133 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 133: Wedding Wine Qi Xian Qing was not one to smile often; her expressionless gaze was inherently sharp and cold. When Yan Jue met Qi Xian Qing's eyes, a chill ran down her spine for a moment. Yan Jue, attempting to charm her, shuffled over and lightly tugged on Qi Xian Qing’s arm, "Big Sister..." Qi Xian Qing raised an eyebrow, "Oh, my dear junior sister, always so astute. You've already submitted three pieces of material." Maintaining her smile, Yan Jue replied, "I had no choice. I was just one step ahead." Qi Xian Qing looked at her with an enigmatic smile, "I was over there, making silly faces with a monkey for half an hour." She paused, "Tell me, how should I forgive you?" Yan Jue: "..." Seeing Yan Jue at a loss for words, Qi Xian Qing couldn’t help but chuckle. Mimicking Yan Jue's tone, she said leisurely, "Would you be my loyal follower for a few days?" Not long after, Du Ming and Duan Lu Xi arrived at the main hall of the Jinguang Sect. As Duan Lu Xi dismounted her magical artifact, she was startled to see Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing speaking together. Her curious gaze immediately fixated on the distant pair. The two seemed excessively close. Under the sunlight, Qi Xian Qing slightly lifted her gaze towards Yan Jue, her expression unexpectedly soft and gentle, hinting at a trace of ambiguous indulgence. This realization nearly left Duan Lu Xi stunned. Could it be that the Big Sister was so enraged that she showed such kindness? Yet, the unintended smile at the corner of her lips looked like anything but anger. Duan Lu Xi was dazing off when Du Ming pulled her back to reality. Unaware of the two’s interactions, Du Ming went straight to hugging Yan Jue, eager to share in the excitement, "Yan Jue, have you submitted the materials?! Are we in first place this time?" The Five Dragon Peak Competition’s group events always featured perplexing and challenging questions. While Du Ming usually participated for the experience, she had never imagined they'd be on the cusp of first place. "The top prize this time is the divine weapon Chu Xiu!" Qi Xian Qing observed Du Ming for a while, watching her nuzzle her chin persistently on Yan Jue’s shoulder, and barely noticeably frowned. She took a step back, looking into the distant sky with her hands behind her back. It was dusk; the sunset's afterglow illuminated the verdant hills. The evening breeze brought the fresh scent of the woods. Yan Jue suddenly realized she really liked this place. If only she could always be with Qi Xian Qing like this. — With Yan Jue having submitted three pieces of material, Qi Xian Qing's team soon followed suit. And so the group competition concluded. Qi Xian Qing’s team comprised senior sisters from the Zhenhuo Sect, who regularly claimed the top spot each year. But this time, a newly formed team snatched the leading position, leaving Xie Zi Qin with a less than pleased expression, while the rest took it in stride. For those who were exceedingly talented, encountering an evenly matched opponent was a rare and welcomed occurrence. As they exited the main hall, all eyes were inevitably drawn to Yan Jue. Dressed in a green Daoist robe, Yan Jue appeared neat and spirited, the sunset accentuating her striking features. Yet, she remained modest, her eyes lowered without a trace of arrogance. Everyone knew she was a rising star of the Five Dragon Mountain. Outside the Jinguang Sect's main hall was a broad square. The two teams briefly walked together before reaching a crossroads. Just as they were about to part ways, Du Ming suddenly turned to the Zhenhuo Sect group and cheerfully offered, "It's over, let me treat everyone to a meal?" Though it was Yan Jue’s team that claimed the top spot, the senior sisters from the Zhenhuo Sect were not petty. With the competition over, everyone needed to unwind a bit, and the suggestion quickly gained acceptance. Xie Zi Qin, still looking sour, asked, "Where to eat?" Du Ming suggested, "We’re close to Buzhou Peak. How about the Five Dragons Market?" By the time they settled down for dinner, the sky had completely darkened. The table soon filled with steaming fragrant dishes. Zhou Leng asked, "Where's Zhao Wen? Haven't seen her." Xie Zi Qin lazily picked up a bite, "She’s gone looking for her sweetheart, of course. She has a partner, unlike us." "I heard Zhao Wen and her partner have already exchanged vows and consummated their relationship." Zhou Leng remarked, "Truly enviable." Hearing this, Qi Xian Qing fell into a thoughtful silence, her gaze unconsciously falling on Yan Jue across the table. