Chapter 55
Zhu Wan was certain that her Master and Feng Chiyue possessed the power to overthrow the Heavenly Emperor, but they had absolutely no desire to rule. Feng Chiyue wouldn’t even sit if she could lie down. As for her Master, although she appeared cheerful while handling the Celestial Feather Ministry’s affairs for Feng Chiyue, her expression would darken like spilled ink whenever Feng Chiyue was absent, her entire being radiating a deep aversion to paperwork. If a single Ministry was enough to cause such distress, how could she possibly handle the entire Heavenly Court? If they usurped the Mandate of Heaven and became the new rulers, the scenario would likely unfold as follows: eliminate anyone they disliked, eliminate anything they couldn’t understand… The Immortal Realm would be free of trouble because the troublemakers would be sent to the Yellow Springs.
“Don’t ever mention this in front of my Master,” Zhu Wan said, covering Chang Huai’s mouth.
Chang Huai blinked and nodded vigorously. She would definitely keep this secret. If the Heavenly Court was about to change hands, the Feather Guards needed the strength to rival the Heavenly Soldiers – no, they needed to be ten times stronger. It seemed that the current training ground wasn’t challenging enough. They couldn’t simply base it on the battles in the Ethereal Spirit Realm.
***
After the news of the Feather Guards’ reestablishment spread to the feathered lineages, those who had attended the banquet couldn’t shake the image of those exploding fireworks from their minds. They didn’t dare to play any tricks and promptly submitted the names of their members for conscription. Those affiliated with the Vermilion Birds and Bifang lineages, after some delay, reluctantly followed suit. It was better to send a mediocre member willingly than to have Ming Jian Su forcibly take their elites as hostages. They didn’t care about the fate of the mediocre ones.
“The Vermilion Birds and Bifang lineages have also submitted their lists,” Ming Jian Su said, surprised. She had expected them to resist until the end. Why were they suddenly behaving? After a moment, she chuckled and turned to Feng Chiyue. “We were right, Junior Sister. The closer a lineage is to the Vermilion Birds and their allies, the more mediocre the immortal they sent to the Feather Guards.”
“Can we exploit their identities?” Feng Chiyue asked lazily, lying on the bed. She was also skilled in sowing discord.
“No,” Ming Jian Su shook her head, shrugging. “It seems they carefully considered their choices.”
Feng Chiyue scoffed. “How strange. I thought they only had one brain cell to share.”
Ming Jian Su wholeheartedly agreed. In her eyes, the current Vermilion Birds, Bifang, and their allies were slightly more intelligent, but not by much. She ignored the Feather Guards and, walking towards Feng Chiyue, sat beside her. “How’s the Four Seas Department?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” Feng Chiyue replied simply. She sat up, moved closer, and, wrapping her arms around Ming Jian Su’s neck, leaned against her. “Ying Cunxin hasn’t complained to me lately. Perhaps she and the Heavenly Princess are getting along now.”
“That quickly?” Ming Jian Su asked. With Chu Yi’s personality, after being tricked by Ying Cunxin several times, she had shown remarkable restraint by not ripping off her scales.
Feng Chiyue didn’t care about their relationship anymore. “As long as they don’t come to Dong’e Mountain,” she said, rolling her eyes.
Ming Jian Su couldn’t see her expression. She turned slightly, wanting to face her. But before she could move, Feng Chiyue’s soft lips brushed against her cheek, her warm breath like a feather against her skin. She instinctively closed her eyes, but Feng Chiyue pulled away. The pressure around her neck vanished, leaving Ming Jian Su feeling empty and disappointed. She looked down and saw that the culprit, who had stirred her heart, was already lying on the bed, pulling her sleeve to block the sunlight streaming through the window.
“What’s…” She swallowed the words “What’s wrong?”
Feng Chiyue looked at her, confused.
Ming Jian Su frowned and pursed her lips. Her junior sister seemed to be losing interest in her. She removed her shoes and socks, climbed onto the bed, and moved closer to Feng Chiyue, her gaze fixed on her captivating face. Feng Chiyue blinked, silently inviting her closer.
