Chapter 94 Straw Dogs "The ceremony is complete; now, please enter the scroll."...
On the city wall of Chuncheng, a straight line of Feather Guards stood, men and women alike, all clad in black armor and carrying long swords, looking imposing from afar. Below the city wall, dozens of winged celestial horses were lined up in a row, their long black feathers gathered behind them, yet they remained motionless.
Early risers in the surrounding buildings happened to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary sight and couldn't help but stop to watch, some looking at the warhorses, others at the procession of phoenixes on the horizon.
When they were first seen, they were still on the horizon, but only a few breaths later, the rising wind had already rushed to the front of the city.
Dozens of phoenix chariots, silently hovering in mid-air, blotted out the sun and suddenly blocked out the morning light, giving the impression of dark clouds pressing down on the city, making the Feather Guards on the city wall appear even more solemn.
Just then, a woman stepped out from the Feather Guard. She walked with a steady gait, a sword at her waist, her long black hair tied high on her head, and a moon-white cloak billowing in the wind.
This person was none other than Murong Qiudi.
From a distance, it was unclear what she said, but then she bowed and saluted, and the guards behind her immediately knelt on one knee. The heavenly horses below the city also lowered their iron heads and bent their front hooves, showing their submission.
Lin Feiran stared intently at the purple-veiled carriage at the head of the procession, her previously calm emotions suddenly stirring.
Murong Qiudi straightened up, raised her hand, and spiritual lines intersected and blossomed on the city wall with her as the center, forming an extremely vast magic array that shone brightly in the twilight purple sky.
Then dozens of phoenix chariots landed on the magic array one after another and retracted their wings.
The phoenix carriage descended, revealing the light of the sky behind it. The golden-red sun hung high in the sky, but it could not warm the autumn colors. A cool breeze suddenly rose, lifting a corner of the layers of purple gauze on the lead phoenix carriage.
A similar deep purple appeared behind the curtain, and the person lifted the veil and stepped out, a smile on his handsome face.
This is the Human Emperor.
Lin Feiran had seen him at a palace banquet when he was young, and even after ten years, his appearance had not changed much.
Suddenly, a fair hand emerged from behind the curtain, its nails still stained with various colors, yet it didn't seem out of place on such a pair of hands.
Whether it was her imagination or not, she suddenly smelled a faint fragrance when the man leaned out.
It was an indescribable beauty, not cloyingly sweet, but giving people a rich and luxurious feeling, distinctly subtle yet extremely intense, filling the spring city with fragrance.
"Can you smell anything? It smells wonderful!"
"So you smelled it too. Where did that smell come from?"
The cultivators next door were also looking out the window, and their whispers reached Lin Feiran's ears, confirming that it wasn't a hallucination.
She kept her eyes fixed on that spot, and saw the person lean out, wearing a white brocade dress that trailed on the ground, with red tassels at the waist. Her figure was graceful and her movements elegant, but in the next instant, a maid rushed forward to hold an umbrella for her.
The umbrella's edge was covered by a light veil, enveloping her face, and Lin Feiran could only catch a glimpse of her slightly pursed lips.
The two, accompanied by a maid, slowly descended from the magic circle. With each step, talismans appeared out of the air beneath their feet, like steps, guiding them to the city wall.
Murong Qiudi led the way for them, and in no time, their figures disappeared.
The Emperor stepped down first, and one after another, people from the other carriages lifted the curtains and emerged. They were the lords of various states who had left their territories, along with their families, belongings, and servants.
Unlike the many sons and daughters of the emperor, the emperor only brought the Holy Palace Consort with him. Apart from that, none of the princes or princesses were present.
The festival, which was supposed to be held a month later, was suddenly moved to today. All told, it was only a day after the Flying Flower Festival ended. They must have set off in a hurry yesterday and arrived exhausted. Standing in the autumn wind, they looked rather disheveled.
The Imperial Guards immediately stepped forward to greet him, offered a few words of reassurance, and then took him back.
Just then, Lin Feiran heard murmurs coming from next door.
"The human royal family has arrived, but where are the demons? Why are they nowhere to be seen? The ceremony is to begin in an hour; will they make it in time?"
"How could you not make it in time? Isn't the Demon Lord a member of the Feather Clan? I met one during my last training trip. He said that the Feather Clan are born in the sky and die in the sky, so they can all transform into wings and soar through the sky, just like the Merfolk can transform into fish tails. Even if the Demon Lord doesn't have a phoenix chariot, he can fly there on his own."
