After Provoking the Mad Beautiful Deity - Chapter 45

By the shores of the East Sea, where the Jiao people dwell, the sapphire waters often reveal half-human, half-fish maidens floating upon the surface.

Upon receiving news that the Jiao people were in peril, Crown Prince Qin Feng had no choice but to rush to the East Sea; the Jiao maiden was the one he truly loved. Entering the East Sea and keeping a low profile throughout the journey, he finally arrived at a palace.

A’nan stood at the entrance, waiting bitterly. Her feelings for Prince Qin Feng were bone-deep; a single day apart felt like three autumns.

When Prince Qin Feng arrived, A’nan, unable to endure the longing any longer, threw her arms around him and wept uncontrollably.

The Prince coaxed her with soft words, but before he could say more than three sentences, Princess Deshun arrived with a troop of soldiers. Terrified, A’nan quickly hid behind Qin Feng. Princess Deshun spoke with disappointment: “I thought my Royal Brother, the Prince, would be able to see the situation clearly.”

Prince Qin Feng looked guilty. “I, I thought she was in danger, so I only came to take a look.”

“How could she be in danger within my jurisdiction of the East Sea? It is you who does not trust me, is it not? I promised you I would look after her, and I certainly shall. For you to come here so recklessly, if someone with ill intentions saw you and word reached the ears of High Goddess Yanlai, what then?” Princess Deshun persuaded him with an aching heart.

“Must I marry her? I do not love her,” Prince Qin Feng finally spoke the truth, which was a rare occurrence. “She is like a block of ice. I have tried to warm her, but she keeps me a thousand miles away. I cannot imagine how our life after marriage will be.”

Recalling High Goddess Yanlai’s stern, unsmiling face, Deshun also sighed: “But she is the Crown Princess personally appointed for you by the Father Emperor. She will be beneficial to your cultivation. You are the Crown Prince; how can you indulge in mere romantic passions? Enough, leave quickly. I shall act as if I never saw you.”

Prince Qin Feng turned back to look at A’nan, his heart twisting like a knife. Holding his beloved, he said, “Wait until I have completed the wedding ceremony. At that time, I will personally welcome you back to the Nine Heavens.”

“As a concubine?” A’nan covered her eyes, tears falling freely.

Prince Qin Feng was filled with immense guilt. He wanted to resist, but the marriage had long been settled; he did not have the power to defy the Heavenly Laws.

Princess Deshun sneered: “With your status, do you think you can be anything but a concubine? Do you expect to be the Crown Princess?”

A’nan, terrified of Deshun, was silenced by those words and dared not lift her head. The hands clutching Qin Feng’s sleeve were trembling. Unable to bear her being bullied, Prince Qin Feng said to Deshun: “She will be your sister-in-law in the future. How can you bully her so wantonly?”

Deshun gritted her teeth and suppressed her anger. “If Royal Brother does not leave now, the Father Emperor’s men will be here.”

A’nan wept like a pear blossom bathed in rain, a sight to move any heart. Prince Qin Feng wavered, finding it hard to part. With Deshun repeatedly urging and forcing the “mandarin ducks” apart, Prince Qin Feng hardened his heart and turned to leave.

A’nan nearly fainted from crying. Deshun gave her a cold glance and led her soldiers away.

In the depths of the seabed, the woman wept piteously.

Hong Chen stared blankly at the Jiao maiden. Yanguang found it strange: “Master, why have you come here?”

Her Master had always been upright and honorable. Since when did she like to secretly watch girls cry? Could it be she was going to rescue her?

Hong Chen’s image was very tall and grand in the hearts of her disciples, and Yanguang admired her immensely. Thinking this way, Yanguang immediately concluded that her Master was going to save the immortal maiden from her misery.

Hong Chen paced toward A’nan, showing a look of pity. “High Goddess Yanlai has remained unmarried for many years and is narrow-minded. How could she tolerate you entering her household?”

A’nan shuddered violently and quickly scrambled up from the ground into a defensive stance. Hong Chen continued, “Instead of waiting here in vain, why not go and fight for it yourself?”

“Who are you?” A’nan noticed the woman before her. The woman wore a vibrant dress, her skin was snow-white, and her brows were slightly arched. Her whole being was as brilliant as fire, and with every step, a lotus seemed to bloom; she was a rare beauty. A’nan paused; the woman’s eyes were clear, not seeming like those of an evil person.

Hong Chen said, “You need not concern yourself with who I am. I can take you out of here.”

