Chapter 6: A Hundred Years in a Glance - I've Come to Take Your Dog's Life!
Youtian, Jade Bone Palace.
"You mean, that pretty boy son of the Immortal Emperor accepted Bi Tao's advances?" The questioner's voice was slow and deliberate, yet carried an undercurrent of pressure.
"Yes, I saw it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears!"
Zhan Kui blinked his two huge eyes, "He said he would agree to be with Bi Tao once she becomes a Xuanxian!"
"laugh……"
Is becoming a Xuanxian (a type of immortal) as easy as eating a popcorn?
"However, I don't think it's necessary. Although Mingguang Tianxian is incomparably handsome, he is really rigid and boring. The people around him... tsk, they all have their flaws."
Zhan Kui is a young woman with a low-ranking immortal and mediocre immortal power, but she is incredibly audacious and arrogant, and she has a whole repertoire of nitpicking.
"Ice Wheel Immortal is like a fighting cock, Moon Palace Immortal is flashy and frivolous, Cloud River Immortal looks like a handsome young man, always smiling, but he's actually a smiling tiger. The palace maids in his palace don't dare to breathe loudly..."
It was as if all the celestial lords of the nine heavens were standing there, letting her choose her concubines at will.
"There are plenty of fish in the sea, but if you're looking for them, don't look in the heavens. There aren't many to begin with, and the quality isn't good either..."
The person standing opposite Zhan Kui, upon hearing her outrageous words, twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth and actually nodded in agreement.
He wore an elaborate and gorgeous crimson robe, and a golden crown with tassels hanging down to his cheeks.
A jade belt bound her narrow waist, with an embroidered gold sachet hanging from it, and a white jade dragon-patterned pendant weighing down her robe.
With sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a full nose, and upturned lips, he possessed the noble beauty of a jade statue, with the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix.
He stood with his hands behind his back in the magnificent palace, a place perfectly suited to his character, exuding an imposing aura and a mocking smile.
He didn't resemble a distant and aloof immortal at all; instead, he looked exactly like a supreme prince or nobleman of the mortal realm.
However, he is indeed one of the few high-ranking Xuanxian among the celestial immortals who have attained the acquired immortal status through merit.
He is also the foremost among all the acquired meritorious immortals in Youtian—Zhu Ming Xuanxian.
He achieved perfect merit as a mortal prince and ascended to the heavens over a thousand years ago. He never relied on or attached himself to any ancient immortal clan. Instead, he gained the favor of the Eastern King Duke of Penglai Immortal Island and was appointed as the Penglai Immortal Supervisor to assist the Eastern King Duke in controlling the male immortals of the Nine Heavens.
On the long couch in front of him lay Bitao, who had just been brought to Youtian by a group of fairy maidens and was still pale and unconscious.
—He was also one of the personal attendants he recruited into the Jade Bone Palace.
The moment Mingguang Celestial Immortal, relying on the Celestial Emperor's influence, obtained the list of candidates for the Immortal Selection Competition from Zhuming Xuanxian and left, he did not make things too difficult for him.
As a result, that pretty boy turned around and injured his waiter on the Shuichun Bridge.
Zhu Ming spent decades vying for power in the mortal realm, and for over a thousand years in the celestial capital, he fought tooth and nail to rise to the top. Although his current status may not be as strong and well-connected as those of the ancient immortal clans, he has indeed carved out a bloody path among the innate immortal positions of the heavens.
Even the lowest-ranking fairy around him wouldn't tolerate being bullied by others!
Anyone who can hang out with Bitao is an arrogant fool.
The Ming dynasty was even worse.
Zhu Ming summoned the Silver Net from mid-air and issued several inquiries in succession.
The news that "Mingguang Tianxian injured Zhu Mingxian's attendant at Shuichun Bridge" immediately overshadowed the discussion that "Mingguang Tianxian was being pursued by suitors again," and the uproar grew louder and louder.
After all, what makes it even more difficult for the immortals of the Nine Heavens to remain unscathed than the romantic rumors between the ambiguous immortals is the increasingly irreconcilable contradiction between the innate immortal position and the acquired immortal position.
So what if that person is the son of an Immortal Emperor?
The heavy weight of celestial rules presses down on the heavens, and the Immortal Emperor spends his days guarding the celestial yin and yang wheel of the Milky Way. He dares not and has no time to be biased over this matter.
In addition, the minor immortals from various clans had previously gone to the Great Peach Tree to set up formations and go on a wild excursion, which angered Bitao, who was cultivating in her own territory.
