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墨書 Inktalez
Yama's Wedding
Yao Guang and Xue had been on Phoenix Mountain for more than half a month.
The Phoenix Empress only came by every afternoon to teach Yao Guang how to control the Phoenix Fire within her. Other than that, they hardly saw her. Yao Guang and Xue enjoyed a great deal of freedom here; aside from not being allowed to visit the Phoenix Empress's residence, they could go wherever they pleased.
As Yao Guang watched the Phoenix Empress approach, she couldn't help but admire her. The Phoenix Empress was the most esteemed queen among the phoenixes, and as a beautiful divine beast, she exuded an extraordinary charm. Her long, inky hair was elegantly styled, cascading down her back like a waterfall. There were no adornments in her hair, just a white silk ribbon that accentuated its smoothness and shine. The red cloud robe she wore made her even more enchanting. From a distance, Yao Guang couldn't help but think,
What a beauty, walking as if stepping on lotus flowers.
With elegant brows and bright phoenix eyes, she radiated grace and allure. Yet upon closer inspection, there was an enigmatic depth to her gaze. At that moment, the Phoenix Empress lifted her head to look at Yao Guang, smiling lightly like a blooming flower. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Phoenix Empress, you are truly beautiful!" Yao Guang said, captivated by the Empress's face.
Hearing this, the Phoenix Empress smiled even more brightly. How adorable this fellow was! Just as she was about to respond, Xue could no longer contain himself and stepped out from beside Yao Guang. "What are you looking at her for? What's so great about it? She's just a phoenix," Xue said petulantly, positioning himself to completely block Yao Guang's view.
Now all of Yao Guang's sight was obstructed by Xue. She had been admiring the beauty of the Phoenix Empress but suddenly found herself unable to see anything at all. Yes, she admitted that Xue was also quite handsome; however, she had never truly looked at the Phoenix Empress like this before. Now, gazing at such an extraordinary figure, Yao Guang simply couldn't tear her eyes away—after all, everyone has an appreciation for beauty.
"Xue, move aside," Yao Guang urged, pushing against him. How could someone so grown-up still act like a child?
"No way! I won't let you! I only allow you to look at me," Xue declared shamelessly. While he felt fine about it, Yao Guang turned beet red from his words.
"How can you act like this in front of the Phoenix Empress? Have you no shame?" Yao Guang poked Xue's arm shyly. This woman's demeanor elicited another light laugh from the Phoenix Empress.
Xue shot a glance at the amused Phoenix Empress and adjusted his posture to ensure he completely blocked Yao Guang's view before saying seriously, "What does it matter? The Phoenix Empress isn't an outsider."
Watching their childish interaction, the Phoenix Empress felt a pang of envy. Were they not family? Where was her own family? In this moment, she realized how much she envied these two; unlike herself who wandered alone in this vast land, no matter how beautiful the scenery was, it was still only appreciated by one person—ultimately leading to a deeper sense of solitude.
"Alright, alright, you two stop fooling around," the Phoenix Empress gently pushed Xue aside.
Xue complied with her gentle nudge and stepped away from Yao Guang’s line of sight. He hadn’t intended to act this way; he had merely noticed how cold and solitary the Phoenix Empress appeared when she was alone and thought to lighten the mood for everyone. However, seeing Yao Guang’s flushed face turned out to be quite amusing.
The Phoenix Empress understood well; having known Xue for many years, she recognized his intentions immediately. She felt grateful for his thoughtfulness despite the passage of time and changes in circumstances. No matter how much had changed in the world around them, Xue remained as understanding as ever.
Phoenix Empress blinked her mesmerizing, languid eyes, seemingly unintentionally glancing at Yao Guang. The light flirtation in her gaze made Yao Guang acutely aware of the vast difference between herself and Phoenix Empress, despite both being women. Moreover, Yao Guang felt utterly captivated by another woman.
Xue watched Yao Guang's expression and felt a surge of frustration towards Phoenix Empress. It was his own fault for challenging her; he should have known that Phoenix Empress possessed charms that were beyond his reach. He couldn't fathom how Candle Dragon, that cold and aloof figure, had endured Phoenix Empress's presence without losing his composure.
"Alright, alright, I admit I was wrong. Just get started already," Xue urged Phoenix Empress, noticing how entranced Yao Guang was becoming. If this continued, he feared his standing would soon diminish in her eyes.
"Hahaha, fine," Phoenix Empress replied with delight at Xue's predicament. It felt rather satisfying to have someone like him plead for her to begin.
