94 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 94: The Fragrance of the Ocean Heart (Deep Water Bonus) Qi Xian Qing walked ahead, inexplicably feeling a surge of irritation in her heart. For cultivators, being a protector was supposed to be a deeply intimate act; just now, she had entrusted her life to Yan Jue and was now utterly exhausted... Yet, even though Yan Jue had just held her lifeline, in the blink of an eye, her attention had shifted elsewhere. Moreover, having barely survived a life-and-death breakthrough, Yan Jue also endured immense torment. Did her own body mean so little to Yan Jue? Qi Xian Qing wanted to show some concern for Yan Jue, but seeing her focus on the snake, the words stuck in her throat. Yan Jue watched Qi Xian Qing’s back, lowering her head, feeling inexplicably wronged. Her whole body ached from Qi Xian Qing’s searing electric burns, as if her bones might fall apart. And yet, Qi Xian Qing didn’t even bother to pay her a bit more attention... Qi Xian Qing stopped after a few steps, suddenly wanting to ask Yan Jue if she knew that being a protector was essentially fulfilling a partner’s duty. Qi Xian Qing furrowed her brow slightly and swallowed back the words. If Yan Jue knew, it’d be downright miraculous... In fact, no ancient texts ever mentioned that being a protector was a partner's duty. Within the sect, it wasn’t uncommon for close sisters to protect each other during critical moments. Only partners could protect each other, or so Qi Xian Qing concluded after reading many books. Yet, this blasphemous thought was something she’d confided in only one person. No, that wasn’t right. A fox. With doubts plaguing her from long ago resurfacing in her mind, Qi Xian Qing felt uncomfortable. The incident with the serpent monster brutally reminded her of how cruel and bloody demons could be. In the Five Dragons Gate, the existence of any demonic creatures was absolutely forbidden. All her teachings had emphasized this repeatedly. Yet somehow, Qi Xian Qing’s worldview had been reshaped by her own experiences. Her heart felt tangled and tense, as if an invisible hand was gripping it tightly. Taking two steps forward, she suddenly stopped, as if making up her mind, and turned to ask, “I’ve never seen Yan Shi Mei making progress, yet her cultivation keeps improving steadily. Why is that?” Qi Xian Qing’s gaze was so intense that Yan Jue’s mind went blank, a chill running through her, making her blood seem to flow backward. Yan Jue stammered, “I do make progress! Just that… you never saw it.” She felt a bit guilty, while Qi Xian Qing’s unrelenting gaze locked onto her. Yan Jue felt her scalp tingling, instinctively taking a step back until her back hit the wall. Qi Xian Qing stepped closer, eyes lowered to meet hers. Surrounded by darkness, it was just the two of them. Qi Xian Qing's breath was close, her beautiful peach blossom eyes half-closed. In that instant, Yan Jue’s heart pounded like a drum, her mind flooded with scenes out of place. In the cave of Nanhua Town, Qi Xian Qing’s fierce slaughter of demons; in the Su Yang Immortal Mansion, how Qi Xian Qing single-handedly slew the myriad-souled venom spider; and just now, in the murky sea valley, Qi Xian Qing... Qi Xian Qing was now in the beginning stage of the Heart-Moving realm. Her entire presence made Yan Jue’s legs weak, knowing that if an unexpected change arose, she had no chance of escaping. Silence hung heavy, until Qi Xian Qing finally retracted her gaze and sighed, “I was just regretting not having the chance to protect Shi Mei.” Yan Jue: “...” The two soon returned to the valley's peak, just as the old merman king's guard, dispatched from the palace, arrived. Jiang Yu, standing anxiously near the merman soldiers, rushed over the moment he saw Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing emerging, “Heavens, that was too dangerous. I feared something happened to you.” After Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue followed the serpent monster into the valley, Jiang Yu had immediately contacted the palace. The merman guard arrived swiftly, yet, fearing the serpent monster, they hesitated at the valley entrance. Seeing Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing return, everyone sighed in relief. Soon, they were back within the palace. ... The old merman clutched Qi Xian Qing’s hand, overwhelmed with gratitude, “Thank you, Immortal Lord, for ridding my people of this menace.” Cold and unwavering, Qi Xian Qing replied, “It was necessary.” The old