Lei Bu not only imprisoned her in the Prison Palace for several days, causing her to be unjustly humiliated and disgraced, but several major immortal clans also attempted to cover it up without clarifying the facts.
Two immortal clans treated Bitao like a beggar, sealing off some of her immortal spirits, while the others completely disregarded this little wild immortal spirit and didn't even show their faces.
Zhu Mingxuanxian did not step in to rescue the person at the time because, taken out of context, the matter was of no consequence to those ancient immortal clans.
However, with these factors accumulating, if the Ancient Immortal Clan doesn't provide an explanation this time, it will be difficult for this matter to be resolved peacefully.
Zhan Kui saw the Immortal Supervisor's Inquiry Order, but he did not understand the power struggles and interests among the immortals.
But she understood that Zhu Mingxuan was standing up for Bitao! Bitao had found a good backer!
"Zhu Mingxuanxian, you're so good to Bitao... Hmm, what do you think of me?"
"Although I can eat and sleep a lot, and my cultivation level isn't great, I'm lucky! There's nothing I can't do!"
"If Zhu Mingxuanxian were willing to take me into the Jade Bone Palace, Bitao and I together would be an invincible duo!"
Zhan Kui, like a rattle-drum shaking its head, was full of confidence and made solemn vows.
A pair of large eyes darted around, seemingly about to pop out of their sockets and stick to Zhu Mingxuanxian.
Zhu Ming's expression was indescribable.
"Two swords combined? He thinks it's a pig-and-pig alliance!"
Although Bitao was incredibly stupid when facing that pretty boy, she was at least generally likable, had many friends, and was cunning in her actions, making her quite useful.
But this fish in front of him... Zhu Ming was afraid of catching her madness if he looked at it even once.
"Go ahead, she won't wake up for another three to five days."
Zhu Ming was exasperated by her stupidity.
With a flick of his sleeve, he sent Zhan Kui out of the Jade Bone Palace.
He gestured for the other servants to leave as well, then waved his hand again, enveloping Bitao in a vast expanse of wood-elemental immortal energy to heal her wounds.
Zhu Ming also belongs to the element of wood, but his immortal spirit is pink and carries the fragrance of plum blossoms from the plum tree where his soul resided when he ascended and his bones were shaped.
Once released, a subtle fragrance wafted through the hall, capable of bewitching people into dreams, but it always carried an air of frivolity, secretly ridiculed by the ancient immortals.
Therefore, Zhu Ming was reluctant to expose the immortal spirits to the public.
However, he was not stingy with the peach blossoms. The crimson color enveloped her body, and the wood-elemental immortal spirit flowed into her meridians like a gentle stream, healing her weakened immortal essence that had been damaged by resisting the power of the celestial beings.
Zhu Ming was a shrewd strategist and decisive man. He knew that Bi Tao had deliberately made such a big fuss about this matter because she wanted to use it as a pretext for her own scheme.
Although she was still unconscious, the two had known each other for many years and had descended to the mortal realm together several times, so they could be said to have a perfect understanding.
One digs the hole, the other fills it in; one kills, the other buries.
He will definitely make good use of this matter to dampen the prestige of the ancient immortal clans before the selection competition begins, and to win more spots in the competition for merit-based immortal positions in Youtian.
This will also serve as a way to clear up those absurd rumors about Bitao from the past.
He had practically watched Bitao grow up, and had taken her to the mortal realm several times while holding public office. He knew that the rumors were untrue; Bitao was wild and impulsive, but she was not a true libertine.
Besides, that pretty boy is a Celestial Immortal. Even when Bitao touched his sleeve, her immortal essence was injured. The previous forced kiss and waist touching were simply nonsense!
As for how to operate it... he summoned the Silver Net again and sent several more inquiries to it.
Moreover, they were all sent to the highest-ranking immortals and spirit immortals in each palace.
On the surface, they questioned the immortal lords and fairies who had been on good terms with Bitao for hundreds of years, recounting the hundreds of times Bitao had entered and left the Prison Palace. This also stirred up the dissatisfaction of these lower-ranking immortals with the ancient immortal clan's tendency to punish them indiscriminately.
What's most abundant in the Heavenly Realm? It's these countless low-ranking immortals.
Just like the people in the human world, they can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it.
In Zhu Ming's view, ascending to immortality and becoming a saint were all disguised ways to become an emperor.
If the selection of immortal positions is to be made, what's the point of just including some outstanding figures from ancient immortal clans? Is it pre-arranged?
