Dragon Lady Ziyin had barely left when Tuoying arrived. Xiang Su tilted her head to look at him, her face expressionless. The present-day Xiang Su had shed some of her immaturity, yet her features still carried a young woman’s charming manner. When her face was cold, she appeared even more pretty and spirited.
As the successor Metal Dijun, Tuoying wore a dazzling golden robe. His long hair was bound with a jade gui of vibrant green, making it appear even more deeply black and lustrous.
Though his mount, the snow beast, wasn’t as imposing as Kunpeng, it was still a rare divine creature. Compared to their first meeting at the Sea of Flames, he had improved considerably. Unfortunately, he couldn’t compare to the former Dijun Shenghuan.
Xiang Su didn’t actually dislike this person. It was only because the Heavenly Emperor had so impatiently arranged for a confidant to replace Junshang that she felt an unfounded aversion to the new Metal Dijun. Dijun Yuanhou had told her that the Heavenly Emperor was so anxious because he wanted someone from the Heaven Clan to occupy the position of Metal Dijun. Even if Junshang returned, he wouldn’t be able to govern the Metal Spirit Realm again. This made her utterly detest the entire Heaven Clan.
“Immortal Xiang Su.” Tuoying dismounted from the snow beast’s back. When he looked at her, his smile deepened. His refined eyes and brows were quite moving when tinged with a smile.
Xiang Su frowned. This tepid demeanor—where was the bearing of a Metal Dijun? In her heart, the Metal Dijun would forever be Dijun Shenghuan, sitting upright on Kunpeng’s back with beautiful eyes slightly raised, yet seeing nothing in them.
Xiang Su didn’t respond. Tuoying wasn’t embarrassed either. It seemed that in their several meetings, she had always treated him with this indifference. He turned instead to face the Abyss River, bowing deeply with his hands past his knees. Upon rising, he said very respectfully: “Dijun Shenghuan, the divine artifact Kongtong Seal that you used to suppress Bi Lian has already been found at the base of Mount Chiluo. We will retrieve it tomorrow and came specifically to report this.”
Xiang Su’s expression softened somewhat. She very much liked Tuoying’s attitude when speaking—he too believed Junshang was still alive at the bottom of the Abyss River. Last time as well, after the successor Metal Dijun was chosen, neither the Heavenly Emperor nor Yumu had come. Only he had come, also speaking with such trepidation to report to Junshang that he was temporarily assuming the Metal Dijun position, only as a proxy, and that he would relinquish the Metal Dijun position when Junshang returned. So while she was thoroughly sick of the Heaven Clan’s people, she couldn’t be harsh with this person she should dislike most.
Tuoying turned to face her, his smile still sincere and warm. “Immortal Xiang Su, since it is after all Dijun Shenghuan’s former possession, if you have nothing else to do, please come along to observe.”
Junshang’s former possession…
It must be said, Tuoying was very good at persuasion. This phrase struck right at Xiang Su’s heart. West Abyss… she had been there. The mountains stretched endlessly with towering trees. It was the place where Junshang had sealed Bi Lian. She seemed to see that handsome, proud, pale gold figure sitting casually on Kunpeng with its wings slowly spreading, casting down the Kongtong Seal with indifferent disdain, instantly subduing the ferociously snarling Bi Lian.
But when she had gone to see it, there were only vast wilderness on all sides. The trees that flourished in spring and quieted in autumn held not a trace of legend.
She nodded. Even so, she still wanted to go see it.
“First come with me back to Shenghuan Palace. We can depart together tomorrow.” Tuoying said with a smile.
Shenghuan Palace… Xiang Su was stunned. In fifty years of wandering everywhere, she had been to every place where legends of Dijun Shenghuan circulated. Only she had never returned to Shenghuan Palace.
Shenghuan Palace without Junshang—she especially didn’t want to return there, just like Lingze Mountain, which she had also never visited again. She always felt that just thinking about it made her heart ache. She lacked the courage to truly return there.
