The Last Immortal

Chapter Twelve

The last time Gu Xiao Pang had used such a serious and solemn tone was a century ago when questioning Bai Jue at the Vault of Heaven. It was evident that the Female Immortal Lord he had encountered last night truly held a rare place in his heart, even surpassing the Little Fire Phoenix he had long yearned for.

The bright red wide robe wrapped around his body was unbearably tacky, and his plump figure resembled a round winter melon from the immortal fields. This Great Marsh Mountain Immortal Lord lacked any trace of an immortal’s grace, appearing entirely like a pampered young master from a wealthy mortal family. However, Hong Que, who had retreated to the side at some point, couldn’t help but feel reluctant as her Lady was about to deny it.

Immortal Lord Gu Jin’s expression was too earnest, as if he would spare no effort to repay the favor as long as her Lady admitted it. Among the Immortal Lords who had admired her Lady over the years, some coveted the glory of the Peacock Royal Clan, while others were infatuated with her Lady’s beauty, but she had never seen such a solemn and sincere gaze before.

Hua Shu was also taken aback. The chubby youth’s pitch-black eyes were fixed intently on her, giving her a fleeting sense of being exceptionally valued and honored. Unconsciously, she spoke: “Last night in the Phoenix Tree Forest, it was merely a small effort. Immortal Lord Gu Jin, there is no need to dwell on it.”

Beside her, Hong Que gasped in surprise, but the overjoyed Gu Jin didn’t notice, his heart and mind filled only with Hua Shu’s words echoing in his ears. He took a step forward, leaning closer to Hua Shu, his eyes narrowing into crescents: “So it really was you, Lady. I guessed right. Lady, I’ve come to repay your kindness.”

Gu Jin’s smile widened abruptly on his plump face, and Hua Shu only then realized what she had just said. Her brows furrowed imperceptibly—how had she inadvertently acknowledged this? With her sharp mind, she immediately replied: “It was a trivial matter, Immortal Lord Gu Jin. There’s no need for this.”

Gu Jin was exceedingly sincere: “Lady, you are mistaken. A favor is a favor.” He paused, then added: “Moreover, it is a great favor to me. Whatever treasure you desire, I will seek it out. One day, I will personally visit Phoenix Tree Island to present it to you.”

Gu Jin had loved collecting treasures since childhood and naturally assumed others shared the same preference.

“There’s no need,” Hua Shu shook her head, unwilling to dwell on the matter.

“There is, there is,” Gu Jin thought to himself. As the princess of Peacock Island, Hua Shu must have seen all kinds of treasures. With this in mind, he added: “Whatever you desire, Lady, I will surely find it for you.”

Though young in years, his tone was anything but modest. Hua Shu had been revered as the foremost among the Ladies of the younger generation of the Immortal Tribe for a century. Rare treasures had been presented to her countless times, yet no one had ever dared claim they could find anything she desired, whether in heaven or on earth. This person was truly too arrogant. As the evening banquet approached, Hua Shu’s thoughts shifted, and she casually remarked: “Immortal Lord Gu Jin, you jest. Not everything can be obtained so easily. I’ve heard that the Little Phoenix Lord of the Phoenix Clan possesses a Fire Phoenix Jade bestowed by a Primordial Deity, a Supreme Treasure of the Ancient Realm. If I wished to see it, could you borrow it for me, Immortal Lord? You are still young and likely inexperienced in such matters. Some words truly should not be spoken. Last night’s trivial matter is not worth your concern, Immortal Lord Gu Jin.”

With these words, Hua Shu nodded to Gu Jin and turned to enter the inner hall. Hong Que, knowing that the plump Immortal Lord’s unrestrained words had displeased her Lady, paid him no further mind. With a sharp thud, she swiftly closed the door, leaving Gu Jin standing outside.

Still young in years, inexperienced in such matters…It's just a pity that although Immortal Lord Gu Jin looks promising from afar, he is too young and inexperienced in matters of the heart, likely just a budding flower bud, not a suitable match...

Gu Jin had developed a small, secret fondness for the lady who saved him last night, but before he could even express his feelings, these two honest remarks had already pierced his warm heart, leaving it bleeding profusely.

He buried his head in dejection, shrinking alone in the corner.

Inside the room, Hong Que peeked through a crack in the window and saw his pitiful state, feeling somewhat sympathetic. She intended to cast an encouraging glance his way, but the chubby immortal lord in the corner was only dejected for a moment before suddenly leaping up and scurrying out of the corridor with his bottom in the air.

Ah, he probably realized he had spoken too boldly and felt too embarrassed to stay here and be a nuisance.

Thinking this, Hong Que turned around to see Hua Shu emerge from behind the curtain after changing clothes, and called out, "Your Highness..."

Hua Shu looked up at her, and Hong Que hesitated, unable to voice the words in her mind. How could someone as clever as Her Highness agree to such a thing? If that lady were to appear, wouldn't the truth be exposed?

