After Provoking the Mad Beautiful Deity - Chapter 46

When Hong Chen arrived, she saw Prince Qin Feng storming off in a huff; it seemed her intervention to “rescue the beauty” was no longer needed. She gave a disdainful snort toward the study and turned to leave.

Back at the Demon Palace, the Young Lords were standing by in strict formation. Hong Chen waved a hand dismissively. “I’m going to sleep. Do not disturb me unless it is important.”

Yanguang, still feeling guilty for her previous mistakes, immediately complied and led her Junior Sisters out of the main hall.

Little Nine was curious and asked Yanguang: “Senior Sister, how long will Master sleep?”

“In the past, she would sleep for years. This time, it will likely be a few months, or she might even wake up in half a day,” Yanguang analyzed.

Little Nine was surprised. “Why only half a day?”

“Think about it. If something were to happen to Mistress, would Master still be able to sleep?” Yanguang crossed her arms, her previous gloom replaced by a look of certainty.

Little Nine nodded. “Senior Sister is absolutely right.”

The hall fell silent once more as the person on the couch drifted into a deep slumber.

Only moments after she fell asleep, the King of Dark Night sent over a vast quantity of treasures, various magical artifacts, precious jades, and even beautiful women. Magical artifacts were nothing new, but beautiful women were a true rarity for the Demon Palace.

The Young Lords looked at one another. Yanguang swallowed hard. “Should we… accept them or not?”

“When has the King of Dark Night ever sent a gift that we didn’t accept?” Yanheng frowned, looking quite serious.

The women sent over were all stunning, each with her own unique charm: some as quiet as maidens, others with eyes like autumn waters, ranging from slender to curvaceous. Yanheng quietly took a step back; seeing this, Little Seven followed suit.

Little Eight laughed foolishly. “They are just women. Is there anything to be so afraid of? You are women yourselves.”

Little Seven reminded her quietly: “Mistress is also a woman. Do you find her terrifying?”

Little Eight gasped. Little Seven’s imagination ran wild. “One Mistress is already this terrifying. If ten more Mistresses show up, do you think we’ll ever have another peaceful day?”

“Ten? No, Master only likes Mistress; she won’t want these women.” Yanguang interrupted her sisters’ chatter and cleared her throat. “Accept them and find a palace to settle them in. We will wait for Master to wake up and decide. Also, check them thoroughly: see if they have any hidden magical artifacts or spiritual power, lest they try to assassinate Master.”

The others murmured in agreement. The artifacts and treasures were placed in the storehouse, while the beauties were sent to a suitable hall. Everything awaited the Demon Venerable’s decision.

Meanwhile, the wedding date for the Immortal Clan had been finalized. Phoenix Mountain was as busy as a marketplace. Demon soldiers frequently arrived to cause trouble, either obstructing the immortals coming to offer congratulations or setting up barriers at the foot of the mountain that nearly cost the immortals their lives.

Despite this, many immortals still came to Phoenix Mountain to offer their blessings. Immortal attendants received the guests, and occasionally, some short-sighted young fairies sought to challenge Yanlai.

Yanlai had changed her usual cold and distant attitude. She personally guided the fairies in their cultivation; consequently, the number of immortals coming to Phoenix Mountain increased even more.

Because of Yanlai’s noble status, her willingness to offer instruction attracted many who scrambled to seek her guidance. The fairies admired the High Goddess, and under her tutelage, their progress in cultivation was immense.

At some unknown point, A’nan quietly arrived at Phoenix Mountain. Upon seeing the graceful and ethereal High Goddess Yanlai, who radiated gentle elegance, she was instantly overcome with an even deeper sense of inferiority.

Between her and the High Goddess, there was a vast chasm. How could she ever compare?

She backed away, wanting to flee, when suddenly a hand rested on her shoulder. “Your cultivation is poor, but you are young. High Goddess Yanlai is quite old.”

“Ah,” A’nan clearly hadn’t considered this.

Hong Chen continued, “She has lived for forty or fifty thousand years. How old are you?”

“I, I am three thousand years old.” The light in A’nan’s eyes brightened instantly. She was tens of thousands of years younger than the Goddess.

Hong Chen looked at the person practicing sword moves in the distance and gave a soft snort. “She is old. She is tens of thousands of years older than the Prince. Tell me, could an immortal like her have any passion in bed?”

“This, this…” A’nan found it hard to speak, her face turning crimson with embarrassment. Looking back at the Goddess, whose expression was solemn, A’nan realized she had overthought it.

A’nan quickly said, “The High Goddess is also quite good.”