“Immortal Xiang Su, please.” Tuoying courteously summoned a cloud and extended his hand to help Xiang Su mount the snow beast. Xiang Su hesitated for a moment but still accepted his assistance and sat up. Though the snow beast was enormous in size, it was very docile. When Xiang Su mounted, it even affectionately turned its head to nuzzle her leg. Tuoying approvingly patted its head and led it into the sky on his cloud.
Xiang Su looked at Tuoying’s back. He was a considerate person. Over these fifty years, she had encountered many people who were very good and gentle to her, but she had felt somewhat awkward with all of them, unable to get along well. Tuoying was particularly special—after all, being able to have a good impression of him was even more difficult.
Shenghuan Palace remained imposing and magnificent. From afar she could see the giant divine generals guarding the gates. They had once frightened her to tears. Now just seeing their vague silhouettes from a distance felt somehow familiar.
Only when she drew near did she discover the plaque had been changed. Tuoying’s title was Jiyun. This place was now “Jiyun Palace.”
Xiang Su looked up silently. Tuoying, however, seemed somewhat uncomfortable. He raised his hand to dismiss the divine generals’ salutations and quickened his pace, leading the snow beast into the palace.
“Junshang.” A familiar voice. Xiang Su withdrew her previously distracted mind. Wen Sheng respectfully saluted Tuoying. When he looked up and saw Xiang Su, a trace of shame flashed across his face.
Xiang Su looked at him. As someone who had once followed Junshang, she felt they should all be like Kunpeng, following without hesitation regardless of life or death. But she herself hadn’t managed to do so, so she couldn’t really blame Wen Sheng. Yet seeing him just as before—however he had served Junshang then, he now served Tuoying the same way—Xiang Su’s heart felt some contempt.
Jiyun Palace was now full of servants everywhere, men and women looking quite impressive. The corners of Xiang Su’s mouth lifted in a cold smile. Tuoying lacked the ability to maintain a barrier like Junshang had, unable to make servants appear and disappear instantly, right?
Previously she had always felt Shenghuan Palace lacked vitality, cold and empty. But with Jiyun Palace’s servants like clouds, she felt that the ethereal immortal air of a Dijun’s residence had completely vanished, quite garish.
Tuoying continued leading the snow beast, escorting her to Liusu Palace. Six immortals in exquisite attire emerged from the palace, helping Xiang Su dismount from the snow beast’s back with extremely respectful attitudes, serving her as she entered the palace to bathe and dine. Xiang Su tried to speak with them several times. They only smiled in response, not a single idle word.
Xiang Su felt they were no different from Shaozi and Kuaizi who had once served her, and lost all interest in talking with them. When eating, the maids surrounded her with keen eyes and quick hands. Whichever dish her eyes lingered on even briefly, someone would immediately serve it to her plate.
After fifty years of living alone, Xiang Su felt they wished they could stuff the food into her mouth to be considered attentive service. Jiyun Palace’s food was still very delicious, but Xiang Su could no longer taste the original flavor.
Only when Xiang Su was alone in Liusu Palace did she relax her mood and look around carefully at this place that had once been her “home.”
Nothing had changed at all. Even the bed curtains from which she had removed the emerald green were still there. Her heart felt empty. Perhaps after waiting for Junshang so long, she had grown accustomed to this kind of pain—not a single tear fell. She only sighed. Shenghuan Palace without Junshang might as well have completely changed its appearance.
The trees in the courtyard were all doing well too. The plum tree had even grown taller. Xiang Su caressed its branches…
“Xiang Su.”
Xiang Su froze her movements and slowly turned around. She hadn’t harbored any expectations, so seeing Tuoying in the moonlight, she felt not a trace of disappointment. She had recognized his voice early on.
However, the same moonlight, standing in the same place, calling her name in the same low tone… she just felt somewhat nostalgic.
Tuoying stepped forward. Seeing that Xiang Su didn’t resist, the hand hidden in his sleeve clenched into a fist, encouraging himself, before he raised it to grasp Xiang Su’s hand. Xiang Su trembled slightly but didn’t shake him off. Tuoying’s heart relaxed. The words he thought he couldn’t speak suddenly poured out.
