A/n: Long chapter and I will throw a lot at you here. This sets the stage for Dong Hua and Feng Jui's love train and plot. Bear with me so I can get plot set. Chapter 11 brings up the heat.
Ten miles
Ch. 9
There was something that hurt extremely bad. She could only inhale dust after crashing into the mountains side. Beside her, a body pressed her close and called her name. Unable to answer, Feng Jui's mind slipped away as the pain overwhelmed her.
#
Song Ju landed beside his escape companion. When she'd fallen, she'd taken on her human form, along with him. He ducked down in some bushes and contemplated what to do. We're both nude, he thought to himself. I can't fly, or I'll be shot at too. If we stay here, who ever shot us will come looking. This was the dilemma of the phoenix clan.
She'd broken him from his curse, so he owed her his life. This girl was his niece, though they were not that far apart in age or appearance. It seemed the white-haired immortal has his intentions set on her whether he'd realized it or not.
"If we make it, then this could be fun." Song Ju smiled wickedly. He meant no harm to his niece, but he could clearly see the two were at odds. The old deity had no idea what he was in store for." He bent down and studied her features. Her brow was dipped in her slumber and evident that she was in pain still. "You are startlingly similar to my sister its scary." His sister had been a spitfire herself.
Song Ju had heard for many centuries the tales of the elder emperor Dong Hua. Indeed, he still remained young and didn't appear to age though his hair remained white. He didn't particularly care for the celestial way of life. Their women were not given the same rights, and love was frowned on. "I am also the level of High God," he said aloud feeling the difference in his body energy.
He stared down at Feng Jui and marveled at her capacity for power.
How many thousands of years had he been stuck in his animal form? Too many to count, Ju thought bitterly. Their kind had always been hunted, and so few of them were left. He let his hair return to red as he was too tired to control his power masking it. Zhe Yan didn't have the same red hair, but they were linked through marriage of his second sister to a brother of his that had long past. If the stories were true, he'd found the company of another deity in the fox clan and they were companions.
Feng Jui's mother was also dead. Through their link, he couldn't feel her anywhere. All that was left was his niece and a lot of unanswered questions. The most unnerving was her very existence. He frowned, but she was a fox also…he'd never known the phoenix blood to mix with another tribe.
Her sleeping face was so restless, he hated to move her. And it wasn't appropriate for most. Their kind tended to burn clothes fairly easily, but this young one didn't know that. A small pool of blood escaped her side where she'd been hit.
"She must be an anomaly," he whispered. It was too coincidental that she looked like this sister, and she also smelled like a hint of peach tree. That was the fox tribe sent that Bai Li carried on him when he'd met with him before little Jui'er had been born. She was ill-fated to be alone, and in pain, but why they were not certain. His sister had sent him messages through the familiar link they shared about her fears.
Bai Li was the crown princess's…third brother? Or was it another fourth? He shook his head and cleared his mind. I'll figure it out later, he thought.
He remembered Feng Jui mentioning an aunt in the palace that she was not allowed to see. What was her name? Bai…he shrugged. Qian! Bai Qian.
Feng Jui's hair was a deep red that stood out against the mountain. Once a phoenix ascended from their family, their hair turned red. It was typical for those that reached high god. He looked at her birthmark. Plum cockscomb…She'd been marked by fate. This was what Bai Li feared, but what did it mean?
There was a rustling and then two men appeared in front of them. When they noticed the young girl, they quickly turned around. He could see they both sported red colored ears and he half smiled and almost laughed. These remote types were always the funniest when it came to nudity.
He cleared his throat after one last slip of a smile. He righted himself and tried again, "it is not what it looks like. Please help-she is injured." Both of them looked at one another, but neither turned around. Before long, they removed their upper robes to offer it to the two of them.
"She's covered," he said and they turned around finally.
They all bowed to one another.
"I am Senior Die Feng, and this is 16th disciple Zi Lan of Mo Yuan's here on Kunlun Mountain."
His eyes widened, "Kunlun?" He blinked quickly in succession. "Is this where a woman named Bia Qian trained?"
Zi Lan nodded but cocked his head. They'd only recently learned of this. "She was before she was married. Our master can help if the lady is injured," he indicated the way. "How do you know Bai Qian?"
