Volume Two: The Soaring Dragon of the Ninth Heaven Chapter Six: A Joyous Gathering

Yaoguang groggily climbed out of bed. She had just turned on her phone when she received a call from Xuan Chen. The Three Ghosts Brothers had already confessed; the court had convened, and the first trial sentenced them to immediate execution. Unwilling to accept their fate, they appealed, but the appeal was rejected, and the original verdict was upheld. Now awaiting the firing squad, the remains of the four victims had been properly reinterred and returned to their families. Because the incident had occurred in a remote temple in the mountains, few people knew about it, and it hadn’t been reported to the public. After the transcendence rites were performed for the four deceased by their respective temples and monasteries, the police were presented with silk banners of gratitude, which were passed on to her. The Chief gave the Heavenly Sword squad a week’s leave, allowing everyone to rest. After the call, Yaoguang simply said, “Give Huo Mingkun a day off, then resume training,” before hanging up. She went downstairs for breakfast, then buried herself in the Immortal Provider’s room, not emerging for the rest of the day.

Yaoguang told the male immortal about the little white dragon’s situation but said that ultimately, it was up to the little white dragon and the male immortal to decide. The male immortal replied that they should let the white dragon decide, and told Yaoguang not to worry—he was perfectly content.

His words put Yaoguang somewhat at ease; after all, she had wronged him in the past.

The immortals then began to discuss when to visit Phoenix Spirit Mountain. At the mention of this journey, excitement surged among the immortals, and when Yaoguang added that she would host a family banquet, it meant the mountain’s immortal fruits would be in endless supply.

Seeing the immortals so joyful, Yaoguang couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear, though she remained silent, simply nestling in her male immortal’s arms with a smile. She thought to herself, “If only we had Qingqiu’s peach blossom wine for the banquet, that would be perfect.”

“Miss, the Eastern Sea’s White Dragon Immortal and the Thirteenth Princess of Qingqiu request an audience.” Yitian’s voice called from outside the door.

“Quick, let them in!” Yaoguang, startled, hurried to open the door. There stood the two, beaming happily.

“Phoenix Sister!” Bai Ling’er wasted no time and threw herself into Yaoguang’s arms in a bear hug. “May I call you that?” Bai Ling’er blinked her sparkling eyes at Yaoguang.

“Of course you may, Princess. Call me whatever you like.” Seeing Bai Ling’er so full of life, Yaoguang could tell she had recovered well, and her heart was full of joy.

“I’m calling you sister; don’t call me princess anymore. Just call me Ling’er. That’s what my parents call me,” Bai Ling’er said coquettishly.

“Oh, please, you’re on par with the Fox Emperor. Don’t tease me,” Yaoguang laughed at her words.

“I’m not teasing. Father said, since you saved my life, you’re like a second mother to me. It’s already good that I’m not calling you ‘Godmother’,” Bai Ling’er declared earnestly.

“No, no, just call me sister, please,” Yaoguang replied, a little flustered by the prospect.

“Princess, come down now. You don’t intend for the Phoenix to hold you forever, do you?” The Fox Sister stepped in to help.

“Oh, right!” Bai Ling’er climbed down from Yaoguang’s embrace and looked at the Fox Sister. “I remember you! You’re the Fox Sister. When I was captured, you led the foxes to find my location. Thank you, Fox Sister. Also, you’re so beautiful—one of the most beautiful fox immortals I’ve ever seen. And your tail is gorgeous. The fur is amazing. I’m so envious. Can I touch it?” Bai Ling’er gazed longingly at her.

“Of course, it’s all yours. Princess, you’re too adorable,” the Fox Sister replied, offering her tail.

“Wow, what perfect fur! Wait, Fox Sister, you’re a nine-tailed white fox? That’s incredible! No wonder your tail is so big!” Bai Ling’er exclaimed, as she discovered nine tail bones among the Fox Sister’s fur.

“You caught me. Nine tails are so conspicuous, but isn’t it just right this way?” the Fox Sister said with a smile.

