Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 74

In the end, it was Liuli who took Ye Qinming back to the Thousand Leaf Palace, leaving Gu Xiyan and Mujin standing in the tent. Zhijin remained outside as well, watching the woman in white, whose robes were now stained with specks of crimson like scattered plum blossoms, standing there quietly.

No matter the time or place, she always stood as straight as a bamboo stalk, resilient like a winter plum. But at this moment, her spine was bent as if forcibly hunched, her entire being hollowed out, as though her soul had been drained from her body. Her ink-black eyes had not completely lost their luster despite her blindness, yet now, they were utterly void of life and light.

It wasn’t just Mujin—Zhijin also felt a pang of sorrow and spoke softly, cautiously, “Miss Gu, let’s go back.”

These words seemed to awaken Gu Xiyan. Her lips moved slightly, and she tilted her head back, closing her eyes briefly. In the next moment, she straightened her back again, forcibly suppressing all the pain and despair that had surfaced, though a trace of gloom between her brows refused to fade.

She took a step forward and murmured, “Let’s go back.” Back to see her. Even if she truly hated her, even if she could never forgive her, she had to know that she was safe.

Upon returning to the Thousand Leaf Palace, Gu Xiyan attempted to see Ye Qinming, only to be stopped by the people Liuli had brought. Mujin, unable to contain her anger, was about to make a move but was swiftly held back by Gu Xiyan.

Liuli regarded Gu Xiyan with cold eyes. Just moments ago, this woman had looked so lost and broken, yet now, all that remained was the detestable calmness that Liuli loathed. How could she still remain so composed? A thousand years ago, she had been Zhuoqing, and that was one thing—but now? She was merely a mortal who had entered the Demon Realm. What right did she have?

Gu Xiyan knew this person harbored deep hostility toward her, partly as a subordinate, but she had no interest in investigating further or dwelling on it. She suppressed the suffocating unease rising in her chest and spoke, “I won’t ask to see her. I only wish to know how she is. She unleashed her demon power earlier. This must have caused severe damage to her demon core. I—”

“Severe damage to her demon core?” Liuli sneered. “And who do you think is to blame for that? Spare us your pretense. I’ve already summoned Master Wuyin of the Bird Clan to treat Her Majesty. You need not concern yourself.”

Gu Xiyan did not personally know Wuyin, but she had long heard of her name in the demon records. The most respected healer in the Demon Realm—though her cultivation was not on par with the Four Great Demon Kings, her medical expertise surpassed even that of the Immortal Realm’s Old Sovereign. However, Wuyin had secluded herself thousands of years ago, ceasing to treat anyone.

“Master Wuyin has come out of seclusion?”

Liuli let out a cold laugh. “She owed me a favor. Now that Her Majesty is injured, I took the liberty of asking her to return. As for you—I doubt Her Majesty would want to see you when she wakes up.” She then stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Gu Xiyan, in the past, she might not have minded that you are the reincarnation of Zhuoqing. But that was only because she had forgotten how much she once loved Zhuoqing—and more importantly, how much she should have hated her. If you have even a shred of self-awareness, you’ll stay far, far away from her. Otherwise…”

Mujin, seeing Liuli approach Gu Xiyan, immediately became wary. Upon hearing those words, she was momentarily stunned. Then, noticing Gu Xiyan’s face turn pale and her body stiffen, she snapped out of it and lashed back, “Now I’m certain—you’re in love with Ye Qinming but can’t stand the fact that she likes Zhuoqing. And worse, she also likes my lady. That’s why you’re doing everything you can to slander her! You’ve been in the Demon Realm for so many years, yet Ye Qinming has never had feelings for you. She’s only known my lady for a few years, and you can’t stand it? Give up already. Even if she hates my lady for being Zhuoqing’s reincarnation, she still won’t give you a second glance!”

Mujin had been holding in her frustration all this time, and now, seeing this beautiful demoness, she couldn’t help but say every word with the intent to wound.

