Chapter 6, Qingze Immortal Pool

The celestial official, upon seeing her surprised expression, said with a hint of pride: "The Holy Water of Qingze is also known as the Washing Fairy Water, which can make one's skin delicate and smooth, how many fairies..."

It suddenly understood the true meaning of its master's act of saving her. For hundreds of years, there had been nothing but dull faces of admiration everywhere, and finally, there was someone who broke the monotony.

Dong Tianyun walked to the edge of the cliff, listening to her speak, and happened to stop right in front of Xiang Su. "Since I have already promised Qing Sui to protect her, why do you insist on pursuing her relentlessly"

"She is always by my side, how can that be considered a future trouble?" The hair of Dong Tianyun was gently swayed by the mountain breeze, and Xiang Su was very close to him, seeing his appearance clearly for the first time. It can only be said that his face matched his tone perfectly—Jin Zhan had left a significant shadow on Xiang Su, and she had deeply ingrained the belief that the more handsome a man is, the more eccentric his temperament, and the more venomous his words, as if there were no better divine beings in the entire world than him. Unexpectedly, the appearance transformed from a mere bone fragment could be so enchanting, especially his eyes, which made Xiang Su hesitant to look closely, as if they possessed a soul-capturing technique; just one glance would ensnare her, leaving her spirit disoriented. It can only be said that his face matched his tone perfectly—Jin Zhan had left a significant shadow on Xiang Su, and she had deeply ingrained the belief that the more handsome a man is, the more eccentric his temperament, and the more venomous his words, as if there were no better divine beings in the entire world than him. Unexpectedly, the appearance transformed from a mere bone fragment could be so enchanting, especially his eyes, which made Xiang Su hesitant to look closely, as if they possessed a soul-capturing technique; just one glance would ensnare her, leaving her spirit disoriented.

Dong Tianyun seemed displeased with her desire to call him by his name directly. At that moment, her ears became quite sensitive; she tilted her head, and that dark, shiny, cold, and eerie gaze swept over her in an instant, leaving Xiang Su utterly shaken. She felt just as spineless as Xiao Huai, and in a servile manner, she greeted, "Your Highness, please wait for me."

"Brother Yun, I am doing this for your own good!" Chilin stomped her foot again, "You are about to forge your sword. Not to mention the Demon Emperor is stirring, I see that the Heavenly Emperor... In any case, we must not leave any potential troubles behind!"

The immortal official looked at Xiang Su with difficulty

He glanced at the surroundings and leisurely instructed Kunpeng: "Go to Qingze Prefecture"

However, Chi Lin was completely enraged, disregarding Dong Tianyun's cold expression, and insisted on continuing the argument

"Victory to the Emperor of the Universe!" The celestial official's voice trembled as he knelt down.

Dong Tianyun ignored her and did not signal Kunpeng to take off. Xiang Su nimbly climbed onto Kunpeng's back, and she distinctly felt Kunpeng tremble slightly. Was it because she had accidentally pulled out one of its feathers last time? Kunpeng's feathers were dense and orderly, and the absence of even one was quite noticeable. Feeling apologetic, Xiang Su touched the spot and silently said sorry in her heart. Perhaps Kunpeng sensed it, as it suddenly flapped its wings and soared into the sky, letting out a long, mournful cry. Xiang Su was startled and nearly fell off; this time, she dared not tug at Kunpeng's feathers again, as they were not sturdy. With a casual grab, she caught hold of a shimmering golden strap, and her new lord was quite accommodating, quickly grabbing the other end of the strap, allowing her to safely navigate the danger.

Dong Tianyun furrowed his brow, and as he raised his hand, he was already holding a jade gourd, asking: "Is this enough?"

Are you really going to keep her by your side? ! '' Chilin completely lost control, shouting sharply. In this state, she was quite similar to when she argued with Yinchunhua, and Xiangsu could hardly believe that this was the Fire Spirit Princess who had just ridden the phoenix, looking down upon all the immortals.

Although Kunpeng harbored resentment towards Xiang Su for plucking one of its feathers, it could not help but glance at her. It had been many years since it had encountered someone so foolish, so easily extinguished, and it felt a hint of boredom. Unexpectedly, the gardenia tree, which had originally stood out in the thicket, had in the blink of an eye been transformed by its master into a small tree indistinguishable from the surrounding ones. Judging by her stiff and foolish appearance, she probably had not even realized it herself.

