Volume Two: The Ephemeral Life of Kunlun Chapter Seventy-Two

The girl's bewildered, tearful voice trembled with a sob as the God Sovereign, anxious, cupped her youthful face in his hands. Though she had changed much—grown thinner, her baby fat from the mortal world gone—her cheeks were still so soft. He gently wiped away her tears, his voice tender and soothing, "See, I'm back now, aren't I? I missed you too, missed you so much."

His fair, slender fingers brushed her cheek; though his touch was light, she could still feel the calluses on his fingertips. All the exhaustion in his eyes vanished the instant he saw her. He must have suffered greatly. Yet here she was, not only making no progress in her cultivation but also letting her mind wander, nearly causing him trouble.

"Jingye," she called softly.

"I'm right here," he replied.

The handsome young man sat below her bed, his back to her. Moonlight poured in through the window, spilling over his pale blue robe. His high ponytail fell over his shoulder, and the silk ribbon from his hair ornament lay in Tianyu's palm.

"What's wrong?" the God Sovereign asked, turning his head. In the night, with only moonlight as cold as frost, his face was not clear, yet she could see him well enough. In his dark pupils, she saw only herself.

"Come up here and sleep," she said.

The words had barely left her lips before the young man nearly lost his composure. Heat surged through his body, his obsidian eyes instantly darkening as desire surged forth. His voice roughened as he asked again, "What did you say?"

Tianyu brought his face close and pressed her lips to his. Their breaths mingled, sparks flying between them. He parted her lips, no longer satisfied with a mere fleeting taste. Sensing her trembling and nervousness, he released her, his eyes—now bright and deep with longing—filled with love as he murmured in her ear, "Let me teach you, shall I?"

His cool lips brushed her ear, her earlobe, the edge of her hair, and then found her lips once more. Guided by his gentle lead, she parted her lips, the slick, soft sensation making the kiss more bashful and leaving her cheeks aflame. Only when the girl was breathless did Jingye reluctantly release her.

Amid a litany of whispered "I love you"s, his lips drifted to her collarbone. As she felt her sash loosen, Tianyu nervously clung to Jingye. She was afraid, trembling already. Rough breaths did not spiral out of control but returned to calm.

With his forehead resting lightly against hers, Jingye smiled, "It's all right. We have many chances yet." With that, he waved his hand, and with a touch of immortal magic, retied her sash. But his own desire had already risen, and the girl sensed it. In a gentle voice she began, "But... you..."

Jingye recited the Heart-Clearing Mantra several times before finally calming himself, then pulled Tianyu close and settled her to sleep. "It's all right now, let's sleep."

Yet as soon as he closed his eyes, the little thing in his arms began to squirm again. In an instant, his desire returned, burning and unbearable. His voice rose sharply, "Don't move."

The girl stiffened in his embrace, silent. He opened his eyes, thinking he had truly frightened her, but when he looked down, her clear eyes gazed up at him, filled with affection as if looking upon the world's most precious treasure.

Little did he know, he looked at her just the same.

She spoke, "Jingye, you are the best person in all the world. You are the one I love most, the one I like most."

Jingye smiled, warmth blooming in his heart as he held her tighter. "You too. You are the best, the one I love most, the one I like most."

For the beloved in his arms, he knew not how to express the depth of his affection and love. He wanted to hold her tight but feared it would hurt her; if he loosened his hold, she might drift away. So he took her hand, brought it to his lips, and pressed a warm, gentle kiss into her palm.

Tianyu's body tensed, then she met Jingye's gaze—eyes brimming with love and tenderness. The fervor in his gaze filled her heart with warmth.

They slept entwined, nothing more happening between them. The dream that night was sweet; she dreamed of a peaceful, beautiful life with Jingye.

The next morning, as soon as Tianyu awoke, she found Jingye already gone.

A trace of disappointment rose in her heart. She stared blankly at the empty bed. Jingye was becoming busier and busier, yet still found time to be with her. She must work harder too—cultivate diligently.

She smiled and got up, but the sound of a bell caught her attention. At some point, someone had tied a blue ribbon to the end of her hair, with a tiny bell dangling from it. Though small, its sound was clear and pleasant.

It must have been Jingye.

She smiled. After washing and dressing, she went to the garden to continue her cultivation.

Recently, news of war had spread throughout the Sanctuary. Rumors said the Merman Clan had betrayed them and allied with the Demon Lord, and that Jingye had not returned. Then she heard the God of War had fallen, the Demon Lord was gravely wounded, and still Jingye had not come back. The Evil Bone's whereabouts were unknown, demon lords were gathering in all four realms, the Demon God's power growing daily—and Jingye still had not returned.

He was always so busy. Every time she heard of some great immortal's demise, Tianyu was afraid—afraid one day she would hear ill news about him from others. And she could do nothing.

She went to seek out the Star Lord of Fate, hoping to ask about Jingye.

"Star Lord, how is Jingye? Has he been injured?"

