Chapter 84: Extra 10
With the Heavenly Court transformed, the Celestial Feather Ministry also underwent a complete overhaul.
After Feng Chiyue relinquished her position as Ministry Head, the position remained vacant, with all responsibilities falling to Que Chenyi, the Assistant Ministry Head. Fortunately, she was already accustomed to shouldering the burden and delegating tasks, easily pushing everything onto Qing Xun, under the guise of “training the future leader of the feathered lineages.”
Qing Xun suffered in silence, especially after missing a few questions about the customs of minor feathered tribes during an assessment, leaving her with no room for argument.
Que Chenyi, smiling, urged her on. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” she said. “But there’s something you should know. Although they call you ‘Young Sovereign,’ there’s still a long way to go before you become the true Sovereign. I’ve heard that some in the Phoenix and Chongming lineages are getting ambitious. You wouldn’t want to remain the Young Sovereign for decades, then watch someone else take the throne, would you? That would be quite embarrassing.”
Qing Xun: “…” News traveled fast in the Immortal Realm. Actually, not just the Immortal Realm. Even the demons were now watching the spectacle on the Chaos Mirror. If she failed to ascend to the throne, how would they mock her? How would her elders punish her? Thinking about the worst-case scenario, she shuddered.
Seeing Qing Xun diligently working on the documents, Que Chenyi smiled, pleased with her progress.
She stood up and stretched.
Qing Xun, noticing her movement, felt a surge of anxiety. “Where are you going?” she asked hurriedly.
“Morning Phoenix Mountain,” Que Chenyi replied, smiling.
Qing Xun immediately fell silent.
She also wanted to visit Morning Phoenix Mountain and see their orchards, but being intimidated by Feng Chiyue was the least of her worries. Whenever she returned, everyone, whether from the lower realm or Phoenix Mountain, would try to pry information about those two from her.
The Phoenix Sovereign was a thing of the past. That person only wanted to live a carefree life. But many feathered immortals remained trapped in their guilt. What could she do? She couldn’t and wouldn’t interfere.
They had to face the consequences of their actions.
Que Chenyi went to Morning Phoenix Mountain.
Of course, Feng Chiyue and Ming Jian Su were both absent. Only Zhu Wan, the head steward, was there.
Zhu Wan had no interest in spiritual fruits, but she enjoyed tending to the orchard.
Feng Chiyue and her Elder Sister were generous. They allowed the birds to freely eat the fruit, and Zhu Wan could pick as many ripe fruits as she wanted.
She had no use for them herself, but she could use them to build a powerful network of connections within the feathered lineages.
When Que Chenyi arrived, Zhu Wan greeted her warmly, offering her a plate of fruit.
They ate, gossiping about the latest news from the Chaos Mirror.
Zhu Wan was particularly amused by the Heavenly Princess and the Dragon Princess.
Que Chenyi listened halfheartedly, then, out of curiosity, asked, “Why haven’t you applied for an official position yet? Chang Huai is already a Star Monarch.”
Zhu Wan shook her head vigorously. “Why would I subject myself to that?” she said. “I have no desire to work.” She looked at Que Chenyi. “Don’t think I don’t know you’re using feather-nourishing ointments.”
Que Chenyi blushed and glared at her. “I haven’t used them in a long time,” she said.
Zhu Wan chuckled. “Then it’s Qing Xun who’s bearing the burden now.”
Que Chenyi: “…” She couldn’t argue. With such a diligent assistant, she no longer had to deal with the Celestial Feather Ministry’s test bank, assessments, or grading. “What about those two?” she asked, changing the subject.
Zhu Wan shrugged. “I don’t know,” she said. She wouldn’t dare to ask where they went, and she didn’t care. After all, she wasn’t going with them. “They’re either in the Immortal Realm or the lower realm.”
Que Chenyi looked at her enviously. She would also live a carefree life after earning enough Cinnabar Jade.
“They definitely wouldn’t be in the Demon Realm,” Zhu Wan added.
“Why not?”
“The Nine-Tailed Fox Nation and the Demon Abyss are now freely interacting,” Zhu Wan explained. “The Demon Realm is full of furry creatures.”
Que Chenyi: “…”
“The Demon Realm is filled with turbid energy and eternal darkness,” Zhu Wan continued. “No decent immortal would want to go there.”
Que Chenyi’s eyes flickered, and she lowered her voice. “I heard your Master was studying demonic techniques.”
Zhu Wan’s eyes widened, and she beckoned Que Chenyi closer. “I’ll tell you a secret,” she whispered, her voice filled with mischief. “Do you know why those from Phoenix Mountain aren’t favored, even though they’re also phoenixes?”
Que Chenyi frowned and glanced at her, thinking, “Isn’t that obvious? We just don’t talk about it.” She suspected Zhu Wan was teasing her. She glared at her and said, “If that’s all you have to say, then don’t bother.”
