A stunning sight by the plum blossoms
"They say that fox spirits who experience love's trials either die or are seriously injured. Qi Yuan, do you know that from that fleeting glimpse by the plum blossoms, I willingly fell into this abyss of you?"
——
On the night of the new moon, in the Demon Lord's palace.
The demons prostrated themselves on the ground, barely breathing. On the high seat, a cluster of dark purple flames danced at Qi Yuan's fingertips, casting flickering light on her profile, her eyes filled with an icy desolation that had remained unyielding for millennia.
"Your Majesty, we have ascertained the matter." The Shadow Demon transformed into a wisp of black smoke and coalesced beneath her seat. "The Fox Clan's supreme treasure, the 'Tracing Shadow Glazed Heart,' is enshrined at the core of the altar in their sacred land, 'Azure Mist Realm,' and is nourished by the lifeblood of successive Fox Lords."
Qi Yuan casually flicked his fingertips, and the flames instantly went out. "Qinglan Realm... I've heard it's one of the most impregnable places in the Immortal Realm."
"Yes. But three months from now, the second son of the fox clan, Jiu Che, will celebrate his millennium birthday. At that time, the immortal gates will be opened wide to select immortal servants. This is the only opportunity to sneak in without disturbing the barrier."
“Jiu Che…” Qi Yuan murmured, a hint of amusement curving his lips. “Is he the little fox whose birth attracted the attention of the Nine Heavens Divine Birds, and who was hailed as a once-in-a-millennium genius of the fox clan?”
"That's right. It's said that he... is clear-headed and naive to the ways of the world."
"Clarity?" Qi Yuan chuckled softly, as if she had heard an interesting word. Having lived for over a thousand years in this dog-eat-dog, treacherous world, she no longer believed in the existence of the word "clarity." "Very well. The cleaner the white paper, the more interesting it becomes when it is stained."
She stood up, her demonic aura completely vanishing. As she turned, her crimson and black demon lord's robes transformed into a flowing, elegant moon-white fairy dress. The fierce and imposing aura between her brows, which could have captivated all living beings, disappeared in the mirror, leaving only a touch of perfect aloofness and detachment.
"From this day forward, there will be no more Demon Lord Qi Yuan in this world." She looked at herself in the mirror, speaking each word slowly yet coldly, "Only the Loose Immortal, Qi Yuan."
**——**
Three days later, in the Azure Mist Realm of the Fox Clan.
Amidst swirling celestial mists and the clear cries of cranes, a long line of cultivators from various races, drawn by the prospect of becoming celestial servants, stretched out beneath the massive jade gate. Qi Yuan, or rather, Qi Yuan, remained hidden among the crowd, gazing up at this celestial realm.
The glazed green tiles, the flying eaves and brackets—everywhere they displayed the fox clan's heritage and glory as an ancient immortal race favored by the creator god. The air was filled with pure spiritual energy, yet it also caused her powerful demonic energy to feel a primal repulsion.
She suppressed her discomfort without showing any emotion, her gaze sweeping over the young faces ahead, some tense, some expectant, before finally settling on the massive jade door. Behind that door lay her target, the paradise of the "lucky ones," which she had to destroy.
"Next, Seven Kite."
Upon hearing the voice, she stepped forward with composure and an air of neither servility nor arrogance. The white-bearded elder in charge of the selection glanced at her, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes, before placing his hand on the water mirror as usual to examine her foundation.
Ripples danced on the water, reflecting a pure...aquatic aura. This was a disguise Qi Yuan had prepared long ago, enough to deceive everyone.
"Exceptional talent and pure spiritual energy. Not bad." The elder nodded in satisfaction and made a mark on the roster, "Qi Yuan, Class A, enters 'Listening Snow Garden' to serve."
"Tingxueyuan" is the palace where Jiu Che resides.
Qi Yuan lowered his head: "Thank you, Elder." He sneered inwardly; things had gone smoothly as expected.
**——**
After the selection process concluded, the newly chosen celestial attendants, led by celestial officials, passed through layers of pavilions and towers to their assigned palaces. As they approached a corridor spanning the azure waters, a gentle yet distant response came from ahead.
"Thank you for your kindness, fairies. The palace has already prepared everything needed for cultivation, so I dare not trouble you."
Qi Yuan looked up and saw a snow-white figure surrounded by several elegantly dressed fairy girls at the end of the corridor. The young man was tall and straight, with delicate and jade-like features. His eyes and brows carried a gentleness that came from good upbringing, yet it was as if there was an invisible barrier between them, politely and firmly keeping all greetings and gestures of goodwill at bay.
It was him, Jiu Che.
He seemed to have just finished his morning lessons and was on his way back to Tingxue Garden when he was stopped. The adoration in the girls' eyes was almost palpable, and although the boy handled the situation politely, the slightly tense shoulder line and the fleeting helplessness in his eyes did not escape Qi Yuan's notice.
What a well-behaved and reserved little old-fashioned person, carefully wrapped in rules and expectations. Qi Yuan thought to himself.
Upon seeing this, the guiding celestial official quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness Jiu Che."
The girls who had been surrounding the celestial official reluctantly dispersed when they saw him arrive.
Jiu Che visibly breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze sweeping over the celestial official and landing on a group of new faces behind him. His gaze paused slightly when it met Qi Yuan's. Perhaps it was because her eyes lacked the cautious awe or eagerness of others, possessing only an almost scrutinizing, calm indifference.
The guiding celestial official hurriedly introduced, "Your Highness, these are the newly selected celestial attendants of Tingxue Garden."
Jiu Che nodded, regaining his usual gentle and polite demeanor: "Thank you for your trouble, Immortal Official. In the future, I will need everyone to do their best in all matters concerning Tingxue Garden." His voice was clear and melodious, like jade striking each other, pleasant to the ear, but also carrying a formulaic sense of distance.
The celestial attendants bowed in response.
The procession continued on, brushing past Jiu Che. Just then, a thousand-year-old plum tree with sprawling branches appeared by the corridor, one of its branches blocking the path, its blossoms in full bloom. The celestial attendants ahead carefully bowed their heads and walked around it, afraid of knocking down any petals, their movements inevitably showing a hint of unease.
When it was Qi Yuan's turn, she didn't bow her head. Instead, she casually and naturally lifted the branch and walked through it. Her movements were free and fluid, carrying an untamed air that contrasted strangely with the seemingly demure flowing fairy dress she wore. As she passed Jiu Che, she even turned her head and smiled casually at him, whispering:
"Your Highness, even the plum blossoms in Tingxue Garden have such character; they'll even block the way to admire the beauties."
Her voice was soft, just loud enough for the two of them to hear. The teasing and carefree tone clashed sharply with the otherwise formal atmosphere.
Jiu Che was clearly stunned.
He had grown up in Qinglan Realm, where everyone he knew was law-abiding. Who would dare to joke with him so casually? Especially with such an absurd reason. He subconsciously looked at the ancient plum tree, then at Qi Yuan, who had already walked away, his back carefree. A crack appeared in that perfect, gentle mask, and a genuine moment of surprise flashed in his eyes, along with a faint hint of novelty, as if struck by something vivid.
He stared in the direction she had gone, forgetting to look away. It wasn't until the guiding celestial official gently reminded him that he snapped back to reality, a faint blush creeping up his ears.
As Qi Yuan walked in the group, she could feel the slightly bewildered gaze behind her. A barely perceptible smile curved her lips.
very good.
The first step is to let this law-abiding little old-fashioned person remember a "different" color.
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