Ming Jian Su raised an eyebrow, a smile returning to her face. She lay down and embraced Feng Chiyue. Feng Chiyue snuggled against her but didn’t cause her usual mischief. She rested her head on Ming Jian Su’s arm and said, her voice muffled, “I shouldn’t have caused trouble in the Celestial Feather Ministry.” If she hadn’t, there wouldn’t be so much work for her Elder Sister to handle. After a moment, she looked up at Ming Jian Su, her eyes twinkling. “You should rest well, Elder Sister. As for all the unfinished work, just leave it to…” She had been about to say “me,” but knowing herself all too well, she quickly changed her mind. “Que Chenyi, Qing Xun, Zhu Wan, and Undefeated,” she said.
“If it’s really too much, we can ask Phoenix Mountain for help.”
Ming Jian Su chuckled and agreed. The emptiness in her heart vanished. Her junior sister had never cared about whether she was tired or not. Now, she was even willing to mention Phoenix Mountain. But she knew that, even without her memories, that deep-seated rift wouldn’t disappear. Phoenix Mountain and they were destined to remain distant, at most allies.
***
Compared to the previous dramatic events, the reestablishment of the Feather Guards didn’t cause much of a stir on the Chaos Mirror.
However, the Heavenly Emperor was filled with unease. Years ago, he wouldn’t have cared about the Feather Guards, but now that the Celestial Feather Ministry was under the Celestial Mother’s control, wasn’t their reestablishment strengthening her power? But there was nothing against the rules. He couldn’t find a valid excuse to disband them. The Four Seas Department maintained a polite distance from the Heavenly Court. Knowing the Four Seas Dragon Lords, he knew that the chances of winning them over were slim. Perhaps he could try with the White Tiger Department. They were currently considered the Celestial Mother’s faction, but their leader, Bai Guchan, the West Sea Lord, was one of his officials.
After a moment of thought, he had an idea. He summoned Yu Gao, who was now in the Heavenly Prosperity Department, to the Purple Empyrean Palace.
Having been appointed as a Star Monarch and placed in charge of the entire Heavenly Prosperity Department, Yu Gao should have been triumphant. However, he appeared dejected and weary. His state alarmed the Heavenly Emperor. His expression hardened, and he asked coldly, “Are those in the Heavenly Prosperity Department bullying you for your youth?”
Yu Gao hesitated.
The Department was filled with the former Minister of Fortune’s disciples and followers. Before he could even give any orders, they had resigned. He had initially thought this was a good thing. He had immediately appointed his own disciples, believing he could now relax. But who would have thought that chaos would erupt on the very first day? First, there were issues with the Cinnabar Jade accounts in the Heavenly Prosperity Palace, then a cauldron exploded in the Supreme Palace. A few days later, some furious immortals arrived, brandishing artifacts from the Dragon Cauldron Palace, claiming they were fakes. Upon inspection, it was discovered that some components had lost their spiritual properties. Yu Gao had no outlet for his frustration. He could only appease them with Cinnabar Jade, further complicating the Department’s accounts.
He wanted to complain to the Heavenly Emperor but was afraid of appearing incompetent and being dismissed. “No,” he said, pretending that everything was fine.
The Heavenly Emperor frowned. Seeing his reluctance, he didn’t press further. He didn’t have the time or patience to deal with Yu Gao’s problems. After briefly mentioning the Celestial Feather Ministry, he waited for Yu Gao’s response. However, Yu Gao remained bewildered and helpless. The Emperor’s anger flared, and his voice turned cold. “The Celestial Feather Ministry is beyond our reach now. We need to use others to suppress them. With Chu Yi in the Four Seas Department, there’s little room for you to maneuver, but we can still try with the White Tiger Department. If you can win over the West Sea Lord’s complete loyalty, they will become your greatest asset.”
The confusion on Yu Gao’s face vanished, replaced by a sudden gleam in his eyes. Afraid that this blockhead would ruin everything, the Emperor gave him some detailed instructions. Yu Gao nodded eagerly, his head bobbing like a chicken pecking at grain.
After he left, the Emperor’s expression turned grim. Among his children, Chu Yi was the most talented, but she was also too independent. During the Celestial Feather Ministry’s reforms, her loyalty had been with the Ministry, not with him, her father. As the Heavenly Princess, she did enjoy some favor from the Mandate of Heaven. But even the Emperor’s Mandate wasn’t immutable, let alone the Princess’s.
