Chapter 123 Extra Chapter
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It was the dead of winter. The sky was covered in a blanket of glistening snow. The mountain peaks reached such heights that even birds couldn’t cross them. Now, at this time, it felt even more desolate, with no one walking the mountain paths and the flowers and grass frozen solid. Compared to the cold world outside, the room was a bit warmer.
Thin smoke rose from the slanted mouth of the incense burner, filling the air and creating a mist that gently drifted towards the half-open window.
Pei Jing lay on the bed, half-bored, flipping through a comic book.
Beside him was Yu Qinglian, equally bored to the core.
This young lady had become so idle that she started using a hairpin to carefully carve the clay figurines hanging on the wall.
Pei Jing turned a few more pages, feeling tired both mentally and physically. He put the book down and glanced outside. “I wonder, how much longer will they keep me locked up here?”
Yu Qinglian held the hairpin and painstakingly carved the clay figurines’ features. “Did someone break your legs, preventing you from walking? If you want to go out, it’s just a matter of a few steps.”
Pei Jing lazily leaned back, a smirk forming on his lips. “Well, you see, it’s not my legs that keep me trapped here. It’s someone’s concern. If it weren’t for worrying about him, I’d happily lie here.”
Yu Qinglian applied too much force with her finger, causing the hairpin to slip, nearly scratching the clay figurine’s face.
She smiled superficially and said, “Oh.”
At that moment, she really wanted to break his legs.
As Pei Jing thought of Chu Junyu, his interest suddenly piqued. His lazy attitude disappeared, and he sat up straight.
“Do you know what I was thinking when I was reading the comic book just now?”
Yu Qinglian: “I don’t want to know.”
Pei Jing pretended not to hear and continued, “I was thinking that if I were to write a comic book, it would definitely be better than theirs.”
Yu Qinglian paused in her actions, looking a bit confused as she raised her eyes. “What? You want to write a comic book about you and Feng Jin?”
Pei Jing: “……”
Pei Jing: “Are you crazy? Is Feng Jin worthy? If I were to write, I would obviously write about me and my wife.”
“Is that so?” Yu Qinglian turned the hairpin, and the bells on her wrist jingled softly. She became interested and asked, “How do you plan to write it?”
Pei Jing’s lips curled up, but his tone was casual. “There are plenty of things to write about. I’ve already thought about the background and write about me and my wife. We would enter Yunxiao Sect together, love at first sight on a suspension bridge. Then we would travel through a thousand mountains, slaying demons, and supporting each other in love.”
Yu Qinglian scoffed. “Come on. With your wife’s aloof personality, would he fall in love at first sight with you?”
Pei Jing stared at her. “If we did fall in love at first sight, would you hand-copy the rules of Yunxiao Sect?”
Yu Qinglian: “Get lost.”
Pei Jing was satisfied. “You dare not even bet. Then don’t make comments about divine couples.”
Divine couples, my arse.
Yu Qinglian felt sour in her mouth. She just wanted to leave now.
What did she do wrong to be brought here by the Elders and listen to Pei Yuzhi’s nonsense?
Pei Jing’s vitality was greatly depleted after the last battle on the Heavenly Ladder, but now he was starting to recover from his serious illness.
His jet-black hair fell on his snow-white nightgown. His face was pale, but his expression was full of vigor. His eyes sparkled as he casually said, “If we were to hold a ceremony for dual cultivation, it would definitely shock the world. With my identity as the dream man of millions of female cultivators, believe it or not, tears could flood Tianqian Peak.”
Yu Qinglian rolled her eyes. “Who gave you the title of the dream man of millions of female cultivators?”
Pei Jing thought for a moment and casually said, “It seems like it was Feng Jin. I am the dream of millions of female cultivators, while he is the dream of millions of leftover women.”
Yu Qinglian burst into laughter.
She had nothing to say and threw the well-carved clay figurine she had in her arms into Pei Jing’s lap.
Pei Jing reached out and caught it. “Is this for me?”
Yu Qinglian: “Hmm, it’s a gift. I absolutely, absolutely won’t come on the day of your marriage, so I’ll give it in advance.”
Both of them had clear and unwavering attitudes.
She used a hairpin to carve two small clay figurines.
Yu Qinglian, who had pursued refinement and romance all her life, also possessed astonishing talent in craftsmanship. One figurine resembled Chu Junyu, and the other resembled himself, lifelike in every detail.
Pei Jing laughed softly, but still teased, “What? Afraid that tears will be uncontrollable?”
Yu Qinglian: “Afraid that the whip in my hand won’t listen to commands.”
