Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 57

Ye Qinming quietly left the Demon Realm and went to the human world, but Guiche did not immediately notice. However, there is no such thing as an impenetrable wall—especially when someone had witnessed it firsthand. Before long, the news reached Jiuying’s ears.

As he listened to the subordinate reporting to him, Jiuying’s expression turned cold. “How did you find out?”

The person kneeling before him tensed slightly and hurriedly replied, “My lord, I was patrolling the barrier as ordered. Just an hour ago, I saw the Demon Emperor… no, Ye Qinming, leaving through the barrier and heading to the human world.”

Seeing that he corrected himself, Jiuying withdrew the killing intent from his eyes and let out a heavy, cold snort. “You saw it. Why did you think to report it to me?” His tone was dangerous, and his expression even more terrifyingly grim. The humiliation he had suffered at Ye Qinming’s hands had yet to dissipate, and any mention of her was enough to reignite his fury.

“M-my lord, I have long served under you and understand your ambitions well. Ye Qinming disappeared for a thousand years and returned from the dead with her prestige lost. For her to leave the Demon Realm at such a crucial time… I found it suspicious. That is why I came to inform you and let you decide.”

Kneeling with a fearful posture, his tone was laced with anxiety, but his words remained clear. Jiuying did not dislike intelligent people, and this information was useful to him. So even if he found it strange that this usually quiet and dull subordinate had come forward, he let it go. After all, in the face of absolute power, petty tricks were nothing to be concerned about.

“I understand. However, I do not want to hear this news from anyone else. If I do, you should know what fate awaits you.”

“Y-yes, my lord. I know nothing else and will never speak of it again.”

“Get out.” Displeased by his cowardly demeanor, Jiuying snapped impatiently.

The man hurriedly got up and retreated. Only when he had stepped out of the grand hall and descended the steps did the fear on his face suddenly vanish, replaced by a cold indifference. His eyes flickered between light and dark like a ghostly apparition. After a moment, he regained his composure, lowered his gaze to his own hands, and murmured, “Another worthless fool.”

He brushed off his robes with slight disgust, then looked around, his eyes glinting with intrigue. He muttered to himself, “The Demon Realm, the Demon Emperor… Heh, I had long forgotten. No wonder, no wonder. This truly is an entertaining show.”

With that, he departed from Jiuying’s Nine Nether Palace, vanishing like the wind.

***

After he left, Jiuying sat on his skull throne, his gaze lowered in contemplation. A moment later, he slowly clenched his hand into a fist and said in a deep voice, “Chi Mei.”

As soon as the words fell, two figures instantly appeared before him and spoke in unison, “Master.”

“What is the situation at the Underworld Water frontline?”

“Master, the Immortal Realm has gathered a hundred thousand celestial soldiers at the Underworld Water and has already clashed with us multiple times. The Heavenly Emperor has sent the fire dod and wind god to oversee the battle. Though we have General Wankun and Lord Feidan, our losses remain severe.”

Jiuying nodded slightly before speaking in a low voice, “Accompany me to the Nether River.”

The two were momentarily stunned. “Yes, do we need to notify—”

“No need. Don’t alert anyone.” With that, he transformed into a cloud of black mist and vanished on the spot, and Chi Mei immediately followed.

***

At the same time, in the Immortal Realm, within the Thirty-Third Heaven’s Chongming Palace—

Taiyi sat at his imperial desk, listening to the news brought by Yanyang. His somber gaze suddenly brightened. “Is this true?”

At his words, Yanyang let out a mocking smile. “This came straight from Jiuying, one of the Four Great Demon Kings, so it’s unlikely to be false. It seems the Demon Realm is in quite a state of turmoil.”

Taiyi’s eyes flickered slightly, and a faint trace of delight surfaced on his face. “Jiuying is the strongest in the Demon Realm, aside from her. Now that she is almost half-crippled, it’s inevitable that Jiuying would be unwilling to submit to her. Demons are inherently rebellious, and loyalty is merely a balance of power and interests. The current Demon Emperor is no longer fit to rule the Demon Realm. Yanyang, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. You should know what to do.”

Yanyang lazily ran a hand through his hair before cupping his hands in salute. “Of course. I’ll go immediately. But honestly, dealing with a Demon Emperor who’s already lost most of her strength… it’s really quite dull.”

Taiyi frowned. “Fire God, she is not an ordinary person. You must remember her identity. As long as she draws breath, she will remain a threat to the peace of the Immortal Realm. The demon race is obstinate and incorrigible—if we do not root them out completely, they will return to haunt us. This time, I want absolute certainty. She must disappear from the Three Realms entirely! Zhuoqing has already perished, her soul scattered into chaos. She has even less right to live.”

At the mention of that name, a flash of pain and anger appeared on Taiyi’s face before he quickly suppressed it deep within his eyes.

Yanyang fell silent for a moment before steadying himself. He then bowed deeply. “I understand.”

