Moonlight Mystique

Bai Shuo waited in the herb garden until midnight, but the person she expected never came. Unable to suppress her concern for Chong Zhao, she quietly made her way to the Sunrise Garden.

Yet the Sunrise Garden was also shrouded in darkness, with no sign of Chong Zhao. Worried, Bai Shuo waited beneath the eaves all night. As dawn approached, she finally heard footsteps at the garden's entrance.

Looking up, she saw a familiar figure.

"A-Zhao!"

Bai Shuo rushed forward and playfully punched Chong Zhao's shoulder, startling him.

"Where have you been? You should be resting at night, not making me wait all this time!"

"I..." Chong Zhao's voice was hoarse. He concealed the emotions in his eyes and forced a smile. "I was practicing swordplay in the back mountains."

"Again? Didn't you just come out of seclusion?" Bai Shuo frowned disapprovingly. "Cultivation is important, but you shouldn't neglect your health." Muttering, she pulled a small white porcelain vial from her medicine pouch and pressed it into Chong Zhao's palm, her eyes sparkling. "I overheard some fellow disciples saying... you've been promoted to Immortal Lord. This is celestial dew I refined last night. It's been so long since we've seen each other—come, let's go to my herb garden and celebrate with a drink!"

She tugged at Chong Zhao's sleeve, but he remained rooted in place. Puzzled, Bai Shuo turned back and was taken aback by the complete absence of joy on his face.

"It's just the title of Immortal Lord. Nothing worth celebrating."

In all the years since they had come to Misty Island to seek immortality, Bai Shuo had never seen Chong Zhao so dejected. She faltered, unsure how to respond. "A-Zhao, what's wrong...?"

"Junior Brother, why such discouraging words?" Er Yun strode into the garden, her tone haughty. "You're the most outstanding disciple Misty Island has seen in a century. Ascending from a mortal to Immortal Lord in just three years is a feat worthy of legend in the Immortal Realm."

Her gaze lingered on Bai Shuo and Chong Zhao's clasped hands, a flicker of jealousy in her eyes.

Feeling the intensity of Er Yun's stare, Bai Shuo released Chong Zhao's hand.

"Bai Shuo, as an Outer Sect Disciple, you shouldn't be wandering around the inner halls all the time. The fact that my father allowed a mere mortal like you to stay on Misty Island was already an act of mercy!" Er Yun snapped.

"Yes, Senior Sister Er Yun."

Chong Zhao opened his mouth to speak, but Bai Shuo jabbed him sharply in the back. Smiling brightly, she said, "I'll return to the herb hut right away."

She turned to leave.

"Wait!" Er Yun snatched the porcelain vial from Chong Zhao's hand and thrust it back at Bai Shuo. "Your Immortal Qi is impure, so the celestial dew you refine can't be of much use either. Take it back—don't hinder Junior Brother's cultivation."

Chong Zhao's anger was palpable. Bai Shuo hesitated, then quickly took the vial upon seeing his expression. "Yes, Senior Sister."

Without another word, she walked away.

Pleased by Bai Shuo's compliance, Er Yun smiled in satisfaction—only to meet Chong Zhao's darkened gaze when she turned.

"Junior Brother, I... I was just concerned for you..."

"Thank you for your consideration, Senior Sister. Since you're already assisting Junior Martial Uncle with the island's affairs, there's no need to trouble yourself with matters in the Sunrise Garden." With that, Chong Zhao turned and entered his quarters.

Rebuffed, Er Yun shot a resentful glare in the direction Bai Shuo had gone before storming off.

Bai Shuo returned to her herb hut, cradling the small vial. The old tortoise took one look at her downcast expression and knew she'd been slighted. He put her to work watering plants, tending the fire, and refining alchemy. The busy day passed quickly, and the exhaustion and frustration from her night-long vigil gradually faded.In the evening, Bai Shuo leaned back on the rattan chair beneath the old locust tree in the garden, setting down a plate of peanuts and pouring two cups full of wine. She had just taken a sip when the other cup was lifted and drained in one gulp.

Bai Shuo turned her head. In the twilight, Chong Zhao was no longer wearing the distinctive flowing robes of the chief disciple of Piaomiao Island but the simple cloth garments he had worn when he left the capital with Bai Shuo years ago. Yet, he was no longer the same person. Even in plain clothes, his ethereal and transcendent aura was unmistakable.