She used a spell to cleanse the intricate phoenix hairpin, placed it back in her black hair, and stood up to look outside.
Her pale pink dress swayed with her steps, flowing like cherry blossoms. As she gazed outside the window, Yu Qinglian’s eyebrows suddenly lifted in pleasant surprise. “Oh? Is it finally over?”
“It’s over? That’s great.”
Pei Jing also smiled.
After the restoration of the Heavenly Ladder, the Elders of the Celestial Court chose to hold a meeting in Yunxiao, making him cautious about being too reckless.
In a good mood, Yu Qinglian turned around briskly and pulled Pei Jing. “Come on, as the future Sect Master of the Yunxiao, shouldn’t you see the guests off?”
Yu Qinglian dragged Pei Jing by the arm, leaving him speechless. “Have you ever seen me seeing off guests? Let alone sending them off.”
If he acted like this outside, in front of the senior members, his master and ancestor would definitely scold him to death.
Pei Jing walked barefoot on the ground, dressing himself as he walked. He tied up his hair and by the time he reached the door, he appeared as the distinguished Chief Disciple, well-groomed and elegant.
However, after three years of teachings from the senior members in the Celestial Court, how could they not know his true nature?
His master asked him, “You have accomplished something in this Heavenly Ladder. What do you want?”
Pei Jing paused for a few seconds and, under the gaze of his dear friend and master, smiled somewhat shyly. “I have everything now, except for a wife. Yes, I want a wife.”
His master: “……”
Feng Jin and the little red bird on his shoulder burst into laughter. “Sect Master, you should hurry and send Pei Yuzhi away. Don’t let him embarrass himself by going out.”
However, before his laughter could even fade, an Elder from the Phoenix Clan next to him firmly pulled at his sleeve.
Feng Jin turned back, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
The Elder said, “Your Majesty, do you remember the matter of selecting a consort?”
Feng Jin: “……”
Ji Wuduan had initially intended to mock and taunt, but as his gaze met his own father’s bitter and resentful expression, he instantly thought of his own “blind date,” and his smile quickly faded.
He coughed discreetly into his sleeve, pretending as if nothing had happened.
Wu Sheng was the only one who didn’t need to be pressured into marriage, and probably the only one who would give his blessings. He smiled and said, “Then, Yuzhi, we’ll meet again on the day of your dual cultivation ceremony.”
Pei Jing laughed. “Alright, I’ll try to bring my wife back from Tianyan City as soon as possible.”
“You hurry back!”
The Sect Master was on the verge of throwing a tantrum.
Pei Jing: “Master, I’m seeing off the guest.”
The young-looking ancestor sighed and rubbed his forehead. These young people nowadays…
The Lord of Yingzhou Palace smiled softly and said, “I thought that the Sect Masters of Yunxiao were renowned for their coldness and aloofness, but it seems this time we have a romantic one among them.”
Yu Qinglian had already stepped onto the suspension bridge and rolled her eyes. “Who said he’s romantic?”
Winter snow fell gently, and the welcoming green stones stood before the suspension bridge, silent for millions of years, as timeless as the mountains and rivers. The bridge was covered in snow, with ethereal clouds and mist resembling snowflakes. Looking down, one would see a thousand meter high abyss.
For the newly admitted disciples, the perilous assessment was a thrilling challenge, but for these senior cultivators, it was merely a picturesque scene.
Pei Jing walked on this bridge and felt nostalgic. He remembered his first encounter with Chu Junyu, which happened right here. He had used the alias “Zhang Yiming” to assess him, braving the snowstorm and crossing the broken bridge, being carried by him all the way.
Pei Jing stroked his chin and said meaningfully, “When I become the sect master, I will rename this bridge. It shouldn’t be called the Suspension Bridge. It should be called the Magpie Bridge.”
Yu Qinglian covered her ears in despair. “Ah, someone, please make him shut up now!”
Feng Jin’d mouth curled. “That’s fine. Let him indulge in romance. The next time the Wentian Rankings are announced, the first place will be mine.”
Ji Wuduan’s fingertips flickered with ghostly flames, and the usually gloomy Ghost Realm’s Young Master showed a bit of liveliness in his eyes and smile. “Indeed. It’s time for a change in the rankings of the Wentian Rankings.”
Pei Jing sneered, “Sure. I’m only seeking for one defeat.”
Feng Jin: “You’re quite arrogant!”
Wu Sheng watched them and smiled helplessly. It reminded him of countless times they had bantered in the halls of the Institute of Celestial Ascension.
