Chapter 48
Back when Feng Chiyue would scold and berate him, Jing De Immortal Monarch harbored a simmering anger within him. However, that anger gradually transformed into fear. At first, he dared to curse her on the Chaos Mirror, inciting others to join him in targeting her. Now, the mere mention of her name filled him with a sense of impending doom, especially after witnessing Bai Zifeng’s merciless execution by Ming Jian Su.
The threat posed by Feng Chiyue alone was formidable enough. With Ming Jian Su added to the equation, it was simply unbearable.
The shadow on the ground shifted. Called out by name, Jing De Immortal Monarch didn’t dare to look up at their expressions. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, devoid of any Heavenly Immortal’s pride.
Ming Jian Su chuckled softly. Jing De Immortal Monarch had bullied her junior sister while she was away. Although her junior sister had exacted revenge on the spot, she still felt a surge of displeasure. Her gaze, sharp as a blade, swept over Jing De Immortal Monarch. She smiled faintly. “Why are you prostrating yourself, Fellow Daoist?” she asked.
“Perhaps his legs are broken,” Feng Chiyue said casually. She had long since forgotten about that old fool. Her gaze, filled with urgency, rested on Ming Jian Su. She didn’t want to stand around outside. Ming Jian Su understood and, taking Feng Chiyue’s hand, led her towards the Celestial Feather Hall.
Only after they were gone did Jing De Immortal Monarch let out a breath, feeling the pressure lift from his shoulders. The Feather Guards passing by cast curious glances at him. He felt a wave of embarrassment, stood up slowly, and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Suddenly, he remembered the reason he had come, and his body stiffened once more.
He had inquired beforehand. Those two rarely visited the Celestial Feather Ministry. Why was he so unlucky to run into them?
In the Celestial Feather Ministry’s side hall.
Qing Xun, like a streak of green light, suddenly appeared before Que Chenyi, her voice filled with surprise. “The Ministry Head and the Immortal Monarch are here.”
Que Chenyi hummed, but she didn’t go to greet them. Instead, she handed Qing Xun the transcribed documents. “Take these over,” she said.
Qing Xun nodded eagerly. She spotted Jing De Immortal Monarch shuffling along the hallway and looked at him curiously. She pursed her lips, holding back any comments. Upon reaching the Celestial Feather Hall, she placed the documents on the table and said crisply, “The Assistant Ministry Head asked me to deliver these.” Over time, her fear of Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue had diminished somewhat. Now, she couldn’t help but glance around.
Feng Chiyue’s senses were sharp. She felt Qing Xun’s gaze on her and lifted her eyelids. “Do you need something?” she asked, her tone indifferent. She had come with Ming Jian Su but had no interest in official matters. She lay sprawled on the bed, engrossed in the Chaos Mirror. However, the young Azure Dragon’s inquisitive gaze annoyed her.
“No,” Qing Xun said, startled, and quickly looked away. Feng Chiyue ignored her, but Ming Jian Su frowned slightly at her junior sister’s words and fixed a cold gaze on Qing Xun. A shiver ran down her spine. She instinctively took a step back, her hands twisting behind her back. After a long moment, she stammered, “Jing De Immortal Monarch from the Heavenly Prosperity Department is outside.”
Ming Jian Su said without looking up, “Let him in.” After the Vermilion Bird Elder’s death, all the “personal wealth” he had publicly claimed had been confiscated and transferred to the Celestial Feather Ministry. Those from Danxue Mountain had been sensible enough not to interfere. Their accumulated wealth over the past thousand years was truly impressive, a stark contrast to the poverty of Phoenix Mountain.
***
Before entering the hall, Jing De Immortal Monarch straightened his robes and, suppressing his fear, performed a perfunctory bow. However, both Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue were busy with their own affairs and paid him no attention. His embarrassment deepened, and his lips moved soundlessly. Finally, he gave up and looked at Qing Xun.
Qing Xun stared straight ahead, pretending to be a pillar. Silence filled the hall. Vaguely, she caught a glance from Feng Chiyue. Suddenly understanding, she turned to Jing De Immortal Monarch and asked, “What brings you to the Celestial Feather Ministry, Immortal Monarch?” Her voice was clear and crisp, like the sound of jade chimes.
Jing De Immortal Monarch had been struggling to find the right words. Qing Xun’s question provided an opening, breaking the awkward silence. “My Master sent me to inquire about the confiscated assets of the Vermilion Bird Elder,” he said hastily.
