Chapter Forty-Eight
"Your Majesty need not stand on ceremony. Today is Your Majesty's birthday, and I, Gu Jin, have been presumptuous. I wish to reclaim the semi-divine artifact I promised to lend to Her Highness the Princess for one year."
As soon as Gu Jin spoke these words, the hall fell silent.
A semi-divine artifact lent for one year? Could it be the Sky-Shielding Umbrella? Wasn't it said that Great Marsh Mountain and Hundred Birds Island were on good terms, which was why they had broken the rule of not intervening in Immortal Realm disputes for tens of thousands of years, lending out High God Dong Hua's semi-divine artifact to protect the Peacock Clan? Judging by Immortal Lord Gu Jin's words, could the rumors be mistaken?
The Immortal Lords from various sects exchanged glances, silently communicating with one another.
The Peacock King was also taken aback. Hua Shu's expression changed, and she immediately made to rise, but Hua Mo and Lan Feng simultaneously pressed down on her shoulders from behind. Lan Feng shook his head at her.
Hua Mo gave Hua Shu a look that said "keep calm," maintaining his dignified and benevolent demeanor as he looked at Gu Jin, his voice slightly raised, "Immortal Lord Gu Jin means...?"
Since Gu Jin had sent someone to say he would no longer take back the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, what exactly did he intend to do?
"Your Majesty," Gu Jin spoke slowly, "In my youth, I was mischievous. Back then, I received the grace of Her Highness's protection on Phoenix Tree Island, and I have always remembered it. Therefore, I presumptuously lent the Sky-Shielding Umbrella and the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown to Her Highness to defend against the Eagle Clan's provocations. Now that the crisis on Hundred Birds Island has been resolved, Great Marsh Mountain has its own rules—it never intervenes in conflicts between sects. Although I know it is improper, I wish to retrieve the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown ahead of schedule. I ask for Your Majesty's understanding."
He paused briefly, then suddenly looked toward Hua Shu, his gaze clear and bright, "As for the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, I heard that Her Highness was injured in her battle with King Yan Qiu and her Immortal Power was damaged. I shall gift this umbrella to Her Highness as repayment for her protection of me on Phoenix Tree Island back then."
Without mentioning that Hua Shu had refined and absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, he used the pretext of gifting it to conceal the true reason why the divine artifact could not be returned. This was Gu Jin's final repayment for Hua Shu's kindness.
As Gu Jin's words settled, an uproar erupted in the hall. The expressions on the faces of the young Immortal Lords were a sight to behold, their minds buzzing with the thought that Great Marsh Mountain truly was a giant of the Immortal Realm—to use a semi-divine artifact to repay a favor was simply too extravagant!
Only the older High Lords with sufficient seniority and the Sect Leaders of various factions discerned the true meaning behind Gu Jin's words. Their gazes, shifting between Gu Jin and Hua Mo, couldn't help but carry a hint of deeper implication.
Although Hundred Birds Island had a long history in the Immortal Realm, due to the dominance of the Phoenix Clan, it had always held the status of a second-rate Immortal Sect. This was especially true after Hua Mo was injured in his battle with Yan Qiu and could rarely use his Immortal Power. Over the past few millennia, none of the second generation of the Peacock Clan had produced a son capable of great deeds. If not for the emergence of Princess Hua Shu, who possessed both beauty and strength, Hundred Birds Island would have long since faded into obscurity.
The reason why the Peacock King's birthday celebration invited the entire Immortal Tribe, with Sect Leaders from all factions of the Immortal Realm and High Lords from the Heavenly Palace all in attendance, was not only due to Hua Shu's greatly increased Immortal Power and her victory over Yan Qiu. There was an even more important reason: the attitude of Great Marsh Mountain.For over sixty thousand years, Great Marsh Mountain had not involved itself in the disputes of the Immortal Tribe, nor had any of its disciples taken up positions in the Heavenly Palace. Yet every faction understood clearly that Dong Hua Shang Shen, as the most ancient Immortal Lord of the Immortal Tribe, had two disciples who had both reached the peak of High Lord cultivation. The depth of Great Marsh Mountain’s heritage could only be matched by the Heavenly Palace and the overseas Phoenix Tree Island. As a giant of the Immortal Tribe, breaking its sixty-thousand-year mountain rule by lending out its mountain-guarding Divine Artifact to favor the Peacock Clan naturally led everyone to believe that Hundred Birds Island and Great Marsh Mountain were on good terms. It was precisely this reason that caused Hundred Birds Island’s prestige in the Immortal Realm to soar sharply within just a few months, with Hua Mo and Hua Shu enjoying unparalleled limelight for a time.