“She is alright. A cold block of ice. Do you like ice blocks?” Hong Chen arched an eyebrow.

A’nan fell silent. The Prince had said before that the Goddess was overly cold, lacking a woman’s charm, as cold as profound ice. She nodded and gave a bright smile. “Immortal maiden, why are you here too?”

Hong Chen rolled her eyes. If you hadn’t come to Phoenix Mountain, This Seat wouldn’t have come either. She had originally thought A’nan was here to cause harm, but she hadn’t expected her to be paralyzed by her own inferiority.

What a sin, Hong Chen thought. Yanlai was simply too excellent, scaring her love rival into wanting to retreat.

Yanlai looked up at that moment toward A’nan in the crowd. Her gaze drifted for a split second before she lowered her eyes to continue teaching the fairies. Hong Chen emerged from behind A’nan and instructed her: “The High Goddess is a powerful immortal, but she is not a gentle one.”

Yanlai possessed a sharp majesty, like the summit of a snow-capped mountain. She carried a sense of authority that far surpassed the Prince. When the two stood together, who would even notice the Prince? Furthermore, High Goddesses were rare among the current Immortal Clan, making Yanlai’s prestige even more formidable.

Choosing a Crown Princess was not a duel; Yanlai was truly ill-suited for the role. Moreover, the two had no feelings for each other; it was like forcing a duck onto a perch.

Hong Chen thought to herself and used these words to comfort A’nan, whose confidence grew significantly.

Fearing that A’nan might cause a scene prematurely, Hong Chen immediately grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and led her away, far from Yanlai. She didn’t want A’nan to feel inferior again; if she became too discouraged and stopped going to the Nine Heavens, Hong Chen’s efforts would be for naught.

As they hurried away, Yanlai suddenly looked up and caught sight of a familiar back, but that slender hand was gripping the collar of another woman.

With just one look, she turned away.

As they walked, Hong Chen nagged A’nan with advice for a long time. She escorted her to an inn at the foot of the mountain, paid for the room, and then left.

Upon leaving the inn, she encountered the Moon Goddess.

The Moon Goddess glared at her. “Hiding a beauty in a golden house, I see. No wonder you don’t want the High Goddess anymore. Tsk, tsk, she has a rather pretty face.”

“She is decent. Only three thousand years old. Youth is a wonderful thing. You have no idea how white and soft the skin of a young fairy is. Feel your own skin; it’s old and tough.” Hong Chen’s lips curled; her sharp tongue was enough to irritate anyone to death.

“As expected of the Demon Venerable, fickle and unfaithful. You are not a good person.” The Moon Goddess was provoked and subconsciously touched her own cheek; it wasn’t nearly as exaggerated as the Demon Venerable claimed.

Hong Chen gave a light “heh.” “Are you looking for me?”

“I was passing by and saw you. I’m going to Phoenix Mountain. Are you coming?” The Moon Goddess couldn’t find any flaws in her own skin, so she stared at the little Demon Venerable’s face instead. Her white skin was crystal clear and translucent; she couldn’t help but look twice.

Hong Chen glared back at her. “No, I have things to do. By the way, do you know that the Prince has a lover?”

“A lover?” The Moon Goddess was completely in the dark.

Hong Chen looked at her with an expression of “you’re hopeless.” “You stay in the Nine Heavens and don’t even know something this big? You’re a Moon Goddess in name only. Let me tell you, you haven’t seen the Prince and another woman whispering sweet nothings under the moon.”

The Moon Goddess was stunned. “I hadn’t noticed. Now that you mention it, I’ll go back and investigate. I might be able to tell Yanlai before the wedding. An unfaithful man; why bother marrying him?”

Hong Chen dismissed her with a few words. Just as she lifted her foot to leave, another person descended from the sky, likely having followed the Moon Goddess.

High Immortal Sanmeng landed before Hong Chen, clad in a dress of seven-colored auspicious clouds. Compared to a few days ago, her complexion had improved significantly, her eyes shining with life.

“Demon Venerable.” Sanmeng stopped, her skirt fluttering like a rainbow in the sky, shimmering with seven colors.

Hong Chen took a liking to her clothes and circled her twice. “This dress is truly beautiful. Where was it made? I want one too.”

“It was woven from the Seven-Colored Dreamscape. There is only one in all of heaven and earth.” Sanmeng shook her head. Her gaze fell on the girl’s arched brows, and she found it strange. “High Goddess Yanlai is getting married, yet you don’t seem sad.”

“She is getting married…” Hong Chen hesitated, her eyes blinking with fox-like cunning. She curled her lip and gave a disdainful smile. “If she gets married, I’ll go marry a fairy myself. It works out perfectly.”

