It was a tearful reunion for everyone, well except Zhe Yan and Fourth Brother. All the disciples followed Mo Yuan to the main hall. When he sat down on his usual chair, they all kneeled in front of him and bowed.
"Master, I have a matter to report. Ever since Master left, Seventeenth had also disappeared for some reason unknown. We've been searching for him all these years to no avail." Bai Qian stood behind one of the stone pillars watching as Sixteenth gave his report. "I'm afraid that he might have come to a grim end"
Bai Li laid a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Go." She mouthed while giving Qian Qian a push. Finally Qian Qian stepped out from behind the pillar. "I didn't." She moved to stand in front of all her fellow disciples. "Seniors, I am Si Yin." All the disciples called her past identity's name in confusion.
Bai Qian stepped forward, eyes locked on Mo Yuan's figure. When she reached the space where her fellow disciples are she dropped to her knees in a formal bow. "Master." She lowered her forehead to the floor. "Master, I was the one who drugged all my seniors back then. My sister and I took your body with us down to Kunlun Mountain overnight. I shouldn't have kept this from Master." Her eyes started tearing up as she looked to Sixteenth. "But Sixteenth Senior didn't mention it just now. He must be trying to cover it up for me."
All the other disciples turned their bodies to look at Bai Qian. Her statement confirmed that she was indeed the missing Seventeenth. "Seventeenth?" Sixteenth kneeled by her and slowly reached out to touch her shoulder. He looked shocked to see the missing disciple, one who had probably been presumed dead. "Tenth Senior did say that Si Yin must have disguised himself and went into hiding. All these years we've searched the four seas and all eight Far Lands for you but in vain. We know that you were hiding from us, but little did we expect you to…. You'd even dress up as a female deity to hide from us?"
"You all think alike don't you. Even Senior asked a similar question." Bai Li laughed as she stepped out from behind the stone pillar. "Senior Zi Lan, do you really think that my face is but a disguise of a man?" Bai Qian asked not sure how they haven't figured it out with the way she looks. She was known as one of the most beautiful women in Qing Qiu. "Is this why you never had a bath with us?" One of the disciples asked. "You're actually a girl?"
Fourth Brother seemed to be just as amused as Bai Li was. "Exactly, she is a girl." Bai Li smiled as Bai Qian gave a playful snub. "Always has been. I'm surprised no one noticed." This time her sister gave her the snub.
"I was worried that you wouldn't confess to it. When you arrived dressed as a woman, I knew what you planned to do." Senior said with a smile. He too was amused at the situation. " I just didn't dare to say it." Sixteenth moved slightly to look at Die Feng. "Senior, you already knew but there you stood watching us like some show?"
Die Feng waved off the notion posed by the junior disciple. "I wouldn't dare treat it as some show. Now that Seventeenth is High Goddess Bai Qian of Qing Qiu nearly all deities have to address her as Auntie in the realms. I'd have to greet her formally according to our ranks. Therefore, Sixteenth, how would I dare speak for Seventeenth? How would I dare say a word before she does?"
Bai Li watched as all of the disciples straightened their posture upon hearing her sister's name and rank. "As long as Master is around I'll always be Kunlun Mountain's Si Yin, and my seniors' little Seventeenth."
With Qian Qian's words all her brothers moved to surround her. Bai Li moved beyond them to the High God sitting in front of her. "Big brother Mo Yuan. Please take care of my sister." She gave him a formal bow. "I will. You have my word." He softly promised her.
When nightfall came, Bai Li found herself playing her flute by the lotus pond. The warm feeling wasn't there, but it now reminded her of Ye Hua. She sighed. He hadn't been gone long and she already was missing him. Perhaps Mo Yuan would be up for a game of chess before she retired for the evening.
She heard Zhe Yan and Mo Yuan conversing in the room, so she gave the door a light knock before entering. "Little Six, come have some wine with us." Zhe Yan held up a bottle for her. "I was just informing Mo Yuan of all that you did to preserve his body and protect Qian Qian." Mo Yuan gestured for her to sit on the cushion diagonal from him. "It seems that you suffered greatly to maintain your promise."
"I knew you would keep your promise, so I had to keep mine." She gave him a reassuring look. "Besides, I am afraid that you are going to be the one to suffer from all the trouble my sister tends to get into." Zhe Yan nodded, agreeing with her statement. "True. True. But if Little Five stays here, what will she do regarding her duties as one of the rulers of Qing Qiu?"
Bai Li rolled her eyes at the thought of her sister doing any of her duties. "Qian Qian has never handled any of the duties of Qing Qiu. But we did discuss it. She is going to relinquish her title to Feng Jiu."
"So my old friend. When do you finally plan to end your long life as a bachelor and give Kunlun Mountain a mistress it deserves?" Zhe Yan teased. Bai Li could swear she saw a hint of redness cross the God of War's cheeks. "The second of September is an auspicious day for weddings." Bai Li knew she wouldn't be able to get married on that day, but it didn't mean there couldn't be a wedding then.
The three of them talked for a while before they all settled down for the evening. The next morning proved especially tiring with all the visitors. The entire time they came to speak with Mo Yuan, her sister refilled his tea cup and brought him food. Bai Li spent most of her time looking for Ye Hua and she had finally found him. His name was Zhao Ge and he was the young master of a house.
"Here." She followed her eyes down her Qian Qian's outstretched hand that held the white beads that Ye Hua had given to her to give to her sister. "Give this to Ye Hua when you find him." Bai Qian sat down beside her. "When you do locate him, please don't tell Master. He still needs to rest and I am worried he will want to go visit him. You should know how foul it is in the Mortal Realm."
Bai Li looked at the beads in her hand. She wondered if she should visit him. "But he is only ten now. Not to mention he doesn't even remember me. What would I say?" She just wanted to see him, to speak with him, to make sure he was alright. "So what if he is ten. You tell him that you are a goddess from Qing Qiu, it is your destiny to be his wife and that he absolutely must not marry anyone but you." Bai Qian stood back up and looked down at her. "Go. Just don't tell Mo Yuan." She proceeded to leave the lotus pond area where Bai Li was still sitting.
It started snowing and she couldn't help but wonder if it was snowing where he was. Without a word, she left for the Mortal Realm. Ye Hua was easy to spot. He was the smartest child in the class. He also was the only one without an arm. It seemed even in this lifetime he would be without it. She followed him back to his house and entered when all the servants left.
She using her magic she lit the fires in the lanterns. The room was just bright enough to see, but not enough to draw attention. She reached out to stroke his hair admiring the adorable young Ye Hua. "What happened?" He rubbed his eyes to remove some of the grogginess. However, when he spotted her he immediately laid back down. "This is just a dream."
