Chapter Eight: New Year's Eve, Encounter with Lord Mufeng

Chapter Eight: New Year's Eve, Encounter with Lord Mufeng

When Shen Xuanyi heard it was Qinglan's mother, she immediately had her shown in.

Xiao Cangyi was leaving the study just in time to run into her. Lord Lingxi took one look at him and instantly sensed the demonic aura about him.

“I heard Lanlan couldn’t return to the Celestial Realm because she’d offended someone in the mortal world. I never imagined the reason was related to the Demon Lord. What explanation does the Demon Lord have for this?” Lord Lingxi’s words were blunt and cold.

“You misunderstand, Lord. I merely invited Lord Qinglan as a guest,” Cangyi replied.

“A misunderstanding? It doesn’t look like one to me. Hand over my daughter at once, or don’t blame me for what happens next.” Lord Lingxi, refusing to listen to any excuses, set up a barrier and summoned her magical artifact, the ‘Jade Whip’, threateningly.

“Lord Lingxi, you really are mistaken. Besides, Lord Qinglan has already returned to the Celestial Realm.”

“As long as she’s back, you’d best keep your distance from my daughter. If you dare approach her again, you’ll have to see if my ‘Jade Whip’ will allow it.”

“Lord, I can agree to anything else, but as for staying away from Lord Qinglan, forgive me, I cannot comply.” Cangyi had decided to lay his heart bare; he did not want to let this chance slip by.

“What, do you intend to use Lanlan as a hostage to threaten us?” Ever since ancient times, gods and demons had been at odds. Lingxi had no idea that Cangyi harbored feelings for Qinglan, so her suspicions naturally turned elsewhere.

“Please rest assured, Lord. Such a thought has never crossed my mind. I simply felt an inexplicable affinity with Aran upon our first meeting—I cannot help myself.”

“An inexplicable affinity? Ha! Can there truly be sincere feelings in the Demon Realm? Isn’t it all just mutual exploitation?” Lingxi sneered, clearly unconvinced.

“Why does Lord think so little of us?”

“Enough of this charade. I suggest you give up now, or else…” With a swing of the ‘Jade Whip’, Lingxi struck a nearby table and chairs, reducing them instantly to ashes. “Or you’ll end up just like this furniture.”

Qinglan, returning to the Xiao residence, happened upon this very scene.

“Mother.”

“Lanlan, you’re finally here. From now on, you must let me see you every day, or I’ll worry myself sick.” Lingxi put away her ‘Jade Whip’ as she spoke, moving closer to Qinglan, clearly intending to take her away.

“Mother, please, I beg you not to harm Ayi,” Qinglan said, dropping to her knees before her mother.

“Lanlan, be good. Come home with me.”

“I won’t. If you don’t agree, I won’t get up.” Qinglan’s voice trembled with tears and pleading—this was the first time she had ever begged for anything.

“Lanlan, do you know who he really is?”

“I do. I’ve known since the day I met him.”

“If you know, why do you still insist on being with him? Who knows if he’s just using you?” Lingxi was helpless; she could not bear to see her daughter wronged.

Even if it wasn’t a matter of being used, just the fact that he was from the Demon Realm made it impossible. The affair of Lord Xuanyi was known throughout both realms of gods and demons.

“I trust him. He would never deceive me.” Qinglan’s gaze was unwavering—the confidence Xiao Cangyi had given her burned in her eyes.

“Lord, if you still do not believe me, I can swear an oath: If I ever betray Qinglan in this life, may heaven and earth destroy me, may I never enter the cycle of rebirth.” Xiao Cangyi knelt beside her as he spoke.

At Xiao Cangyi’s oath, Lord Lingxi was finally convinced of his love for Lanlan. Yet, he was still of the Demon Realm; Qinglan would inevitably be implicated in the future.

Looking at the two of them, she sighed helplessly. “Foolish children, the path you walk is one from which there is no return.”

“I will never regret it,” Qinglan replied firmly.

Lingxi withdrew the barrier. The cold wind that swept past the three of them seemed to clear their minds, strengthening each of their resolves.

“You must leave here with me,” said a deep voice.

Xiao Qiyan, who had been in the study all along, emerged and approached them.