"If it was brewed for me, how could you not wait?" Chong Zhao settled into another rattan chair, staring blankly at the setting sun.

"A-Zhao, something's bothering you, isn't it?" Bai Shuo asked quietly. Having grown up together, she could tell he was unhappy with just a glance, even now that he had become an Immortal Lord.

For a moment, silence lingered under the old locust tree. Despite the distance between their chairs, Chong Zhao instinctively leaned slightly toward Bai Shuo.

"I used to think that becoming an Immortal would mean I could do whatever I wanted. Now I realize that the world is vast, and Immortal Ascension is just the first step on an endless path."

"You're already amazing," Bai Shuo said, shoving a porcelain bottle into Chong Zhao's hand. "Didn’t Senior Sister Er Yun say today that you're a once-in-a-century prodigy among the Immortals? Don’t be so down. By Immortal standards, you're only three years old!"

Seeing Bai Shuo coaxing him like a child, Chong Zhao couldn’t help but smile. Then, remembering the grievances she had endured today, his expression turned guilty. "A-Shuo, about today..."

"You know how Senior Sister Er Yun is. A few harsh words won’t take any flesh off me—it’s fine. Besides, she’s not wrong. A mortal like me, with no Immortal foundation at all, is lucky just to be allowed to stay on Piaomiao Island."

"But you were the one who saved Master back then..." Chong Zhao blurted out, frowning.

Bai Shuo abruptly covered his mouth. "A-Zhao!" She glanced around, relieved to see no one nearby, then whispered urgently, "You promised me you’d never bring that up again!"

"If I don’t speak up, they’ll keep bullying you like this. A-Zhao, tomorrow I’ll tell Junior Martial Uncle Sect Leader the truth—that you were the one who saved Master on that deserted island—and ask him to take you as his disciple..."

"What difference would it make? I have no Immortal foundation. Even if the Sect Leader took me as his disciple, or even if the Golden Radiance Immortal Lord from the Heavenly Palace became my Master, I’d still be nothing but a mortal. I can’t ascend."

Bai Shuo shook her head. "Besides, if the Sect Leader found out, he’d deliberately suppress the truth and blame you. We saved Sect Leader Song He together—you didn’t lie."

Three years ago, Bai Shuo and Chong Zhao had been stranded on a deserted island where they found Song He, his Immortal essence nearly dissipated. As mere mortals, how could they save an Immortal? While Chong Zhao was at a loss, Bai Shuo cut her own wrist daily to feed Song He her blood, sustaining his life. Half a month later, Song Feng found the island and brought the three back. When Song He awoke and asked who had saved him, Bai Shuo claimed it was Chong Zhao who had tended to him day and night, keeping him alive until Song Feng arrived.

Seeing Chong Zhao’s profound Immortal destiny and his role in saving his life, Song He took him as his personal disciple. On his deathbed, he transferred all his Immortal power to Chong Zhao.

"Besides, if people found out a mortal’s blood could save an Immortal, wouldn’t I become nothing more than a walking Medicine Cauldron?" Bai Shuo made a face. "All I can do is ride a cloud and conjure a little fire. A-Zhao, don’t push me into the flames."If it weren't for this reason, why would Chong Zhao have kept the events of that year hidden all this time? He nodded helplessly and said, "Alright, A-Shuo. From now on, I'll come to the medicine hut to see you every seven days so you don't have to suffer any grievances in the main hall."

"No need! I heard that in a few months, you'll be going to Phoenix Island for the 'Wutong Martial Banquet.' Phoenix Island is a Holy Land of the immortal clans, and only the most outstanding talents from various factions participate in this competition. It's bound to be extremely dangerous. Don't worry about me—just focus on your cultivation." Bai Shuo tossed a peanut into her mouth and leaned back. "As for me, I'll just plant herbs and bask in the sun every day in this medicine garden. Though I'm no immortal, I'm happier than one."

Chong Zhao looked at Bai Shuo's serene expression, and the gloom that had weighed on him all day dissipated. He smiled and said, "You're still as carefree as ever. If General Bai saw you like this, he'd surely scold you."

