I Got Together with the Goddess [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 81

Bound by Thousands of Threads of Affection

When Jiang Yiqing woke up, Wanqi Yanjing had already transformed into her form with white hair and red pupils. She was staring at Jiang Yiqing with great interest, leaving Jiang Yiqing momentarily dazed and confused, staring back at her blankly.

“You certainly lead a carefree life, my concubine. You are clearly my wife, so why did you marry someone else?”

“Isn’t that person just you?” Jiang Yiqing said with a forced laugh. “Stop messing around, Wanqi Yanjing. Your consciousnesses are clearly shared; it’s useless for you to act up like this.”

“But I am a demon. Watching myself prepare a bridal veil for someone else… how can I swallow this resentment?”

Jiang Yiqing fell into silence. Before she had fallen asleep, she heard Wanqi Yanjing tell her to be a bit more patient with her demonized self. Wanqi Yanjing had said that the Phoenix Palace nurtured the primordial True Qi of Fire, which would be greatly beneficial for repairing her Phoenix Elixir. Once she suppressed all the demonic energy, this form would never appear again.

“She is me, and she loves you just as I love you, Yiqing. So do not be afraid of her; when she is alone, she secretly weeps.”

Jiang Yiqing found it difficult to associate the arrogant figure before her with the little demoness who supposedly cried in secret. However, Wanqi Yanjing was right—this persona would eventually vanish, so she needed to have a little more patience.

“Why are you silent?” Wanqi Yanjing stepped forward somewhat uneasily, feigning nonchalance as she toyed with a lock of Jiang Yiqing’s hair.

Jiang Yiqing made up her mind and asked, “Then what do you want?”

Wanqi Yanjing looked at a bronze mirror standing before them and said, “I have prepared this ritual implement for a long time but have never used it. If my concubine can grant my wish, I can forgive you this once.”

“…” If it had been before, Jiang Yiqing would have scolded her, but based on what the other Wanqi Yanjing had said, it meant she was close to succeeding. She wondered if this demon also sensed that their parting was near, which prompted such an outrageous request.

“I promise you.”

“Really?” Wanqi Yanjing looked startled. Even with her warped logic, she likely hadn’t expected Jiang Yiqing to agree.

Jiang Yiqing said, “Really.”

It’s just a bit of ‘dark room play,’ after all. Nothing to be afraid of.

“It seems my concubine has finally realized my virtues and has been honest for once. I am very satisfied.” Wanqi Yanjing revealed a contented smile.

Her mood was so excellent that black Equinox Flowers (Manjusaka), unique to the Demonic Realm, began to grow within the bed curtains. Those black filaments decorated the bronze mirror, and the phoenix flower mark atop her forehead pulsed with a brilliant light.

Jiang Yiqing asked curiously, “What’s happening with the pattern on your forehead?”

Wanqi Yanjing replied, “This is something that manifests when spiritual power is at its peak. You can interpret it as—I am very happy.”

“Actually, it looks quite beautiful,” Jiang Yiqing said.

The demon, who had intended to start a relentless bout of “mischief” the moment Jiang Yiqing agreed, now asked with concern, “How is your cultivation of that book progressing?”

“I’ve learned about half of it, but there are still many parts I don’t quite understand,” Jiang Yiqing replied.

“Don’t worry about the rest for now. First, learn the ‘Immortal-Demon Union Art’ that I taught you,” Wanqi Yanjing said. “Start right now, in front of the bronze mirror. Learn it well, do you understand?”

“…”

“You promised me, didn’t you? Say—’okay’.” Wanqi Yanjing stood behind her, looking at Jiang Yiqing’s reflection in the bronze mirror. She lifted Jiang Yiqing’s long hair from behind, placed a kiss near her ear, and then let that kiss trail down her neck to her shoulder.

Jiang Yiqing’s body began to tremble slightly as she whispered, “Okay.”