"Yao Guang, let’s get started," she said, turning to face Yao Guang.
"Okay," Yao Guang responded, snapping back to attention.
With her smile now replaced by seriousness, Phoenix Empress began to carefully instruct Yao Guang on how to channel the Phoenix Fire within her.
"Concentrate your energy in your dantian and slowly feel the warmth within you..."
When Phoenix Empress became serious, she transformed completely from her usual self. She guided Yao Guang with focused intent.
Yao Guang diligently followed the instructions given by Phoenix Empress.
From a distance, Xue observed the two of them—one was his long-time friend, and the other his beloved. A wave of contentment washed over him.
If only Candle Dragon were here right now.
Xue had been friends with Candle Dragon for many years. They had shared countless adventures and discussions late into the night, never tiring of each other's company. In Xue's heart, Candle Dragon was a true hero. Even amidst the many demons they faced together, he couldn't help but admire him. There was only one such figure as Candle Dragon. When he sacrificed himself, despite knowing from the resolute look on his face what his decision entailed, Xue still struggled to understand why saving the common people mattered so much. Was it worth abandoning everything—including Phoenix Empress—to face death alone? At that time, Phoenix Empress had still been dreaming of becoming Candle Dragon's bride. Yet he left in solitude, and it wasn't until things began to tilt that panic set in; only when he became their pillar did everyone realize that it was indeed Candle Dragon who had saved them all. When Candle Dragon departed, Xue couldn't help but ask why people knowingly pursued paths that led to suffering. Why did they choose pain over avoiding it before it struck?
Candle Dragon remained silent, slowly turning away in contemplation.
Xue sensed that he wouldn’t receive an answer. The gentle ripples around him reminded him of the present; "Look at this world now," he thought. "It’s no longer the one you once protected. Even so, do you not regret it?"
Once standing atop Mount Tai with Xue, Candle Dragon had said, "Life is predetermined." Why then did your fate unfold this way?
After Candle Dragon's death, Phoenix Empress transformed into who she was now. As for himself, these years had been filled with unease; if not for meeting Yao Guang, each day would have been indistinguishable from the last.
Candle Dragon's death marked the end of a deep connection.
"Xue, what are you thinking about?" At some point, Yao Guang and the Phoenix Empress had finished their teachings. From a distance, Yao Guang noticed Xue sitting alone under a tree, lost in thought, with a sorrowful expression on his face.
Xue looked up and realized that the Phoenix Empress had disappeared. After all this time, it was always like this; after finishing with Yao Guang, the Phoenix Empress would quietly walk away without lingering, only to be seen again the next day when Yao Guang and Xue would meet her once more.
The Phoenix Empress left alone. This Phoenix Mountain clearly had no winter, yet for some reason, she—a fire deity—felt cold. Especially now that Xue had returned, there was only that one person who would never come back, no matter how long she waited. The memory of that person was as chilling as the Phoenix Mountain itself. Forgive her for not being able to face Xue and Yao Guang for long; it wasn't her choice. Every time she faced Xue, she couldn't help but think of that heartless individual. The happiness on Yao Guang's and Xue's faces pierced her heart deeply, leaving her feeling utterly defeated. Was it possible that after this time, she would no longer have to endure the helplessness and longing that tore at her heart? The Phoenix Empress found herself unexpectedly looking forward to that day’s arrival, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.
"Xue, you still haven't answered me," Yao Guang leaned closer and asked again. It was strange; they were having a conversation, yet Xue seemed lost in his thoughts again.
"Yao Guang, don't you think something is off with the Phoenix Empress?" For some reason, every time Xue looked at the Phoenix Empress, he felt something was amiss.
"Nope. When I was here before, the Phoenix Empress was just like this," Yao Guang replied casually. Since she had known the Phoenix Empress, she always seemed to be this way. "What's wrong?"
Xue shook his head. "It's nothing. I just feel like there's something strange about the Phoenix Empress."
"What do you mean strange?" Yao Guang recalled her recent encounters with the Phoenix Empress but couldn't pinpoint any unusual behavior.
"Maybe I'm overthinking it." Xue patted Yao Guang on the head. Perhaps he was just imagining things; he simply sensed that the Phoenix Empress's aura was growing weaker. Shaking his head, he decided he must be worrying too much. After all, the Phoenix Empress was a phoenix reborn from flames; someone who had endured trials wouldn't easily fall into trouble. (To be continued.)
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