural predators, and nourished by the spiritual energy of the cultivation world, it was large and plump—so much so that the little white cat looked tiny and infantile by comparison.
The cat shook off the water, lowered its head, sniffed the black fish with its pink nose, then released it.
The black fish flopped on the grass, tail slapping helplessly, while the little white cat tensed its body and bounced around, occasionally batting at it with a paw, playing with obvious delight.
Then a slender hand grabbed the black fish and placed it into a fish basket.
“Yu Wei, stop playing,” Ning Suyi said helplessly, “we still need to catch more than ten fish today.”
The little white cat lifted its head, meowing softly, seemingly displeased, but the tone was soft and gentle, so even its displeasure sounded like a playful plea.
Ning Suyi sat down on the ground, cradled the cat in her arms, and used a towel to dry its wet fur. The cat settled quietly, its gemstone-like blue eyes narrowing in contentment.
As she gently pinched the cat’s pink ears, her arms suddenly felt heavier—the little cat in her arms transformed into a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen.
The girl’s snow-white arms wrapped around her neck, and her wet black hair brushed Ning Suyi’s cheek as she complained unhappily, “Ah Ning, this is so uncomfortable.”
Ning Suyi could only laugh and cry at the same time. She dried the girl’s hair and said helplessly, “Who told you to catch fish yourself? You got wet and now you’re whining about it.”
Yu Wei blinked her clear, cat-like eyes innocently and nudged Ning Suyi with her nose. Ning Suyi quickly held her in place.
“Don’t move.”
Finally, the girl obediently stayed still in her arms.
Ning Suyi breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Even though she was also female, being so fully trusted and relied upon by such a strikingly beautiful girl, who clung to her constantly, made her ears burn slightly.
Both were outer disciples of the First Immortal Sect. Yu Wei was a cat-demon hybrid, the only disciple in the sect with demon blood.
No one knew how she had grown up to be so extraordinary; she carried an unworldly, innocent beauty, like a little beast that had never fully matured, at times so straightforward it was frustrating.
Yu Wei liked Ning Suyi, constantly showing affection and trust.
Yet, when faced with disciples in the sect who despised her mixed heritage, she would intentionally display her cat ears to tease them—so innocent she didn’t know more “malicious” ways to retaliate, leaving Ning Suyi worried she couldn’t protect herself from being tricked or harmed.
Yu Wei’s personality was lazy and carefree; as long as life was comfortable, she could spend her days idly.
When she was accidentally brought into the First Immortal Sect, she didn’t resist. Even when other cultivators treated her coldly after learning her true bloodline, she didn’t mind.
Yu Wei only wanted to bask in the sun, sleep late, groom herself, eat well, and live leisurely—what better life could there be?
As for the transcendence and ascension that all cultivators dreamed of… what did that have to do with a cat?
Although daily life at the sect required work and oversight, the spiritual energy here was abundant, far more comfortable than the mortal world—and she had Ning Suyi by her side.
The little cat demon considered Ning Suyi the best person in the world. She not only fed her delicious food but also shared her mind, freeing Yu Wei from all worries, so she could laze about in her company.
Ning Suyi would take care of everything.
The two girls sat by the stream; the younger one focused on snacks while the older helped dry her hair, occasionally feeding her a bite. They looked like sisters, inseparably close.
From afar, the scene appeared peaceful and serene.
When Yu Wei’s hair dried, Ning Suyi put away the towel and sighed. “Did you use magic to catch the fish just now? Don’t ever do that again. If anyone in the sect finds out, the consequences could be severe.”
Millennia ago, Sword Sovereign Xie Jianbai single-handedly purged the world of countless demons, ending the chaos of the lower realms. From then on, the cultivation world reigned supreme, its status unshakable.
With long-standing power, cultivators grew accustomed to seeing themselves as superior, regarding demons and hybrid beings as evil, and looked down on mixed blood disciples. Many even considered those married to demons as traitors.
Especially in the First Immortal Sect, founded by the Sword Sovereign himself, disciples took pride in their identity. The sect was the foremost immortal sect, heavily investing in the border regions against demons.
Slaying demons was as routine as chopping firewood for sect disciples. Yu Wei’s situation as a half-demon in the sect was precarious and delicate.
Outer elders, instructors, and disciples often treated her coldly, barely acknowledging her demon blood.
If they discovered her using demon magic, they might find an excuse to punish her…
The more Ning Suyi thought about it, the more worried she became. She looked at Yu Wei, who was staring at a spirit bird perched atop a tree, her amber-like eyes clear and untroubled.
Seeing her carefree expression, Ning Suyi’s heart softened, yet she still warned, “Yu Wei, no more demon magic, or no snacks for you later.”
The threat worked immediately. Yu Wei returned her wandering attention to Ning Suyi, nodding pitifully.
For the next hour, Yu Wei behaved obediently. Ning Suyi fished by the stream while Yu Wei sat under the shade, extending her white tail and grooming herself diligently.
Ning Suyi, a young lady from a wealthy family, produced a magical tool from her storage ring and effortlessly caught enough fish for the day before returning.
Cultivation in this world was hierarchical; strength ruled. As outer disciples, they were at the bottom. Inner disciples focused solely on advancement, while outer disciples learned and performed menial tasks daily.
Yet Ning Suyi’s wealth and magical items, along with some bribing of instructors, ensured their tasks were easy. Yu Wei’s demon senses helped in nature, making their teamwork smooth, and their days fairly comfortable.
Returning early, they went straight to the front courtyard of the kitchens. Entering, the chatter of outer disciples immediately fell silent.
Ning Suyi ignored them; Yu Wei didn’t even notice.
They passed through, and Ning Suyi handed the fish basket to the instructor.
“Fifteen large fish, all here.”
The instructor casually picked up a plump black fish, drawing gasps of admiration.
“Wow, this fish is huge and looks fresh. Where did you catch them?” a familiar-looking disciple asked.
“You wouldn’t understand,” a male disciple scoffed, “it’s instinct—you just follow the scent.”
Ning Suyi glanced coldly at him. Her icy gaze alone made the male disciple shiver, freezing in place.
Yu Wei, however, leaned over and mumbled, “Ah Ning, you smell so sweet… I’m hungry.”
Ning Suyi withdrew her gaze, placed her fingers on Yu Wei’s forehead to create distance, and said helplessly, “Let’s go. We came back early; you can still find a spot to bask in the sun.”
Watching them leave, the male disciple finally relaxed, his back soaked with sweat.
“During the sect’s grand ceremony this month, don’t skip classes, and don’t turn into a cat to sunbathe,” Ning Suyi warned as they walked toward their usual little grove.
“If you encounter disciples who dislike you, endure it. Don’t show your ears to provoke them. Many are watching you.”
Yu Wei showed no reaction, she had already drifted off in thought.
Perhaps it was her nature, or simply being part cat, but Yu Wei’s attention span was only a fraction of a normal person’s. Convincing her to think seriously was harder than ascending to heaven.
Passing a patch of flowers, the girl plucked a small purple bloom, completely ignoring Ning Suyi’s warnings.
Ning Suyi lifted her and was about to scold her again when Yu Wei placed the flower in her hand and hooked her sleeve.
“Ah Ning, I’m hungry,” she said softly, a hint of coquettishness.
Ning Suyi: …
This silly cat was hopeless.
Expressionless, she took a snack from her storage ring and skillfully fed Yu Wei.