Volume One Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Forty-Five

Jinli rose to her feet, nearly calling out Geng Yuan’s name. Yet, after glancing at the people around them, she composed herself and nodded gracefully. “Prince Ce?”

Geng Yuan’s gaze never left her as he spoke, “You may all withdraw.”

At his command, the servants retreated from the bedchamber in an orderly fashion until only the two of them remained, facing each other. There was a trace of longing and grievance in Geng Yuan’s eyes. “Why do you always leave without saying goodbye?”

“How are you Prince Ce? Where is the real Prince Ce?”

Geng Yuan took Jinli’s hand and gently guided her to sit beside him. His voice softened, “Don’t worry. Prince Ce is unharmed. At this very moment, he’s with his beloved. Tonight is their wedding night.”

Jinli was bewildered. Could it be that the legendary Prince Ce had eloped with his beloved, just as the stories claimed?

Noticing her confusion, Geng Yuan laughed. “That’s right, exactly as you imagined.”

Jinli was truly astonished.

It was only then, upon glancing at the table, that she realized the dishes before her were all her favorites. Aside from a few unfamiliar ones, it was clear that most of them had been prepared by Geng Yuan himself.

“How did you know I would be here?”

“I understand your concerns. I respect whatever you choose—whether it’s eradicating evil or saving the world. I wish to be with you. I don’t want us to be apart.”

How did he know these things? Had Xiao Ze told him?

He must have gone to great lengths to find the entrance to Illusory Dust from the mortal world.

She withdrew her hand from Geng Yuan’s palm to pick up some food, eating as she asked, “Has no one else noticed that you’re not the real Prince Ce?”

Geng Yuan propped his head on his hand, gazing at her dreamily. He picked food for her as he replied, “Prince Ce is mysterious, always wearing a black mask. Few have ever seen his face, so no one will suspect.”

“But you’ve never met Prince Ce—how can you imitate him?”

“I may not grasp the subtleties, but I can manage the broader strokes.”

Jinli smiled at him.

Indeed, when it came to deceiving others and putting on an act, who could do it better than him?

Geng Yuan immediately sensed his words were ill-chosen and hurried to correct himself, “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“It’s all right.”

Seeing her indifferent demeanor, Geng Yuan grew anxious. “That’s not what I meant at all. Please don’t misunderstand. Back then, I…”

“Geng Yuan, what’s past is past. There’s no use dwelling on it. We might as well enjoy the moment—wouldn’t you agree?”

Though Jinli said this, Geng Yuan still felt uncomfortable, as if there remained a barrier between them. He was about to speak when Jinli set down her chopsticks. “I see you’ve barely touched your food. I’m full. I’ll go freshen up. Please, help yourself.”

She turned to leave, but Geng Yuan caught her hand and stood, wrapping his arms around her. Lowering his gaze, his voice trembled with grievance, “A Jin, I’m sorry. I was wrong before. Will you give me a chance—just a little hope? Please, don’t push me so far away…I’m truly afraid.”

His words were barely audible, meant only for her. He went on, “If only you’d love me again, I’d do anything for you—anything at all…”

At the mention of the evil bone within him, Jinli’s expression darkened.

She turned, raising her hand to gently caress his face, then smiled with quiet composure. “I’ll go bathe first. You should eat.”

But Geng Yuan showed no intention of letting her go.

Lowering her eyes, Jinli was torn. At last, she pressed her fingers together, and fresh blood welled at her fingertips. Startled, Geng Yuan hesitated, but in that moment, she flicked the blood into his soul.

His soul sea was vast and boundless, waves surging as her blood entered, stirring up a thousand fathoms. The love within that soul sea was passionate and scorching, the scent of snow pine overwhelming, so intense that even Jinli was taken aback by the force of his affection.

They both opened their eyes. The blood had fused with their consciousness, binding them in a soul contract—a pact reserved only for divine soulmates.

She could have forced Geng Yuan to surrender the evil bone himself, but if she did, he might never accept the truth—that he was not a descendant of the Geng clan’s merfolk.

His quest for vengeance had been a mistake; he had killed those who should not have died.

How great would his regret be then? How utterly hopeless would he feel?

With the soul contract, Jinli could restrain him, preventing him from making any rash decisions. When the time came, she could take the evil bone from him herself and perish alongside the Demon God, thus saving Geng Yuan’s life.

It was the only way she could protect him.

If the evil bone was removed, he would die.

So let her die in his stead.

What she had not foreseen, however, was the ferocity of his love—it blazed so fiercely in his soul that she felt a tinge of fear.

“A Jin…we…?”

Clad in moon-white robes, her sash gently swayed at her waist as she raised her hand, pressing her palm softly to Geng Yuan’s lips.

“If you cannot bear to part from me, then stay by my side.”

A flush rose to Geng Yuan’s cheeks. Everything before him felt almost unreal. Even after Jinli departed, he remained rooted in place for a long time, lost in thought.

In the steamy bath, mist curled above the warm water, perfuming the air with fresh blossoms. Petals floated on the surface as Jinli gazed at the mystical blue flame flickering in her palm—the only divine fire capable of destroying the evil bone.

Just then, the teaching matron entered, bowing with utmost respect. “Princess Consort, the Third Prince’s wife has come to pay her respects.”

Dressed in her robe, Jinli nodded. “I’ll go now.”

Once she had dressed, doubt lingered in her mind. Why come to pay respects so late? Wasn’t the Third Prince older than the Fourth? By rights, she should be the one making the visit.

She parted the sheer curtains. The woman before her wore a crimson gown adorned with pearls and jade. She smiled gently at Jinli—an ordinary face, yet her bearing was regal and commanding, enough to awe anyone.

She had the presence of a true household matron.

It seemed the Third Prince’s fear of his wife was not unfounded.

“So my little sister has arrived,” the Third Princess Consort said, taking Jinli’s hand with practiced familiarity.

Rumor had it she was older than her husband, but Jinli observed her smooth skin and unlined eyes. Had she not known otherwise, she might have thought herself the elder.

“Third Princess Consort.”

The consort pulled her to sit, engaging in warm conversation.

“I only heard today that my fourth brother has gained a new sister. I was so curious, I couldn’t help but come disturb you at this late hour. I hope you won’t blame me.”

“Certainly not. It is I who should have come to pay my respects, yet I have troubled you to come in person. I am undeserving.”

After a few polite exchanges, the consort said directly, “You are truly beautiful, no wonder my brother was smitten at first sight.”

“Your elegance and grace are far beyond my own.”

The two exchanged compliments, drank tea together, and then, citing ill health, the Third Princess Consort took her leave. Jinli rose to see her out, watching her retreating figure with an inexplicable feeling.

Something unsettled lingered in her heart.