Lord Lingxi was taken aback at the sight of him. Sensing the aura about him, she could not help but wonder how someone from the Demon Realm could be present in the mortal world.

“Who are you? Do you not know that those from the other two realms are forbidden from interfering in the mortal world’s fate?”

“Lord Lingxi, it’s been a long time,” said Qiyan, greeting her.

Lingxi was puzzled—did this man know her? She frowned. “Do I know you?”

“Lord Lingxi, didn’t you once visit the Demon Realm?”

“Why would I…” As she spoke, a memory surfaced. When she had first ascended to the Celestial Realm, she had accidentally fallen into the Demon Realm and was nearly ruined by their trickery. She’d been saved by someone, but he hadn’t looked like this.

“You weren’t the one who saved me. How could you know about it? Besides, at that time, you were already—”

“Master, Madam wishes to see you,” Jinhan approached and bowed to everyone, finally turning to Xiao Cangyi. “She asks you to wait a moment.”

At Cangyi’s instruction, Jinhan made to leave, knowing this was not a matter he should interfere in.

Lord Lingxi looked at Jinhan’s face and was struck—wasn’t this the very person who had saved her back then? What was he doing here?

“Who are you really? Why are you here?” Lingxi inquired. At that time, her cultivation was not high—she had not sensed Jinhan’s true nature and had assumed he was from the Celestial Realm.

“I am Jinhan, a subordinate the Lord found here in the mortal realm.”

“If you are a demon cultivator, why did you help someone from the Celestial Realm back then?”

“I was merely following the Demon Lord’s command not to harm those of the Celestial Realm, lest it provoke conflict between gods and demons,” Jinhan explained. He had saved more than just her, and with that, he left to report to Shen Xuanyi.

“So that’s how it was,” Lingxi finally understood.

Qinglan, listening to their conversation, realized the truth—so that was who Xiao Cangyi took after, just like his father.

“Mother, now that you know he’s not a bad person, will you grant us your blessing?” she implored.

“Even if his feelings are true, he is not your destined one. He is Lord of the Demon Realm. Even if I do not mind, can you expect the Celestial Realm to accept it?”

“I only seek Mother and Father’s approval. The rest is of no consequence to me. Besides, Ayi and I will find a way.” Qinglan was overjoyed at her mother’s tacit consent.

“So be it. I’ll speak to your father, but if he does not agree, there’s nothing more I can do. You’ll be on your own.” Lingxi understood her daughter’s nature—nothing could change her decisions. She helped Qinglan to her feet.

“Mother, I’ve been willful and made you worry.”

“Just try to give me less cause for concern in the future.”

“Yes,” Qinglan replied, signaling Xiao Cangyi to rise.

“Let him kneel a while longer. He led you astray and put you in danger; he must pay some price,” Lingxi said, looking at Cangyi.

“Mother, I was the one who pestered him, insisting he be my husband,” Qinglan tried to defend Cangyi.

“That’s all the more reason for him to kneel. Just one meeting and he stole your very soul. He isn’t even as handsome as your father.” Lingxi’s first words were meant as punishment, but the latter were petulant—she thought her own husband the best-looking man there was.

Xiao Cangyi stifled a laugh. He hadn’t expected Lord Lingxi to have such a side. Qinglan truly took after her.

Seeing Lingxi’s open-mindedness, Xiao Qiyan quietly slipped away, knowing the matter was settled.

“I should return now, or your father will worry,” Lingxi said.

Qinglan nodded in agreement.

After Lingxi left, Qinglan noticed Xiao Cangyi still kneeling.

“Why are you still kneeling?” she asked, going to help him up.

“Your mother told me to.”

“She’s gone now, so you don’t need to kneel anymore.” Qinglan’s heart ached for him—surely he had never knelt to anyone else before.

“Lord Lingxi is worthy of my respect.”

“She’s gone. If you really like kneeling, I’ll take you to the Celestial Realm and let you kneel all you want in front of everyone.” Qinglan, unable to pull him up, said in exasperation.

“Very well.”

Qinglan followed him inside, suddenly remembering something she had forgotten.

