Chapter 1, Fate has its own timing

Who dares to provoke the Supreme Emperor of the Three Realms and Four Directions?

Lingze Mountain is much more appealing, having produced numerous radiant immortals over the course of thousands of years. Eight hundred years ago, it was home to the Qing Sui Emperor, who presided over the Three Realms of Wood Spirits, further enhancing its reputation. According to legends of the Three Realms: every blade of grass and every tree in Lingze should not be underestimated, for who knows what astonishing and brilliant immortals may emerge after several hundred years.

Is the Ghost River truly a blessed land? It is difficult to say, for none who have fallen into it have ever returned. The river's spiritual energy attracts countless confident immortals and demons from both the celestial and demonic realms to venture forth, yet all have vanished without a trace after entering. Gradually, the Ghost River has come to be known as the "Dead River," a name that evokes a sense of dread akin to that of a ghostly underworld.

"What is fragrant? Call me Su Bing, even the elder sister of the lord says it is good." Su Bing snorted, feeling justified.

As a gardenia tree at the foot of Lingze Mountain, which should not be underestimated, the young gardenia is quite confident, even though the daffodil of the same age is on the verge of transforming into a human form

Golden Zhan: "Mirror"

Bai Zhicao could not help but cough once, and did she still think of any bad names? Su Bing and Xiao Baizi were simply of the same ilk, of course they were to her liking

Watching the Azure Age Emperor take the beautiful young man of the Water Fairy away on clouds, Su Bing smiled and said, "Once he leaves, he will return as Lord Jun, won't he"

Indeed. The Azure Youth Emperor squinted and nodded, feigning a look of helplessness, saying, "Even I chose to cultivate there."

Qing Sui seemed to be lost in thought and did not speak

Bai Zhi Cao let out a low exclamation: "It is done"

Have you made up your mind?" Baizhi Cao looked at her with compassion

Only then did Xiao Zhizi see the radiant auspicious light in the sky, more dazzling than the moonlight, as a green-clad fairy slowly descended from the clouds, landing gracefully by the spirit pool in front of her

Later, Sister Qingsui asked her why she did not like Jinzhan. Xiaozhizi replied without a second thought: Anyone who has seen Jinzhan in the mirror cannot possibly like him. The Emperor Qingsui nodded, deeply agreeing. Xiaozhizi felt that Jinzhan not becoming a husband to a lord was also a significant reason.

In the moonlight, a graceful white figure walked down the mountain path at a leisurely pace. Xiaozhi wondered why he did not fly down. Later, as he stepped out of the shadows of the trees and into the moonlight, she understood that his elegant gait was even more beautiful than descending on clouds.

The little daffodil stood up gracefully, turning her back to the Emperor Simu, and said: "From now on, call me Golden Cup."

Among the three realms and five elements, two places are universally recognized as blessed lands—Lingze Mountain and Youhe River

As for the emphasis on demeanor, Xiao Zhizi has always firmly believed in the words of Bai Zhicao, but this point is somewhat hard to accept. All the formless spirits often communicate through spiritual awareness. The Narcissus speaks little, but his words are sharp; everyone, out of respect for the Qing Sui Emperor, does not hold it against him, and he becomes increasingly excessive, constantly provoking her. It is truly puzzling what grievance exists between the Narcissus, born by the spiritual spring at the mountain's peak, and her, who grew at the foot of the mountain. Whenever he opens his mouth, no matter what he says, it always comes with a hint of mockery directed at her.

Little Zhi Zi can now look at them as calmly as Bai Zhi Cao

... ...

On the night of the full moon, many diligent fairies were busy absorbing the moonlight, while the small gardenia, located in the shadowy area at the foot of the mountain, was sleeping soundly. Suddenly, there was an explosion around her, startling her awake and causing a shower of petals to fall. Just as she was about to complain, she heard the nearby forsythia calling out excitedly: "Long live, Sister Junshang!"

The Azure Youth Emperor glanced at her twice and said, "Little Zhi Zi, as the sovereign, I must speak a few words to you. With similar spiritual awareness, look, the Narcissus is about to take shape."

Bai Zhicao endured and endured, yet could not hold back from revealing: "Do you know what name the Empress has given herself?"

The true form of the Qing Sui Emperor is a pine tree, growing at the source of the spiritual spring on the mountaintop—this means it shares the same ground as the daffodils. It is rare for a pine tree to transform into a female form, and the Empress is an exception. According to Bai Zhi Cao, when the Empress had not yet transformed into human form, she was just as talkative, constantly chattering with her spiritual awareness. No one expected that this noisy pine tree would eventually become the Emperor of Wood.