"Are peacocks considered part of the feathered race?"
"Why not? Haven't you ever seen a peacock fly?"
"I've never seen it before."
The two started arguing halfway through their conversation. Lin Feiran lost interest in listening and quickly washed up before knocking on the door of the neighboring house.
At this point, it cannot be said that Ru Xian was still asleep; rather, it should be said that he was still awake.
"Enter."
A clear and bright reply came from inside.
Lin Feiran pushed open the door and entered, then turned and closed it. She immediately smelled an extremely elegant fragrance and spotted two pieces of sparse plum blossom incense burning on the table.
This is Ru Xian's favorite fragrance, not because it smells good, but because it is very similar to his own scent.
Lin Feiran quickly glanced around: incense burning on the table, a velvet carpet on the floor, gold ornaments hanging on the bed, steam rising from the teapot, and a dressing case shimmering in front of the mirror.
She paused for a moment, took off her boots, and walked along the wall to the table.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor and his entourage have arrived, and the Holy Palace Consort has indeed come."
Although Ru Xian had granted her the right to call her by her name, Lin Feiran was not so ungrateful as to constantly use the name Ru Xian.
"Since the Emperor has come here, he will surely bring her with him."
Ru Xian had long since returned to his original appearance. Today, he was still wearing a white robe with gold patterns. The robe was embroidered with feathers in gold thread, which shone brightly. The left and right cuffs were connected by gold rings, and several strands of gold thread were pulled out from the rings and wrapped around them to bind half of his sleeves.
The waist sash is no longer the previous lotus-shaped sash, but instead has two crossed feathers that wrap around the waist.
Lin Feiran was so disheveled during the Flying Flower Gathering that she almost forgot that Ru Xian dressed up differently every day.
She looked down at her black robes. In the past, she had made more than a dozen sets for convenience. Later, Ru Xian had someone make clothes for her, and those black robes were the ones with hidden patterns and lace trim.
Unfortunately, all those cleverly designed clothes are gone; now this outfit is simply all black.
She touched her neck, determined to ignore it: "Why did we have to bring her along?"
“It’s because…” he drawled, selecting two earrings from his dressing case and hanging them on his ears. He turned back to look at them, “because the two of them are deeply in love and inseparable.”
His earrings were also quite unique, with a few strands of silver tassels flowing out from under a round silver bead, hanging down to below his collarbone, seemingly blending in with his snow-white hair, yet still quite distinct.
It looks absolutely beautiful.
The reason why we get tired of seeing beautiful women is because they are not beautiful enough. A person like Ru Xian, even if we look at her for a hundred years, will still amaze us.
Lin Feiran's eyes held pure appreciation, but she couldn't help being drawn into the topic: "It's a pity that even the most loving couples have countless women in their harem."
Everyone knows that the Holy Palace Consort's health is impaired and she is unable to conceive, so the Emperor has no choice but to take in concubines in order to continue the imperial line.
However, in the world of cultivation, compared to the path to immortality, the throne and imperial position are no longer so alluring.
Ru Xian remained noncommittal. He simply crossed his arms and looked at Lin Feiran, raising his eyes slightly: "Putting everything else aside, at the pilgrimage ceremony, do you intend to attend as Wenran or as an envoy?"
His expression was calm, without any hint of coercion; he seemed genuinely just seeking her opinion.
Lin Feiran was puzzled for a moment: "Of course I'll be with you."
Ru Xian was not surprised by her answer. He stepped forward and looked down at her.
"You need to think this through. If you join us, you'll be completely on the opposite side of humanity."
The human and demon realms are now at peace. The reason we were able to participate in the pilgrimage ceremony was because the Human Emperor had asked me for a favor. After the ceremony, we had no further connection.
If I were to speak selfishly, I would actually prefer you to choose the identity of Wen Ran. Being mistaken for a lackey of the demon race would bring you scorn and condemnation.
She looked up, her clear eyes reflecting the depths of a lake. Ru Xian hadn't expected such an answer, and before she even realized it, the corners of her lips had already curled up.
As if unable to bear such a gaze, he raised his hand to cover her eyes.
Lin Feiran's vision suddenly darkened, and she waited quietly for a moment for some reason. Suddenly, a sigh escaped her ear, and a light rustling sound appeared in her palm. She did not move the sound away, but the person had already circled around behind her.
"Then let this little dog, which we don't know where it came from, get up and go to the mirror to groom itself again."
Lin Feiran: "..."