But just now, Gu Jin’s words had made these old foxes of the Immortal Tribe hear things loud and clear.
Great Marsh Mountain had never intended to favor any clan. The Sky-Shielding Umbrella had ended up in Hua Shu’s hands solely because Gu Jin wanted to repay a favor he owed her. Now, by taking back the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown ahead of time and gifting the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to Hua Shu, Gu Jin made it abundantly clear that once this matter was over, Great Marsh Mountain wished to have no further entanglement with Hundred Birds Island.
Although the immortals present did not know how a Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown had suddenly appeared, it was evidently far less important than the deeper meaning behind Gu Jin’s words just now.
The old Immortal Lords and Sect Leaders in the hall understood, and naturally, Hua Mo, Hua Shu, and Lan Feng understood as well.
Hua Shu frowned, a mix of humiliated anger and undisguised surprise crossing her face. Whether it was Gu Jin’s earnest attentiveness toward her on Phoenix Tree Island years ago or his willingness to give and take on Great Marsh Mountain a decade later, in Hua Shu’s eyes, this young Immortal Lord was nothing more than a slightly clever but foolish and spoiled young master. It was only by sheer luck that he had been taken as a disciple by Dong Hua Shang Shen, which allowed him to hold a prestigious position at such a young age. She had thought that even if he learned she had refined and absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella and was going to marry Lan Feng, he would simply accept the facts after knowing everything, carrying his unrequited affection for her as he left in silent sorrow. Never had she imagined that Gu Jin would say such words at the birthday banquet.
Although he had covered up the matter of her refining the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, he had mercilessly severed the relationship between Great Marsh Mountain and Hundred Birds Island. Every word was forceful and principled—nothing like the simple-minded, foolish good-for-nothing she had believed him to be.
Hua Mo, however, was more deep-thinking than Hua Shu. After a brief moment of awkwardness, he wore a faint, measured smile and nodded, saying, “Immortal Lord Gu Jin, what are you saying? The Sky-Shielding Umbrella and the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown were originally gifts you gave to Shu’er during our island’s time of crisis. Now that you are willing to leave the Sky-Shielding Umbrella by her side for protection, it fully demonstrates your noble righteousness. As Shu’er’s father, I am endlessly grateful.” As he spoke, he waved his hand. “Attendants, bring the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown for Immortal Lord Gu Jin.”
Hua Shu had refined and absorbed the Sky-Shielding Umbrella and had no intention of marrying Gu Jin. Although the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown was covetable, Hundred Birds Island dared not keep it. Hua Mo had originally intended to return it to Gu Jin after the banquet concluded, but he had not expected Gu Jin to personally ask for it back right in the hall. He understood that Gu Jin was using the retrieval of the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown as a pretext to deliberately draw a clear line between Great Marsh Mountain and Hundred Birds Island, ensuring that Great Marsh Mountain would not be dragged into the conflict between Hundred Birds Island and the Eagle Clan.
With just these few words, Hua Mo grew wary of Gu Jin. For such a young Immortal Lord to handle matters with such maturity and skill was no less impressive than his two senior brothers.
Seeing Hua Shu’s angry expression, Gu Jin remained unperturbed. Lan Feng sighed inwardly. Shu’er had handled this matter rather poorly. After this, whatever little goodwill remained between Great Marsh Mountain and Hundred Birds Island was likely exhausted.The maid brought the immortal box containing the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown. Hua Mo handed it to Gu Jin and was about to add a few polite words when a lady from some unknown grotto abode suddenly called out, "Immortal Lord Gu Jin, they say the rarest immortal couple artifact in the Three Realms is this Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown. Why don't you open it and let us have a look? Let's see what it actually looks like, to be spoken of with such mystery and rarity?"
The Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown originated from ancient times. Legend has it that anyone who wears it will attain perfect marital bliss in the mortal world. It once belonged to the fallen High God Yuemi of the Divine Realm. After her fall, the crown's whereabouts became unknown, and this was the first time it had appeared in the Three Realms in sixty thousand years.
At the lady's delicate inquiry, everyone in the hall turned their gaze toward Gu Jin, all eager to catch a glimpse of the treasure. Even Hua Shu, who had declined the marriage proposal, couldn't help but feel curious upon hearing this and instinctively glanced toward the immortal box.
Gu Jin took the immortal box from Hua Mo's hands, looked around at the eagerly watching ladies, smiled, and said, "My master once said that this crown is the betrothal gift for my future wife. Only the one destined to be my wife may lay eyes upon the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown. I must beg your pardon, for I cannot open the box."
With a wave of his sleeve, the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown, along with the immortal box, vanished into his Cosmic Bag. Gu Jin nodded to the crowd, gracefully took his seat, and spoke no more.