Bai Zhicao, unfazed, calmly asked her: "Your Highness, it has been several hundred years since you last returned to Lingze Mountain. Have you come this time for the Golden Lotus?"

The elder sister of the ruler has gotten herself into serious trouble; it is unclear whether she was beaten by Bi Lian or "taught a lesson" by the Emperor Shenghuan. In any case, she sustained severe injuries and needs to return to her place of origin for recuperation, which has led to enchanting rumors about her and the little daffodil. It is said that in those years, the surrounding flower spirits and tree monsters often overheard the elder sister of the ruler and the daffodil engaged in deep conversations throughout the night, their words a cacophony that was difficult to discern, yet they were undoubtedly very compatible. Her neighbor, the forsythia, once whispered to her that if the daffodil were to transform into a pleasing form in the future, she could be directly taken in by the elder sister of the ruler, becoming the "Lord Consort" of the Wood Spirit Realm, thus achieving instant success.

Xiao Zhizi deeply agrees, saying that Narcissus cares a lot about names and has long thought of one for herself, unlike her, who has had spiritual awareness for three hundred years yet is still called Xiao Zhizi

Little Zhi opened her eyes wide, carefully observing the graceful female immortal. Although she was a transformation of a pine tree, the appearance of the Green Age Emperor was indeed charming and beautiful. Dressed in a magnificent green robe, even without celestial attendants surrounding her, she still inspired a sense of reverence. In response to the loud prayers of the spirits throughout the mountains, the Green Age Emperor slightly parted her red lips and raised her hand to make a soothing gesture, "Children, have you been diligently cultivating lately?"

The Qing Sui Emperor listened and looked at her with joy: "Well said, little Zhi Zi, this is what I often refer to as 'fate has its time.' Hurry up and cultivate, and when you take form in the future, you can serve as my little celestial attendant."

As they spoke, a beam of blue light shot straight into the sky from the mountain peak, and both the Azure Age Emperor and the Hundred Knowledge Herb gazed intently into the distance.

"Oh, come on, don't be so distant. What do I have to be modest about? I haven't teased you at all." The Qing Sui Emperor, lacking in self-restraint, hooked his arm around the little water fairy's shoulder, leeringly continuing to scrutinize her, persistently pulling her shoulder as if nothing were amiss, and smiling cheerfully, "Shall I give you a magical artifact as a congratulatory gift? What do you want?"

Xiao Zhizi felt that she had a suspicion of revenge against her trembling, and she was used to saying things casually, so she naturally strolled out with a remark: "That is because he has good feng shui"

The Qing Sui Emperor turned his head, frowned, "Jin Zhan? Who is Jin Zhan? Little Water Fairy?" He then smiled cheerfully, "This name sounds quite noble, not bad. I originally wanted to call him Little Bai Zi. Oh, Little Zhi Zi, why are you always shaking? It's such a pity for those fragrant petals to fall into the dirt.

The Qing Sui Emperor released the golden goblet, clapping his hands and laughing heartily: "The mirror pairs perfectly with the daffodil, how did I not think of this before? It is truly a perfect match! Here, take it; I just happened to acquire a cloud-patterned mirror from Yuan Hou."

The Supreme Emperor of the Universe is so remarkable that even the minor mountain deities and the Hundred Knowledge Grass worship him with utmost reverence. It is said that his true form is a small bone from the little finger of the Pangu deity, which transformed into a spiritual stone after enduring millions of years. As soon as the spiritual stone took on human form, the Heavenly Emperor conferred upon him the title of the Emperor of Metal, granting him control over wind and thunder, and specifically adding the two characters "Shenghuan" to his title, along with the divine artifact of the Heavenly Clan, the Kongtong Seal. The Hundred Knowledge Grass exaggeratedly stated that the spiritual power of this Supreme Emperor of the Universe is unmatched within the Three Realms, and the Heavenly Emperor's preferential treatment of him is also a means of appeasement. Although the Kongtong Seal is a treasure of the Heavenly Clan, it has merely been a flashy artifact in the hands of successive Heavenly Emperors, with no one having witnessed its true power. However, the Supreme Emperor of the Universe, having obtained it, easily subdued the calamity of the West Abyss that had plagued for hundreds of years beneath the Wufu Tower. The gods and demons of the Three Realms, upon learning of this feat, have developed a greater sense of awe towards the Supreme Emperor of the Universe.