Liuli’s deepest pain was ripped open by Mujin’s words, exposing feelings she had buried for thousands of years. Now, in front of Zhijin and the others, those emotions were laid bare. Her face shifted between pale and flushed, filled with both shame and rage. In an instant, she drew her sword and lunged at Mujin.

Gu Xiyan coughed but was too late to stop them. She could only shout urgently, “Ah Jin, don’t fight here!”

But Mujin was furious, and Liuli was now seething with shame and humiliation—neither had any intention of backing down. Gu Xiyan was worried. Mujin, after all, was no match for Liuli. As the pride of the Bird Clan, Liuli had cultivated for thousands of years, far surpassing what Mujin could withstand.

Hearing the commotion, Gu Xiyan feared for Mujin’s safety and was also concerned they might disturb Wuyin, who was treating Ye Qinming inside. Without hesitation, she moved swiftly to intervene.

Gu Xiyan had no desire to fight, only to shield Mujin while avoiding Liuli’s attacks.

“Miss Liuli, Qinming is still undergoing treatment. Please don’t let your anger disturb her. I apologize on Mujin’s behalf,” she said.

Liuli gritted her teeth. “You raised quite the loyal dog. Apologize? How will you make it up to me?”

Gu Xiyan frowned slightly. “Miss Liuli, mind your words.”

That single sentence only ignited Liuli’s fury further. She attacked even more aggressively, growing even more enraged when she realized Gu Xiyan had no intention of fighting back—only protecting Mujin and dodging. Worse, she hadn’t even managed to graze the hem of Gu Xiyan’s robes, a humiliation beyond bearing.

Gu Xiyan saw that Liuli wouldn’t relent unless she vented her anger. So, when she sensed an incoming strike of spiritual energy, she chose not to dodge.

“My lady!” Mujin’s eyes widened in alarm.

Yet, in the end, Liuli’s attack never landed.

At the last moment, a force of demon energy swept through like a violent gust, effortlessly scattering Liuli’s assault. A cold, detached voice echoed from within the hall, “Who allowed you to fight in the Thousand Leaf Palace?!”

Gu Xiyan’s body stiffened, and she immediately turned around. Liuli also forced herself to stop and lowered her voice, “Your Majesty.”

Gu Xiyan’s lips moved slightly, but no words came out. She was relieved that she couldn’t see, sparing herself from knowing how Ye Qinming was looking at her. Yet, at the same time, she wished she could see—see exactly what expression Ye Qinming wore. This contradiction and pain made her too afraid to face Ye Qinming directly.

No matter how much Ye Qinming tried, she couldn’t ignore the frail figure standing there. Gu Xiyan’s face was alarmingly pale, and when Liuli attacked just now, she had stood still like a fool. The thought of it filled Ye Qinming with both anger and pain, forcing her to avert her gaze.

When she lifted her eyes again to look at Liuli, all warmth had vanished from her expression. Liuli couldn’t help but take a step back, too afraid to meet her eyes.

“Liuli, it seems you’ve forgotten who the master of the Thousand Leaf Palace is. Who gave you permission to act so recklessly here?!”

Liuli’s face turned pale. She immediately lowered her head and said anxiously, “Your Majesty, I acted impulsively. This girl was speaking out of turn—too disrespectful. I lost control for a moment. It won’t happen again—please, forgive me.”

Ye Qinming didn’t want to say anything more. She knew very well why Liuli had gifted her the stone mirror. Right now, her mind was in turmoil, unsure of how to face Gu Xiyan—but as for Liuli, whatever feelings remained between them had completely vanished.

“From today onward, without my permission, do not set foot in the Thousand Leaf Palace. And here.” Ye Qinming flung the stone mirror out as she spoke.

Liuli caught it, but the force behind it was so great that she staggered back several steps. Ye Qinming’s public rejection, leaving her no dignity or room to save face, made Liuli’s eyes instantly redden. Holding back her tears, she spoke with a trembling voice, “You didn’t remember before—but now that you do, you still choose to protect her? Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the Demon Realm—how can you endure so much for her?!”