“Oh no, I forgot! Your mother wanted to meet mine, and I completely forgot to mention it.” Qinglan was full of regret—how could she have let her mother leave like that?

“It’s not too late, you can explain it to her later.”

“Mm.”

—

Lord Lingxi returned to the Celestial Realm to find the God of War, Qianfeng, waiting for her at the gates.

“Are you hurt?” Qianfeng asked anxiously. In the Celestial Realm, Lingxi had no family; only he could protect her.

“I’m fine. You needn’t worry,” Lingxi replied.

“That troublesome girl found someone she likes and didn’t send word in time, leaving you to worry day and night.” Qianfeng was so exasperated that he wanted to give her a good scolding.

“Lanlan told you herself?” Lingxi assumed he already knew.

“Yes, she came running to ask if I’d approve of her choice.”

“And did you?”

“Of course. If she has someone she loves and who cares for her, you’ll have less to fret about.”

At this, Lingxi realized he still didn’t know who the person was—he probably assumed it was some minor celestial.

“If you agree, I have nothing more to say.”

“Come, let’s go inside.”

—

On the eve of New Year’s in the mortal world, Qinglan dragged Yuzhi along, wanting her company for an outing the next day. She guessed that Yuzhi had never seen the bustle of the mortal realm.

“Yuzhi, I’m telling you, the New Year’s Festival here in the mortal world is so much fun. Why not stay until it’s over before going back?”

“Alright. In all my years, this is the first time I’ve spent so long in the mortal realm—and the first I’ve even heard of such a festival,” Yuzhi replied, her curiosity piqued.

She usually spent her days cultivating, rarely visiting the mortal world.

She was one of the most gifted in the Lingye clan. Through hard work and cultivation, she had become only the second in her family to attain the rank of Celestial Lord.

Her father was strict, so she seldom had time for herself. This time, she owed her good fortune to Lanlan.

Unable to sleep, Yuzhi sought Qinglan in her room, eager to hear stories about New Year’s Eve in the mortal world.

Upon entering, she found Qinglan surrounded by a faint chill—was she cultivating?

Qinglan sensed someone’s approach, tensed, then relaxed upon seeing who it was, and went over to her.

“Yuzhi, what brings you here? Too excited to sleep?”

“You can cultivate in the mortal world?” Yuzhi asked instead of answering.

“I thought it was impossible, but after trying, I found I could. So I cultivate every night,” Qinglan mused, still unsure why she was able to do so.

“There’s no spiritual energy here, so I can’t cultivate. No wonder you never want to go home—you’re cultivating love as well as power, and have forgotten all about your poor sister,” Yuzhi grumbled.

“Sister, if I can cultivate here, who would want to go back to the boring Celestial Realm?”

“Hmph. You have no idea how envious I am,” Yuzhi pouted.

“Sister, I’ll bring you here to play more often in the future.”

“That’s better.”

“I’ve read so many storybooks here in the mortal world. Their tales are truly moving. Want to hear some?”

“Yes, tell me. And if you don’t finish tonight, you’re not allowed to cultivate!”

“Yes, Sister Yuzhi.”

—

By dawn, the two were still chatting away, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Qinglan happened to notice that the sky had already brightened.

“Oh no, it’s daylight! Today is New Year’s Eve—we need to go out and buy some things.”

“Wait—aren’t you bringing your beloved Ayi along? That’s not like you,” Yuzhi teased, surprised Qinglan hadn’t insisted on taking Cangyi.

Having watched the two flaunt their affection these past days, Yuzhi had felt quite superfluous.

“He's busy in the Demon Realm and won’t be back until tonight, so we’re on our own for now,” Qinglan explained.

“That’s a relief! Let’s go, then,” Yuzhi sighed with relief.

“What, you don’t like him?” Qinglan, catching her tone, asked with mock fierceness.

“I just feel like a third wheel with Xiao Cangyi around. Right now, it’s perfect,” Yuzhi hurriedly explained.

“Good.” Qinglan, knowing her sister’s temperament, led the way. They soon arrived at Xianyi Street.

One wore a pale blue dress, her hair in an elegant updo adorned with a peach-blossom jade hairpin, and a jade pendant from Qingxuan at her waist. The other wore a light purple dress, a matching headband, and a hair ornament shaped like five converging lightning bolts. At her waist hung the Violet Spirit Pendant, symbol of the Lingye clan.