merman clapped his hands, summoning several fair-skinned, golden-haired mermen who carried large shining containers. Atop seeing shining golden contents within, Yan Jue realized they were filled with golden shells. The old merman bowed again to Qi Xian Qing, “The Immortal Lord’s grace upon my people is profound. I have nothing but these earthly treasures to offer in thanks. I hope the Immortal Lord will honor us by accepting this humble token.” Yan Jue stood silently contemplating, when Qi Xian Qing smiled lightly, “My fellow apprentice sister contributed most in defeating the serpent.” The old merman approached Yan Jue enthusiastically, “This young Immortal qualifies as a true hero despite her youth.” After exchanging pleasantries, the old merman king had the attendants prepare rooms for the human cultivators. ... In her room, Yan Jue sat softly on the plush bed and withdrew the flowing ice sword. With everything that had happened earlier, she finally had a moment to review the strange occurrences. In the dim light, the flowing ice sword emitted a gentle glow. The soft sword bent nicely with a slight exertion of her arm. First peculiar, was the flowing ice itself. On the beach, when meeting the black-clad figure tainted with blood aura, the flowing ice vibrated intensely. When combined with Shadow Candle, it unleashed power magnitudes beyond its original strength. Seeing the serpent who bore countless human lives in the sea valley, the flowing ice trembled wildly, confident and clear, slicing through iron like mud. Gazing at the flowing ice, an audacious thought sprung to Yan Jue’s mind. Could the flowing ice possess a unique ability? Quite possibly, when confronting utmost evil, it might dramatically increase its power? This hypothesis required further validation. With her head spinning in chaos, Yan Jue placed the flowing ice back into the pure white scabbard gifted by Qi Xian Qing. Staring at it for a while, she frowned slightly. How frustrating... The image of Qi Xian Qing scolding her in the valley involuntarily surged in her mind. It wasn’t truly scolding, but to Yan Jue, who's usually boisterous, her sensitivity to Qi Xian Qing’s slightest changes in demeanor was baffling. Perhaps Qi Xian Qing had treated her too kindly beforehand. It’s as if Qi Xian Qing knew, choosing to become stern precisely when Yan Jue developed inexplicable favorable feelings toward her. No longer liking her. Yan Jue’s nose tingled, rolling on the bed before sitting up again. Stay calm. In such a perilous world, it’s best not to get romantically foolish. From Qi Xian Qing’s earlier tone, she might suspect her fox demon identity. Qi Xian Qing was ruthless toward demons. If she discovered her identity, would she mercilessly kill her? Yan Jue didn’t know, nor did she wish to. With a renewed resolve, Yan Jue knelt to inventory the old merman’s reward, finding gold alongside spirit stones, gleaming with light, indicating they were top-quality spirit stones. She counted over a thousand high-grade spirit stones. Flowing ice had been purchased from Qi Xian Qing. The debt to Qi Xian Qing needed clearing promptly. Just as Yan Jue finished counting, a knock came from the door. Startled, she went to answer and found the merman princess, Hai Ying, standing outside, smiling warmly, “Yan Daoist Friend.” Yan Jue returned the smile, “Is something the matter?” Hai Ying replied, “I’ve brought my father’s thousand-year brew, ‘Ocean Heart Fragrance,’ hoping Yan Daoist Friend would join me in tasting it. Would you be interested?” In her hand was a small white jade jug, presumably holding the Ocean Heart Fragrance. Staring at the jug, Yan Jue paused in surprise. Ocean Heart Fragrance? This name rang a bell. Suddenly remembering, she slapped her forehead. Was this the legendary Ocean Heart Fragrance? Yan Jue recalled reading about exquisite wines in the sect’s library. The Ocean Heart Fragrance was a secret brew of the merman clan, rumored to contain the essence of wind, thunder, ice, and fire, crafted by the most renowned merman vintner using seawater, imbued with rare marine ancient rhythm. This wine was said to rival the distinguished “Ice Peach Ambrosia.” Not only did it cultivate one’s aesthetic appreciation, but it also assisted in the enlightenment of the heavenly way. To drink even a single jug was an indescribable boon to one’s cultivation. Hai Ying said, "I just went to see Meng Hang Jun, but she has gone into seclusion." She sighed in frustration, "It's a pity the Ocean Heart Fragrance has already