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, Yan Jue took out the lotus wine that Qi Xian Qing had given her. She hesitated briefly before placing it on the table, "Help yourselves." The lotus wine's sweet, rich flavor was a rare elixir. Du Ming nearly cried with emotion, "Is this a wine I can usually taste?" Duan Lu Xi’s curious gaze roamed over the wine pot, and she couldn't help asking, "Yan Jue, I remember Big Sister won a pot of lotus wine last time at the wine tasting competition..." Calm and collected, Yan Jue lied, "This pot is a token of alliance. Back then, Big Sister gave me the lotus wine, and I gave her something important too." "…" The lotus wine was already delightful, and with youth on their side, the atmosphere quickly lifted as everyone drank. Du Ming giggled, "Just drinking is boring. How about we spice things up a bit?" She proposed a game of rock-paper-scissors, where the loser drinks. For some unknown reason, Yan Jue kept losing as soon as the game began. Yan Jue: "..." With a mischievous smile, Du Ming nudged the pot of lotus wine toward her, "Drink up, Junior Sister Yan." "We've yet to see your drinking prowess," Xie Zi Qin, who typically harbored a dislike for Yan Jue, couldn’t help revealing a slight smile, "Show us." Yan Jue: "..." Left with no choice, Yan Jue picked up the cup and drank. After several consecutive sips, her face reddened visibly. "Wow, Yan Jue, you're blushing." Yi Nan commented, admiringly, "So cute." Yan Jue’s fair skin blushed noticeably under the bright candlelight. Her long phoenix eyes were clear and bright, truly like peach blossoms next to a face. "Hahaha, that's what you get for being so unlucky, Junior Sister Yan." Yan Jue bore most of the drinking, keeping everyone in good spirits, and the game continued. The atmosphere behind the screen was lively, with Du Ming persistently nudging the drinks towards Yan Jue. Yan Jue was on the verge of tears. The evil supporting character's fortunes really were dire; she knew her limits, and at this pace, she was bound to embarrass herself. Awkwardly smiling, she was about to reach for the cup when suddenly, a hand extended ahead of her. Qi Xian Qing took Yan Jue’s glass, "It’s okay, I’ll drink for her." Barely finished speaking, a dead silence fell over the room. Zhou Leng queried, "What’s up, Big Sister? You..." All eyes turned to Qi Xian Qing, trying to fathom how her relationship with Yan Jue had grown so amicable. Duan Lu Xi’s hesitant gaze settled on Yan Jue once more. Yan Jue explained, "Because we were allies, collaborating was enjoyable." "Right, Qi Xian Qing?" "This time, the third clue, those hundreds of pieces of parchment, was a joint effort between Big Sister and me." Du Ming paused, "Really? That explains how Yan Jue managed to piece the scraps together in just a few days." Qi Xian Qing, amused, glanced at Yan Jue before lifting her cup, "Yes, Junior Sister Yan is right." Yan Jue turned, worriedly glancing at Qi Xian Qing, who seemed unconcerned as she downed her drink effortlessly. Du Ming watched Qi Xian Qing and couldn’t help but remark, "Who would’ve guessed, seeing the confrontations between Yan Jue and the Big Sister before, that we'd be sitting eating together." Having had his share of the drink, Zhou Leng began to chuckle, "You know, Yan Jue, the funniest thing you’ve ever done was sneak off with Dream Heng's clothes while she was in the bath." "As a result, Dream Heng stayed in the water for two entire days until I visited the Clear Bath Pavilion on the third night." Yan Jue awkwardly chuckled, "Let’s not dwell on such