Chapter Twenty
The day Hua Shu entered Great Marsh Mountain was a bright, sunny one. Ayin was sunbathing on the corner of the Upper Water Hall with Qing Yi when the clear, melodious cry of peacocks echoed from afar, resounding across the sky. She looked up and saw a dozen colorful peacocks flying in a straight line toward Great Marsh Mountain. Their massive wings blocked half the mountain peak, an exceptionally bold and domineering sight. Standing atop the leading colorful peacock was a woman in green, her face veiled with a light gauze, making her features indistinct. Yet, one could sense a cold and haughty air about her brows and eyes.
Ayin squinted, propped her chin on her hand, and nudged Qing Yi beside her with her crossed leg. "Hey, Qing Yi, is that the princess of the Peacock Clan?"
Qing Yi craned her neck to look, her expression one of admiration. "Yes, yes, Ayin! That Lady is riding a first-grade divine bird of the Peacock Clan—it must be Princess Hua Shu. I’ve heard that her true form has feathers of a clear, translucent green, even more beautiful than the finest jadeite in the Heavenly Palace. I’d really love to see it!"
Though young, Qing Yi loved reading. In her years at Great Marsh Mountain, aside from studying chess manuals, she spent her time hidden in the library, poring over ancient texts and unofficial histories, making her a veritable encyclopedia of the Three Realms.
"Hua Shu of Hundred Birds Island, on behalf of my father, offers congratulations on Lord Dong Hua’s Ascension. I humbly request that your esteemed sect lower the mountain-guarding formation and allow Hua Shu to enter and pay her respects."
The dozen peacocks halted outside Great Marsh Mountain, and Hua Shu, at the forefront, bowed gracefully toward the mountain gate. Her clear, melodious voice echoed throughout Great Marsh Mountain. From a distance, the princess of the Peacock Clan appeared graceful and elegant, truly possessing an otherworldly beauty.
Qing Yi stared, mesmerized, her small eyes blinking rapidly as she admired the beauty before her.
"Look at you, so easily impressed. No matter how rare, she’s still just a peacock—it’s not like she can turn into a flower! Our Great Marsh Mountain has all kinds of treasures. Calm down, or you’ll make us look bad." Ayin poked Qing Yi’s head, chiding her earnestly.
"Ayin, instead of lecturing me, you should go and fetch our little martial uncle." Qing Yi pouted, pointing toward the mountain gate.
"Wow! Our little martial uncle looks absolutely dashing today!" Qing Yi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked up.
"Gu Jin of Great Marsh Mountain, under the orders of the sect leader, has come to welcome Princess Hua Shu." A clear, resonant voice sounded nearby, carrying a spirited tone that seemed unusually different from his usual demeanor.
Ayin followed Qing Yi’s pointing finger. Above Ze You Hall, Gu Jin rose into the air, riding an immortal sword. A gilded crown held his black hair in place, and his black-and-white immortal robes accentuated his bright, star-like eyes and radiant, sun-like countenance.
Ayin was used to seeing him unkempt and disheveled in the Forbidden Valley, so the sight of such a refined and handsome young man caught her off guard. She couldn’t hide the surprise in her eyes.
"Ayin, don’t you think so? Our little martial uncle looks absolutely dashing today! I think he’s even more dashing and elegant than High Lord Lan Feng in the Heavenly Palace!" Qing Yi continued to gush, her eyes shining.
"Ouch!" Qing Yi cried out in pain, rubbing her head and looking at Ayin with a hurt expression. "What was that for, Ayin? Why did you hit me?"
Ayin smoothed her sleeves, uncrossed her legs, and stood up. Squinting toward the mountain gate where the two figures were drawing closer, she curled her lips into a smile. "Qing Yi, he’s your little martial uncle, not mine. How many times do I have to remind you? Even though I hatched late and entered the sect later, we’re not of the same generation."She spoke while rubbing Qing Yi's reddened forehead where she had knocked him, then took his hand and gestured with her chin toward Ze You Hall. "Come on, let's go take a good look at this princess of the Peacock Clan—the one your martial uncle has been pining after for over a decade."
"But when I first saw you, you were just an egg! You’re clearly younger than me, so how did you end up a whole generation above me? It makes no sense!" Qing Yi protested, his little face full of indignation. He had seen Ayin when she was the size of a five- or six-year-old bun, adorable beyond words, and had hoped to gain a precious little junior sister. Unfortunately, he never imagined that after meeting their grandmaster, Ayin would shoot up into a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl and become his martial uncle instead.
With this generational gap, certain things just couldn’t be pursued! Ah! Qing Yi hung his head, dejected and unwilling, as Ayin pulled him along toward Ze You Hall.