Qing Xun knew who Jing De Immortal Monarch was and naturally understood that his “Master” referred to the Minister of Fortune. She frowned in confusion. “What does that have to do with the Heavenly Prosperity Department?”
Jing De Immortal Monarch smiled awkwardly, not bothering to assert his authority over this junior. “They’re typically transferred to the Heavenly Prosperity Department,” he explained. He hadn’t expected the Celestial Feather Ministry to snatch them this time.
Qing Xun understood. The Heavenly Prosperity Department wanted to empty the Celestial Feather Ministry’s newly acquired treasury! Anger flared within her, and she glared at Jing De Immortal Monarch. “The Heavenly Emperor has separated the Heavenly Prosperity Department from the Celestial Feather Ministry,” she said coldly. “On what grounds do you come to our Ministry demanding our assets?”
Jing De Immortal Monarch was taken aback. The Heavenly Emperor’s decree had only stated that the Celestial Feather Ministry would no longer receive funds from the Heavenly Prosperity Department. They had naturally assumed that all income generated by the Celestial Feather Ministry still belonged to them. Was the Ministry now claiming that they wouldn’t be sending those assets to their treasury? His expression soured. If it had only been Qing Xun present, he would have argued with her. But with Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue in the room, despite their silence, their presence was overwhelming. He swallowed his anger and confusion. “I’ll report back to my Master,” he said and hastily retreated from the hall.
***
With Jing De Immortal Monarch gone, Qing Xun could finally vent her anger, cursing him under her breath. The Heavenly Prosperity Department was truly shameless. They wanted all the Celestial Feather Ministry’s income while refusing to provide any funds. Was that fair? These immortals were cunning, malicious, and delusional!
Ming Jian Su was well aware of those officials’ character. Although Jing De Immortal Monarch had left, the matter wasn’t over. The Minister of Fortune would definitely be furious and would complain to the Heavenly Emperor. However, even the Emperor’s intervention wouldn’t change anything.
While Ming Jian Su and Qing Xun were preoccupied, Feng Chiyue remained carefree. She withdrew her consciousness from the Chaos Mirror, stretched, and looked at Qing Xun intently.
Exposed to Feng Chiyue’s scrutiny, Qing Xun tensed up again, and her earlier indignation towards Jing De Immortal Monarch vanished. She hung her head, her entire body radiating dejection.
“Have you mastered the art of Nirvana?” Feng Chiyue asked.
Qing Xun choked. Most of the feathered lineages in Phoenix Mountain hadn’t mastered it. Was it something she, a mere teenager, could learn? Her face flushed red, and under Feng Chiyue’s clear gaze, a wave of shame washed over her. “No,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Disgust filled Feng Chiyue’s eyes. “Is it that difficult?” she asked.
Qing Xun was bewildered. Was the art of Nirvana supposed to be easy?
“She’s still young,” Ming Jian Su said, speaking up for Qing Xun.
“When I was her age…” Feng Chiyue started to say, then suddenly stopped. What about when she was her age? She couldn’t remember. She rubbed her forehead, a sharp pain shooting through her head. She immediately stopped thinking and lay down on the bed, her eyes unfocused. Sensing her distress, Ming Jian Su tossed aside the documents and appeared at her bedside in an instant. She helped Feng Chiyue onto her lap and gently massaged her temples.
“Are you alright?” she asked with concern.
The pain vanished as quickly as it had come. Feng Chiyue felt fine now. But Ming Jian Su’s touch was soothing. She didn’t answer but nuzzled against Ming Jian Su’s chest and hummed softly. Ming Jian Su shifted her hand from Feng Chiyue’s temples to cup her face, her thumb gently stroking her cheek. Feng Chiyue glanced at her, then, seemingly unintentionally, turned her head and brushed her lips against Ming Jian Su’s palm.
Ming Jian Su’s hand trembled slightly. She looked at Feng Chiyue.
Feng Chiyue met her gaze, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Qing Xun: “…” The figures before her blurred, and the atmosphere in the hall became strangely heavy. She wanted to excuse herself, but seeing that no one was paying her any attention, she quietly slipped out of the hall and returned to the side hall.
“Why were you gone for so long?” Que Chenyi asked.
Qing Xun recounted Jing De Immortal Monarch’s visit, embellishing the details with indignation. “They’re so shameless!” she exclaimed, her cheeks puffed out in anger. “How can they do such a thing? If they take all our assets, how will we pay the Ministry’s officials? Will we all starve?”
