Volume One Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Fifty-Six

Jinli's heart was numb with despair. As she gazed at the ruined chamber, and heard Geng Yuan speak of marrying her, death was the only thought that crossed her mind.

But if she refused, what would become of Yun Xiang?

Jinli sat motionless, lost in thought, as day faded into night. Geng Yuan entered, his complexion much improved though he was still weak. Carrying a bowl of peach blossom pudding, his manner was gentle, mindful of the evening chill and Jinli’s empty stomach.

"Ah Jin, I made your favorite peach blossom pudding. Try it—does it taste like before?"

Jinli did not move, staring at him in silence, the iron chain at her ankle binding her fast.

In that moment, she wished only to tear him apart.

Geng Yuan approached, his voice soft and tender. "This place is not like Lianchuan; you may not be accustomed to it, and your stomach is delicate. Eat something light to recover."

He ordered her tortured daily with the Cold Soul Needle, yet now feigned innocence, as if unaware of her suffering—an act that inspired only loathing.

Jinli fixed her gaze on him. "Geng Zibie, what do you really want?!"

He looked up at her, meeting the eyes blazing with hatred. "I only wish for you not to leave me. Please, don’t go."

"Then why did you kill Ruan Tu? Why did you have to kill him?"

"I disliked him—disliked how close he was to you, disliked him speaking with you. You are mine. You belong only to me; you should care for me alone."

"Monster."

That word—monster—he had not heard in a long time. The last person to utter it was now long dead, body and soul scattered. Yet, as Jinli spat it out, it pierced Geng Yuan’s heart with cruel force.

His eyes reddened, the tenderness in them slowly replaced by grievance and confusion. He looked at Jinli, lips curling in a bitter smile, then let his gaze fall to the bowl of peach blossom pudding. Tears rimmed his eyes, threatening to spill but never falling.

"Ah Jin... why can’t you love me once more? Just once—even if it’s a lie. Do you so long to return to Sang Li’s side? Do you so wish to wed him? Can’t you think of me, of my feelings, of how I grieve for you…"

Pearl-like tears rolled down Geng Yuan’s cheeks, his reddened eyes and damp lashes painting a picture of wounded innocence.

"Grief? You can grieve?"

A man who kills without blinking, bearing the evil bone—how could such a one grieve?

Jinli’s scornful words hung in the air as Geng Yuan stared at the bowl between them.

How had they come to this impasse?

He blew on the spoon, offering Jinli a taste, but she turned her head away, and with a swift motion knocked the bowl to the ground. Scalding pudding splashed across Geng Yuan’s fair, slender hand, turning it red at once.

The sound of shattering porcelain rang out. Ignoring his own pain, Geng Yuan first checked to see if Jinli was burned, then stood, brushing the congealed pudding from his skin. With a self-mocking smile, he stared at the broken bowl.

"Marry me, and all of this will end."

"Geng Zibie! You’re mad! I almost killed you! I tried to destroy your evil bone! And now you threaten me into marriage? You’ve slaughtered so many, yet you beg for my love?" She drew a sharp breath, eyes full of hatred and contempt, voice biting. "You truly are despicable!"

Geng Yuan turned, reaching out to stroke her flawless, pale face, his gaze lingering on her lips, heedless of her insults. "I hope, when the time comes, you will be the most beautiful bride." His bride.

As Jinli raised her hand in protest, Geng Yuan seized both her wrists, pinning them with one large hand. He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"Geng Zibie, I will kill you! I will give everything—everything—to see you dead!"

Geng Yuan’s eyes flickered, as if an invisible hand tightened around his throat, leaving him breathless.

He spoke with difficulty. "Very well, I await that day."

He released Jinli and, as he left, turned back to say, "After the wedding, you may go."

Jinli stared after him in confusion, but Geng Yuan had already swept out, robes trailing behind.

For a moment, Jinli was seized by a desperate urge to end her life. But as she glanced around, there was nothing in reach with which to die.

Geng Yuan emerged, clutching his chest as the wound there reopened, seeping blood that soaked through his robes.

He made his way to the resting place of the Merfolk, hand brushing the coffin fashioned from weak water. Inside lay the rigid, purpled form of the Merfolk Demon, body etched with demonic patterns, yet utterly motionless. Geng Yuan looked down coldly at the sealed creature within.

