:: Qing Qiu's Fox Den ::

The following day they left very early in the morning, caught a lucky cloud and went straight to Qing Qui. When they walked inside the Fox Den, it was rather crowded. The Fox couples, Bai Qian's fourth brother and Zhe Yan sat around the stone table. Feng Jiu was just emerging from the kitchen.

"Aunt, you come back," Feng Jiu exclaimed excitedly and rushed forward to embrace her. By then, she noticed another person was trailing behind her aunt.

"High God Mo Yuan is with you too," she said aloud and announced his presence to the rest.

Bai Zhi and his wife rose up from their seating and awaited the newcomers to join them.

"Mother, Father, I have missed you." Bai Qian went to her mother's side first and gave her a tight hug. Then she turned around and wound her arms around her father's waist. "You have been gone for such a long time."

The Fox Emperor laughed and stroke his only daughter's hair lovingly. He watched her countenance closely and reveled in the happiness that radiated from her person. Her eyes were filled with merriment once again, almost like when she was younger and less weighted by tragedies of the past. It seemed Mo Yuan's return had brought back her spirit. He approved this change wholeheartedly.

"Are you sure? I thought you already forgot everyone here," he teased. "Mi Gu said you hardly come home anymore. Zhe Yan just mentioned you haven't dropped by his PeachTree Woods to snatch his wines at all. How is that even possible?"

"She found herself another kind of addiction. Didn't I tell you that, Bai Zhi," Zhe Yan injected.

Bai Qian gave him a daggered look then turned her attention back to her father. "Faa-ther, Mi Gu was over-exaggerated. I was here just a few weeks ago," she protested.

"Hmm, I see. He just conveniently forgot that, didn't he?" Bai Zhi smiled, stroked his beard and nodded his head to her.

She gave him another squeeze and glanced back at Zhe Yan who was still seated at the table with her brother.

"Old Phoenix, just so you know, you were right. I just found a new addiction. Recently, I have tasted hundred thousand years old wine that Master brewed. It's both superb and divine. You'd better brush up your crafts or I'm certain you will lose your reputation to him in no time," she said sarcastically.

Zhe Yan faced her direction, he gave a long sigh and looked almost disheartened. "This is what I got for feeding the girl with my rare and precious wines all these years. Look at how unappreciative she is."

His next sentence was aimed for Mo Yuan who stood watching the family reunion with a slight smile on his face. "Mo Yuan, from now on, let her usurped your wine cellar since mine isn't good enough for her anymore." He said sourly.

"Ehhh. That isn't what I mean," Bai Qian's eyes grew big in alarm. She only said that in jest. He shouldn't have teased her first. Why was he so touchy today? She hastily tried to salvage the situation. He can't cut off her supply just like that!

"Look, I'm merely trying to motivate you to make even more superior wines. There's always room for improvement, right? Then no one can dispute your wines are the best of the best." When Zhe Yan failed to made a comeback, Bai Qian left her father and tried to cajole the Old Phoenix into a good mood.

Mo Yuan knew Zhe Yan only wanted her to sweat a little after her scornful remark, so he let them be and used this chance to present himself formally to Bai Zhi.

"Emperor Bai," Mo Yuan greeted him with a slight bow. Normally he, the Son of Heavenly Father, needed not to perform such ceremony to anyone. But today he was here to ask for Bai Qian's hand, showing a little deference was both customary and appropriate gesture.

"Mo Yuan," Bai Zhi inclined his head in greeting. "I guess I owe you a congratulation on coming back. We heard rumors of your resurrection on our journey. It wasn't until Bi Fang found us that we learned it was true."

"Thank you, Emperor."

"It's good thing you are finally back. Fifth can move on with her life now," said Bai Qian's father.

Seeing an opening, Mo Yuan got straight to the point of their visit. "Emperor, I'm here today to ask for Bai Qian's hand. I wish her to be my wife."

"I know," Bai Zhi said. "Zhe Yan already told us about your intention."

He caught his would-be son-in-law's eyes and held it steady. "Mo Yuan, are you certain about this? You're almost triple her age. Not to mention you're her mentor. Once it gets out that she is your Seventeenth disciple, people will talk. You know how gossips could get ugly. I don't know, don't you care? At all?"

"I'm certain. My intention will never change, no matter what." Mo Yuan was quick to assure the concerned father. "We both have been through so much. Now that we found each other again, I sincerely want to spend the rest of my days with her. Truthfully, I haven't been her mentor for a long time, Emperor." He continued. "And we both know that people always talk no matter what. Let them talk. Nobody will dare to assault her honor, much less in front of me."