When Zhu Ming was in the mortal realm, he was the son of the least favored dancer. He obtained the position of crown prince through scheming, killing his brother and father. Although his country was destroyed before he could ascend the throne, he never accepted any damned fate.
Therefore, in the following days, he traveled between Penglai, Youtian, and even Jiutian.
He personally took to the field, mobilizing and bewitching those low-ranking immortals, those who had no one to rely on, and even those who were excluded by the ancient immortal clans.
Cast a wide net and catch fish diligently; don't be ashamed to compromise your principles and associate with others in order to lay out usable pieces.
Meanwhile, Bitao, fast asleep in the Jade Bone Palace, was unaware that a violent storm was brewing around her on the Silver River Net.
She was having a beautiful dream thanks to Zhu Ming's magical powers.
In the dream, she had not yet formed a spirit, but only had a little bit of intelligence. She was attached to a large peach tree and, through the branches and roots of the peach tree, explored everything in the heavens.
As far as the eye can see, there are creatures in the boundless sea, the blood-red sunset over the sky covered by peach branches for three thousand miles, and the dark, eerie passage in the root system leading to the underworld.
And in the daily cycle of sunrise and sunset, the changing of seasons and the rotation of yin and yang, a small figure suddenly appeared.
At first, he simply carried a long, red sword that had been tempered by fire and silently poked at the leaves under the large peach tree.
He stayed for a short while, feeling down, and then left.
Later, he came more and more frequently. His sword was bigger than him, and it took his small hands working together to grip the hilt. He could only manage some weak and feeble moves.
He was not a gifted genius.
At first, he couldn't even invoke or control the immortal spirit within his body.
The young boy grew up day by day, always alone, practicing his swordsmanship day after day.
Sweat soaked through his clothes, his hands stained with blood.
It continues day and night.
He would also come to the big peach tree on stormy days, not to use his spiritual power to create a barrier, but to let the wind whip up his robes and the rain soak his face.
He would practice swordsmanship, and he would also silently mix his hot tears with the cold rain, indulging himself in a moment of collapse.
Bitao looked at him, and kept looking at him.
Watching him practice day after day, his moves becoming increasingly refined, until the day he could freely control his celestial spirit, I smiled with delight.
But when he turned around and looked at the empty space behind him, his smile vanished.
His face betrayed his disappointment at not being able to share his joy with anyone.
Bitao already knew that he was the son of the Celestial Emperor Juntian, and that he was a young immortal lord whom everyone in the ancient immortal clan admired.
Therefore, his sweat, blood, and tears, and even his tireless efforts day and night, could not be shown to anyone.
Later, probably finding the place deserted, he became more and more relaxed and at ease. He would put down his sword and stare blankly at mating turtles on the beach, or undress and sneak into the sea to catch fish, and roast red crabs to eat.
He would also furrow his brow again and again, reciting the Heart Sutra and other mantras he couldn't quite get right.
Based on the photographs left by Yin Hangu, and comparing them with the appearance of each ancient immortal clan, I memorized their faces and immortal ranks.
Even dealing with lengthy and obscure official documents from various sectors is a difficult task.
He would also bring some "useless" little things, like a little dog digging a hole to bury bones, and bury them under the big peach wood.
Every now and then he would dig it out to look at it, and stroke it several times with great affection, but he dared not bring it back to his palace.
When he's unhappy, his lips droop and he purses them tightly; when he's relaxed, his eyes glow with a pale gold like the sunset over the Boundless Sea, a beautiful, deep abyss; when he's not familiar with a move, he unconsciously rubs the small mole on his chin; when he's happy, a fleeting glimpse of light appears on his lips, but he quickly hides it as if remembering something. These are all the scenes that Bitao most looks forward to seeing during her long and tedious process of condensing her spirit.
In her dream, Bitao gazed longingly at that vibrant and handsome figure, each moment a season, each glance a hundred years.
Watching him gradually don the "armor mask" of the ancient immortal clan's holy son and divine lord, transforming from a lively and secretly striving young man into a rigid, disciplined, and unsmiling model immortal lord.
Finally, he grew into a man of imposing stature and lofty character, but he almost never smiled again.
In his dream, he seemed to sense Bitao's presence. His brows furrowed, and he glanced back at her with barely concealed astonishment in his eyes. Then, as if burned, he looked away, gazing at the blazing sunset over the Boundless Sea of Juntian. After a long while, he finally spoke, "When you become a Xuanxian..."
In her dream, Bitao reached out and grabbed his sleeve. Suddenly, she opened her eyes amidst the fragrant wood spirits, and indeed, she was clutching a piece of his sleeve.