He picked up the limp Feng Jui, "This little fox is her niece, she just doesn't know it yet. I must warn you. We escaped the palace…someone shot at us as we flew away."
Die Feng cocked his head at this, "we got word two phoenix's left…but you stated she is a fox."
Zi Lan nodded cautiously also having caught that. "Which is it?"
Song Ju carefully tried to assess the men, "She undid a rather nasty curse on me. She then…" he thought how to explain it. "Well you will have to test her aura when we are safer, but let's just say she is my tribe and Bai Qian's. I don't want any trouble, but would be willing to discuss matters once she is at the Sanctuary. Can we get asylum?"
#
Mo Yuan sat at the edge of the small cot where the injured girl lay. He guided Die Feng and a few of the others to help heal the small girl. He was still recovering himself, and unable to fully heal her without injury. Mo Yuan was startled to find a mix in her aura. She was indeed a marvel being both fox and nature, and phoenix with sky and wind. He looked up towards both his disciples and nodded. They visibly relaxed.
He looked up to the man who stood guard, "do you want us to contact anyone for you?"
Song Ju's eyes darted to Mo Yuan, "I don't want to drag Bia Qian into any mess as she is not aware. Feng Jui was not happy there, and I am sure she will explain things. The one called Dijun didn't let her run as a fox. I believe this seclusion brought out her other liniage."
Mo Yuan kept still for a moment. Dijun usually had a reason when he did things. After the story Song Ju mentioned, he didn't know what to believe. Dong Hua was the equivalent of an ice statue. Hardly anything moved him. He settled for, "does she know her relation?"
Song Ju hesitated, "not enough. She'd visit me in the cage and talked, but not being fully evolved, we couldn't mentally connect the way my sister and I could. Dong Hua didn't want them to meet."
He nodded, "you are linked now like many familiar phoenixes." What would be the right move here, he wondered thinking of his hot-tempered disciple and Dong Hua.
"Perhaps Zhe Yan is a better choice," he said aloud as if he knew what Mo Yuan was thinking. "he is not of a political view, and is a good choice. He was also married to my sister long ago."
"I've never seen phoenix and fox mix." He'd studied Feng Jui's aura and found it vibrant. "She's recently ascended." Mo Yuan looked at her birthmark and suddenly realized who she was. If one tried to touch it, you could feel the power coursing through her there the strongest. He remembered the day she'd entered heaven's gate and joined the immortals. What ever else he'd sensed didn't make a bit of sense to him. For now, he kept it to himself.
Song Ju remarked, "I didn't think it was possible for such a union to create life, myself. Even weirder that She found me, stranger still that she set me free."
"At a high personal cost to herself," Mo Yuan added. "She must really care for you."
Song Ju came closer and knelt down, "her heart has been through so much for someone so young. She just can't stand to see another suffer. She is not like the others, and that in fighting up there is ridiculous. If I had any idea before that we were family …"
Mo Yuan commented, "Our laws are not easily maneuvered."
Song Ju sat back on his heels, "neither is caging another immortal as a pet."
Mo Yuan's lip twitched, "are you going to argue that in front of the emperor? If you were concealed in a curse, he would naturally not know."
He rolled his eyes, "He was deceived, and it can be rolled either way. I am a High God myself. There are laws that protect me." He nodded to Feng Jui, "and her."
At this Mo Yuan stood, "she will need to sleep many years to recover. You are welcome to stay until things settle and I speak with Zhe Yan. There is no reason you shall need to fear, and remaining in a quiet environment will both help you and let you heal. I will send word to him so that others will not detect you."
Sing Ju knew this put the God of War in a tight position, so he bowed respectfully. "I will not forget such an honor."
Mo Yuan stood and exited the small room with a troubled look on his otherwise stoic demeanor.
#
Ten Years Later
Feng Jui sat at the pond and watched the lotus floating. From a distance, Zi Lan watched her perched there as if she were a lone lily in the wind. Her hair was blown around by the wind, and she left it in a mess. Beside him, Mo Yuan approached.
He bowed quietly. "Teacher," he said softly.
Mo Yuan had noticed Zi Lan watching the girl from a distance. He hadn't taken much interest in girls since the princess he'd given up. Mo Yuan understood his decision to keep his word, but he also felt that this was uneeded. "She's remained awake for longer periods," he remarked.
"Indeed," Zi Lan stated. "She's so polite and quiet. Are you sure she is related to Bia Qian?"