“You can take me out?” A’nan was surprised. Unknowingly, she lowered her guard, her heart swaying.

Hong Chen did not care about her behavior but instead carefully examined the room’s furnishings. This place of confinement was simply decorated; the light under the sea was dim, making the room look dark and gloomy.

Hong Chen’s thoughts turned a thousand times, and the corners of her lips curled slightly. “Naturally, I can take you out. But what can you do once you’re out? Does Qin Feng dare to acknowledge you?”

A’nan fell silent, her eyes flickering with resentment.

Hong Chen curled her lip. “I am giving you an opportunity. It just depends on whether you are brave enough to take it.”

“What opportunity? Please speak,” A’nan said with restraint, her eyes dark and quiet like a pool of deep water.

In contrast, Hong Chen’s eyes were like shimmering water, and her smile was charming. She walked up to A’nan, leaned down slightly, and leaned close to A’nan’s ear. With breath like orchids, she whispered: “Tell the whole world that the Prince does not love the Goddess, but loves only you.”

“How do I tell the whole world?” A’nan whispered tremulously. She only felt the woman’s fiery presence; the breath on her ear was like a flame burning her skin.

Hong Chen smiled and said, “At the grand wedding, snatch the groom.”

“This, this is a great crime. I will die.” A’nan retreated in fear, her lips pressed tight, her eyes shining with terror as she looked dejectedly at Hong Chen. “I, I cannot do it.”

Hong Chen sneered. A’nan became even more afraid. The woman’s skin was already white, but seemingly out of anger, a flush of pink appeared, like peach blossoms blooming in March; she was exquisite and bright.

The lonely seabed was exceptionally quiet, and the surroundings seemed eerie under the dim light.

Hong Chen paced around A’nan with light steps, the seaweed swaying gently. She reached out and brushed the ornaments in the woman’s hair. “If you don’t even dare to fight for yourself, who else will help you? Think about it: will High Goddess Yanlai spare you in the future? Her husband loves you; in her mind, you are a criminal.”

“No, no, no, I, I,” A’nan hesitated, her whole body trembling like a withered leaf. “It won’t be like that. He said he would arrange things for me properly, that he would persuade the Goddess to take me in.”

“Wishful thinking. High Goddess Yanlai has been unmarried for years and has a fiery temper. Seeing you clinging to her husband, it would be the height of tolerance if she doesn’t kill you.” Hong Chen’s tone suddenly became fierce. “Either leave on your own and draw a clear line with Prince Qin Feng, never to associate again, or fight. Choose one.”

A’nan still refused to give up hope: “He is the Crown Prince, the future Lord of Heaven and Earth.”

“Would the Lord of Heaven and Earth let you wait here? Why didn’t he take you back to the Nine Heavens? He fears High Goddess Yanlai, and he fears the Heavenly Emperor. He can only wrong you.” Hong Chen was impatient. This little girl’s constant weeping was such a hassle. Why couldn’t she understand? Either retreat or step up and do it.

Where is there a third path left for you?

A’nan cried even louder. Hong Chen looked at Yanguang impatiently. Yanguang was also bewildered. “I’ve only ever coaxed my Junior Sister; I’ve never coaxed anyone else.”

Hong Chen sighed. Indeed, when looking for a partner, one must find someone with a steady mind. Who could stand constant weeping?

As she thought this, A’nan cried even louder. Yanguang’s mouth twitched, and she took two steps back. How could someone love crying so much?

Do men like these fragile, tearful women?

Yanguang could not understand, much less accept it. Thinking of the way her Junior Sister would puff out her cheeks and stay strong, she began to miss her.

Yanguang boldly urged her Master: “You should hurry, or we will be discovered.”

Hong Chen thought so too; those idiots might be coming any moment. She stood to the side, watched for a while, and persuaded again: “Have you made up your mind? I can guarantee you won’t die. After the commotion, if the Prince refuses to acknowledge you, I can still take you away from the Nine Heavens.”

“Who, who exactly are you? How can I trust you?” A’nan finally reacted.

Hong Chen rubbed her nose and explained: “I simply don’t want High Goddess Yanlai to be deceived by the Prince. Fine, I like the Prince, and I want you to back off out of difficulty. Do you understand? Without you, perhaps the Prince would like me instead.”

Yanguang: “…” Master has sacrificed too much for Mistress.

Hong Chen regretted it as soon as she said it. What if the girl didn’t believe her? While she was considering whether to change her excuse, A’nan said, “When will you take me out?”

