Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 72

Ye Qinming’s brief silence spoke volumes. Though Gu Xiyan could not see, she was highly sensitive to the changes in Ye Qinming’s aura. When she entered today, she wore the same radiant smile as always, yet she still noticed her exhaustion.

Though she rarely left the tent, she was not oblivious to everything happening outside. Yet, she didn’t know how to bring it up. After all, she was the source of it all, but she couldn’t bring herself to sever it.

“The bedding is all laid out. Get some rest for a while. I’ll wake you when the time comes, alright?”

Ye Qinming looked at her, feeling a sudden sting in her nose. She didn’t respond—she simply leaned over, resting her head on her lap.

Gu Xiyan had no resistance against this kind of intimacy and trust. At this moment, she softened entirely, gently stroking her hair. “Wouldn’t it be more comfortable on the bed?”

Ye Qinming shook her head. “I want to rest like this.”

Gu Xiyan’s throat moved slightly. Lowering her gaze, she looked down at Ye Qinming, as if doing so would allow her to make out her features.

She didn’t know how long had passed. The person lying on her lap remained still. Gu Xiyan moved her fingers slightly, carefully supporting her as she lifted her into her embrace. Her right hand reached down, gently cradling her legs, holding her securely in her arms.

Ye Qinming let down all her defenses around her. Even as she was moved, she didn’t wake—she merely nestled closer. She knew that when the time came, Gu Xiyan would wake her.

Holding her, Gu Xiyan felt her weight—light, even a bit too slender. No matter how powerful and formidable she was, she had to bear the safety of an entire realm alone. And because of her, she had to hold the Demon Realm together. It was a heavy burden.

Pain flickered across Gu Xiyan’s face. She carefully carried her to the bed. When would she finally be able to stand in front of her, shielding her from everything? If she couldn’t protect her, then at the very least, she should stand beside her—not hide away in this tent, indulging in her care and shelter.

After laying Ye Qinming down, Gu Xiyan removed her shoes and socks. She leaned down slightly, as if about to kiss her, but in the end, she only brushed her fingers through her hair. Rising, she called for Zhijin, instructing her to bring some incense.

The nap didn’t last long—just half an hour—but it was the most restful sleep Ye Qinming had had in a long time. When she awoke, she found herself lying on the soft couch. The room was dimly lit, and a faint scent of incense lingered in the air.

Turning her head, she saw Gu Xiyan sitting in meditation nearby, her eyes closed. A gentle spiritual aura surrounded her, and within its soft glow, there were faint traces of celestial energy.

Ye Qinming couldn’t help but marvel. It had only been eight years since they last met, and she had only been in the Demon Realm for a few months, yet her little blind girl’s cultivation had advanced at a staggering pace. As expected of the reincarnation of Divine Lord Zhuoqing—her talent was even more terrifying than her own back then.

Resting her head on her hand, Ye Qinming lay on her side, watching Gu Xiyan. Yet, the moment she moved, Gu Xiyan’s eyes opened.

“Have you slept well? Do you want some water?”

Ye Qinming, acting coy, murmured, “Yes.”

Gu Xiyan’s lips curled into a faint smile as she stood up to pour tea for her.

When she returned with the cup and sat by the bed, Ye Qinming remained motionless. Tilting her head, Gu Xiyan noticed her lack of movement, hesitated for a moment, then sighed with a hint of helplessness. “You…” she murmured. Though her words carried a mild reproach, her tone and actions were filled with indulgence as she carefully brought the cup to Ye Qinming’s lips.

Drinking the tea from her hands, Ye Qinming sighed contentedly. “I wish I could stay like this forever. Only with you do I realize what kind of life I used to live.”

Hearing this, Gu Xiyan was reminded of the thousand years Ye Qinming spent imprisoned in the Abyssal Prison of Demons. A sharp pain pricked at her heart, but she didn’t know how to respond.

“What are you thinking about?” Seeing her suddenly grow somber, Ye Qinming asked.

Gu Xiyan shook her head, reaching out to wipe the corner of Ye Qinming’s lips. Lowering her gaze, she said softly, “As long as you wish, I will always be here.”

Ye Qinming couldn’t help but laugh. “You said it. No matter what happens, I want you to stay by my side. You have to remember that.”

“… Alright.”

The two savored this rare moment of intimacy—until a commotion outside broke the peace.

“Where is Her Majesty?” 

A familiar woman’s voice rang out, carrying an undertone of urgency and anger. Ye Qinming’s brows lifted slightly, and her expression darkened.

“Lady Liuli, Her Majesty is not here. Furthermore, there are strict orders that no one is to enter without permission. Please understand,” Zhijin’s voice rang firm yet hesitant.

“Do you realize I have urgent business with Her Majesty? If we delay the battle, can you take responsibility for the consequences?”

Ye Qinming rose and stepped out of the tent. Liuli cast a quick sidelong glance inside, but Ye Qinming let the curtain fall behind her and said in a low voice, “What urgent matter is so serious?”

