Chapter 2, The Red Phoenix

The Wisteria Fairy, seeing that the two children were quite charming, pulled them over to ask various questions. The girl named Xueyan mentioned that she had been personally taught by the Deity of Fortune and could also perform divination. She then brought me over to join the fun, saying that she wanted to calculate our fortunes for this period.

"It doesn't matter." I also took off the low-hanging wooden hairpin and went to bed to rest

"Could it be that you still cannot forget what happened back then?" asked the Wisteria Fairy with a smile

The Peach Blossom Fairy scolded while cleaning the stains on her skirt: "Stop your petty talk. During the last birthday celebration of the Heavenly Emperor, Marshal Tianpeng's eyes were constantly glancing at you. Could it be that your red thread of fate is meant for him?"

Subsequently, a pair of twins, resembling snowballs, approached, both impeccably dressed. The boy presented a platter of healing treasures to the Heavenly Consort, while the girl offered four rare pearls to the four fairies of fruits, herbs, flowers, and trees, conveying the host's apologies: "The Fairy of Adversity has been tasked with organizing the heavenly secrets and cannot attend this grand gathering to drink together, I hope all sisters will understand."

Affairs harm people

I hurriedly concealed my thoughts, set down the broom in my hand, and stepped forward to apologize, saying: "Fairy of the Wisteria, it is my fault, A Yao mistakenly took the Hundred Flowers Banquet for tomorrow."

White petals gently fall, and my heart aches faintly once more. I cannot help but grip the broom in my hand a little tighter, unwilling to gaze upon the scene before me

I advocate for asceticism and self-cultivation, spending my days in solitude at the Solitude Mountain to relieve my worries. I believe in simplicity in all matters, and my dwelling is modest. Although my house is small, it still has two guest rooms that can accommodate one or two visitors. However, the fairy of the wisteria insists on occupying my bed, while her two young attendants, accustomed to a comfortable life in the heavenly realm, feel quite wronged to be stuck on a simple hard bed, secretly furrowing their brows several times. I pretend not to notice. And her two young attendants, accustomed to a comfortable life in the heavenly realm, feel quite wronged to be stuck on a simple hard bed, secretly furrowing their brows several times. I pretend not to notice.

This is the excuse I often use to deflect others when I cannot think of a reason to argue back

The days of joy when he played the flute in the pear tree and I played the zheng beneath it, the two of us, master and disciple, relying on each other for life, still linger in my dreams

"Pfft—I'm just kidding you. I'm only afraid you might miscalculate the time again. I came to play a few games of chess with you, so we can attend the Hundred Flowers Banquet together tomorrow. You really believe everything you hear; you are such a simpleton," said the Wisteria Fairy, holding her belly and playfully poking my forehead. After finally stopping her laughter, she looked around and frowned, saying, "Your place is still the same as before, so simple that there isn't even a maid or a young boy to sweep the floor and keep watch. It's so desolate that it almost lacks any human warmth."

The next day, at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, many fairies, who usually had little interaction with me, became much more affectionate, pulling my hands and calling me sister and younger sister incessantly, occasionally toasting and joking. However, the Heavenly Consort sat gracefully on the high platform, accompanied by the two fairies of Hundred Flowers and Hundred Fruits. Her expression remained calm and indifferent, showing no signs of anxiety over her son, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without any reservations.

The character of love can cause great harm. Upon seeing his description, I could not help but let out a long sigh. I took the medicinal liquid brewed from various precious herbs from the Heavenly Consort, then transformed my ten fingers into countless silver threads. After dyeing them with the medicine, I used my magical powers to seek out the fragments of souls, meticulously repairing every damaged part.

Upon witnessing this scene, I could only respond haphazardly, while the Wisteria Fairy beside me could not help but chuckle with delight

His clear and melodious voice seems to still linger in my ears

In the end, he left on that night when the unripe pears were just beginning to form, leaving behind few reasons and explanations. I felt like a solitary sail in the middle of the ocean, suddenly stripped of its anchor, drifting aimlessly, unable to find where the shore lay.

