Volume One: Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Fifteen

“...Does it hurt?”

Geng Yuan gently straightened her clothes, his eyes lowered, a tangled, indecipherable emotion flickering in their depths.

Jin Li cupped his face in her hands, feigning distress. “It hurts terribly—but when I think that this pain can heal your wounds, it’s worth it.”

He looked up at her, then softly drew her into his embrace.

She stroked his back gently and spoke in a tender voice: “I believe in you. And you can trust me, too. I will heal your tail.”

Geng Yuan didn’t reply, only tightened his arms around her, holding her close. In his eyes, emotions warred in silent turmoil.

After he took the medicine Jin Li had given him and rested for several days, a faint sign of recovery appeared in his fish tail.

She was overjoyed.

Watching Jin Li’s happiness, Geng Yuan’s feelings grew ever more complicated. He didn’t know what he ought to do anymore; everything before him felt like a thick, impenetrable fog.

That night, darkness hung heavy; not a single star pierced the sky.

“Reporting to the Young Lord: the Western, Eastern, and Northern Seas have all now submitted. The Heavenly Lord turns a blind eye. Rest assured, all dissenters have been dealt with. We await your arrival to unify the four seas. As for Lady Nanmo’s immortal body, it currently lies in the Weakwater ice coffin.”

A figure cloaked in a thick mantle stood shrouded in the night. Geng Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his face shadowed and cold.

“Have you found Ruan Tu?”

“...Forgive me, he escaped.”

“I want him—dead or alive.”

“And what of Lady Lianchuan?”

“...Handle it as you see fit, but leave no trace.”

After his low command, the man turned to leave, but Geng Yuan spoke again. “Forget it. Leave it be.”

Jiang Ji was about to take his leave when Geng Yuan added, “Place Lady Nanmo under guard in Xu’an Sea.”

“Young Lord... will you not rescue her?”

“Go.”

Even if she comes back to life, what does it matter? Her heart belongs to another. Once a merman loves, it is for life—only one person. It has nothing to do with him.

He no longer desired the Lotus Heart Blossom. Now that everything was within his grasp, all he had ever wanted was his. What more could he want?

His cousin, knowing Nanmo deserved death, would rather die with her than live without her.

He truly could not disturb her any longer. She remained his aunt, as always.

Geng Yuan slowly raised his right hand, the Quanke Pearl in his palm shimmering with immense power; the blue immortal light cast a dazzling brilliance across his handsome features.

It was his father’s Quanke Pearl.

In the thick darkness of night, danger crept in, silent and unseen.

That day, as Jin Li returned from the Divine Realm, she ran into Sang Li. He looked weary, but the moment he saw her, a smile dispelled all fatigue.

“Ali.”

“Sang Li.”

“How have you been lately? Are you... well?”

Jin Li nodded, smiling, all was well.

After a long silence, Sang Li said, “If you’re free today, would you come to my residence for a chat?”

Jin Li gladly agreed.

In Lianchuan, Yun Xiang hurried to the market and found Geng Yuan, who was shopping for groceries.

“Young Lord, the Lady has sent word she won’t be back for dinner today—the Crown Prince has important matters to discuss.”

Geng Yuan smiled and nodded. “Very well. I’ll buy less, then.”

“Understood.”

With a sudden crash, the stall in front of him was violently shoved to the ground; the shadow and ruthlessness in his eyes bore no resemblance to the gentle youth from moments before.

Passersby turned to look. The gentle youth smiled, apologizing, “Sorry, I knocked it over by accident. I’ll pay for it.”

The stall owner, seeing Geng Yuan’s refined and obedient appearance, smiled as well. “No need, no need—since you’re with the Lady, it’s all right. Is the Young Lord cooking for her tonight?”

Geng Yuan smiled with pressed lips, but his simmering anger and the incessant chatter made him more and more irritated. Before the man could finish, he cut in, “I have things to do—excuse me,” and left with his groceries.

In the Jinhua Residence of the Ninth Heaven, Yun An saw Jin Li arrive and went to prepare her favorite hot tea. Jin Li looked around and smiled. “Sang Li, after all these years, why do you still not have a single immortal maid in your residence? Such a vast estate, and only the two of you; surely it’s too lonely.”

Sang Li poured tea for her, his smile gentle. “But isn’t your Lianchuan just you and Yun Xiang? Are you not lonely?”

“Ah, but the days in Lianchuan can’t compare to those in the Ninth Heaven. Still, Sang Li, if you ever feel lonely or wish to admire the lotuses, you’re always welcome at my place.”

“Yun An mentioned that to me the other day. Apologies for making you wait so long.”

“It’s nothing.”

After a few pleasantries, Sang Li sent Yun An away. With a wave of his hand, the map of the Six Realms appeared before Jin Li through immortal magic.

Pointing to the southwest wilderness, Sang Li said, “Due to the upheaval in the Southern Sea, the demon clans are stirring. With the Sea Crystal missing, many demon souls have already infiltrated the mortal world...”

“You suspect the demons are planning something major?”

Sang Li nodded. A shadow passed over Jin Li’s brow.

He continued, “The seal’s expiry is near. There are rumors of demon gods returning—rumors that bode ill for the Heavenly Lord.”

Jin Li nodded. “I’ve heard the current Demon Lord is the son of a demon god?”

Sang Li shook his head. “He’s an immortal tainted by demonic energy, who, consumed by greed, fell into the demon path—never to return.”

If that was so, Jin Li thought, those infected by demonic energy truly fall because their hearts go astray. What about Geng Yuan, then?