“Enough. If you don’t want me to have you thrown out, shut your mouth. I know exactly what you’re thinking and what you’ve done. I suggest you understand it too.”

Tears streamed down Liuli’s face, and her lips trembled uncontrollably. She cast one last glance at Gu Xiyan before turning around and teleporting out of the Thousand Leaf Palace.

Throughout the scene, Wuyin—dressed in pale lavender robes—had remained silent. Now, she finally spoke with a faint, mocking smile, “Your Majesty is as heartless as ever.” Then, lifting her gaze toward Gu Xiyan, her tone became more respectful. “Divine Lord Zhuoqing, after so many years, it is a rare honor to see you again.”

Hearing the name “Zhuoqing” made both Gu Xiyan and Ye Qinming’s expressions darken. Gu Xiyan shook her head and cupped her hands politely. “I am Gu Xiyan.”

Wuyin naturally understood the meaning behind her words. Her lips curved slightly. “Since Your Majesty is no longer in danger, I will take my leave.”

Mujin and Zhijin, despite their worries, also withdrew to give the two of them privacy.

The hall grew oppressively quiet. Though the two stood facing each other, it felt as if an insurmountable distance had suddenly opened between them. The heavy silence only made the atmosphere feel even more stifling.

After what felt like an eternity, they both opened their mouths at the same time and spoke, “Are you… okay?”

Another silence fell. Gu Xiyan shook her head lightly. “I… I’m fine. You… you remember everything now?” Even forming words felt difficult. Her throat tightened as if something were lodged in it, making it hard to speak.

Ye Qinming’s eyes flickered with a trace of struggle before a wave of pain swept through her. She turned her face away and said, “Not everything—but I remember what happened between us in the past.”

The memories flashed through her mind—vivid and sharp. Though the stone mirror’s vision had been cut off prematurely, it had been enough to restore her memories of her love for Zhuoqing—and of the agony and hatred that had followed beyond the Nine Heavens.

She had tried to persuade herself, had told herself repeatedly that Gu Xiyan was innocent. But faced with the weight of their shared past—of love, betrayal, and heartbreak—reason crumbled. Every time she saw Gu Xiyan, the pain resurfaced like a parasite gnawing at her heart, threatening to suffocate her.

Gu Xiyan swallowed hard, but before she could speak, Ye Qinming clutched her chest and took several steps back.

Gu Xiyan heard her labored breathing—the sound trembled with the effort to hold back her emotions. And then, in a voice barely above a whisper, laced with vulnerability, Ye Qinming said, “I’m sorry.”

A chill crept into Gu Xiyan’s heart, spreading out in waves of bitterness and pain that left her gasping for breath. All she could do was tilt her head back slightly, as if that alone could stop the tears threatening to fall.

“Gu Xiyan, let me have some peace. Right now, I really don’t want to see you.”

Ye Qinming forced out these words with difficulty, but they were ruthless nonetheless. At this moment, she simply couldn’t face that familiar face. Pressing her hand against her abdomen, she tried to suppress the searing pain. That wound had healed a thousand years ago—yet since regaining her memories, the ghostly pain haunted her, flaring up again and again. She knew it was a psychosomatic reaction, but every time she saw Gu Xiyan, every time she remembered that day, she felt like she was falling apart.

How she wanted to ask Gu Xiyan—why? Why had she been so heartless back then? Why had she done that? But Zhuoqing had sacrificed herself for the greater good, leaving behind only this Gu Xiyan—who knew nothing.

Gu Xiyan felt utterly powerless. She couldn’t speak a single word and could only listen to the sound of Ye Qinming’s unsteady footsteps fading away.

Ye Qinming all but fled back to the inner hall, fearing she would lose control and drag Gu Xiyan down with her. The memory of Zhuoqing striking her had become a heart demon—a shadow on her soul. No wonder she had repeatedly tried to kill Gu Xiyan, even without knowing why.

