:: Qing Qiu ::
Bai Qian waved Mi Gu and Xiao Jiu to come over. She silently gestured them to brought out the food and set the table. "Mother, Senior, let's take a break. You have been at this almost all day," she gently reminded them.
When she woke up yesterday morning, she found out her senior disciple was already here, in the Den, talking with her parents. Apparently, Mo Yuan had picked up a date and sent him over to discuss the wedding preparation with her family. Though he promised her it will be within three months, she just didn't think he will rush the date this much.
Zhe Yan didn't even try to mince his words despite her senior's presence. He said being desperately in love with her had definitely befuddled Mo Yuan's head. How he expected to get everything done under six weeks?
Her mother, Mi Gu, Xiao Jiu and her had gone over every details with Senior Die Feng since then. Bai Qian gave herself a mental pat on the back. She never expected planning a wedding ceremony was such a demanding work. At one point, she even protested that she only wanted a small exclusive wedding; one that only her closed relatives, plus Zhe Yan, Kunlun's disciples and perhaps Lord Dong Hua would attend. Those are the only people Mo Yuan and her ever cared about anyway. Clearly that was not what everyone else could agree on.
Her mother had shushed her, telling her she was being silly. How could a wedding between Celestials's God of War and Qing Qiu's Queen be anything less than an elaborate event? Many ceremonies and processions had to be observed carefully as it will reflected on the couple. Needless to say, her senior agreed with her mother wholeheartedly. They got along so well after that; so much it gave her the chill. They had spent hours discussing and debating how and what was to be done about guests. Already she could see them repeating this same step for everything else.
When her mother and Xiao Jiu brought up the topic of bride's dress, she was so ready to give up the whole thing and begged Mo Yuan to elope with her. Which higher being determined that the bride had to prepare the dress by herself? She sincerely hoped it was not Mo Yuan's mother. In her long life, she had never done any sewing and stitching; learning how to do just that was beyond her wildest imagination. She would rather submitted herself to recite the whole collections of tactical books or copy ten thousand pages of Taoist scriptures than spending an hour sewing a dress. Was there any spell to weave a cloth at all? She had absolutely no idea.
So Bai Qian fidgeted restlessly, until her senior told her there was nothing to worry at all. Their mentor had already ordered the bride's dress to be done in advance. He didn't care what wedding protocol dictated. If a dress was needed, he would gladly provide it for her. Had Mo Yuan been there, she would definitely give him a wild kiss that would make his toes curled. After hours of prolonged discussion, she gave up and just left them on their own. No one seemed to want her input that much anyway. Later, she learned that her senior disciple left the Den in a rush. Bai Qian felt a bit guilty, she didn't even get to see him out.
Die Feng returned to Qing Qiu two days later. Already he had sent all of his juniors scattered with various assignments. Some were tasked with visiting prestigious guests and giving away their mentor's personal invitations to the wedding; others went shopping for necessary wedding items and more decorations. It was two very fruitful days, he hummed with satisfaction. When he went inside the Fox Den and can't find Seventeenth, he hunted her down and finally found her hiding in Yanhua Cave.
"There you are Seventeenth, I have looked for you everywhere," he said, exasperated.
Bai Qian lift up her head from the novels she bought from Mortal Realm months earlier. "Senior," she called out in greeting, "you come back."
He gave her a grin. "I come bearing gift too."
Bai Qian eyes lit up in delight. "What gift? Didn't you already give betrothal gifts to my parents?" She got up and walked to him.
"Those are formal bridal's price." He brought out a long rectangular box, then placed it into her waiting palm. "Master had prepared this one just for you."
"What is it?" Bai Qian asked, excited. She brought the box closer to inspect it.
"I wouldn't know, Seventeenth. Why don't you take a look?" said Die Feng.
She carefully opened the latch and found a single hairpin was placed neatly inside. One end was decorated with a small white fox nestled the embrace of gigantic golden dragon. The attached hanging pendant, laden with light pink stone, was fashioned in the shape of a petite five-petal peach blossom.
Bai Qian's smile widened, pleased. "He didn't forget at all."
Die Feng took a peek inside. "Master must have crafted this himself. I feel some kind of magic there."
"I thought as much," she took the hairpin out of the box and twirled it around her finger as she admired the delicate craftsmanship. "I wonder what does it do. Master didn't tell you anything, senior?"
He shook his head. "You just have to ask him yourself when you get back."
Bai Qian put it back inside and magicked away the box. She faced her senior. "You'll leave again tomorrow, right? How about I take you on a tour then?" She asked. "You were cooped up in the Den every time you visited. I didn't have a chance to take you around Qing Qiu."
"That's a great idea, Seventeenth. Perhaps after I'm done taking to the Empress?" Die Feng suggested.
"In the afternoon then," she agreed and waved him good bye.
"You are not coming?" He laughed when she made a sour face and left her to her own device.
When Die Feng found Si Yin again, it was late afternoon. Mi Gu had pointed him toward the lake when he asked for her. He followed the path and came across a small bridge. He looked around and spotted his junior in the middle of the lake.
