We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 308: Shall I Beat the War Drums for You?

”Xiao Mo...”

The little girlʼs mouth repeatedly recited Xiao Moʼs name, her large eyes blinking gently.

”Then Xiao Mo, are you willing to be my guard?” After reciting it a few times, the little girl asked expectantly.

”If Princess doesnʼt mind.” Xiao Mo answered.

”Of course I donʼt mind.”

With those words, Qin Siyao pulled on Xiao Moʼs sleeve and ran before her Father Emperor.

”Father Emperor, Mother Empress, Siyao has chosen. I want Xiao Mo to be my guard.”

”Xiao Mo...” Empress Shi looked at the little boy before her and asked, ”You are a descendant of the Xiao Manor?”

”In response to Empress, yes.” Xiao Mo cupped his fists in reply.

”What is your realm?” Empress Shi asked again.
”In response to Empress, ninth level of Qi Refinement.” Xiao Mo answered truthfully.

Hearing he was at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, a flash of surprise passed through Empress Shiʼs eyes.

To reach the ninth level of Qi Refinement at this age, his talent was truly remarkable.

”Alright then. Since Siyao chose you, I wonʼt say anything more.” The Qin Kingdom’s ruler agreed with his daughter and said seriously to Xiao Mo, ”Xiao Mo, you must protect my daughter well. If you do well, I will have rewards.”

”Please rest assured, Your Majesty and Empress. Mo will do his utmost.” Xiao Mo responded.

”Good.” The Qin Kingdom’s ruler waved his hand, ”You two prepare yourselves. When the time comes, depart.”

”Yes! Your Majesty!”

”Yes, Father Emperor.”

Hearing Father Emperor and Mother Empress agree, Qin Siyao happily pulled on Xiao Moʼs sleeve again and walked to the side, asking Xiao Mo about fun and delicious things outside the palace.

”If this concubine remembers correctly, at Xiao Moʼs age, he should be that bastard son of the Xiao Manor?” After the daughter and Xiao Mo left, Empress Shi looked at His Majesty beside her.

”Precisely.” The Qin Kingdom’s ruler nodded and said with a smile, ”Now the Xiao Manorʼs first and second young masters have both gone out to study martial arts. Only a few bastard sons remain in the Xiao Manor. Xiao Mo is the oldest among them.”

”I see.” Empress Shi nodded, ”But I didnʼt expect Xia Qingke would actually send a bastard son.”

Although Xiao Mo was merely serving as a guard, this was a good opportunity to draw closer to the imperial family and appear before the ruler.

Generally speaking, at minimum it would be children born to concubines who would come.

It was rare to have bastard sons born to lesser concubines come.

The Qin Kingdom’s ruler only smiled, ”This wasnʼt Xia Qingkeʼs agreement. The reason Xiao Mo can appear here is because of that Senior Huang.”

”Senior Huang...” Empress Shi was stunned for a moment and quickly knew who the Senior Huang His Majesty spoke of was, ”Xiao Mo is that Senior Huangʼs...”

”His disciple.” The Qin Kingdom’s ruler stroked his beard, his lips curving up, ”I invited Senior Huang to come, but Senior Huang didnʼt give me face and instead sent his disciple. I am quite curious why this Xiao Mo could be accepted as Senior Huangʼs disciple.”

The Qin Kingdom’s ruler finally gave Xiao Mo a measured look, then looked toward his two sons.

Regarding his daughter and Xiao Mo, these two eight-year-old children, the Qin Kingdom’s ruler actually didnʼt pay much attention. For them, this Grand Hunt was really just for fun but for First Prince Qin Jingsu and Second Prince Qin Jingyuan, it was different.

Currently, the Qin Kingdom’s ruler hadnʼt established a crown prince yet. The two brothers appeared harmonious on the surface, but were actually in constant open and covert struggles.

The guards they selected had long been determined. All were military officers who supported them.

After two incense sticksʼ worth of time, the auspicious hour arrived.

The Qin Kingdom’s rulerʼs three children, along with those imperial relatives, all entered the Imperial Hunting Forest.

Xiao Mo also carried two longbows and two quivers on his back, held a long spear in hand, and followed behind Third Princess Qin Siyao.

Qin Siyao was like she was on an outing, happily and expectantly walking in front of Xiao Mo, her single ponytail swaying behind her head.

Xiao Mo vigilantly watched the surroundings, noting whether there were any wild beasts appearing.

Suddenly, Xiao Mo took the bow and arrow from his back, drew the bowstring, and shot an arrow.

”Whoosh!”

Only the sound of breaking air was heard.

Not far away, a wild rabbit was pierced by the arrow and pinned firmly to a tree.

Qin Siyao quickly ran over, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes, ”The bunny is so pitiful...”

”...”

Xiao Mo explained.

”Princess, we came here to hunt... Moreover, in this chaotic world, if we donʼt hunt others, others will hunt us. Furthermore, the prey we hunt will help some poor common people survive better.”

Qin Siyao turned her head and blinked at Xiao Mo.