***

Gu Xiyan stood there in a daze, the hand she had wanted to reach out instead clenched tightly around the hem of her robe. The words “I don’t want to see you” pierced her heart like knives. Had she truly caused Ye Qinming so much pain?

“No matter what happens, I want you to stay by my side.” 

The memory of Ye Qinming’s gentle voice echoed in her ears. Yet now, in just a few short days, everything had changed.

“No matter what happens… huh.” Gu Xiyan let out a bitter laugh that sounded more like a sob. She murmured softly, “I always knew… once you remembered, it would be like this. I was too greedy.” With that, she turned away with difficulty. Suddenly, she raised a hand to cover her mouth, muffling a pained groan as bright red blood seeped through her fingers. When she lowered her hand, her palm was stained crimson.

Her face remained expressionless as she pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood.

Outside, Mujin had been listening for a long time before she finally rushed in, panic written across her face.

“My lady, what… what’s wrong with you?” She grabbed Gu Xiyan’s hand, her expression turning pale at the sight of the blood. Tears welled up in her eyes as she cried, “What happened? Why is Ye Qinming treating you like this?” Seeing Gu Xiyan in such pain broke her heart.

Gu Xiyan gave a sorrowful smile and shook her head. Gazing at the Thousand Leaf Palace, her mind was blank. If Ye Qinming truly hated her now, where could she go? Human, demon, immortal—the Three Realms—there was no place left for her.

She turned and slowly walked back to the side hall, each step feeling unbearably heavy. She was exhausted.

Mujin could only hold back her sobs, unwilling to leave Gu Xiyan’s side, quietly following her.

***

But Ye Qinming wasn’t doing any better. Her memories were fragmented—except for that final moment a thousand years ago, which was painfully clear. She simply couldn’t accept it.

They had loved each other for so many years—how could Zhuoqing, who knew her so well, trust Taiyi’s words? How could she believe that Ye Qinming would destroy the Three Realms and then choose to eliminate her as a precaution?

Even if Zhuoqing had feared the possibility, there was no need—no need to resort to such a cruel method. If Zhuoqing had wanted her life, she would have given it willingly. But what Ye Qinming couldn’t accept was how ruthlessly Zhuoqing had acted.

On the table before her sat a jar of “Thousand-Year Drunkenness,” which she had forced Zhijin to bring. She tilted her head back and drank deeply from it. Her thoughts were a mess—she just wanted to drown them in alcohol.

***

Outside the hall, Zhijin stood anxiously. “Thousand-Year Drunkenness” was an incredibly potent liquor—even someone with Ye Qinming’s cultivation would get intoxicated if they drank too much.

But she didn’t dare to stop her. Ye Qinming had been drinking and brooding all day. Empty wine jars had already piled up like a small mountain. No one should drink “Thousand-Year Drunkenness” like this.

At her wit’s end, Zhijin had called for Guiche. But even Guiche had been thrown out after trying to intervene.

His face darkened as he glared at Zhijin. “Who told you to bring her wine? Do you realize how much she’s already drunk?”

“Lord Guiche, I couldn’t stop her,” Zhijin answered helplessly.

Guiche remained silent for a long while before furrowing his brow. “Liuli crossed the line this time. If anything happens to Her Majesty, she will bear the blame—no matter how many lives it costs her!” He sighed heavily. No wonder Ye Qinming had seemed so calm when she returned—she hadn’t remembered Divine Lord Zhuoqing at all.

At the thought of Zhuoqing, he glanced toward the side hall. “How is Miss Gu?”

Zhijin shook her head. “Not well. She’s frighteningly pale and has been resting for a long time.”

Guiche fell into another brief silence before he spoke again. “Let Miss Gu try to persuade Her Majesty.”

Zhijin froze. “But… Her Majesty doesn’t want to see her.”

Guiche shook his head. “I know Her Majesty. She’s just in too much pain. Whether or not she hates Zhuoqing, Miss Gu still matters to her—more than anyone else. Right now, she’s the only one who might be able to reach her.”