He called out, loudly. "Seventeenth, what are you doing?"
"Swimming, of course." Shouting back, she changed her direction and headed toward the bank.
"In this weather?" Die Feng was bewildered. Sometimes, well most of the time, he didn't really understand her. She always did things at the spur of moment. "Aren't you a bit cold?"
"No, I went in because it's rather hot and clammy today," she spelled dry her cloth. "Do you want to go sit over there?" She pointed at the wooden bamboo hut not far from where they stood. "Or do you prefer walking around?"
"Walking, it is. I wish to see around," he decided. They spent the rest of afternoon in this fashion, speaking of their shared past and of those years she hid away in Qing Qiu.
"Seventeenth, you'll become Master's wife soon. I know you have grown up and matured a lot but Master's rank is extraordinary. Everything you do will reflect on him much greater than when you were merely his disciple. I wish you to take caution in everything you do, can you understand me?"
"I understand, senior," she said solemnly. "Rest assure, I will not do anything that will compromise his reputation and honor."
"That's great. I still can't believe you will become our Mistress. Fate works in such mysterious way," he said, with a good humor. "Who would have thought that our youngest junior, who turned out to be a female in disguised, will ended up marrying our mentor. I wonder if Master anticipated this at all when he received you as his disciple. He even gave you the Jade Purity fan of Kunlun."
Bai Qian merely side-eyed him, a mysterious smile ghosted upon her lips. She refused to raise to the bait; that secret would remained hers and Mo Yuan's alone. "I have not thank you yet, senior, for doing all of this. So, thank you so very much." She dipped her head down, showing her gratitude.
"Don't be so formal, Seventeenth," he inclined his head in return. "It's my pleasure. Make Master happy, that's all I ask."
Bai Qian laughed heartily. "Of course, make him so delirious with happiness is my life's mission now."
Die Feng gave her a wry smile. "I sincerely hope that's not an euphemism for headaches." Their mentor's days will never be dull now, he thought with humors.
When Die Feng exited his temporary sleeping quarter the following morning, Bai Qian was already there, waiting for him. "Are you leaving now, senior? I will accompany you."
"You are coming back with me, today?" He asked. Their mentor wouldn't be out of his seclusion for another two days. His eyes swept over her person, noting that she had dressed up today. The new white dress, trimmed with silvery hanging ornaments, made her looked every bit elegant and radiant. Her beautiful long hair was cleverly styled with the hairpin he brought just yesterday.
"I wish to be early and gave Master a surprise," she smirked mischievously.
The familiar grin spreading across her face reminded him of various naughty pranks she pulled on them back then. Die Feng threw her a uncertain glance as she dragged him out of the Den. He shook his head; let their mentor dealt with her then. She was not his responsibility anymore.
"Come on. Let's go, Senior," she urged him to hasten his steps; then both caught a cloud and headed back to Kunlun Mountain.
Almost half way there, Bai Qian suddenly shouted for her senior to stop. "Senior, look." She pointed her finger at the far sky; it was tinted with pink hue. "Did you see that? Let's investigate." In silent agreement, they changed the direction. Bai Qian eyed the phenomenon with trepidation. An uneasiness began to creep into her heart. There was no knowing what was going to happen if what she suspected proved to be true. Her heart was thumping loudly inside her chest as they gained speed toward the Ruoshui River.
:: Ghost Clan's Temporary Abode At Ninth Heaven ::
The small fairy on the bed lowered her head and opened her mouth to capture the nipple between her teeth. Her small tongue tugged and lapped at its peak hungrily. She moved her other hand downward and squeezed his length through his legging.
"I can't wait to take you inside. It's going to be a ride you won't ever forget," she whispered seductively into his ear. Her eyes drank the half-naked Adonis on her bed with pure lust.
Yet her bed warmer's eyes were empty of feeling. His mind had drifted away from the beauty perching on his chest. She pursed her lips with annoyance when he failed to acknowledge her heated whispering. She doubled her efforts and was rewarded when his body began to stir with pleasure. She smirked and rose up over him, preparing to make good of her earlier promise.
She was startled by a rattling sound at the door. "My Lord, my lord." The knock became more urgent. "I have important matter to report right away. There's a new development at Ruoshui River."
Those two dreadful words instantly pulled said Adonis's distracted mind back to the present. He carelessly shoved the female fairy who just pleasured him aside. He got up, rearranged his clothes and stride toward the door.
"Speak, Fiery Quilin." Li Jing gave a brusque order; he beckoned his mount to come inside.
"My Lord, General Murong dispatched ten platoons of men to Ruoshui River just now. I don't know why but they look very suspicious."
"Without my order he dared moving the troops?" His handsome faced twisted with anger. "That is a very bold move. He could be charged with treason. What is he trying to accomplish?"
"Many of those who accompany him used to serve the former Ghost Lord, my Lord." The little Qilin voiced his own observation.
"Qing Cang." His eyes widened with sudden realization. "That can't be good."