Her sleeves were stained with blood and dirt, but the fabric of the fairy robe was like clouds and mist, cool to the touch. She couldn't tell if she was dreaming or in reality, and stared at the fabric in a daze for a long time.
"Tch, sometimes I even suspect that the little coffin lid has been cursed on you. You're holding onto that tattered sleeve in your sleep, doesn't it feel dirty?"
The wood spirit, which was permeated with the fragrance of plum blossoms, instantly vanished completely.
Bitao woke up and saw Zhu Mingxiandu, which was not surprising.
She dared to risk her life on the Water Bamboo Bridge because she knew Zhan Kui would send her to the Netherworld, and Zhu Mingxian would save her.
Zhu Mingxiandu is the meritorious immortal position that Bitao has pledged allegiance to.
She was used to being mocked whenever he spoke, so she simply put away her "rotten sleeves" and smiled.
She got out of bed and respectfully cupped her hands, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life again. I, Bitao, will serve you with all my might and repay your kindness tenfold."
"Hmph, repay with a spring of water? Then why won't you join my Jade Bone Palace as its successor?"
Throughout history, the positions of celestial beings have mostly been succeeded by "inheritors".
The ancient immortal clan followed this rule: the lineage passed from father to son, from mother to daughter, and from elder brother to younger brother.
Besides normal reproduction, they also take in inheritors within the clan, which is actually somewhat like a master-disciple relationship in the lower realm.
Bitao had plenty of reasons to respond: "Your Highness is now the Immortal Supervisor of Penglai, and in the future you will be in charge of Penglai Immortal Island and supervise the male immortal positions of the Nine Heavens. My immortal spirit is too weak to inherit it."
"Besides, if I were to become the Immortal Supervisor overseeing male immortals, wouldn't all the male immortals in the Nine Heavens be too scared to even leave their homes?"
Bitao was indeed "famous far and wide," and she never cared about her reputation, letting the rumors become more and more outrageous, and often using them to make fun of herself.
After all, compared to a low-ranking immortal who was inexplicably "convicted" and demoted to the mortal realm, she had no relatives from the ancient immortal clans and no powerful backers; "becoming famous" was her only way out.
Whether it's a good reputation or a bad reputation, it's all something she deliberately did to protect herself.
This Prince of Penglai Immortal Supervisor was chosen as a servant because she had many friends and a wide influence, and because she pursued the Celestial Immortal Mingguang, she was regarded as a hidden enemy by several immortal lords of the ancient immortal clan who guarded Mingguang.
Bi Tao's two calls of "Your Highness the Crown Prince" made Zhu Ming feel completely at ease.
He was one of the few among the celestial beings who longed for the mortal world and coveted wealth and status. The power struggles in the celestial realm were tailor-made for him, the "crown prince" who had never been able to ascend the throne even in death.
Zhu Ming said nothing more. After all, without Bi Tao, who in the Nine Heavens would still call him His Highness the Crown Prince?
"Someone is waiting for you outside."
He gave a sarcastic laugh that held no meaning, and said, "They've finally had to lower their proud heads for now. Do whatever you want from now on..."
"That pretty boy might come and coax you in person. You can take this opportunity to confirm all those rumors."
Bitao didn't rush out, but instead opened the Silver Han Gu and quickly learned about the current situation.
Her eyebrows twitched a few times, and her beautiful peach blossom eyes gradually filled with a watery smile.
It's obvious that Zhu Mingxuanxian has been helping a lot these days; the current situation is much better than Bitao herself predicted!
He bowed to Zhu Mingxuan once more and said, "Your Highness, I am deeply grateful!"
Then he dashed out of the Jade Bone Palace.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Jade Bone Palace, Bitao saw a large number of celestial servants from the Nine Heavens Immortal Clan.
There were even some junior officers of considerable influence in the various units of Bingdoulei.
They also brought with them some colorful and spiritually abundant... uh, high-level immortal artifacts.
Bitao frantically searched through the crowd for the figure that haunted her dreams.
She couldn't find the person she wanted to see, but soon she saw a "man like an eagle" right in the middle of the crowd.
Binglun Zhenxian's features were handsome, cold, and fierce, but slightly distorted.
He stormed out from the crowd and huffed and puffed at Bitao for a long time.
In front of all the Thunder Department subordinates and the young general sent by the Ancient Immortal Clan to offer an apology, he stammered, "I've come to apologize to you!"
This shout was so powerful and earth-shattering that even Bitao instinctively took two steps back.
It's like saying, "I'm here to take your dog's life!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