“Ali? Ali?”

She snapped out of her thoughts at Sang Li’s call.

“Oh? What is it?”

He studied her unsettled face. “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

She shook her head. “No, I just drifted off for a moment.”

Sang Li smiled tenderly. Jin Li put down her teacup. “As for the boundary, Lianchuan will not stand by. If the demon god returns, the Goddess Clan will not let him succeed.”

Sang Li nodded. “The Celestials will always stand with the Goddess. Don’t worry, all will be well.”

Jin Li smiled in relief, then asked, “How is Princess Wanting?”

“The Heavenly Lord ordered her to guard Wangchuan in the lower realm for a hundred years. Some tempering will do her good.”

Jin Li nodded. “That’s good. Now that you govern the Eight Wildernesses, the Heavenly Lord must be at ease.”

Sang Li smiled quietly, but sorrow lingered in his eyes.

After discussing the Weakwater boundary, Sang Li mentioned he still had some things at Lianchuan. He would retrieve them when he escorted Jin Li home. Their conversation and laughter carried them to the Lotus Pavilion.

“My lady.”

Jin Li looked up to see Geng Yuan holding a cloak, smiling at her.

Seeing Sang Li, Geng Yuan offered a slight bow. “Your Highness, thank you for bringing her back.”

“It’s nothing. I just came for a book I left here a few days ago.”

Before the words were finished, Geng Yuan produced the book. “This must be yours. I found it while tidying up today and was thinking of returning it to you.”

Jin Li felt genuine comfort seeing Geng Yuan’s courteous demeanor. If things continued like this, surely the demonic energy in his heart would fade away.

Sang Li accepted it. “Thank you.”

Geng Yuan said nothing more, only draped the cloak gently over Jin Li’s shoulders. Sang Li watched the tender care in Geng Yuan’s every action, an odd emotion flickering in his eyes.

“Your Highness, it’s getting late. You should head back.”

Jin Li turned to him. “Yes, you should go. Just follow the plan I described.”

“Rest well. I’ll visit you again tomorrow.”

Geng Yuan watched Sang Li leave, the dark shadow in his eyes making him seem a stranger.

Until Jin Li called his name.

“What is it?”

Geng Yuan appeared aggrieved, eyes lowered. “I don’t like seeing you with him.”

Jin Li laughed. “Is the Young Lord jealous?”

He didn’t answer. Seeing his docile appearance, she reached out, cupped his face, and rising on tiptoe, brushed his cheek with a light kiss.

Geng Yuan froze, gazing at Jin Li in surprise.

Clear eyes sparkling with laughter, Jin Li met his gaze with utter sincerity. “But the one by my side now is you.”

His dark eyes seemed to hold the stars. He was beautiful—she liked him so very much.

Hand in hand, they strolled down the Lotus Path.

“Young Lord, do you know what season it is in the mortal realm?”

“I don’t.”

“It’s winter. There’s a festival called the New Year. Families gather to eat together, stay up late, hand out red envelopes, watch fireworks...”

Halfway through, Jin Li realized her words were ill-chosen; Geng Yuan had just lost his family—wasn’t she rubbing salt in his wounds?

“...Why did you stop?”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

He shook his head. “No, I like hearing about it.”

She squeezed his hand; his broad palm was as warm as ever. “Geng Yuan, wherever I am will be your home. Everyone in Pear Blossom Valley will be your family.”

He was stunned, then gently drew her into his arms, falling silent.

She spoke of how, in the mortal world, every winter brought the festival—no matter how far apart, families would return home for a reunion meal, set off fireworks, light firecrackers.

Jin Li brought Geng Yuan to the mortal realm. It was their first New Year together since their days in the immortal world: lanterns and banners everywhere, streets filled with acrobats and dancers, joy dispelling the winter chill.

A year in the heavens meant much had changed below. By now, if she and Geng Yuan remained in the mortal world, it would be a long time spent in each other’s company.

Hand in hand, Jin Li said cheerfully, “Lianchuan’s scenery is the same all year round; there’s no real winter chill. But here in the mortal realm, though it’s cold, the liveliness drives away the cold.”

Geng Yuan smiled and nodded. He pulled her cloak tighter. Yun Xiang chimed in, “It’s still day. At night, it gets even livelier—after the New Year’s Eve dinner, everyone comes out to watch fireworks. It’s an unforgettable sight.”

Jiang Ji asked, “How do you know so much about the mortal world, Yun Xiang?”

Jin Li, picking through the masks, replied, “Those are Yun Xiang’s memories from his tribulation.”

She lifted a mask and held it up to Geng Yuan’s face. Even with it on, his beauty could not be hidden.

Jin Li sighed in mock distress. “What should I do? He’s still so handsome, even with a mask.”

Geng Yuan smiled indulgently, ruffling her hair, then helped her pick one.

Jin Li turned to Yun Xiang. “You should head back. I’ll be fine on my own.”

Jiang Ji looked confused, but Yun Xiang, hearing her, quickly bowed and left with a bright smile. A shadow crossed Jiang Ji’s eyes.

Jin Li was still dissatisfied with the selection until she spotted two particularly striking masks: one gold, its feathered design like the plumage of a phoenix—its colors and patterns unmistakably divine; the other, shining with dragon scales like black diamonds, solemn, still, and tinged with danger.

Jin Li’s interest was piqued. “Shopkeeper, how much for those two?”

“You have a good eye, young lady. I brought these from the Moon Kingdom, and there’s a story behind each one.”

“What story?”