The daffodil has a very pleasant name, called "Golden Cup," which it came up with itself. ... According to Bai Zhi Cao, any immortal transformed from a daffodil tends to be somewhat particular ... . ... For instance, they can be very picky, placing great importance on appearance and demeanor, caring about things that others do not, in short, they tend to be quite particular.

"By the way, Xiao Zhizi, what is your name?" asked the Qing Sui Emperor as he was about to leave

Everyone fell silent for a moment

Upon learning that the Emperor's sister is also a talkative fairy, Xiaozhizi felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity towards her. Consequently, all matters concerning the Emperor's sister had to be recounted repeatedly by Baizhi Cao, which led to a deeper understanding of the stories about the Emperor's sister and the water fairy compared to other flower spirits and tree monsters.

Upon hearing the name, even the calm Bai Zhicao, who faced the Youth Emperor, displayed a look of shock, while Jin Zhan wore an expression of disdain.

"Xiang Su..." As the mountain deity and also as a senior, he had no choice but to advise her a few words, for she could not continue to grow in this manner! Although the Qing Sui Emperor possessed great spiritual power, for hundreds of years... he still had not found a suitable consort. Just look, even someone like Jin Zhan, who has only just taken shape, is not spared; how tragic this is.

Bai Zhicao smacked his lips a few times, fully aware of why Jin Zhan always liked to talk to Xiao Zhizi; she was almost a spitting image of Qing Sui from their childhood

The Qing Sui Emperor nodded: "Those who can enter Lingze Mountain... are certainly not ordinary mortals. Remember the cake he ate; it is indeed a kind of fate. Crispy cake, crispy cake... a very good name."

It does not matter what others think; the appearance of the daffodil is particularly important, as it relates to whether he can "rise to greatness in one step"! Little Zhizi looked on anxiously, eagerly anticipating the sight of the daffodil's figure

Xiao Zhizi shuddered, scattering petals all around; this Empress indeed lives next to the Narcissus... The radiant image she had just left in her heart now bore a slight crack

"You shall be called Xiangsu," Jin Zhan said coldly. Although his voice was still that of a tender fourteen or fifteen-year-old, it sounded quite imposing, similar to how it was before the Qing Sui Emperor revealed his true self.

Let me see, let me see! The Youth Emperor stepped forward quickly, unceremoniously grasping his shoulders with both hands, turning him around for a closer look, and exclaimed: "Not bad in appearance, truly worthy of being grown beside my feet."

Xiao Zhizi still remembers the expression of Baizhi Cao when mentioning this Emperor, with a flushed face and a distorted countenance. What was most unbearable was that he spat saliva onto her branches, making her hope for rain for several days to wash away his saliva.

Xiao Zhizi was at a loss for words, having suffered a great blow. Could this truly be the fairy who just descended gently from the clouds? ... Xiao Baizi ... She even wished to weep on behalf of the Narcissus.

The Qing Sui Emperor paid no heed to Bai Zhi Cao, gracefully walking to the edge of the spiritual pool formed by the gathering of spiritual springs, gazing at the reflection of the moon, which was both large and round. "Indeed, Ling Ze Mountain is everywhere infused with my spiritual energy; look at this pool of water, as clear as ever"

I have thought it over, and I believe I will still call myself Xiang Su.

A multitude of spirits responded to her, creating a cacophony. The Qing Sui Emperor smiled calmly and raised his hand once more, saying, "Return to your places, for the night is deep; do not disturb the nearby beings." Upon his words, the surroundings quickly fell silent again, and Xiao Zhi's bewildered mind cleared up as well. Oh my, she had seen the Si Mu Emperor! If she had not been born in Ling Ze Mountain, she might never have encountered a deity of the Emperor level in her lifetime.

Bai Zhicao secretly curled her lips; she was not at all surprised that she liked Xiao Zhizi. It was not that Xiao Zhizi was spouting nonsense; anyone could tell that this was purely an excuse for her own laziness. Xiao Zhizi's loquaciousness truly catered to the preferences of the Empress.

That was the title bestowed upon her by the Heavenly Sovereign; in fact, the name she gave herself was Pine Cone

Three hundred years ago, when the daffodils first gained consciousness, the Emperor's sister assisted the Lord of Water, the Clear Ze Emperor, in planting a mysterious tree in the western abyss of the heavens. As a result, she accidentally damaged the seal that the Lord of Metal, the Victory Emperor, used to suppress the Refined. The Refined overturned the Floating Tower and escaped, infuriating the Victory Emperor.