Dong Tianyun ignored her monkey-like behavior

"As long as you intensify your training, you will naturally be able to gradually rid yourself of this burden." Dong Tianyun glanced at her, and Xiang Su felt that this was a threat, clearly implying that she should not be lazy. She lowered her head in guilt, looking at her hands. Oh, her hands had become more delicate and smooth than before, and there seemed to be a faint glow on her skin.

Xiang Su heard a very strange "gulu gulu" sound, as if it was coming from within her body. She listened carefully, but it seemed to have disappeared.

"Um... when will we arrive?" She returned to her senses and said bluntly, "I haven't had a sip of water since I turned into a human."

Dong Tianyun glanced back at her, who was drenched, and with a wave of his sleeve, Xiang Su felt a warm breeze blowing towards her. Her wet hair was blown apart and, as it lightly settled back onto her back, it was already dry and comfortable. Her clothes also dried up due to the water-repelling technique, becoming quite ethereal.

The Kunpeng obeyed the command and descended rapidly, with Qingze Mansion not far ahead. Xiang Su could not sit still, recalling the previous incident with Dongtian Cloud, he took precautions against her pulling his belt again and simply reached out to grasp her arm

Chilin jumped down from the phoenix, her garments fluttering gracefully as she landed. "Brother Yun!" she exclaimed in a playful tone, stamping her foot in a petulant manner.

The Kunpeng gently landed on the mountaintop, while the clouds in the eastern sky remained still on its back

Wait!" she shouted, stumbling as she regained her human form, fearing that she would not be able to keep up, as she had experienced the swift flight of the Kunpeng.

Xiang Su has already jumped into the water with a splash; such good water should not be wasted. Moreover, it is not enough to just wash your hands; it is more worthwhile to wash your whole body.

Dong Tianyun looked at her coolly. Was she calling him to see her foolish expression?

The two guards were still in a difficult position when a managing celestial official emerged from the residence, smiling broadly as he extended his hand towards the mansion. The guard still managed to say, "This celestial pool, His Majesty instructed..." The celestial official shot him a glare, and the guard fell silent, quietly stepping aside as he watched Dong Tianyun, along with his companion and bird, arrogantly stride into the residence.

Where is that monster?" Chi Lin, feeling utterly soft, revealed a fierce expression again, her beautiful large eyes coldly scanning the surroundings.

Xiang Su had drunk her fill, yet the emptiness in her stomach did not dissipate. Back when she was still a gardenia tree, every time she felt parched, a sip of the spirit pool water would bring her comfort. But now, such exquisite celestial water could not alleviate her discomfort

The Eastern Sky Cloud feigned ignorance, not turning back, as the Kunpeng flapped its wings, its sharp claws already off the ground. "Wait for me! Eastern Sky..." If she misses this chance, where else could she go to find him?

The celestial official looked at the happily washing Xiang Su and said with great sorrow: "Lord Mingyu did not accompany you on your cloud journey, but is cultivating in the cold pool behind the mansion." Mingyu is a sacred water spirit and also the steed of the Emperor of Clear Waters, and all the celestial officials of the water spirit must respectfully address it as 'Lord'.

Chilin's face was pale, contrasting with her red attire, making her even more pitiable; unfortunately, Dong Tianyun did not even glance at her. "Fine... fine, Dong Tianyun! Even if I do not kill her, the Sanhuan Demon Gods will not spare her. At that time, do not blame me!" Chilin, after all, was accustomed to being pampered. After being met with Dong Tianyun's cold words, her temper flared, and she threw out a harsh remark, summoning the phoenix, which vanished in a dazzling flash of golden light.

"Let us go." Dong Tianyun gently urged, and the celestial official, feeling a sense of shame, regained his composure. Just now, he had been so preoccupied with his concern for the pond's water that he had failed to notice that Dong Tianyun had brought with her an exceptionally beautiful young woman. At least, in the past few hundred years, none of the celestial maidens seeking the holy water had been as strikingly handsome as she.

Dong Tianyun had also strolled to the edge of the pond, looking down at Xiang Su, who was kneeling on the ground with a puzzled expression.

Xiang Su nodded blankly, so it was like this...

