The enlightened Black Cat had been by Haicang’s side for several years.
Haicang’s injuries were too severe, so he could only remain trapped within the tiny Lake, slowly recovering.
Whenever he was able, he would teach Black Cat some things he had learned from humans.
But Black Cat was playful and spoiled, always reluctant to study seriously, even neglecting cultivation.
Haicang could only feed it some of his own blood from time to time, helping its cultivation progress more smoothly.
A few more years passed, and the last elderly resident of the village also passed away.
Haicang listened to the fading noises outside—the bustling voices and footsteps slowly quieting—and knew that the Little Fishing Village he had guarded for so many years was finally left with only him and Black Cat.
From then on, the snake and the cat depended on each other for survival.
Yet even so, life was far from peaceful.
Perhaps because the villagers had all left, a troop of wild monkeys suddenly appeared from somewhere and discovered Haicang hiding in the Lake nursing his wounds.
The leader of the monkeys seemed to have some knowledge, understanding that Haicang’s flesh and blood were highly nourishing.
He incited the group to attack.
Although Haicang was a great demon, his cultivation had been stripped under the Thunder Tribulation, and his injuries had never fully healed.
The monkey troop was large, and Haicang’s massive body was confined within the small Mountain Rocks, making him vulnerable.
The fierce monkeys actually succeeded in wounding him.
Like a dragon swimming in shallow water mocked by shrimp, or a tiger fallen to the plains scorned by dogs, Haicang’s flesh was torn in large chunks by the monkey troop.
In the fierce battle, his injuries worsened.
The monkeys, having tasted the benefits of his flesh, began to covet him daily.
At first, Haicang could still fight back, and Black Cat would assist him.
But they were too weak against such numbers.
After days of torment, Haicang’s wounds worsened, and he was eventually trapped in his old Cave, growing weaker and weaker—becoming little more than blood food raised by the monkeys.
If it hadn’t been for Black Cat coincidentally bringing Zhang Xianyu and Lin Wushui this time, Haicang might not have lasted much longer.
Gratefully, Haicang looked at Zhang Xianyu and Lin Wushui. His skin and flesh wounds had already healed under the care of his elder brother, but his cultivation was completely lost and had to start anew.
For now, he could only watch his benefactors with his pair of golden vertical pupils and slightly lower his body, spitting out a huge Pearl.
The Pearl was smooth and lustrous white, about the size of a pigeon’s egg.
As soon as it was spat out, a gentle coolness radiated around it, bringing a peaceful feeling to the heart.
Haicang flicked his tongue and hissed softly.
Black Python then stepped forward to explain on his brother’s behalf: “This is Haicang’s token of gratitude. We hope you will accept it.”
He then slipped into the Sea and stirred the water for a moment, pulling out a golden fish.
The fish was about a foot long, small enough to be held carefully in Black Python’s mouth, its scales shining gold, with golden whiskers on its head.
It was clearly no ordinary fish.
“This is a Dragonfish. Eating its flesh helps with cultivation. Please, you must accept it.”
The two gifts were placed before them, and the snake brothers looked at them sincerely.
It was as if if they didn’t accept, these two brothers would not leave today.
Zhang Xianyu could only accept the gifts.
“Then I won’t refuse.”
Black Python quickly said, “No need to be polite. Actually, Haicang also wants to ask you for a favor.”
His gaze then fell on Black Cat, who noticed and flicked its tail, letting out a soft meow.
“Haicang’s injuries are too severe, but he has managed to get through this calamity. Next, I plan to take him back to the clan’s territory for secluded cultivation. He worries about Black Cat and hopes you can help take care of it.”
Hearing its name, Black Cat was initially confused, but once it understood, it immediately fluffed up and hissed angrily at Haicang.
Haicang moved closer, flicking his tongue to touch it.
Black Cat scratched him in anger.
Unfortunately, Haicang’s scales were too hard, so the light scratch didn’t hurt.
“I would be willing to take good care of him, but I’m afraid he won’t want to leave,” Zhang Xianyu said with a helpless smile as she watched Black Cat’s puffed-up fur.
Haicang’s eyes showed a hint of distress.
The clan’s territory was beneath the Sea; there was no way to bring Black Cat along.
He could only try to find a reliable person to take care of it.
If his injuries healed and his cultivation recovered, perhaps he could come back to see it.
At that moment, he rubbed against Black Cat again.
Black Cat first turned its back to him but eventually, after a few nudges, reluctantly jumped onto his head.
Haicang carried it to the center of the Sea.
The snake and cat seemed to exchange some words, and finally, Haicang handed Black Cat into Zhang Xianyu’s arms.
Though a bit listless, Black Cat obediently curled up.
Haicang’s golden vertical pupils softened as he plunged back into the Sea.
Moments later, he surfaced holding a cloth bag, tossing it onto the rocks.
The bag was open, scattering golden coins—an entire sack of Gold Coins.
Though they didn’t seem from any particular era, Haicang had managed to find them.
