Volume Two: The Ephemeral Life of Kunlun Chapter Sixty-Four

Shi Xin watched Jing Ye’s tense expression. At last, after so many years, Jing Ye’s weakness had finally revealed itself.

A warning flashed in Jing Ye’s eyes. “I’m telling you, if you dare touch her, I will never let you go.”

“Oh? Is that so? I’m looking forward to it,” replied the youth in dark clothes, his face carrying a hint of disdain and provocation.

With those words, Shi Xin vanished from Jing Ye’s grasp.

The wind carried a sense of unease that gnawed at Jing Ye’s heart.

Over the next few days, Tian Yu never saw that dark-clad youth again. Instead, she found herself enjoying a rare period of peace. From the chatter of the little kingfisher and the squirrel, she learned that the demons had suffered a crushing defeat. Truth be told, the news didn’t surprise Tian Yu much—after all, the books she read always upheld the principle that evil could never triumph over good.

The world was ultimately divided into six realms, and during these days, she often heard the name “Emperor Jiuxuan” mentioned among the spirit beasts. Tian Yu mused that Emperor Jiuxuan must be an extraordinary figure; otherwise, how could he win the respect and admiration of all living beings across the six realms?

In her first year living alone, she descended the mountain to buy supplies for the New Year. Snowflakes drifted down in a gentle flurry; she cupped her hands to catch them, her face bright with surprise and delight.

Shi Xin gazed at the girl in her lotus-pink dress, his eyes darkening. In a flicker of shadow, he appeared behind her, holding an umbrella.

The tall youth’s figure contrasted with the girl’s petite frame, making her seem all the more delicate.

“And you are?”

Though Shi Xin was not as handsome as Jing Ye, the air of hostility about him tended to frighten those nearby. Still, his features were refined, and though his skin was not fair, it suited his bold, unruly face. If Jing Ye was the image of a celestial god, then Shi Xin’s beauty was that of a seductive demon.

Now, this demon flashed a broad grin, his sharp canines lending him a mischievous look. “What? Have you forgotten me so soon?”

Tian Yu stared blankly at him.

Seeing her face reddened by the cold, Shi Xin snapped his fingers lightly, and a dark cloak settled over her shoulders, enveloping her small figure.

Warmth spread through her at once.

“That day, you pushed through the crowd to save me,” he said, a touch of embarrassment on his demonic face.

Suddenly, Tian Yu remembered. “But that day, wasn’t it—”

“That was me, transformed to look like him, just to deceive you.”

“You mean—you tricked me?”

Shi Xin nodded.

In an instant, Tian Yu turned and bolted like a startled rabbit, the dark cloak slipping from her shoulders and falling into the snow.

Even Shi Xin was taken aback. By the time he looked up, the girl in the lotus-pink dress had vanished from the street.

She’d run so fast—was he really that frightening?

Back at her solitary home, Tian Yu quickly shut and barred every window and door before collapsing into a chair, breathless. She’d almost been eaten by a demon.

Thank goodness. Thank goodness.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a rap at the door. Jin Li stiffened, not even managing to take a sip of water before Shi Xin’s voice rang out. “Hey, mortal, you forgot your things.”

Only then did Tian Yu remember she’d left all her New Year’s goods behind.

So now, all the food she’d bought for the winter was in the hands of a demon—and that demon was standing just outside her door. If she opened up, perhaps she, too, would become part of his New Year’s feast.

What to do?

The knocking came again.

“Come on, open up! It’s freezing out here.”

Tian Yu hesitated, pacing anxiously around the room. Solitude made this house bitterly cold in winter—demons, after all, could feel the cold and hunger too. Still, couldn’t he at least let her finish the New Year before eating her?

“Hey, mortal, do you know who I am?”

Who was he?

“I am Lord Shi Xin. How dare you leave me out here?”

Lord? Was he telling the truth?

“Open up—I won’t harm you.”

“Please, open the door. It’s really cold outside. Even immortals like me fear the cold.”

“So cold, really so cold—the snow’s getting heavier.”

Tian Yu’s house had a warm stove, but outside, it probably was truly freezing.

“You... you must promise not to hurt me.”

Shi Xin smiled. “I promise.”

“You... you must keep your word.”

“I always do as I say,” Shi Xin replied, watching as the door slowly opened and a wave of warmth from inside washed over him, making him shiver. The girl’s cheeks were rosy, her eyes large and searching.

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you. At least let me help you bring these things in,” he said.

Seeing his arms full of supplies, Tian Yu felt a twinge of guilt and let him inside, though she kept a cautious distance.

To her surprise, the youth set down the goods and prepared to leave at once. He’d come through snow and rain, his dark robe soaked at the shoulders, and as he entered, she felt a chill radiate from him.

“Warm yourself by the fire,” she offered, pouring him a cup of tea. He accepted it with a bright smile. “What are you so afraid of?”

“I...I know I’m just a mortal, but—I value my life. You...you promised you wouldn’t eat me,” she stammered.

Shi Xin could only laugh at that.

“What’s your name?”

“Tian Yu.”

Shi Xin offered his hand with assurance. “I’m Shi Xin.”

Tian Yu timidly took his hand. It was broad and strong, but cold to the touch.

“Warm yourself by the fire a little longer. I’ll go make some sweet soup,” she said, darting away.

Shi Xin’s gaze darkened as he looked at his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips.

So this is the warmth of a mortal’s hand.

He sat quietly, watching the glowing coals in the stove, a wave of hostility rising within him.

“The sweet soup is ready!”

Shi Xin looked down at the little bowl, flower petals floating on the surface, his eyes suddenly confused.

“You don’t like it?”

He was startled, then shook his head. “No.”

Finding him easier to talk to than expected, Tian Yu continued, “I’m not very good at cooking, so I can only make simple things like this. This sweet soup is the best I can offer.”

Shi Xin gripped the wooden spoon and smiled. The great Demon Lord, drinking sweet soup made by a mortal.

“Tonight is New Year’s Eve—you probably don’t have such festivals, do you? Sweet soup keeps out the cold and warms the stomach. Its sweetness lifts the spirit.”

Shi Xin took a sip. It was indeed very sweet.

He looked up at her sincere smile, and for a moment it dazzled him. He hurriedly turned his head away.

“So? Does it taste good?”

An unfamiliar feeling stirred in Shi Xin’s heart. Confronted with such a simple question, he found himself at a loss for words. He finished the bowl, while Tian Yu smiled, a smile warm as the winter sun.

He changed the subject in haste. “Is it always this cold in winter here?”

Tian Yu nodded, adding more coals to the stove.

Shi Xin stood. Startled, Tian Yu asked, “Are you leaving?”

He smiled. “What, hoping I’d go?”

She shook her head at once. “Not at all, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

“No need for that tonight. I should be going.”

With that, the youth vanished like mist.

Tian Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

Shi Xin watched as the girl lay on her bed, the embers in the stove burning low, her blanket so thin. With a wave of his hand, the white snow atop Demon Mountain melted away, spring returned to the earth, and warmth spread across the land.

From now on, winter would never come here again.

When Tian Yu awoke at dawn, she was greeted by birdsong and the scent of flowers.

She was stunned. Had she really slept through the whole winter?

“Good news, good news! The Demon Lord and the Divine Lord have fought a great battle at Ruoshui!” The little kingfisher flapped its wings and called out.