As he spoke, Chong Zhao suddenly paused, a hint of apology flashing in his eyes. But before he could say anything more, he noticed Bai Shuo had already fallen into a deep sleep.

A gentle breeze stirred the stray hairs on Bai Shuo's forehead. The petite figure curled up in an oversized medicine robe looked somewhat frail. Now that only the two of them were left to rely on each other, aside from vengeance, Bai Shuo was the most important person in Chong Zhao's heart.

Unable to resist, he reached out and brushed aside her stray hairs. "A-Shuo, I just want you to be safe."

With a soft sigh, Chong Zhao conjured a thin blanket and draped it over Bai Shuo. Suddenly, he coughed lightly, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He quickly wiped it away and, without lingering, vanished beneath the old locust tree.

The moment Chong Zhao disappeared, Bai Shuo opened her eyes and glanced in the direction he had gone. She abruptly sat up and rushed into the thatched hut, frantically rummaging through the chest where she stored her Medicinal Pills.

A dozen pill boxes were opened, but all were empty. Bai Shuo stared in disbelief, then turned and dragged out the old turtle snoring in the corner.

"Old Black! Wake up! Wake up!"

The turtle's head wobbled violently as Bai Shuo shook him, and he awoke dizzy, his four limbs flailing. "What? What? An earthquake?!"

When he opened his eyes, there was no earthquake—just Bai Shuo glaring at him with wide, furious eyes.

"Where are the Medicinal Pills I refined?!" she demanded, hands on her hips.

The turtle glanced at the empty boxes scattered on the ground, then shrank into his shell, his voice trembling. "W-well, I saw you'd refined those pills a while ago, and it's been raining lately... I was afraid they'd spoil, so... I ate them while they were still good..."

"You ate ALL of them?!" Bai Shuo couldn't believe it. "Those were ten second-grade Medicinal Pills! It took me over a year to refine them!"

Seeing Bai Shuo's face flush with anger, the turtle hurriedly tried to placate her. "Ah, those second-grade pills wouldn't do you any good anyway! For me, they can prolong my life. They were just sitting there—you can always refine a few more, right?"

"No! Refining just one second-grade pill takes at least three months. There's no time!" Bai Shuo's face was full of anxiety.

"Little Bai, has something happened?" The turtle stretched his neck, sensing her distress.

"A-Zhao is injured," Bai Shuo muttered.

"That Chong Zhao kid is hurt?" The turtle was surprised. "Did that octopus-thing wound him?"

Bai Shuo shook her head. "I could smell blood on him. It wasn't a wound inflicted by the Yao Race, but..." She paused, suppressing the suspicion in her heart, and said gravely, "In three months, he's going to Phoenix Island for the 'Wutong Martial Banquet.' If he has to heal on his own, there won't be enough time.""That lad is already an Immortal Lord now. Even if you gave him ten second-grade Medicinal Pills, it wouldn't make a difference." The old turtle yawned. "Girl, stop worrying needlessly..."

"Would a first-grade pill work then?" Bai Shuo abruptly stood the turtle upright, staring straight into its eyes.

The turtle sighed. "You don't have immortal power—what could you possibly use to refine a first-grade Immortal Pill?"

"You have a way." Bai Shuo kept staring at the turtle, utterly confident.

The turtle's gaze shifted uncomfortably as it forced a laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. What could a mere turtle like me possibly... Oi oi oi, what are you doing?!"

Bai Shuo lifted the turtle and dangled it over the Medicine Cauldron. "I don't care! You're the one who ate ten of my second-grade pills—you owe me! If you can't help me refine a first-grade pill, tonight's dinner is roasted turtle!"

The flames crackled against the turtle's shell, leaving it completely unharmed. But Bai Shuo's hands, pressed against the shell, turned red and swollen.

This Medicine Cauldron had been refined over centuries, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. It was a rare treasure of alchemy—its internal heat could melt even the hardest immortal materials, let alone Bai Shuo's bare hands. Seeing her face pale, sweat beading on her forehead, and her legs wobbling, the old turtle finally relented.

"Fine, fine! I'll tell you! Just get your hands off already!"

Delighted, Bai Shuo clumsily pulled the turtle back down. "Hurry, tell me!"

