[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]
[Host: justreads.net]
[June 2, 2019]
...
Later that evening Shen Li burned with a high fever. Rou-ya fed her water and tried to cool her down with a damp towel but it was to no avail. Shen Li refused to wake up. This had never happened before; no matter how serious the injury, Shen Li was always conscious and clear-headed. This unconscious Shen Li left Rou-ya worried beyond belief.
She didn’t know what to do. There were two immortals in the residence she could ask for help. It was inappropriate to disturb Immortal High God Xing Zhi in the middle of the night. On the other hand Fu Rongjun was Shen Li’s fiancé. Rou-ya reasoned it was appropriate to seek help from him considering their relationship.
She rushed over to his courtyard[notes] and banged on his door. It was no use though. Even after knocking for several minutes, no one came out. A now frantic Rou-ya had no choice but to find Immortal High God.
...
Xing Zhi touched Shen Li’s cheeks. They were red and hot to the touch. He immediately sat down by her bedside and felt the pulse on her hand. The strange reading made him furrow his brow.
“Immortal High God…will my master be OK?”
“It is but a fever.” Xing Zhi released Shen Li’s hand. “Are there any medicinal components in the residence?”
Rou-ya shook her head. “Master never gets sick. Us demon people rarely get sick. Medicinal plants don’t grow well here because the miasma is so dense so they are rarely ever found at market.”
Xing Zhi muttered some words under his breath as he placed a hand on Shen Li’s forehead. Immediately white light flashed between his palm and her skin. Even though Shen Li was still in a daze she appeared more comfortable.
He left his palm resting on her forehead and absentmindedly moved his fingers in her hair, slightly grazing the hairline, making a mess of it in one direction, then smoothing it back down in the other.
Rou-ya stared closely for a moment. She only relaxed once she saw Shen Li breathing more evenly and her complexion improving. It was only then that the worry in Rou-ya’s heart lightened.
Now that she felt better, she was in a mood to complain. “What kind of husband is my master getting? Almost married and he stays out all night. Not around when needed either. If Immortal High God hadn’t been here, who knows how bad master’s condition could have gotten?”
Xing Zhi didn’t say anything but his hand fell from her forehead to her cheeks. He rubbed the slightly hot skin with his fingers.
“Yesterday he started so much trouble, ruining master’s good name. Then this morning he was trying to find General Mo Fang about a jade pendant. Who knows if he’s looking for General Mo Fang right now!”
Rou-ya was really dissatisfied with Fu Rongjun, but afraid of overstepping her bounds, she didn’t dare voice it in front of Shen Li. In front of Xing Zhi however she felt free to complain to her heart’s content.
“Highness will have to go to the Heavenly Realm after marrying. She won’t have anyone to rely on up there. Who will defend her if she is wronged? Highness is so stubborn, she won’t complain to the Demon Emperor. If something happens…”
The more Rou-ya thought about it the sadder she became. Her eyes turned red and she began tearing up. “Who will be there to sympathize with her?”
“Hm.” Xing Zhi whispered unconsciously. “Who would?” These words made him consider his actions and he couldn’t help but lower his eyes. Gazing at her sleeping face, he ran his fingertips over the bridge of her nose and the hollows of her cheeks, before pulling his hand back.
“It’s not a problem.” He pulled his fingers away and remained quietly by her bedside for some time before getting up.
Distressed, Rou-ya looked at him with red-rimmed eyes. “Immortal High God is leaving?”
“I will not be far. I will be in the courtyard should you need me.” Xing Zhi left without a backward glance.
Rou-ya looked at Shen Li then at Xing Zhi’s retreating back. She muttered herself. “How’s that for you? Highness hasn’t even woken up yet and Immortal High God leaves. He couldn’t stay a little longer? The immortals in heaven are so detached and heartless.”
Detached and heartless huh?
Xing Zhi stood in the courtyard looking at his hand. He could still feel the residual heat from her body on his skin. The scorching heat burned its way to his heart. Xing Zhi wanted to disperse it but there was no where to send it. Rays of light radiated from his fingertips with nowhere to go. The feeling of being burned remained.
How could he know…
Rou-ya soaked a towel in water, then after wringing it out carefully placed it on Shen Li’s forehead. Rou-ya muttered to herself as she attended to Shen Li. “Oh Highness! If you really can’t escape marriage, if you really must go to the Heavenly Realm, Highness must be careful of those immortal gods. Just look at those two here. Both are no good.”