He indeed disapproved of her casual attire.
There was still an hour before the ceremony, and in this short time, almost all the demons were getting ready, especially the male cultivators.
Among the ancestors, the males were always the most flamboyant, and this habit has been passed down through the bloodline without ever changing.
Lin Feiran originally only had a superficial understanding of this, but after seeing Xun Feifei appear, he finally gained some insight.
The long robe with blue background and white patterns accentuated her figure, a silver silk belt around her waist, her moon-colored ponytail tied high, and her silver face polished to a gleaming shine. Her downcast eyes did not show any fatigue, but rather a kind of inexplicable radiance.
He was usually indifferent, but he was actually quite good-looking. Dressed like this, he actually stood out quite a bit.
Lin Feiran was silent for a moment: "I thought you grew up in the human world and wouldn't care about these things."
Xun Feifei looked up at the sky, somewhat melancholy: "It's just a bloodline awakening. By the time I realized it, it had already become like this."
Lin Feiran was speechless for a moment.
Standing beside the imperial carriage, she couldn't help but ponder: Did the human race truly have no bloodline destined for awakening? Even if they could pick bananas faster than the demon race?
With a crisp ringing sound, the bell snapped everyone back to reality.
Above the Spring City stands a runic platform shaped like a lotus flower, with its heart built high. The crisscrossing runes form seven blooming petals, and spiritual light flows along the veins, radiating brilliance like a miracle.
Standing on the city wall, Lin Feiran looked up at the high platform built in mid-air, and a look of amazement flashed across his eyes.
What kind of powerful array master could create such a spectacle in a single day?
A guard walked up beside him, first bowed, then looked at Xun Feifei and said, "Left Envoy Xun, the ceremony will begin in a quarter of an hour. Please be on the flying platform and do not miss the time."
Xun Feifei once led a group to Luoyang to discuss marriage, so many of the Imperial Guards recognized him.
He nodded and said, "Of course."
Seeing this, Biqing couldn't help but whisper in admiration: "The Lord is truly amazing. He managed to leave Chuncheng without anyone noticing and arrive in the imperial carriage."
They had led the demons to Spring City before the Flying Flower Gathering, and the Feather Guards all knew about it. However, Ru Xian was an "unknown person" and should not have appeared in the city.
Spring City was under lockdown, and just as everyone was worrying about how to get in and out, Ru Xian had already arrived outside the city, waiting for everyone to come and greet them.
Xuanzhen looked on with admiration: "If one day I could cultivate to such a level, I would truly have no regrets even if I died."
Bi Qing glanced at him sideways: "What's the use of a high cultivation level when the person is dead?"
Lin Feiran peeked through the gap in the two's bickering. Beside the Emperor, the Holy Palace Consort's face was still obscured by the edge of the umbrella, so it was not clear. But for some reason, she felt that the person under the umbrella had glanced in this direction.
Another bell rang, signaling the auspicious time. Intertwined runes lit up on the high platform, then disappeared, leaving only wisps of mist that gradually dispersed. But everyone knew that the road had been paved.
In the Spring City, disciples from various sects leaped upwards, their toes barely touching the ground. Several strings of runes lit up in the thin mist, and they used the momentum to climb onto the high platform, taking their seats on one of the rune petals.
On the city wall, everyone couldn't help but look at the only carriage. Their gazes were more of a curiosity than curiosity. Everyone wanted to know what the Demon Lord looked like, and even the Human Emperor looked away.
Unfortunately, before they could even see the real person, they had to hurry to the lotus platform. Many people turned back every three steps, but they didn't even see a shadow of the person.
The runes formed seven lotus petals, which were set up for those present.
One petal was given to the Human Emperor and the cultivators of the Star Domain, one petal to the Demon Lord and his subordinate cultivators, one petal to the cultivators of the various sects of the Qian Dao, and the other four petals were given to the lords of the four regions of Dongyuzhou, Nanpingzhou, Xixiang, and Beiyuan and their families.
Many important figures gathered together, and the disciples who arrived early were overwhelmed with the sights and whispered among themselves. When the Emperor and the Holy Palace Consort took their seats, the high platform fell silent for a moment, and then it became lively again.
Compared to the Emperor, everyone was more curious about the Holy Palace Consort, who never revealed her true face.
Murong Qiudi frowned upon seeing this, raised her hand, and the buzzing sound subsided.
Amidst the wispy mist, a golden-white streak flashed before their eyes, landing on a petal of the demon race. Everyone immediately turned to look, and suddenly gasped in shock.