Bai Zhi stroked his long beard thoughtfully. He wasn't really against the idea of Bai Qian marrying his once classmate, as long as she was happy. He knew Mo Yuan would take good care of her. He was always honorable and considerate to those he cared about.

Honestly, he would be more anxious if she wed into the Xiwu Palace. Celestials had too many rules, he was afraid she will find the life there stifled to her free spirit. To make it worst, Fourth had brought to his attention the presence of Crown Prince's side consort and his son who was born out of yet another mortal wife. It seemed the Prince was quite a player, despite the cold facade he always wore. He should have known, Celestials and their harem fetish!

His daughter might be strong in terms of cultivation and characters but as a father he didn't want her to live in constant rivalry with his harem and political undercurrents that ensued. At least with Mo Yuan, he knew she would be happy and carefree. Besides, Mo Yuan was not the type to take on many lovers. His daughter will be the only gem in his heart.

"If you said so, I guess I have no more to say," he said at long last.

It was then the Fox Empress stood up and walked over to her husband's side. She stood in front of Mo Yuan, openly stared him down. "And how do you plan to keep her safe?" She launched into a tirade against the one responsible for her daughter's miserable life. Her tone was frosty, biting.

"Time and again I regretted ever sending her to Kunlun Mountain. It was because of you, she almost died from blood loss. Then she suffered greatly when she went to confront Qing Cang because you had to leave that sealing spell with her. I have yet to mention all those years she stabbed herself to feed you the heartblood. I know you have done so much for her and I am grateful for that. But you are God of War, you've made a lot of enemies in your days. How do I know she will not suffer, for your sake, again?"

Bai Qian came back and tugged at her mother's sleeve; she was being rather harsh. She threw a perturbed glance at Mo Yuan, afraid he would be upset.

Mo Yuan bowed his head. "Empress, I was guilty of all those charges, I have no excuses. I'm also willing you to understand. I have never wished Bai Qian to suffer, not even for me. She is very precious to me as well. I cannot guarantee that no misfortunes will ever happen to her again. I could only offer my promise that I will protect her with my very life."

Bai Qian gave him an encouraging smile. The lovers shared a brief yet meaningful glance with each other.

"As for my duties to Celestial Clan, I plan to retire as soon as I am done with Qing Cang. I will stay with her at Kunlun Mountain in solitude, never take part in any conflicts between Clansmen again, save for those events that threaten to compromise the wellbeing of all common people."

Bai Qian was stunned with his startling revelation. He had yet to discuss this sudden decision with her but she was pleased nevertheless. She hated seeing him weighed down with burdens not of his own doing. Celestial Clan had Ye Hua now, as their future lord he should be the one to keep and maintain their own peace. Mo Yuan had done his part and shouldered their responsibilities for far too long.

The Fox Empress looked slightly appeased. "I hope you would stay true to your words. If you fail to fulfill your promise, remember that we will take her back." She advised him to proceed with caution before retreating to her seat.

Bai Zhi exhaled his bated breath."Well then, now that's out of the way. I accepted this proposal and agreed to let my daughter, Bai Qian, wed you, Mo Yuan. I welcome you into our family, son-in-law," he said formally.

"Zhe Yan," he called out, beckoned at the Phoenix to join him. Then he addressed Mo Yuan. "Zhe Yan and I will pay the Sky Lord a visit today to settle the previous arrangement."

"Fifth, you've discussed this with the Crown Prince already?" he asked his daughter.

"I did," she replied.

"And he agreed?"

Bai Qian didn't respond as quick this time, "I don't know, father. He seemed reluctant."

'Reluctant' was to put it mildly, she sincerely hope he wouldn't object too strongly and made a scene. A person could only take so much embarrassment.

"I see."

The Emperor and Zhe Yan's eyes met across the room. It dawned to them things were much more difficult than it seemed. "Nevertheless, Celestial Clan owed this to us. They'll have no choice but to agree."

He put his hand on his daughter's shoulder, trying to offer his reassurance. "Don't worry, Fifth. Zhe Yan and I set up this marriage too hastily. We'll certainly clear it for you."

"Maybe I should accompany both of you," Mo Yuan offered.

The Fox Emperor put his hand out, telling him to hold that thought. "I think we should save it as a last resort. There's no need to aggravate the Sky Lord further. You know how he is."

Mo Yuan nodded. He would simply follow them later, in case things went awry.

"Mo Yuan, please inform us when you picked the wedding date, so we could began the preparation," said the Emperor. "Come on, let's get moving."

Bai Zhi left the Fox Den and quickly caught a cloud. Zhe Yan with Bai Zhen, who decided to tag along with them, jumped on Bi Fang's back and followed him quickly.