“Ever since I saw you at the Sea of Flames, I…”
Xiang Su suddenly laughed. Tuoying froze, momentarily at a loss.
Xiang Su withdrew her hand. The small hope she had held for Tuoying completely shattered, yet she couldn’t say she felt disappointed. She had thought he would be somewhat different from those male immortals who were good to her. In the end, he was the same—nothing more than saying he fell in love at first sight or had a unique affection for her, hoping to be together with her forever and so on.
They didn’t know that perhaps the person in the Three Realms who least believed the phrase “together forever” was her. Even what Dong Tianyun said hadn’t counted—who else could she believe?
“Xiang Su, you…” Tuoying was somewhat ashamed and angry, and somewhat sad. Xiang Su’s smile was too indifferent. His fifty years of longing suddenly seemed very cheap.
“Alright, you should go back quickly. There’s an important matter tomorrow.” Xiang Su withdrew her smile and said seriously. Clearly she had a young woman’s pretty appearance, yet she pretended to be mature. Seeing this, one’s heart softened, inexplicably feeling affection and pity, unable to speak words of blame.
“Xiang Su…” The moonlight was like water, falling on Xiang Su’s exquisite face and adding to her beauty. Tuoying’s breathing quickened. Unwilling to give up, he wanted no matter what to speak the words in his heart.
“I’m going to sleep.” Xiang Su, as if knowing what he wanted to say, interrupted him listlessly, turned and left. Tuoying’s words stuck in his throat, pressed on his heart. He watched with somber eyes as she closed the palace doors.
Xiang Su slept very well that night, her mood unaffected by Tuoying’s confession. In fifty years, she had become an immortal spirit who had seen something of the world, hadn’t she? She had heard countless people’s confessions. Sure enough, the appearance she had gained from Junshang’s blood was quite extraordinary.
She smiled, feeling rather pleased with herself. But after laughing, she felt lonely—she didn’t even have someone to boast to.
Maids came to dress and adorn her, though it was actually unnecessary. She had her hairpin, and her clothes were still the set Dragon Lady Ziyin had given her. Because she liked them, she had never changed. This pale, nearly white green garment had also become one of her trademarks.
Breakfast was also very formal, with a large table full of dishes. After Xiang Su finished eating, two immortals accompanied her to what was once Shenghuan Hall, now renamed Jiyun Hall.
Tuoying had changed into another golden robe, the jade gui binding his hair replaced with white. Probably because of last night’s incident, his expression was quite gloomy.
Seeing Xiang Su silently looking at Jiyun Hall, he lowered his eyes. “Want to go in and see?”
Xiang Su thought for a while before nodding.
Tuoying walked behind Xiang Su, raising his hand to signal the attendants to withdraw. Xiang Su’s steps were very slow, as if somewhat timid. She even stood before the first pearl curtain for a long time without proceeding.
Jiyun Hall had changed greatly. Compared to before, many more curtains and furnishings had been added, making it appear much more refined. Xiang Su slowly walked to the pool’s edge. The only thing unchanged was this hot spring.
“Xiang Su.” Tuoying called her name. The mist from the hot spring was hazy and obscure, making him feel he could better speak what he had long wanted to say. “If Dong Tianyun never returns, do you plan to just keep waiting like this forever?”
“No.” Xiang Su answered very lightly and decisively. This surprised Tuoying. She turned to look at him. Here held her most intimate memories with Junshang. Tuoying standing here made her dislike his status more than at any other time, feeling he completely didn’t match the Metal Dijun or this residence.
She stepped out of Jiyun Hall. The wooden couch originally placed under the tree outside the hall had already disappeared. Xiang Su walked under the tree, remembering how Junshang had looked reading calmly beneath the flourishing flowers. Before, she had always complained that Junshang bullied her, making her rush here even just to eat breakfast.
No wonder everyone said she was foolish. Only after fifty years had passed did she understand—he had wanted to eat breakfast together with her. So many years had passed. Countless male immortals had spoken all kinds of moving words of love to her. But they were all like Tuoying—their mouths said they wanted to be with her long and lasting, yet they wouldn’t even quietly accompany her for a while, eating something or drinking tea.