been brought out of the cellar. If we wait half a joss stick longer, it might spoil. So, I came to find you." Qi Xian Qing had just reached the Heart-Moving Realm of the Fifth Stage and couldn't casually consume things anymore. Such a fine wine was clearly beyond what she could enjoy. Yan Jue, faced with Hai Ying's pleading look, felt a twinge of reluctance. Hai Ying had graciously brought out a wine brewed over the years in the palace, and both Qi Xian Qing and herself declining it might seem disrespectful. Yan Jue hesitated, "I wonder if the Ocean Heart Fragrance has a strong kick?" She hadn't forgotten the near-disaster at the Five Dragons Banquet when she almost revealed her true form from drinking too much Spirit Watching Wine. Hai Ying laughed, "Is the Immortal Lord afraid of getting drunk? No need to fret; Ocean Heart Fragrance is quite mild. Our clan's vintners crafted this divine wine mainly to aid in attaining enlightenment of the great Dao. If it were just intoxicating, how could anyone achieve such enlightenment?" Yan Jue couldn't help but smile at that. Though she was a fox demon and should not indulge too much in alcohol, Yan Jue understood that the Ocean Heart Fragrance could indeed bolster one's comprehension of the Dao. Its potency was undoubtedly less than that of the Spirit Watching Wine from the Five Dragons Banquet… This was a rare opportunity. Determined, Yan Jue nodded, "Then I suppose I'll take you up on that offer." Hai Ying replied, "Please, follow me." Yan Jue followed Hai Ying into a grand hall, where Jiang Meng Chu sat waiting, yawning. "Meng Chu, why are you just getting here?" Jiang Meng Chu teased. Despite not seeing her for most of the day, the golden aura still encircled Jiang Meng Chu, shimmering brightly with concentric waves of true energy. Yan Jue couldn't help but be envious. As she watched Jiang Meng Chu, a thought struck her. Due to her unique constitution, Jiang Meng Chu had lost most of her memories. Perhaps drinking this rare Ocean Heart Fragrance could help restore them. Yan Jue took a seat. A maidservant came over and filled her glass. The pale blue liquid gently swirled in the cup, and as Yan Jue sniffed it, a refreshing aroma delighted her senses. She couldn't help but start salivating… Yan Jue sensed vaguely that, despite it not being mentioned in the original story, the original character probably had a fondness for drinking. Hai Ying raised her glass, "This Ocean Heart Fragrance is immensely beneficial for cultivation and understanding the Dao. I toast to the Immortal Lord!" Yan Jue hastily stood up and clinked glasses with Hai Ying, downing the exquisite brew together. As it slid down her throat, a light fragrance bloomed between her lips and teeth, mixed with exceptionally pure spiritual energy. With eyes closed, Yan Jue felt this different spiritual energy soaring to her heavenly spirit and into her sea of qi, driving out the foul air within her in an instant. Exhaling the turbidity, she felt her body become light and buoyant. Good wine. Yan Jue couldn't help but shed tears. To enhance her cultivation, she knew she must seize this rare opportunity to drink more. - Naturally, being fond of wine in her original form, Yan Jue indulged in several drinks. Despite the alcohol lacking a strong taste, she drank heartily with Hai Ying in the grand hall, gradually getting tipsy. Feeling sleepy, she closed her eyes and dozed off while sitting. "Hah, she can sleep even while sitting?" Hai Ying chuckled, "This little Immortal Lord is quite adorable." Suddenly, a maid announced, "Princess, Meng Hang Jun has arrived." Yan Jue, half-asleep, smacked her lips upon hearing the name, but didn't react. In walked a girl in white, her lithe form backlit by candlelight, a long sword slung across her back, exuding an air of dignity and grace. This was Meng Hang Jun, known as Qi Xian Qing. She stepped forward and bowed to Hai Ying, "I was dispersing spiritual energy in my room and couldn't attend the princess's banquet. Please forgive me." Hai Ying replied with a smile, "It's no trouble, we are just drinking." An attendant brought Qi Xian Qing a temporary table and poured her a drink. Sitting down, Qi Xian Qing took a sip of wine. Having just broken through, the Ocean Heart Fragrance, with its faint flavor and pure essence, helped her adjust to her new spiritual energy. Meanwhile, Yan Jue continued snoring beside her. Everyone: "..." Qi Xian Qing couldn't resist looking at Yan Jue. "What happened to her?" Qi Xian Qing asked. Hai Ying replied, "She