“Immediately. Close your eyes.” Hong Chen felt a jolt of energy, scooped up the immortal maiden, and headed outside.

Yanguang blinked. Master is holding another woman; will Mistress be angry?

No, Mistress is going to get married; she has no time to mind Master.

Once out of the East Sea, A’nan greedily breathed the air and did not forget to thank Hong Chen. Seeing her transform into human form with straight legs, Hong Chen clicked her tongue. Yanguang asked, “Master, what does your ‘tsk-tsk’ mean?”

“This Seat was thinking: is it true that weak ones like A’nan are more likely to attract pity?” Hong Chen touched her own face, then glanced at A’nan’s height. She was a whole head taller than her.

She touched her own head again, thinking it must be that her height made her seem somewhat imposing.

Yanguang asked hesitantly, “Is that so? Does Mistress like the fragile type?”

Hong Chen didn’t know herself. She stood there thinking for a long time until A’nan pulled her back to reality. A’nan said, “Immortal maiden, I cannot reach the Nine Heavens.”

She couldn’t fly up there.

Hong Chen looked at her young disciple. Yanguang silently took out a flying magical treasure, handed it to A’nan, and taught her how to use it.

A’nan stole a glance at Hong Chen. The woman was bright and moving. She thought that perhaps the Prince also liked girls like this. She sighed, feeling herself too insignificant.

After the introduction, Yanguang stood back behind her Master. A’nan was deeply grateful. Hong Chen raised her hand and placed a tracking seal on her. “Rest assured, I will not harm your life. If you succeed, I shall withdraw. If you fail, I will have one less rival.”

A’nan believed her and nodded. “Thank you, immortal maiden.”

“Enough, find a place to stay. Whatever you do, do not go looking for the Prince, or you’ll easily be caught by the East Sea people. Victory comes through the element of surprise.” Hong Chen nagged her with instructions once more.

A’nan nodded, indicating she would be very obedient.

Hong Chen led her young disciple back to the Demon Realm. With the seal she placed on A’nan, she could arrive immediately if anything happened.

Upon returning to the Demon Realm, the King of Dark Night was kneeling outside the main hall. Hong Chen swept a glance over him. The Young Lords also looked unwell. She didn’t bother with them and went back to the hall to sleep.

The King of Dark Night knelt for a long time without anyone paying him mind. Fuming, he flicked his sleeve to leave, but as he stepped over the threshold, he was swept back by a powerful gale.

The King of Dark Night had once been the Demon Venerable, after all. How could he fear a small barrier? He immediately cast spells to attack. He was the King of Dark Night; his movement was eerie, and his powerful demonic energy slammed violently against the barrier.

The Young Lords stood to one side, watching his contest with the Demon Venerable.

The King of Dark Night had never been able to gauge the Demon Venerable’s true strength; only during the last battle with Jiuhan had the Demon Venerable been injured. Inferring from that clash, the Demon Venerable was far above Jiuhan. To kill the opponent and lead his disciples away unscathed, the King of Dark Night knew he could not do it.

The King of Dark Night exhausted his strength but could not break the barrier. The Young Lords looked at each other. Inside the hall, Hong Chen smiled faintly and suddenly struck, attacking the King of Dark Night.

“Demon Venerable, spare my life!” the King of Dark Night cried out for mercy while casting spells to resist.

The Demon Venerable’s move was overbearing. The King of Dark Night’s body took a fierce hit; he was sent flying and crashed down hard.

Hong Chen walked out barefoot. Her figure was ghostly and charming, her long hair draped over her shoulders, flowing and vibrant. She walked up to the King of Dark Night, who immediately scrambled up and knelt. “Demon Venerable, Demon Venerable, spare my life.”

“King of Dark Night, if you want to be the Demon Venerable, you ought to improve your cultivation. For ten thousand years, you have only known how to indulge in lust; your body has been hollowed out.” Hong Chen sighed. Reaching out, she hoisted the King of Dark Night up, her eyes dark. “Remember, playing with women is your business, but do not even think about corrupting my disciples. If there is a next time, This Seat will chop your corpse to pieces and incinerate your soul, leaving you with no chance for reincarnation.”

The King of Dark Night dared not resist. Holding his breath, he repeatedly begged for mercy.

Hong Chen let him go and said softly, “Get out.”