“There’s another reason, besides the obvious one,” Zhu Wan said mysteriously.
Que Chenyi looked at her, intrigued.
“The phoenixes who ascended from the lower realm have similar true forms to hers,” Zhu Wan explained, “while those from Phoenix Mountain, although beautiful, are not ‘orthodox.’”
Que Chenyi: “?” For a moment, she thought she had misheard, but seeing Zhu Wan’s confident expression, she began to doubt herself. Ignoring her knowing look, she analyzed recent events and came to a conclusion. Those two’s dislike for Phoenix Mountain probably had nothing to do with their fur color, but to please Feng Chiyue, Ming Jian Su was clearly happy to reshape the entire feathered lineages’ aesthetic preferences. As for Zhu Wan…
“Did someone bribe you?” she asked.
Zhu Wan’s eyes darted around, her voice hesitant. “No,” she said.
Que Chenyi was even more certain. “They must have.”
Seeing that she had been exposed, Zhu Wan sighed and said, “Alright, fine. It was one of your Celestial Feather Ministry’s alchemists. She said she had created a new batch of feather dyes but couldn’t sell them.” In the Immortal Realm, only the feathered lineages and the beasts from the White Tiger Department needed feather or fur care, and few immortals were willing to change their appearance.
Que Chenyi: “…” Those alchemists, no longer burdened by their past, were clearly exploring strange new avenues, their progress unstoppable. “Give me half,” she said, making a bold demand.
Zhu Wan was wealthy now, and the number of Cinnabar Jade she possessed was less important than the act of earning it.
She agreed without hesitation.
Soon, a “feather dyeing” craze swept through the feathered lineages, even spreading to the White Tiger Department.
Zhu Wan was delighted and immediately sent a message to Ming Jian Su, bragging about her “achievement.”
Ming Jian Su didn’t receive it.
She and Feng Chiyue were already in a nascent Minor Realm called Qingshuang. This world hadn’t been discovered because it had gained enough power to break through the Heavenly Gates but rather because of the turmoil in the Heavenly Court. The chaotic spiritual energy had forced open the sealed gates, revealing its existence. Several such worlds had appeared recently, and the Heavenly Court, sensing that they were still in their early stages of development, had left them alone, not capturing their nascent Heavenly Daos. After all, the Merit Mirror’s cracks hadn’t healed yet, and these anomalous worlds might disrupt its spiritual essence.
The northern continent was a harsh and desolate place, its mountains covered in snow, its rivers frozen, the heavy snowfall almost constant. The wind was sharp, the world a white expanse, like a tapestry adorned with white tufts, hanging between heaven and earth.
Spiritual energy was scarce here, the Dao newly born. It was a savage land, where ferocious beasts, relying on their strength, preyed on the weak, while humans, using their collective wisdom, had developed methods to strengthen their bodies, hunting beasts and using their blood to nourish their flesh. It wasn’t a constant battle between humans and beasts. They would also raise young beasts, forming bonds of companionship.
The balance between them had been maintained, until one day, a crimson light descended from the sky, igniting a demonic fire that enraged the beasts, making them even more ferocious. The human warriors, once capable of fighting them, were now easily defeated, suffering heavy losses. Forced to migrate to the icy north, they hoped that the constant snowfall would suppress the raging fire.
But the various birds of prey inhabiting the mountains were also formidable opponents.
The tribes who had reached the peaks not only had to endure the relentless blizzards but also fend off attacks from above.
Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue appeared just as the tribes were facing their greatest challenge.
Sword beams, like a torrential downpour, struck the birds from the sky, pinning them to the glaciers. Blood flowed, instantly freezing into crimson icicles.
The warriors, who had been battling the birds, stared at them in astonishment, then erupted in cheers, their eyes filled with awe.
“Their lives are hard,” Ming Jian Su said, frowning slightly.
Feng Chiyue glanced at the dead birds on the ground and nodded.
She followed behind Ming Jian Su, her eyes wide with curiosity, observing her surroundings.
The language and writing of this Minor Realm’s tribes were different from those elsewhere, but since the root of all language was spiritual essence, she could easily communicate with them. She learned that a demonic fire had descended from the sky, enraging the beasts. The fire was constantly moving, incinerating everything in its path.
“This power doesn’t belong to this world,” she said, after listening to the warriors’ descriptions. “Perhaps a Star Monarch’s soul escaped to this realm during that battle.”
Feng Chiyue: “…” Weren’t they here for a relaxing vacation?
She practically had the word “unlucky” written on her face.
Ming Jian Su immediately sensed her displeasure. “I’ll handle it,” she said, reassuring her. Those who had lived on the plains were now struggling to survive in the harsh, icy mountains, even without the threat of ferocious beasts. That “demonic fire” was trying to exterminate all life and claim this world’s spiritual energy for itself. If it succeeded, it might even break through the Heavenly Gates and cause trouble for the Heavenly Court.