Bai Qian followed Mo Yuan out of the Den after the trio had departed.

"You're going too?" she asked.

"Yes, perhaps I could lend them some assistance, if the Sky Lord prove to be too stubborn."

She frowned. "I'll go with you then."

"Did you forget what happened the last time you went there? Your presence will only provoke him further. Look, it will be alright." He tried to sooth her nerves.

"I believe between you and Father, he won't pose too much problems. It's Ye Hua I'm worried about." She had told Mo Yuan everything that happened between them. "Besides, he's your brother. I never want you to alienate yourself from him just because of me."

He flicked his finger lightly at her forehead. "You're worrying too much."

"I'm serious, you know" she pouted.

Mo Yuan shook his head. "I don't think he'll be that petty. Even if it comes to that, we'll find our way again."

"Anyway did you just refer to me as 'Master' again when you talked to Zhe Yan? I thought we've talked about this." He invaded her personal space and held her around her waist.

He switched the topic so suddenly that she was disoriented and forgot what else she was about to say. "You know how incorrigible your 'brother' is. He's even worse at inappropriate comment than Zi Lan when he put his mind to it."

The two lovers put their forehead together while talking to each other. "I thought you didn't care about what he said?"

Well, she did. She refused to give Zhe Yan another ammunition to ridicule her love life. "Can't we just agree to disagree? You get to call me 'Seventeenth', why can't I do the same?"

"And who said that she will always be 'my little Seventeenth'?"

"I did because it's true. Others may call me Bai Qian, Qian Qian, Qing Qiu's Queen or even goddess. but I'm only 'little Seventeenth' to you and you alone."

Her voice was full with such conviction, Mo Yuan found her simply too adorable to resist. His hand gently cradled her face. "Of course, you are, my little wife." He brushed his lips against hers and tasted her mouth thoroughly.

"Will you come back later?" She asked breathlessly when he let go of her lips and fluttered small kisses over her face.

"No, I'll proceed straight from there to Kunlun Mountain. Remember, come back to me in a week, Seventeenth."

"I will." She tightened her arms around his neck, not wanting to let go of him either.

"I'll find a good day and discuss it with your father. Soon, no more than three months." He left with a promise of their future together. She sent him off and began to wait for her father's return.

What could possibly took them so long? They were gone the whole afternoon, Bai Qian was in a restless mood and began pacing back and forth. Mi Gu complained that she was giving him a headache and left her alone in the Den. After another hour of restlessness, she gave up and sat idly by, waited for their return. Bai Qian's head was nodding off when suddenly there was noises coming from the opening of the cave. She blinked away the last vestiges of sleep and looked around.

"That Sky Lord is really something. I wish we'd have done this long time ago." Bai Zhi came inside and sat down heavily on the stone chair. He was clearly not in a good mood.

"What happened?" Bai Qian looked from her bristled father to Zhe Yan then to her Fourth brother.

"Fifth sister, you're a free woman now," Zhe Yan announced.

"But?" she asked, sensing there was more to this story.

"When father suggested that he wanted to cancel the arrangement, the Sky Lord denied outright. He barely listened to reasons, claiming this marriage was necessary for the benefits between our clans."

Bai Zhen decided to speak up since no one gave her an answer.

"Father tried to assure him we'll maintain good relation with each other even without the marriage. Still he kept refusing and saying that it was his final decision. He told father should not bring the issue up again." He snickered at the Lord's audacity.

"Father had to remind him, not so gently, mind you - that it was the Celestial Clan who wronged Qing Qiu first when Sang Ji eloped with your servant. By rights, Qing Qiu could demand retribution for this act of betrayal but we didn't. We had graciously accepted when the Sky Lord chose to serve his grandson on the platter to us to save his own face. It's only reasonable we reserve the rights to end this arrangement as we deem fit."

Bai Zhi harrumphed loudly when his son recounted this part.

"Then he had the gall to say that if you chose not to marry Ye Hua; he was afraid you would be single for the rest of your life. No one else would be daring enough to marry you, considering your past failures."

Bai Qian stood up immediately. "What did you say? How dare he!" She cried out in outrageous and grabbed her brother's arm tightly, urging him to continue. "What then? Speak quickly, brother."

"What then? Your mentor showed up, of course. His timing was impeccable. He came just in the nick of time to hear what the Sky Lord said about you. The man's glare is impressive, I must say. I'm glad I am not the person on the receiving end."

Bai Zhi and Zhe Yan chuckled softly at this remark. They all knew how biting his frosty glares were, or better yet, what would happened once his stretching-to-limit patience run out and Xuan Yuan was pulled out of its scabbard. Three hundred thousands of years had done a miracle to his once quick temper though. Luckily, this generation of Sky Lord had yet to truly feel the brunt of his full wreath.