Xiang Su also caught sight of Dong Tianyun turning around, climbing ashore with great perceptiveness, "Are you leaving?" She felt satisfied after her wash and followed the new monarch with a beaming smile

Xiang Su felt very nervous, striving to blend into the surrounding lush greenery

Xiang Su shuddered again, this time she was truly risking her life to get goosebumps! She thought "Dong Tian" was disgusting enough, but she didn't expect there was also "Brother Yun"! She must escape from these two, otherwise, even if she is not killed, she will be bored to death!

Ah?! The celestial official was already dumbfounded, taking a bath in the lower pool...! That is a treatment only the Empress of the Heavenly Emperor is entitled to! He originally wanted to ask Dong Tianyun to take care of it, but unexpectedly, Dong Tianyun asked him with a face full of nonchalance, "Has the dark fish followed Qingze out of the residence?"

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..." She hesitantly spoke, suddenly pondering a question: as a Wood Spirit, she had acknowledged the Golden Emperor as her master, so which realm did she truly belong to?

Dong Tianyun's eyes seemed to be looking at them, yet it was clear that they were not regarded at all. Indifferently and lazily, he said: "But what does using your Qingze Pool have to do with whether he is here or not?"

At that time, saving her was a gesture of apology towards Lingze Mountain and Qing Sui. Dong Tianyun glanced at the motionless sapling among the branches and leaves; compared to the other trees swaying gently in the wind, it was indeed quite prominent. Fortunately, Chi Lin was currently in a furious rage and did not notice. "Naturally, I wanted to... spare her life"

No! No! The celestial official was almost in tears, as the Eastern Heavenly Cloud led people to attack their door. They were unable to resist, and how could they explain this to the sovereign? However, with everything being taken away, he had no way to account for it!

"Hmm, I have something to discuss with it." Dong Tianyun turned around, gestured with his chin, indicating for the celestial official to lead the way

"My affairs, when did it become your place to decide? Just now, in front of Qing Sui, it was merely to give your father a bit of face. You should return to the Yinghuo Mansion now." When Dong Tianyun said this, there was even a hint of disdainful smile at the corner of his mouth. Xiang Su felt a bit sorry for Chi Lin; what a pity for a daughter of the Emperor to have found such a husband, speaking so unfeelingly.

She found herself with some leisure time and examined the life-saving strap closely. The craftsmanship was quite good, and the patterns on it were embroidered with shiny fine threads that she did not recognize. She looked up along the strap, and her new lord, as usual, wore an expressionless face, but the veins at his temples throbbed slightly. With a casual flick of his hand, the strap flew from her grasp, fluttering in the wind and landing against his robe. ... Xiang Su saw clearly that the strap had floated out from the side slit of his robe. His robe ... was even more magnificent and beautiful than the strap. Sister Qing Sui's brocade dress was already stunning, but she did not expect that a man's clothing could be so ostentatious. Her attention was completely diverted elsewhere.

Dong Tianyun raised her eyebrows slightly; just now, her stomach growled, and he heard it quite clearly. Therefore, when she complained about not having a sip of water, it perhaps did not merely mean that she was thirsty in the usual sense.

Xiang Su let out a sigh of relief. The clearest sentence she had just heard was Dong Tianyun saying he would spare her life. Dong Tianyun had seized a valuable treasure, which everyone coveted, and as for her, she was the most unfortunate "perceiver." Rather than being hunted down by various villains and acting as a hunting dog to find Dong Tianyun, it was better to endure his eccentric temperament and follow him as a helper. Just as she had figured out the calculations, she saw Dong Tianyun gracefully mount the Kunpeng.

Transforming into a human form brings with it the burdens of humanity. You are no longer merely a tree; simply drinking water cannot alleviate the burdens of being human, such as hunger, thirst, and the urgent needs of nature.

The Kunpeng suddenly flew joyfully, having had its feathers plucked, while its master nearly had his pants stripped off; in comparison, it found balance.

When the Kunpeng landed, Xiang Su felt the most impressive, and the new monarch's posture while descending from the bird was also the most proud and visually appealing. She imitated the appearance of the Eastern Sky Cloud, holding her chin up and jumping down from the Kunpeng's back with an air of superiority. However, compared to the elegant leg-lifting descent of the monarch, her height was insufficient to execute such a grand gesture.

