Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 64

Taiyi knew better than anyone that the barrier of the Three Realms had been created ten thousand years ago. To prevent conflict between the Immortal and Demon Realms and to protect the weakest of the Three Realms—the human race—Zhuoqing had used the Mountain and Sea Diagram to divide the realms and establish a protective barrier. Only then did the Three Realms become independent of each other.

The Mountain and Sea Diagram was a supreme treasure of heaven and earth. Not to mention mortals—even high immortals of the Immortal Realm found it difficult to break through the barrier from the human world. So what did it mean that someone could so easily open the boundary?

The more Taiyi thought about it, the more turbulent his emotions became. His gaze burned as he ordered, “Summon Fengshuo!”

When Fengshuo entered, she bowed in greeting, then saluted the fire god before looking at Taiyi with a composed expression.

Taiyi stared at her for a long time before finally speaking. “Fengshuo, did your Divine Lord ever say anything to you back then?”

Fengshuo’s eyes flickered slightly, as if lost in thought. After a brief moment, she shook her head. “No, by then, the Divine Lord had already made her decision. She was very calm.”

Taiyi stood up, scrutinizing her expression closely before speaking in a heavy tone. “What about what she left behind? Has anything changed over the years?”

A trace of pain flickered across Fengshuo’s face as she shook her head. “The Divine Lord’s Qinglian Water Pavilion has long been sealed, and the lotus flowers in its pond have withered for a thousand years without ever sprouting again. As for the Hongmeng Sword, it sealed itself the moment the Divine Lord perished, showing no sign of activity since.”

“So you’re saying… she has truly vanished from the Three Realms?” Taiyi nearly gritted out these words.

Fengshuo’s expression turned sorrowful and indignant. After a long silence, she finally spoke. “At that time, the Divine Lord’s soul was already damaged, and her cultivation had greatly declined. When the Chaos Barrier shattered, no one dared to face it—only she sacrificed herself to seal it. If someone had been willing to share her burden, to give up ten thousand years of cultivation, she wouldn’t have had to suffer soul annihilation.”

Taiyi’s face turned pale, a mix of emotions flashing across his expression. “Are you blaming me?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Fengshuo bowed, clasping her hands. “I know what Your Majesty wishes to ask, so I will be frank. The Divine Lord has perished. She left with the resolve to die. If I could choose, I would wish for her return more than anyone.”

“But Yanyang told me that you saved that mortal?” Taiyi’s gaze flickered between fire and ice, churning with emotions.

Fengshuo looked at the man seated high above, feeling a deep sense of mockery and sorrow in her heart. “Your Majesty, she looks too much like the Divine Lord. I couldn’t leave her to die. No one could.”

Taiyi stared at her for a long time before finally sinking back into his seat, waving a hand wearily. “Leave. Accept your punishment yourself.”

Fengshuo bowed her head and exited the hall, so calm that Taiyi felt he was the one being unreasonable.

The fire god, who had been frowning the whole time, had no interest in old grievances and entanglements. He only knew one thing—if Ye Qinming was allowed to catch her breath, it would bring endless threats to the Immortal Realm. Since they had already started, they had to see it through to the end. As for whether that person was truly Zhuoqing, the Divine Lord, it didn’t matter—as long as she was kept apart from the Demon Emperor.

“Your Majesty, she can open the boundary. Ye Qinming was willing to take my flames just to save her—that alone proves her importance. Regardless of whether she is or isn’t, we cannot let this be.”

The fire god’s words struck Taiyi’s heart directly. He pondered for a long time before speaking slowly. “Issue my decree—mobilize another thirty thousand divine soldiers across the Underworld Water. As for the Demon Realm’s Demon King Jiuying, send envoys to continue negotiations. I promise him this—if he can bring that mortal out of the Demon Realm and deliver her to the Immortal Realm, I will help him ascend to the throne of Demon Emperor!”

Both Qujing and the fire god were taken aback. They exchanged glances before bowing in unison. “Understood.”