Bai Li let out a light laugh at his groggy statement. He really was cute as a kid, far more relaxed. "You think I am a dream?" She asked as he lay there. He sat back up to look at her, once again rubbing his sleepy eyes. "This isn't a dream?"
"Do you know who I am?" Bai Li smiled at the young boy. "No. Who are you? How did you get into my room?" He asked. "I am a goddess from Qing Qiu. I was told that we are destined to marry and I wanted to see my future husband."
The young Zhao Ge looked at her with a confused look. "I'm your future husband?" She nodded to him. "Yes. Don't you believe me?" She thought he would be shocked at the goddess part, not the husband part. He nodded his head and made an affirmative sound. "Good. Then let me tell you something. I promise to marry you, but only if you don't marry anyone else. Qing Qiu doesn't allow multiple wives." She summoned the beads her sister gave her. "Take these. They will remind you of my promise."
She slipped the beads onto his small wrist. Zhao Ge reached to take a necklace off from around his neck. "I have a jade pendant here. It's for you." He held out a light green jade pendant. "It's beautiful, thank you." She took the necklace from his hands and slipped it around her neck. "I will make sure to wear it everyday." He had a smile on his face at her response and then proceeded to shake the beads on his wrist. "Yes, I'll wear the beads every day as well."
Bai Li smiled gently at the innocent antics of the young boy. "You should get some rest. Don't forget our promise." She tucked him in before magically turning out the lights. She felt relieved now that she had seen him. The servants in his household seemed to adore him and he didn't appear to be unhappy.
When she returned to Qing Qiu, Bai Qian was comforting their distraught niece. She still was in love with Dong Hua, but he would never return her affections. "If you were told to forget your master, could you?" Feng Jiu continued to cry into her aunt's shoulder. Both Mo Yuan and Zhe Yan stood behind the unknowing young immortal, but Qian Qian could see them. "I should be more empathetic." Bai Qian stroked Little Fox's hair. "You still haven't answered me." It appears that Qian Qian would have to state her feelings in front of Mo Yuan and a group. "I couldn't."
Zhe Yan's chuckle made Feng Jiu realize that they were not alone. She was rather embarrassed that they overheard her and called them out on their eavesdropping. The little princess was also rather surprised to see Mo Yuan standing there. Last time she saw him, he was sleeping in Yanhua Cave. Feng Jiu was quick to forgive the old phoenix with the mention of wine.
They reminisce about old times. Feng Jiu was not near as strong of a drinker as her aunts and got intoxicated early on. She wanted to know more about Lord Dong Hua. Both Zhe Yan and Mo Yuan had known the previous Emperor of the Heavens and Earth for quite some time. Dong Hua was known to be celibate and never had any romantic relationships. Qian Qian asked why, due to curiosity and the fact that Mo Yuan had the same reputation. "It's for the sake of all realms." Mo Yuan said with a very serious tone. Bai Li wondered if it was because it would cause a power struggle, and if so could the same be said about Mo Yuan. It would be something she would have to speak to him about in private.
The next morning Bai Qian went to speak to Feng Jiu about taking over her throne. However, the young fox became upset at the news. She knew that Bai Li couldn't take the throne because she was marrying into the Celestial Palace. If Feng jiu took the throne, it would mean giving up on Lord Dong Hua.
Bai Li sighed watching her niece stare into the cave that Li Jing once lived in. She had been surprised to see the Ghost Lord there, but figured that he must have heard news of Mo Yuan's return. He left not too long after bumping into Feng Jiu.
"Little Fox." She called out to the crying girl. "Come, sit with me." She gestured over to some rocks off to the side. "You're here to convince me to give up too aren't you." Feng Jiu pouted as she moved to sit on the rock beside her.
"I just want to give you some perspective." She paused until she was sure she had her niece's attention. "Fifth Sister waited 70,000 years to be with the man she loves. Do you not think it unfair to ask her to keep her throne? Don't you think it would be unfair not only for Ye Hua and Me, but for A-Li to not have his mother because I had to take the throne?"
Feng Jiu stood up and stomped her foot. "But don't you think it's unfair that I can't be with the man I love when you two can?" Bai Li could only shake her head at her niece's willful selfishness. "Feng Jiu I am several thousands of years older than you. You have plenty of time to wait for Lord Dong Hua to realize his error. Maybe by the time he does, I or Qian Qian would have a daughter for you to pass the throne to."
She stood up and placed a hand on Feng Jiu's shoulder. "I am not asking you to give him up. I am asking you to become a woman strong enough and responsible enough to capture his respect. Besides, Lord Dong Hua doesn't have to stay in the Celestial Palace like Ye Hua does, nor does he have disciples like Mo Yuan. he could always stay in Qing Qiu." Her words seemed to have calmed her niece down. "Really? You think so?" Bai Li smiled and nodded her head. "How could he not fall for our beloved Little Fox."
"Then I am going to Qing Qiu to prepare for taking the throne! Thank you, Aunt!" Feng Jiu disappeared in a puff of clouds as she hurried off to Qing Qiu.
Night had already fallen by the time she made it back up to Kunlun. She decided to ask Mo Yuan if his relationship with her sister would cause problems and if there was anything she could do to help. She heard faint sounds of a zither being played. It appeared to be coming from Mo Yuan's room.
"I haven't heard you play in a while. Do you mind if I join?" She summoned her Jade Dragon Flute. Mo Yuan paused in his playing to gesture to the seat nearby. "I did have a question. Last night you said that Lord Dong Hua stayed celibate for the good of the realms. I got the impression that was also why you stayed celibate. I figured it had to do with the balance of power and wondered if your relationship with Qian Qian would cause problems. If so, is there anything I can do to help" She asked him before playing along with his tune.
Mo Yuan played a bit more in silence before speaking. "I have been isolated for so long, even prior to my absence, that it should not be a problem. Dong Hua, however, is still very much involved in the affairs of the Celestial Realm." Bai Li nodded. That made sense. Besides, he is the brother of the Crown Prince. That fact should help smooth over any potential oppositions.
"Master, I'll assist Zhe Yan in making the elixir tomorrow….Bai Li, I didn't know you were here." Qian Qian entered the room carrying freshly cut peach blossom branches. Bai Li stood up, deciding she would let the two of them talk. She knew that Mo Yuan would be going into isolation to help him recover and he could be meditating for a while. They needed as much time together as they can before then. "I just came in to play for a little bit. I am going to see if there is anything Zhe Yan needs help with before retiring."
She managed to find Zhe Yan sitting by an empty chess board. With Fourth Brother gone, he didn't really have anyone to play with. She wanted to roll her eyes at the old phoenix. He needed more attention than most children do. She sat down next to him. "Up for a game?" Zhe Yan's bored expression perked up. "Just don't get mad when you lose Little Six."
