Volume Two: Floating Life in Kunlun Chapter Seventy

At night, Tianyu sat cross-legged on her bed, silently reciting the incantations, as indigo-blue light flickered around her. But in the next moment, she felt as if all her organs were being torn apart; the pain was so intense that she spat blood and lost consciousness.

“She’s fainted, so be it. I am no demon physician,” said the young Demon Lord, his bare upper body revealing a strong build, marred by scars of all sizes. In his arms lay a fox woman, seductive in her beauty, equally unclothed, her slender hand playing with Shixin’s long hair, her smile radiant.

“Are there other women in Your Honor’s palace?” she asked, but Shixin did not answer, and Liuyai withdrew.

The fox woman, using her bare body to entice him, pressed her lips to his, nibbling and caressing in a bid for favor. Yet the young Demon Lord suddenly gripped her slender neck, his hand tense and veins bulging, until she collapsed limply in his embrace. Shixin wiped his lips in disgust, his dark gaze filled with malice and depth. As he donned his robe, Liuyai entered, glancing at the ashes of the fox woman on the bed and lowering his eyes.

“How is she?” Shixin asked.

“I’ve summoned the demon physician; she’s out of danger, but still unconscious,” Liuyai replied.

With a wisp of black smoke, Shixin clothed himself and went to the Perfume Hall. The hall was quiet, but the flowers within flourished, evidence that she had tended to them well.

Upon seeing the Demon Lord, the demon attendants hastily knelt. Shixin asked, “How is she?”

“Your Honor, this girl is mortal. Upon entering the demon realm, she inhaled much demonic energy and tried to cultivate immortal techniques. The conflict between the two overwhelmed her mortal body, causing her collapse. Once the demonic energy is expelled, she’ll recover.”

Liuyai glanced at the Demon Lord, then took the demon physician and left.

The once fearless and proud girl from the mortal world now lay silent as a porcelain doll, her pale face frail and delicate, as if she might shatter at a touch. Shixin sat and watched her in silence. She was not as lively as she had been in the mortal world—rather, she seemed reserved. Was it because of him?

“Liuyai.”

“Here.”

“What has she done these past days?”

Liuyai reported every detail of Tianyu’s actions and whereabouts to Shixin, not omitting a single word. Yet he saw the Demon Lord’s expression grow darker.

“Bring those wretches here!” the young man commanded. The people in the hall trembled in fear. The servants who had mistreated Tianyu knelt, begging for mercy, but it was futile.

The man in black rose and slowly approached, his brown eyes turning scarlet, the demonic mark on his brow appearing. His gaze brimmed with murderous intent.

He stomped on a servant’s head; the man dared not move, whimpering.

“Go receive your punishment,” Liuyai said coldly, and the others were taken away. Only the one beneath Shixin’s foot remained, frozen, his tears streaming down, terrified.

“Was it you who humiliated her?” Shixin asked.

The man trembled even more, just about to explain when Shixin’s cold voice came: “Expelled from the demon realm, death or injury is irrelevant.”

He was a rebel from the immortal realm, having betrayed it to seek refuge with the Demon Lord. Now, countless enemies waited outside to take his life. The Demon Lord neither struck nor cursed, simply cast him out—an act that left him with neither hope of living nor dying.

“Your Honor, spare me! I am loyal to you, truly loyal!” he cried.

Shixin released him, not sparing a glance, his eyes full of disdain. “Disgusting thing, throw him out!”

Two demon guards dragged him away; his wails echoed outside, growing fainter until they disappeared. The demon realm had never tolerated traitors.

Shixin dismissed everyone, remaining alone with her. The once fearsome Demon Lord now appeared as a youth, his emotions unreadable.

The girl was quiet as ever; his gaze dropped to her lips, soft as begonia petals.

Having never experienced desire, the youth found himself blushing as he stared. He slowly raised his hand, touching the spot she had kissed, feeling the lingering warmth—startled, he quickly put his hand down and hurried out.

That night, still pondering these unfamiliar emotions, he summoned Liuyai.

“Liuyai, have you ever… kissed someone?”

Liuyai was first surprised, then flustered. “No, never.”