Que Chenyi raised an eyebrow, her tone mocking. “We’ll just have to disband, then.” The Heavenly Emperor’s decree was forcing them to make a choice. She had heard that he had long been dissatisfied with the reforms within the Celestial Feather Ministry, but the Celestial Mother had prevented him from interfering.
Qing Xun frowned, not wanting to dwell on the matter. After a moment of silence, she changed the subject. “Do you know the art of Nirvana?” she asked, staring at Que Chenyi intently.
“No,” Que Chenyi replied casually. Even if she knew such a profound technique, she wouldn’t tell anyone, would she? She wanted to know why Qing Xun had suddenly asked, but when she met her gaze, she was startled by the disdain and astonishment she saw. Had this young Azure Dragon learned the art of Nirvana?
The next moment, Qing Xun said, “I don’t know it either.”
She took out the Chaos Mirror and found several familiar name seals. First, she contacted Feng Yao, then other members of her lineage, even elders. Finally, she gathered everyone together and asked, her voice filled with genuine bewilderment, “Do none of you know the art of Nirvana?”
***
In Phoenix Mountain.
Whether Phoenix, Chongming, or Azure Dragon, none of them were as idle as Qing Xun. They were either busy studying or diligently fulfilling their duties as Mountain Patrol Emissaries, writing reports and refining their skills. Hardly anyone paid attention to her. However, the name seals kept flashing until Feng Yao, unable to bear the constant harassment, finally focused her consciousness on the Chaos Mirror. Only then did Qing Xun stop.
Qing Xun was still in the Celestial Feather Ministry’s side hall. She curled up in her chair and looked up at Feng Yao’s projected figure. “Sister Feng Yao, you haven’t answered my question,” she said.
Feng Yao rubbed her forehead in exasperation. Realizing that the environment wasn’t suitable, she said quickly, “No.” Before Qing Xun could ask another question, she added, “Don’t you have anything better to do?”
Qing Xun’s gaze shifted to Que Chenyi, and she felt a twinge of guilt. She avoided Feng Yao’s eyes and mumbled, “Not really.”
Feng Yao: “…” She swallowed her words. After a long moment, she said, “Focus on your work.” Qing Xun was the only one in all of Phoenix Mountain who could get close to Feng Chiyue.
Learning about the past had left Feng Yao feeling deeply troubled. A knot of frustration lingered in her chest, and she didn’t know who to blame.
Even if Ming Jian Su had been willing to maintain friendly relations with Phoenix Mountain, Feng Yao wouldn’t have dared to visit her again.
They had clung to a faint hope, waiting for their Sovereign to return and lead them back to their former glory. But this hope, placed on someone else’s shoulders, was ultimately an illusion. What would happen even if their Sovereign returned? She was no longer willing to have anything to do with them.
If Phoenix Mountain wanted to escape its predicament, they had to rely on themselves.
“Why is Qing Xun asking about Nirvana?” someone murmured.
Feng Yao snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. “Just a childish whim,” she said. She was preoccupied with recent events, her fingers pressing against her aching temples. She didn’t mention “Nirvana” but changed the subject. “Something so major happened in Danxue Mountain, and yet Chang Li hasn’t appeared. She’s probably not in seclusion anymore.”
“Do you think she might have guessed something and gone looking for our Sovereign?”
***
In the Heavenly Court’s Purple Empyrean Palace.
The Heavenly Emperor’s face was dark as he held a message in his hand.
It was from Chang Li, stating that she had found clues about the Phoenix Sovereign’s whereabouts in the Demon Abyss and would have results soon.
After a thousand years, the unease buried deep within him resurfaced, and his expression turned grim and malicious, his eyes filled with anger.
The Minister of Fortune arrived at the worst possible time.
The Heavenly Emperor brushed aside the message and summoned him.
Sensing the Emperor’s anger, the Minister of Fortune was startled, then relieved. The Emperor’s bad mood might actually be a good thing. He bowed and, after subtly hinting at Ming Jian Su’s involvement in the “Vermilion Bird Elder’s” strange death, even though the case had been closed by the Celestial Pivot Department, finally got to the point. “The Celestial Feather Ministry has confiscated the assets of the Vermilion Bird Elder, but they refuse to hand them over to the Heavenly Prosperity Department,” he said with a sigh, feigning indignation. “My disciple Jing De went to inquire and was threatened by the East Abode Master. He’s been anxious and fearful ever since. Please, Your Majesty, uphold justice for us!”