Kun Yao. Rui Xin.

His face was etched with grief. The power of the evil bone grew ever stronger within him. Since absorbing the power of the two Demon Lords, his cultivation had doubled, but the wound inflicted by the Xuanling Fire refused to heal.

His father, once a revered Sea God, was now the Merfolk Demon, reviled by all.

He could have overturned the Six Realms, hunted down the true culprits of the past. Yet, if he did, what would become of the realms? Perhaps it was all a trap set by the Demon Clan.

He could not bear to destroy the Six Realms she loved.

Thus, the vengeance of the Merfolk had fallen to the wrong hands. His father had trusted the wrong people. His people should never have placed their hope in him.

Yueli Pavilion was soon adorned in festive splendor. Jinli’s chamber was transformed overnight into a vision of opulence and romance, festooned with fresh flowers, red silk swaying, joy in every corner.

When Geng Yuan came to see her, Yun Xiang was there as well.

"My Lady."

Jinli smiled, careful to conceal her distress from Yun Xiang.

Yun Xiang kept her company all day. That evening, as she embroidered the wedding robe, her nimble hands working skillfully, the young girl fussed over Jinli like a mother, offering endless reminders.

"My Lady, I thought you’d never forgive His Majesty. I never imagined you two would marry! But, my Lady, tell me—have you truly forgiven him?"

Jinli’s heart was bitter, but she forced an easy tone to keep Yun Xiang from worrying. "Of course. Don’t you know your Lady by now? Besides, he treats me well."

At last, Yun Xiang was reassured. "That’s good. I support every decision you make. If he ever bullies you, I’ll never let him off."

Jinli held a scroll but could not read another word.

After this wedding, the Six Realms would have no more Lady Sovereign.

"Yun Xiang."

"Yes, my Lady?" Yun Xiang replied, her eyes never leaving the embroidery. Jinli said, "After the wedding, I’ll ask Geng Yuan to let you go to the mortal realm—to be with them."

Them—the ones Yun Xiang could never forget.

Yun Xiang looked up, her eyes shining. "Really?"

Jinli smiled and nodded. But Yun Xiang soon shook her head. "No, if I leave, who will care for you, my Lady? Who will tend the lotuses in Lianchuan, weed the pear trees on the hill, turn the earth in the vegetable gardens?"

"Isn’t there still Geng Yuan?"

"His Majesty is all thumbs; can he possibly do as well as I?"

Jinli shook her head, tears welling. She swiftly raised the scroll to hide her eyes. "Hurry and finish your embroidery. When you’re done, come sleep."

"Alright, I’m nearly finished." Yun Xiang grinned as she stitched. "Tomorrow, I’ll stand beside you and watch you marry the one you love."

Behind the scroll, Jinli wept in silence. Yun Xiang never noticed.

In the South Sea, preparations for the wedding were in full swing, everywhere draped in red and gold, dazzling to the eye.

Su Su found the sight intolerable, her fury twisting her features. With a swift motion, she swept all the festive ornaments from the table.

"Isn’t Su Su the consort? How could it be anyone else?"

"Su Su has always been the one pursuing His Majesty. I don’t think he ever cared for her."

"She’s so beautiful, and even so, His Majesty ignores her. I wonder who this new consort is."

"So do I."

"Su Su must be furious."

"She’s the Heavenly Lord’s niece—what doesn’t she have?"

…

Hearing their whispers, Su Su opened the door, smiling. "It’s a bit messy here. Come tidy up."

The two fairy maids, nervous and uncertain, entered her chambers.

Before they could react, Su Su seized them by the throats, her face contorted with rage. "Since when do you presume to judge me?"

The maids were unable to utter a sound, their breath fading away, their bodies dissolving into immortal dust.

Su Su’s face was terrifying in its rage.

Yun Xiang, having returned to the South Sea, distributed wedding sweets with cheerful delight, handing a packet to everyone she met.

"Su Su?"

Su Su stopped and turned. Yun Xiang offered her a pouch. "Thank you for all your help recently. This is for you, a token of good fortune. I hope you find happiness."

Su Su took it, her gaze cold as she murmured, "Happiness?"

Yun Xiang did not hear. "Well, I’ll be off then."

But as Yun Xiang turned to leave, Su Su raised her hand, and with a swift gesture, Yun Xiang collapsed, unconscious.