***

Ye Qinming arrived at Jiuying’s Nine Nether Palace.

She gazed at the grand and imposing palace gates, exuding a dark and oppressive aura. Perched atop the highest peak of the Sea of the Abyss, the palace carried an air of dominion over all.

The stone pillars outside the hall were carved with fierce golden Chiyan Qilin Beasts, their expressions ferocious, their presence radiating dominance. Truly, the Nine Nether Palace was a place of formidable majesty.

Ye Qinming stepped onto the first stone stair. Immediately, the eyes of the Chiyan Qilin Beasts on the pillars gleamed red, and two demon soldiers clad in crimson flame armor appeared on either side of the palace gate, raising their weapons.

“Who goes there?” one of them demanded in a deep voice.

Ye Qinming raised an eyebrow and let out a cold chuckle. “Jiuying certainly enjoys putting on airs. I have business with him. Step aside.”

“His Majesty has ordered—no one may enter the Nine Nether Palace without permission.”

“His Majesty?” Ye Qinming glanced over, and the coldness came to her face in an instant, and the two guarding demon soldiers couldn’t help but tense their bodies. “I wasn’t aware he had become a ‘majesty’ now. That makes it all the more necessary for me to see him.”

With a single step, Ye Qinming moved to the entrance. The defensive array was instantly shattered, and with a casual wave of her hand, the two soldiers were sent flying, tumbling to the ground in pain as they watched helplessly while she strode inside.

***

Jiuying sensed an intruder. His expression darkened, but before he could react, a figure flashed before him and settled onto the grand throne in his hall. His heart clenched slightly in surprise.

Ye Qinming lounged sideways on the throne, her lips curving into a smile as she looked at Jiuying.

“It sure isn’t easy to find you, ‘Your Majesty Jiuying’.”

Jiuying’s expression changed slightly, but he said nothing.

Ye Qinming had no patience for pretenses. In an instant, she appeared before him, her crimson eyes glowing as she unleashed her full aura, forcing Jiuying to raise his own energy in resistance. However, he quickly realized that Ye Qinming’s cultivation had advanced once again. As he met her gaze, cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

“Jiuying, I don’t care about the Demon Emperor’s throne, and I can tolerate your defiance. But remember this—do not try to challenge me, and do not cross my bottom line. It would be best if you stayed far away from the people of the Immortal Realm.”

Jiuying frowned. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Oh? You don’t? A fight should make it clear.”

With that, she reached for Jiuying’s throat. The lightning-fast attack made Jiuying’s pupils contract. He dodged, and the two of them burst out of the Nine Nether Palace, clashing fiercely outside.

The battle lasted an entire day. Demons and spirits from all around gathered to watch, yet none dared to approach. The permafrost of the thousand-mile icy lands shattered under their fight. The glaciers, formed from ten-thousand-year-old ice, crumbled into countless shards, snow and ice swirling chaotically in the air. The deafening echoes of battle spread far and wide, shaking the entire Demon Realm.

When they finally clashed one last time and broke apart, they stood facing away from each other. Ye Qinming gripped Bixiao in her right hand. The green blade gleamed, and droplets of dark red blood dripped from its edge, melting small indentations into the snow.

Behind her came a dull thud. Jiuying spat out a mouthful of blood and could no longer hold himself up, collapsing onto one knee in the snow, a pool of crimson spreading beneath him.

Ye Qinming glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. With a flick of her wrist, Bixiao vanished from her hand. She stepped forward, her voice steady and cold.

“Jiuying, you don’t have to submit to me. But you cannot betray the Demon Realm. And don’t resort to despicable tricks—I have limited patience.”

Jiuying turned to watch her leave, clutching his chest as he coughed up another mouthful of blood. His jaw clenched tightly, his gaze dark and stormy.

***

It was only when she returned to the Thousand Leaf Palace that Ye Qinming finally clutched her chest, stumbling a few steps. The blood she had forcibly suppressed churned within her, turning her face pale and making her body ache.