Hua Shu naturally knew what she wanted to ask. Frowning, she stood by the window for a moment. "It's fine. I didn't make it explicit. In the future, I can say what I agreed to wasn't this matter." She paused, then added, "Even if he finds out, what does it matter to me?"

Given her status, could she really expect Gu Jin to repay her for this? Even if he found out, what would she lose by offending a disciple of Great Marsh Mountain?

"Your Highness, I've heard that Immortal Lord Gu Jin has some favor with His Majesty the Celestial Emperor. If he were to plead before His Majesty and the Emperor learned the truth, he might think you were jealous of the Little Phoenix Lord. Given His Majesty's protective nature..."

This particular trait of the current Celestial Emperor was well-known throughout the Four Seas.

Hua Shu's expression changed slightly, and she felt some regret for her impulsive words earlier. However, being strong-willed, she suppressed the faint unease in her heart and waved her hand dismissively. "With his inexperienced demeanor, he might dare to argue with Xuan Che, but he wouldn't have the courage to speak nonsense before His Majesty. Let's not mention this again. In the future, if he comes to Peacock Island, just refuse to see him on my behalf. After a few years, this matter will fade away."

Hua Shu spoke with certainty, and Hong Que dared not say more, stepping aside.

As soon as she finished speaking, several phoenix cries echoed through the sky from the outer island. It was time for the evening banquet to begin, and the two left Flowing Cloud Pavilion, heading toward Phoenix Emperor Hall.

By this time, Gu Jin had completely forgotten about attending the banquet on behalf of his master to offer congratulations. Instead, he was hurrying toward the Ancestral Phoenix Tree in the Phoenix Tree Forest.

Back in the Ancient Realm, he had heard Tian Qi mention that the little phoenix of Phoenix Tree Island was born against the heavens and had been nurtured within the Ancestral Phoenix Tree. The Fire Phoenix Jade was likely the lifeblood of this little phoenix, and she would surely not lend it out easily. If he waited by the ancient tree and pleaded with her as soon as she emerged from her Nirvana Rebirth, the Little Fire Phoenix, seeing his sincerity, might soften her heart and lend it to him for a couple of days to admire.

Gu Jin did understand that he should swallow his pride and plead with the Little Fire Phoenix rather than throw a tantrum before Feng Ran. After a hundred years or so, he had grown up a little after all.As evening approached, the sky above Phoenix Tree Island was veiled in sunset clouds. With the sheer number of guests attending the banquet, the Celestial Emperor had arranged the feast outside the Phoenix Sovereign's grand hall. Upon arriving outside the hall, guests were greeted by an endless array of delicacies, the Five-Colored Auspicious Phoenixes frolicking and singing joyfully in the sky above the hall, and auspicious clouds that seemed to blot out the heavens. Even the serving vessels and small tables were carved from ancient trees of the Phoenix Tree Forest. Immortal Lords arrived in twos and threes, taking their seats on soft cushions, marveling at the scale and grandeur of the banquet.

Soon, nearly all the Immortal Lords had gathered outside the hall. Apart from the Celestial Emperor and several Elders of the Phoenix Clan, Hua Shu and her companions were among the last to take their seats. Today, she wore a long emerald-green dress, its hem adorned with golden-feathered peacocks outlined in Immortal Silkworm Silver Thread. As she walked slowly, the peacock feathers seemed to soar toward the heavens, exuding an aura of elegance and splendor. Paired with her stunning beauty, her attire immediately captured the attention of everyone present, making the Ladies following her appear somewhat plain in comparison.

Though Hua Shu was renowned, she had always appeared at previous banquets in simple and elegant attire, rarely displaying such opulence. It seemed she held this banquet on Phoenix Tree Island in extraordinary regard.

Guided by an immortal attendant, Hua Shu took her seat below the Peacock King. Noticing an empty seat across from her in the upper section, she felt a flicker of curiosity. All the influential figures of the Immortal Realm had already taken their seats—who else could be of equal rank to her father? A thought crossed her mind, but she hesitated to confirm it. She had heard that the Celestial Emperor shared a close friendship with Chang Qin, the leader of the Fox Demon Clan. Could this seat have been prepared for her?

Hua Shu had long been aware of the friendship between the Celestial Emperor and Demon Lord Chang Qin. For an ordinary member of the Immortal Tribe, such a bond would undoubtedly be condemned as treasonous collusion with the Demon Tribe. However, the Celestial Emperor had always been known for his capricious and domineering ways. His friendship with Chang Qin had begun long before he ascended to the highest position in the Celestial Realm, and despite the changes over centuries, their bond remained unshaken—a peculiar tale between the Two Realms. Yet, private friendship was one thing. After all, Chang Qin wielded significant power within the Demon Tribe and was relied upon as a trusted confidant by the Demon Emperor. At a grand gathering like this, attended solely by the Immortal Tribe, would she truly disregard the Demon Emperor's authority and appear on Phoenix Tree Island?

Hua Shu found the idea improbable and quietly dismissed the thought.