Volume One: Hidden Depths of the Azure Abyss - Chapter Thirty-Two

It seemed that Jinli needed to find the witch as soon as possible.

At dawn the next morning, the two parted ways. Though the horrors they had witnessed in the cave still lingered in their minds, they found themselves much less fearful than before, having conquered much in comparison.

She left Chunshan County behind. Gazing at the lush green cliffs, the bridges once visible within were now lost from sight. Perhaps this place would become a deserted city, or perhaps it would one day rise as the next Great Jun City.

With a gesture, she swiftly drew a talisman and tossed it into the air; golden light shimmered, casting an immortal barrier around the county. Monsters and demons would be blind to it, but those of good heart would see it clearly.

With the evils within purged, it might become a haven for the refugees fleeing the chaos of war.

When the ten-year period ended and Bai Wanting returned, the Bai Ze clan would perhaps no longer be entangled in Geng Yuan’s affairs. By then, they would truly owe each other nothing. She tucked the Yiyan Pearl into her sleeve, and departed in a wisp of smoke.

Ten years later.

Fengqi Mountain, Demon Realm

“Hey, slow down! Be careful or you’ll fall.”

Jinli watched the little child bouncing before her with a look of doting affection. Though her words were chiding, her heart was glad—the child was growing so quickly.

“Here, your favorite tea.” Hong Lanzui personally brought over a cup, setting it on the table. Jinli laughed, “Your little brother is truly something. Twenty years ago, I remember he was just a swaddled infant, and now he’s so big and lively. Adorable.”

Hong Lanzui wore a crimson dress, her long boots hugging her slender legs. The skirt had a subtle slit, revealing white, smooth thighs; the red shorts beneath were boldly alluring, her figure so striking that Jinli could not help but feel a pang of envy.

This was the Flower Clan princess, Hong Lanzui.

With a long stride, Hong Lanzui scooped up the mischievous child and handed him to the nurse, signaling her to take him away. Then, with careless ease, she lounged beside Jinli on the gently swaying hammock.

They lay in the midst of a vast sea of blooming roses, ancient trees arching above, casting cool shade over the vibrant fields.

Hong Lanzui propped her head on her hand, regarding Jinli. “You’ve searched for so many years—have you found her at last?” Her red lips curled in a playful, alluring smile.

“Of course.” Jinli raised her hand, conjuring an image before them: a mortal girl, beaming with radiant joy—undeniably Bai Wanting.

Hong Lanzui draped an arm around her shoulders. “I truly don’t know why you’d bother saving her.”

“Perhaps I’ve gone a little mad myself.”

Hong Lanzui, indignant on her behalf, said, “Have you thought that when she returns from her tribulation, she’ll have forgotten everything? She won’t remember you, and she’ll end up bullying you all over again.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“I must say, you’ve become much more philosophical these past years.”

Jinli teased, “That’s right.”

They shared a glance and a laugh. “The Empress’s birthday is in a few days,” Hong Lanzui said. “The Heavenly Lord has ordered all six realms to come and celebrate. I wonder if the Demon Lord will bother to attend.”

Jinli fell silent and thoughtful. Despite searching for the witch for so long, she had found no trace—was it her own imagination, or had the enemy hidden too well? Tomorrow, Bai Wanting would return from her tribulation; then, everything would begin anew.

“I heard there’s good news in the South Sea recently—have you heard?”

Jinli’s heart gave a jolt, as if a stone had been dropped into an abyss, its echoes lingering.

A few days later, she had just returned to Lotus River when she received an invitation from the Heavenly Clan—the Empress’s birthday banquet was set for the next day. That very afternoon, Sang Li came in person with the invitation.

A decade had passed since they’d last met, and Sang Li’s scholarly grace had mellowed with the years, giving him a deeper charm.

“Ali.”

Jinli smiled, “It’s only been ten years, but Crown Prince Sang Li’s bearing has grown even more impressive.”

“Enough of your teasing. I’m here today to fetch you. The birthday celebration is tomorrow, and you should rest tonight in the Ninth Heaven. The Medicine King’s hot springs will do wonders for your injuries.”

Jinli considered this. “Then I’ll accept your kind offer.”

They arrived at the Ninth Heaven, where Sang Li had arranged a palace within the prince’s own residence for her to rest. That evening, after soaking in the hot springs, Jinli tried to sleep, but tossed and turned, unable to find rest.

She rose again, took her medicine, and only then managed to drift into a shallow sleep.

The next day, the six realms gathered in celebration, and many of the gods were present.

When she entered the banquet with Sang Li, the assembled immortals and deities all turned, then bowed with respect.

“That’s not necessary,” Jinli replied gently, smiling.

Just then, whispers rippled through the crowd. “The Lord of the Sea is here, the Lord of the Sea is here!”

Jinli’s heart trembled violently. After a moment, she slowly turned. Lifting her gaze, she was struck motionless, her heart clenched anew as anxiety exploded within her.

The man before her was clad in a deep blue imperial robe, the fabric flowing elegantly. Around his waist, a pale belt embroidered with cloud motifs made his figure appear even more slender. A jade pendant with a tassel hung at his side. His wide sleeves were embroidered with faint silver scales. Tall and graceful, his dark hair was gathered in a regal crown. His face, as beautiful as ever in her memories, now carried a touch of sternness—his lips pressed lightly, his whole expression cold and detached. Yet those inky eyes concealed emotions no one could fathom. He simply stood there, a commanding presence that inspired awe and a trace of fear.

This was Geng Yuan.

He had changed, yet somehow remained the same.

The immortals greeted him with a bow, and he raised his hand in return. Jinli desperately wished he might not notice her, but his gaze settled on her without hesitation.

He stared at her quietly. Jinli glanced at him, then with a faint smile turned her eyes away. She could not read the shifting emotions in those dark eyes.

At that moment, a woman approached his side—a woman of extraordinary poise and gentleness. Every glance and gesture bespoke her refinement and immortal grace.

She smiled softly at Geng Yuan, who never once took his eyes off Jinli. Jinli glanced at the woman, then at Geng Yuan, maintaining her subtle smile.

Sang Li asked quietly, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Jinli smiled and shook her head.

So, after all these years, he had finally learned to look forward.

“Take your seats!” called the immortal steward.

The Empress’s birthday banquet was held in the celestial garden. With the Empress and Heavenly Lord seated, the guests took their places. The divine clan sat in the place of honor, followed by the heavenly clan, then the immortals and the representatives of the six realms. Sang Li’s seat was beside Jinli, and, as fate would have it, Geng Yuan and the gentle lady were seated diagonally below them.

Every time Jinli glanced up, she saw Geng Yuan’s gaze lingering nearby—more precisely, fixed on her. She set down her wine cup, looked up, and their eyes met. Unbeknownst to her, the gentle lady beside Geng Yuan followed his gaze, her delicate face turning instantly to shock.

Sang Li passed Jinli her favorite pear blossom pastries. She was surprised; weren’t these the cakes she’d grown fond of during her travels in the mortal world? Sensing her surprise, Sang Li smiled and explained, “I happened to buy them in the mortal realm. The shop is very popular, and the flavor is excellent. I thought you’d enjoy them.”

Jinli smiled. “You know me well, Sang Li.”

As she reached for the pastry, Geng Yuan’s voice sounded behind her, “Lady Divine, your travels through the six realms have been arduous. Allow me to drink to you.”