“I originally intended to use Wanqi Yanjing’s hand to humble my third sister’s arrogance, but I didn’t expect them to actually become in-laws.” Jiang Yuning watched the harmonious flight of the Luan and Phoenix in the sky. Hearing the sounds of singing and laughter coming from the Feather-Tail Hills, combined with Jiang Yuxiu’s hurried travels, she deduced what had happened.

“Eldest Imperial Daughter, since the Third Imperial Daughter and Princess Anxu have made such a decision, it must be that Wanqi Yanjing has extraordinary qualities. Using this to mend ties with the Kingdom of Qin is also a wonderful thing for the people of the world,” Qiyun said softly.

However, a startling obsession flickered in Jiang Yuning’s eyes: “There has been a century of war between our Kingdom of Zhai and the Kingdom of Qin. How can things be mended so easily? I intended to use Jiang Yiqing to slay that Tyrant Phoenix; I never expected her to escape this calamity!”

“Fortunately, the Heteromorphic Bone Langhua Pendant is still in my hands. On the day the Yin Souls emerge, I will certainly make Wanqi Yanjing pay a heavy price!”

Qiyun frowned and asked, “Eldest Imperial Daughter, is this action driven by a personal grudge against the Third Imperial Daughter, or is it truly for the good of the people of Zhai?”

“You…” The Eldest Imperial Daughter looked at her with displeasure. “Qiyun, I have always treated you well, and the elders of the Langhuan Immortal Manor hold me in high regard. I always thought you were on my side. Once I ascend the throne, you can replace that Jiang Xian as the National Preceptor. Do not disappoint me.”

Qiyun lowered her eyes, masking her expression. “I only hope the Eldest Imperial Daughter can truly bring prosperity to the people of Zhai. Beyond that, I seek nothing, let alone the position of National Preceptor.”

As they were talking, someone outside announced, “The Third Imperial Daughter has an item to present to Your Highness.”

“Enter.”

Jiang Yuning sat on a sandalwood chair and smiled. “I wonder what my arch-rival has brought for me.”

Qiyun was also surprised. After all, ever since Jiang Yuning led the bullying of Princess Anxu in the palace during their childhood, the sisters had completely broken off relations. They didn’t even exchange greetings on birthdays or festivals, a situation that gave the Emperor a headache. It was a life-and-death rivalry; she hadn’t expected someone with Jiang Yuxiu’s temperament to offer a gesture of submission.

The servant presented the wooden box sent by Jiang Yuxiu. When Jiang Yuning opened it, she saw a bundle of chaste tree twigs (jingjie) inside. Her face instantly changed color, and she shoved the box onto the floor, shouting, “She is truly audacious!”

Qiyun noticed a note at the bottom of the box and picked it up. She said, “Eldest Imperial Daughter, do not misunderstand the Third Imperial Daughter’s meaning. She says her departure is imminent and she didn’t have time to apologize in person. Upon her return to court, she will definitely ‘carry the thorns and plead for punishment’ (fujing qingzui).”

“Plead for punishment? Does she even know what she did wrong?” Jiang Yuning asked.

“She says that Zhai and Qin are currently at odds, and Princess Anxu’s marriage to Qin will surely damage the national prestige. For this, she will achieve military merits to increase Zhai’s influence among the four nations. Furthermore, due to her connection with Wanqi Yanjing, she is willing to automatically withdraw from the competition for the throne to prevent Zhai from internal division. Her words are sincere and well-intentioned. Eldest Imperial Daughter, look for yourself.” Qiyun handed the note to Jiang Yuning.

Qiyun hadn’t expected Jiang Yuxiu to be a woman of such magnanimity. Her love for her younger sister was incredibly pure. Princess Anxu was truly blessed; although she lost her parents at a young age, her elder sister’s protection was enough to overcome all hardships.

“I think she’s just trying to make me lower my guard so she and Wanqi Yanjing can plot against me together!”

The Kingdom of Zhai had not yet established a Crown Princess. Empress Jiang Xinchao did not forbid the imperial daughters from discussing the future succession and was happy to see them compete. The most promising candidates were the Eldest and Third Imperial Daughters. If the Third Imperial Daughter truly withdrew, the Eldest would be the future ruler of Zhai.