Star Lord always held a long scroll in hand, as if it were his weapon.

"No, the God Sovereign is well. You need not worry."

Still, Tianyu could not rest easy. It had been so long since she last saw Jingye.

"Then... please, Star Lord, look after Jingye. Stay by his side."

"Of course, of course. I will be sure to convey your concern to the God Sovereign."

"Thank you."

After watching her leave, Star Lord's brow furrowed with worry. He turned and vanished into mist, appearing in the celestial military camp.

Inside the tent, Jingye was gravely wounded. White gauze wrapped his arms, his shoulder, and his chest—where blood had already seeped through the bandages. He looked weak, but when he saw Star Lord, he raised his eyes.

"How is she?" he asked.

"She's well, just worried about you—she came to ask me herself."

"Take care of her. Don't let her know about this."

Star Lord sighed, "Now that you are the Merman God, you cannot become involved on that side. Though the old Merman King has paid for his crimes, you cannot intervene."

Jingye lowered his gaze. The Southern Sea Merman Clan had betrayed them, colluded with the Demon Realm. The Merman King had fallen... the clan destroyed...

Guilt clouded his eyes.

Star Lord clapped his shoulder, "Don't blame yourself too much. The Demon Lord is always scheming—perhaps the old Merman King was deceived."

He knew Jingye must be full of regret, guilt, and sorrow.

"I will find out the truth," the God Sovereign said, his eyes resolute.

He would discover why the Merman King had turned to the demons.

Tianyu remained quietly in Junhua Palace. Sometimes she cultivated alone; sometimes, she chatted with Yunyi and Xinian. Jingye was always good to her. Even during military training, he had Star Lord bring her messages.

Her desire to grow stronger deepened. Jingye worked so hard—she wanted to protect the world, too. Even if she could not help him, she should at least learn to protect herself, so Jingye would not have to worry.

You Suwen would often invite her to Moonview Palace.

One day, Tianyu noticed a bandage on You Suwen’s wrist. Out of concern, she asked, "What happened to your hand, Saintess?"

You Suwen glanced at it and replied lightly, "I injured it during training a few days ago."

Training? With Jingye, no doubt. No wonder there had been no word from him lately—not even replies to her letters.

A strange bitterness and suspicion grew in her heart, magnified a thousand times over.

She knew that even if she confronted Jingye directly, the true cause of any rift between them would never be outsiders, but lack of trust in each other.

She feared losing Jingye, and just as much, she feared the love between them.

Sometimes she questioned their feelings: was this truly love, or something else... Jingye was always elegant, gentle, and repaid kindness. Was it just that, because she had saved him, he felt obliged?

So, all she could do was keep trying her best—for herself, and for Jingye.

Jingye had never told her why he loved her.

Leaving Moonview Palace, she passed through a courtyard and caught sight of a blue outer robe hanging to dry. On it was a magnolia flower, embroidered with exquisite skill. Below it, however, was a crooked, clumsy little fish—her handiwork.

She had embroidered it for Jingye, though she was poor with a needle and thread. That night, on a whim, she had sewn the fish onto his robe.

When Jingye had left in the morning, he hadn't mentioned it—she had thought he hadn't noticed.

But now...

He and You Suwen...

She couldn't let her thoughts run wild any longer. Her steps quickened until, out of Moonview Palace, she stopped to gulp for breath.

Bitter frustration pressed on her heart. For the first time, the girl wept, hugging her knees in a corner where no one could see.

That night, still Jingye did not return.

She practiced cultivation alone, but no matter how hard she tried, she made no progress. Perhaps it was her troubled heart. She went to the Sanctuary Heavens and gazed up at the meteors streaking through the night sky.

Just as she found a moment of peace, footsteps approached. Junhua Palace had strict rules: no one was to leave after midnight, and those who returned late could not re-enter.

She had slipped out secretly, so she couldn't be discovered.

She hid herself.

Two young immortals, out on a night errand, chatted as they walked. Soon their conversation turned to Jingye.

How admired the God Sovereign was—even those who had never seen him nursed secret affections, though none dared say so aloud.

"Ninefold God Sovereign is as radiant as the moon after rain. After this war, when he unites the six realms, who do you think will be the next Queen?"

"He has always been sentimental. The late God of War was his comrade, and after the God of War's fall, he entrusted his only sister to the Sovereign. Saintess You Suwen grew up with him. Of course he cares for her. Otherwise, why would he exhaust all treasures to build the Soul Altar for her when she was injured?"

"You have a point. The Saintess is a match for him in status, looks, and strength. She will surely be Queen."

"But have you heard? Recently, a new fairy arrived at Junhua Palace—rumor has it, she has little spiritual power, just a lowly spirit demon. She schemed her way into the palace to win the God Sovereign's favor and refuses to leave, so he hasn't returned in days."

How terrible rumors could be.

"Well, it's for the best. If the God Sovereign doesn't return to Junhua Palace, Moonview Palace is a fine alternative. I happened to see him leave there a few days ago. Pity I was too far away to get a good look."

