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

The Grand Wedding of the Ninefold Emperor drew congratulations from all corners of the world—jade-feathered birds soared, and celestial maidens danced in the air. Once this night passed, everything would end; she and Jing Ye were simply not destined to be together.

At dawn, she returned from the Jade Pool and walked toward Tianque Hall. The hall was deserted, lacking even guards; Jing Ye had set a celestial barrier so that none from the Sacred Realm dared enter at will. She stood at the entrance for a long, long while, as if she could smell the subtle fragrance of magnolia she remembered from before; then, the images in her mind shifted to scenes of blood.

“Goddess,” a voice called.

Jin Li paused, then turned around to see You Suwen slowly raise her head. At the sight of Jin Li, You Suwen’s heart faltered; she shrank to the ground in terror, panic and fear draining the color from her face.

Looking down from above, Jin Li asked, “What is it?”

You Suwen remained silent for a moment, mumbling to herself as if speaking to an unseen presence.

Jin Li let out a cold laugh and walked away.

You Suwen appeared thoroughly frightened.

Upon returning to Junhua Palace, Jin Li startled Yun Yi and Xi Nian as well.

“Celestial Lady?” Xi Nian called boldly.

Jin Li cast her a glance, dissatisfaction flashing across her face. “By protocol, you should address me as Lady Sovereign.”

Yun Yi hurriedly prompted Xi Nian to correct herself, and both quickly changed their address before leaving.

At this time, Jin Li should not have seen Jing Ye, and thus lived freely. Wandering alone through the Sacred Realm, she thought she saw Tian Yu on the cloud path of Night Eternal.

“I heard the Emperor is marrying the Lady High Immortal from Lotus River.”

“That Lady Sovereign?”

“Yes, her.”

“They say her palace is filled with handsome men and daily music—who knows if she’s worthy of the Emperor.”

“With so many handsome men, her reputation can’t be spotless. The Lotus River goddesses rely on their marriage agreements with the Sacred Realm.”

“The Emperor has never been seen with anyone new, except the Star Lord of Fate; not even women, save for You Suwen. I doubt he’ll ever favor the Lady Sovereign.”

Jin Li listened quietly to the gossiping celestial maidens. Yun Yi and Xi Nian rushed to explain, “Lady Sovereign, please don’t take offense—they’re just chatting, nothing serious.”

“Is that so? The rules of the Sacred Realm are strict: slandering or defaming a High Immortal—what should be done?”

Xi Nian and Yun Yi exchanged glances; Yun Yi replied softly, “They should be sent to Night Eternal and cast into the animal path.”

Jin Li’s voice was languid and casual: “Very well, let it be so. Rules exist to be enforced. Don’t you agree?”

Xi Nian replied, “Yes, Lady Sovereign, you are wise.”

“That’s enough, I’m tired.”

Yun Yi then spoke, “Lady Sovereign, the Emperor is busy tonight and sent word he won’t return.”

“Such things need not be relayed in the future. Tell me only when he decides to return.”

With that, Jin Li left.

For the first time, she saw the Sacred Realm in its entirety.

At night, the stars above the Sacred Realm were always beautiful; she had never truly admired them before.

“Lady Sovereign, Lady Sovereign, the Emperor has returned,” Yun Yi announced.

Jin Li did not respond, simply turning away; it seemed she should not be here tonight. She meant to return to Lotus River, but unexpectedly encountered Jing Ye.

Now that the six realms were calm, he no longer wore his customary martial attire. When she lived in Junhua Palace, Jing Ye always dressed simply or in refined robes. Today he donned a long robe, sleeves hanging loosely at his waist, making his legs appear longer.

He remained as dazzling as ever.

“Ninefold Emperor,” Jin Li greeted him first. Jing Ye lifted his gaze, nodding gently toward her. “I ought to have spoken to you clearly on the night of the grand wedding.”

Jin Li waited, smiling, eager to hear what he would say.

“Our marriage is but a matter of the greater good; love, I cannot give you.” She fell silent; Jing Ye spoke slowly, his words carrying an invisible authority. “You may go freely in Junhua Palace, but Tianque Hall—Lady Sovereign, you must not enter.”

He bowed to Jin Li, then left.

Jin Li watched the Emperor’s figure, luminous amid the clouds, and let out a muted laugh.

Was she laughing at her own misery, or at the Emperor, who still waited for someone who would never return?

Did he truly harbor feelings for Tian Yu?

After that night, Jin Li never saw Jing Ye again, nor did she set foot in Tianque Hall.

In the mornings, she basked in the sun alone in the gardens; in the afternoons, she admired spirit whales dancing above the sea of clouds; at dusk, after viewing the sunset and finishing her meal, she collected starlight for herself.

Within a crystal glass bottle, starlight shimmered and flowed.

“Lady Sovereign, You Suwen has arrived.”

Jin Li’s gaze darkened; she set the bottle on the table, reclined on the jade brocade couch, resting her head as if dozing. Her voice was casual and lazy: “Let her in.”

You Suwen entered in dignified finery, gliding gracefully into the hall. She looked up and saw a woman dressed in pale moon-white gauze, a divine mark glowing on her brow—beauty unparalleled, her eyes lively, skin fairer than snow, hair cascading like a waterfall, her figure slender and elegant. Even the flowers in the jade bottle atop the table paled beside her.

This was the woman who had stunned her at first sight, carrying an oppressive familiarity, as if she were transported back to the helplessness of being strangled by Tian Yu.

She had carefully applied makeup, donned ceremonial robes, projecting the aura of the rightful consort. But the woman before her, simply dressed and relaxed, effortlessly shattered her composure.