"Fourth Brother is the one who gets upset when he loses. Besides, I believe it was I that won the last game." She teased as she laid her first piece. "Are you still concerned for Mo Yuan's health?" He was about to lay a piece when she spoke causing him to pause. "He is very frail. I am also worried about Qian Qian. What happens to her if he is in isolation for years?"
Bai Li looked over to the old phoenix. His playful nature pushed him aside for the more serious one. "Qian Qian will be fine. She will be surrounded by her fellow disciples and she knows that he will emerge from his isolation healthy. Besides, he may only need a few weeks to recover."
In the typical Zhe Yan fashion, he waved off the serious talk to go back to something more fun. They played until Zhe Yan realized his inevitable defeat and decided to call it a night. Bai Li looked up at the sky with a peaceful look on her face. It seemed like everything in the world was finally good again.
Bai Li heard the knock on her door before Sixteenth entered the small room she had claimed as her for the time being. "Sister! An honored guest has asked for you. Come quickly!" He waited until she stood to follow him. As they passed the wine cellar the door opened to reveal a dusty Qian Qian and a relaxed Mo Yuan. "What's all the comotion?" Bai Qian asked.
"I apparently have an honored guest here." Bai Li wondered briefly who would come looking for her here. Most people went to either Qing Qiu or Ten-mile Peach Tree Woods. Qian Qian turned to look at Mo Yuan. "Let's go see."
The group of four made their way to the main hall to see all the disciples surrounding and fawning over their honored quest. They had completely encircled the guest to the point that they could see who it was. "Who is my honored quest?" Bai Li asked, causing the disciples to notice her and the others behind her. They all moved to bow to their master, moving enough for the small boy to be seen.
"Mother!" A-Li came running out of the circle of disciples to embrace her. She bent down to hug the little boy. "A-Li! What are you doing here?" She smiled at him. She had been meaning to visit him, but so much has happened lately that it kept her away. She stood up and turned to face Mo Yuan and Qian Qian. "You remember Fifth Sister and that is her Master, Mo Yuan."
A-Li kneeled down to give the respected High God a formal boy. "I'm here on Father's behalf to greet High God with Lord Dong Hua. It's just that Lord Dong Hua has lost his powers temporarily so A-Li had to come here alone." Bai Li gave his shoulders a soft squeeze. The young boy was having to take on official duties at such a young age.
"Your father is…." Mo Yuan trailed off while looking at the boy. "Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens, Ye Hua." Bai Li noticed the slight shock in Mo Yuan's eyes. She had forgotten to tell him that he had a nephew. She knelt down behind A-Li and pointed over his shoulder to Mo Yuan. "A-Li, he is your father's older twin brother. He's the son of the Heavenly Father. You father was hurt before he was born, so the Heavenly Father turned him into a golden lotus until he had enough strength to be reborn. That is how he was born as the Crown Prince." She could tell that A-Li didn't understand most of what she was saying, but he did get enough of it. "Father is the younger brother of Aunt Qian's master?" He turned to look at his uncle. "How should I address High God Mo Yuan? Uncle? Or Grand Master? Mother, this difference in hierarchy seems to be quite huge."
Bai Li laughed and patted the poor boy's head. "We'll ask your father when he returns." All the disciples laughed and started teasing her about her motherly status, even Qian Qian poked fun at her. "Why are you so shocked? I have always been motherly." She pouted. "Go and play." She pushed A-Li towards the group of disciples who were more than thrilled to have the young prince there.
Unfortunately, A-Li couldn't stay long and had to leave. "I will come visit you soon." Bai Li assured the boy before giving him one last hug. She watched as he left the mountain with Tian Shu. Ye Hua would return in about a month, after which they would we. Then A-Li would be able to see her more. She decided that she would write down another tune for A-Li to learn. He could play it whenever she was gone to remind him of her.
She had just finished writing a tune down on a wooden scroll when she heard commotion outside. She walked out just in time to see Migu and Sixteenth enter Qian Qian's room with an unconscious Feng Jiu. "What happened? What is wrong with Feng Jiu?" She followed them in to see them lay the young woman on the bed. "Aunt! The princess cut off one of her tails!"
Bai Li instantly dropped to her nieces side. Cutting off a tail of a nine-tailed fox was akin to ripping out its heart. The pain was unbearable. "Go and get Zhe Yan!" She ordered. He would have an elixir to restore the missing tail. Until then she quickly cast her Soothing Presence Spell. "Silly girl. You are just as troublesome as Qian Qian, if not more."
"I have already sent someone to search for them." Sixteenth told her. It wasn't too long before Qian Qian, Fourth Brother, and Zhe Yan entered the small room. "What happened? Wasn't she fine when she returned from Kunlun Mountain?" Qian Qian asked looking over at Migu. "Zhe Yan, quickly she cut off her tail." Bai Li moved out of the way so the Old Phoenix could sit down. "Fourth Brother, look at that child!" Bai Qian pointed to Little Fox. Bai Zhen looked at his dear niece with concern as well. "She really doesn't care about her life. Think of a way to ease the pain quickly! The pain of a broken tail could easily kill her!"
Zhe Yan quickly pulled an elixir out of his sleeve and fed it to the injured fox. "I already eased the pain. Don't say another word. Leave the room now." Bai Li watched as her siblings and Migu left the room. "I am going to stay with her. My presence will help with any lingering discomfort." Zhe Yan nodded before leaving her to tend to her niece.
Bai Li heard her sister speak to Lord Dong Hua, who apparently came to see how Feng Jiu was. She agreed with what her sister said. He knew any relationship he had would be ill-fated because he removed his name from the Rock of Three Incarnations. He should have done everything he could to put a halt on Feng Jiu's feelings. Instead his actions encouraged her. She watched as her sister and everyone re-enter the room.
She stood up and let Bai Qian take her spot next to her niece. She left the room, pausing next to Lord Dong Hua. "My niece might be reckless and lovesick, but as a High God with knowledge of the situation you bear the brunt of the blame for this circumstance." She left before the High God could say anything to her. She was angry and if she stayed she would have said something far worse.
Bai Qian informed her the next day that Feng Jiu cut off her own tail to turn it into a magical weapon, hoping to carve Dong Hua's name into the Rock of Three Incarnations. Bai Li shook her head at her niece's obstinance. She told Fourth Brother and Migu to keep a close Feng Jiu. Bai Li glanced around the now fully revived Kunlun Mountain. It was time she took her leave. Mo Yuan was about to go into isolation and Zhe Yan had already returned back to Ten-mile Peach Tree Forest. Qian Qian was going to stay in Kunlun but she did have plans to return to Qing Qiu to check in on their wayward niece.
She thought she would go visit A-Li. She did promise him she would. However, there was one person she wanted to see before. She walked to the entrance to Kunlun. Qian Qian and Second were saying goodbye to Sixteenth who was going to stand guard at the Sea of Innocence. She watched as they all bowed to each other before he left.
