After Being Certified by the Immortal Lord on the Path of Ruthlessness - Chapter 63

“Greetings, Divine Maiden!”

 

The echoes of the palace maids’ voices reverberated through the silent Qingyang Hall as they swept the floor, bowing in unison.

 

Ye Qingge paid them no mind and strode directly into the main hall.

 

Inside, a small group of celestial officials had gathered around the Void Mirror, their faces etched with dismay.

 

As Ye Qingge approached, the officials sensed her presence and immediately bowed.

 

“Any unusual signs?” Ye Qingge asked in a deep, steady voice as she walked toward the mirror.

 

Wuji Xuan Shi hesitated, pursing his lips. “There are no strange noises, Divine Maiden. Yet the Crow Python Sea, it is unnaturally quiet. So quiet that it feels eerie.”

 

“Quiet?” Ye Qingge frowned, taking hold of the mirror.

 

Through its reflective surface, the scene of the Crow Python Sea unfolded before her eyes.

The palace hidden beneath dark clouds was dim and unlit, with no guards stationed even at the palace gates.

 

It was vastly different from the usual scenes shrouded in black smoke.

 

Indeed, as Wuji Xuan Shi had said, it was too quiet—unnervingly so.

 

“They must be plotting something in secret,” Ye Qingge said, handing the mirror back. “Is Wuli still in the Crow Python Sea?”

 

The official in charge knelt and replied, “Your Highness, since the day you severely wounded Siji on Mount Hua, Wuli brought him back and has not left since. The only activity has been from some low-level birds and beasts.”

 

Yushui Xuan Shi frowned and said, “Such silence likely means they are scheming something sinister behind the scenes.”

 

“How is the progress of the Divine Maiden’s trial of love?” Wuji Xuan Shi turned and asked. “This serpent-bird is truly abnormal. Recently, demons everywhere have shown signs of restlessness, and with the human New Year approaching, I fear the serpent-bird may choose to strike during the festivities.”

 

At these words, the other celestial officials bowed in unison. “We implore the Divine Maiden to swiftly sever the trial of love, ascend the throne, return to court, exterminate the demon race, and unite the three realms.”

 

The pleas echoed through the hall, grating on Ye Qingge’s nerves.

Wuji Xuan Shi noticed her hesitation and exchanged a glance with the Matchmaker God beside him.

 

The Matchmaker God stepped forward, stumbling slightly as he knelt. “Divine Maiden, that mortal is already deeply in love with you. The feelings are mutual between you two. Now is the perfect time to cut it off.”

 

Ye Qingge clicked her tongue impatiently and said calmly, “I know what I’m doing.”

 

“We implore the Divine Maiden to swiftly sever the trial of love, ascend the throne, return to court, exterminate the demon race, and unite the three realms.”

 

The officials chanted in unison once more, their pleas rising and falling like waves.

 

Wuji Xuan Shi said softly, “Qingge, that mortal is merely an obstacle in your path. The hardest part is over now, do not hesitate.”

 

“We hope the Divine Maiden will swiftly sever the trial of love,” Yushui Xuan Shi added. “As long as the three realms remain without a ruler, the hearts of the people will never be at peace.”

 

Ye Qingge hummed in acknowledgment. “I know what I’m doing. Keep a close watch on the Crow Python Sea and report any unusual activity immediately.”

 

With that, Ye Qingge flicked her sleeve coldly and vanished silently from the hall.

None of the kneeling officials dared to look up, remaining prostrate on the ground.

 

Wuji Xuan Shi gazed in the direction of her disappearance and let out a soft sigh.

 

Noticing the unusual state of the person before them, the grasses immediately grew tense.

 

“Mianhao, are you feeling unwell?” Tall Fescue asked, concerned by the pallor of her face. “Is it because we’ve been traveling too much lately?”

 

Ice Grass sniffed the preserved fruits in the box and said, puzzled, “I just bought these yesterday. They’re not spoiled.”

 

Jiang Mianhao suppressed the nausea churning in her chest and waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. Perhaps I’m just tired from the recent journey.”

 

“Then you should go inside and rest properly.” Seeing her discomfort, Ryegrass immediately said considerately, “We’ll come play with you again once you’re better.”

 

The three grasses offered several more concerned reminders before leaving together.

