Volume One: Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Thirty-Four

“Well, as expected from the Lady Goddess.”
The voice was arrogant, tinged with disdain. Bai Wanting had returned.
Jinli did not rise; she merely cast a glance at the trunk of the tree behind her, her expression souring. “So it’s Princess Wanting. What’s this? You were supposed to guard the River of Oblivion for a hundred years—are you back ahead of schedule?”
Bai Wanting was resplendently dressed, from the ornate jeweled hairpins adorning her high cloud-borne bun, to the precious necklace at her throat, and the jade bracelet on her wrist—her entire appearance exuded extravagant brilliance. Yet what might have been elegant in moderation now seemed gaudy in excess, the jewelry’s tassels chiming with every step she took.
She pointed at Jinli and shouted, “It’s all because of you! That’s why the Heavenly Lord banished me to the River of Oblivion.”
It seemed she had forgotten her earlier injury—perhaps for the best.
Jinli brushed her sleeve lightly and laughed, “Princess Wanting, by seniority, you should address me as Aunt, not presume to order your elder about. The Heavenly Palace has many rules; if you’ve yet to learn them, perhaps a few more years of cultivation by the River of Oblivion would do you good.”
Bai Wanting’s face twisted in rage, but in the end she could only storm off in frustration.
Jinli leaned against the pear blossom chair. She truly hadn’t recovered from her wounds; just a few words left her weak and weary.
Yet her gaze lingered once more on the figure behind the tree trunk. Rising to her feet, the pear blossom chair dissolved into mist. Her face was displeased. “Enjoyed the show? Lord of the Seas, you may come out now.”
Gengyuan emerged from behind the tree, a faintly amused smile in his eyes as he stood beneath its boughs. “Your talent for chastising others is undiminished, Lady Goddess.”
Jinli retorted, “And you, Lord of the Seas, have not changed either. To think a ruler of the Four Seas would stoop to eavesdropping—it truly is lamentable.”

Gengyuan’s smile broke out fully, and Jinli’s heart trembled violently once more. It had been so long since she’d seen him smile like that. Jinli looked away, while Gengyuan spoke: “Forgive my intrusion. I only came because you hadn’t returned to the banquet for so long. I was worried and thought to check on you, only to witness your impressive display.”
Jinli’s gaze drifted elsewhere. “Whether by accident or intent, it is none of my concern. Please, Lord of the Seas, take your leave.”
“Is it Susu who has displeased you then?”
Jinli met Gengyuan’s expectant eyes directly. “And what is it you hope to hear by asking?”
“You know well enough what I wish to hear, Lady Goddess.”
“Then I must apologize—I truly do not know.”
Gengyuan shrugged. “If you won’t say it, allow me.” He stepped closer, then asked, “Are you jealous?”
Jinli laughed at him. “You overthink, Lord of the Seas. I am not so petty.”
Gengyuan’s smile froze at her response, then slowly faded.
Sensing the tension, Jinli made to leave, but Gengyuan stepped swiftly in front of her, blocking her way. Jinli’s tone sharpened. “Isn’t this rather improper, Lord of the Seas?”
His voice, as ever, was deep and melodious. “You still care about me, don’t you?”
Jinli looked into his eyes, calm and unruffled. “And why should I, pray, care about the Lord of the Seas?”
A flicker of emotion passed over Gengyuan’s face. Jinli, with the old habit, swept her sleeve. “The Lord of the Seas holds all power now, and beauty graces his side. I am truly envious. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

He was still that same youth, even dressed in his lordly robes, his expression and gaze unchanged from a hundred years before.
“Why don’t you care for me anymore?” Jinli had barely taken a step when Gengyuan’s sudden question rooted her to the spot.
Why didn’t she care anymore? Why?
He seemed about to say more when Sangli appeared, positioning himself between Jinli and Gengyuan. He faced Gengyuan and said, “Lord of the Seas, please conduct yourself with respect.”
Gengyuan fixed Sangli with a cold stare, his eyes—usually wild and charming—now narrowed and dark, as though the person before him was utterly beneath his notice.
Blue divine light shimmered between Gengyuan’s fingers. Jinli sensed trouble and quickly pulled Sangli aside, stepping between him and Gengyuan. “Everything that needed to be said has been said. Do as you wish, Lord of the Seas.”
With that, she led Sangli away.
Once safely out of Gengyuan’s sight, Jinli drew in deep breaths, apologizing to Sangli. “Sangli, I’ll go ahead.”
He nodded. “Go and rest. I’ll come visit you another day.”
Jinli managed a faint smile, suddenly weary. She could only feel her heart pounding violently within her chest.