She didn’t want to seek out Gu Xiyan in this state—it would only worry her. After some thought, she turned toward the side hall instead, where she happened to run into Zhijin, who was just coming out of the inner chamber.

Zhijin immediately noticed something was wrong. She hurried forward and asked, “Your Majesty, are you alright? Your face looks terrible.”

Ye Qinming waved a hand dismissively. Her gaze flickered to the tray in Zhijin’s hands, and she smiled slightly. “Has she brewed tea?”

Zhijin paused, then nodded, though the concern in her eyes remained. “Your Majesty, are you injured?” She was both worried and astonished—who could possibly injure the Demon Realm’s ruler?

“It’s nothing. I just need to rest. And don’t mention anything to Miss Gu. If she asks, tell her I’ll be back late due to some business.”

Zhijin acknowledged the order but still felt uneasy. Moments later, Guiche arrived, and Zhijin finally learned that Ye Qinming had fought Jiuying in the Sea of the Abyss—and Jiuying had been seriously wounded. No wonder their ruler was also hurt.

As rumors of the battle spread across the realm, Zhijin finally felt relieved. Regardless of the circumstances, their ruler remained strong enough to command the Demon Realm.

***

Later, as Zhijin brought refreshments to Gu Xiyan, the woman poured her a cup of tea and said gently, “Miss Zhijin, sit down and have a taste.”

Zhijin immediately stepped back with a bow. “I wouldn’t dare overstep.”

When their ruler had sent her to look after Gu Xiyan, she had given meticulous instructions. Even though Gu Xiyan was a mere mortal, Zhijin understood that she was extremely important to Ye Qinming. In all the years she had known their ruler, aside from the legendary Divine Lord Zhuoqing, Ye Qinming had never shown such care for anyone.

Gu Xiyan smiled warmly and moved the teacup closer. She then poured another cup for Mujin. “How is this overstepping? I am not your master; I am merely a guest. While you are here on Qinming’s orders to take care of me, you are not my servant. There is no need for such formality. Besides, Qinming said that the Demon Realm dislikes excessive etiquette—why trouble yourself on my account? Please, sit.”

Zhijin looked at the blind yet perceptive woman before her and felt a moment of admiration. Though mortal, she carried a natural grace, her every gesture and word reminiscent of the Immortal Realm’s nobility. Despite her blindness, she handled everything with ease, making those around her feel at home.

Hearing her words, Zhijin finally sat down. She lifted the teacup and took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance. “What a wonderful aroma.”

Mujin, who had been holding back her excitement, finally beamed with pride upon hearing the praise. Puffing out her chest, she declared, “Of course! My lady’s tea isn’t just fragrant—the taste is unparalleled! No one who has ever tried it has had anything bad to say.”

“Ah Jin.” Gu Xiyan sighed, shaking her head at Mujin’s exaggeration.

Meanwhile, Zhijin took a sip of the tea, and her eyes lit up. “Mujin is right. This is delicious.”

Mujin grinned mischievously and leaned in close, whispering, “Zhijin, have you even had tea in the Thousand Leaf Palace? That arrogant one is basically a tea plant herself.”

Zhijin froze, unsure how to respond.

Gu Xiyan, sensing the mischief, reached out and tapped Mujin lightly on the back of the head. “Behave.”

Once Mujin obediently sat, Gu Xiyan asked, “Miss Zhijin, she has been gone for quite a while. Has she returned?”

Zhijin’s heart skipped a beat. As Her Majesty expected—Miss Gu saw through it immediately. Keeping her expression composed and her tone unhurried, she replied, “My lady, you need not worry. Her Majesty mentioned earlier that she had urgent matters to handle and would return late. I was careless and forgot to inform you.”

Gu Xiyan nodded upon hearing this, lowering her gaze slightly, her expression tinged with concern. “Did she go to the Nine Nether Palace?”