He was shocked that Shixin would ask such a question.

Shixin bit his lip, deep in thought. “Have you ever felt nervous, hot, and suddenly your heart raced?”

Liuyai considered, then replied earnestly, “Yes.”

“When?”

“When practicing martial arts.”

“…”

Shixin realized he should not have asked.

“Your Honor, I have something to report.”

“What is it?”

“The immortal maiden has awoken.”

“Why didn’t you say so sooner!” The Demon Lord vanished in a blur, soon reaching the Perfume Hall.

Tianyu was watering flowers.

“You should let the servants handle this. Your body isn’t healed yet; why are you up?” The youth’s voice startled Tianyu. She turned and saw him cloaked in moonlight, alone.

She bowed and replied, “Some things are best done personally. The flowers in the Demon Lord’s palace are beautiful and require care.”

The youth brushed the petals with his slender hand and smiled. “Indeed, they deserve proper care.”

Tianyu dared not overstep; the Demon Lord was just as unpredictable as rumors said. She’d heard he had thrown a terrible fit when she collapsed days ago, though she didn’t know who had angered him.

“Rise,” he said, seeing her still performing formalities, his tone tinged with concern.

He avoided her gaze, unable to look her in the eye.

She spoke softly, “It’s been long since I returned to the mortal realm. Tomorrow morning, I’ll depart. Thank you for your hospitality these days.”

“You’re leaving?!” He sounded baffled, then sneered, “You think you can come and go from my demon realm as you please?”

This response was unexpected. Tianyu lowered her gaze. “What must I do for you to let me go?”

Shixin was stumped by the question.

She had come seeking the path to immortality, but upon hearing about her and Jingye, he’d grown angry and ignored her, letting her fend for herself. His behavior was childishly petty—not at all befitting the Demon Lord.

He sneered, eyes full of contempt, grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him, though his gaze lingered not on her eyes but her lips.

Flustered, he said, “In the future, don’t go around kissing other men.”

“?”

Tianyu was baffled.

He didn’t release her, repeating fiercely, “Did you hear me?”

Tianyu nodded.

Kissing other men? Was he still bothered by those few kisses? She could never have guessed what thoughts plagued the Demon Lord at this moment—utterly indecent.

Shixin had always learned quickly, able to extrapolate from the simplest things. Even a simple kiss could send his imagination running wild.

Fortunately, Tianyu didn’t know.

The Demon Lord asked, “You… won’t pursue immortality?”

“There will be other chances.” The demon realm was not suited for cultivation; perhaps he’d never intended to help her.

She took out the jade pendant he’d given her, which Liuyai had examined and returned. Now she meant to return it to its rightful owner.

The youth’s eyes darkened.

“What do you mean?”

“This pendant is yours, Demon Lord. Please take it back,” she said calmly.

A simmering anger welled up inside him. He snatched the pendant and swept away in a swirl of robes.

Tianyu breathed a heavy sigh of relief, smoothing her chest repeatedly.

So accompanying a monarch was truly as perilous as the tales said—one careless moment, and her life could be lost.

Days passed, and Shixin did not appear. Instead, Liuyai came.

She was delighted, thinking Shixin had sent Liuyai to escort her out, and quickly packed her things.

But Liuyai’s expression was cold. “Your Honor commands: the immortal maiden is to serve in the hall.”

Serve? What did that mean?

“What does Your Honor mean?” she asked.

Liuyai showed no emotion. “Please, immortal maiden.”

Tianyu’s heart pounded with nervousness and fear as she made her way, swallowing repeatedly.

At the hall’s entrance, they heard laughter from within—feminine, alluring, enough to melt the heart.

She was startled. Did the Demon Lord indulge in such debauchery? Was it wise to enter now?

Liuyai did not move, but stepped aside, clearing the way. Tianyu was confused.

“What does this mean?”

He was letting her pass.

Liuyai glanced at her, signaling her to enter.

She forced a smile. “The Demon Lord seems busy—wouldn’t it be rude to barge in?”

Liuyai remained silent.