She smiled, showing her teeth: “Greetings, Elder Sister.”

Jin Li slowly opened her eyes, her clear gaze piercing through You Suwen, who faltered. Rising, Jin Li pulled the shawl from her shoulder, arranged herself, and smiled sweetly, unhurried: “I wonder what brings the Saintess here tonight?”

“Last time, I offended you, Elder Sister; tonight, I’ve come to apologize.”

Jin Li’s face revealed an unapologetic cold smile, disdain flickering in her eyes: “It’s time for rest, and your arrival has truly disturbed my beautiful dreams.”

Suddenly, You Suwen dropped to her knees; Jin Li raised an eyebrow, crossed her legs, and toyed with a flower, not even sparing her a glance. You Suwen pleaded, “It was my fault; please, punish me.”

Punish her? Jin Li’s lips curled in amusement.

She had been in the Sacred Realm for more than five days. You Suwen truly had patience; Jin Li was not surprised by her presence. Originally, You Suwen could have married the Emperor for saving him, but Jin Li’s sudden appearance had disrupted everything—anyone would want to test the new Empress’s resolve.

“Saintess, you jest. I have never had a younger sister, only a brother. You and I are not of an age to be sisters; now that I reside in Junhua Palace, you should address me as Empress.”

Jin Li watched as You Suwen’s face flushed red then pale, her hand clenching so tightly her sleeve reddened. Jin Li almost wanted to laugh.

“Yes, I will remember,” You Suwen said through gritted teeth.

“Speaking of punishment, I am new to the Sacred Realm and unfamiliar with its customs. Since you’ve raised the matter, I must show some formality; otherwise, people might think Junhua Palace lacks discipline.”

She casually pointed: “Recently, I’ve developed a fondness for lotus seeds. Yun Yi and Xi Nian need rest, so if you wish to atone, you may handle the lotus seeds.”

She stood and stretched, yawning, “Thank you, Saintess. I shall retire now.”

Only baskets of lotus seeds and You Suwen remained in the hall, along with Yun Mu.

After Jin Li’s group departed, Yun Mu helped You Suwen up from her knees. “Saintess, she did it on purpose.”

You Suwen gritted her teeth. “I’ve lost favor, and Jing Ye won’t forgive me; what else can I do but curry favor with her?”

Yun Mu’s voice was full of concern: “But Saintess, you once used a secret treasure to save the Emperor. If you just explain, he will surely understand your devotion.”

“Jing Ye understands, he understands everything. After that mortal died, has he ever spared me a glance?”

“Don’t be sad, Saintess. The Lady Sovereign of Lotus River is arrogant and spoiled by favor; the Emperor will soon see her true colors.”

Master and servant consoled each other, peeling lotus seeds.

Within Jin Li’s chambers, Xi Nian lit celestial lamps and blurted out, “Lady Sovereign, you are truly formidable.”

Jin Li eyed the little maiden, and Xi Nian realized her mistake, hastily apologizing. Jin Li chuckled, “No need to apologize. Tell me, why do you say that?”

Xi Nian was frank: “I don’t like You Suwen.”

“Oh?”

“You Suwen is two-faced and very cunning. My Lady was hurt by her…”

“Xi Nian!” Yun Yi rushed in, interrupting Xi Nian, afraid she might offend Jin Li. “Please forgive her, Lady Sovereign. If she has offended you, I beg your pardon.”

“No matter. I am quite interested in the Sacred Realm’s tales.”

Yun Yi fell silent.

Xi Nian glanced at Jin Li and continued, “Lady Sovereign must beware of You Suwen. She’s the Saintess of the You Su clan, who rendered great service to the Sacred Realm. The Emperor cannot easily dismiss her. She’s adept at feigning innocence; Lady Sovereign must be cautious.”

“I understand. Tell me about the celestial lady—she was the Emperor’s chosen Empress, was she not?”

Yun Yi and Xi Nian exchanged looks; Jin Li smiled, “Go on, you will not be punished.”

Yun Yi finally spoke, “The celestial lady was pitiful—alone and bullied by other immortals here. We knew her character, but could do nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“After her misfortune, all the maidens who knew her were sent to the lower world by the Emperor. Now, only we remember her. She was framed, accidentally injured the Emperor, and was rumored to be a demon, the Sacred Realm’s criminal. Now, no one in Heaven remembers her.”

Yun Yi quietly shed tears.

A criminal? A demon?

Rumors were truly frightening, how could things turn out like this?

Xi Nian then realized that Tian Yu had not married the Emperor, and that the Lady Sovereign before her was now mistress of Junhua Palace; cold sweat broke out on her brow.

“Rest assured, Lady Sovereign. You are the only Empress in Junhua Palace now, and the Emperor will surely cherish you. We beg your pardon if we have offended you.”

Yun Yi quickly spoke, pulling Xi Nian to bow.

“No matter. You may leave.”

Yun Yi and Xi Nian hurried out.

Jin Li gazed at the light gauze draping her bed, unable to sleep.

At dawn, she went as usual to the Unlit Pool to bask in the sun, only to unexpectedly encounter Jing Ye.

She hid quietly behind a rock. The clear pool flowed below, and the Ninefold Emperor stood amid the clouds, his silhouette appearing weary, as if he had not slept for days.

Why was he here? What was his purpose?

With Jing Ye present, she dared not linger; eventually, she left.

Upon returning to Junhua Palace, Yun Mu, You Suwen’s attendant, greeted her, “Greetings, Empress. My Lady has finished preparing all the lotus seeds; please enjoy them.”

Jin Li did not bother to look up, “I know. You may go.”

With that, she left.

She played with the glass bottle in her hand, stars flowing inside like water.