”Whatʼs wrong, Princess?” Xiao Mo asked.

”Nothing.” Qin Siyao vigorously shook her head, ”I just feel the words you say sound like my Father Emperorʼs. Father Emperor says the same things.”

”Is that so?”

”Yes.” Qin Siyao responded.

”But Xiao Mo, why can the prey we hunt help poor common people survive better?” Qin Siyao asked.

”Because my mother told me, according to custom, this prey will be given to some poor common people. Although itʼs not much, it can let some people eat their fill a few times.” Xiao Mo said.

”I see...”

Qin Siyao lowered her head, as if hesitating about something.

After a while, Qin Siyao raised her head and extended her fair little hand.

”What does Princess mean?” Xiao Mo asked in confusion.

”I also want to hunt.” Qin Siyao seemed to have made up her mind, ”I canʼt just rely on you, Xiao Mo, to help me hunt.”

Xiao Mo was stunned for a moment, then smiled, ”Alright.”

Xiao Mo handed one of the bows from his back to Qin Siyao. As for this rabbit that had been shot, someone would come to the Imperial Hunting Forest to tally it.

The color of the arrow fletching could determine who had shot it.

Qin Siyao walked through the Imperial Hunting Forest, somewhat getting into the spirit of things.

Whenever she saw animals like rabbits or sika deer, she would draw her bowstring and shoot an arrow.

Qin Siyaoʼs bowstring had a formation attached, so even this eight-year-old little girl could smoothly draw it open but the formation could only help Qin Siyao draw it. It didnʼt come with aim assist.

So Qin Siyao shot arrow after arrow without hitting a single one.

Xiao Mo collected the arrows for Qin Siyao from the side.

The closest she came to success was when Qin Siyaoʼs arrow grazed off a tuft of rabbit fur. That rabbit was so scared it shook out a few drops of urine, then quickly ran away...

”Woo! Hunting is no fun at all!”

Qin Siyao pouted her baby-fat little face and stomped her small feet.

”Actually, Princess has improved very quickly and is already very impressive.” Xiao Mo said.

”Really?” Qin Siyao looked at Xiao Mo, her large eyes full of joy, ”Am I really very impressive?”

”Really.” Xiao Mo coaxed the little girl, ”Itʼs just that Princess lacks a bit of technique.”

”What technique?”

”Each time you draw the bow, the string must touch the same position, like the tip of your nose or corner of your mouth. This is the lifeline of accuracy. Then each time the anchor point of your hand on your face must be completely consistent.

When releasing, itʼs not as simple as loosening your fingers. Rather, through the continued exertion of back muscles, let the fingers naturally slip off, avoiding twisting the bowstring.

And also...”

”Donʼt understand, donʼt understand...” Qin Siyao shook her head, then extended the longbow in her hand, ”You teach me.”

”This...” Xiao Mo hesitated somewhat, ”This subordinate dare not be disrespectful to Princess.”

”Oh, itʼs fine.” Qin Siyao proactively took Xiao Moʼs little hand, ”Quickly teach me.”

”Then this subordinate will be presumptuous.”

Seeing her insistent appearance, Xiao Mo could only agree.

Just then, a wild chicken was walking back and forth ten zhang away. Xiao Mo pressed close to Qin Siyao, grasped her little hand, and slowly drew the bowstring, ”Princess must remember this feeling. The fingers must be smooth. The eyes shouldnʼt only look at the prey, but also pay attention to the arrowhead. When thereʼs no wind...”

Saying the last word, Xiao Mo loosened his grip on Qin Siyaoʼs little hand. The arrow shot out with a sound. That wild chicken was pierced and fell down.

”Hit it, hit it!” Qin Siyao jumped up happily, her high ponytail bouncing up and down, ”Xiao Mo, youʼre so amazing!”

”Itʼs because Princess is clever.” Xiao Mo continued giving the little girl confidence.

”Quick, quick, letʼs continue hunting. Iʼm getting the feel for it.”

Qin Siyao pulled Xiao Moʼs little hand and ran forward.

It was truly as Qin Siyao said.

Although Xiao Mo had only taught her hands-on once, she firmly remembered that feeling. Several times she wounded wild rabbits and chickens, and finally even hit a rabbit.

She really learned things very quickly.

Just when Xiao Mo felt everything was normal.

Suddenly, Xiao Mo stopped his steps, his eyes narrowing as he vigilantly looked ahead, protecting Qin Siyao behind him.

”Xiao Mo, whatʼs wrong?” Qin Siyao poked out a little head from Xiao Moʼs shoulder and asked curiously.

”Run!”

”Eh?”

Qin Siyao hadnʼt reacted yet when she was pulled by Xiao Mo to run backward.

”Aohou!”

A silvery-white Pale Moon Wolf jumped out from the bushes and chased after Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao.

The palace protector secretly protecting Princess frowned.

Although this Pale Moon Wolf appeared to have been kicked out of its pack due to old age.

Regardless, this was still a ninth-grade demonic beast, not something these two little ones could handle.