Hmph. If Yanlai wants to get married, she’ll have to see if I agree first.

The two stood on the official road, surrounded by floating clouds and picturesque mountains. Hong Chen looked casual and unruly, while Sanmeng was breathtakingly beautiful; passersby couldn’t help but steal glances.

After looking around, Hong Chen stepped up to Sanmeng. “Why are you following the Moon Goddess?”

“I was going to Phoenix Mountain. Since I have met the Demon Venerable, I have a doubt I hope you can resolve.” Sanmeng bowed elegantly. Hong Chen felt a bit uneasy under her gaze and quickly said, “I have no time today. I’m heading back to the Demon Palace. We’ll talk another day.”

She was about to fly off when Sanmeng suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist. Hong Chen looked down at the fair, jade-like hand on her wrist. Sanmeng withdrew her hand as if she had committed a transgression, whispering, “Forgive my offense.”

Hong Chen couldn’t leave now. She sighed. “The Moon Goddess likes you. Are you not happy?”

“I only feel an emptiness in my heart, with no joy. When I see the Moon Goddess being happy, my heart feels as if it’s weighed down by a stone.” Sanmeng looked puzzled. She had known the Moon Goddess for many years and they were close confidants, but she truly could not summon any romantic joy.

If she could love, she wouldn’t have waited all these years.

Hong Chen glanced at her. “Looking for me is useless. Go find the Old Man under the Moon and ask for a red string to try.”

“Are you talking about this?” A red string lay in Sanmeng’s palm.

Without thinking, Hong Chen nodded. Suddenly, Sanmeng grabbed her hand and tied the red string to her pinky, then quickly tied the other end to her own.

The segment of the red string connected to Sanmeng suddenly vanished, while the red color on Hong Chen’s fingertip remained.

“What does it mean if half the string vanishes?” Hong Chen didn’t quite understand. Could it be that red strings also distinguished between immortals and demons?

Sanmeng lowered her eyes and remained silent for a long time. Hong Chen shook her hand, and the red string fell off, landing on the ground. Sanmeng picked up the string, lifted her head again, and looked at Hong Chen. “It is nothing. We shall meet again if destiny permits.”

Hong Chen nodded. “We will meet again very soon.”

Sanmeng left the mortal realm in a daze. Flying into the sky, she paused, then decided to head to Phoenix Mountain to see Yanlai.

Yanlai had just finished instructing the fairies and had returned to the hall to look through medical books. Sanmeng’s sudden arrival made her feel uneasy.

She stood up as Sanmeng flew to her side. Yanlai couldn’t help but freeze as Sanmeng took out half of the red string. Yanlai’s eyes trembled. “Who did you try this with?”

“Hong Chen,” Sanmeng replied, hiding nothing.

A surge of anger flickered in Yanlai’s eyes. This was entirely unexpected. Sanmeng spoke first: “You want to ask about the half that vanished, don’t you?”

“Are you willing to tell me?” Yanlai held her breath, refusing to let her emotions show before Sanmeng.

Sanmeng’s affection for Hong Chen was not exactly a secret. The Moon Goddess knew of it, and Sanmeng’s willingness to fall into the demonic path made her intentions clear as day.

Sanmeng stated: “The red string that was tied to my fingertip has disappeared.”

“You love her.” Yanlai’s breathing grew slightly heavy. She clenched her fists imperceptibly and asked, “What is your purpose in coming to me?”

“Yanlai, I want to know the truths of the past. You have investigated them, haven’t you? I ask that you tell me everything.”

“I have not cleared up the matter. You are asking the wrong person.”

“High Goddess, you love Hong Chen, yet you choose to marry the Prince. I imagine you must be planning something. I can lend you a helping hand.”

The two women locked eyes, neither willing to yield.

Yanlai said: “My affairs do not require the interference of High Immortal Sanmeng.”

“Yanlai, you are still so conceited. Do you wish to repeat the tragedies of ten thousand years ago?” Sanmeng grew angry.

Yanlai replied: “You are the Dream Goddess of the Heavenly Realm, immortal and eternal. You should not involve yourself in these matters.”

“But I want to involve myself.” Sanmeng took a step forward, shedding her usual fragile appearance. She pressed closer with every word. “Yanlai, your conceit will destroy the very foundation of Phoenix Mountain.”

“I am curious. You previously had no favorable impression of the Demon Venerable, yet after returning to the Nine Heavens, you want to get involved again. What exactly is your motive?” Yanlai stood her ground, looking Sanmeng straight in the eye.