Throughout the day, Gu Xiyan had asked Zhijin to bring her books detailing the wonders and peculiarities of the Demon Realm. She carefully selected those about its geography, the four territories, and the demon kings who ruled them, having Mujin read them aloud. Among them, the one that caught her attention the most was Jiuying, from whom she learned he resided in the Nine Nether Palace.

Zhijin hesitated for a moment. She hadn’t expected Gu Xiyan, who had only been here for two days, to have already grasped so much about the Demon Realm. Recovering quickly, she replied, “I do not know.”

Gu Xiyan had been merely concerned at first, but Zhijin’s reaction now made her suspicious. Ye Qinming had been missing the entire day without explaining where she went. Recalling her reaction when Jiuying’s collusion with the Immortal Realm was mentioned, Gu Xiyan was almost certain that she had gone to find Jiuying.

Ye Qinming was naturally the strongest, above even the Four Great Demon Kings. But in her current state, she struggled to deal with Jiuying. If they fought, Ye Qinming would hardly escape unscathed.

Zhijin was meticulous in her duties—there was no way she would forget to pass on Ye Qinming’s words. With this in mind, Gu Xiyan frowned and asked calmly, “Miss Zhijin, where is she?”

***

In the end, Zhijin led Gu Xiyan to a side hall. Gu Xiyan turned to signal for Zhijin to let her enter alone, then stepped forward and made her way inside. Zhijin glanced back at Mujin, who had followed them, her face troubled. This Miss Gu was far too perceptive—practically a mind-reader.

Gu Xiyan walked quickly. If Ye Qinming had ordered Zhijin to withhold the truth, then something was definitely wrong. Remembering how Zhijin had said Ye Qinming and Jiuying had fought fiercely, with Jiuying severely injured, she couldn’t help but worry.

Only when she reached the outer chamber of the side hall did she finally hear a faint sound from within.

“Who’s there?”

Hearing her voice, Gu Xiyan noticed the obvious weakness in her tone and the irregularity of her breathing. Without saying a word, she swiftly entered the inner chamber.

Ye Qinming recognized the presence as soon as she spoke. Flustered, she hurriedly withdrew her spiritual energy. Her lungs were injured, and the newly healed crack in her demon core had begun to fracture again, making her cough in a muffled voice.

As she raised her hand to cover her mouth, Gu Xiyan suddenly appeared in front of her, grasping her wrist and pressing two fingers to her pulse.

Ye Qinming froze for a moment. “You’ve learned teleportation?”

Gu Xiyan ignored her. After a while, she finally let go, her voice deep with restrained anger. “Why did you hide this from me?”

Ye Qinming carefully glanced at her, then pursed her lips into a slight smile. The little blind girl was angry.

She gave a light cough and said, “I didn’t want you to worry. And besides, who told me to have such a considerate little miracle elixir?” She used to eagerly take spiritual energy from Gu Xiyan, but now she was reluctant to absorb any—this little blind girl had learned to give it to others instead.

After speaking, she covered her mouth and grumbled in a muffled voice, “If you feel sorry for me, then you’re not allowed to be mad. And don’t even think about kissing me.”

Gu Xiyan was so exasperated that she let out a laugh. Gathering spiritual energy at her fingertips, she gently transferred it into Ye Qinming’s meridians through her wrist. Although this kind of energy wasn’t very useful to someone with far higher cultivation like Ye Qinming, it was better than nothing.

As she focused on transferring energy, Ye Qinming let go of her hand and absentmindedly gazed at Gu Xiyan with a silly smile. She didn’t like appearing weak, nor did she enjoy being pitied by others. But knowing that Gu Xiyan cared about her… she couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Author’s Note:

Green Tea embodies the perfect balance of being fierce in public and a spoiled wife in private!

Green Tea: Kneel and call me Daddy!

White Lotus: …

Green Tea: You’re not allowed to be mad at me. You can’t kiss me… Wait, no, you can’t give me spiritual energy. Kissing is fine. You can kiss me a lot.