 

Originally, their relationship with Jiang Mianhao was merely that of fellow mountain dwellers. Their visit under the guise of concern was secondary. Their true purpose was to gather information about cultivation.

Watching the three grasses disappear into the distance, Jiang Mianhao patted her chest and turned back to her room.

 

Lately, she had been feeling unusual too. Normally not one for sleep, she had become increasingly drowsy.

 

Yet it felt like no amount of sleep was enough. The more she slept, the sleepier she became.

 

Even her beloved sweet preserves now made her nauseous at the mere smell.

 

Jiang Mianhao patted her chest to steady her breathing.

 

The person on the bed was still asleep, so Jiang Mianhao decided not to enter and disturb her.

 

Having been away for so long, there were many places she wanted to visit.

 

First, she went up the mountain to chat with the Fruit Tree Granny, then headed alone to the back hill to gather wood for building Lily of the Valley’s little cabin.

 

By the time she made her third trip back, she was sweating from the heat.

 

But the belief that she and Lily of the Valley would become neighbors kept her going. Gritting her teeth, Jiang Mianhao headed to the back hill again.

As she passed by the banyan tree hollow, the closed door suddenly swung open from inside.

 

“Granny Rong Qi!” Jiang Mianhao exclaimed joyfully at the sight of someone she hadn’t seen in ages. “Finally, I get to see you!”

 

Rong Qi stared at the person before her in surprise. “Mianhao? When did you return?”

 

“Just yesterday, Granny,” Jiang Mianhao said affectionately, holding onto Rong Qi’s arm. “Haven’t seen me in half a year. Did you miss me?”

 

Rong Qi patted her head and laughed. “Of course I missed you! How was your half-year journey down the mountain? Any improvement in your skills?”

 

“Of course!” Jiang Mianhao paused, then added, “Not really!”

 

“You little rascal.” Rong Qi gently tapped her nose and asked, “Where’s Lily of the Valley? Why isn’t she with you?”

 

Jiang Mianhao recounted every detail of their journey to Rong Qi.

 

Including the danger they encountered at the inn, the stories they heard at the storytelling house, and the Sister Jiang they met on Mount Hua.

 

And how Lily of the Valley stayed on Mount Hua to cultivate the sword path.

But Rong Qi caught the key point: “You mentioned your relationship with that immortal lord?”

 

Jiang Mianhao’s face flushed, and she felt somewhat embarrassed.

 

But waves of nausea rose in her stomach, and she couldn’t help dry heaving again.

 

Rong Qi immediately noticed something was wrong with Jiang Mianhao. Frowning, she asked, “Have you and that immortal lord dual cultivated?”

 

The question stunned Jiang Mianhao. Her face turned bright red instantly, and she covered her mouth, suppressing the discomfort in her heart.

 

But Rong Qi clearly sensed something amiss. She took Jiang Mianhao’s hand to check her pulse.

 

Her face paled in an instant.

 

“How is this possible?” Rong Qi said in disbelief. “This can’t be.”

 

Jiang Mianhao was puzzled. “What can’t be?”

 

Rong Qi, her face still pale, confirmed the pulsating rhythm beneath her fingers.

 

All plant spirits who take human form must undergo arduous cultivation for a thousand years to completely shed the influences of their plant origins.

 

Aside from those born with immortal bones who receive guidance from immortals and can ascend in one leap, there are no shortcuts.

 

Plant spirits who cultivate gradually develop emotions and affections from the lowest levels.

 

But no matter how intimate or loving they become, pregnancy should be impossible.

 

“Have you figured out that immortal lord’s background?” Rong Qi asked with deep concern. “What about Lily of the Valley? Does she know about this?”

 

Jiang Mianhao was utterly bewildered by the question and asked in confusion, “Mother-in-law, what are you talking about? I don’t understand. Didn’t we already explain Lu Jiu’s background before? She fell here by accident. Has something happened?”

 

Rong Qi gripped the other’s wrist tightly and said seriously, “That immortal’s origins are definitely not as simple as she claims. As an ordinary grass spirit, she must have some purpose in approaching you. For now, you must not keep this child. Once I finish with the New Year preparations, I will personally go to the Heavenly Realm to inquire on your behalf.”

 

The barrage of words left Jiang Mianhao dazed. She felt confused and seized on the key phrase: “Child? What child?”