things." After drinks and rounds of stories, the innkeeper's assistant brought a honeyed fruit drink to sober them up. The lotus wine was mild. After the sobering concoction, the previously lively private room gradually quieted down. "We’re done with guessing games," Du Ming declared. "Let’s each share a story." Since they all frequented the mountains, everyone had countless experiences to share. Both Duan Lu Xi and Du Ming told tales, and the senior sisters from the Zhenhuo Sect, each outstanding, shared captivating stories. When it was Xie Zi Qin’s turn, she simply stated, "Actually, there’s someone suppressed beneath the Demon Suppression Tower." Yan Jue was surprised, "You mean the one on Wang Hai Peak?" During the individual matches of the Five Dragon Summit, Yan Jue had even visited the Demon Suppression Tower to hone her sword skills. Xie Zi Jin explained, "The Demon Suppression Tower is a training place for the inner disciples of the Five Dragon Sect, but this is merely a façade. Its existence on Wang Hai Peak is to suppress a former disciple of the sect." "Legend has it, a Five Dragon Sect disciple fell in love with a White Wolf Spirit and was even expecting its child. When the sect learned of this, they were furious and imprisoned the disciple, condemning her to a life in the Cold Waterfall." Yan Jue furrowed her brows slightly, "What happened to the White Wolf Spirit?" Xie Zi Jin shrugged, "Upon discovering its partner was imprisoned, the White Wolf Spirit risked its life to seek her at Five Dragon Mountain. It was caught by the head of the sect, who used the Demon Suppression Tower to confine them both, as the disciple defied all warnings in an attempt to rescue her partner." The room was silent for a moment. Despite being the misdeeds of a demon, the story elicited sympathy. Yan Jue couldn't help but ask, "And the child?" Xie Zi Jin responded, "The child? No one knows." "This is just a legend. Some say the sect disciple entrusted the child to a friend in the foothills, while others claim she was pregnant when sealed under the tower. The Five Dragon Sect strictly forbids any relationship between disciples and demons." Duan Lu Xi frowned slightly, "Do you think demons are truly that vile?" "People say demons live by absorbing human vitality, but I've never encountered such." Since Yan Jue planned to dine out, she'd brought Zhu He along to feed her well. Zhu He, who had been munching on a piece of vegetarian pastry in the corner, was startled by the conversation. Qi Xian Qing coughed, pulling Zhu He closer, and remarked calmly, "Does she look like a malevolent demon to you?" Everyone laughed and replied, "Of course not." "There are differences among demons, after all." "Piggy's adorable." Qi Xian Qing remarked, "One shouldn't judge without personal experience with demons." After the meal, Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue walked the path back to Qihu Peak together, enveloped in the serenity of the night. The conversation from dinner left Yan Jue slightly unsettled. How much longer could she stay with Qi Xian Qing? Yan Jue harbored no doubts about Qi Xian Qing's feelings for her. She was merely worried about becoming a burden. Qi Xian Qing, being the top disciple of the Five Dragon Sect, held a prestigious position with heavy responsibilities. The mountain breeze was cool. They had both indulged in a bit of wine, reaching a pleasantly tipsy state while maintaining clarity of mind. Yan Jue wished she could always walk beside Qi Xian Qing like this. Suddenly, a cool sensation touched her fingertips. Startled, Yan Jue looked up at her. Qi Xian Qing asked, "What's wrong?" Yan Jue replied, "Nothing." "Ah Jue," Qi Xian Qing said after a pause, her smile fading as she stopped and looked earnestly at Yan Jue, "Promise you'll tell me if anything's troubling you. I hope to face everything with you, together." Yan Jue hesitated, sighing as she knew her thoughts might hurt Qi Xian Qing. Yet she didn’t want any secrets between them. With slight hesitation, Yan Jue shared her earlier worries with Qi Xian Qing. "I'm afraid," she confessed. Qi Xian Qing