Chapter Forty-Six
"Demon Lord Chang Qin has sharp eyes indeed." The figure within the black smoke chuckled. "What? Are you afraid of demons? I never thought the proud Fox King would know fear."
"Enough nonsense. What are you, and why do you block my path?" A flicker of contemplation passed through Chang Qin's eyes, the answer in her heart faintly discernible. This demon creature had appeared like a ghost, clearly intending to stop her from reaching Purple Moon Mountain.
"Isn't the Fox King renowned for her peerless intelligence? Who in the Demon Realm doesn't praise the Fox King's wisdom? What, can't you guess this venerable one's origins?"
"You know me?" From the moment this demon creature appeared, every word had been filled with mockery and disdain, clearly indicating some past grievance. Yet Chang Qin truly couldn't recall when she had ever incurred the enmity of such a demon creature.
"The Fox King, noble and busy, forgetting this venerable one is only natural. But for over a hundred years, this venerable one has thought of the Fox King's kindness day and night, never daring to forget for a moment." A voice dripping with venom echoed from within the black mist, which gradually dissipated to reveal a familiar, bewitching face. Yet that face was now covered with God-Slaying Flower patterns, sinister and eerie, inspiring terror in all who beheld it.
"It's you!" Shock flashed in Chang Qin's eyes as she blurted out, "How did you escape?"
Before Chang Qin's words fully faded, the figure in the black mist lunged at her. Chang Qin gathered the demonic power she had been accumulating into a sphere, blocking with all her might, yet she still couldn't withstand the full-force strike of a Half-God Peak.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Terrifying demonic power exploded across Nether Mountain, shattering half the mountain range itself.
Even Rakshasa Land, a thousand meters away, sensed the disturbance.
Demonic Qi? And that familiar demonic power... Sen Yu's expression turned grave, his face paling as he gripped the Sun-Moon Halberd and flew toward Nether Mountain.
At the foot of Nether Mountain, Chang Qin knelt on one knee, the arm she had used to gather demonic power now with shattered meridians, hanging uselessly. Blood gushed from her mouth as a slender hand tightened around her throat.
"And why shouldn't this venerable one escape?" That icy voice spoke again, dripping with undisguised malice and coldness. "Not only will this venerable one escape, I will destroy all your hypocritical laws of the Three Realms. You will be the first!"
"It was you..." Chang Qin's voice was broken and fragmented. "You brought Hong Yi into the Nine Nether Purgatory! What have you done to him?"
"Your precious nephew is of great use to me. I wouldn't dream of harming him." The shadowy figure tightened her grip on Chang Qin's throat. "As for you..."
At that very moment, a familiar and powerful surge of demonic power approached from the northwest—precisely the direction of Rakshasa Land.
The shadowy figure's expression shifted, a twisted look of hatred crossing her face. "After all these years, he still cares for you most of all!"
In that moment of distraction, the seemingly dying Chang Qin suddenly wrapped her arms around the shadowy figure. Thick, pure demonic power erupted from her uninjured palm, striking the shadowy figure with devastating force!
This was nearly her full-strength blow. Pure, flame-red demonic power enveloped the shadowy figure as a massive Nine-Tailed Fox Mark illuminated the sky.
Sen Yu, rushing to the scene, saw the Nine-Tailed Fox Mark in the distant sky. His expression changed drastically as he urged his halberd forward with all his might.
The shadowy figure, struck by Chang Qin's blow, grunted, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. A cruel, sinister smile appeared in her eyes as she struck Chang Qin's forehead with her palm.
Two trails of bloody tears flowed from Chang Qin's eyes. For some reason, at this moment, she turned her head to gaze toward the distant horizon.Thousands of years passed in a fleeting glance, yet this gaze was filled with tenderness, just like their first encounter in the Demon Realm, where love blossomed at first sight and companionship endured for millennia.
What a pity. Though we knew each other for ten thousand years, fate brought us together and tore us apart. This final glance will forever remain unseen.
An endless sigh echoed through the dark night sky as those regret-filled eyes slowly closed, never to open again.
Half an hour later, Sen Yu arrived at the desolate and battered Nether Mountain.
The mountain was shattered, flames still flickering, traces of the great battle remained, yet the entire range lay in eerie silence.
Sen Yu stared silently at the vast pools of blood left on the battlefield, his lips pressed tightly together.