"High God Mo Yuan declared in front of everyone his intention to marry you. Father said he gladly accepted and it was fortunate for Qing Qiu to have such glorious future in-law."

"High God Mo Yuan also said since he's the revered God of Celestial Clan, the Sky Lord can consider the alliance between two clans withheld and the former arrangement fulfilled. Before he left, he announced that he won't tolerate any more slights against his bride-to-be. Should he heard anymore slandering, he'll await the offender at the top of Cang Wu."

"Brother, surely, you jest." Bai Qian blinked her eyes rapidly. He said that? He really said that?

Bai Zhen shook his head, there was laughter in his eyes. "You should have seen the Sky Lord's face. It's highly comical. One minute it was pale white; then another it turned almost purple with rage. I almost think that he'll cough up blood right there."

"Good." Bai Qian sat down and nodded curtly. Had she been there, she wouldn't be so polite and undoubtedly ended up doing something she would have regretted later. "Brother, did Ye Hua said something?"

Bai Zhen nodded. "Just once, when the Sky Lord asked if he want the marriage dissolved."

"And?" she prompted him to continue.

"He said no and that he still wished to honor it. After that Sky Lord's resolve strengthened. That was when he threatened that by denying him, you won't get marry with anyone either. Had your mentor not followed us there and went all out, things might end badly today." Bai Zhen sighed.

"That Sky Lord's too power hungry and overbearing." She sneered in distaste. "I'm glad we'll not associate ourselves with him anymore. If I decided to marry Ye Hua for real, sooner or later I'm afraid we'll clash epically."

"Brother, did my mentor say anything else before he left?" Bai Qian asked.

"Only that he'll send his senior disciple here when the date is settled. I guess he meant Die Feng? From then on, he will handle all accounts during your mentor's retreat."

"I see. I guess I'll stay here for a while then," she said dejectedly.

"Look at this girl. She can't even stay away from him now. What a shame. What a shame." Zhe Yan said. He gave Bai Zhi a few slaps on the back. "I'm so glad I didn't have a daughter."

"You didn't even get married!" Bai Qian glowered at him then left in a fit of annoyance. She heard the three of them laughed behind her back.

:: Kunlun Mountain ::

When Mo Yuan made it back to Kunlun Mountain, his disciples lined up, waiting for him. As soon as he was seated properly on the platform, Die Feng stepped up and offered congratulations on behalf of everyone.

"Master, we wish to congratulate you on your pending nuptial. I hope Master and Seventeenth will have a long and prosper life together."

"It seems news travel fast these days," Mo Yuan commented lightly after he took a sip of tea.

Die Feng flushed slightly. "It came from an inside informant I have in the Ninth Heaven, Master." Since he had been in and out of the Ninth Heaven for a long time, this came as no surprise to anyone.

"Besides, this is truly an auspicious occasion. I dare to say at this very moment the news have already spread over four seas and eight realms," he added.

"Thank you for your well wishes. From here on, I am afraid everyone will be handful with the preparation. Trouble all of you indeed." Mo Yuan said with a small smile on his face.

"Master, it is nothing. We're so glad to be able to assist Master anyway we can," Chang Shan spoke up solemnly. Many voices murmured in accordance.

"Yes, Master. You and Seventeenth finally ended up together, this is more than we can ask for. I almost thought the Crown Prince would succeed stealing her away." Zi Lan didn't fail to voice his own thought.

He jumped slightly when a vicious jab struck his side unaware. "Oww. What was that for?" He quietly hissed in pain and looked around for his attacker, but instead he got many pointed and disapproving glares. Zi Lan snorted and lowered his head, thoroughly chastised by his fellow disciples.

"From tomorrow on, I'll be in the meditation cave for the next seven days." Mo Yuan told his disciples. "Die Feng will assign each of you to whatever needed to be done. I hope you will lend him your hands."

"Yes, Master, we understand," the boys chorused before taking their leave one by one. Soon only Die Feng was left alone with him. Mo Yuan made a divination with his hand and quickly composed a letter. He handed it to him when finished.

"Send this to Emperor Bai, along with the betrothal gifts you stored in my meditation cave. Tell him this is the date I picked. If he don't have any other suggestions, the preparation should begin accordingly."

Die Feng looked at the date and saw it was less than two months away. The preparation would have to speed up multifold to make it in time. "I understand. I'll send them out immediately."