was silent for a moment before grasping her hand, "I want to show you something." They returned to Bing Tao Garden, where Yan Jue watched in surprise as Qi Xian Qing pulled out an item from her desk. It was a deep brown wooden box. At first glance, it appeared ordinary, but it had an inconspicuous mechanism—a set of eight slender wooden strips. Qi Xian Qing removed two strips, causing the box to gently tremble. Suddenly, it began emanating beams of colorful light. Yan Jue watched, stunned, as the box's aura gathered above it, forming a faint golden arc, reminiscent of a secret realm’s entrance. She looked at Qi Xian Qing, eyes full of disbelief. Qi Xian Qing met her gaze, her expression softening, "Shall we go in?" Following Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue stepped into the golden arc of light. After reaching the sixth stage, cultivators gained the ability to create secret realms. A realm's owner could alter the landscape, stars, and even establish the realm's rules. For instance, a phoenix controlled the Vortex Realm, manipulating everything within. Wide-eyed, Yan Jue asked, "Is this your personal secret realm?" Qi Xian Qing handed Yan Jue something rough. "This is the realm key Master gave me three years ago. It's not like I earned it myself, but we can visit anytime." Looking down, Yan Jue saw a white stone in her palm. Its rough exterior indicated it was a Ghost Stone, unlocking the realm. The stone was slightly oval, inscribed with the character "Qi." Though not vast, Qi Xian Qing’s realm was exquisite, the sky above a deep purple, sparkling with stars. High-level cultivators could replicate natural phenomena within their realms, incorporating real celestial bodies or drawing starlight from the heavens to mirror nature. As Yan Jue and Qi Xian Qing strolled through the realm, they entered a dense forest adorned with red ribbons. The gentle breeze made the ribbons dance lightly. It was evident the realm was crafted with Qi Xian Qing's complete devotion. She asked, "Do you like it?" A subtle scent of lotus wine clung to Qi Xian Qing, but Yan Jue found it pleasant. Injecting a hint of her consciousness into the sky, Yan Jue played with the star formations, arranging them into whimsical patterns. Holding the realm key, she could alter anything within. As her consciousness descended, a thin mist enveloped them, turning the dark purple sky into something more beautiful and tranquil. Qi Xian Qing observed Yan Jue from the corner of her eye, swallowing softly before speaking, "If I win this time, I want you to promise me something." In the enchanting realm, Yan Jue's earlier discomfort dissolved away completely. "And what's that?" she asked. "Remember," Yan Jue teased with a grin, "if you lose, you owe me one too." Closing her eyes as if summoning great courage, Qi Xian Qing asked, "Ah Jue, would you marry me?" Silence fell. Qi Xian Qing, usually poised, now seemed nervous. In the cultivation world, marriage signified not only a union in ritual but a bond of shared fate and soul, forging a connection beyond mere companions. Qi Xian Qing’s voice was soft, but Yan Jue heard it deeply, warmth spreading through her chest, causing her pale cheek to blush deeply, her body trembling slightly. Qi Xian Qing nonchalantly chuckled, "Too bad you’ve already beaten me to it." Under the starlight, Qi Xian Qing looked somewhat displeased. It was rare to see such emotion on her face. Yan Jue felt an inexplicable warmth in her heart. Qi Xian Qing hadn’t been affected by the dinner conversation; she only wanted to provide assurance. Yan Jue looked up, speaking softly, "Actually, I feel the same." Qi Xian Qing, who had been anxious, froze upon hearing this. Turning her head, she looked seriously at Yan Jue. Yan Jue’s flushed face contrasted with the two interwoven knots she pulled from her robes. She had been considering this for half a month. Her hand trembled slightly, an indicator of her nervousness. The heart knot was an intimate bond, more than merging inner cores, reaching the soul’s depths. Since making the bet with Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue had contemplated this. Discussing it directly felt inappropriate, but using the bet as leverage made the conversation easier. Though already integrated, they'd never discussed this deeper connection. Having merged cores, the heart knot process was simplified. Qi Xian Qing initiated a seal, causing the golden core in her qi sea to spin wildly. Yan Jue frowned slightly, moving closer to Qi Xian Qing. Her presence pressed against Qi Xian Qing's qi sea. Yan Jue sensed she could almost touch Qi Xian Qing's inner core, her lifeline once more in her grasp. A slight force could shatter Qi Xian Qing’s qi sea. But Qi Xian Qing knew Yan Jue wouldn’t do such a thing. She opened herself completely, offering reassurance. No regrets. Their qi seas intertwined. The heart knot formed in an instant. — When Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue emerged from the secret realm, it was midnight. Bing Tao Garden was as tranquil as ever, peach trees standing silently, their fruits large and full, exuding endless spiritual energy. Yan Jue walked alongside Qi Xian Qing, feeling relaxed until she noticed a shadowy figure under the peach tree ahead. A pitch-black fox emerged cautiously from behind the bushes, peeking curiously towards them. Seeing Yan Jue looking its way, it let out a friendly yelp and came closer. Yan Jue was taken aback. This fox seemed to appear every time she was either on her period or entering her mating season. Thinking about dogs during their cycle, Yan Jue couldn't help but chuckle, realizing the intent of the little black fox. With a knowing smile, she exchanged a glance with Qi Xian Qing. Qi Xian Qing looked at the black fox with a wary expression. Suddenly, Yan Jue grasped Qi Xian Qing's hand and quickly led her inside, shutting the door behind them. Turning back to Qi Xian Qing, Yan Jue's smile was as warm as the spring sun. "This way, it won't disturb us." Yan Jue's laughter was infectious, as if sunlight shone through every word. A shallow dimple appeared beneath her left cheek, casting away any hint of worry. Even Qi Xian Qing, typically reserved, wore a slight smile in her dark eyes. She lifted her sleeve, and a soft blue luminescence spread throughout the room. Instantly, the simple wooden house transformed into a space of red hues. Red candles flickered on the table, and celebratory symbols adorned the bed. Yan Jue looked down, her pupils widening slightly. She was dressed in a striking red wedding robe, her jet-black hair styled with a golden hairpin, with intricate patterns of fortune embroidered onto the garment. The hem of the robe was long and ethereal, enhancing her graceful beauty. She looked up at Qi Xian Qing, who wore a similar red dress. The bridal outfit on Qi Xian Qing made her snow-white skin look even more striking, radiating a breathtaking beauty that was both dignified and elegant. Grinning broadly, Yan Jue's eyes sparkling, she asked, "When did you learn this type of spell?" Magic in the cultivation world was diverse and fascinating. Everything imaginable, and even the unimaginable, could be achieved. Qi Xian Qing’s simple spell, which could change clothes with a gesture, was among the most basic. So basic, in fact, that few would bother to learn it. Qi Xian Qing, gazing at her softly, replied, "I started learning it a long time ago." Approaching the small round table, Qi Xian Qing picked up a small, black-gilded cup. They hadn't finished the divine lotus wine at dinner; the rest was still securely stored in the bottle. Qi Xian Qing slowly filled the cup with the remaining wine and offered it to Yan Jue. As Yan Jue accepted the cup, her heart raced like a drum, and her expression took on an unusual seriousness. "Ah Jue, tonight, let us share the wedding wine." Qi Xian Qing bowed to her deeply, her voice light and gentle, "From this moment, as long as mountains have peaks, rivers run dry, thunder shudders in winter, rains fall in summer... (1)" Qi Xian Qing's voice was naturally melodious and noble. As she continued speaking, Yan Jue felt her mind warming, her pale cheeks turning rosy. She gulped down the