***
Leaving the Purple Empyrean Palace, Yu Gao returned to the Heavenly Prosperity Department.
His disciples approached him, seeking guidance on the chaotic accounts, but he had no time for such matters. He waved them away dismissively and, closing the doors to his cave, took out the Chaos Mirror, searching for information about the West Sea Lord. Unfortunately, she was too aloof and rarely appeared in public. There were no records of her preferences, not even a single portrait. Although he was a Star Monarch, he wasn’t high-ranking enough to attend the Heavenly Court’s meetings and had very few opportunities to interact with her. No matter how hard he tried to recall, the only image that came to mind was a vague, hazy face.
Without any information about her, how could he win her favor? He felt discouraged. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a record stating that the West Sea Lord visited Mount Sumeru at a specific time. He had no recollection of Mount Sumeru, vaguely remembering it as a wandering immortal’s abode. Was that immortal acquainted with the West Sea Lord? Perhaps he could obtain some information from her? He considered sending a disciple to investigate but then decided he had to go personally to demonstrate his sincerity. Putting away the Chaos Mirror, he chuckled, adjusted his robes, and set off towards Mount Sumeru.
His departure wasn’t a grand spectacle, but as the Heavenly Emperor’s illegitimate son, he was now under constant scrutiny. No one had cared about him when he was living in seclusion, but now that he had become the Head of the Heavenly Prosperity Department, countless eyes were watching him. As soon as he moved, the Chaos Mirror erupted in speculation about his destination.
***
In West River Mountain.
Bai Guchan was meditating in her meditation room.
Sandalwood incense smoke curled upwards, resembling mist rising from a mountain behind the landscape screen.
Outside, banana leaves rustled in the wind, the air quiet and serene.
But this tranquility was shattered by the panicked voice of a young attendant.
She opened her eyes abruptly, a golden glint flashing through them, and a wave of power, befitting a beast lord, swept outwards.
The attendant, terrified, collapsed to the ground, cat ears sprouting from her hair, her head bowed low.
Bai Guchan rose calmly, her sleeve brushing against the kneeling attendant, lifting her up. “What is it?” she asked. She turned to the incense burner, adding a new sandalwood pellet, then looked at the trembling attendant.
“Yu… Yu Gao Star Monarch… he’s gone to… Mount Sumeru,” the attendant stammered, her head still bowed, afraid to meet her gaze. Although she knew that Bai Guchan wouldn’t take her anger out on her, those deeply ingrained instincts weren’t easily erased.
Her eyes narrowed. A cracking sound echoed through the room. The incense burner split in two, but before it could fall, it crumbled into dust, scattering in the breeze. The attendant waited for a long moment, then cautiously raised her head, but Bai Guchan was gone.
***
Dusk.
The setting sun painted the sky gold.
A new message appeared on the Chaos Mirror: Yu Gao Star Monarch had been found with his limbs broken and dumped back at the Heavenly Prosperity Department.
Everyone speculated about the perpetrator, wondering who was so ruthless as to attack the Heavenly Emperor’s illegitimate son. Then, someone reported that the West Sea Lord had gone to the Celestial Pivot Department, confessing to the crime and requesting fifty lashes as punishment. However, no one knew why she had attacked Yu Gao.
Ming Jian Su also received the news, not from the Chaos Mirror but from Ming Yuheng.
Bai Guchan wasn’t close to anyone and rarely interacted with others unless absolutely necessary. Ming Yuheng suspected that Yu Gao had been acting on the Heavenly Emperor’s orders, attempting to win over the White Tiger Department, but he had inadvertently offended her. She would rather be punished than let him off the hook. However, her actions also revealed something else: she was still willing to obey the Heavenly Emperor.
“What’s wrong?” Feng Chiyue asked, her arms crossed. She stood bathed in the setting sun’s glow, her figure radiant.
Ming Jian Su briefly summarized the incident between Bai Guchan and Yu Gao Star Monarch. “Yu Gao brought this upon himself,” she said, smiling.