“This lord knows.” Shen Li’s voice was hoarse but audible.
Rou-ya was surprised. “Highness is awake? Is Highness uncomfortable anywhere?”
Shen Li slowly opened her eyes but her gaze was not fixed on Rou-ya. She repeated the same three words, “This lord knows.”
The immortal gods were naturally heartless.
[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]
[Host: justreads.net]
[June 5, 2019]
...
Shen Li woke up early the next morning completely refreshed. Her blood sang through her veins with a newfound power. Her body was lighter too. She realized her discomfort from the past few days must have been because her body was adapting to the bead.
The Demon Emperor had explained that she would likely suffer discomfort adjusting, because although she was born with it, it had been out of her body for over a millennium.
Shen Li held out her hand and pushed herself up into a seated position. “Rou-ya, bring this lord’s armor! I will go to the training camp to practice!” Shen Li rarely wore her armor. Her skin was as strong as leather, so when fighting the lesser yao shou it made no difference whether she wore armor or not.
Training was different however. She was not a minor soldier but a high ranked general; it was proper to dress appropriately.
Once she finished dressing, Shen Li stepped out of her room. She came face to face with Xing Zhi who had just come in from the courtyard.
The usually taciturn Xing Zhi actually showed a blank expression. He eyed her up and down. What he saw made him speak up. “Where is Your Highness going?”
“Training,” was Shen Li’s curt reply. She gave a fisted salute. “Immortal high god can tour the city. If there are any places that require payment, just tell them immortal high god is from my household. Shen Li bids immortal high god farewell.”
She turned around and promptly walked away, leaving Xing Zhi alone in the main hall. Xing Zhi narrowed his eyes as he stared at her walking away.
...
[Military training grounds]
Because of her fever last night, Shen Li had completely forgotten the matter with Fu Rongjun trying to find Mo Fang. But it all came back to her when she walked into camp and saw Mo Fang’s gaunt face. Shen Li was stumped for words because right behind him, gasping for breath, was none other than Fu Rongjun. Shen Li sighed upon remembering yesterday.
Fu Rongjun called out after Mo Fang. “Hey! Jade pendant! Don’t run away. This lord is trying to return something. This lord admits fault for breaking the pendant’s rope yesterday. Honestly how can a general by so mean-spirited about something like this.”
Mo Fang made a face and refused to acknowledge the man behind him. He kept moving at the same fast pace. But he abruptly stopped when he caught sight of Shen Li. He bowed his head and gave her a fisted salute.
From behind Fu Rongjun also saw Shen Li. The expression on his face froze and he unconsciously took several steps back.
Mo Fang was radiating anger, the resentment and humiliation still fresh in his heart. He didn’t say a word more to Shen Li. Instead he turned around and walked back to the center of camp.
Shen Li chased after him. “Slow down.”
Mo Fang glanced distractedly at Shen Li as she grabbed his wrist. His heart was in a frazzle but his emotions barely twinkled alive in his eyes before they retreated into the black abyss.
Shen Li pulled her hand back once she got his attention. In a low voice she asked, “He… is he causing you trouble?”
“Yes.” Mo Fang couldn’t help but knead his forehead in frustration.
“Do you want to listen to him?”
“Your Highness- . I have never hated anyone so much in my entire life. He-“ Mo Fang ground his teeth. “I just want to beat him up.”
Shen Li nodded. “Return to camp. Leave it to me.”
Mo Fang stared a bit dazedly. He wanted to ask some questions, but ultimately couldn’t disregard Shen Li’s orders, so he silently obeyed and made his way back to camp. Just as he was entering the camp grounds, he saw a white billowy shape making its way slowly toward Shen Li.
Although Shen Li turned in the direction of the shape, it didn’t seem like she noticed it.
An older general saw Mo Fang standing and staring off at nothing. He swiftly grabbed Mo Fang as he scolded him. “You youngsters! Always goofing off!”
Mo Fang had no choice but let himself be dragged back.
In the meantime Shen Li had turned around and was now facing Fu Rongjun. He had finally managed to catch up. She eyed him up and down.
Fu Rongjun stubbornly suppressed the quiver in his voice as he spoke. “Yes? Is there something I can assist you with?”
“Frankly speaking my subordinate does not have the time to idle as freely as my lord. Kindly do not toy recklessly with him.”