The turtle spat out a pill and gestured impatiently. "Your hands are practically cooked—rub this on them!"

Bai Shuo crushed the pill and smeared it on her hands. The swelling and redness vanished instantly. She clicked her tongue in admiration, grinning. "You really do hide the good stuff. As expected of my Master."

"Tch. 'Master' when you need something, 'old turtle' when you don't. What a little schemer." The turtle knew Bai Shuo wouldn't give up until she got her way, so it resigned itself to teaching her everything. "I did say refining a first-grade Immortal Pill requires at least the power of a High Lord. But there is another condition that might make it possible."

"What condition?"

"Using first-grade heavenly treasures as ingredients."

"But where would our Misty Isle get first-grade earthly treasures?" Bai Shuo paused, then leaned in. "You know where they are, don't you?"

"Little Bai, your Master here might not be much, but even a turtle lives long enough to pick up a thing or two."

"Go on, Master." Bai Shuo immediately carried the turtle to a rattan chair and poured it a cup of immortal nectar with exaggerated servility. "Take your time, Master."

The turtle flicked its claw, and the nectar streamed smoothly into its mouth. Its beady eyes instantly grew hazy. "Though our Misty Isle is just a speck in the East Sea, it was once counted among the Three Mountains and Six Prefectures. But in recent years, the island hasn't produced any talents, and the disciples all focus on martial cultivation, neglecting alchemy..."

"Master, cut to the chase." Bai Shuo stopped the turtle's claw from reaching for more nectar, smiling politely.

She knew her turtle Master all too well—it could ramble about Misty Isle's history all night.

"Right, right. To keep it short—the ten-thousand-year red coral hidden in the easternmost waters by the shore is the only first-grade earthly treasure on our island!" The turtle pointed decisively with its right claw.

Bai Shuo stared at the turtle for a long moment before suddenly grinning and lining up a whole table of immortal nectar. "You're the best, Master! I'm off! Enjoy these!"

"Go on, go on." The turtle waved a claw, already half-drunk.Bai Shuo tightened the small medicine pouch and hurried off under the cover of night.

The thatched cottage fell into silence. After a long pause, the old turtle suddenly opened its eyes, clear and alert, without a trace of drowsiness.

If first-grade heavenly treasures were so easily obtained, first-grade Immortal Pills would flood the Three Realms. But this girl was stubbornly sincere—if she weren’t tricked into leaving, she’d surely stir up trouble within these three months.

The old turtle chuckled to itself and began gulping down the immortal dew with abandon.

The night was moonless. In a corner behind the main hall, a section of the library was quietly pushed open. Bai Shuo slipped in with practiced ease, a faint glow lighting her palm as she rummaged through the dusty shelves. She pulled out a few old books, their covers thick with dust. Blowing the dust away, the title "Records of Heavenly and Earthly Treasures of the Ethereal Isle" appeared on the yellowed pages. She flipped through a few pages and raised an eyebrow.

She hadn’t been wrong—the old rascal had deliberately deceived her. The book clearly stated that even the ten-thousand-year red coral of the East Sea was merely a second-grade earthly treasure. The edges of the East Sea were guarded by the sect’s Restrictions. If she barged in recklessly, she might be trapped for three to five months, and then she’d be of no help to A-Zhao.

Bai Shuo sighed, understanding that the old turtle had tricked her out of fear she’d cause trouble. But if not the red coral, what exactly was the first-grade heavenly treasure of the Ethereal Isle?

Her gaze wandered across the pages before suddenly freezing on one spot. Pressing her lips together, she tucked the book into her robe, extinguished the light in her palm, and vanished silently into the night.

By the time Bai Shuo returned to the thatched cottage, the immortal dew on the table was scattered in disarray, and the old turtle lay on its back, snoring loudly.

Bai Shuo murmured an incantation toward the Medicine Cauldron at the center of the cottage. It shrank to the size of a palm, and with a wave of her hand, she tucked it into her medicine pouch. She turned to leave but hesitated after a few steps, walking back to drape a blanket over the old turtle before rushing out of the herb garden.

Meanwhile, above the Yao Realm, a powerful surge of silver demonic energy tore through the sky, streaking toward the East Sea of the Immortal Realm.