wine. After drinking, Yan Jue playfully twirled around in her long wedding robe, using a silver clip to adjust the red candle on the table and examining the various paper cuttings on the bed. Once satisfied, Yan Jue lazily approached Qi Xian Qing’s side, ready to speak, but paused suddenly. It was happening again... With the spirit fox’s cycle being so long, following the end of her period came the mating season. Heat rose in Yan Jue’s eyes, that familiar feeling returning, leaving her unable to stand firm. She just wanted to cling onto something for comfort. Qi Xian Qing, noticing the change in her demeanor, looked concerned. "What’s wrong?" Qi Xian Qing asked softly. Yan Jue hesitated, "My period has ended." "Does it feel uncomfortable?" Qi Xian Qing inquired without any trace of frivolity—a doctor’s earnest concern for a patient. A wave of helplessness washed over Yan Jue, her hands clenching by her sides. What would Qi Xian Qing think about this? Since her mating season had begun, she'd been suppressing herself for so long, but now she truly couldn’t hold back. Sitting by the bed, the flickering candlelight surrounded them. Qi Xian Qing gently pulled Yan Jue closer by her shoulder, "Would you like me to help?" Yan Jue nodded softly, "Mm." She then leaned, comfortably resting in Qi Xian Qing's lap. Qi Xian Qing’s gentle tapping on her tailbone sent shivers throughout Yan Jue’s body, a soothing relief washing over her. This method was quite effective during her mating season, yet as Yan Jue leaned against Qi Xian Qing, inhaling the faint scent of wine and winter plum, she realized she longed for something far beyond. After a while, sensing Yan Jue had settled, Qi Xian Qing withdrew her hand, "I’ll go get some water—" Just as she was about to rise, her hand was held back, Qi Xian Qing's heart skipping a beat as she met Yan Jue’s amber eyes. “Qi Xian Qing, do you want to…” Yan Jue whispered, her voice carrying an enticing yet pleading note. Clad in her wedding robe, adorned with a shining gold necklace, the interplay of radiant red and pure white created a stunning beauty. Even her eye corners carried a hint of red, heavily implying her intentions. Earlier, in the secret realm, they had formed the heart knot, an act more intimate than merging inner cores. Tonight, they had married. For Qi Xian Qing to open herself up to this extent filled Yan Jue with a sweet, almost overwhelming feeling, akin to a soft hand gently squeezing her heart, inciting a desire she no longer wished to restrain. She had endured for so long. Now, nestled in Qi Xian Qing’s embrace, her desires surged like a river breaking through its confines. Yan Jue turned over, meeting Qi Xian Qing’s gaze with misty eyes, tugging at her sleeve, "I feel uncomfortable." Her tone was a mix of allure and a hint of begging. Qi Xian Qing, understanding Yan Jue’s meaning almost instantly, looked at her. Seeing Qi Xian Qing's lack of response, Yan Jue felt her heart sink, as if the hand holding her heart had let go, her face flushing with embarrassment, fearing she might have overstepped. She worried Qi Xian Qing, knowing her to be a demon, might shun her for her unseemly needs. Perhaps she would wait until the season ended before discussing it properly. As Yan Jue closed her eyes, a gentle touch caressed her cheek. Blinking in surprise, she met the deep, dark eyes of Qi Xian Qing. With a profound gaze, Qi Xian Qing lifted her hand, pressing a kiss onto her hand's back, her voice thick with unspoken desire, "I do." Qi Xian Qing lay back down next to Yan Jue, wrapping an arm around her waist, slowly patting her. Once... twice... Yan Jue, sensing something unspoken in Qi Xian Qing’s eyes, realized her intent. Qi Xian Qing was waiting for her. Emboldened, Yan Jue slowly rose, tentatively unlacing Qi Xian Qing's waistband. As the belt fell away, the robe slipped from her shoulders, exposing her smooth neck to the air. It was like a dream come true. Watching her, Qi Xian Qing’s gaze softened in silent assent: "Whatever you wish, Ah Jue." Encouraged, Yan Jue gently pinned her down, her gaze tender as she slowly kissed her.