Unconvinced, Fu Rongjun raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I am toying with him?”
“Fu Rongjun is being sincere?” Shen Li couldn’t help but laugh as she spoke the words. “You know where you are right? I don’t care about what happens in the Heavenly Realm or who you have affections for. I don’t even care about our engagement; but remember this: the Demon Realm army exists to battle and defend. Anyone who wishes them harm will suffer the wraith of my spear. I don’t care who you are.”
Fu Rongjun was so shaken by Shen Li that his throat constricted involuntary when he spoke, making his voice shake. “This is Mo Fang’s business. What does it have to do with you?”
Fu Rongjun was annoying Shen Li. “Oh? You didn’t know? Mo Fang is mine.”
Fu Rongjun’s expression froze and the blood drained from his face. Shen Li looked at him disdainfully. She knew he was afraid of her, so she was confident he wouldn’t dare harass Mo Fang any further. Later on she would find more ways to bully him. She was certain he would run back to the Heavenly Realm if she made his life unbearable.
Just as Shen Li relaxed, happy to have the situation under control, Xing Zhi walked up. She turned to see he was a mere three paces away. Surprised she stared blankly as he approached.
Xing Zhi…
His face was cold and expressionless. Shen Li dropped her smile and similarly cleared her expression, neutrally asking, “Why is immortal high god here?”
“Your Highness permitted me to stroll as I pleased. As it turns out I want to look at the military training grounds.” A smile appeared on his lips but it didn’t reach his eyes. In fact they seemed even frostier. “I couldn’t help but overhear Your Highness’s conversation. Strange. Why is it different from what Your Highness said at the army barracks? I clearly remember Your Highness firmly rejecting general Mo Fang.”
(You. You came to quarrel didn’t you?)
Fu Rongjun’s face regained some of its former color after hearing this. “Refused?” He stared. In a low voice he enthusiastically said to himself, “This lord still has a chance then!”
Shen Li didn’t refute Xing Zhi’s words. She disdainfully addressed Fu Rongjun. “Think you have the ability to fight me for him? Then try!” Finished, Shen Li turned and headed to the camp without a single glance at Xing Zhi.
Xing Zhi stared at her from behind, his lips pursed in a frown, his eyes still cold.
[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]
[Host: justreads.net]
[June 2, 2019]
...
Later that evening Shen Li burned with a high fever. Rou-ya fed her water and tried to cool her down with a damp towel but it was to no avail. Shen Li refused to wake up. This had never happened before; no matter how serious the injury, Shen Li was always conscious and clear-headed. This unconscious Shen Li left Rou-ya worried beyond belief.
She didn’t know what to do. There were two immortals in the residence she could ask for help. It was inappropriate to disturb Immortal High God Xing Zhi in the middle of the night. On the other hand Fu Rongjun was Shen Li’s fiancé. Rou-ya reasoned it was appropriate to seek help from him considering their relationship.
She rushed over to his courtyard[notes] and banged on his door. It was no use though. Even after knocking for several minutes, no one came out. A now frantic Rou-ya had no choice but to find Immortal High God.
...
Xing Zhi touched Shen Li’s cheeks. They were red and hot to the touch. He immediately sat down by her bedside and felt the pulse on her hand. The strange reading made him furrow his brow.
“Immortal High God…will my master be OK?”
“It is but a fever.” Xing Zhi released Shen Li’s hand. “Are there any medicinal components in the residence?”
Rou-ya shook her head. “Master never gets sick. Us demon people rarely get sick. Medicinal plants don’t grow well here because the miasma is so dense so they are rarely ever found at market.”
Xing Zhi muttered some words under his breath as he placed a hand on Shen Li’s forehead. Immediately white light flashed between his palm and her skin. Even though Shen Li was still in a daze she appeared more comfortable.
He left his palm resting on her forehead and absentmindedly moved his fingers in her hair, slightly grazing the hairline, making a mess of it in one direction, then smoothing it back down in the other.
Rou-ya stared closely for a moment. She only relaxed once she saw Shen Li breathing more evenly and her complexion improving. It was only then that the worry in Rou-ya’s heart lightened.
Now that she felt better, she was in a mood to complain. “What kind of husband is my master getting? Almost married and he stays out all night. Not around when needed either. If Immortal High God hadn’t been here, who knows how bad master’s condition could have gotten?”
Xing Zhi didn’t say anything but his hand fell from her forehead to her cheeks. He rubbed the slightly hot skin with his fingers.