“Eldest Imperial Daughter, you are being… a bit biased,” Qiyun said. “Regarding the Heteromorphic Bone Langhua Pendant, Wanqi Yanjing was rude first, but Princess Anxu has also sacrificed much for Zhai. Why not return the pendant as a gesture of care for the Third Imperial Daughter and Princess Anxu?”

“Preposterous!” The Eldest Imperial Daughter’s eyes burned with fury. Looking at the note, she found it impossible to believe.

However, because of this turn of events, her plan to release the Yin Souls within the pendant was temporarily delayed.

That night.

The Yin Soul imprisoned within the golden pillar suddenly underwent a strange change. One of the most sinister spirits gradually condensed into a human form. Just as it tried to seize the power of the Qin ancestors from the Heteromorphic Bone Langhua Pendant, the jade pendant flashed with brilliant light and suddenly broke free from the golden pillar’s confinement.

Thousands of threads of affection suddenly had no place to rest and began to drift into the distance.

Seeing this, Wanqi Yanjing immediately used the “Web of Weaving Dreams” to gather the threads.

“My Web of Weaving Dreams can only trap these threads for a short while. Without the pendant as a container, where should these threads go?” Wanqi Yanjing said.

Jiang Yiqing woke up from her deep sleep upon hearing the voice. Although she was still inexperienced with the “Golden Chamber Divine Needles,” she utilized them. Holding a golden needle, she said, “Let the threads of affection be entrusted to my body; I will use this needle to guide them.”

“My concubine, how can you withstand this?” Wanqi Yanjing was extremely anxious.

“It’s alright. I am the descendant of the Sacred Wood. The thousands of threads of affection of the Phoenix Clan should have been my responsibility to begin with.”

Because of the dream she had, Jiang Yiqing felt somewhat confident that she could accomplish this. Moreover, after being nurtured by these threads, she would be able to grow rapidly into a new Sacred Wood.

In her panic, Wanqi Yanjing manifested in her original form, which had not yet fully recovered. “Yiqing, this move is too risky. We must deliberate further.”

“There isn’t much time left,” Jiang Yiqing said. “I have a premonition that something big is about to happen.”

Wanqi Yanjing also observed the red clouds moving in the sky and the black mist shrouding the Zhai Imperial Palace. It was likely that the Yin Souls were about to emerge. While the two were hesitating, a strand of affection escaped from the Web of Dreams.

“Not good! It’s the thread of affection belonging to the ancestor Wanqi Sanyan!” Wanqi Yanjing cried out.

Ignoring everything else, Jiang Yiqing used the Golden Chamber Divine Needles to guide the threads into her spiritual platform. Once all the threads were woven in, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Wanqi Yanjing stayed by her side, guarding her quietly, and did not go after the escaped thread.

Above the nine heavens, beside the Phoenix Terrace, a vibrant green sprout peeked out of the ground.

In her dream, Jiang Yiqing saw a woman whose aura was remarkably similar to Wanqi Yanjing’s, yet whose attire belonged to a different era. The woman looked at her and said, “You have returned.”

“I… Is this my place of belonging?” Jiang Yiqing asked. Wasn’t this the destiny of the original Jiang Yiqing?

“Indeed. The world that was thrown into chaos has now returned to its original path.” The woman turned her back and began walking forward.

“Senior, who are you?” Jiang Yiqing chased after her and asked.

The woman stopped, turned around, and lightly tapped Jiang Yiqing’s forehead. “Bound by thousands of threads of affection, your spiritual platform is unstable. You must keep this Soul-Settling Lamp by your side at all times; it will help you condense your spirit.”

Jiang Yiqing didn’t understand what was happening but could only say, “Thank you, Senior.”

When she woke up, she saw a hexagonal white jade lamp placed beside her. Wanqi Yanjing was leaning against the lamp, eyes closed as she kept watch over her.

Suddenly, Jiang Yiqing felt very much at peace.