"I should be going as well. Someone has to get ready for Feng Jiu to take over the throne of Qing Qiu." Bai Li said walking up to the two remaining. "You are leaving?" Qian Qian asked. Bai nodded. "You don't need me here. Besides, aren't you going to be visiting Little Fox in Qing Qiu." She was about to leave when Second called out to her. "I have something for you." He summoned a familiar looking box. "When Senior left early this morning he told me to give you the Soul-gathering Lamp. You left it in the West Sea."
Bai Li magically took and tucked the lamp away. "Thank you. This is a sacred item to the Celestial Tribe and should be returned." She turned back to her sister. "I will see you soon in Qing Qiu." With that said, she left Kunlun Mountain.
Ye Hua would be eighteen. She was not surprised to know that at the age of twelve he was admitted into the Imperial College and was the top scholar in the special examination made by the emperor. Now he was the Minister of Revenue and had his own household. She learned of his new home from the servant and went to go see him.
She paused underneath a small pavilion. Zhao Ge was having alcohol with a young woman. The woman looked just like her, just like Su Su. However, she could tell that the woman was not real. She was a puppet created by an immortal.
She felt Su Jin pop up beside her. "I haven't seen High Goddess for days. Su Jin greets High God." She bowed slightly to her. "What are you doing here?" Bai Li narrowed her eyes at the consort. "His Highness is going through the heavenly trial alone in the Mortal Realm and I'm worried that he might be lonely. I've made him a figurine of the person he misses the most to stay by his side. I came down here today to see if that figurine is taking good care of His Highness."
"Really. How nice." Bai Li looked at the woman carefully analyzing her. "High Goddess, do you know who I have made that figurine resemble? Have you heard the name, Su Su?" The smile on Su Jin's face never left, nor did the disdain in her eyes. "A-Li's mother, correct? The one you tricked into jumping off Zhuxian Terrace?" The consort seemed a little taken back by the hostility in her soft voice. "High Goddess, you don't have to take it to heart. His Highness is but a mortal now so he can't tell that she's just a figurine. That could fulfill the wish he has had on his mind for a long time. Once His Highness returns to the Nine Heavens he won't care about a figurine, even if it has Su Su's face." Su Jin told her.
Bai Li looked over to Zhao Ge and the figurine. The consort was trying to get under her skin. Even though it was succeeding, she wouldn't let it show. "I don't think he would like being tricked." Su Jin hadn't thought of that based on the nervous laugh she let out. "All I did was make a figurine and leave it at the market outside His Highness's manor. His Highness fancied her and brought her home. If His Highness insists on blaming me, I have nothing to say about it. However, it shows that if you love someone to the core you'll still have an impression of that person and fall in love with her again even after drinking the amnesia potion."
"You think you know his heart?" Bai Li asked. "I've always been devoted to His Highness. Everyone in the Nine Heavens knows that. I definitely know his heart. By the way, does the High Goddess know that for the past 300 years His Highness has been trying to gather Su Su's energy with the Soul-gathering Lamp?" Su Jin was no doubt hoping that she didn't know.
Bai Li turned to look at the woman next to her. "Of course. I felt the aura of the mortal when Ye Hua gave me the Soul-gathering Lamp." It was faint but she noticed the slight disappointment and shock that flickered in Su Jin's eyes. "Su Jin. You haven't reflected on what I told you earlier did you. Don't worry. When Ye Hua returns and is mad at you for sending the figurine to trick him, I will let him know that you didn't do it to upset him." Su Jin didn't know how to respond to that so she gave a bow and vanished.
While she knew that the consorts words were only meant to rile her up, they did have some sense to them. Would Ye Hua ever be able to forget A-Li's mother? She was depressed by the time she returned to Qing Qiu. She didn't want to talk to anyone or do anything. For two days all she did was play that song she couldn't forget, but couldn't remember why. The documents for Qing Qiu were piling up on her desk, but she couldn't bring herself to look at them.
"Li Li. You can't stay here forever." Bai Qian watched her sister as she sat on her bed playing her Jade Dragon Flute. "You haven't eaten anything since you returned. What happened?" She made her way over to her little sister.
Bai Li sighed and set down the flute. "Do you think it is possible to forget your first love?" Her sister summoned two jars of wine and handed her one. "Why would you want to forget Ye Hua? Did he cheat on you in the mortal realm?" She took a sip of the wine realizing that Qian Qian must have grabbed the strong wine knowing she needed it. "He brought home a figurine that looks more like Su Su than I do. What if he really can't forget her?"
"What if he is only with that doll because she looks like you? Did you ever think of that?" Qian Qian asked her. She had thought about it, but when she first met Ye Hua he thought she was his wife. Didn't that mean she reminded him of her, if so wouldn't that mean the doll looked like the one he truly wanted. I made her head and heart hurt. She took another large sip of wine.
Bai Qian shook her head. "Why don't you see how he reacts to the doll? Both as a mortal and when he returns? If he does end up marrying the doll and gets really angry with that side consort of his, then you know who he has in his heart. Until then why don't I get us some of the better tasting wine." Bai Li watched as her sister stood up to get more wine. She decided to stand up too and finally look over the documents.
Unfortunately, she didn't realize how much the alcohol affected her body because she stumbled. She tried to catch herself out of reflex and ended up knockin down the lit Soul-gathering Lamp. It shattered and released a ethereal energy. She tried to pick up the glass pieced, but ended up pricking her finger. Suddenly all the energy entered her body and images flashed within her mind. Memories long since been forgotten resurface causing tears to flow down her face.
She remembered. She was Su Su. Ye Hua took her eyes. He has all but abandoned his frail pregnant mortal wife, leaving her to face the sinister plots of the immortals in the Celestial Palace. He broke his many promises to her. She fell asleep with all these memories swirling in her mind.
"Li Li. What happened?" Bai Qian asked, watching her sister just sit there. At least the other day she had been playing the flute. Now it seemed like she lost all her spirit. "Auntie, would you atleast eat something?" Feng Jiu placed the tray of food next to her.
Bai Li turned to look at her niece. "Feng Jiu, you used to visit Su Su in your fox form while she loved in the Hall of Beautiful Youth, didn't you? You were the first one to visit her talking to her behind the locked door." Feng Jiu gave her a surprised look. "How did you know? No one else knew apart from me, Lord Dong Hua and Star Lord."
"Because I am Su Su." Bai Li stood up and walked into the main room, the two other women following behind her. "Qian Qian's trial to ascend to a High God took place in the mortal realm. I ended up taking it on. She was supposed to have a ill-fated romance with Ye Hua. She was supposed to be A-Li's mother." Bai Li grabbed a jug of wine taking a sip. "Ye Hua and my relationship came about because I took on Bai Qian's trial."