The Heavenly Emperor didn’t know how much the Vermilion Bird Elder’s assets were worth. He normally wouldn’t concern himself with such trivial matters. But he was in a foul mood, and his resentment towards Ming Jian Su had reached its peak. “Take my decree to the Celestial Feather Ministry!” he said coldly.
The Minister of Fortune had been waiting for those words. He suppressed his delight and asked cautiously, “What if the East Abode Master refuses to comply?”
The words “refuse to comply” struck a nerve. A flash of fury crossed the Heavenly Emperor’s eyes. “Then arrest her on the spot!” he roared. He flipped his wrist, and a purple seal appeared in mid-air. He grabbed a decree, stamped it with the seal, and pushed it towards the Minister of Fortune.
This seal, called the “Heavenly Constitution Seal,” was an artifact created by the Heavenly Dao itself, representing the Heavenly Emperor’s absolute authority. Once a decree was stamped with this seal, it could invoke the power of the Heavenly Dao to suppress all immortals. The Minister of Fortune felt a surge of confidence. However, he wasn’t satisfied yet. This decree was a powerful tool, but the person wielding it might not be able to utilize its full potential. He smiled awkwardly. “I’m afraid few in the Heavenly Court are a match for the East Abode Master.”
The Heavenly Emperor’s frown deepened. Chang Li was away, and Ming Yuheng was close friends with Ming Jian Su, both having ascended from the lower realm. After witnessing the deaths of Bai Yang Star Monarch and Yuan Yao Star Monarch, those Star Monarchs who shirked their duties might not be willing to take on this task. His mind raced. After a long moment, he said coldly, “Ask the West Sea Lord to accompany you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Minister of Fortune replied.
***
With the Heavenly Emperor’s decree in hand, the Minister of Fortune felt emboldened. However, he didn’t want to completely antagonize Ming Jian Su. So before setting out, he sent her a message through the Chaos Mirror, a final warning disguised as a friendly reminder. If she was wise, he wouldn’t have to involve Bai Guchan.
Upon seeing the Minister of Fortune’s “ultimatum,” Ming Jian Su remained silent. It was Feng Chiyue who scoffed first.
She took out the Chaos Mirror and, after fiddling with it for a moment, made the Heavenly Emperor’s decree public.
Her actions caused an uproar. The human immortals watched with amusement, while the feathered and aquatic lineages were in an uproar.
— All assets belong to the Heavenly Prosperity Department, but they will no longer provide us with Cinnabar Jade or elixirs? What does this mean? Do they expect us to work for free?
— If the Heavenly Emperor wants to dismiss all feathered and aquatic officials, just say it!
— What is the Heavenly Court trying to do? Cast us aside after using us?
— I bet this is related to the Celestial Feather Ministry’s reforms.
…
This matter directly affected their interests. Even the most cautious and timid immortals couldn’t help but voice their outrage.
The Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and the others in Danxue Mountain were also dissatisfied. Their children and juniors, registered as officials, also received monthly allowances from the Heavenly Prosperity Department. Now that the Department refused to accept their requests, weren’t they being excluded as well? However, they didn’t make a fuss. Any discerning person could see that this was a power struggle between the Heavenly Emperor and the Celestial Feather Ministry. It wouldn’t last long. As soon as one side backed down, everything would return to normal. They resented the Heavenly Emperor, but their hatred towards Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue ran even deeper. They eagerly awaited their downfall.
While the main lineages of Danxue Mountain could control their members, the smaller lineages under their jurisdiction were furious. They never received any benefits, but they were always implicated in any trouble. Their elders had approached Danxue Mountain several times but had received no satisfactory answers. Meanwhile, Phoenix Mountain had made a significant move, donating their mines to the Celestial Feather Ministry to compensate for their lost funding. This gesture swayed many of the smaller lineages. They didn’t dare to openly side with Phoenix Mountain, but they secretly supported the Celestial Feather Ministry. Their attitude shifted from initial uncooperativeness to eager assistance.
Ming Jian Su ignored the arguments raging on the Chaos Mirror. She pondered the Minister of Fortune’s words, a threat disguised as a warning, and suspected that the Heavenly Emperor might have used that particular technique. She disliked that kind of suppression and needed to find a way to counter it. She looked down at Feng Chiyue. “I need to go out for a while, Junior Sister,” she said softly.
Feng Chiyue nodded, not asking where she was going.