Impossible. With Chang Qin’s demonic power, no one in the Demon Realm could defeat her so easily. She couldn’t have come to harm. Yet Chang Qin had been forced to use the Fox Demon Clan’s Nine-Demon Secret Technique and the nine-tailed mark…
Sen Yu’s steps faltered as his gaze fell upon an inconspicuous stone nearby. There, a faint demonic light flickered intermittently. He rushed forward, and when he saw the round stone emitting demonic power on the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief and sorrow.
It was not a stone but a Demon Core stained with blood.
After ten thousand years of companionship, he naturally knew—this was Chang Qin’s Demon Core.
For immortals, demons, gods, and devils, the Inner Core is the source of life. Losing one’s Demon Core meant only one thing—Chang Qin was dead.
Sen Yu knelt on one knee, gently stroking the Demon Core. He lowered his gaze, hiding the tears of blood welling in his eyes.
A moment later, the peak of Nether Mountain was shattered by a surge of immense demonic power. A mournful roar echoed from the foot of the mountain, lingering for a long time, its sorrow and regret moving even the birds and beasts.
Immortals, demons, gods, and devils all speak of the longevity of time, yet they do not realize that even with endless years, there comes a day when fate runs its course and bonds are severed.
Before that day arrives, why not walk together, cherish each other, love deeply, and perhaps… bid farewell.
Two more days passed. Night fell, and the next day would be the Peacock King’s birthday banquet. Guests from Hundred Birds Island had all arrived.
Gu Jin had waited in the Linzhao Courtyard for two days, repeatedly sending inquiries about whether Hua Shu had emerged from seclusion, only to receive the same reply: “The princess is slightly unwell and is recuperating in seclusion.” He had no choice but to wait patiently. After all, he was here to propose marriage to another’s daughter and had to be courteous.
The Peacock King’s hospitality was exceedingly considerate. Not only did he personally inquire after Gu Jin daily, but he also insisted on playing a few rounds of chess and sharing a drink before departing.
Observing the Peacock King’s demeanor, Gu Jin grew suspicious but never voiced a word.
As the suitor, even though Great Marsh Mountain had once lent the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, the Peacock King’s overly ingratiating attitude was strange, almost as if he feared reprimand for some wrongdoing.
The next day was the Peacock King’s birthday banquet. Gu Jin had few friends, so when Lian Xi invited him for a drink, moon-viewing, and a stroll, he gladly accepted. By the time they returned to the Linzhao Courtyard, it was already late at night.
As he prepared to rest, Gu Jin realized the Fire Phoenix Jade at his waist was missing. It must have fallen during their earlier stroll in the courtyard. He hurried back to search and, fortunately, found it. The jade usually lay dormant, emitting no spiritual power, so no one had picked it up. On his way back to the courtyard, Gu Jin noticed several maids carrying lanterns and pastries toward the Jingshu Pavilion, which piqued his curiosity.
Hua Shu was recuperating in seclusion, and the Jingshu Pavilion was unoccupied. Why would maids be coming and going at this hour?
Could it be that Hua Shu had emerged from seclusion? Delighted at the thought, Gu Jin decided he should meet her before formally proposing at the Peacock King’s banquet the next day. With swift steps, he headed toward the Jingshu Pavilion.Gu Jin proceeded unimpeded all the way into the Tranquil Beauty Pavilion. Inside the pavilion, there were artificial mountains and flowing water, with a small pavilion standing in the courtyard. Just as he was about to call out for a maid to announce his arrival, a voice, neither too loud nor too soft, drifted from the pavilion.
"Shu'er, tomorrow is your father's birthday banquet, and also the joyous day of our engagement. Why do you look so sorrowful?"
A sigh echoed, filled with melancholy and deep emotion: "Lanfeng, tomorrow I cannot become engaged to you."
The voices belonged to a man and a woman. The man's voice was gentle and refined, one Gu Jin had never heard before, but from the address alone, he knew it was Lanfeng Supreme Lord, the former Ruler of the Immortal Realm of the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace and the designated successor of Celestial Emperor Feng Ran. The woman's voice was delicate and familiar, yet not the cold and aloof tone he had heard before.
Gu Jin's expression turned surprised, and he slowly halted his steps.
"What happened, Shu'er? A year ago, before I went to the Southern Sea to exterminate the Nine-Headed Fierce Beast, I promised you that on your father's thirty-thousandth birthday, I would come to Hundred Birds Island to propose. Yesterday, when I presented the betrothal letter to Uncle Hua, he did not object either? What exactly has happened?"
Inside the stone pavilion, Lanfeng looked anxious, his gentle and jade-like face filled with astonishment.
"It's my fault. All the blame lies with me." Hua Shu lowered her head, a faint mist appearing in her eyes.
