In the mortal realm, there was a residence located in the bustling capital city, known as the "Peach Garden," where Huan Mo Lin, a delicate and ethereal Peach Blossom Fairy, resided.
During the season of blooming peach blossoms, three individuals settled into a small pavilion at the center of the garden, savoring a moment of tranquility. Clusters of pink and red peach blossoms were in full bloom, captivating all who beheld them, while the sweet fragrance of the flowers wafted through the air.
Huan Mo Lin contentedly lowered her head to sip some tea.
“Thank you for saving us, Fairy. If you hadn’t appeared just in time, Zi Wan and I wouldn’t know what to do,” Jian Cen said, holding Zi Wan's hand tightly as if fearing that if he let go, she would vanish.
Zi Wan had little interest in their idle chatter; instead, she mourned silently for her lost romantic prospects. Just when she had begun to develop a subtle connection with Mo Lin Jun and had the chance to descend to the mortal realm frequently to work together, it seemed that Jian Cen had meddled once again.
Indeed, whether celestial or mortal, trouble always seemed to follow Jian Cen!
Not to mention that Jian Cen's so-called brother—whom she had never met—had eloped with a maid, leaving her with nothing but bad luck in love. Every blossom of hope she had was crushed by Jian Cen before it could even bloom! Was it possible that she had some past grievance with these two brothers?
Five thousand years ago, Zi Wan represented Qingfeng Mountain and teamed up with Xi Hai Shui Jun to deal with a monstrous water creature in the West Sea. However, they ended up trapped together in the Min Chen Bell for forty-nine days.
During those forty-nine days, being a man and a woman alone together inevitably sparked some romantic feelings.
Just as they were about to make a lifelong commitment after escaping from the Min Chen Bell, Jian Cen arrived to rescue them. He pointed at Xi Hai Shui Jun and incredulously asked Zi Wan, “Shishu, your judgment is really poor. This useless fellow can’t even protect himself, let alone you. What good is he to you?”
The proud Xi Hai Shui Jun was infuriated and left in a huff, never to meet again.
Three thousand years ago, the Eight Desolations sent an immortal envoy to Qingfeng Mountain to celebrate Taiyi Zhenren's birthday.
With her heart fluttering, Zi Wan saw that the envoy was handsome. Although he was a bit younger, she decided to give it a try. Transforming into an adorable Nine-Tailed White Fox, she sneaked into the envoy's room, only to be caught red-handed by Jian Cen, who grabbed her by the tail and took her to his own room, reviving the long-dormant tales of female demons.
Five hundred years ago, Jian Cen sighed in frustration, "Shishu, your fox eyes must be getting old. How could you fall for such a character?"
Three hundred years ago, Jian Cen shook his head in disappointment, "Nine-Tailed Fox, is your taste really that unique? No wonder Big Brother ran off with someone else."
One hundred years ago, Zi Wan pointed at Jian Cen's nose and vowed, "I will definitely get married within a year."
As a result, Jian Cen leaned against a lush pine tree, slightly raised his chin, squinted at her, and said nonchalantly, "If you can't get married within a year, you are not allowed to keep shouting about wanting to marry. I have my doubts about your taste; if an ugly man comes to live with us, I won't be able to accept it."
After all, Zi Wan's romantic prospects had been almost entirely thwarted by Jian Cen.
Unable to endure any longer, she angrily sought out Yue Lao for an explanation, asking why she had so many bad suitors.
Yue Lao stroked his long beard and calculated with his fingers. With a smile on his face, he said, "Lady, do not worry. Fate is determined by heaven; your destined match will eventually arrive. It’s just a matter of time."
Then, on the day that Killer descended for Tribulation Tempering, Zi Wan encountered Huan Mo Lin in a peach grove filled with falling blossoms and was convinced he was her true love.
However, fate played its tricks!
Huan Mo Lin instructed Jian Cen to stay in the Peach Garden until it was time for the examination.
As he was leaving, he cast a meaningful glance at Zi Wan, squinting his eyes with a smile. "A Zi, I always thought the rumors about Qingfeng Mountain were false, but it seems they are true. How interesting."
"What rumors?" Zi Wan was completely stunned, her mind a jumbled mess, unable to think straight, blank as a sheet.
"It is said that the Shishu on Qingfeng Mountain is inseparable from her Shizhi. Not long ago, the Shizhi had to descend for Tribulation Tempering and repeatedly instructed those in Nine Heavens to keep an eye on the restless Shishu, fearing she might stray. Your senior brother warned me quite a bit! He is afraid I might steal his precious disciple's heart." Huan Mo Lin lightly patted Zi Wan's shoulder and chuckled.
"Huh?" Zi Wan was utterly bewildered. If her fox-like brain wasn't mistaken, Jian Cen had a crush on her? That arrogant fellow...
"After spending time with you, I finally understand the Crown Prince's good intentions..."
With that, Huan Mo Lin leisurely waved his fan and departed.
Zi Wan turned around and glanced at Jian Cen, who was sitting in the pavilion with a slight smile directed at her. For a moment, she felt breathless.
How did she only just realize... that her Shizhi was indeed as handsome as the rumors claimed? He truly deserved to be called the most beautiful man in Nine Heavens.
Comment 0 Comment Count