Sanmeng spoke candidly: “Because of the red string, I realized I loved her.”

Yanlai sneered: “The one who loved her was the ‘Evil’ Sanmeng, not you.”

“Regardless of which Sanmeng it was, they are both me. I am merely facing my past. Yanlai, you have been searching for your past self, and I am pursuing mine. What have I done wrong?” Sanmeng’s tone was resolute.

Yanlai looked at the red string and said mockingly: “Half a red string caused such a great change in you?”

“The red string does not lie. High Goddess, I only wish to assist you and the Demon Venerable. Why must you refuse?” Sanmeng sighed helplessly. “I come with good intentions; why are you so resistant?”

Yanlai sat back behind her desk, playing with a brush in her hand. After a moment of silence, she replied: “I truly do not need your help.”

“Surely you aren’t actually going to marry the Prince?” Sanmeng did not believe Yanlai’s words.

Having known each other for many years, she understood Yanlai’s temperament better than anyone. Yanlai was virtuous by nature; she would not consider marrying the Prince without a compelling reason. Furthermore, the Prince was not as gentle as the rumors suggested.

She urged fervently: “You could marry anyone else, but the Prince is the one you must not.”

“The wedding date is set. High Immortal, do not overthink it. Please return.” Yanlai did not wish to discuss it further.

“Yanlai, I could fall into the demonic path once; I can do it a second time,” Sanmeng said calmly, her expression full of pity. “I hope you are not blinded by hatred.”

Yanlai leaned against the back of her chair, her face showing no emotion. “Sanmeng, you were originally without desires or needs. Why meddle in this right and wrong?”

“I don’t understand why I am participating either. To be immortal and eternal, alone for tens of thousands of years, is far too lonely.” Sanmeng lowered her eyes, her gaze darkening. “You have lived ten thousand years of solitude. After being with Hong Chen, are you truly willing to give her up?”

Yanlai remained silent, her hands tightening over her knees. Sanmeng closed her eyes and sighed softly: “I was living in a daze, being deceived by others. A red string made me understand my own heart. Others might lie to me, but it will not. Perhaps the Demon Venerable is hateful, but I loved her. I feel I should do something for my past, otherwise, it is simply too lonely.”

Yanlai was speechless. In the Immortal Realm, Sanmeng was the most unique goddess: immortal, eternal, and embodying both good and evil. Ordinary immortals dared not approach her.

Over time, it became lonely at the top.

Understanding Sanmeng’s meaning, Yanlai pursed her lips and pondered before saying: “Fine, I agree. I do not want to do much; I only wish to take back the Prince’s bone-root.”

“Won’t that throw the world into chaos?” Sanmeng frowned.

Yanlai smiled: “So what if there is chaos? I am merely reclaiming something that does not belong to him. The Heavenly Emperor claims the Prince’s root was never swapped; I will take it and show all the immortals of the realm whether it was or not.”

Sanmeng was shaken, unable to speak for a long while.

Yanguang had investigated the demon soldiers’ attacks on cultivators thoroughly, even uncovering the culprit behind the scenes. Hong Chen wasted no time. She grabbed the culprit and flew straight to the Nine Heavens.

The Demon Venerable arrived in person, wearing a demonic mask and a vibrant red dress, her hair slightly curled. The guards at the Southern Heaven Gate were frightened out of their wits.

Hong Chen carried the culprit straight through the gate. Heavenly soldiers swarmed toward her, but she threw the person onto the ground. “Take a look. Who is this?”

The guards retreated. After catching a glimpse, they swallowed hard. “It is Star Sovereign Xing Yao.”

“Whatever internal strife you immortals play is your own business, but do not drag my Demon Realm into it.” With one move, Hong Chen repelled the heavenly soldiers and flew toward the Xuantian Hall, stepping over their fallen bodies.

Outside the hall, the Heavenly Emperor arrived with a host of immortals. Hong Chen stood on the steps, her sleeves fluttering, her aura peerless.

The Heavenly Emperor roared: “Demon Venerable, what are you doing?”

“Your Star Sovereign Xing Yao disguised himself as a demon soldier to attack cultivators and frame my Demon Realm. Heavenly Emperor, don’t you owe me an explanation? If this is not handled well, I wouldn’t mind leading my demon army to march upon your Nine Heavens.” Hong Chen scanned the crowd of immortals.

The Heavenly Emperor fell silent, his expression grim.

At that moment, as Star Sovereign Xing Yao scrambled up from the ground, a sword flew through the air and pierced his heart.

The immortals retreated several steps in shock. Hong Chen said leisurely: “Killing to silence the witness, I see.”