“Your Majesty, I— We received news from Taiyi in the Underworld Water. If you refuse to hand over Divine Lord Zhuoqing—”

“She is not!” Ye Qinming cut her off instantly, enunciating each word clearly. “She is not Zhuoqing. Her name is Gu Xiyan.”

“Your Majesty,” Liuli called out helplessly, then reluctantly corrected herself. “He said that if you do not hand over Miss Gu, he will activate the Demon-Slaying Array. Please consider this carefully. Guiche, Feidan, and Baize—who has just left seclusion—are all waiting in the central command tent for your decision.” After speaking, she glanced at the tent again before stepping back and kneeling. “I know Miss Gu is in the camp, and, Your Majesty… we have also found news of Xuanshui. I hope you will bring Miss Gu along. There are some matters…”

Ye Qinming had been seething with anger, but at the mention of Xuanshui’s name, she froze. Xuanshui had once been her personal guard, standing by her side through life-and-death battles. During the great war a thousand years ago, he was the only one who stayed with her to the end. She still remembered how they fought beyond the Nine Heavens, how he stood by her side even as she was gravely injured. Xuanshui had not escaped unscathed either. She had believed he was gone. She never expected that he was still alive.

“Where is he?”

“Xuanshui died in that battle, but a fragment of his soul survived. He spent a thousand years in deep sleep at the Purification Altar of the Bird Clan. He only recently awakened, and I was the first to notice. Your Majesty, I have already informed him that you are alive. Xuanshui has left the Bird Clan and is on his way here. He has missed you greatly.”

A faint hint of joy surfaced in Ye Qinming’s expression. Behind her, Gu Xiyan had already stepped forward upon hearing the conversation. She gave a slight nod and greeted, “Miss Liuli.”

“Xiyan.” Ye Qinming frowned, displeased that she had come out. She understood Liuli’s intentions all too well—bringing Gu Xiyan along was nothing less than forcing her to make a choice.

“Qinming, I may not be Zhuoqing, but I am her reincarnation. There are some things I cannot avoid, nor can I let you bear them alone.” Gu Xiyan had heard everything. No matter what choice Ye Qinming made, she had to be there.

“Your Majesty, while I was traveling through the Wildlands, I was fortunate enough to obtain a rare artifact. It might be able to give you answers, but Miss Gu must come along.” Liuli’s words were sincere, and her expression was solemn. Ye Qinming narrowed her eyes slightly, then reached out to hold Gu Xiyan’s hand and walked past Liuli.

“I hope that’s truly the case,” Ye Qinming said before taking Gu Xiyan and soaring into the sky, leaving Liuli biting her lip in frustration. Yet, deep in her eyes, a determined glint shone.

***

When Ye Qinming and Gu Xiyan arrived at the central command tent, she paused outside and tightened her grip on Gu Xiyan’s hand. It was slightly cold. Though her expression was calm, Ye Qinming knew the turmoil within her.

“Don’t worry. I’m here. Everything will be fine, alright?” Her voice was soft, gentle, yet unwavering—filled with quiet strength.

Gu Xiyan nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face. That alone was enough for her.

Inside the tent, the gathered individuals stood up in unison as Ye Qinming entered. “Your Majesty.” They greeted her with deep respect.

Ye Qinming did not respond. Her gaze locked onto a black-clad man standing to the right, emotions surging in her eyes—too many to describe. A thousand years ago, he had been by her side, witnessing everything. He knew more than even she did. To see him again after so long felt like another lifetime.

Xuanshui had slept for a thousand years. The last thing he remembered was Ye Qinming’s demon core being shattered, her soul scattering into nothingness. When he awoke, grief and rage consumed him. If not for encountering Liuli, who told him that Ye Qinming was still alive, he would have stormed the Immortal Realm in vengeance.

His gaze fell on Gu Xiyan, and in his eyes, a storm of emotions raged—anger, disappointment, disbelief—all burning into a fierce flame before he finally forced them down. Stepping back, he dropped to one knee with a heavy thud. “Xuanshui greets his liege!” His voice carried a choked tremor.

Ye Qinming released Gu Xiyan’s hand and stepped forward to help him up, patting his shoulder lightly. She forced a smile. “You have suffered all these years.”

“It was I who was useless, who failed to protect you, who let you—”

“It’s all in the past.” Ye Qinming cut him off before he could continue. She understood his feelings and was grateful for him. But emotions were like drinking water—only the one drinking knew whether it was warm or cold. She had no desire to blame Gu Xiyan for the past, nor did she want both of them to be trapped in pain once more.

More than once, she had been relieved that she had forgotten. Otherwise, she didn’t dare imagine how unbearable things between her and Gu Xiyan might have become.

Liuli, who had followed behind, watched Ye Qinming’s actions. A sharp sting pierced her heart. She couldn’t believe that the once proud and untamed sovereign would deceive herself to this extent for the sake of a heartless god.