Mo Yuan couldn't help but slightly smile at this. "She is very quiet, but this does not seem to be her disposition."
Zi Lan looked to his teacher, "what do you mean?"
Mo Yuan thoughtfully responded after a time. "I understand Dong Hua's reservations now. At first sight, one would not notice it. Her aura and abilities…they are celestial in nature." He looked at her birthmark from this distance, "she has no idea."
Zi Lan was not sure what his Teacher meant. "Is this why she is unhappy?"
"She is fox and phoenix, but has celestial abilities. All of these things should not be together and yet they are." He looked out far into the distance as if knowing something secretly.
Zi Lan looked at her, "is she a weapon then?"
"This is why he kept her so hidden. At first, he'd want to distance her from the fox clan for marital reasons. There could be an issue in family relations considering she was hidden in the first place. Second would be her display of celestial abilities. He'd first consider this to come from the mother if it was possible. We know differently now."
Zi Lan shifted uneasily, "I see the point."
"Much has been hidden, but fate is not one to be deterred." He looked at Li Lan to make a point.
"I value my vow. I shall remain here alone. There is no chance I shall leave to find a wife."
Mo Yuan thought over the sacrifices Dong Hua had made for the world and peace, but even such an action had an effect. He hoped Zi Lan didn't make the same choice. He'd long come to the conclusion that the only deity powerful enough to match little Feng Jui was Dong Hua himself. It explained everything.
He was an elder god that came into existence from the primordial ages. His match was born of the eldest line of phoenixes; of fire and rebirth. Also contained the nature of the fox clan; earth and life. Her powers linked to his; the heavens and wind and all magic. Outwardly, she was drawn to the water. All of this grandeur was eclipsed only to be born into a life alone. She'd reach a level equal to a primordial deity one day. It was vital he keep her calm but happy, close but safe, free yet not confined. It was too much unbalanced power.
Mo Yuan knew student wouldn't understand this. Dong Hua himself didn't yet reach this conclusion. Maybe that is for the best, he thought and watched Zi Lan these last few months. He'd taken good care of her. Perhaps if she stayed, they could find happiness?
He'd sacrificed his mate-this fated one. He'd also caused her to endure heartache. He'd asked Dong Hua if that princess was his fated, but he only shook his head no so Mo Yuan had kept quiet. This wouldn't cause any chain reaction between their fates, and Dong Hua had always maintained confidentiality when he answered. If Feng Jui and Zi Lan had no destined mates, then perhaps they could be companions.
He also knew that the deity had looked for Feng Jui's name on that same stone, but she'd never appeared. "Her fate was not kind," Mo Yuan replied quietly in that enduring manner that was his. "Perhaps she should return to where she belongs and meet her family. Otherwise the loneliness would not aid her healing. It should be safe soon. Dong Hua has not returned to look for her in some time." He nodded to 16th to follow him. Zhe Yan had been helping her for the last two years cultivate that chaotic power inside of her. She still had periods of long slumber.
Feng Jui noticed Mo Yuan and his disciple and bowed to them. She was not meek, and her fun nature always showed, but it was reserved and respectful as if she was mindful of where she was. She kept her distance from the disciples as to not stir any trouble. Where Bai Qian was quick to anger, Feng Jui was thoughtful and reserved. Once she recovered, he wondered if that would change. He'd been through many things, and she was a unique girl. It was just that the pain from this situation could turn sour.
A little troubled, Mo Yuan asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Better and better," she beamed at them. "I still feel like I am imposing."
Zi Lan had a cheeky smile on his face, bowed when called by his senior brother. He had to leave. "I shall leave first." They watched him go as the breeze picked up.
Feng Jui eyed the flowers on the ground as wisdom took form in her head. They were weeds, but they were still beautiful. Perhaps they were wanted, but they caused issues if they were near other plants. They killed to live, but were never in harmony with those around them. This would only result it toxicity.
You may love something or someone, or encounter that love, but then it was not meant to be. You could harm a good thing. And she understood Mo Yuan. He missed Bai Qian, but he hadn't pursued it. He'd seen the facts, and remained enduring through it all-even the struggle to come back. He worried about her as well. But was he friend or foe?
He's the god of war, you idiot she told herself. Speak plainly.