She noticed that the celestial official was staring at her directly; when she looked back, he blushed, as if it were the first time a little locust tree had seen her

Dong Tianyun slowly descended from the back of the Kunpeng, ignoring the Fire Realm Princess's coquetry

The Qingze Pool is the Sacred Pool of Water Spirits. Before the monarch's departure, he instructed that it be strictly guarded. It is exceedingly difficult for any celestial or demonic beings within the Three Realms to obtain even a drop of the sacred water. However, this particular Emperor of the Victory Realm... is undoubtedly an exception. The guard secretly sighed; given this Emperor's temperament, if he is not stopped, he will enter smoothly, but if he is obstructed, it will result in a chaotic scene before he eventually gets in. This loss can be considered a freebie. Even the Heavenly Emperor would never reprimand the Emperor of the Victory Realm for such trivial matters.

"Wait a moment!" Xiang Su seemed to recall something and called out, looking around. It was truly remarkable that she could still manage to show an embarrassed expression as she said to Dong Tianyun, "Your Majesty, please transform something into a water container for me; I would like to take some of this water to Xiao Huai." Isn't this exactly what Xiao Huai has been yearning for?

Xiang Su followed Dong Tianyun for a while, winding around a small valley. Amidst a cluster of flowering trees, there was a celestial pond shrouded in mist. Xiang Su inhaled deeply; the fragrance of the water was even better than that of Lingze Mountain, likely considered a rare delicacy in the world. She felt quite uncomfortable and, disregarding the guiding celestial official and Dong Tianyun, quickened her pace to the edge of the pond and scooped up a handful of water to drink.

"If there is anything, let Qingze find me," said Dong Tianyun, his expression darkening. He did not have the courage to voice the words of the immortal official, and he looked at Xiangsu, who was filling a gourd to the brim, with a heart full of pain.

The call of the phoenix sounded not far away, startling Xiang Su greatly, causing the branches and leaves to tremble slightly and produce a rustling sound. She quickly straightened the branch, determined not to make any more noise, knowing that Chi Lin would not easily let the matter rest.

The Kunpeng disdainfully turned its head aside, feeling that the mist flowing over the mountain peak was far superior to witnessing this clumsy transformation. Is this truly a transformation? Among a row of poplar and willow trees, there stands a single gardenia tree, which has completely revealed its true form! It is about to shed tears for its master, having given a drop of its spiritual blood; this is indeed a tragic mistake that transcends the three realms!

Ignoring the pain, she needed to conceal herself immediately! Her transformation technique was ineffective, and she could only transform into something she was skilled at—a tree. Fortunately, this mountain was lush with trees, and she hid behind a row of them, feeling that her disguise was flawless

The guard of Qingze Mansion approached respectfully, cupping his fists in greeting. Apologetically, he said: "Your Majesty, the Emperor Shenghuan, please forgive us; our sovereign is traveling abroad and is not in the mansion."

Xiang Su smiled gratefully at him, occasionally the new ruler also showed kindness... Truly admirable, like being glued to the back of a Kunpeng, no matter how it flies, he remains completely still... Perhaps as she has just taken human form and has seen too little, she also realized that her thoughts often drifted in inexplicable directions

Xiang Su was very nervous, staring at the terrain beneath the wings of the Kunpeng, ready to jump and escape at any moment. She simply could not understand how Her Majesty's sister could stand by and do nothing! Although Dong Tianyun superficially claimed to want her to do menial tasks, he might actually be planning to take her to a deserted place and quietly kill her. Even if he did not want to kill anyone right now, given his character, one could never know what might provoke his anger again, and it would still end in death. The most critical issue was that he had a wife like Chi Lin; how could she expect to have a good life while mingling with them? Ahead, a mountain peak was shrouded in thick clouds, and the Kunpeng slowed down. Xiang Su gritted her teeth; this was a fleeting opportunity, so she decided to jump down! She was still not proficient in the incantation for riding clouds, and as she fell rapidly from the back of the Kunpeng, she was filled with trepidation. Just before she nearly crashed to the ground, she desperately summoned a thin wisp of cloud, which could barely catch her, only managing to cushion her fall slightly. She passed through the clouds and landed on the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Xiang Su walked over, cupped the gourd in both hands and weighed it, thinking that if one were to conserve a bit, it would be sufficient for bathing, and thus nodded in satisfaction

The celestial official's expression was peculiar, and Dong Tianyun glanced at him with raised eyes; he fell silent once more