Qin Siyao saw this massive, seven-and-a-half-foot-long wolf drawing nearer and nearer. Her face turned deathly pale, sensing great danger.

”Ah!”

As she ran, Qin Siyao was tripped by a tree branch and fell to the ground.

Just as the Pale Moon Wolf was only five zhang away from the two children, the palace protector was about to act when he made a sound of surprise and paused.

Qin Siyao only saw Xiao Mo charge forward toward the Pale Moon Wolf.

After Xiao Mo dodged the Pale Moon Wolfʼs pounce, he punched it in the stomach.

The Pale Moon Wolf spat out bitter water and quickly stood up from the ground, pouncing at Xiao Mo again.

Xiao Mo dodged the Pale Moon Wolfʼs attacks while looking for opportunities to strike it.

Finding an opportunity, Xiao Mo grabbed its wolf fur, leaped up, flipped onto its back, then rained down punches accompanied by thunder.

Xiao Mo was like a small fierce beast, bare-fisted striking the Pale Moon Wolfʼs head.

Blood blurred Xiao Moʼs fists. It was impossible to tell whether it was human blood or beast blood.

Not knowing how many punches heʼd thrown, until the Pale Moon Wolf completely stopped moving, its head smashed flat, only then did Xiao Mo slowly stop.

”Heaven-Opening Fist? Senior Huangʼs disciple?” The palace protector stroked his beard, looking at this little boy in surprise, ”This blood qi, this courage. Senior Huang truly has accepted a good disciple...”

Xiao Mo took a deep breath. After calming his thundering heartbeat, he quickly walked toward Qin Siyao, ”Princess, are you alright?”

”Iʼm fine.” Qin Siyao came to her senses and shook her head.

Looking at Xiao Moʼs fists, the little girlʼs eyes showed worry, ”Xiao Mo, your hands...”

”Itʼs nothing, just a small matter.” Xiao Mo took out a cloth and casually wiped them, ”Can Princess stand up?”

”I... Iʼll try...”

Qin Siyao wanted to stand up, but felt a sharp pain in her ankle and was about to fall to the side.

Fortunately, Xiao Mo quickly supported her.

”Xiao Mo, my foot hurts so much.” Qin Siyao frowned.

Xiao Mo looked down. Qin Siyaoʼs ankle was already swollen and appeared dislocated.

”Princess, pardon the presumption.”

Xiao Mo crouched down, removed her shoe, revealing her small foot.

Before Qin Siyao could react, Xiao Mo pushed hard. Only hearing Qin Siyao cry out ”Ah,” Xiao Mo set her bone back, then applied medicine paste to her and bound it with clean cloth.

”This subordinate has temporarily treated Princess, but you need to rest well for a while. This subordinate will take Princess back first.”

Xiao Mo raised his head and saw Qin Siyaoʼs watery eyes.

”Mm, mm, mm.”

The little girl nodded, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes from the pain but the little girl kept sniffling, very bravely not letting her tears fall.

”Iʼll carry Princess on my back.”

Xiao Mo removed the quiver, turned around, and faced away from Qin Siyao.

Qin Siyao lay on Xiao Moʼs back as the two returned along their original route.

With each step Xiao Mo took, the withered leaves under his feet made ”crunch, crunch” sounds, slowly echoing through the forest.

”Xiao Mo, youʼre so amazing.” Having calmed down, Qin Siyao recalled Xiao Moʼs earlier appearance and couldnʼt help but praise.

”Princess flatters me.”

”No, I really think youʼre very impressive. Moreover, you saved my life. What reward do you want?” Qin Siyao asked.

Xiao Mo shook his head, ”I am already Princessʼs guard. Protecting Princessʼs safety is my duty.”

”No, no.” Qin Siyao said firmly, ”If you saved me, you saved me. Father Emperor said we must be clear about rewards and punishments. Tell me, whatever you want, Iʼll agree to it. Father Emperor dotes on me very much.”

”I currently donʼt have anything I want.” Xiao Mo answered calmly, ”If Princess truly feels uneasy about it, just give whatever reward you see fit.”

”Alright...” Qin Siyao lowered her head and thought seriously.

Soon, the little girl seemed to think of something, raised her head, and said happily, ”I know what to give you.”

”What?” Xiao Mo was also curious what peculiar idea this little girl would have.

”Iʼll beat the war drums for you!” The little girl said happily.

”Beat the drums?”

”Yes, yes.”

The little girl nodded repeatedly.

”Father Emperor once told me that the best gift he ever received in his life was on his birthday, when he charged at the front and Mother beat the war drums for him.

If Father said it was the best gift, then itʼs the best and youʼre so impressive now, youʼll definitely be a great general in the future.

So I also want to give you this best gift!”

Xiao Mo: ”...”

”Xiao Mo, why arenʼt you saying anything?”

The little girlʼs small feet kept swaying.

”Say something... Shall I beat the war drums for you? Is it okay? Please?”

Hearing the little girlʼs innocent words, Xiao Mo smiled faintly and nodded, ”Okay.”