It was written all over his heart which she could see plan as day. This she kept to herself knowing it was too personal. He was strong, powerful, and intimidating. To others he was unreadable. His emotions were strong, finely tuned, and controlled. They were not familiar or close and such would be improper to speak aloud. When she looked at him in the eyes, even as improper as it also was, she could see everything. She understood everything. It cut through the bullshit.
Her curse reared its head. She even saw the face of his future beloved. It stole her heart and made her breathless. All of this emotion she had to keep buried, and kept a straight face. He had to be able to feel the current of her emotions.
What did he think of it? She didn't pry on purpose. Feng Jui could feel his heart ache like it was in her chest, but consoled it by thinking, 'this is not all for naught'. Mo Yuan was not ruled by fear of the unknown. Behind those unreadable eyes, she saw his goodness and it was not void concerning her affairs. She relaxed and steeled herself before him. Emotions were hard to control.
It was just like the morning she'd first woken up after eight years and seen her hands. That moment happened where she was so happy to finally be free, and then in the same moment, have everything shattered before her. There was a long moment of realization and dread as all the puzzle pieces came together. She knew she'd also have to endure alone and it took away the joy of this freedom.
But she understood him now and it was hard to hate the words that had been spoken. It was the price that kept everyone happy or safe. That day, she had cried and put away her selfishness. Her heart felt the pierce of each of his words like a knife had gone through her soul:
"I gave up my chance at marriage for the sake of peace in the heavens. I removed my name from the rock of incantations. …It is why I remain present when it concerns peace…"
"In the early days, there was always war and famine. Children without parents, and vice versa. This is the only choice to make for your people. So I did."
"Happy and peace seldom go together. Sacrifice and peace do…This does not concern you either. It was and is my choice. I care little for trivial affairs. I do not meddle in most and I certainly don't entertain relationships. It cannot be undone."
But it does concern me, Dijun. What about my choice? Why must I pay the price for the choices you've made? You arrogant fool. Was there no other way? Her eyes teared up and she looked the opposite way from Mo Yuan to hide it.
Feng Jui cleared her throat as Mo Yuan looked at her from the corners of his eyes. She snorted at herself. Cryptically she started with, "It is hard to lose something or someone."
Perhaps that was the mask of life-one had to be something or some way to survive. It was sad that such things existed and killed. Her mind was heavy weighing harmony and wisdom. The choice had been made without her, but somehow she couldn't be mad. There was just a sadness that filled her up.
She decided to make the choice. All she could say was, "I exist."
"Don't we all," he said matter of factly. He waited for her to continue. The range of her emotions was too hard to follow.
She sighed and he looked at her as he put his hands behind his back. "Continue, Feng Jui. It is not wise to carry such a burden on one's shoulders alone."
"Dong Hua once said that 'sacrifice is peace'." She thought and weighed this choice again. Zi Lan had done it, Mo Yuan had also done it. Even Dong Hua had. One had to take the personal loss for the greater good. These are all war heros and men of old. Am I good enough to endure? Strong enough? "I've learned that sacrifice is pain."
Mo Yuan was surprised by this statement. "But pain is not forever."
"Isn't it?" She instantly responded. "Most have a happy ending," she said and looked at him pointedly. His face altered slightly as it dawned on him what she meant. She watched it, and found peace etched on his features. "I would not dare say more. Yours will end." Her voice cracked some. Feng Jui paused to catch her wavering voice. "Mine will not. I believe you have already made this assumption concerning my affairs. Let's speak freely on it."
"What is there to say," he said cryptically. "It cannot be pursued or changed. To try would be destructive." He talked as if he was in a negotiation-or as an elder and not a friend. If she couldn't have read his intent, she'd be insulted.
So, he did fear some, she thought. Being cautious. No use in hiding the truth then. She said, "Then I should not go."
He stared out at the trees, "then do not go if you do not want to."
She turned to him then, "I do not want to be destructive." She paused some until he slightly turned and looked at her. "I don't know how."
Mo Yuan could see the earnest words she spoke and was moved. For someone so young, she made an effort that so few would. She was asking him for help.
He encouraged, "Take Zi Lan. I find it admirable what he gave up, but I understand it. He used his cultivation and freedom as the price for another's happiness and a chance at life. We want those around us to be happy, but ultimately we must accept the choices they make. Sometimes they are our fated enemy. Destiny is always shifting and keeps us wondering. At great personal loss, he gave life for another, which in turn gives his life meaning. What could be more valuable than this?"