At the entrance of Great Marsh Mountain, Hua Shu stood atop her colorful peacock, gazing at the youth before her in immortal robes and fine attire. The awe in her eyes was perfectly concealed, unnoticed by anyone.
Hundred Birds Island was located far beyond the North Sea, and in recent years, conflicts with the Eagle Clan had led to frequent battles. Preoccupied with her clan’s affairs, Hua Shu had not heard the recent praises of Gu Jin circulating within the Immortal Realm. Moreover, ever since Feng Yin’s soul scattered and spirit dispersed, Hua Shu had deliberately avoided Gu Jin, paying no attention to his circumstances over the years. She never expected that when she came to Great Marsh Mountain on behalf of the Peacock King to offer congratulations, it would be Gu Jin who greeted her. Could it be that Gu Jin’s status within Great Marsh Mountain had already risen to such prominence?
Suppressing her thoughts, Hua Shu raised an eyebrow slightly and lifted her voice, offering a half-bow. "Might this be Immortal Lord Gu Jin?"
Gu Jin nodded, returning the gesture with a dignified air, though the joy in his eyes was unmistakable. "Princess Hua Shu, it has been many years. I hope you have been well?"
The once plump and clumsy round winter melon had transformed into a refined and handsome youth over the decade, leaving Hua Shu with a sense of deep emotion. She smiled softly, her voice clear and melodious. "Thank you for your concern, Immortal Lord Gu Jin. Hua Shu is well."
A breeze swept by, lifting the veil from Hua Shu’s face and revealing her exquisite, radiant beauty.
Hua Shu remained as stunning as she had been ten years ago, the most beautiful in the Immortal Realm, though a trace of worry and weariness seemed to linger between her brows. Gu Jin, thinking of the long journey from distant Hundred Birds Island and the inevitable fatigue, quickly said, "Princess, my senior brother awaits you in Ze You Hall. Please follow me into the mountain."
He stepped aside and waved his hand. A section of the skyward barrier guarding the mountain parted, with powerful Immortal Power swirling around the edges and a profound Divine Power pressure washing over them.
A flicker of admiration, barely noticeable, appeared in Hua Shu’s eyes. She couldn’t help but praise, "Truly worthy of the barrier personally laid by the old High Lord Dong Hua. Such Divine Power is likely unmatched in the Immortal Realm, save perhaps by the Heavenly Palace."
Gu Jin was taken aback. Every time he had seen Hua Shu, she had been aloof and reserved. Even after his appearance and Immortal Power had undergone a complete transformation over the decade, she had shown no sign of being moved. Yet now, she spoke with such admiration and longing for Great Marsh Mountain’s protective barrier. Recalling the weariness he had glimpsed in her expression earlier, a doubt arose in his heart. Could something have happened on Hundred Birds Island?
Gu Jin was no longer the reckless youth of the past. Though curious, he politely escorted Hua Shu and her entourage into Great Marsh Mountain.In Youze Hall, Hua Shu removed her veil and presented the Peacock King's congratulatory gift before exchanging pleasantries with Xian Shan and Xian Zhu. Gu Jin, now an Elder of Great Marsh Mountain, had been provided a green vinewood chair beside the sect leader's seat in the hall. Since Dong Hua's Ascension, he had accompanied Xian Shan and Xian Zhu in receiving many Immortal Mansion leaders, always conducting himself with propriety and ease. Only this time, he stared unblinkingly at Hua Shu, smiling warmly and affectionately. Even Xian Shan, a rigid old Taoist who usually focused solely on cultivation, noticed something amiss.
Hua Shu had attained the rank of High Lord a century ago, possessing formidable Immortal Power and beauty unparalleled in the Immortal Realm. As the princess of the Peacock Clan, countless Immortal Lords had journeyed to Hundred Birds Island over the centuries seeking her hand in marriage. Even the Dragon King of the East Sea and several powerful Celestial Lords from the Celestial Realm had sought her as a bride for their sons. The Peacock King had long granted his beloved daughter the freedom to choose her own husband. Yet, despite the mountain of talented and noble youths from the Immortal Tribe, Hua Shu had not favored a single one.
Though rarely leaving the mountain, Xian Shan knew this Peacock Clan princess was notorious for her high standards in choosing a suitor. Given Hua Shu's pride, it would be difficult for anyone without the status of High Lord to even catch her eye. Xian Shan sighed inwardly, thinking Gu Jin was likely to stumble this time.
Still, Gu Jin was his junior brother whom he had watched grow up, and Hua Shu was indeed a suitable candidate for marriage. Because of Gu Jin's affection, Xian Shan treated Hua Shu with even more warmth in his conversation.