"Come, come, I shall take you to see the world." The Qing Sui Emperor once again hooked his arm around the golden cup, "Before our trees and flowers take shape, we are all just clods of earth, little daffodils, the outside world is too lively."

Only the Qing Sui Emperor asked seriously: "Is there any historical reference?"

The daffodil truly lives up to its name, gracefully and elegantly walking by, brushing past the Azure Age Emperor and the Hundred Knowledge Grass, heading straight to the edge of the Spirit Pool, where it begins to carefully examine its reflection in the water

The Qing Sui Emperor finished bestowing the magical artifacts and turned to glance at Xiao Zhi Zi. He took out a jade comb that glimmered faintly from his sleeve and said, "Xiao Zhi Zi, hurry up. Look, the Bi Comb and the Yun Ji Mirror were originally a pair. It would have been wonderful to gift them to you and Xiao Shui Xian, but you have separated them.

Jin Zhan looked at her with the corner of her eye and said: "You are truly embarrassing."

You have no say in this! Xiaozhi was indignant, wondering what right she had to criticize this pretentious daffodil.

The story between the Narcissus and the Qing Sui Emperor is an open secret in the entire Lingze Mountain. Although Xiao Zhi does not particularly like the Narcissus, she still yearns for this sibling romance.

"Qing Sui" is a very beautiful name

"Little Narcissus, come, come, come, let me take a good look at you!" The Qing Sui Emperor, in high spirits, became even more animated, and Little Gardenia was completely disillusioned

Bai Zhicao hurriedly arrived and exclaimed in surprise: "Your Highness, Sister!"

Xiao Zhizi remained silent, as she did not like using a comb as a magical tool; it was neither aesthetically pleasing nor impressive

The pastry said: "A long time ago, a person came to the mountains to gather herbs. He sat by my feet, drinking from the spiritual spring while eating something. My fragrance was already quite strong, but the thing he was eating was even more aromatic... At that moment, I made a firm resolution that once I transformed into human form, the first thing I would do is go to the human world to eat that kind of thing. Later, I asked the Hundred Knowledge Herb, and it turned out that thing is called pastry."

Xiao Zhizi felt a bit shy when Jin Zhan once asked her what name she had given herself. She had secretly thought for a long time: "Su Bing."

Unable to endure the bullying any longer, Xiaozhi also retorted in sarcasm. However, the Narcissus, born in the most auspicious place of Lingze, possessed a stronger spiritual awareness than her, a louder voice, and was supported by many sycophantic tree spirits and flower fairies. Her counterattacks often ended in defeat. There was no choice; as the future consort of the ruler, even when unable to bear it any longer, she had to continue to endure.

Little Zhi Zi is quite talkative, and once she starts, it's hard to stop her. She continues: "I am a tree that is very much in tune with fate. When I should take shape, and when I should fade away, all of this is predetermined and cannot be forced."

Xiao Zhizi still envies the daffodils, as they take shape at night, appearing extraordinarily magnificent with their ethereal aura. However, she wonders what form they will ultimately take. Although flower spirits and tree monsters generally do not lack in appearance, there are indeed some dismal examples. The locust tree that took shape a hundred years ago is quite tragic; its bark is so coarse it could be used as a washboard. After taking shape, it essentially did nothing but wander around the Three Realms in search of spiritual springs to soak in. As a result, when she returned to the mountain a few years ago and saw it, it was still as rough and uneven as ever, leaving her feeling despair for it. The locust tree that took shape a hundred years ago is quite tragic; its bark is so coarse it could be used as a washboard. After taking shape, it essentially did nothing but wander around the Three Realms in search of spiritual springs to soak in. As a result, when she returned to the mountain a few years ago and saw it, it was still as rough and uneven as ever, leaving her feeling despair for it.

The three words "little feet" deeply hurt the emotionally fragile little daffodil, as blue veins bulged on her fair forehead. With great dignity, she flicked her left sleeve, pushing the lecherous Qing Sui Emperor back two steps, and said sternly: "Your Majesty, please conduct yourself with dignity"

Xiao Zhizi gazed at her with obsession, feeling that she was even more worshipped and yearned for than the imagined deity Simu.

Within the Three Realms, anyone who can address the Azure Age Emperor as "Elder Sister" is known to hail from Lingze Mountain, which is quite prestigious. Therefore, whether formed or unformed, all beings from Lingze Mountain take pride in calling her "Your Highness, Elder Sister".