Feng Chiyue lowered her gaze and grabbed Ming Jian Su’s arm. “It might be a feathered traitor,” she said. “I’ll go, Elder Sister. You stay here and protect them.” She would see who was trying to disrupt her peace!
Their cultivation levels were suppressed in this Minor Realm, but they were still far beyond the reach of the local cultivators.
Seeing her junior sister’s rare initiative, Ming Jian Su didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm. She embraced Feng Chiyue, kissing her lips. “Come back soon,” she whispered.
Feng Chiyue snorted and, transforming into a beam of light, left the snowy plains.
The demonic fire, pursuing the human tribes, was advancing towards the north. The tribes on the icy plains were only a small group. Most were still behind.
She immediately spotted the fire and the tide of beasts it commanded.
Within the fire was a Mie Meng bird, its feathers blue, its tail crimson. Its power was far below that of a Star Monarch, but in this desolate world, it was practically invincible.
Its laughter, sharp and piercing, echoed through the air like a ghostly wail.
Wherever it went, a sea of fire followed, ruthlessly consuming all life.
But its laughter soon died in its throat.
All sound seemed to be trapped, as if its neck had been choked. After a moment of stunned silence, it turned abruptly, fleeing in the opposite direction. But then, its surging aura, like a punctured balloon, suddenly deflated. It didn’t even see her move before it fell from the sky, crashing into the tide of beasts, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Feng Chiyue calmly smoothed her sleeve and flicked a spark of Phoenix Fire towards it.
She crossed her arms, a playful smile on her lips, and watched as it struggled amidst the flames.
The beasts, sensing danger, scattered in all directions.
The warriors, seeing the situation reversed, immediately drew their bows and, urging their animal companions forward, charged towards the fleeing beasts, their bloodlust and recklessness evident.
Feng Chiyue ignored them, her gaze fixed on the Mie Meng bird as it burned to ashes. She waved her hand, and the dust, long overdue for burial, scattered in the wind.
A young girl, about seven or eight years old, cautiously approached her. She was small and thin, but she wore a warrior’s attire, a long sword hanging from her waist, bouncing with each step, looking rather comical. A young hawk perched on her shoulder, staring at Feng Chiyue, its eyes already sharp.
The adults behind her finally became anxious, but they didn’t stop her, simply watching as she presented two flower garlands to Feng Chiyue.
She could tell they were a pair.
The girl, urged forward by her hawk, was actually quite afraid.
Her tribe had been constantly migrating. They had nothing valuable left.
She looked at Feng Chiyue nervously, waiting for her reaction.
Feng Chiyue smiled and accepted the garlands.
“Thank you,” she said, then reached out and touched the young hawk’s forehead.
This little creature was clever. She might as well give it a gift.
The hawk soared into the sky, its cry piercing the air. Soon, other hawks, from all over, gathered, circling above like a dark cloud.
This last remaining tribe was called “Sky Hawk,” their bond with hawks deep, willingly staying behind to cover the others’ retreat.
Feng Chiyue wasn’t interested in their stories. She simply looked down at the garlands in her hands, her thoughts filled with Ming Jian Su.
If she were to wear these garlands, it should be her Elder Sister who placed them on her head.
On the snowy plains.
Ming Jian Su’s sword energy was so sharp that no beast dared to approach.
But the blizzards and the bitter cold were relentless.
She erected a barrier to shelter the humans from the elements, then turned her attention elsewhere.
She could sense that the demonic fire was gone, but why hadn’t her junior sister returned yet?
She pursed her lips, a sense of unease settling in her heart. She couldn’t abandon these people in the snow. After a moment of thought, she left a magic sword behind and, following her junior sister’s aura, flew towards the north.
Night fell, its darkness enveloping the world.
Bonfires, like miniature suns, illuminated the camps.
The tribes ahead were still heading towards the icy plains, while the dozen or so tribes behind them, having received news of the demonic fire’s destruction, had sent their elders to the Sky Hawk tribe for a meeting.
But the Sky Hawk tribe had no time for them.
Red, blue, gold… colorful fabrics, hung from poles, fluttered in the night wind, shimmering like stars.
The rhythmic beating of drums blended with the mournful sound of horns, like the earth’s heartbeat.
Warriors dragged their prey, skinning them, the meat prepared by the tribe’s best cooks.
Beside the bonfire, a platform had been erected, a chair, draped with furs, placed on top.
Feng Chiyue sat there, her legs crossed, holding a jar of the Sky Hawk tribe’s strongest wine.
She had been playing with the flower garlands, telling the tribe’s leader that she was waiting for someone, and they had stopped migrating, bustling with activity.
She was slightly confused, but she didn’t care. It had nothing to do with her.