The King of Dark Night dared not linger and scrambled away. The Young Lords clapped and cheered. Hong Chen walked slowly back to the hall and leaned against the couch bonelessly. Yanguang and Yanheng looked at each other, too afraid to speak.

Hong Chen didn’t speak either. Instead, she leisurely sent a message to Kylin: “Has the High Goddess finished packing?”

Kylin replied: “I am already an immortal beast.”

Hong Chen clicked her tongue and didn’t reply. She lay down on her back. Soon, Kylin tirelessly sent a long string of text.

“Demon Venerable, the High Goddess and the Immortal Clan have set the wedding date.”

“Demon Venerable, the High Goddess ordered me to be the immortal beast for the wedding carriage. Does that make me a traitor?”

“Demon Venerable, the Prince just arrived and entered the High Goddess’s study.”

The person lying down suddenly opened her eyes, which were filled with a sharp glint. Without waiting for the Young Lords to speak, she flew out of the hall.

Yanguang and Yanheng looked at each other. Yanguang said, “Master must have gone to find Mistress.”

Yanheng was suspicious. “Is, is she still Mistress?”

Yanguang was also puzzled. Was a Mistress who married someone else still their Mistress?

The Young Lords stood together and discussed: what should they call High Goddess Yanlai the next time they saw her?

Little Seven said, “The magical treasure Mistress gave me is very useful.”

Little Eight nodded in agreement. “The spirit pills Mistress gave me helped improve my cultivation.”

Little Nine frowned. “Mistress is still Mistress. We should ask Master.”

Yanguang patted Little Nine’s head. “Do you want to get scolded? Asking Master is just looking for trouble. Don’t ask. We’ll see when we meet Mistress next time. Mistress is quite fierce; she used fire to burn me last time.”

The Young Lords fell into a silent contemplation.

Phoenix Mountain was shrouded in immortal mist. Inside the study, the night-luminescent pearls shone brightly.

Yanlai sat behind the desk, while the Prince sat formally on a side chair. Yanlai was a woman of few words; no matter how many sweet words the Prince spoke, they were like stones dropped into the ocean, failing to stir even a ripple. The Prince spoke until his throat was dry, but Yanlai’s expression remained unchanged.

Crown Prince Qin Feng was usually known for his gentle demeanor, but at this moment, even he could hardly endure it. He looked at Yanlai. “Is the High Goddess dissatisfied with me?”

“I have no particular dissatisfaction. I am merely wondering: since you replaced your sister’s bone-root, have you ever felt a day of guilt?” Yanlai spoke with a smile, but her words were exceptionally sharp.

The Prince was stunned. He replied with feigned indifference, “Goddess, do not believe the rumors. Qin Feng has never taken anyone’s bone-root. My sisters are all in the Nine Heavens. If you don’t believe me, you can go and ask.”

Yanlai chuckled softly. “Just because you don’t admit it doesn’t mean it never happened. Although the Medical Immortal is dead, the words she spoke remain.”

With that, she flicked her sleeve to reveal a projection. In the image was the Medical Immortal just before her death. The Prince’s expression changed drastically. “Goddess, show some self-respect!”

Yanlai said, “Those words are exactly what I should say to the Prince. Refusing to admit it does not mean it didn’t happen.”

“You were the one who killed the Medical Immortal?” Prince Qin Feng suddenly stood up.

“I do not love you; why would I kill her? Who do you think killed her to silence her and frame me?” Yanlai looked up and continued, “Crown Prince, will you ever return this bone-root to that person?”

“Presumptuous!” Qin Feng shouted in anger, his gaze flickering. “Do you know what you are saying?”

“I am saying, will there be a day when you return this bone-root to its rightful owner?” Yanlai remained as calm as a light breeze. Her fingertips tapped the tabletop, producing a crisp sound. Feeling it wasn’t enough, she repeated it: “Something that doesn’t belong to you feels so comfortable to use that you’ve forgotten you are not its master.”

“Yanlai, I respect you as a High Goddess, yet you slander me so.”

“Even if you didn’t respect me, I would still be a High Goddess. Your respect has no impact on me whatsoever. My marriage to you is by the Heavenly Emperor’s decree; I will not defy it,” Yanlai said.

Prince Qin Feng seemed to suddenly understand something. “You are deliberately provoking me, hoping I will go to the Father Emperor to call off the wedding?”

“You’re overthinking it. If you could call off the wedding, you wouldn’t be here. I just want you to remember: your bone-root does not belong to you. Sooner or later, someone will take it back.”