NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 287:
Chapter 287: Tch, Troublesome Machinery:
The wind howled, cutting through the air like a blade.
Snowflakes danced in the sky, swirling as they fell.
Transcendents and ordinary people walked side by side through the streets, discussing the harsh winter cold.
Last winter, Xu Xi had gone shopping with only the witch.
Everything had gone smoothly, all the purchases completed efficiently in a short span of time.
But this year was different.
This year, he had more company.
The girls accompanying him each carried an air of elegance, drawing attention just by standing there.
Xu Xi subtly sensed the strange glances from passersby and overheard whispers.
“Scumbag.”
“Casanova.”
“So jealous…”
He considered responding, then thought better of it. Instead, he cast a discreet magical illusion, subtly diverting the pedestrians’ attention elsewhere.
“Brother, where to next?”
“Hmm, let’s start with the furniture market.”
After ensuring the spell had taken effect, Xu Xi glanced at the bustling streets and made his decision.
Large snowflakes floated down, landing softly on his hair, his hands, and his coat, blurring his figure into the winter scenery.
His stride was steady, seemingly ordinary, yet invisibly shielded by supreme power.
Cultivation, magic, martial arts, technology—
The forces of countless disciplines clashed and intertwined in the heavens.
A single thought swept across Yan Mountain City, instantly scanning and neutralizing all potential threats.
At the same time, it sent a subtle warning to Earth’s planetary consciousness—
Be sensible. Reduce the snowfall around Yan Mountain City.
Earth’s will trembled in submission.
Within moments, the snowfall drastically lessened.
“How odd… Am I imagining things? Why does it feel like the snow just got lighter?” Xu Xi looked up at the sky with suspicion.
Oh well.
It was a minor detail. No need to dwell on it.
“Let me think… The desk and chairs in my study need replacing. The old ones are too small.”
“The living room sofa is getting worn out.”
“Moli’s room needs new lighting, Krisha needs a bedside table, and Yingxue could use a display shelf.”
“Oh, and Ailei just moved in—she’ll need some new furniture too.”
With these thoughts in mind, Xu Xi led the girls into a massive furniture market.
Sweeping his gaze over the countless selections, he contemplated what to buy.
As always, the witch’s keen perception was unparalleled.
The machine servant, on the other hand, was as meticulous as ever, proving her efficiency as a domestic AI.
Whenever Xu Xi hesitated, they provided suggestions with precise reasoning.
Dark gold and crimson eyes.
Silver and blue, crystal-clear pupils.
Their gazes—each calm, each determined—stood on opposite sides of Xu Xi.
Though their expressions were serene, there was an invisible clash between them, a silent confrontation of wills.
“Master often stays up late and lacks proper rest. This set, carved from the trunk of the Life Tree, is perfect for you,” Krisha stated.
A few strands of her silvery-gray hair slipped over her forehead, swaying near the tip of her small nose.
“I disagree,” Ailei countered.
“Master has already ascended to divinity. The so-called Life Tree will not provide him with proper rest.”
“I recommend this one, designed with ergonomic principles. It will offer Master some degree of comfort.”
Her voice was calm and composed.
Yet somehow, Xu Xi felt the temperature around them fluctuate—one moment scorching, the next moment freezing.
“Objection.”
“Overruled.”
“Rejection.”
“Correction.”
Under Xu Xi’s watchful eye, the machine servant and the witch engaged in what appeared to be a perfectly friendly debate.
They argued with strict logic, meticulously pointing out the flaws in each other’s furniture choices.
The county princess looked as though she wanted to join in but, after observing for a while, decided against it.
Meanwhile, Moli simply clung to Xu Xi’s arm, claiming she was tired and needed support.
In the end, it was Xu Xi who put a stop to the pointless dispute.
“Krisha, Ailei, you don’t need to be this serious.”
“I just want to refresh the furniture for the new year. It doesn’t need to be that functional.”
Hearing his words, the two finally dropped their comparison game.
Each picked out a set of furniture for him, intending to bring them back to the courtyard for his use.
Just as Xu Xi often considered the needs of the girls, they, too, were always thinking about him.
“Sir, what do you think of this grill?”
“Brother, what would you like Moli to give you?”
Whether they were agonizing over choices or simply taking things seriously, the girls continued shopping earnestly.
After half an hour of browsing, the furniture shopping was finally complete.
Beep—Transcendent Card—
Xu Xi used the Bureau of Transcendents’ special card for payment.
He rarely needed to use money but knew the card had a lot of zeros.
“With the furniture settled, next, we need to buy food, household necessities, and New Year decorations.”
“Let’s keep going, everyone.”
Leaving the furniture market, Xu Xi led the group toward the city’s central shopping mall.
The witch followed silently.
The machine servant did the same.
Moli and Yingxue exchanged glances—looking at each other, then at Xu Xi.
Then, as if reaching a mutual understanding, they both shook their heads.
Forget it.
Today was not a good day to get involved.
—
“Strange… Isn’t the mall supposed to have heating? Why does it feel so cold?”
“Right?! I thought it was just me! So everyone else feels it too?”
“Ugh, this place is cursed!”
Inside the shopping mall, Xu Xi moved through various sections with the girls.
Everywhere they went, other shoppers couldn’t help but glance at them in bewilderment.
People started checking their clothing, making sure there were no holes letting in the cold.
Unintentionally, the crowded mall was now spacious around them.
A natural clear zone had formed.
—
“Ah Niu’s proposal has been set. He’ll be officially getting married next spring.”
“If that’s the case… I can’t just give him food like before.”
The mall’s lighting was soft yet cool-toned, illuminating every item on display with a subtle texture and intricate design.
Xu Xi walked slowly, browsing through baby products.
Once again, the machine servant spoke.
She had already scanned the entire mall and compiled a list.
“Master, I recommend these.”
“This one, this one, and this one as well.”
The witch, uncharacteristically, remained silent.
Ailei’s efficiency was too overwhelming.
She had spoken first, preemptively saying everything the witch had wanted to say.
Even so, Krisha was experienced enough to find some room to interject.
The troublesome witch.
Ailei frowned.
The problematic machine.
Krisha frowned.
With their combined efforts, the shopping trip ended far faster than Xu Xi had expected.
“I didn’t think we’d finish so quickly this year.”
He had anticipated a chaotic, drawn-out day full of unpredictable twists.
Yet, reality had proved otherwise.
Now that the shopping was done…
Should they return home immediately?
Xu Xi hesitated.
Glancing at the four girls beside him, he thought for a moment before making a decision.
Aside from Wu Yingxue, who was lively and often out and about—
The other three rarely left the courtyard.
Since they were already here…
Xu Xi figured they might as well enjoy the outside world a little longer.