“Just call me Ling’er. Here, I’m not a princess,” Bai Ling’er said, then walked over to the White Dragon and tugged his sleeve. The White Dragon understood and, together with Bai Ling’er, knelt down. “Immortal White Dragon of the Eastern Sea, Princess Bai Ling’er of Qingqiu, offer our gratitude to the Phoenix Divine One for saving our lives. Please accept us as your Immortal Providers.”

“You two! Are you serious? You realize the consequences?” Yaoguang was so shocked she could barely speak, and the other immortals were equally stunned.

“We understand, and we mean it sincerely. Please grant our wish, Divine One.” Both bowed again.

“You truly are a blessing in a snowstorm. How fortunate I am! Come, stand up—my Immortal Providers need not be so formal.” Yaoguang helped them up. “Once you become my Immortal Providers, don’t call me Divine One anymore. Just call me Phoenix.”

“Phoenix, I have something to show you,” said the White Dragon, waving his hand. An image appeared before everyone’s eyes. Yaoguang looked closely, then was struck speechless with astonishment.

“You’re the white python from the banks of the Weakwater River, three hundred years ago!” Yaoguang exclaimed.

“Yes. Our fates were entwined three centuries past,” the White Dragon replied, gazing at Yaoguang. “Let me cultivate alongside your male immortal from now on.”

“Are you serious?” Yaoguang asked, looking at him.

“Of course. I know everything. Uh… I’m not good with formalities. Just say yes, will you?” the White Dragon said, a little embarrassed.

“I couldn’t wish for more. You must already know the whole story. This has been a knot in my heart; I truly owe you my thanks,” Yaoguang said, a little overwhelmed.

The male immortal stepped forward. “Thank you, Immortal White Dragon.”

“No need to thank me. Just repaying a favor,” the White Dragon replied, still a bit shy.

“Oh, enough with the formalities! I am Bai Ling’er, greeting all the immortal elders here. I’m mischievous and a bit spoiled, but I’ll improve. Please be tolerant and teach me much. White Dragon, pay your respects to our elders,” Bai Ling’er said without a trace of reserve, her words endearing her to all.

The White Dragon was about to bow when the eldest of the Chang family whisked him away for a drink, and in an instant, the house brimmed with joy, a gathering of immortals in celebration.

Yaoguang remained nestled in her male immortal’s arms, smiling.

“Phoenix Sister, you and your immortal are a perfect match. Don’t be despondent anymore. Now that White Dragon is here, it’s only a matter of time before you and your immortal can be together openly. When the day comes, we’ll throw you a grand celebration. Oh, I nearly forgot—our Third Prince’s consort, Lady Peachshadow, sent some peach blossom wine with me,” Bai Ling’er said, and with a wave of her hand, a three-meter-long table filled with jars of peach blossom wine appeared. “Peachshadow says, if you have time, come visit Qingqiu. She’s well, so don’t worry about her.”

“Is your third brother good to her?” Yaoguang’s eyes grew moist as she gazed at the table laden with wine.

“More than good. He practically worships her. They’re inseparable—honestly, it’s almost too much,” Bai Ling’er said candidly, making Yaoguang burst out laughing. “I still have some business to finish, but once I’m done, I’ll take you all to Phoenix Spirit Mountain.”

“Wow… so lucky!” Bai Ling’er cheered, clapping her hands in delight.

“You’re truly fortunate, getting the chance as soon as you arrive. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to go,” said the Fox Sister.

“Why’s that?” Bai Ling’er asked curiously.

“It’s Phoenix’s domain, after all. To enter, you need equivalent immortal power. Besides, it’s the celestial realm closest to the mortal world, so all sorts of trouble are easily attracted. For safety, the barrier is rarely opened. But this time, we’ll feast—Spirit Mountain is full of delicacies,” the fox immortal said with longing.

“Glutton…” Yaoguang flopped onto her back, at a loss for words.