Chapter 80: Disciple and Wife (End)
“I was wrong. I was so wrong. I’ll never do it again. Please, change back.”
A soft, pleading voice, like a lover’s murmur, echoed through the quiet courtyard.
A flock of sparrows perched on the wall, their heads tilted, observing the scene within.
A woman in elaborate robes sat on the veranda, her back to them, her long, dark hair loosely gathered with a single ribbon.
Either she was a late riser, or simply… lazy. Her robes were also disheveled, the outer layer slipping off one shoulder, revealing the thin undergarment beneath.
Before her stood a half-person-tall coral bird stand, a small, fluffy white bird perched on top.
The bird, a rare and unusual creature, not native to the mortal realm, had a single crimson feather on its left wing.
It ignored the small, ice-blue spirit fruit offered to it, its eyes closed, its feathers ruffled in a silent sulk.
It refused to open its eyes, fearing the sight of the woman’s face would summon another torrential downpour over the unsuspecting capital.
Tao Ning, however, was quick to apologize, her sincerity, if not her remorse, undeniable.
“I know it was wrong. I just… I couldn’t help myself…”
The Shangxi bird’s every feather screamed, I’m not listening! Lalala!
The only response was the incessant chirping of the sparrows outside. The bird before her remained motionless.
Shangxi birds, revered as divine creatures in the Demonic Beast Realm, attracted other birds wherever they went.
The neighbors had noticed the increased avian activity, the constant chirping, the early morning bird conferences.
Today was especially crowded, even a few escaped pet parrots with golden chains on their legs joining the gathering.
Tao Ning sighed, shielding the sulking bird with her sleeve, turning to glare at the onlookers, waving her other sleeve dismissively. “There’s nothing to see here. Go away.”
The colorful flock of birds chirped in response.
Tao Ning, not understanding their language, assumed she was being mocked.
The Shangxi bird’s vision darkened as Tao Ning draped her sleeve over it, her voice echoing softly.
“If you don’t leave, I’ll resort to… less gentle methods.”
Whether it was her tone, or the implied threat, the birds scattered, leaving behind a few stray feathers.
Tao Ning turned back, muttering, “Honestly, don’t they have their own… companions…? So rude, staring at someone else’s.”
The Shangxi bird: …Childish.
It remained motionless, its eyes still closed.
520, unable to bear it any longer, said, 【I told you! Pull your robe down further! Expose your shoulder! Who seduces someone in a plain white undergarment?!】 While unsure what Tao Ning had done to offend the bird, it considered itself an expert in such matters, its extensive knowledge of dramas and romance novels a valuable resource.
Tao Ning: “…”
Having exhausted all other options, she hesitantly placed her hand on her shoulder, sliding the fabric downwards. “Like this?”
520, exasperated: 【With a little more enthusiasm!】
Just as she was about to comply, she felt a gaze on her, and she turned, abandoning her attempts at seduction, her eyes meeting the Shangxi bird’s, which were now open, fixed on the sliver of exposed skin above her collarbone.
The birds watching from the nearby trees saw the woman who had just shooed them away suddenly scoop up the white bird and disappear inside, the door closing softly behind them.
A few bolder birds flew closer, peering curiously at the closed door.
No entry. How stingy.
Inside, the room was much quieter. Cen Dianshuang, finally coaxed back into her human form, was gently pushed onto the bed.
Her clothes were neat, her hair still perfectly styled. Tao Ning, however, looked like a seductive fox spirit, her robes disheveled, her lips curved into a playful smile.
Cen Dianshuang sometimes wondered who was the true demon.
Tao Ning’s robes pooled around them, the soft rustle of silk accompanying her movements as she leaned closer, her voice a husky whisper. “Perhaps we should try…”
The rest of the sentence was whispered into Cen Dianshuang’s ear, her warm breath sending shivers down her spine.
Cen Dianshuang’s face flushed crimson, her voice a stammering whisper. “But… but we already… dual cultivated… last night…”
Tao Ning’s lips brushed against hers, her words a soft murmur against Cen Dianshuang’s mouth. “We haven’t tried… spiritual communion.”
Some time later, Tao Ning, still only partially dressed, leaned against the headboard, recounting her various misdeeds, offering no promises of reform.
The figure under the covers remained motionless, avoiding Tao Ning’s gaze, the memory of her arms around Tao Ning’s neck, her whispered pleas, still too… embarrassing.
Such a lack of self-control…
Days after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Princess Changping was still haunted by the image she had seen.