"Shu'er." Hua Shu's temperament had always been stubborn and proud. Lanfeng had known her for over a decade, having spent days and nights together, and naturally understood her well. Seeing the hint of tears in her eyes now, he quickly comforted her: "Don't worry, what exactly happened? Tell me first."
Hua Shu shook her head, turned, and walked to the edge of the stone pavilion, sighing: "You went to the Southern Sea to exterminate the fierce beast and never returned. Half a year ago, the Eagle Clan pressed aggressively, delivering a challenge. Several of my brothers were defeated one after another, and my father was injured. I couldn't just stand by and watch my father face Yan Qiu while wounded and ill, so I went to Great Marsh Mountain to borrow the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to defend against the enemy. Immortal Lord Gu Jin of Great Marsh Mountain saw me taking on the responsibility of protecting the island alone and, moved by my filial devotion, lent me the Sky-Shielding Umbrella."
"I know about this. If I hadn't been held back by the nine-headed serpent beasts in the Southern Sea, I would have returned to Hundred Birds Island long ago to resolve the conflict between the two clans. I would never have allowed you to be bullied by the Eagle Clan to this extent. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I planned to thank Immortal Lord Gu Jin for his assistance after our engagement tomorrow. But what does Great Marsh Mountain lending you the Sky-Shielding Umbrella have to do with our marriage?" Lanfeng was puzzled, confusion appearing in his tea-colored eyes.
"Eagle King Yan Qiu's Immortal Power is profound, and his techniques are exquisite. During the battle that day, my life hung by a thread. In my panic, I accidentally Refined and Absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, which allowed me to defeat the Eagle King and establish a ten-year truce." Hua Shu spoke with a tone of self-reproach, her voice heavy.
"You Refined and Absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella?" Lanfeng's brows furrowed. He had originally thought that Hua Shu's great advancement in Immortal Power was due to insights gained during the battle with Yan Qiu, but he never expected it was because she had Refined and Absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella. The Sky-Shielding Umbrella was the treasure protecting Great Marsh Mountain. With Hua Shu having Refined and Absorbed it, would Great Marsh Mountain let the matter rest easily?
"Two days ago, Immortal Lord Gu Jin came to the island to offer birthday congratulations." Hua Shu looked at Lanfeng, "and brought a betrothal letter personally written by High Lord Xianshan. My father knew I had Refined and Absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella and found it inconvenient to explain to High Lord Gu Jin, so he had no choice but to accept Immortal Lord Gu Jin's betrothal letter."
Lanfeng's expression changed, "High Lord Gu Jin also came to propose to you?""Yes." Hua Shu's expression was solemn. "Lan Feng, Immortal Lord Gu Jin saved Hundred Birds Island and has shown me great kindness. Yet I refined and absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, which is no different from repaying virtue with ingratitude. I have committed a grave mistake and am filled with regret and shame. I cannot allow my father and Hundred Birds Island to be disgraced along with me. Now, the only way to atone for my wrongdoing is to marry Immortal Lord Gu Jin. At tomorrow's birthday banquet, I will announce to the Immortal Realm that I will marry High Lord Gu Jin."
"No! Shu'er, what foolish words are you speaking?" Lan Feng, usually calm and detached, was now filled with anger. "It is true that refining the Sky-Shielding Umbrella was a mistake, but it was an unintentional act. No matter how precious the Sky-Shielding Umbrella is, it cannot be repaid with marriage. Marrying High Lord Gu Jin out of gratitude and atonement is unfair not only to you and me but also to him."
Gu Jin only heard a long sigh from within the stone pavilion, followed by Hua Shu's gentle yet resolute voice, heavy with emotion.
"My mind is made up, Lan Feng. Say no more. We are not destined to be together in this lifetime. If we meet again in the next, Hua Shu will surely marry you as your wife."
For some reason, when these words reached his ears, Gu Jin suddenly recalled the girl from that year on Wutong Phoenix Island, who had hidden behind the rockery and proudly reprimanded Ling Juan to help him out of trouble.
Though he had never seen her face, the brilliance in her words allowed him to envision her extraordinary grace, renowned throughout the Three Realms.
Since that one night's encounter, he had kept it in his heart.
Gu Jin never knew that what he thought was fate was merely his own obsession, a decade-long folly.
The figure in dark robes had come filled with joy but left cloaked in loneliness, slipping away unnoticed into the moonlight without disturbing anyone.
Inside the stone pavilion, held in Lan Feng's embrace, Hua Shu quietly lowered her gaze. Watching the figure silently retreating outside the pavilion, she faintly curved the corners of her lips.
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