“This is Black Cat’s living expenses,” Black Python said on his brother’s behalf, knowing Haicang’s worry for the little cat.
“If the funds run low, just come to this shore and blow the Sea Conch three times. I will send more money.”
He then tossed up a beautiful Sea Conch onto the shore.
Zhang Xianyu carefully put the Sea Conch away as well.
“Don’t worry, I will take good care of Black Cat.”
Finally, Haicang and Black Python parted reluctantly.
Black Cat hid in Zhang Xianyu’s arms, refusing to move.
Once they left, it jumped down and stood on the rocks, meowing pitifully like an abandoned kitten.
“When Haicang recovers, I’ll take you to see him.”
Zhang Xianyu crouched down, pinching its pointed ears, scooped it up, and left with Lin Wushui.
This time, the driver was waiting outside the island.
Seeing the two come out with a black cat, he was surprised but didn’t dare ask more.
They were taken to a Hotel.
Zhang Xianyu tucked Black Cat into her backpack before entering the Hotel.
After resting for one night, the two, led by Dizhonghai, strolled around Xiangjiang City, bought a pile of local specialties, and then arranged for Black Cat’s transport, returning to Jiangcheng.
Back at the Family Building, Zhang Xianyu discussed with Lin Wushui whether Black Cat could live at his place since pets were definitely not allowed in the School Dormitory.
Lin Wushui raised an eyebrow, meaningfully saying, “This is also your home. You can raise whatever you want here, no need to ask for my permission.”
Zhang Xianyu’s heart skipped a beat.
This apartment in the Family Building was already filled with traces of their life together. Hearing Lin Wushui say that made it feel as if…they were already family.
But how could they be family?
Zhang Xianyu knew that no matter how deep a friendship, boundaries must be maintained.
Even brothers had to keep accounts clear, especially since they were not blood relatives.
He couldn’t treat himself like he belonged.
His thoughts tangled, and he didn’t know how to respond, finally forcing out, “After all, it’s your home, so I still have to ask your permission.”
“Forget it.”
Lin Wushui’s eyes flickered with some helplessness.
Knowing it was no use rushing, he switched topics with Black Cat, “Don’t we need to get some things for it? Other cats seem to have climbing frames, beds, toys. Although this cat is probably already a spirit, it still needs some basics.”
So the two planned a trip to the Pet Supermarket with Black Cat.
Black Cat’s mood had recovered over the past couple of days.
Having lived all its life in the Little Fishing Village, everything in this new city was curious and fresh to it, its cat eyes darting around.
Zhang Xianyu held it, while Lin Wushui pushed the shopping cart.
The two humans and one cat went to gather supplies.
In the end, they bought four large bags filled with all sorts of things.
After returning home, Zhang Xianyu cleaned every corner thoroughly, making a small space for Black Cat, organizing the climbing frame, bed, and toys.
Though Black Cat was a spirit cat, it still loved to play.
After everything was set, it eagerly jumped into its new home, darting through the climbing frame, its excited ears twitching.
Zhang Xianyu squatted nearby, looking up at it as it played, while a little further away, Lin Wushui sat silently, watching Zhang Xianyu and the cat with an unprecedented warmth in his eyes.
This scene gave him a vague feeling of home—completely different from the Lin family home.
He even found himself liking the lively Black Cat more than before.
Just a few days after returning from Xiangjiang City, the Tourism Bureau’s reward was credited.
Lin Wushui and Zhang Xianyu each received 100,000 in compensation, and Zhang Xianyu’s account also gained fifty points.
This trip had been incredibly worthwhile—good food, good fun, a new pet, unexpected gifts from the snake brothers, plus the bonus. Zhang Xianyu felt overjoyed.
His spirits bubbled over. Until the new semester started, he was in high spirits.
At the first class meeting after school resumed, Zheng Pang was still sluggish from the holiday.
It wasn’t just him; most students felt the same.
But Zhang Xianyu, his face brimming with happiness, looked out of place.
Zheng Pang asked suspiciously, “Did you win the lottery or fall in love?”
Zhang Xianyu beamed, “Found some money!!”
Just as the Tourism Bureau’s payment arrived, his application to register the Daoist Temple was approved.
Now with both money and credentials, he could plan to renovate the small Daoist Temple.
The statue of the Ancestral Master in the Temple Hall could be reframed to give it a more dignified appearance.
Not much, but all would take time.
Zhang Xianyu planned to return around the Qingming Festival and have the Village Chief oversee the work.
Just as he pondered, Zheng Pang asked again, “Did you contact Luo Danqing during the break? I sent him messages but got no reply.”
“Hm?”
Zhang Xianyu pulled back his thoughts.
Zheng Pang’s reminder made him remember that his New Year’s message to Luo Danqing also went unanswered.
Even now, Luo Danqing hadn’t appeared at school.
“After this meeting, we should ask the Counselor. If Danqing took leave, the Counselor should know.”
Zhang Xianyu frowned, suddenly recalling the group of people who had stopped Luo Danqing at the school gate before.