Bai Qian looked over at her sister in shock. She had always wondered how she ascended. No one had ever ascended in their sleep. "Why didn't we remember? Why don't I remember?" Bai Li set the wine down. "You weren't there. You slept safely in Qing Qiu while I took the trial for you. When it was finished I took an amnesia potion to forget. Ye Hua wasn't gathering Su Su's soul but my forgotten memories, Su Su's memories. When I accidentally broke the lamp those memories returned to me."
"Auntie, are you sure?" Feng Jiu asked. Bai Li simply nodded. "I just remembered something. Something was wrongfully taken from me. Now that I am no longer a mortal. I think it is time to retrieve what Su Jin stole from me. What do you think?" She looked over to her sister and niece.
Migu didn't seem to understand what was going on. "Auntie, that's drunk talk. When did Consort Su Jin steal from you?" Bai Li waved him off. "You aren't involved and don't know that I am talking about. What do you two think?"
Feng Jiu was the one to respond. "If Auntie Li really was Su Su then you endured such grievances in the Celestial Palace. You should get your eyes back."
Bai Li summoned her Jade Dragon Flute before cloud jumped to the Celestial Palace. The guards at the gate immediately blocked her entrance. "You dare keep out a High Goddess and princess of Qing Qiu?" When they heard her title they immediately let her pass. "As you were." She told them when they moved to bow before cloud jumped again into Xiwu palace. She didn't want to raise an alarm.
She tapped her flute catching the treacherous maid of Su Jin's attention, who immediately dropped to her knees in a bow. "High Goddess!" She moved to enter the building. "High Goddess, my mistress is…." She waved her hand to magically paralyze the maid.
Su Jin was relaxing in a style fit for a consort. She was obviously not expecting company. Su Jin rose from her seat and greeted her with a smile. "Su Jin is surprised by High Goddess's sudden visit. I suppose that you're here to ask me about His Highness's recent news. Speaking of High Highness… That fake Su Su gets along with him and takes good care of him."
Bai Li let out a laugh. "Su Jin. I am not here to discuss Ye Hua. I am here to take care of you. To pay back all your kindness." She spat out the last word as she walked over to the other side of the room, her hands trailing over the furniture. "I told you that you shouldn't try to be too clever and manipulative. It seems that you haven't learned that that kind of behavior, especially for someone of your stature, often leads to bad consequences." She paused taking in Su Jin's unhappy look. "Su Jin, you have used my eyes to glare at me with hatred and envy for too long. Don't you think you should give them back?"
Su Jin looked absolutely horrified at her words. "What did you just say?" Bai Li tapped her flute against her hands as she watched the immortal woman start to crumble. "After 300 years, did you forget what trickery you used to get your beautiful eyes?"
"My sister had a trial 300 years ago. I, being the devoted sister, took over it for her. However, that trial caused me to lose something very important here, my eyes. Now that I remember, I have decided to take them back." Bai Li watched as tears fell down Su Jin's face. "You're Su Su?" Her shaky voice was making Bai Li irritated. She used tears to frame her in the past. She pretended to be a weak, docile woman when she was a manipulative witch.
Bai Li pointed her jade flute at the consort. "Will you remove them yourself? Or will you have me do it?" Su Jin collapsed on the floor. "That's impossible…. How could you be…. That's impossible… That's not possible… It's Impossible…"
"Well? What's it going to be?" Bai Li asked. She probably would be yelling if Su Jin hadn't stolen her voice. "That woman… She was just a mortal! She couldn't be you… She was just a mortal! She couldn't…" Su Jing was getting more worked up by every word she spoke. "Why? Why is it impossible? Ye Hua's currently a mortal. I am not the first person to deal with a trial as a because I was a mortal 300 years ago, didn't give you the right to bully me and steal my eyes. Not to mention tricking me into jumping off Zhuxian Terrace. " She knelt down next to the cowering woman and used the end of her flute to force her chin up. "It seems you don't want to take them out yourself. So allow me, but just a warning, I had some wine and have been a little unsteady." She moved to take out her eyes. "Don't dig out my eyes! You can't." Su Jin tried to escape but Bai Li magically created a barrier, preventing her from leaving the room.
She walked over to the woman who was sent falling to the floor from hitting the barrier. "You always acted frail and helpless to get what you want. It's finally nice to see some honest emotions from you." She paused and knelt down in front of the woman again. "I was told when Ye Hua took my eyes to pay for what I owe. However, we both know that I was not responsible for your damaged eyes. So why should we owe you?" With a swing from her hand she magically took back her eyes.
Bai Li then called forth her powers and cast them upon the sobbing consort. "You should be grateful I studied medicine under Zhe Yan. You won't pass out from having your eyes ripped from you." She stood up and watched as Su Jin covered her empty eye sockets. "All debts need to be paid. I rightfully took back what was taken from me. However, you still need to pay for tricking me into jumping off Zhuxian Palace. I know a way you can be useful and pay off your debt. Tell the Heavenly Lord you want to guard the Bell of East Emperor and agree to never return to the Celestial Palace. "
"No…No...Never" Su Jin cried out in desperation. "Well then I will have to go to the Heavenly Lord and ask for punishment. But I may not be as merciful as I am not. I hate big commotions, so I may be included to ask that you be reborn as an animal or some other painful punishment. I am offering you this chance since the Heavenly Lord took my eyes in private. I too should be willing to do the same. The choice is yours." With that Bai Li left to go meet Zhe Yan in the Peach Tree Woods.
Bai Qian was with Zhe Yan when she entered the woods. The old phoenix approached her as she sat down at the small table nearby. "Little Five came here saying that you went to retrieve something and that you would come here to see me next. She did not say anything more." He said as he too sat down.
Bai Li summoned the box containing her eyes and held it out to him. "You still managed to get your eyes back after 300 years. That's quite a miracle. It's an even greater miracle that you could still recall your past after taking my amnesia potion."
"Please put this back in my body. These eyes, while I appreciate you giving them to me, have caused me some trouble." She said calmly despite wanting to scream at the top of her lungs and let out all her anger and sadness she was feeling. "That's not a problem. First I have to cleanse the foul aura off. Then I can put them back in for you."
She stood up. "Please do. I want all traces of that woman gone." She started to walk away when Zhe Yan called out. "Little Six, you still haven't told me who took your eyes from you." She turned to look at him and at Qian QIan. "Someone I trusted to protect me." She left it at that. Zhe Yan probably already knew anyways. He was very perceptive. Once she got her eyes back she was going to lock herself in Qing Qiu.
It took several days for her eyes to be purified. Afterwards, she returned to Qing Qiu with Qian Qian. Her sister, knowing that Li Li was upset, ordered Migu to close the Fox Den from visitors. Afterwards, Bai Qian approached her sister wanting to know more about what happened during her heavenly trial. Bai Li felt that since it was supposed to be her trial she should know. However, she didn't tell her everything. Qian Qian didn't need to know how badly she was treated or how much it hurt when Ye Hua was cold to her.