***

After the fire god left, Taiyi rose to his feet and gazed out at the vast expanse of the Thirty-Third Heaven. Memories from long ago surfaced in his mind, and he slowly closed his eyes under their weight.

He had cultivated for ten thousand years, endured countless tribulations, and survived the baptism of divine flames and the Heavenly Emperor’s lightning trials before he finally ascended to the supreme throne of the Immortal Realm.

Since assuming the position of Heavenly Emperor, he had worked tirelessly to maintain the balance of heaven and earth, striving to protect the Mortal Realm. Yet, the Demon Realm was ever belligerent, harboring wild ambitions. And worst of all, it had produced an exceptionally talented cultivator—Ye Qinming.

In the past, he had summoned her to the Immortal Realm multiple times, intending to grant her a title and a place among the immortals. But she was defiant, unwilling to be governed, and held the Immortal Realm in utter contempt. Someone like her—if he could not control her, he could not allow her to exist, or else the consequences would be dire.

***

Gu Xiyan had been feeling strangely disconnected these past few days. That day, she and Ye Qinming had, in a sense, laid their feelings bare and mutually accepted them. Yet, oddly enough, it felt as though they had grown more distant instead.

Sipping her tea, she sighed. Now was not the time to dwell on this. Her parents had been waiting for an explanation—the truth.

“Ah Jin.”

“My lady?”

Mujin appeared before Gu Xiyan almost the moment she called, instinctively glancing around before finally relaxing and fixing her gaze on her mistress.

Gu Xiyan chuckled. “Don’t worry, she isn’t here right now.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Mujin huffed, pouting in denial. “What did you need me for, my lady?”

“Take me to see my parents.” Her tone was calm. She had thought it through for a long time—this life, she was destined to be an unfilial daughter. It was her fate, and no matter how much she wished to change it, she would have to pay the price.

No matter what, she only wished for them to live in peace.

Mujin hesitated, her eyes full of worry, but in the end, she nodded.

***

For the past few days, Gu Ye and Xie Wan had been in torment. They had already faintly concluded that the girl in the rumors was their daughter. But the one who had been by their side for eight years—whose every gesture, temper, and personality were just as they remembered, who was filial and understanding—how were they supposed to handle this?

“Ah Ye, what do you think Yan’er is thinking? How could she just abandon us like this? If that girl really is her, then who is the Yan’er with us now?” Xie Wan couldn’t stop the tears from falling as she spoke.

Gu Ye’s expression was solemn. He patted Xie Wan’s back and said, “Don’t blame Yan’er. She must have had no choice. You know she was never an ordinary child—she’s afraid of dragging us into trouble.” His eyes reddened as he choked up, “I heard that so many people are blaming her, accusing her of colluding with demons. So many people have been persecuting her… And we, her parents, were the last to realize she was our child. Tell me…” He couldn’t finish his sentence. His face was bleak, and after a long silence, he finally said, “Ah Wan, we can’t help her. If those people find out we are her parents, we will only put her in more danger. I… I don’t want to go through what happened in Danyang again. Watching her risk her life to protect us two old fools—I can’t bear it. Let’s go home. As long as she is safe, that’s all that matters.”

Xie Wan sobbed uncontrollably. She understood, of course she did. But that was her flesh and blood. She had always been so good, so well-behaved. How could she bear to let her go? Why did the heavens grant them this child, only to take her away again?

Outside the room, Mujin looked at Gu Xiyan, whose eyes were red from crying. Her heart ached for her, and her own nose started to sting with emotion.

“My lady?” she called softly, cautiously.

But before she could say more, a hand suddenly reached out and held a handkerchief in front of Gu Xiyan.

Startled, Mujin tensed, nearly ready to strike, but when she saw who it was, her mouth fell open in shock—yet no sound came out.

“Shh, quiet.” Ye Qinming had cast a silencing spell on her before turning to Gu Xiyan. She had clearly just cried; her long lashes were still damp with tears, making her look particularly pitiful.

Gu Xiyan was momentarily surprised, then, realizing she had been crying, felt a little embarrassed. She lifted her hand to wipe her face. “What are you doing here?”

Ye Qinming stopped her hand, then leaned in and gently pressed the handkerchief to the corner of her eye, dabbing away the tears. “I couldn’t see you, and I was worried. I figured you’d come here.”

As Ye Qinming observed her reddened eyes, she caught a glimpse of Gu Ye and Xie Wan embracing each other, crying in the courtyard. In an instant, she understood. She reached out and took Gu Xiyan’s hand, her voice warm. “I’m here. Don’t be sad. Do you want to go see them?”

Gu Xiyan felt the coolness of Ye Qinming’s palm envelop her own. The dull ache in her heart was suddenly wrapped in warmth, as if the part of her that had been adrift had finally found an anchor in her hand.

Her fingers twitched slightly before she turned her hand over, clasping Ye Qinming’s fingers in return. Then, she lowered her gaze and smiled. “Qinming, thank you.”