“I haven’t thought about spending the rest of my life alone,” Xiang Su looked at Tuoying very seriously, also with some regret. “It’s just that I’ve never met anyone better than Junshang.”
Tuoying’s face went white. He even lost his composure and stepped back half a pace. After a while, he finally said in a low voice: “Let’s depart. Everyone is probably waiting.”
This statement was more vicious than directly rejecting him. No one in the world could compare to Dong Tianyun, especially him, the person who had taken over the Metal Dijun position.
Still Xiang Su rode the snow beast while Tuoying commanded the cloud. Looking at his back again, he was already completely ordinary. Even the most magnificent robes couldn’t conceal his essentially common nature.
When they reached West Abyss, quite a few people had already arrived. Xiang Su didn’t see Elder Sister Qingsui or Dijun Yuanhou. The Fire Dijun was devoted to cultivation and rarely concerned himself with other realms’ affairs. Though Chilin loved excitement, she hadn’t come this time either.
Without these three, this ceremony to retrieve the Metal Spirit artifact seemed very insignificant. Xiang Su unexpectedly saw Xianji. She stood with an elegant and handsome male immortal behind Yumu, her expression dignified. Her imperial princess bearing had intensified considerably, but Xiang Su felt she seemed to have aged several hundred years all at once, her whole person lifeless.
Seeing Xiang Su, Xianji’s gaze flickered, but she didn’t greet her, only nodding faintly. Watching this, Xiang Su felt another wave of desolation.
The ceremony to retrieve the Kongtong Seal was very uninteresting. The Chiluo Spring that had previously submerged it had dried up, and the Heaven Clan’s scouts had discovered it.
Yumu had spread word to attract immortals who loved excitement to come watch. In the end, only small fry came. Yumu’s expression wasn’t good either.
The entire retrieval process was utterly without danger—Tuoying simply rode the snow beast down to the mountain base and picked it up. While waiting at the cliff’s edge for Tuoying to ascend, Xianji took advantage of both Yumu and that handsome male immortal watching the mountain base to walk to Xiang Su’s side and say in a very flat tone: “I’m going to marry the Sea Clan’s crown prince.”
Xiang Su nodded. Ziyin had also married. Xianji was also marrying. She had wanted to force out a few perfunctory words of advice, but Xianji laughed bitterly several times first. “Xiang Su, it’s still better that you wood spirits have no father or mother!”
Xiang Su was at a loss for words. After a long while, she forced a few dry laughs. “You still speak as unpleasantly as ever.”
Hearing Xiang Su say this, Xianji finally felt she had once had a time of youthful spirit when she loved Kunpeng recklessly. She suddenly shed tears but quickly wiped them away. The Sea Clan crown prince turned around at this moment and said to her: “Tuoying has come up.”
Xianji responded with an indifferent hum.
The Sea Clan crown prince’s gaze lingered on Xiang Su’s face for a while. As it was excessively long, Xiang Su glared at him. The Sea Clan crown prince actually smiled and turned back to speak with Yumu. Xianji saw all of this but remained indifferent. Xiang Su looked at her, unable to describe the feeling in her heart.
Tuoying returned to the cliff top, holding high something like a jade plaque, solemnly announcing: “The Metal Spirit Realm has finally retrieved its divine artifact!”
Xiang Su was very dismissive. This was something Junshang had originally used to seal Bi Lian, then just left at West Abyss, never giving it a second thought. Tuoying and the others spoke as if it were extremely powerful.
The Sea Clan crown prince congratulated him repeatedly, then extended his hand to request to examine it. Tuoying handed it to him, and the Sea Clan crown prince smoothly took it in hand to examine carefully.
“That’s not right. This can’t be considered a Metal Spirit artifact.”
A youth’s voice rang out. Everyone looked in astonishment toward the youth who had previously attracted no attention. He was dressed as a cultivator, only fifteen or sixteen years old, with handsome features. Between his brows was a cinnabar red mark, looking exactly like a gardenia bud.