“I wasn’t drunk! I really saw immortals!”
A maid, offering a plate of fruits, suggested gently, “If you wish to find them, Princess, perhaps you could draw their portraits? The guards can search for them.”
Silence fell over the room.
The maid: …? Did I say something wrong? She was new to the princess’s service, unaware of her mistress’s exceptional artistic talent, her paintings often praised as “divine works.”
Princess Changping, however, was struck by inspiration. “That’s a brilliant idea!”
She clapped her hands excitedly. “Someone bring me my brushes and ink! I’ll paint their portraits myself!”
The maids, who had seen the princess’s previous works: “…Yes, Princess.”
They hurried to prepare the materials, their minds already composing elaborate praises for the princess’s artistic genius.
Their expectations, however, were unmet. The princess, after a few frustrated attempts, threw down her brush, her face pressed against the railing, her gaze fixed on the street below.
“Immortals! The immortals I told you about!”
Below, Tao Ning and Cen Dianshuang strolled through the streets, Tao Ning’s wide sleeve concealing their clasped hands.
“I heard the Qujiang Restaurant has a new chef, with many unique dishes. Let’s try them.”
While mortal food couldn’t compare to the spirit-infused cuisine of the Radiant Realm, experiencing the local flavors was part of the adventure.
Cen Dianshuang, mentally calculating the number of cleansing pills she would need upon their return, agreed. “Alright.”
She had never been interested in anything beyond cultivation, but now, she found herself enjoying these mundane experiences… simply because Tao Ning was there.
“No wonder so many Radiant Realm cultivators struggle with the Path of No Emotions. If it were me, I would also abandon it.”
Tao Ning chuckled, then turned to the approaching innkeeper, who greeted them with a smile. “Your private room is ready, honored guests. Please, follow me.”
Just as they were about to follow him, a voice called out from the stairs. “Please wait!”
Two maids, their attire more elaborate than typical servants, jade tokens bearing the characters “Changping” hanging at their waists, hurried down the stairs.
Even their servants were dressed like noblewomen. Their mistress must be someone of high status.
Tao Ning and Cen Dianshuang turned, Tao Ning’s gaze lingering on the jade tokens. “What can we do for you, ladies?”
The taller maid replied, “Our mistress invites you to a banquet.”
Tao Ning, exchanging a look with Cen Dianshuang, her eyebrow arching slightly, echoed, “Mistress?”
In a private room, Princess Changping, adjusting her appearance in the mirror, asked anxiously, “Is this… appropriate?”
A maid reassured her. “You look stunning, Princess. You won’t disappoint your guests.”
Hearing approaching footsteps, Princess Changping jumped to her feet, almost opening the door herself.
As the door opened, she froze, her gaze fixed on the two figures before her, then, composing herself, her cheeks flushing slightly, she said, “Forgive my rudeness.”
“I was captivated by your… ethereal presence that night. I’m overjoyed to meet you again. It’s… a dream come true.”
On their way upstairs, Tao Ning had discreetly relayed Princess Changping’s background to Cen Dianshuang.
Her mother was the current Empress, her brother the Crown Prince, yet she yearned for adventure, her attempts to explore the world beyond the palace walls always thwarted.
Her last attempt, ending with a false accusation of theft, had been so humiliating that she had reported the incident to the magistrate herself, her dreams of adventure crushed.
Tao Ning smiled politely. “It’s our honor to receive your invitation, Princess.”
Princess Changping, seeing her maids’ surprised expressions, realized they hadn’t revealed her identity. “How did you know I was the princess?”
Tao Ning: “Your reputation precedes you, Princess. Your fondness for making new acquaintances is well known.”
She had a habit of gathering information wherever she went, her knowledge of local customs and influential figures now encyclopedic.
Even a random stranger on the street… she could likely recite their life story.
Cen Dianshuang had only recently discovered this, but wasn’t surprised.
Tao Ning, regardless of her surroundings, always found a way to excel, even in the mortal realm.
Princess Changping clapped her hands delightedly. “I like your directness! Refreshing!”
Gesturing towards the table, she said, “Please, be seated.”
They sat down, their actions so natural, so unassuming, that even the palace maids didn’t question their audacity.
Once they were seated, the servants began serving the dishes.
Princess Changping, eager to make a good impression, had even revealed her name.
Her eyes shone with curiosity. “You both seem… extraordinary. I’ve never seen such… elegance… Are you… from a… secluded sect, perhaps?”