Outside the hall, Ayin, holding Qing Yi's hand, approached the main gate and happened to witness Gu Jin's earnest gaze toward Hua Shu. She snorted, silently rolling her eyes in her heart.
Always putting on a cold, parental air with her, yet practically worshipping this Peacock Clan princess. Did he forget that if Hua Shu hadn't wanted to see that Fire Phoenix Jade back then, he wouldn't have suffered those years of confinement in the Forbidden Valley? Truly, he remembered the feast but not the beating!
Gu Jin had never told anyone the real reason he appeared in the ancient Phoenix Tree Forest during Feng Yin's Nirvana Rebirth. Back in the Forbidden Valley, thinking Ayin was still unconscious, he had rambled on about past events, never imagining that Ayin, feigning sleep, had heard every word.
Hua Shu naturally sensed the change in attitude from Great Marsh Mountain's new sect leader toward her. Recognizing Gu Jin's influence, she felt somewhat relieved. Her visit to Great Marsh Mountain was not without purpose, but Hundred Birds Island and Great Marsh Mountain had no deep ties, making a direct request too abrupt. Now, thanks to Gu Jin, it would be easier to broach the subject.
"I have long heard from my father about the illustrious deeds of you elders during the great war against the Demon Tribe," Hua Shu said, seeing Xian Shan's expression grow even gentler. "I have always yearned to visit Great Marsh Mountain, but only today have I had the chance to pay my respects. Meeting you uncles now, I see my father's words were true. Great Marsh Mountain is brimming with talent, truly inspiring admiration." She then turned her gaze to Gu Jin beside the hall. "Even Immortal Lord Gu Jin is now exceptionally talented, his Immortal Power advancing by leaps and bounds in just a few years. Divine Lord Dong Hua and you two uncles have nurtured talent so effectively; our Hundred Birds Island really should learn from you."
Seeming to realize her words might be improper, Hua Shu added with sincere expression, "Uncle Xian Shan, by convention, Immortal Lord Gu Jin is of my father's generation. But since he and I were already acquainted on Phoenix Tree Island, I would be so bold as to wish to interact with him as a peer. Would you, Uncle, take offense?"
Just as Gu Jin was about to speak, Xian Zhu helped him out. "It's fine, Princess. There's no need to be bound by formalities. Since you and A Jin are already acquainted, you may each follow your own generational terms."Xian Zhu waved his bone fan, tossing a "I understand, I understand, don't worry" glance toward his junior brother.
"Oh? You and A Jin have known each other for a long time?" Xian Shan stroked his beard, thinking it was no wonder that Gu Jin, who had been eager to leave the mountain to search for Feng Yin's soul, had suddenly delayed his journey. It seemed he had intentionally stayed at the mountain gate to meet Hua Shu.
"Yes, several years ago on Phoenix Tree Island, I had the chance to meet Immortal Lord Gu Jin a few times. At that time, Immortal Lord Gu Jin was quick-witted and cleverly outmaneuvered Immortal Lord Xuan Che, which left a deep impression on Hua Shu."
Hua Shu briefly summarized the reason for their acquaintance years ago, carefully avoiding any mention of the calamity of Feng Yin's Nirvana Rebirth and her soul being scattered and spirit dispersed. To others, it simply seemed that she understood propriety and reason, preserving the dignity of Gu Jin and Great Marsh Mountain.
"Your Highness still remembers?" Gu Jin finally couldn't help but lean forward slightly, his eyes crinkling into a smile. "I thought after so many years, Your Highness might have forgotten me."
"How could I? The Immortal Lord is not someone easily forgotten." Hua Shu looked at Gu Jin, revealing a faint smile that softened her usually cool demeanor like a flower blooming in warmth.
Hua Shu's words were perfectly timed, and Gu Jin felt a surge of joy in his heart. Before he could reminisce further, Hua Shu let out a soft sigh.
"After leaving Phoenix Tree Island back then, I had intended to visit Great Marsh Mountain to pay my respects to the Immortal Lord. Unfortunately, my Peacock Clan has long been at odds with the Eagle Clan, and the conflicts between the two clans have persisted over the years. I had to stay by my father's side to assist him, which delayed my opportunity to meet Immortal Lord Gu Jin."
"No matter, no matter, seeing you now is just as good." Gu Jin waved his hand, recalling the weariness in Hua Shu's expression and asked with concern, "I noticed a hint of worry between Your Highness's brows. Could it be due to the conflicts between the two clans?"
Hua Shu nodded. "Indeed, it is." She glanced at Xian Shan and Xian Zhu, hesitating for a moment before suddenly rising and bowing to them. "Esteemed uncles, to be frank, Hua Shu has come to Great Marsh Mountain today with a request. I hope you will grant it."
OpenNovel