“See how lively the mortal world is?” Qinglan asked.

“Mhm,” Yuzhi replied, marveling at the hawkers' cries, children’s laughter, the red lanterns and strings of firecrackers everywhere.

She looked around with wide-eyed curiosity, like a child herself.

“If you ever have nothing to do, you can visit the mortal world more often. As for your father, with me around, he shouldn’t have much to say,” Qinglan said cheerfully.

“Mhm.”

“Don’t run off—we still have shopping to do,” Qinglan called, trailing behind and picking out items for the festival.

“I know,” Yuzhi replied, turning her head—only to bump into someone.

“My apologies,” she said politely.

“It’s nothing,” the person replied, walking past as if nothing had happened.

Qinglan caught up to see Yuzhi standing there dazed, worried something had happened.

“Yuzhi, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I just bumped into someone. I thought he’d scold me.”

“Most people here are quite friendly. There’s no need to worry.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” Qinglan checked the items the maid held—everything was in order. “Let’s go. I know a wonderful place. There’s a storyteller there who’s even better than me. You’ll love it.”

She sent the maid back to the residence.

“Great, I’d like to hear for myself,” Yuzhi said, having already been captivated by Qinglan’s stories.

After a short walk, Qinglan led her to a teahouse, found a vacant table, and together they sipped tea while listening to tales.

But there were always a few disreputable young men who sought to disrupt the peace. A few of them approached their table.

“Well, aren’t you a pair of beauties?” One of them plopped down at their table, his words and tone unpleasant.

“Lanlan, what’s going on?” Yuzhi asked.

“I have no idea,” Qinglan replied, equally baffled—she’d never encountered such a situation before.

Just as the fellow’s lecherous hand was about to touch Yuzhi’s sleeve, a willow-green jade flute barred his way.

“Who dares stop me? Do you know who I am?” the young man blustered.

“Just the son of a petty official—nothing special,” the flute-wielder retorted.

“You’re courting death!” the young man yelled. “Get him!”

Chaos erupted, but it ended quickly. In less than the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, all the troublemakers were sprawled on the floor. Only Qinglan and Yuzhi remained unruffled, calmly sipping their tea, while the flute-wielder stood among the fallen.

“Ladies, I hope you were not alarmed. Is everything alright?” His long eyes turned to them, and he smiled.

“Thank you, sir,” both Qinglan and Yuzhi said in gratitude.

“Yuzhi, let’s go,” Qinglan whispered, ready to pull her away—this teahouse was not safe.

“Miss, we meet again,” the flute-wielder said, recognizing Yuzhi.

“You know me?”

“You bumped into me earlier, Miss.”

“My apologies for before, and thank you for saving us now,” Qinglan said, expressing her gratitude once more.

“No need for thanks. We’ll meet again. Besides, the wife of an old friend deserves my help,” he said, turning to Qinglan.

“The wife of an old friend? You know Ayi?” Qinglan mused. She was the only one married, after all.

“I do.”

“Who are you? I don’t recall hearing of you,” Qinglan pressed.

“I am Mufeng.”

“Mufeng… That name sounds familiar. Do you know him?” Qinglan asked, turning to Yuzhi.

“The celestial treasures for Chiyan’s ‘Yanxiao’ may have been found by his father, but it was Lord Mufeng who refined them. He is a master craftsman—his willow-green flute is his signature,” Yuzhi explained, suddenly recalling.

“I think my mother once mentioned him,” Qinglan added. “She wanted to commission a weapon from him but could never find one suitable for her. Are you Ayi’s friend? Are you here to see him? He’s not here right now, but you can visit him later.”

“Who said I came to the mortal world to find him?” Lord Mufeng replied.

“I’ve long heard that Lord Mufeng is not bound by either the gods or the demons, and comes and goes as he pleases. It’s no wonder he’s here in the mortal world,” Yuzhi said. She had read about him and admired his freedom.

“To be recognized by Lord Yuzhi is an honor,” Mufeng replied.

“I’ve only read a few lines about you in passing.”