To gossip about the God Sovereign behind his back was a crime punishable by the severing of one's immortal bones. To spy on him was exile to the mortal world.

Such were the rules of the Sanctuary.

Perhaps jealousy got the better of her. Already troubled, Tianyu stepped out.

The two young immortals were startled.

Her clear eyes were shadowed as she said coldly, "Lowly? Gossiping about the God Sovereign behind his back is what is truly base."

The two fell to their knees, begging for mercy, pleading with Tianyu to spare them.

Her gloomy face twisted into a cold, mocking smile. As she left, she said stubbornly, "To speak ill of the God Sovereign is a capital offense."

Her stubborn, solitary figure faded into the Sanctuary Heavens.

"What? You wish to ascend to immortality as soon as possible?"

You Suwen was surprised.

She had not expected Tianyu to come to her for help with cultivation.

Tianyu nodded, her gaze filled with unwavering resolve.

You Suwen gently stroked her cheek, then took her hand. "Of course I'll help you. But I've used some of my power recently, so you'll have to wait a few days. I'll come find you then, all right?"

Tianyu agreed, but as she left, You Suwen added, "This will be our little secret—don't tell anyone, not even Jingye. When you ascend, give him a surprise."

Tianyu promised.

Days passed, and Jingye still did not return. The young immortals seemed to understand something, becoming ever more negligent with her, some even treating her with open hostility.

A mortal among immortals was always out of place.

She returned, noting the looks the others gave her. On the Cloud Path, a group blocked her way.

"Well, isn't this the mortal girl?"

Tianyu looked up to see a richly dressed young woman, her face still round with baby fat but her eyes full of arrogance and weariness—an overbearing presence that was hard to bear.

An immortal seal was stamped on her brow.

She had no idea which palace this immortal hailed from.

"Are you mute? I'm speaking to you!" The girl raised her voice.

Tianyu withdrew her gaze, frowning. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The other looked her up and down with contempt, then signaled the immortals at her side. Her gaze was unpleasant.

She wasn't especially attractive—somewhat plump, her fine clothes making her look stocky, like a shrew in a mortal marketplace.

"I'll say this once, so remember: I'm Jiang Man of Muqing Palace. From now on, when you see me, you go the other way. Understood?"

Tianyu replied coolly, "The Sanctuary has rules: the strong must not bully the weak. Those who do shall be punished."

No sooner had she spoken than a crisp slap rang out. Her cheek swelled instantly, her mind blanking.

Her left cheek burned—painful, truly painful. The taste of blood filled her mouth as she fought back tears, staring stubbornly at Jiang Man, eyes full of confusion, defiance, and suppressed rage.

She gritted her teeth, "Why?"

Jiang Man only laughed, as if she'd heard the funniest joke in the world. "This mortal really is stupid!"

Then she leaned in, voice low and threatening, "There's another rule: immortals may spar, life or death, it doesn't matter."

She remembered such a rule—but only if both parties agreed and signed a death match pact.

A group of immortals dragged her to the sparring platform with their magic. The scent of blood, the gashes and cracks on stone walls and pillars—all made clear that losers here rarely left alive. They were either reduced to ashes or lost all their power and had to start again from scratch.

Either way, Tianyu could not afford the outcome.

Jiang Man was clearly ready. The death match pact bore both their names, though Tianyu had been forced to sign under enchantment.

Was a mortal truly nothing here? Like an ant, at the mercy of others.

Without another word, Jiang Man attacked. Purple immortal sound crashed over Tianyu like axes. She had only just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage and could not withstand the assault. The immortal sound seemed to shatter her insides, her limbs felt as if hacked apart, and blood seeped through her pale gown.

She collapsed, barely clinging to life.

And that was just the first strike.

Jiang Man, bored, sauntered over and prodded her with a fat foot. "Hey, aren't you a cultivator? Why are you done after one move?"

Blood trickled from Tianyu's seven orifices, her vision swimming red.

"Why?" she gasped. "I've never wronged any of you..."

Jiang Man crouched, looking at her as one might a loser—full of pride, scorn, and menace. "Who told you to cozy up to the Ninefold God Sovereign? You're just a mortal, yet you dream of becoming immortal. Do you know what that makes you?"

"Despicable."

She straightened, stretching her waist. "With the war coming, one more dead mortal in the Sanctuary Heaven hardly matters."

Tianyu stiffened.

Her filthy hands curled up slowly.

"Why?"

Jiang Man looked down. "What?"

With all her strength, Tianyu declared, "Whether spirit demon or mortal, lowly spirit or not, all lives have value. Why is it, in the mouths of you immortals, that we are nothing but base creatures? Why! To you, I am an ant, a mayfly, but what about you? What are you? So what if you have immortal power, so what if you are born with celestial bone? You're just pitiful souls building your worth atop the weak!"

Jiang Man, enraged, seized Tianyu by the throat, lifting her with immortal force.

"What did you say? Say it again if you dare!"