But when the wind carried the strange, melodic songs of the tribespeople, her cheeks flushed.
Using her spiritual sense to decipher the lyrics, she realized they were singing ancient, sensual love songs.
Ming Jian Su arrived just in time to hear the final, lingering notes.
She easily spotted her junior sister, sitting on the fur-covered chair, her eyes darkening slightly.
The tribe, startled by the stranger’s arrival, felt a moment of panic, but seeing the joy in Feng Chiyue’s eyes, they lowered their weapons.
Their leader whispered something to one of the warriors.
The warrior nodded and, with a determined stride, approached Ming Jian Su, pulling a shimmering fabric from a pole and draping it over her shoulders.
As the beautiful, star-like cloth settled, the singing resumed, echoing through the night.
Ming Jian Su understood. She looked at Feng Chiyue, confused, meeting her amused gaze.
Assuming this was her junior sister’s doing, she followed the warrior’s lead, humming along to the unfamiliar tune.
The melody, driven by the drums, gradually intensified, a beast unleashed from its cage, charging towards her amidst the swirling starlight.
This was the Sky Hawk tribe’s marriage custom: a tribute of courage and blood.
But her junior sister disliked bloodshed.
She glanced down at the beautiful white lion that had emerged from the cage. It sensed danger, its paws restless, its growls threatening. She smiled faintly and, with a graceful leap, landed on its back. The ferocious beast, which usually took several warriors to subdue, was now as docile as a kitten.
Silence fell, then erupted into cheers.
The drums pounded, and the singing grew louder.
Ming Jian Su, riding the lion, approached the platform and, dismounting, climbed the steps, adorned with gemstones.
She met Feng Chiyue’s smiling eyes and, taking the flower garlands, placed them on her head.
Her long eyelashes, like feathers, fluttered, catching the light.
A faint blush colored her cheeks, her skin as white as snow, a captivating aura surrounding her.
She was the most vibrant and striking figure in the entire settlement, eclipsing everyone else.
Ming Jian Su smiled, starlight dancing in her eyes, her beauty radiant.
They didn’t care for formalities. As long as they were happy, that was all that mattered. They didn’t hold a grand ceremony.
But time, place, and people were all in alignment. The spirits of this world would be their witnesses.
Ming Jian Su raised the colorful cloth draped over her shoulders, and the wind billowed it, then gently lowered it, enveloping them in its vibrant embrace.
Feng Chiyue reached out and pulled Ming Jian Su into her arms.
The cheers faded, muffled by the soft fabric. Ming Jian Su’s kisses landed on Feng Chiyue’s eyelids, then slowly trailed down to her earlobes, her lips, her neck, her collarbone, licking, caressing, their intimacy undeniable.
“For ten thousand years, we shall share life and death.”
“Our love shall endure, eternally.”
They spent the night in the Sky Hawk tribe’s main tent.
After the festivities, the tribespeople finally discussed their future. Their homes had been destroyed by the demonic fire, and venturing further into the icy mountains would come at a great cost. Most chose to turn back, but a few, those who were already nomadic, decided to stay.
The Sky Hawk tribe was one of them.
They and the other tribes who had gathered treated Feng Chiyue and Ming Jian Su with great respect and courtesy.
Although they were awed by her power, no one dared to ask about it.
Feng Chiyue, nestled among the furs, read about their customs.
Ming Jian Su found a stone tablet on the mountain peak, capable of bearing her sword intent, and left a single sword scar.
If they were fated, they would discover the path of cultivation. If not, they would continue honing their physical strength, forging their own unique path.
They stayed in the Minor Realm for six months before leaving.
They didn’t visit any other places, simply returning to Morning Phoenix Mountain.
They didn’t conceal their arrival, and by the time they reached the mountain gate, news of their return had already spread through the Chaos Mirror.
Feathered youths, adorned with colorful ornaments, flapped their wings and danced outside the gate, the scene chaotic.
They wanted to win the favor of those two, hoping to at least taste the mountain’s spiritual fruits.
Feng Chiyue: “…”
Ming Jian Su frowned and, with a flick of her sleeve, swept them away.
“Each generation is worse than the last,” Feng Chiyue said, shaking her head.
Ming Jian Su soon learned that this was Zhu Wan’s doing.
Beneath the peach tree, the wind blew, showering them with pink petals, a familiar scene.
Feng Chiyue lounged in the hammock, looking at Ming Jian Su, a sense of peace washing over her. She picked up a jade ornament hanging from Ming Jian Su’s sash and said, “Zhu Wan is becoming increasingly irresponsible.”
“She needs some discipline,” Ming Jian Su agreed, nodding.
Thus, on the day Zhu Wan was promoted from a named disciple to a true disciple, she was kicked out, forbidden from returning until she passed the official assessment.
As for the orchard, the puppet servants crafted by Chang Huai would take good care of it…
<The End>