Bai Li spent days alternating between crying, playing her flute and drinking. Qian Qian would bring her food, refill her wine and sometimes even played the old zither Zhe Yan kept here with her. They received word that Su Jin had gone to watch over the bell, which meant that they wouldn't have to go to the Heavenly Lord to deal with that matter.
"Aunties, His Highness has been waiting outside the Fox Den for seven days. He insists on seeing you." Migu informed them. Bai Li just kept playing her flute, so Migu turned towards Qian Qian. "I acted upon your orders so I don't dare to let anyone in. Not even the Crown Prince. However, it's been seven days and His Highness doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. I can't make any decision, so I came in to ask you what I should do."
Bai Qian looked over to Migu. "Tell him Li Li is ill and that he should return back to the Celestial Palace." The look on Migu's face told everyone that he didn't want to do this, but he left the den only to come back in a few moments later. "Auntie, His Highness asked me to pass on a message to you. You said that if he didn't get into any relationships as a mortal you would marry him. Apart from talking to a girl who looked identical to you in your mortal form and inviting her to his house, all he did was tend to his sick mother. He wants to know if your promise to marry him still stands."
"He expects me to uphold my promises when he can't even uphold his own?" She shouted with tears in her eyes. "Li Li, do you not want to marry him anymore?" Bai Qian asked with all seriousness. If her little sister no longer wanted in this marriage, she would go to the Heavenly Lord herself to cancel the engagement.
Bai Li looked at her sister with sad eyes. "I don't know anymore. Right now the memories and emotions from 300 years ago are once again fresh, all the pain and sadness. I just….I just can't see him right now." Her sister came and put a hand on her shoulder. "Okay. I will try and talk to him."
However, not even Qian Qian could persuade him. Bai Li listened to her sister talk about how she can't keep putting him off. Even if it's just to tell him to go home, she has to be the one to do it. Ye Hua will only listen to her. "Star Lord of Destiny seeks an audience with the High Goddess Bai Qian. There's trouble in Ruoshui Riverbank!" Si Ming's voice hollered out from the entrance to the Fox Den.
Both Bai Li and Bai Qian looked at each other before running out of the den, Qian Qian faster than the younger sister. "What did you say?" Ye Hua was looking at Si Ming. "There was a weird sighting at the bell. Lord Dong Hua said that only Bai Qian could seal Qing Cang."
"She is not the only one. I can as well. Has Qing Cang broken the seal?" Bai Li asked ignoring everyone one else but the Star Lord of Destiny. Si Ming turned to the two High Goddesses. Due to the urgent nature he did not bow in greeting. "When I left, he was still sealed. But it's just a matter of time now."
Bai Qian turned to Migu. "Migu, send a message to Fourth Brother. Get him to assist me in Ruoshui." Qian Qian immediately turned to head to the riverbank. Bai Li moved to follow her, when Ye Hua tried to speak with her. "Not now. I can't." She whispered before disappearing.
When the two goddesses arrived a group of Celestial soldiers were protecting Dong Hua and an injured Feng Jiu. Both summoned their Kunlun weapons and took flight. "Si Yin, is that you?" Qing Cang's voice taunted from inside the bell. "Exactly! Qing Cang, it's me. And you remember my sister? Who knew that we only sealed you for about 300 years and you've broken out again?"
Qing Cang let out an evil laugh. "I've been waiting for you two and Mo Yuan! It was you, your sister and your mentor who had me trapped for 70,000 years. I'll avenge myself today and take all of your lives!" Bai Li and Bai Qian both scoffed. "Arrogant" They prepared the weapons but before they could charge forward they were bound by a magical artifact and brought back to shore.
"What are you doing? Let me go." Bai Li looked towards Ye Hua who must have followed after them. "You can't defeat Qing Cang with your cultivation. Leave him to me." When he said that she knew what he was planning to do. "I have the strongest cultivation out of everyone here! You used up all your cultivation to help Mo Yuan recover. You can't defeat him." Bai Li shouted. Ye Hua just looked at Bai Qian. "Take good care of her."
Bai Li watched in horror as Ye Hua flew off to battle Qing Cang. "Ye Hua!" She shouted. She turned to the earth deity next to her. "Untie us. He doesn't have enough cultivation." Unfortunately, the earth deity was unable to remove the magical artifact surrounding them.
While Ye Hua was battling Qing Cang warriors from the Ghost Tribe arrived at the riverbank. "Kill them all and the world will be ours!" One of the dark soldiers shouted. "Don't you dare act so arrogantly, Ghost Tribe!" The only earth deity pointed to the group of soldiers before running off to battle them. He managed to land some hits but he was no match for the soldiers. Before one of the Ghost Tribe warriors could land a strike, Bai Zhen came down to block their attacks, sending the soldiers flying back. "Fourth Brother!" Bai Qian shouted.
Bai Zhen rarely fought but he was highly skilled. Bai Li knew better than anyone what her brother was capable of since he trained her. Before their brother could kill all the enemy combatants, Ye Hua and Qing Cang fell from the sky and crashed in front of them. The magical artifact immediately released the Bai sisters. Bai Li rushed to Ye Hua's side. He was badly injured.
"Young man, I lost to you today, but it's not a fair fight! If I weren't still affected by the severe injuries from 70,000 years ago and damages to my spirit by my treacherous son I never would have been defeated by you!" Qing Cang had blood dripping from his mouth as he spoke.
Ye Hua stood up. "You were still defeated in the end." Bai Li was concerned about Ye Hua. He was bleeding from his mouth and she wondered how his spirit energy was doing. "Ye Hua lost so much of his cultivation but he still defeated Qing Cang?" Fourth Brother looked puzzled.
Bai Li wrapped her arms around Ye Hua when Qing Can dropped to the ground in seemingly defeat. However, the celebration was cut short when the Bell of the East Emperor was activated once more. "Qing Cang, what have you done?" Ye Hua pushed Bai Li behind him as he turned to look at Qing Cang who had risen to stand.
Qing Cang started to disappear in a dark smoke. "All I did was to make use of the past 70,000 years to connect my life to the Bell of East Emperor. Once I am dead…..the Bell of East Emperor will release the crimson hellfire. It will have all of you killed and buried with me!" He let out a crackling laugh before finally falling to the ground dead.
"Ye Hua." Bai Li tried to hold him back but he pushed her into her two siblings. "Ye Hua!" She kept calling his name and begging him to come back while her siblings tried to calm her down. It was the exact same as with Mo Yuan. After going into the bell, a bright light flashed and Ye Hua's body came floating down.