Snow-white hair, silver ornaments, gold rings, and red marks—a mix of light and intense colors—all intertwined on one person, yet they suited her perfectly. Her peach-blossom eyes slightly lifted, giving a half-smile as she looked down at everyone, but she didn't seem to notice anyone.
In that instant, one is reminded of snow on mountain peaks, the moon in the water, and flowers in a mirror—all beautiful yet unattainable.
Many people opened their eyes slightly, speechless with amazement, and then the platform fell into an eerie silence.
So this is the Demon Lord.
The immortals in the book were probably modeled after him, which is why they captured some of his immortal essence.
The photo-op ball has been put to use, which not only made a fortune but also ensures a worry-free life.
Everyone had their own thoughts, but none of them could pull their gazes away. As they looked, their eyes inevitably drifted to the person beside him.
The demons all love bright colors and have a bright appearance. Among them, only one dark figure stood out. She sat silently in front of the demon lord, staring intently at the lotus heart arched in the center, her expression quite serious.
Who is that person?
"He is probably one of the envoys, but he looks somewhat familiar."
"That's Wenran!"
"What! She's an envoy of the demon race? But she's clearly human, which is why she can participate in the Flying Flower Festival. How could she become an envoy of the demon race?"
As the discussion arose, many disciples participating in the Flying Flower Society looked at Lin Feiran with piercing gazes, filled with surprise and suspicion. However, she paid no attention to them, focusing only on the incense burner at the heart of the lotus.
Among the crowd, there were a few people who were speechless with shock: Shen Qi, Pei Yu, Pao Tang, and Qiu Tong. They looked at the opposite side, quite dumbfounded.
However, at this moment, two gazes also lightly fell upon Ru Xian.
One person's gaze was as cold and desolate as snow, while the other's gaze was as gentle as a spring breeze, showing no appreciation whatsoever, and even carrying a hint of chill.
As Ru Xian looked up, she easily caught the two gazes. The exchange lasted only a moment before all three of them looked away and returned their gazes to the figure in black.
Many eyes turned back to her, some with complicated expressions, but Lin Feiran paid no attention, as she was focused solely on the festival.
Almost every ancient text mentions the pilgrimage ceremony, describing it as extremely luxurious and solemn, with thousands of people worshipping. Never before has it been as noisy, simple, and rushed as it is today.
The large cauldron on the central platform is used for offering incense. In the past, the incense in the cauldron would burn for a month until the ash covered the cauldron, but now there are only three sticks.
After the flames had burned out, the three lonely incense sticks trembled and shed a few ashes, which were swept away by the autumn wind before they could even fall into the cauldron and disappear without a trace.
The four sacrificial officials, Murong Qiudi, stood beside the cauldron and performed three bows on behalf of everyone. Just as they raised their heads, the incense had already burned out. The four officials' expressions changed slightly, but they had no choice but to turn around and look at everyone as the sage had instructed.
According to ancient texts, at this time the Emperor should speak to set the record straight, and then the Holy Spirit should strike the altar drum three times to cleanse the mind.
But as soon as the smoke cleared and before the four could speak, three abrupt and urgent drumbeats rang out, like thunderclaps. Caught off guard, everyone was forced to cleanse their minds, and as the world spun around them, some of them fell headfirst off the platform.
Who would have thought that the pilgrimage ceremony, which was supposed to take three hours, was completed in less than a quarter of an hour?
While everyone looked puzzled, the Emperor remained calm. He held the hand of the person beside him, but his peaceful gaze kept looking in another direction.
He was looking at Lin Feiran.
He had no recollection of the female cultivator's face, but her demeanor was strangely familiar.
After a moment's thought, he looked away and his gaze fell on the cauldron, seemingly unconcerned about being ignored.
With a loud bang, the thin mist dissipated, and everyone looked towards the high mountain behind Chuncheng. A dark crack had appeared on it, and the mountain was collapsing and rocks were splitting. The crack widened and widened, finally revealing the strange scenery behind the mountain.
That is the full view of the Valley of the Pilgrims.
Many people immediately stood up, their expressions showing signs of intoxication and frenzy.
Suddenly another scroll descended from the mountaintop, completely obscuring the crack. On the scroll were the fifteen people who were about to meet the Holy Spirit.
"The ceremony is now complete. Please, everyone, turn to the scroll."
"The first one is Wenran."
Author's note: I feel it needs some polishing.
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