She lay on the bed and opened Ying Cunxin’s name seal, reading her long, rambling messages.
Ying Cunxin was describing her predicament, caught between a rock and a hard place, unsure of what to do.
An idea struck Feng Chiyue. “The root of the problem is that you’re too weak,” she wrote.
Ying Cunxin humbly asked for advice, and Feng Chiyue, with nothing better to do, offered a few pointers.
Finally, Ying Cunxin asked, “Did the Heavenly Princess reveal all these weaknesses herself?” She was starting to think that the princess was a bit foolish.
Feng Chiyue ignored her, thinking listlessly, “Why isn’t Elder Sister back yet? Did she run away again?”
***
Leaving Dong’e Mountain, Ming Jian Su headed towards the Great Yin Celestial Mother’s Palace.
With tensions running high between the Celestial Mother and the Heavenly Emperor, she didn’t reside in the Purple Empyrean Palace on Kunlun Mountain. She had established her own separate abode.
The palace complex was a magnificent sight, with a bright moon hanging above it, casting a cool, silvery light.
Ming Jian Su walked along a canal, stepping onto a pristine lotus floating on the water. The river seemed to stretch endlessly, and the lotus beneath her feet, shimmering like moonlight, threatened to sink at any moment. Her expression remained calm, her cloak and sleeves billowing in the wind, her bearing elegant and ethereal.
Moments later, the moonlit river vanished, and she found herself before a palace adorned with carved railings and jade tiles.
A soft chuckle echoed through the air. The Celestial Mother materialized before her, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Your heart is as clear as glass, East Abode Master. No wonder you managed to pass my Test of Dust Heart.” With a wave of her sleeve, a stone table and chairs appeared, along with two cups of steaming tea.
The Celestial Mother’s hospitality was genuine, and Ming Jian Su didn’t hesitate to accept it. After bowing, she sat down opposite her.
The Celestial Mother studied her with a smile. She had been in seclusion for a long time and was seeing Ming Jian Su up close for the first time. “Have you come regarding the Celestial Feather Ministry, East Abode Master?” she asked.
Ming Jian Su nodded. She had accepted the Celestial Mother’s decree to oversee the Ministry. Now that the authority had been divided between the Heavenly Emperor and the Celestial Mother, it was appropriate to consult the Celestial Mother on this matter. She didn’t believe that the Celestial Mother was unaware of the Heavenly Emperor’s recent actions. After a moment of thought, she stated her purpose directly. “The Emperor is opposed to any changes within the Celestial Feather Ministry. He’s been trying to suppress us, even cutting off our funding. I’m not afraid of confrontation, but I would like to know your opinion before proceeding.”
The Celestial Mother waved her hand, and a golden decree appeared on the table.
Ming Jian Su glanced at it and smiled. She wasn’t interested in the flowery language but rather the seal affixed to it, representing the Celestial Mother’s authority and imbued with the power of the Heavenly Dao. She tucked the decree into her sleeve, met the Celestial Mother’s gaze, and said, “Thank you, Celestial Mother.” She was grateful not only for the present support but also for the Celestial Mother’s act of kindness a thousand years ago. She knew that not all immortals were like the Heavenly Emperor.
“You went to the Realm Beyond Heaven?” the Celestial Mother asked suddenly.
Ming Jian Su didn’t hide anything. “Yes,” she said, nodding.
The Celestial Mother looked at her intently. “They are his supporters,” she said.
“So what?” Ming Jian Su said dismissively. Those people would meet their end sooner or later. Seeing the Celestial Mother’s slight bewilderment, she pressed on, asking casually, “Where does the Mandate of Heaven reside?” Despite her casual tone, her eyes were filled with an unwavering determination, a sharp, chilling glint that set her apart from the lazy, frivolous immortals of the Heavenly Court.
The Celestial Mother instantly understood her meaning. She took a sip of tea and smiled. “The Mandate of Heaven resides here and now,” she said. Countless eons ago, the first Heavenly Emperor, having achieved perfect cultivation, created the Immortal Realm and, transforming into the ultimate Yang, merged with the Heavenly Dao, forming a pact with Heaven, Earth, and the Great Yin. The bearer of the Mandate of Heaven was to be born among his descendants. When the Mandate shifted, the Great Yin would give birth to the Celestial Mother to assist the Heavenly Emperor. But even the greatest merits would eventually be exhausted, and countless karmic ties eroded the pact. Now that she had a chance to break free from the constraints of that oath, why shouldn’t she strive for more?
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