“Yesterday he started so much trouble, ruining master’s good name. Then this morning he was trying to find General Mo Fang about a jade pendant. Who knows if he’s looking for General Mo Fang right now!”
Rou-ya was really dissatisfied with Fu Rongjun, but afraid of overstepping her bounds, she didn’t dare voice it in front of Shen Li. In front of Xing Zhi however she felt free to complain to her heart’s content.
“Highness will have to go to the Heavenly Realm after marrying. She won’t have anyone to rely on up there. Who will defend her if she is wronged? Highness is so stubborn, she won’t complain to the Demon Emperor. If something happens…”
The more Rou-ya thought about it the sadder she became. Her eyes turned red and she began tearing up. “Who will be there to sympathize with her?”
“Hm.” Xing Zhi whispered unconsciously. “Who would?” These words made him consider his actions and he couldn’t help but lower his eyes. Gazing at her sleeping face, he ran his fingertips over the bridge of her nose and the hollows of her cheeks, before pulling his hand back.
“It’s not a problem.” He pulled his fingers away and remained quietly by her bedside for some time before getting up.
Distressed, Rou-ya looked at him with red-rimmed eyes. “Immortal High God is leaving?”
“I will not be far. I will be in the courtyard should you need me.” Xing Zhi left without a backward glance.
Rou-ya looked at Shen Li then at Xing Zhi’s retreating back. She muttered herself. “How’s that for you? Highness hasn’t even woken up yet and Immortal High God leaves. He couldn’t stay a little longer? The immortals in heaven are so detached and heartless.”
Detached and heartless huh?
Xing Zhi stood in the courtyard looking at his hand. He could still feel the residual heat from her body on his skin. The scorching heat burned its way to his heart. Xing Zhi wanted to disperse it but there was no where to send it. Rays of light radiated from his fingertips with nowhere to go. The feeling of being burned remained.
How could he know…
Rou-ya soaked a towel in water, then after wringing it out carefully placed it on Shen Li’s forehead. Rou-ya muttered to herself as she attended to Shen Li. “Oh Highness! If you really can’t escape marriage, if you really must go to the Heavenly Realm, Highness must be careful of those immortal gods. Just look at those two here. Both are no good.”
“This lord knows.” Shen Li’s voice was hoarse but audible.
Rou-ya was surprised. “Highness is awake? Is Highness uncomfortable anywhere?”
Shen Li slowly opened her eyes but her gaze was not fixed on Rou-ya. She repeated the same three words, “This lord knows.”
The immortal gods were naturally heartless.
[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]
[Host: justreads.net]
[June 5, 2019]
...
Shen Li woke up early the next morning completely refreshed. Her blood sang through her veins with a newfound power. Her body was lighter too. She realized her discomfort from the past few days must have been because her body was adapting to the bead.
The Demon Emperor had explained that she would likely suffer discomfort adjusting, because although she was born with it, it had been out of her body for over a millennium.
Shen Li held out her hand and pushed herself up into a seated position. “Rou-ya, bring this lord’s armor! I will go to the training camp to practice!” Shen Li rarely wore her armor. Her skin was as strong as leather, so when fighting the lesser yao shou it made no difference whether she wore armor or not.
Training was different however. She was not a minor soldier but a high ranked general; it was proper to dress appropriately.
Once she finished dressing, Shen Li stepped out of her room. She came face to face with Xing Zhi who had just come in from the courtyard.
The usually taciturn Xing Zhi actually showed a blank expression. He eyed her up and down. What he saw made him speak up. “Where is Your Highness going?”
“Training,” was Shen Li’s curt reply. She gave a fisted salute. “Immortal high god can tour the city. If there are any places that require payment, just tell them immortal high god is from my household. Shen Li bids immortal high god farewell.”
She turned around and promptly walked away, leaving Xing Zhi alone in the main hall. Xing Zhi narrowed his eyes as he stared at her walking away.
...
[Military training grounds]
Because of her fever last night, Shen Li had completely forgotten the matter with Fu Rongjun trying to find Mo Fang. But it all came back to her when she walked into camp and saw Mo Fang’s gaunt face. Shen Li was stumped for words because right behind him, gasping for breath, was none other than Fu Rongjun. Shen Li sighed upon remembering yesterday.