On the mountain of solace, spring arrives once more. I stand in the pear orchard he planted years ago, holding a broom, resting my chin on my hand, sighing deeply. Looking up, I see the sunlight filtering through the thin mist, the pear blossoms covering the trees like snow, piled upon the branches. In a daze, I can still glimpse his figure among the trees, dressed in white, with a simple wooden hairpin, wearing a wide robe with long sleeves, his smile gentle and unparalleled.

"Foolish Ah Yao, do not always be so selfless; at least take this opportunity to exchange for something good with the Heavenly Consort. I have heard that the glazed colorful cloud garments she makes are exquisite, or perhaps you could seek the golden elixir of the Supreme Immortal... You shouldn't be so stingy with the little fairy either; after all, we have been friends for many years. I can offer you flower brew or myriad flower cakes in exchange." The Vine Flower Fairy continued to urge.

The Honorable Yuanqing, the second son of the Heavenly Emperor, is the God of War in the celestial realm. He fell in love with a little flower fairy in the mortal world and insisted that he would marry no one but her. However, that flower fairy was born in the Demon Realm and was the forbidden treasure of the Lord of the Underworld. Yuanqing sought to rescue her from her suffering, which triggered a war between the heavens and demons, but unexpectedly, he was defeated and lost a significant portion of his soul, leaving him unable to awaken to this day

I knew that his soul had been restored, and his consciousness was just beginning to awaken. He mistook me for someone else and hurriedly stepped back. His hand felt like a scorching iron hoop, gripping tightly without letting go, causing pain to my wrist bones. After several attempts of exertion, I finally managed to break free

The Wisteria Fairy said: "I believe that even if someone resides on the Worry-Free Peak, Fairy Yuyao will not be swayed."

Every day at the moment of awakening from dreams, only the pear blossoms in full bloom on the Mountain of Solace remain in solitude

I am eager to escape from those bastards at the banquet, it is deservedly so

I unreservedly reject: "Today I learned that you have been thinking about the Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy every day, to the extent that you can see exactly where his eyes are looking."

The Heavenly Consort examined the medicinal herbs, nodded slightly, waved her hand to dismiss them, and granted them a drink

The Heavenly Consort said: "Fairy Yuyao, this palace's wayward child has been poorly disciplined, recklessly mobilizing the heavenly soldiers and trespassing into the demon realm. As a result, he returned defeated, and his father was enraged, ordering eighty lashes and sending him to a desolate island for a thousand years of reflection. However, that child has yet to awaken from his severe injuries. The Medical Immortal has examined him and stated that he is missing two of his souls from the three souls and seven spirits. I have come to ask for your assistance in helping him awaken so that he can be sent to his father to receive his punishment."

Xueyan paused for a moment, then suddenly clasped her hands and said: "Congratulations, Fairy Yuyiao, on the stirring of the Red Luan Star."

I sprayed a mouthful of wine all over the skirt of the Peach Blossom Fairy

We were about to take our leave when a maid entered the hall, presenting a fan and saying aloud: "This was sent by the Wisteria Fairy. She instructed me to convey to the fairy that this forgetfulness and confusion is truly unacceptable, and that you should quickly find a disciple to assist you."

I found myself falling into her trap again. If I say no, it indicates that I will be swayed. If I accept her offer, I will surely face continuous troubles. Thus, I lowered my head to contemplate a polite refusal.

The Wisteria Fairy unexpectedly took the initiative: "Since this is the case, I shall take charge and send two attendants to A Yao, to demonstrate her determination to the other fairies"

The spirit of the Lord Yuan Qing had not fully recovered; he glanced around and fell into a deep sleep once again

"How can a person of the way tell a lie?" I shook my head, feeling both amused and exasperated by this friend who loves to tease. I could not take it to heart, so I had to personally pour some light wine. "The little immortal prefers simplicity and tranquility, and is inherently lazy, disliking the presence of others to serve her."

