Jin Xiu said, “Plum Immortal speaks the truth. Even if I am no longer here, there will be a new Flower Deity to take my place. Since they are of our lineage, they will naturally look after you in the future. Besides, my return to my position is not yet certain. You must not let this distract you from your cultivation.”
Apricot Immortal brightened at his words. “Really?”
Jin Xiu was about to reply when he suddenly paused, turning his gaze toward the clouds drifting in from the horizon.
A celestial cloud descended, revealing a figure in a flowing white gown. Her beauty was striking, her poised demeanor carrying an effortless charm. Her bright, captivating eyes held a mixture of mild reproach and amusement—it was none other than the Celestial Maiden of Northern Yao.
Jin Xiu was unsurprised. “Celestial Maiden.”
She did not bow, but instead approached him with graceful steps. “How quickly the noble forget—have you even forgotten the name Lu Yao? If you continue to be so formal, I will have no choice but to address you as Lord of the Middle Heavens next time.”
Jin Xiu gestured for her to take a seat.
Lu Yao’s eyes gleamed playfully as she glanced around, a teasing smile on her lips. “I’ve long heard that Flower Dawn Palace is breathtaking, and now I see it’s true. I would visit more often, but I fear you might find me troublesome.”
Jin Xiu smiled lightly. “I would not dare.”
Lu Yao lowered her voice. “About Lu Jiu—thank you.”
Jin Xiu replied, “As long as the King of the Northern Realm does not hold it against me.”
Lu Yao shook her head. “It was his own fault for neglecting his cultivation and running down the mountain to cause trouble. If not for your intervention, he would have brought even greater disaster upon himself in the future—one that even Father wouldn’t be able to save him from.”
She paused, then cast a sideways glance at him. “Since we are family, it’s only natural for you to discipline him. Why be so formal? Father is grateful to you—how could he possibly blame you?”
Jin Xiu was momentarily stunned before he smiled.
As the two of them continued their conversation, Apricot Immortal approached with tea and then quietly retreated to stand beside Plum Immortal, whispering a complaint. “Why does she keep clinging to the Divine Lord?”
Plum Immortal replied, “She is to be the future Consort of the Middle Heavens—naturally, she has the right to come.”
Apricot Immortal was briefly taken aback before suddenly exclaiming, “Then if we become her attendants, wouldn’t we be able to stay by the Divine Lord’s side too?”
Plum Immortal scoffed disdainfully. “Such small ambitions.”
* * *
The pond’s water was dark and still, its surface vast. Since summer had yet to arrive, there were no fresh lotus leaves, only a tangle of withered stalks tilting haphazardly in the shallow areas. Hong Ning and Bai Ling stood by the water’s edge.
“The temple has never had such incidents before. If it fears the word ‘Buddha,’ then it can’t be too powerful.”
“Mm.”
“The abbot said that Zheng Ke was particularly fond of this pond, didn’t he? But look at those water plants, those withered lotus leaves… The pond has clearly never been cleaned.” Hong Ning observed it for a long while before looking up. “But there really are fish in there. Tell me, could it be the fish causing trouble?”
Bai Ling said nothing.
Hong Ning sighed. “Can’t you at least give me a little more than a grunt?”
Bai Ling glanced at her. “Mm.”
Hong Ning couldn’t help but laugh. She was just about to tease him when she suddenly heard voices coming from the left—voices that sounded all too familiar.
Turning her head, she spotted a man and woman in white, whispering intimately to each other.
When she saw their faces clearly, Hong Ning was utterly stunned.
The woman in white was none other than He Lan Xue. And the man beside her—his gaze deep and mesmerizing, capable of stealing souls—who else could he be if not Lu Jiu, the fox demon?!
The two of them were undeniably striking figures, and in terms of appearance, they could be considered well-matched. However, if their hearts were not truly in it, their pairing was far less pleasing to the eye.
Hong Ning sighed. So this is He Lan Xue’s plan? Out of anger, she resorted to such a clumsy method? Did she really think Bai Ling was the type to get jealous? In the end, she was only tormenting herself—no one else would be affected.
Bai Ling had clearly noticed them long ago. He furrowed his brows slightly but said nothing.
Hong Ning probed, “How will she get out of this later?”
Bai Ling replied, “That has nothing to do with me.”
Hong Ning scoffed, “You’re awfully heartless.”
Bai Ling looked at her, momentarily dazed.
Hong Ning didn’t notice. She leaned forward slightly to get a better look at the scene ahead.
He Lan Xue was now sitting in Lu Jiu’s embrace, her arms wrapped around his neck, yet her enchanting eyes were fixed on Bai Ling from afar. However, when she saw that he remained utterly indifferent, she gradually lost the ability to keep up the act, her expression shifting to one of sorrow and resentment.
Lu Jiu, being who he was, quickly noticed the change in her demeanor. He followed her gaze—and caught sight of Hong Ning.
Unfortunately, Hong Ning accidentally met his eyes.
At that moment, her mind grew hazy again, as if something were pulling at her thoughts.
It wasn’t until Bai Ling stepped in front of her, blocking her line of sight, that she suddenly snapped out of it, realizing what had happened. She regretted it immediately.
Bai Ling grabbed her wrist and pulled her away. “That’s a white fox. Be careful—don’t fall for his tricks.”
Hong Ning realized she had been meddling too much. She nodded. “Got it.”
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