Fu Rongjun called out after Mo Fang. “Hey! Jade pendant! Don’t run away. This lord is trying to return something. This lord admits fault for breaking the pendant’s rope yesterday. Honestly how can a general by so mean-spirited about something like this.”
Mo Fang made a face and refused to acknowledge the man behind him. He kept moving at the same fast pace. But he abruptly stopped when he caught sight of Shen Li. He bowed his head and gave her a fisted salute.
From behind Fu Rongjun also saw Shen Li. The expression on his face froze and he unconsciously took several steps back.
Mo Fang was radiating anger, the resentment and humiliation still fresh in his heart. He didn’t say a word more to Shen Li. Instead he turned around and walked back to the center of camp.
Shen Li chased after him. “Slow down.”
Mo Fang glanced distractedly at Shen Li as she grabbed his wrist. His heart was in a frazzle but his emotions barely twinkled alive in his eyes before they retreated into the black abyss.
Shen Li pulled her hand back once she got his attention. In a low voice she asked, “He… is he causing you trouble?”
“Yes.” Mo Fang couldn’t help but knead his forehead in frustration.
“Do you want to listen to him?”
“Your Highness- . I have never hated anyone so much in my entire life. He-“ Mo Fang ground his teeth. “I just want to beat him up.”
Shen Li nodded. “Return to camp. Leave it to me.”
Mo Fang stared a bit dazedly. He wanted to ask some questions, but ultimately couldn’t disregard Shen Li’s orders, so he silently obeyed and made his way back to camp. Just as he was entering the camp grounds, he saw a white billowy shape making its way slowly toward Shen Li.
Although Shen Li turned in the direction of the shape, it didn’t seem like she noticed it.
An older general saw Mo Fang standing and staring off at nothing. He swiftly grabbed Mo Fang as he scolded him. “You youngsters! Always goofing off!”
Mo Fang had no choice but let himself be dragged back.
In the meantime Shen Li had turned around and was now facing Fu Rongjun. He had finally managed to catch up. She eyed him up and down.
Fu Rongjun stubbornly suppressed the quiver in his voice as he spoke. “Yes? Is there something I can assist you with?”
“Frankly speaking my subordinate does not have the time to idle as freely as my lord. Kindly do not toy recklessly with him.”
Unconvinced, Fu Rongjun raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I am toying with him?”
“Fu Rongjun is being sincere?” Shen Li couldn’t help but laugh as she spoke the words. “You know where you are right? I don’t care about what happens in the Heavenly Realm or who you have affections for. I don’t even care about our engagement; but remember this: the Demon Realm army exists to battle and defend. Anyone who wishes them harm will suffer the wraith of my spear. I don’t care who you are.”
Fu Rongjun was so shaken by Shen Li that his throat constricted involuntary when he spoke, making his voice shake. “This is Mo Fang’s business. What does it have to do with you?”
Fu Rongjun was annoying Shen Li. “Oh? You didn’t know? Mo Fang is mine.”
Fu Rongjun’s expression froze and the blood drained from his face. Shen Li looked at him disdainfully. She knew he was afraid of her, so she was confident he wouldn’t dare harass Mo Fang any further. Later on she would find more ways to bully him. She was certain he would run back to the Heavenly Realm if she made his life unbearable.
Just as Shen Li relaxed, happy to have the situation under control, Xing Zhi walked up. She turned to see he was a mere three paces away. Surprised she stared blankly as he approached.
Xing Zhi…
His face was cold and expressionless. Shen Li dropped her smile and similarly cleared her expression, neutrally asking, “Why is immortal high god here?”
“Your Highness permitted me to stroll as I pleased. As it turns out I want to look at the military training grounds.” A smile appeared on his lips but it didn’t reach his eyes. In fact they seemed even frostier. “I couldn’t help but overhear Your Highness’s conversation. Strange. Why is it different from what Your Highness said at the army barracks? I clearly remember Your Highness firmly rejecting general Mo Fang.”
(You. You came to quarrel didn’t you?)
Fu Rongjun’s face regained some of its former color after hearing this. “Refused?” He stared. In a low voice he enthusiastically said to himself, “This lord still has a chance then!”
Shen Li didn’t refute Xing Zhi’s words. She disdainfully addressed Fu Rongjun. “Think you have the ability to fight me for him? Then try!” Finished, Shen Li turned and headed to the camp without a single glance at Xing Zhi.
Xing Zhi stared at her from behind, his lips pursed in a frown, his eyes still cold.