The Wisteria Fairy laughed so hard that she could hardly catch her breath: "You are so excited about the movement of the Red Luan Star. Quickly tell me which deity has won your favor?"

He once joked, "A Yao, if you can't get married, won't I have to support you for a lifetime? Don't make a fuss! Don't make a fuss! I will find a husband for you to support!"

This year's honey from the hundred flowers seems particularly potent; even before the butterflies and bees, the fairies have already begun to feel intoxicated, sitting together and speaking with much more abandon.

Her temperament is extremely straightforward and decisive, while mine is always like lukewarm water that won't boil. It is not easy for the two of us to become friends. I do not care much about winning or losing in this game, but I do enjoy the honey brew and sweet dew wine she brings. While she is fully focused on the battle, I indulge in eating and drinking, finding great pleasure in it.

I responded softly

I coughed for a while and shook my head, arguing: "I have lived alone on the Mountain of Solitude for over a thousand years, and usually have very few visitors. How could there be any matters of romance? This divination must have mistakenly attributed the fate of the Vine Flower Fairy to me"

Naturally, I interfaced.

After playing until late at night, the Wisteria Fairy decided to stay and rest

"The master is ultimately the master; what the master does has nothing to do with the disciple?" I replied swiftly

After a brief rest, the Heavenly Consort adjusted her demeanor, personally expressed her gratitude to me, and instructed her attendants to escort me back to my residence

That day, Marshal Tianpeng teased Chang'e, having long since descended to the mortal realm as a pig, which caused another round of hearty laughter among the immortals

Before the words had left my lips, a graceful beauty clad in a purple gauze dress approached with large strides, accompanied by two young attendants carrying food boxes, looking at me with a beaming smile

I am aware that eight thousand years ago, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, Princess Qionghua, accidentally overturned the red thread at the Moon Elder's place, resulting in chaos in the world's marriages. This involved numerous celestial beings from the heavenly realm, leading to a flurry of peach blossoms and entangled fates everywhere. Initially, the Heavenly Emperor tried to manage the situation, but the more he tried to sort it out, the more chaotic it became, so he eventually let it be.

The vine flower fairy glanced at the wine cup, then at me, and finally set down the cup, quietly complaining: "You stingy person, can you at least get me a glass of plain water?"

The multitude of immortals immediately concurred, nodding in agreement

The Peach Blossom Fairy fell silent, and the Apricot Blossom Fairy, who was on good terms with her, immediately spoke up: "You reside on the Worry-Free Peak, without even a servant or disciple, so isolated from the world, it is naturally easy to practice abstinence and cultivate oneself"

My primordial spirit has been greatly depleted. I feel dizzy and almost unable to stand, as if my head is spinning. Fortunately, a few maidservants around me were quick-witted and came forward to support me, preventing me from falling to the ground.

With a light snap of my fingers, the candle flame in front of the diamond-shaped mirror suddenly extinguished. The fairy of the vine flowers murmured, "You should have two maidservants working here." As she fell asleep, she didn't know that I still held onto that small wish that I never gave up on - if my master suddenly returned one day, we can make it and live the days of the past on the Peak of Solace where the scenery remains unchanged.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the door: "The messenger from the Deity of Misfortune has arrived."

Ah, you foolish person, always saying that saving others is your duty, always willing to help. Each time you replenish your soul and cultivate, it consumes a lot. Until now, your power has not advanced any further. This time, Yuan Qingtianjun's injuries are very severe, I'm afraid it will cost you two hundred years of cultivation.

The blue curtain was drawn down, and the Wisteria Fairy untied the eight-treasure hairpin from her temples, suddenly asking: "Do you know about the Lord of the Primordial Blue Sky?"

He once complained, "A Yao, how did I see potential in you back then?"