The noble and ethereal white-robed Immortal Lord spoke with such conviction that all the ladies in the hall were utterly captivated, each wishing she could instantly become the one qualified to gaze upon the Star-Adorned Phoenix Crown. They stared at Gu Jin with shy, longing eyes, unwilling to look away.
The elders of various sects, seeing Gu Jin's upright demeanor, stroked their beards and nodded in approval, their eyes filled with admiration.
What was supposed to be a grand celebration of the Peacock King's birthday nearly turned into a matchmaking banquet for the young Elder of Great Marsh Mountain, Immortal Lord Gu Jin.
Fortunately, Hua Mo sensed the awkward shift in atmosphere and timely cleared his throat.
"Immortal Lord Gu Jin's noble gesture is deeply appreciated. However, this third toast I offer is to another person." The Peacock King raised his wine cup, his words skillfully reigniting everyone's curiosity.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Hua Mo shifted his cup toward Lan Feng beside him and declared with a hearty laugh, "My daughter Hua Shu and Supreme Lord Lan Feng are deeply in love. Soon, Hundred Birds Island and Jingyu Palace will hold a grand wedding." He raised his cup to Lan Feng, his expression kind and fatherly. "Supreme Lord Lan Feng, I entrust Shu'er to you. From now on, you must treat her well."
The hall fell into sudden silence, followed by a burst of murmurs and discussions. The sect leaders looked astonished, especially the four Heavenly Palace officials in charge of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning, who also appeared surprised. Clearly, they had not been informed in advance about the engagement between Lan Feng and Hua Shu.
After all, Lan Feng acted on behalf of Feng Ran in managing the Heavenly Palace. His marriage should have been discussed and approved by the Heavenly Palace first and not decided so hastily. However, Hua Shu, as the princess of the Peacock Clan, was renowned throughout the Immortal Realm for both her beauty and her Immortal Power. Marrying Lan Feng was not entirely inappropriate.
Moreover, marriage was ultimately a matter between two families, and outsiders had no right to interfere.
Upon hearing the Peacock King's entrustment, Lan Feng, seated high on the dais, grew solemn. Holding his cup in one hand, he took Hua Shu's hand with the other and rose. He gently clinked his cup with hers, drank the wine in one gulp, and then bowed respectfully to the Peacock King as a junior. In a deep voice, he replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured. Lan Feng will treat the princess with utmost care and will not fail your trust."
The warmth and strength of his hand felt burning yet comforting. Hua Shu was momentarily taken aback. Lowering her head to look at her hand, firmly clasped in Lan Feng's, she suddenly felt her eyes grow inexplicably moist.From the very beginning, she had chosen Lan Feng precisely because he was a candidate for the Celestial Emperor, which is why she deliberately approached him and meticulously planned every step. But over the years, as they came to know and support each other, her feelings toward him were not entirely devoid of sincerity.
She would come to love him—as long as he became the Celestial Emperor, the ruler of the Immortal Realm, and she remained by his side, she would eventually fall in love with him. Hua Shu thought this way, and her hand, held by Lan Feng, subtly shifted, clasping his in return.
Lan Feng’s expression shifted, a flicker of unnoticed delight passing through his eyes. A smile lifted the corners of his brows as he poured another cup of wine and raised it to the lords in the hall.
“On the Double Ninth Festival in September, Lan Feng will marry the princess at the Heavenly Palace. We will surely invite all of you and welcome every immortal friend!”
Lanfeng Supreme Lord had always been aloof and steady, and such openly displayed emotion had never been seen before. It seemed he truly held deep affection for the princess of the Peacock Clan. The immortals in the hall, seeing the couple’s perfect match and harmonious union, were moved. They raised their cups in congratulations, offering sincere blessings. For a moment, the hall was filled with lively chatter, all praising the Peacock King for his discerning eye—after thousands of years of searching, he had still chosen the most promising son-in-law.
Only Gu Jin, seated at the left, slowly savored the fine wine of Hundred Birds Island. His gaze swept over Lan Feng and Hua Shu, revealing an unprecedented calm.
Just then, a long, piercing eagle cry echoed over Hundred Birds Island. Its grandeur and sharpness completely overwhelmed the singing of the island’s countless birds.
Hua Mo and Hua Shu’s expressions changed, but before they could react, a thunderous crash shook the Barrier above Hundred Birds Island. Along with the impact, a wild, unrestrained voice, howling like ghosts and wolves, cheerfully rang out outside the hall.
“Hey, senior brother, I’ve come to celebrate your birthday! Hurry up and put away that precious Sky-Shielding Umbrella protecting the island—it hurt little junior sister me, la-la-la-la-la!”
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