In the blink of an eye, another year passed, and it was time for the competition for the Wentian Rankings once again.
Blooming Green Flowers in a Pool of Blood, the Blue Butterflies born from Ivory Bones, Relic Buddha’s Heart, Phoenix Eyes, and One Sword Soaring through the Frost of Wuwang Peak. These names echoed the legendary cultivators’ prowess in the realm of cultivation.
Perhaps their own legends would eventually grow old, fade away, and be forgotten by people.
But at this moment, in the present, as they crossed the frost-covered Suspension Bridge, the young boys and girls laughed and played, forever youthful.
After leaving the sect, Pei Jing immediately headed to Tianyan City.
The outer city of Tianyan City had been submerged during the previous flood, but the inner city remained unaffected.
After parting ways, Chu Junyu asked him to return to Yunxiao first to recover from his injuries, saying he would find him after handling matters. But Pei Jing couldn’t wait.
In the midst of the initial chaos, though the world seemed somewhat calm, as soon as he entered Tianyan City, he saw a group of famished demonic cultivators about to prey on a mortal little girl.
On his way, Pei Jing casually plucked a perfectly blooming flower, intending to give it to Chu Junyu. Now, he used it to deal with these unruly evil spirits.
Red petals shattered from the branches, their edges sharp as blades, slicing through throats and splattering fresh blood, soaring into the grayish sky.
The little girl curled up, holding her head. Tears streamed down her face as she noticed the cold, sticky liquid splattered on the back of her hand.
But the empty streets, now devoid of life, were filled only with scattered crimson petals.
Pei Jing, having finished his task, quickly found Chu Junyu in the inner city of Tianyan. The inner city resembled a human hell, with broken voids and indistinct flesh and blood scattered all around.
Chu Junyu seemed to have just killed someone. He was absentmindedly wiping the blood off his sword with his hand.
Upon hearing Pei Jing’s shout, he didn’t appear surprised. The silver longsword in his hand transformed into black butterflies. He raised his blood-stained gaze and furrowed his brow. “Have you recovered from your injuries?”
Pei Jing was particularly delighted to see him. The curve of his lips couldn’t be suppressed as he replied, “Of course. I just punished the wicked and promoted the virtuous at the city gate.”
Chu Junyu glanced at him indifferently, remaining silent. However, he reached out and grasped Pei Jing’s wrist, infusing a trace of spiritual energy into it. He followed the meridians with his energy, ensuring everything was fine before releasing his grip.
Pei Jing said, “I told you, didn’t I?” Playfully, he extended his hand, intending to touch Chu Junyu’s face. “And I traveled all this way, but you’re not even smiling? What kind of expression is that?”
Chu Junyu remained silent, his expression unchanged. If it were someone else, that hand would likely have been severed when it got close to him.
However, he could only helplessly turn his head away, avoiding the touch.
Lowering his gaze, Chu Junyu warned, “Don’t provoke me outside.”
He still exuded an air of mysterious coldness. Clad in a black robe with silver hair and pale skin, even his gaze appeared calm and distant.
But Pei Jing felt that many things had changed. At the very least, he could now understand Chu Junyu’s thoughts and was no longer afraid of him. He grinned and said, “Fine, but how long will that take? I’m still waiting for you to return to Yunxiao and become my sect’s Madam.”
“Madam?” Chu Junyu’s lips curled slightly, with an ambiguous meaning. “One day.”
Pei Jing: “Alright, alright! I just need to announce it to the world!”
If Chen Xu were here, he would probably mock, “With your flamboyance, do you think the whole world is blind? We’ve known for a long time, you know.”
However, Chen Xu was currently in seclusion, and after his seclusion, he would still have to reluctantly play the role of an old mother. Perhaps he would even arranged Pei Yuzhi’s dual cultivation ceremony. Heh, what a messed up life.
*
Shu Peak.
Celestial Pavilion.
—Pei Yuzhi is getting married. My heart is dead.
—Don’t talk about it. My heart died once already. Just as my springtime of love started to blossom again upon seeing his Dao companion, it died again within a second. I hate this place that brings me sorrow. If I take a single step into Yunxiao again, I won’t be human anymore!
—I have only one question to ask. Wasn’t the Phoenix Emperor betrayed? Why did he appear so happy at the grand ceremony?
—You don’t understand, brother upstairs. The Phoenix Emperor is just forcing a smile. Experiencing deep sadness or sorrow can ultimately lead to the discovery of true joy.
— ？
*
Tianqian Peak, which had been desolate for thousands of years, came alive for the first time.