Seeing her smile at last, Ye Qinming’s own eyes filled with mirth. “What are you thanking me for? For wiping away the crybaby’s tears?”

Gu Xiyan pressed her lips together, feeling a little helpless. “Do you have to embarrass me every time?”

Ye Qinming raised an eyebrow and glanced at Mujin, who was silently fuming but dared not speak. Then, she turned back to Gu Xiyan and studied her carefully. “You’re so beautiful—there’s no way you could look embarrassed.”

Gu Xiyan couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she turned to face the courtyard where Gu Ye and Xie Wan were.

Ye Qinming caught her side glance and, after a brief pause, said, “Let’s go.”

Gu Xiyan was momentarily stunned. Ye Qinming lifted her hand and gently rubbed it. “Let’s go. I’ll go with you.”

When the two of them appeared before Gu Ye and Xie Wan, the couple stared at Gu Xiyan and Ye Qinming in a daze. Their dried-up tears slowly welled up again, eventually filling their eyes.

Eight years ago, Ye Qinming had been by her side when she returned to her parents. Now, eight years later, Ye Qinming was still with her.

There was no sound. Gu Ye and Xie Wan seemed frozen in place. Gu Xiyan could imagine the expressions on their faces—guilt, heartache, helplessness.

She couldn’t utter a single word. With a sudden thud, she knelt before them. Eight years ago, she had knelt upon her return, but now, even this act wasn’t enough to convey the depth of her guilt.

Before Gu Ye and Xie Wan, who were already trembling, could react, she bent down and heavily knocked her forehead against the ground three times.

Ye Qinming’s pupils shrank. She instinctively took a step forward but forced herself to stop.

By now, Gu Ye and Xie Wan could no longer hold back. They rushed forward and grabbed Gu Xiyan, but instead of pulling her up, they simply fell to their knees as well. The two of them clung to their daughter, sobbing uncontrollably.

Mujin, who was standing behind Ye Qinming, discreetly wiped away her own tears.

The couple couldn’t find the words to speak. They simply gazed at Gu Xiyan, their trembling hands brushing over the wound on her forehead.

No one knew how long they cried before Gu Ye and Xie Wan finally regained some composure. Ye Qinming glanced at Mujin, and the two of them stepped forward to help the three up.

Gu Ye and Xie Wan wiped their tears and finally noticed Ye Qinming properly. Struggling to steady their emotions, they greeted her.

Gu Ye looked at Ye Qinming, his voice hoarse. “You… You are Miss Ye?”

Ye Qinming nodded. “Greetings, Uncle, Aunt.”

Gu Ye took a deep breath and looked between her and Gu Xiyan. “Yan’er, what exactly is going on? The other Yan’er… she… she…”

Gu Xiyan’s voice was slightly raspy. “Dad, Mom, I will explain everything to you.”

This time, Gu Xiyan did not hold anything back. She told them everything that had happened.

Gu Ye and Xie Wan remained silent for a long time after hearing the truth. They glanced at Ye Qinming with a trace of unease. In the end, Gu Ye stood up and solemnly bowed to her.

“We are but ordinary people. Our daughter owes you her life more than once. We have no way to repay such kindness, only our deepest gratitude.”

Ye Qinming glanced at Gu Xiyan before replying, “You’re too kind, Uncle. She is a close friend. This is what I should do.”

Gu Xiyan had calmed down by now and spoke steadily, “Dad, Mom, I have deceived you once again. I am unfilial. From now on, please forgive me for not being able to stay by your side to fulfill my duties as a daughter. I can only entrust her to take care of you both in my place.”

Gu Ye and Xie Wan were heartbroken, but they also understood that things had reached an irreversible point. Just as Gu Ye had said, with such a madman fixated on Gu Xiyan, if it was ever discovered that they were her weakness, they would only end up endangering her.

Ye Qinming watched the family of three, unable to describe the emotions stirring in her heart. Born without parents, raised by the world itself, she had never experienced the love of a mother and father. Watching Gu Xiyan’s family now, she felt a faint sense of wistfulness.

Perhaps the only thing she found admirable about mortals was the intensity of their emotions, burning so fiercely despite their fragile existence. She didn’t know where such feelings originated, but sometimes, they were so beautiful that even she couldn’t help but envy them.

Understanding their need for privacy, she quietly led Mujin away, giving the family their moment together.

Leaning against the door outside, Ye Qinming furrowed her brows, remaining silent. Mujin, on the other hand, studied her with a complicated expression.

“What are you staring at me for?” Ye Qinming asked, glancing at her.

Mujin averted her gaze and, after a long pause, finally muttered, “Nothing. I just never expected someone as fierce as you to be so gentle with my lady. But… why do I feel like you’re taking advantage of her?”

Ye Qinming: “…”

Author’s Note:

Green Tea: Smart people die young.

Mujin: You idiot!

Green Tea: You’re driving me mad! Can’t you just play dumb?!

Mujin: No! No picking lotus flowers! No taking advantage!