Feng Chiyue nodded seriously, then added, “It’s a good thing Ying Cunxin didn’t act on her impulse. Otherwise, it would have been disastrous.”
In the East Sea Dragon Palace.
Ying Cunxin was hiding in her shell bed, unwilling to meet the Dragon Princesses and Princes from the North and South Seas or face the perpetually scowling Chu Yi, who was temporarily residing in the East Sea. She scrolled through the messages on the Chaos Mirror listlessly. Upon seeing the news about Yu Gao’s broken limbs, she froze. If she had been stubborn and sought out Bai Guchan, would she have suffered the same fate? A wave of fear washed over her, but then, a strange excitement stirred within her. Bai Guchan rarely appeared on the Chaos Mirror. Her first public action was such a dramatic event. Was she truly that powerful?
She focused her consciousness on the Celestial Pivot Department, watching intently as the Thunder Whip descended.
Bai Guchan, clad in white, sat cross-legged, her eyes closed, her fingers twirling a string of sandalwood prayer beads, as if the punishment were nothing but a gentle breeze.
“Tsk,” a sound echoed through the hall.
Ying Cunxin initially thought it was her own exclamation, but then she realized and withdrew her consciousness, dismissing the Chaos Mirror. She turned to Chu Yi, who had entered the room unnoticed, frowning at the mocking expression on her face. She had been about to retort, but then she remembered her own actions, and a twinge of guilt surfaced. She was in the wrong. She forced a smile. “What brings you here, Your Highness?” she asked.
Chu Yi raised an eyebrow. “Am I not allowed to be here?” She had arrived at the East Sea Dragon Palace under the Heavenly Emperor’s orders, the resentment she had felt in Asura City long gone. However, upon seeing Ying Cunxin, her anger flared again. The Dragon Princesses from the West and South Seas had also been present. They had been chatting and laughing, but the moment she had appeared, Ying Cunxin’s expression had changed dramatically. And when the other Dragon Princesses had inquired about their relationship, Ying Cunxin had said, right in front of her, “We’re not close,” “We have no connection,” “We’ve only met a few times.” She had completely forgotten about their friendly exchanges on the Chaos Mirror.
“You’re welcome here,” Ying Cunxin said, nodding, maintaining her gentle smile. “Why didn’t you send someone to announce your arrival?”
Chu Yi lowered her gaze, her tone sarcastic. “Would you have heard them while you were so engrossed in your work?”
Ying Cunxin: “…” Fine, she hadn’t heard them. After a moment of silence, she asked, “Are you here to check on the progress of the Four Seas Department reforms?”
Chu Yi lifted her eyelids and glanced at her.
Ying Cunxin couldn’t decipher her meaning. She felt conflicted, torn between admiration for Chu Yi’s strength and annoyance at her bad temper. She bit her lip, deciding to break through Chu Yi’s strange aura with gossip. “Have you heard about the West Sea Lord attacking Yu Gao Star Monarch?” she asked softly. Yu Gao Star Monarch was the Heavenly Emperor’s illegitimate son. Naturally, he and the Heavenly Princess were on opposing sides.
“No wonder you couldn’t hear anything, Fellow Daoist Ying. You were too busy watching the West Sea Lord on the Chaos Mirror,” Chu Yi said, her expression unreadable. She crossed her arms and looked down at Ying Cunxin, who was sprawled on her shell bed. “Would you like me to introduce you?” she asked casually.
A chill ran down Ying Cunxin’s spine. She felt a sense of danger emanating from Chu Yi. This realization fueled her suppressed resentment, and her rebellious dragon nature took over. Her eyes turned into cold, golden slits. “That would be much appreciated, Your Highness,” she said lightly.
“You’re welcome,” Chu Yi said with a chuckle. She took a step closer, her tone arrogant. “If I help you, what will you offer me in return?”
Ying Cunxin was wary. “What could someone with your wealth possibly need?” she asked, smiling.
“There is something,” Chu Yi said, nodding. “My Azure Sovereign Hall needs a dragon.” She lunged towards Ying Cunxin with lightning speed.
Ying Cunxin cursed inwardly. As she had suspected, Chu Yi was petty, vindictive, and here for revenge. Fortunately, she had been prepared and dodged the attack. However, her beloved shell bed, caught in the aftermath, shattered into pieces. Pearls scattered across the floor, clattering like jade beads on a plate. “What are you doing, Your Highness?” she asked, forcing a smile, putting distance between them.