 

Seeing the innocent and naive expression on the other’s face, Rong Qi sighed softly and said, “After your dual cultivation with that immortal, you are now with child.”

 

“With child?” Jiang Mianhao was stunned by the sudden news. “What?”

 

Rong Qi wanted to offer more advice, but with the New Year approaching, there were too many matters to attend to on Mount Taibai.

 

Every year during the New Year, the plant spirits who had already taken human form would return to the mountain.

 

At that time, the mountain’s barriers would vanish, and many mortals would ascend the mountain.

 

On Mount Taibai, there was a large, flat area perfect for setting off fireworks.

 

Every New Year’s Eve, Mount Taibai would be crowded with people.

 

The entire mountain would celebrate together, rejoicing in the human world’s festivities.

 

As the mountain’s guardian immortal, Rong Qi had an overwhelming amount of responsibilities. Today, she had returned to tidy up and happened to run into Jiang Mianhao.

 

Who would have thought such a significant discovery would come of it?

 

“Don’t ask any more questions. Just be wary of that immortal and don’t bare your heart to her without reservation,” Rong Qi said with a furrowed brow. “Once I finish handling the New Year affairs, I will go to the Heavenly Court to inquire on your behalf. If that immortal’s origins prove suspicious, I will spare no effort to petition the Goddess to punish her.”

 

“But Lu Jiu is a very good person,” Jiang Mianhao couldn’t help but retort. “She treats me well. Aside from you and Lanlan, she is the kindest to me in this world. She has never asked anything of me, and I trust her.”

 

Rong Qi shook her head. “You are still too naive. Remember, be very cautious of that immortal! I will send a message to have Ling Lan return to accompany you for the New Year.”

 

Jiang Mianhao wanted to say more, but Rong Qi had no time to linger.

 

After giving her final warnings, Rong Qi turned and walked away, saying as she went, “Remember! Be wary of that immortal!”

 

Watching Rong Qi disappear from sight, Jiang Mianhao felt as if she had just awoken from a dream—unreal and hazy.

 

She was with child?

 

Like Sister Jiang, she would have a child?

Jiang Mianhao patted her cheeks to confirm she wasn’t dreaming.

 

She was really carrying Lu Jiu’s child?

 

Wasn’t it said that only two people deeply in love could have one? Jiang Mianhao’s face flushed red, and she felt at a loss.

 

She no longer went to gather firewood and instead returned to the small house.

 

Lu Jiu was already up, sitting at the desk reviewing memorials.

 

Piles of memorials were stacked high in front of her. Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Jiang Mianhao pushed Rong Qi’s words to the back of her mind.

 

Gazing at the person diligently reviewing the documents, Jiang Mianhao couldn’t help but wonder: If Lu Jiu found out, would she be as happy as Sister Feng?

 

With the New Year approaching at the end of the month, would this good news make Lu Jiu even happier?

 

Standing at the doorway, Jiang Mianhao giggled foolishly to herself.

 

“What are you thinking about?” Ye Qingge glanced up calmly, observing the other’s smile.

 

Jiang Mianhao shook her head and said, “Nothing. I was just chatting with Bingcao, and she told me a joke.”

 

Seeing her in good spirits, Ye Qingge gave a soft “Mm” and didn’t press further, nor did she open the Heart-Link Bond to share emotions.

 

In these last few days, as long as Jiang Mianhao is happy, that’s all that matters. As for the reasons, perhaps it’s fine not to know.

 

Ye Qingge sighed and continued reviewing the memorials.

 

Time passed by in the blink of an eye.

 

A week had already gone by since the two of them returned to Mount Taibai.

 

News of Jiang Mianhao’s return spread quickly, and many plants and trees came to visit her.

 

In no time, Jiang Mianhao’s small cottage was surrounded by people.

 

With less than three days left until the New Year, many plants and trees who had traveled down the mountain had returned one after another.

 

Overwhelmed, Jiang Mianhao hid inside her small cottage, afraid to step outside. A lily-of-the-valley blade flew to her windowsill, carrying a family letter inside.

Jiang Mianhao carefully removed the blade and read the letter aloud.

 

Ye Qingge set down the scroll in her hand and looked up, asking, “Has Lily-of-the-Valley left Mount Hua?”