Still hesitating at the door, Liuyai raised his voice outside the hall: “Immortal maiden, please enter.”

!!!

Liuyai was certainly diligent.

Tianyu’s face darkened; she glared at Liuyai and steeled herself to go in.

She lowered her gaze, raising her hand in salute. “Demon Lord, I am here.”

“Come in,” the man said in a deep voice.

Tianyu parted the curtains and entered. The scent of cosmetics stung her nose, making her sneeze.

Instantly, the laughter ceased.

Her heart tightened; cold sweat broke out.

“Raise your head.”

The bright-eyed girl lifted her youthful face, cheeks flushed, expression serene.

Tianyu swallowed. Around the Demon Lord sat several beautiful, seductive women, their bodies graceful and inviting, making her shy. Their flirtatious gazes pricked at Tianyu’s nerves.

“Come up,” he said.

A path of rose petals lay atop a dark wool carpet.

Every move he made filled her with dread.

The youth paused, looking up. “Are you afraid of me?”

Was he angry? She hurriedly lowered her gaze and stammered, “I… I’m not afraid… I… I just…”

He was like a wolf, a hungry wolf.

His gaze burned as he met hers.

Would he make her like those women?

No…

She blurted, “Demon Lord, a forced melon is not sweet.”

The Demon Lord smirked. “But I love bitter melon.”

Smack!

A crisp slap silenced the hall.

A red handprint appeared on the youth’s cheek.

She panicked; her palm burned. She had struck the Demon Lord!

“Forgive me, Demon Lord!” she apologized.

His face darkened, his voice cold and eerie. “Leave!”

The women withdrew, leaving only the two of them.

Tianyu was frantic, unsure what fate awaited her. Would he devour her?

After a long silence, Shixin’s cold voice broke in. “Why are you so afraid of me?”

“I… I…”

“Don’t tell me you’re not! What are you afraid of?” He was so friendly in the mortal world!

Why!?

“Demon Lord, you overthink.”

Shixin suddenly wrapped her in his arms, trapping her tightly against him.

Thus, the bright girl, like a spring breeze, was enveloped in darkness. He held her on his throne.

She struggled to no avail, choosing instead to press her hand against his firm chest.

His voice was hoarse, low. “Do you like me?”

!!!

What had she done to make the Demon Lord overthink so much? How could this happen!?

“…No.”

Shixin received the answer he expected, a bitter smile crossing his roguish face.

“I knew it…”

He released her.

The warmth of her touch lingered at his fingertips.

The girl sprang away, quickly putting distance between them.

“Go.”

Tianyu was startled, then delighted.

She had just bowed in thanks, when she looked up and fainted.

Shixin summoned Liuyai. “Send her back for me. Also, I recall you’ve developed a new venom.”

The youth’s eyes turned red as he looked coldly at the girl lying on the wool carpet.

Tianyu did not know how many days she slept, but upon waking, she felt her breath clear and her body lighter than before.

Recognizing the familiar decor, she rose joyfully, gazing at her familiar courtyard.

She laughed.

Wasn’t she still in the demon palace? How had she woken up back at her own home?

Just as she opened her door, someone else opened the outer door. Their eyes met—a young man in celestial robes looked at her, joy shining in his eyes.

“Jingye?”

The Nine-Mysteries Divine Lord appeared, and instantly wrapped her in his arms.

He had gone in search of her that day, but Yousu had brought countless heavenly soldiers to find him. He returned to the Sacred Domain to heal, but could not let go of Tianyu, left in the mortal world.

He left her a letter, promising to meet her at the lotus pond and take her to the Sacred Domain.

But when he returned, Tianyu was gone, not even at her home. He waited from dawn till midnight, and from midnight till autumn, through an entire year. Still, Tianyu did not return.

He wondered if she had not seen the letter, or if she was in danger.

He used treasures from the immortal realm to search for her, but to no avail.

Thus, he wandered the mortal world for ten years.

One day, at her door, he finally saw her.

Worry, fear, uncertainty.

Hearing her call his name upon waking, he was happier than anything.

“These days, where have you been?” Jingye asked.

Tianyu didn’t know how to answer. She could not admit she’d gone to the demon realm to seek the path of immortality.