He snatched his sword from the bed and left hurriedly to look for his younger sister. Li Jing found her in her designated bedroom; a lot of scrolls scattered around her desk. "Yan Zhi. Yan Zhi."
Princess Yan Zhi of the Ghost Clan perked up; hearing someone calling her name with such urgency. She came face to face with her brother. He looked ill at ease. He spoke up before she even asked.
"Yan Zhi, Fiery Qillin's saying just now General Murong had moved ten platoons of soldiers toward Ruoshui River."
"What did you say?" she exclaimed in fright. What was he thinking? Moving the troops at this time; Celestials might suspected the Ghost Clan was going to renegade again.
"They must have a plan, a big one. They know very well I'll hear about it as soon as they march." His face was stony, unyielding.
"Brother, what are you going to do?" she asked worriedly.
"I have to go now and stop them before they do foolish things," he replied. Like trying to set Qing Cang free, he added silently.
She always knew a certain faction in their ranks wanted Qing Cang to return to the seat of power. They barely hide their contempt for the current Ghost Lord who bowed down to Sky Lord's every wishes.
"Celestials have placed their own sentries there. They must be alerted by now. Si Yin might already be there...," he trailed off.
"Shouldn't you go to the Crown Prince then, brother?" she asked hopefully.
"Why would he care, Yan Zhi? Didn't you hear, she is no longer his Princess Consort but Mo Yuan's bride now," he said bitterly. Seventy thousand years ago or now, he still lost her to Mo Yuan. Her heart never truly belonged to him. "She'll never let Mo Yuan fight in his weakened state. I have to get there before it's too late."
Yan Zhu walked around him, immediately blocking his path. "What could you possibly do?" She was frightened now.
A long silence stretched between them.
"Did you know, Yan Zhi, she said she was so disappointed in me? And I couldn't agree more. " Li Jing's eyes lowered to the floor. "I had promised her we would be together for life, I can't even keep it. My life was a joke; empty and useless."
The day she destroyed his sacrifice ritual platform, she said she will call upon him when the time came. He knew better. She had no intention going through with her promise. It was merely a ploy to discourage him from making any more risky moves.
"Seventy thousand years ago, because of my pettiness, she suffered so much. I wish for her to see that I have changed."
He had decided. Even if he had to forfeit his own life to save her, he would do it without any regret. He owed her so much and wish to atone for his betrayal and the hurt he had caused. She deserved so much more, sadly he understood it too late and she certainly didn't wait for him. This way, even if she didn't want to forgive him, she would never ever forgotten him either.
"If Qing Cang was to break out and use the Bell of Eastern Emperor again, she will not hesitate to use her own spirit to seal him back. I can't let her do that." Li Jing admitted.
"You can't do that. What about your son? What about me?" She pulled his sleeve, knowing instantly what he was about to do.
"Yan Zhi, the Elixir wouldn't work for that boy no matter how hard you try." He told her gently. It would be unkind to tempt her with such false hope. "There's too much darkness inside. Even if you use Mo Yuan's elixir cauldron that could cancel our power, you still need someone with virtue breath to purify it. To do that, one will have to sacrifice his cultivation. Who, Yan Zhi, will be willing enough to do that for a child of Ghost Clan?"
Her arms dropped limp to her sides. She took out the Elixir and looked at it forlornly. "So it's useless."
"For us, it is," He gave a tired sigh and patted her cheek. "Let it go, sister, the boy wasn't meant to live. This is my punishment for breaking the oath."
"Listen to me, Yan Zhi. " He lift her chin up, to see her face properly for one last time. "When I'm gone, you had to become the leader of our clan. Take good care of them. With Fiery Qilin by your side, no one would dare to hurt you."
"No, brother, don't do this," Yan Zhi broke down in tears as she begged him not to go. "You're all that I have left. Don't leave me alone."
Li Jing kissed her forehead softly. "I'm sorry, dearest sister. Remember I'll always love you." Then he pressed his finger on the pressure point between the back of her shoulder and neck; she was rendered unconscious instantly. Li Jing caught her body before it went completely limp.
"From now on, protect her well, Fiery Qilin." He issued his final order. "Annihilate all those that sought to bring her harm. Stay by her side always and forever." Yan Zhi's body was passed from him into another waiting arms. Li Jing turned around and left without a glance back. "Farewell, sister."
Small Qillin's teary eyes watched as he faded away before him. No matter how long it was, it seemed the Ghost Lord never really escaped High Goddess Bai Qian's clutch.
Next chapter : Ye Hua finds out why Qian Qian and he crossed path only to become separated again. In the meanwhile, Shifu will be seeing Zhe Yan and demanding the truth about Bai Qian/Ye Hua's past.
#Guest - He's miserable, yeah, that he is. He has completely given up on her? I rather think not. No offense at all, thanks so much for pointing out that error to me. I know very well my English is flawed. lol ^_^
#Guest - Yeah, YH is young and vigorous *a-hem* but MY has that charisma that only gained with ages and wisdom. He, too, makes my heart swoon, especially when he gave us that small smile. I guess we'll see that later on. :)