Bai Li flew over to him. She knew he wasn't gone since she could still feel that his soul was till there it just was very weak. His eyes opened to look at her tear stained face. "Don't cry. I'm alright." He gently caressed her face. "This injury isn't serious." Right after saying that he started coughing up blood. "Of course it's serious!" She caressed his face. "Don't swallow your blood. It isn't good and you can't hide it from me." She was blinking back her tears. "We will get you to Zhe Yan. You can't die." She noticed him still staring at her. They both knew he was dying. She gave him a kiss. "Mo Yuan has returned. Stay with him. He… He'll take good care of you. He would be better than me. I'm not worried." he said shakily.
She grabbed his head. "Mo Yuan is no you. He also has Qian Qian." Bai Li felt Ye Hua's hand on her cheek. "Li Li…. Li Li… All along, I... I've loved only you. Don't… Don't forget me. Don't.." She kissed him again before resting her forehead on his. "How can I forget you? You can't die. If you do you better find a way to come back! I won't be able to live without you. I don't think I can wait as long as Qian Qian. I would die." She kept crying. "I can't promise…." She knew the moment he left and she broke down into tears. She cradled his body to her. He had to come back, he had to.
She took his body and cloud jumped back to the den. She laid Ye Hua on her bed. She heard when her sister and the others returned. There was a heavenly entourage to bring back the Crown Prince's body. The barrier she placed on her room, however, prevented any of them from entering. Wanted to spend time with him before they took him. She needed to clean his body and put fresh robes on him. She lost track of time as she laid there tending to him. It wasn't until she felt Lord Dong Hua's strong aura that she realized she had been in there for more than 10 days.
She came out and before they could speak. "You are here to take him?" She couldn't help the lifelessness in her voice. "Just please let me prepare his body." She kowtowed to Ye Hua's parents. "Rise. We will wait." Ye Hua's father gestured for her to stand.
Bai Li made her way back to her room and started preparing him for a funeral. She gave him one last kiss on his lips. "Are you really going to give them his body?" Qian Qian spoke from the doorway. She was worried that Li Li would try to feed Ye Hua her heart's blood and take his body somewhere hidden. "I will. He will return and the crystal coffin will protect his body." She summoned the Soul Jade and placed it in Ye Hua's mouth. "The Soul Jade!" Qian Qian ran over to her sister. "I forgot you still had it. You are going to use it to preserve his body. You really think he will return? Even Master said that Ye Hua had breathed his last breath." Bai Qian wanted to slap herself when she saw her sister flinch.
"He will return and I will be waiting." Bai Li caressed Ye Hua's cheek one last time. Despite believing he would return, it was hard to watch the Celestial soldiers close up the coffin. She wouldn't be able to go to the Restful Sea with them for the funeral because she was not a member of the Celestial Tribe.
Time passed slowly. She tried to live life but more often than not she only did three things. She visited A-Li, played the song she wrote for Ye Hua at the cenotaph she made for him, or sleep dreaming of Ye Hua. If she could, she would have spent all her time with her son. However, he now was heir apparent and had big shoes to fill. He was often studying and she wasn't exactly welcomed in the Celestial Palace with open arms. They only let her stay in Xiwu Palace because she was A-Li's mother and the third prince, Ye Hua's favorite uncle advocated for her.
Three years have since passed and despite everyone telling her to move on, she still held on to the belief that Ye Hua would return to her. She knew her siblings were worried about her. She had not been eating well and had lost a lot of weight. Qian Qian often would drag her down to the mortal world to watch operas at the teahouse.
Currently Fourth Brother and Qian Qian had dragged her down to the mortal realm. Apparently they wanted her to see what happened to Su Jin. After running away from her duty at the riverbank, she was sentenced to be reborn as a mortal. When she saw her, the mortal Su Jin was begging her husband not to leave her.
"I don't want to think about her. Let's get some tea." They made their way over to the small tea shop not far off. "Give us a pot of tea." Fourth Brother asked the young woman who ran the store. "Alright. Here is your tea." The woman turned with a fresh pot of tea and froze seeing the three familiar faces, only one who she knew the name of. "Si Yin." Bai Qian smiled at the Ghost Princess. "Yan Zhi. It's been over 70,000 years…" Yan Zhi finished for her "...since we last met."
Yan Zhi came and sat next to Bai Qian, while Fourth Brother excused himself. "Yes. We haven't met at all since the battle at Ruo River. You remember my sister?" Qian Qian poured them all a cup of tea. "Thanks for talking to me." Yan Zhi was looking down for a bit before looking back at them. "Si Yin, you were Si Yin when I met you. So, please let me address you by this name. I never got your sister's name."
"Bai Li." She smiled gently at the nervous girl. "You can still call me Si Yin." Bai Qian smiled at her as well. "Si Yin, do you know? When I saw you, I was reminded of my younger days." She paused briefly, the reminiscent smile never leaving her face. We were fooling around in the Grand Ziming Palace. Brother Li Jing was still alive at that time.
A young girl came running up to the Ghost Princess. "Mother, these aunties are so pretty." Both sisters smiled at the young girl but it was Qian Qian who spoke to her. "You're pretty too."
"Mother!" A familiar voice called out from behind them. Bai Li turned to see her son running up with Tian Shu and Jia Yun. "Mother, you haven't visited me in a few weeks!" The young boy gave her a pout. "I was going to visit you soon. What are you doing here?" She brushed his bangs tenderly. "When I was passing by this place over the clouds…. I saw the glow of a high god. I wanted to see who this high god is. Then I came down and saw you."
"A-Li." Bai Zhen must have seen or heard the young boy and decided to visit his nephew. The young boy bowed to Fourth Brother before turning to bow to Qian Qian. "Greetings, Uncle Bai Zhen, Auntie Bai Qian."
Bai Zhen smiled down at the young boy. "You're so polite, Prince A-Li." Both Tian Shu and Jia Yuan greeted the High Gods. "Where are you taking A-Li to?" It was rare for A-Li to leave the Celestial Palace, so Bai Li was curious. She could tell the two were hesitant to say where when they looked at each other. "I cannot know?"
"Of course you can. Mother, I'm going to the Restful Sea… to pay my respect to father. Can you come along?" A-Li held her hand and looked at her with pleading eyes. She knew how hard it has been for A-Li to not have his father around. She tried to be there for him more, but it wasn't the same.
Bai Li looked towards the two celestial officers. "Can I?" She so desperately wanted to visit Ye Hua, but the Restful Sea was sacred Celestial ground. Both officers looked at each other. "We won't tell anyone if you join us." Tian Shu gave her a curt nod.
It was hard knowing that Ye Hua was resting among the dead. Only three years has passed since he left, but it felt like a lifetime. She didn't know how Qian Qian did it. "Mother, are you missing father?" A-Li's little voice brought her out of her sad thoughts. "Yes, very much. Your father is like no man I have ever met." She gave him a sad smile. She was determined not to let A-Li see her cry. "My father is Heavenly Father's son. Of course he's unrivalled." A-Li was very proud of his father.