The moment Ye Qinming let go of her hand, Gu Xiyan felt a sudden shiver run through her, nearly making her reach out to hold on. For some reason, she had the unsettling feeling that if Ye Qinming let go, it was as if she were abandoning her.

Even though she could sense Ye Qinming’s implicit protection in her words, it felt like a fragile illusion. Because she couldn’t remember the past, she was able to forgive. But if Ye Qinming and Divine Lord Zhuoqing had once shared a love-hate entanglement, and if Ye Qinming ever remembered how much she had loved Zhuoqing, then she would also realize how much she hated Gu Xiyan.

The most terrifying part was that Gu Xiyan herself knew nothing—not why her past self had acted as she did, nor what hidden truths lay behind those actions. The only thing she knew for certain was that she had wronged Ye Qinming. She, too, had once abandoned Ye Qinming.

It was only when Ye Qinming reached out and took her hand again that she snapped out of her thoughts. Ye Qinming led her to sit down, and sensing the presence of so many others, Gu Xiyan whispered, “It’s not appropriate for me to sit here.”

Ye Qinming merely patted her hand and then swept her gaze around the room.

“Everyone, sit. I already know what you wish to discuss—Liuli has informed me. Guiche, Feidan, Baize, what are your thoughts?”

She then fell silent, waiting for their responses. Guiche, understanding her intent, stood up first and said, “Taiyi’s goal is clear—his resolve will not change, no matter what we do. Furthermore, if Miss Gu is truly the reincarnation of Divine Lord Zhuoqing, handing her over to the Immortal Realm would bring nothing but disaster. However, if the Demon-Slaying Array is activated, the entities sealed within those formations would bring catastrophe upon the Three Realms.”

Feidan, usually quiet, and Baize, who was even more indifferent, spoke up as well.

“It may seem complicated, but the choice is simple. I believe Your Majesty has already made a decision.”

“Indeed. The Demon Realm is neither weak nor subject to threats.”

Ye Qinming glanced at the other clan leaders present. She already knew their stance—they were here for a definitive answer.

She stood up and declared in a firm voice, “I will not hand her over, and the Demon-Slaying Array will not be activated! The Demon Realm does not desire such an outcome, and some within the Immortal Realm likely don’t either. Ever since the war of the ancient gods, the Demon Realm has suffered oppression. But ten thousand years ago, we rose again, and I will not let it fall. Go back and prepare for war. Taiyi believes he holds everything in his grasp, but I refuse to let him have his way!”

“Your Majesty, are you saying…?”

Ye Qinming’s words were resolute, carrying undeniable authority. The demon clan leaders exchanged glances, unwilling to question her decision, yet detecting an underlying meaning that left them both intrigued and uncertain.

A sharp light flashed in Ye Qinming’s eyes. Lowering her gaze slightly, she spoke in a measured tone, her voice filled with her characteristic defiance and confidence.

“They want to shift the battle to the Demon Realm. In that case, I will move the battlefield to the Abyssal Prison of Demons! If he seeks destruction, I will grant him a destruction worth witnessing!”

Gu Xiyan listened quietly, finally piecing together the situation. A long-forgotten memory resurfaced in her mind—one about that lingering spirit instructing Qingwu to retrieve something from the Demon-Slaying Array in the Northern Wasteland.

She didn’t know much about the affairs of the Demon Realm, and the only knowledge she had came from the recorded legends Mujin had read to her after she arrived here. The object within the Demon-Slaying Array seemed to be tied to both the Immortal and Demon Realms.

Considering the setting, she merely pressed her lips together, hesitant to speak. However, both Liuli and Ye Qinming noticed her small gesture. Before Ye Qinming could say anything, Liuli spoke first. “Does Miss Gu have something to say?”

With that, all eyes in the room turned to Gu Xiyan. Ye Qinming frowned slightly, while Gu Xiyan remained composed.

“I recalled something,” she said calmly. “In the human world, someone once forced a young demon from the bluebird line to enter the Demon-Slaying Array in search of an object. I wonder if it might be related to this.”

Her words left everyone momentarily stunned. Ye Qinming furrowed her brows, deep in thought. 

Baize, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke. “The Demon-Slaying Array is an ancient seal placed upon the primordial wild beasts. Over the ages, it has mostly crumbled. Whatever remains within it is nothing more than lifeless remnants.” She then lifted her gaze toward Ye Qinming before saying no more.

Ye Qinming’s expression darkened slightly before she suddenly chuckled. “The Demon-Slaying Array… the Abyssal Prison of Demons… I see now what he intends to do.”

Some in the room remained confused, but those who understood had a noticeable change in their expressions.

The Demon-Slaying Array contained a single remnant—a weapon left behind by the fearsome Qiongqi, a being who once struck fear into the entire Three Realms. The Sword of Annihilation it left behind was no less powerful than the Four Exorcising Swords!