Feng Jui had epiphany, "sacrifice is truly the deepest form of love."
Ever so slightly, Mo Yuan's eyes widened. "Sacrificing is indeed the most precious of things."
"Could they co-exist?" She asked him suddenly. She was looking at the pretty purple weeds. Love was beautiful, but in the wrong environment it could kill.
Mo Yuan looked down, "naturally no. These are the rule of life."
"You always answer in such short durations." She bent down and studied the plants and considered his words. He watched her curiously. After a moment, she waved her hand over the group of vines, flowers and weeds, and the dying plants revived around the weeds. "They can live in harmony if properly nurtured. One does not have to depend on the other to survive."
This was smart of her to mention, he almost said as much when shock rolled through him. Mo Yuan inhaled sharply and looked at her as she were another being entirely. He'd never seen anything like this before. Could she have such a gift? His eyes were wide, but she didn't notice. He remained unsteady. Very few things could stir him in such a manner. This was deeply moving, and the epitome of this example was exquisite.
They watched as more plants revived. His lips parted with a fascination and a wonder crept on his features despite his attempts not to. The realization came to him then that his girl had to be protected at all costs.
"In a perfect world, all things are possible. But I agree, not all things can be in harmony."
Mo Yuan looked at her thoughtfully, "will you not tell him?"
"Some things need not be said or overstated. What good would it do?"
Mo Yuan made a calculated decision, "perhaps 16th could take you with him to the sea of innocence."
She smiled back unsure why he'd want her near such a place. "Its free and open here. If you took females as disciples, I'd certainly join." Their eyes met, and he felt weary suddenly. "I want to meet my family, but I think the risk is great that he would find me before I am ready to face him." She looked down at her hands. "The threads will try to match and entwine."
Zi Lan had come back to tell Mo Yuan that Bai Qian was on her way, but he'd seen everything. His eyes were wide, and his heart was heavy for Feng Jui. He couldn't imagine what she must have felt like, and it did explain her temperament. He contemplated who the 'he' was. Could it be that old block of ice Dijun? Though he'd made his own choice, he never regretted it. Just as she said, the life he gave was worth more. Cultivation would always return.
She sighed and looked away for a time and nodded to herself. Mo Yuan remained still sensing she had something to add. She then directly looked at him and stated with all honesty, "I will not harm another or wage war. I will stay close if you let me free to roam. I am willing to be taught and nurtured into selflessness. I will ensure I remain calm and try to be happy, as you have not confined me, I am gladly in your debt. It is the first time in my life that I have felt like a person and that I could shoulder these hard choices. Your will is stronger than your fear, but I do not want you to fear this of me. I do not want unbalanced power. If you can take it away, I'd be forever grateful."
He bowed his head in thought, "you regenerate too quickly. It is your destiny, Feng Jui. Do not fear it."
She blushed uncomfortably as he stared at her. He seemed embarrassed about his earlier thoughts. Mo Yuan nodded and understood she could not help her gift, but was glad she faced it and told him her intent.
The words needed to be said, she thought. It was a little baffling when someone realized that you'd heard their inner thoughts. Unable to look him in the eyes after this admission, she got on her knees as a sign of respect. "I am truly sorry. I cannot help when it happens."
Feng Jui hated this part of her ability. Regardless, she bowed to him three times, as a show of respect. Zi Lan let her walk away before he approached his Teacher.
"You heard." Mo Yuan stated.
Zi Lan stood beside him and nodded. "It is such a heavy burden to carry."
"We will help her shoulder it." He turned to his student. "Guide her well. You both share a similar sacrifice."
Sea of Innocence
They walked for hours it seemed. The place was serene and quiet, sad and yet beautiful. Feng Jui had to know, "why do you 'protect' this area?"
Zi Lan looked at her sideways, "I made an oath." He didn't know what else to say. There wasn't much to guard, but he kept it up as a sign of respect.
"But you are never out. Will you never leave?" Feng Jui pouted.
He smiled wistfully, "A vow and your word are all you have."
"This is true."
He snickered, "so I hear you gave the old man a run for it. We were all cheering you on secretly."
For the first time, Feng Jui gave a genuine smile. "I am glad."