"I am grateful that I have my own unrivalled son." She swung their joined hands. "Sister, you're so shamelessly boastful." Sixteenth said as he approached the small group. "I've been really lonely over the past 3 years." The ex-kunlun disciple playfully glared at Qian Qian. "I finally have some visitors today. Let's go." Sixteenth knew exactly who they were going to visit and let them to the suspended crystal coffin containing Ye Hua. "That's the crown prince's coffin."
Bai Li led A-Li to the platform where the hanging coffin was on and up the steps. A-Li bowed before his father's tomb. "Father, I'm not a good son. I only came to see you after 3 years. Over the past 3 years, I was confined in Xiwu Palace. I spent my days studying. Grandmother wouldn't let me leave. Father, I miss you." Bai Li knelt down beside the boy. Consort Le Xu still blamed her for Ye Hua's death and made it difficult for her to see A-Li as often as she would have liked.
She turned to face Ye Hua's coffin and found herself remembering their brief time together. In the back of her mind she heard Qian Qian and Fourth Brother take A-Li away so she could have time to herself.
When they left she stood up and gently touched the coffin. "Ye Hua, Return soon. Not only for my sake but for A-Li's as well." She fell to the ground as silent tears fell from her face. Emotions she hid from A-Li coming forth. She didn't realize that she had dozed off until she felt a warmth caress her face and what felt like a forehead against hers. Her eyes snapped open at the familiar sensation. This was just like her time in Kunlun. The feelings she got when around the golden lotus. She turned to look at the coffin with a watery smile. "You're coming home soon, aren't you? I will be waiting."
A-Li was waiting for her by the entrance to the Restful Sea. He went to give her a bow of goodbye, but she knelt down in a silent message that he didn't have to bow to her. "Mother, I need to return to the Celestial Palace. I'll visit you in Qing Qiu… on Auntie Qian's birthday next month."
Bai Li smiled at the young boy. "I will come see you with a new song soon." She rubbed his weary little hands. "Don't forget to have fun once in a while okay. I just want to see you happy." A-Li shook his head. "I'm the eldest son of Crown Prince Ye Hua. I must not be lazy. Even though I am not as brilliant as my father… I must be as hardworking as him."
She gave him a big hug. "You are just as amazing as your father." It was sad watching her son leave with the two celestial officers that had served Ye Hua but she knew this separation was just temporary.
She could tell that Bai Qian was ready to head back to Mo Yuan. Qian Qian had passed the throne to Feng Jiu and officially moved into Kunlun. Mo Yuan had finished recovering and the two were now looking at wedding dates.
"I think I am going to Mount Junji. You two can go ahead." She saw Fourth Brother open his mouth to speak, no doubt offering to go with her. "Alone." She cloud jumped to the hut she had once lived in.
It looked exactly the same as it did all those years ago. She had been maintaining it, much like Ye Hua did during the 300 years she had been gone. She walked over to the small sitting area by the window and summoned her Jade Dragon Flute to play Ye Hua's song.
She hadn't been gone too long when she saw both Qian Qian and Mo Yuan approach the mall house. She stood up with tears in her eyes. "He's returned, hasn't he?" Mo Yuan nodded. "Back then, Heavenly Father used up half of his power to create the golden lotus. This power followed Ye Hua and hid in his primordial spirit. 3 years ago, Ye Hua slew the four beasts in Yingzhou and obtained the other half of Heavenly Father's power. Ye Hua must have used up all of Heavenly Father's power to stop the Bell of East Emperor. The clash of powers damaged his primordial spirit. So, he entered a period of slumber. By right, he should be asleep for a few decades. But, the crystal coffin is a good container and despite being a graveyard, the Restful Sea is a sacred place for healing. That's why Ye Hua awakened in just 3 years."
Qian Qian put a hand on her sister and gave her a question look. "How did you know he was awake?" They only found out when Sixteenth came running into Kunlun asking Master to go to see Ye Hua since there was a lot of spirit energy surrounding his coffin. "I felt him. When I visited his tomb, I felt his presence much like I did when he was the golden lotus."
"He is waiting for you in Ten-mile Peach Tree Woods." Mo Yuan gave her a slight smile before stepping out of the way. Bai Li immediately took off for her home. She knew exactly where to find him.
Her heart froze watching him gently touch the cenotaph she made. "Ye Hua." He turned to look at her before gently holding out his hand. "Li Li. Come here." Her eyes watered and she took off towards him and tossed her arms around him. She clung to him with tears falling down her eyes. "You returned. You've finally returned." They both let out shaky breaths as their reunion was emotional for both of them. He pulled away after a bit to look at her. Her hand came up to caress his face.
"Don't cry. Look. I'm perfectly fine." He stroked her cheek with his now functioning right arm. "I knew you'd come back to me." She cried and gave him another hug. "I am glad I didn't have to wait 70,000 years.
Neither noticed the two figures that entered into the woods until one of them spoke. "Father! Mother!" A-Li let go of Bai Zhen's hand to run towards his parents. Ye Hua was quick to pick up the boy and hold him close. "A-Li." He looked at his son's face with watery eyes and a smile. "Have you been taking care of your mother?"
A-Li nodded. "She has been visiting me while you have been gone. Grandmother wouldn't let me visit her though." Ye Hua gave Bai Li a concerned questioning look. She just shook her head silently letting him know that this is not the time to talk about that.
Ye Hua set A-Li down on the ground and turned to address Bai Zhen and the approaching Zhe Yan. "Brother-In-Law, High God Zhe Yan. Could you play seven games of chess with A-Li? Afterwards he can come find us." Zhe Yan, who came upon feeling Ye Hua's energy, quickly spoke before the young boy in question could protest. "Of course. Come young prince. Let us see if you are as skilled in chess as your mother and father are."
Both Bai Zhen and Zhe Yan escorted the pouting kid away from his parents and over to the small hut, just far enough to give the reunited couple some privacy. Ye Hua pulled Bai Li over to a small rocky platform overlooking one of the jade ponds. He sat down and pulled her to sit next to him. They sat in silence for a bit. Her head on his shoulder and their hands entwined.
"Ye Hua. I am glad you returned. It's been hard without you. I have tried to live believing that you would return, but your absence was unbearable." She turned and looked at him. Her hands reached up to caress his face, thumbs gliding over his cheekbones. "I dreamed of you. I would have slept all the time if it wasn't for A-Li."
Ye Hua smiled at her and pressed her forehead against his. "I am glad too." He leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss. "Li Li. I love you." His breath ghosted over her lips. "I love you too." This time she kissed him. All she remembered after that was his warm embrace as he pulled her closer to his body. Perhaps now they will finally get their happy ending.