Chu Yi scoffed and dangled a pearl ornament before her. “If there’s no dragon,” she said casually, “flowers will do.” Seeing Ying Cunxin’s flushed face, the frustration that had been building within her finally dissipated. She tucked the ornament into her sleeve and, without another word, turned and left.
Ying Cunxin looked down at her ruined bed, her expression icy.
After a moment, she chuckled to herself. The Heavenly Princess was truly something else.
Leaving Ying Cunxin’s chambers, Chu Yi also inquired about the situation in the Heavenly Court.
Yu Gao wouldn’t have provoked Bai Guchan without a reason. Had the Heavenly Emperor given him some task, hoping to win over the White Tiger Department, which had remained neutral? Unfortunately, Yu Gao, lacking patience, had botched the mission, infuriating Bai Guchan. It would be interesting to see how the Emperor reacted. Would he reprimand Bai Guchan for the sake of his “beloved son”?
The Heavenly Emperor, upon receiving the news, was indeed furious. However, he didn’t even bother sending someone to check on Yu Gao. Instead, he sent an attendant to the Celestial Pivot Department to pardon Bai Guchan.
Yunze Young Lord, who had been worried sick, was eager to release her. However, when the Emperor’s pardon arrived, Bai Guchan said coldly, “I refuse to be pardoned.” She insisted on completing her punishment. This news reached the Emperor, and his expression darkened. Her refusal was a rejection of his goodwill, but it didn’t necessarily mean defiance. She was still useful, but he couldn’t rely on her completely. For now, Chang Li was his most trusted subordinate. He suddenly realized that Chang Li hadn’t sent any messages back to the Heavenly Court for a while. Had she encountered trouble?
In the Demon Abyss.
Chang Li, disguised, was following traces from a thousand years ago, searching for the Phoenix Sovereign. She had sensed a familiar aura, but upon arriving, she realized it was a trap – she was surrounded by powerful demons. It took her several days to escape. She hadn’t encountered any pursuing demon armies and had a suspicion. If she could reach the Demon Abyss, so could the immortals from Phoenix Mountain. That aura of the Phoenix Sovereign was likely a trap they had set to mislead her.
But she had no other choice but to investigate every lead.
Towering mountains pierced the sky. The Demon Abyss was dominated by turbid energy, the air perpetually dark and gloomy, clear skies and bright moons a rare sight.
A dense cloud of turbid energy swirled before her. She stopped, concealing her own aura.
Several demons were sitting amidst the swirling energy, drinking, feasting, and chatting.
She had initially planned to eliminate them quietly, but before she could act, she overheard the words “Phoenix Sovereign” and “Previous Demon Sovereign.” She suppressed her killing intent.
“Even after the Fall of the Phoenix, the Previous Demon Sovereign couldn’t control her,” one of the demons said. “He could only imprison her in the Cold Prison. Fortunately, our Demon Realm is filled with talented individuals. With the Previous Demon Sovereign’s support, they crafted an artifact capable of killing her.”
“If it can kill the Phoenix Sovereign, wouldn’t it be easy to deal with other immortals?”
“What artifact? I’ve never heard of it.”
“You’re too young. You wouldn’t know. The Previous Demon Sovereign was unlucky. He was killed by that Suxin Jianzhu. Our current Sovereign, believing that the Previous Demon Sovereign might return, buried that artifact with him. There were even rumors of a demon trying to rob his tomb. The Sovereign was furious and killed him. He then built the Hall of Heroes in front of the tomb and stationed heavy guards there. Not even a fly can get through.”
“Really?”
The demon who had been boasting paused, then chuckled. “Just kidding. I made it all up. How could a mediocre old demon like me know about such secrets?”
“Tsk, old man, you’re getting bolder, even making up stories about the Demon Sovereign.”
The demons continued laughing, but suddenly, a wave of crimson fire engulfed them, incinerating them before they could even scream.
Chang Li emerged from the shadows, grabbing the old demon’s soul.
She would know whether he was telling the truth after searching his soul.
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