Before leaving, he gathered his courage then spoke up. "Master, there's something…." A trace of uneasiness appeared on his handsome face. "Before, I'm not sure whether I should bring it to your attention. You and Seventeenth are soon to be wed..," he hesitated again, uncertain if he should continue.

"Don't be afraid. Speak what's on your mind, Die Feng." Mo Yuan encouraged him softly.

"What Zi Lan said was somewhat right." He bowed his head a little then said. "Crown Prince Ye Hua came here four days ago with his son. They were looking for Seventeenth. I was surprised he let his son called her 'Mother' since it was totally not conform to Celestial's rules and her position. She was after all his father's consort and only his step-mother."

"Then…," he paused. "I was reminded of the time I met his deceased wife and Imperial Great-Grandson's birth mother."

"The one who is mortal?" Mo Yuan interrupted.

"You have heard about her?" Die Feng sounded surprised.

"Seventeenth said both father and son mistook her for that mortal the first time they met," Mo Yuan replied. "They must indeed share similar traits."

"The Eastern Sea King's banquet, of course," he murmured. "I have met his former wife once. The Crown Prince brought her to Chang Sea during his campaign against the Mermaid Clan. I wouldn't say similar, Master." He continued. "Had I known before Seventeenth is a woman, I would have paid better attention to that mortal. She was eight out of ten points identical to Seventeenth."

Mo Yuan was a bit startled at that remark. "What happened to her?"

Die Feng looked thoughtful. "I only knew she turned blind somehow then died shortly after giving birth. Around the time, Crown Prince Ye Hua was injured, the Medicine King was summoned to the Ninth Heaven. He spent several days after that at Xi Wu palace, so his injury must be pretty serious. The rest remains mystery to these days. Star Lord Si Ming claimed he didn't knew much as well."

"Somehow those who attended duties at Xi Wu palace at the time were either replaced or gone. I believe something huge must have happened for the Sky Lord to do the cover up to this degree," he speculated further.

"Blind you say?" Mo Yuan asked. A strayed thought stirred in the back of his mind.

"Yes, Master. That was what Star Lord Si Ming said."

"Is there anything else?"

Die Feng shook his head at first, then his eyes widened. "Master, High God Zhe Yan might know something."

"Zhe Yan?"

"Star Lord Si Ming once made a slip. He said High God Zhe Yan was also there during the time," Die Feng added hurriedly. "He claimed not to know why High God Zhe Yan was there in the first place though."

Everyone knew Zhe Yan's disinterest in worldly matter, saved from Qing Qiu and his Peachtree Woods, he hardly went anywhere. The fact that he travelled to the Ninth Heaven on his own, uninvited, hinted there was something unusual going on.

"I see. Thanks for bringing this to me."

Mo Yuan sent him off after a few more brief exchanges. He sat alone on his platform, carefully going over what he just learned.

A mortal whose looks was startlingly similar to his Seventeenth was blinded. Seventeenth's eyes was mysteriously gouged out.

The Mermaid War happened roughly over three hundred years ago, Ye Hua's wife died not long after that. Ye Hua was also severely injured around the time, enough for the Medicine King to stay indefinitely. Zhe Yan was conveniently there for unknown reason.

Seventeenth went missing for six hundred years, none of her family can't find her or made a head or tail of her whereabouts. Then one day, she turned up in PeachTree Woods, injured. It was Zhe Yan who found her that day. Seventeenth came back from her Heavenly trials and asked Zhe Yan for Amnesia Potion. She refused to elaborate of what happened during the time of her absence or where she had been. This must be the time she was in a relationship with someone. She thought she was still innocent because she had no memory of that time anymore.

But why she chose to forget? Seventeenth might be too emotional but she was not the type to run away when faced with enemies or obstacles. He could only guess that the experiences must be insufferable for her. What or who could rattle his fearless Seventeenth so?

Was there any connections between Ye Hua, that woman and his Seventeenth? Rather than their blindness and shared looks? He tried to figure it out to no avail, it was like a piece was missing from the whole tableau. Something about this felt wrong, he didn't like it – it gave him an uneasy, foreboding feeling like there was something much deeper than he could perceived. Yet, he was certain of one thing. Zhe Yan knew something and kept it close to his heart. After he went off his seclusion, a trip to PeachTree Woods seemed to be the first order of business.

Note : 'Seventeen' in Chinese character sounds quite similar to 'wife.' It's almost like a word play; 'little Seventeen' and 'little wife'. I believe it was intentional before Tang Qi changed her original plot. How do you like the story so far? Please let me know. :)

#Guest : Or she might be really tired, we'll see. lol Hope you'll enjoy the 'meet & greet' part. PS. It kept mine going on & alive as well. :D