Jin Xiu frowned. “Trees and flowers take a hundred years to awaken their spirits. Only then can they face their first heavenly tribulation—if they survive it, they can become demons. After another three hundred years, they must endure a minor tribulation.
“At five hundred years, they face a major tribulation, and only after two thousand years can they successfully transcend into a lesser celestial being.”
Hong Ning nodded. “Exactly because cultivation is so difficult, I don’t want to wrong her without proof. For all we know, it could be another demon entirely. That’s why I need to find her and ask her directly.
“So I wanted to summon the Flower Deity and request their aid in calling her forth.”
Jin Xiu nodded approvingly. “You’re doing the right thing.”
Hong Ning studied him for a long moment before speaking bluntly. “Are you the same as her?”
As expected, Jin Xiu smiled but did not deny it.
Taking advantage of his good temper, Hong Ning grinned. “I’ve actually wanted to ask for a long time. If you don’t want to answer, just pretend I never asked.”
Jin Xiu asked, “Do you want my help?”
Hong Ning admitted, “Can you communicate with the Flower Deity?”
“I can. But in truth, this matter does not require outside interference,” Jin Xiu said, gazing at the pond’s surface. “It’s not that she is unwilling to come forward—her cultivation is simply too shallow. She cannot manifest in daylight.
“The temple is filled with Buddhist energy, and with imperial officials and armed bailiffs present, the aura of authority and hostility is too strong. Tonight at midnight, have them lay down their weapons and remove their official robes. If they wait by the pond, she will appear on her own.”
So the monks’ Buddhist beads weren’t the only concern—she also feared the armed government officers.
No wonder she fled when those men pushed open the door after hearing her voice.
It seemed she truly did want to come forward and explain the situation. Feeling reassured, Hong Ning tentatively asked, “You’re not just an ordinary flower demon, are you? Are you… a Flower Spirit?”
Jin Xiu smiled but did not answer.
Hong Ning suddenly remembered something. “Do you know the Lord of the Middle Heavens?”
Jin Xiu replied, “Why?”
Hong Ning repeated what the immortal of Evil Dragon Pool, Zhong Xian, had told her the other day. “He said, ‘I pay my respects to the Lord of the Middle Heavens.’”
Jin Xiu shook his head. “He was once the Timekeeper of the Southern Heavenly Gate. Lazy by nature, he overslept a thousand years ago, causing a disruption in the celestial cycle. He was fortunate that the Celestial Emperor forgave him.
“To think he still hasn’t changed after all this time… His fate was already sealed.”
Hong Ning muttered to herself, “But he said he’s seen me before… and that I once visited him with the Lord of the Middle Heavens.”
Jin Xiu said nothing.
Hong Ning fixed her gaze on him. “What are you, then? A red camellia? A Camellia Spirit?”
Jin Xiu laughed.
Hong Ning raised a brow. “Show me your true form.”
Jin Xiu said, “Forcing a flower demon to reveal their true form—that’s highly discourteous.”
Hong Ning grinned. “I’m just a wild girl from the countryside—I was never taught manners. Aren’t you afraid I’ll get angry and use a spell to seal you?”
Jin Xiu’s gaze softened, gentle as flowing water. With a smile, he murmured, “Reckless and bold… this temperament could only suit a red camellia.”
Hong Ning instantly flushed red.
“The night is getting late. Go handle your business—I’ll return later.”
With those words, he took a few steps forward and vanished.
Suit a red camellia?
Hong Ning’s face burned even hotter. The faint fragrance still lingered in the air, making her heart suddenly uneasy.
She hurriedly turned away and made her way to Lord Hai’s residence.
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