By evening, the joyous red glow also fell upon the branches of osmanthus trees. The lights were still shining, and it wasn’t until the moon reached its zenith that the commotion began to fade.
Chu Junyu supported a certain drunken person, feeling somewhat helpless.
Pei Jing had an average alcohol tolerance, but he had never been drunk before. After all, nobody dared to make him drink, as they would end up being eloquently outdrunk by him.
However, today was his joyous day, and no excuses were valid. The group of people who had accumulated grievances on ordinary days finally found an opportunity. They mustered their strength, offering one cup after another, determined to vent their frustrations.
Pei Jing wore a red robe, with a jade crown holding his icy black hair.
The usually flamboyant and spirited expression on his face now had a touch of drunkenness, while his pitch-black eyes seemed to be glistening. He was probably truly drunk, but his lips still curled upwards, indicating a pleasant mood.
They passed by the endless corridor in front of Wuya Pavilion, the surrounding flowers and plants adorned with glass lanterns. Beyond them lay the vast night sky. Today was a night with a bright moon and sparkling stars, casting their light upon the road made of white jade and blue stones.
Pei Jing was in a half-dazed state of consciousness, walking halfway before suddenly tugging at Chu Junyu’s sleeve. “Chu Junyu, look outside, quickly.”
Chu Junyu held onto his waist, afraid that he might stumble while walking.
Upon hearing his words, Chu Junyu’s cool gaze also turned towards the outside.
Outside, the night was a deep blue canvas adorned with billions of stars. Tianqian Peak stood high, granting exceptional clarity to each star in the sky.
Pei Jing leaned against his shoulder, his gaze still hazy, but a hint of pride played upon his lips. “Do you still remember my promise from the beginning? I said that human hearts are unpredictable, worldly affairs are ever-changing, but the mountains, rivers, and greeneries remain eternal, as do the sun, moon, and stars. Let them bear witness.”
Chu Junyu was taken aback, nodding slightly. In Changtian Realm, he had only regarded Pei Jing with scrutiny and disgust. Therefore, his promises and commitments were met with indifference, similar to watching a child’s playful antics. Back then, the young man’s sincerity and kindness seemed incredibly laughable and ironic in his eyes.
Despite that, he still remembered every word spoken by Pei Jing. Unexpectedly, now as he listened to Pei Jing reiterating those words, feelings of helplessness, tenderness, and a faint smile emerged in his heart.
He had never thought he would fall in love with Pei Jing, but perhaps it was destined. From the moment they crossed paths on the suspension bridge, gazing into each other’s eyes separated by the water mirror, to the time when the once-arrogant prodigy emerged from seclusion, perhaps he could no longer escape the bond within this vast universe.
In his past life, friends and kin perished in the wind and snow, while grudges and enmities faded with time.
He once wandered alone in the world, feeling no loneliness anymore. He traversed the resplendent and enchanting realm of mortals, as well as the pitch-black abyss of despair. Those virtues belonging to Pei Jing, which he once looked down upon, were now what he was willing to protect with his entire life.
It was not about making amends for regrets.
He had never considered himself and Pei Jing as the same person.
It was simply because he loved him.
“How about I show you something? I promise too. I will become a formidable person. Let’s help and support each other, be invincible in the world. I will protect you, ensuring that you face no more hardships or obstacles in this lifetime. So, let go of regrets about the past and don’t worry about what hasn’t happened yet. Let me give you a piece of the stars. People may change, but nature remains constant—the mountains, rivers, moon, sun, and stars are eternal. Let them bear witness.”
Pei Jing closed his eyes and smiled. “Chu Junyu, look, hurry and see. I’ve achieved it. The entire sky is now filled with stars witnessing our union.”
Chu Junyu lowered his head, his silver hair cascading over his shoulders. His once piercing gaze softened in this moment. He smiled too and leaned down to kiss his lover’s lips, whispering softly, “They will also bear witness to our lifetime together.”
In fact, between them, from the very first glance, it was destined to be a grand encounter.
***
And we’re done! ◝(ᵔᵕᵔ)◜
Happy ending! Happy ending!!
Tell me I’m not the only one who shipped Chen Xu and Feng Jin >w<
And is Yu Qinglian in love with Pei Jing?
I love the ending so much! So happy for Chu Junyu (இ﹏இ`｡)
If you enjoy this novel, support the Translator ginevre on her ko-fi account :))
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YES I SHIP CHEN XU AND FENG JIN TOO 😭😭😭
Thank you for your hard work, stay safe and healthy!