drank quite a bit and is now asleep." Seeing Yan Jue in such a drunken state, leaving her in the hall to catch a chill wouldn't do. Hai Ying said, "Please, escort the little Immortal back to her room." As the merman servants approached, Qi Xian Qing's actions subtly changed. Yan Jue, who was seated before, lay sprawled on the floor, rolling about, her slanted phoenix eyes narrowed in a natural seductive manner. Qi Xian Qing offered, "I'll take care of her." As they had arrived together, the palace rumors about her and Yan Jue being partners didn’t surprise Hai Ying. She concurred, "Alright, I'll send the wine to your room for you to enjoy alone." Qi Xian Qing stood up, went over to Yan Jue, who exuded a faint scent of wine mingling with a unique milk-like fragrance typical of young maidens. Lying on the floor, Yan Jue slightly furrowed her brows, seemingly struggling with the overwhelming spiritual energy. Qi Xian Qing gazed at her for a moment, speaking softly, "Yan Shi Mei, let's get you back to your room." Obediently, without a hint of resistance, Yan Jue merely rolled over and continued her nap. Qi Xian Qing chuckled quietly. How easily could she be led away? With a gentle smile, she leaned down, supported Yan Jue’s arms and helped her to her feet, "Excuse us." The two made their way back to the room slowly, where Qi Xian Qing gently closed the door. Yan Jue rolled onto the bed, opened her eyes and, upon seeing Qi Xian Qing, immediately covered them with her hands. Qi Xian Qing chuckled, "Yan Shi Mei, why are you covering your eyes?" Yan Jue retorted, "I don't want to see you." Qi Xian Qing: "..." Qi Xian Qing grasped Yan Jue's hands, slowly lowering them, "Why don't you want to see me?" Yan Jue, voice childish and soft, lamented, "Because you’re a big meanie. And you're always hard on me, wanting to kill me!" "Big meanie?" Qi Xian Qing raised an eyebrow, "Oh?" "I helped you, guarded for you... yet you don't even care for me, scolded me... boohoo..." Yan Jue rolled on the bed, suddenly sobbing uncontrollably, "I thought I might like you a bit." Awful. A hidden part of Yan Jue’s mind hinted she might be doing something nonsensical, but she couldn't help herself. This cursed wine seemed to awaken some primal instincts of the little fox demon within her... ... Lying there with hair dampened by sweat, Yan Jue’s pale cheeks flushed with a faint red. Her narrowed phoenix eyes left a slit, revealing amber pupils, and her lips, moistened and vibrant, appeared enticingly carmine. One might describe it as a tragic beauty. Qi Xian Qing closed her eyes briefly, took Yan Jue’s hand, "Let me see..." Yan Jue pushed her hand away, kicking out at her legs, "I don't need you now." Qi Xian Qing made no further moves. Even as Yan Jue closed her eyes, discomfort lingered. I said I don't need you... and you really stopped looking at me... Frustrating. Tearfully, Yan Jue covered her eyes and continued her cries. Qi Xian Qing found it amusing, finally placing Yan Jue back on the bed, lightly stroking her cheek with a fingertip, "You silly. Drinking so much again?" The room stayed silent, just the two of them. Gazing down at those phoenix eyes shining with a watery luster, Qi Xian Qing sensed she was inching closer to a revelation. She had tested many times before but stopped each time at the edge of discovery. But now, Qi Xian Qing couldn’t suppress it anymore. Realized her feelings for Yan Jue were growing strangely intense. She’d never liked anyone before, sensing inherently that this emotion was unusual. To understand Yan Jue’s identity, she had to unravel the mystery she’d long harbored. ... Moving her fingertips downward, Yan Jue responded quite favorably to the touch. She seemed particularly fond of others stroking her neck—such a touch immediately softened her. Qi Xian Qing’s gentle strokes sent a cool, tingling sensation from Yan Jue’s neck, cascading through her entire being. With a soft murmur, she buried her head, clutching Qi Xian Qing’s robe. "Little fox baby." Qi Xian Qing whispered. Yan Jue froze entirely at the sound, her defenses shattered by Qi Xian Qing’s words. A familiar ethereal aroma lingered, threading through her senses, and she found herself at a loss, unsure if she floated in the ocean or walked the known icy peach lands. Pressing her face lightly against Qi Xian Qing’s hand, she mumbled softly, “What are you doing...?” Something was awakening. Qi Xian Qing froze, her heart skipping a beat. On top of Yan Jue's head, a pair of black, ink-like ears had emerged!