Before Tao Ning could answer, she continued, her excitement growing. “Judging by your demeanor, it must be a prominent sect. Only years of leadership could cultivate such… presence.”
Cen Dianshuang, looking at her eager, expectant expression, was reminded of the younger disciples at the Hanshan Sect.
Except they wouldn’t dare smile so freely in her presence, their expressions always carefully respectful.
Princess Changping was talkative, but her youthful enthusiasm was endearing, not annoying.
Cen Dianshuang: “We’re from the Hanshan Sect.”
Princess Changping blinked. “Hanshan Sect? Is that… far from the capital?”
Tao Ning and Cen Dianshuang exchanged a look, then smiled.
This princess was amusing. She didn’t ask if it was a minor sect, but if it was far away.
As a princess, especially one interested in the world beyond the palace walls, she would surely know the names of the major sects.
Tao Ning nodded. “Quite far.”
Princess Changping: “Then your journey must have been arduous.”
Cen Dianshuang: “Not really.”
Wanting to enjoy the scenery, they hadn’t rushed, traveling sometimes on puppet horses, sometimes flying, their journey leisurely.
Princess Changping, a mortal, couldn’t comprehend the concept of cultivators flying, assuming it was simply exceptional lightness skill. But even the most skilled martial artists experienced fatigue. She assumed they were simply being polite.
Tao Ning, seeing the princess’s thoughtful expression, knew what she was thinking, taking a slow sip of her tea.
The imperial cuisine was, indeed, of exceptional quality.
Princess Changping: “You seem close. Senior sisters, perhaps?”
Cen Dianshuang’s expression turned complicated.
Princess Changping, despite her youth, was perceptive, her years in the palace honing her ability to read people. “No? Then… what is your relationship?”
Two voices, spoken simultaneously.
Cen Dianshuang: “Grand Ancestor.”
Tao Ning: “Master.”
Princess Changping: “Huh?” That’s… confusing.
Tao Ning coughed, covering her mouth with her hand. “We didn’t intend to reveal this, but since you’ve been so kind, Princess, and we feel a certain connection…”
Cen Dianshuang, glancing away, recognized the mischievous glint in Tao Ning’s eyes. She was about to do something regrettable.
Tao Ning continued, her voice soft and sincere, “We’re Dao companions.”
Princess Changping stared at them, speechless, the revelation unexpected.
After a long moment of stunned silence, she suddenly exclaimed, slapping the table excitedly, “I understand! Your sect forbade your relationship! They exiled you!”
Tao Ning choked on her tea. “Cough! Cough!”
She hadn’t expected the princess, after such a long pause, to arrive at that conclusion.
Cen Dianshuang: …This princess has quite the imagination. She handed Tao Ning a handkerchief, a faint smile playing on her lips. Let’s see how you handle this.
Tao Ning, accepting the handkerchief, her sleeve concealing her mouth as she wiped away the spilled tea, shook her head, unwilling to speak further, not wanting to stain her robes and unable to use a cleansing technique without revealing her true nature.
Princess Changping, interpreting this as confirmation, felt a pang of sympathy.
She struggled to find the right words, eventually offering some words of comfort. “It’s alright. If your sect doesn’t accept you, there are others who will. You’re both extraordinary. Your departure is their loss, not yours.”
Tao Ning smiled. “You’re very kind, Princess.”
Princess Changping, slightly embarrassed, replied, “Am I? I think so too.”
Cen Dianshuang, hiding her smile behind her teacup, enjoyed Tao Ning’s rare moment of awkwardness.
Life was full of surprises. Some strangers remained strangers, while others became instant friends.
Princess Changping, finding their company delightful, their conversation refreshingly honest and insightful, invited them to a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet a few days later.
They readily accepted.
The princess, delighted, instructed her servants to prepare a special, secluded area for her new friends, ensuring their comfort.
The day after the banquet, Princess Changping, having recovered from the festivities, received a letter, delivered by a maid.
“The two ladies are gone, Princess. They left these behind.”
A letter and a small vial.
The letter was brief, thanking her for her hospitality, expressing their enjoyment of her company, and announcing their departure. Assuming the princess lacked nothing, they wished her a long and healthy life.
Princess Changping sighed, folding the letter carefully. “A pity. Perhaps our paths will cross again.”
Years later, she would still remember them, regretting their missed opportunity for future gatherings.
But she imagined them traveling the world, eventually settling down in a peaceful, secluded place.
Together, until the end of their days.
Leave a Reply