She smiled. “I just traveled around.”

Jingye didn’t press, his brows full of guilt. “Tianyu, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left with only a letter. There won’t be a next time.”

She was puzzled. “Letter? What letter?”

“You didn’t see the letter I left?”

Tianyu shook her head.

Jingye guessed perhaps a spirit stole it.

Taking her hand, he said, “Let me take you to the Sacred Domain.”

She hesitated, recalling Yunmu’s words: not everyone could enter the Sacred Domain.

“But I’m not an immortal yet.”

Seeing her hesitation, Jingye smiled. “It doesn’t matter. In my eyes, you are an immortal.”

“But not in others’ eyes.”

Jingye thought for a moment. “Then I’ll teach you to cultivate. That way, you’ll have the qualifications to enter. How about it?”

Her clear eyes brightened. “You really can teach me?”

Jingye patted her head. “Is becoming immortal so important to you?”

Yes, she wanted to be worthy to stand by his side, to silence those who doubted her.

Seeing her silent, Jingye understood.

He helped her guide spiritual energy into her body. In just a few days, Tianyu could breathe and cultivate on her own, her progress astonishing—a promising immortal body.

Soon, it was time to depart for the Sacred Domain. Jingye spoke softly, “Close your eyes, I’ll bring you into the array.”

Tianyu obediently closed her eyes.

The celestial youth formed a seal, and a golden array appeared. With its disappearance, the two vanished within the formation.

“All right, open your eyes.”

When Tianyu opened her eyes, she saw a splendid, gentle sky, colored in five hues. She reached out, and the clouds seemed to brush her hand. They sat on a boat, but beneath was not water, but another sky—a crystal-clear surface like a mirror.

Among the soft clouds, cloud whales soared, and glowing spirit fish leapt from the water, circling Tianyu.

The Divine Lord watched the smile on her face, full of endless hope and imagination. She clung to his sleeve from time to time. Because of her, he’d never found the Dream Sea so beautiful.

Tianyu leaned over the boat, her hand immersed in the cool water.

“What is that place?” she asked, pointing.

Jingye’s gaze deepened. “That is the Lotus River.”

Along the river, lotus flowers bloomed amidst green leaves, like pink stars.

Seeing her interest, Jingye continued, “South of the Lotus River is the Southern Sea, with Sunset Gorge, Starfall Cliff, and the songs of merfolk are enchanting. There, stars are within reach, and the sunsets are passionate and romantic, with birds in flight.”

His words made Tianyu eager to see it.

Jingye smiled, understanding her desire, and steered the boat toward the Southern Sea.

The sea was vast and blue, stretching beyond the horizon. In the distance, shadows rose and fell within the waves.

“That’s the merfolk competing.”

Jingye took her hand, and with a flash of celestial light, they stood atop Starfall Cliff, towering waves now dwarfed beneath them.

In the sunlight, the merfolk’s tails sparkled like phantom flowers, dazzling.

The wind tossed the girl’s hair, and amidst the scent of lotus, she spread her arms, letting the sea breeze sweep over her.

Freedom, passion.

He was mesmerized.

At sunset, the girl nestled in the arms of the white-robed immortal, watching the red sun sink into the sea. All around grew quiet, her faint fragrance intensifying, stirring the Divine Lord’s heart.

“Tianyu, there is so much beauty in this world. I wish to see it all with you.”

His sudden words were like sweet, mellow wine, intoxicating.

Their lips met, and Jingye returned to himself, his eyes filled with longing and devotion for the one in his arms, his heart overflowing. Yet it was still not enough—he loved her, loved every part of her, whether clear-eyed or calm, shy, angry, or coquettish. Whatever her manner, he wished to give her everything.

Wherever his eyes fell, there was only love.

Yet her kiss was clumsy; two inexperienced souls learning together, exploring.

Only when their breath mingled and they reluctantly parted did she shyly bury her head against Jingye’s neck.

With someone you like, should you do this…?

He smiled.

She heard it—was it too bold, or was she simply incapable…?

Her face reddened.

Her shyness only made him love her more.