Suddenly, a colorful light broke through the clouds that covered the worry peak, and the mountain suddenly became bright. The bell hanging on the eaves gently rang twice, and then the gate of Wuxin Residence opened with a creak. The joyful laughter of a woman broke the tranquility: "Fairy Yuyao, you are devoted to cultivating during the day and night, and you even refuse to attend the Hundred Flowers Banquet. It forced the Fairy of Hundred Flowers to send me to invite you, such arrogance."

The Heavenly Consort could no longer maintain her composure, rushing forward to embrace him tightly, calling out "my son" repeatedly, with tears glistening in the corners of her eyes

How many years has it been since your home's fallen flowers were swept?The vine fairy took a sip of wine and was about to speak out, but suddenly spit it out. She covered her mouth and said, "What is this? It's sour and bitter. Why isn't it the honey wine brewed with thousand-year snow lotus flowers by you?"

I smiled and acquiesced to her request, then took out the chessboard and set up the game. After repeated defeats, I continued to play, observing the contented expression of the Wisteria Fairy. I surmised that she had suffered a significant loss while playing chess with the Peach Blossom Fairy, and knowing my poor chess skills, she came to seek balance.

"Did I mention that matter about your master?" The Wisteria Fairy laughed mischievously

I say: "What are the benefits and drawbacks? I can only be average, lacking knowledge of astronomy above and geography below, only having a slight understanding of the art of soul replenishment. It is rare to have this opportunity to contribute my meager efforts, and I cannot shirk this responsibility."

The bastard master has been missing for one thousand six hundred and fifty-seven years, and in his absence, how can these flowers be tended to

"Turn off the lights and go to sleep," I commanded decisively

Within the light gauze curtains, the fragrant sandalwood smoke rises gently, while the longbow and treasured sword hang quietly on the wall, and the silver armor seems to exude a chill. Lord Yuan Qing lies on the soft couch, a stark contrast to the heroic immortal I beheld a thousand years ago. Now, his visage is withered, his breath faint as a wisp of smoke, and his cracked lips occasionally twitch, as if calling out someone's name, yet ultimately, he utters nothing. Lord Yuan Qing lies on the soft couch, a stark contrast to the heroic immortal I beheld a thousand years ago. Now, his visage is withered, his breath faint as a wisp of smoke, and his cracked lips occasionally twitch, as if calling out someone's name, yet ultimately, he utters nothing.

The Peach Blossom Fairy smiled and said, "I have heard that you remain single because you fear that the attendants and disciples will disturb your peace of mind."

I sneered and said, "Even if the world is full of hustle and bustle, I can still remain calm like water."

Unexpectedly, as the Heavenly Empress descended from the Jade Terrace, she smiled and said to me, "Forget about attendants, it's just that the Fairy Yu Yao is ranked among the top in the celestial hierarchy and still has no disciples. It doesn't look good for those below to see. You might as well find a clever and honest disciple who can be your right-hand man and help with various matters in the mansion."

I am aware that I have fallen into her circle, filled with resentment, so I turned my head to focus on my own grooming, no longer paying her any attention

This supplement will take effect until the dawn of the second day.

Yuan Qingtianjun suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed me, calling out, "Chi'er! Don't go!"

This is the eighth time I have seen you lose something" The Heavenly Consort covered her lips and smiled at me. I blushed and finally made up my mind to go to the mortal realm to take on a disciple to help, and also to provide my master with a good grand-disciple

He once denounced, "Calling your disciple 'stupid' is reserved for the master. You, this foolish immortal, what kind of thing are you? How dare you scold my well-behaved A Yao? Get lost quickly, so that I don't have to scratch my fists, and I won't hesitate to give you a few slaps on your face, which will be quite unsightly."

"Alright, don't be angry, I won't bring it up again," said the Wisteria Fairy after enduring several offenses, only speaking after I had calmed down, "Tomorrow, the Heavenly Consort will attend the Hundred Flowers Banquet, and she may come to seek you out to restore her soul and save her child. Doing a favor for the Heavenly Consort could bring you significant benefits"

Only when happy can one have joyful wine. I express my not-so-happy attitude.