Chapter 1142: Opening Scene (I)

"Shaohui."

Lu Jiangxian had molded this Lesser Yin fairy. Though her memories had been erased, the Dao lineage of Fuyu's Lesser Yin remained in her memory. Her immortal title and even her name had been restored according to that lineage, giving her an unmistakable touch of Lesser Yin.

Unlike the demonic creature Fuyu, her tea-white robes gave her a graceful, dignified air. The pipa in her hands was a fine treasure, and not inferior to any ancient spirit artifact. Lu Jiangxian could shape her appearance however he pleased, entirely at his own whim.

He regarded the fairy before him, the second true living being within his mirror. The stone spirits and heavenly soldiers he had crafted earlier possessed basic instincts and moved at commands alone. Though they filled the courtyard and gave it a lively semblance, they were nothing more than powerful puppets.

What began as a desperate agreement with Chi Buzi turned out to be not such a bad thing after all. Whether in uncovering old secrets or recruiting followers, I’ll need to create a figure imposing enough to serve as the proper face of both the summoning and sacrificial rites.

Bit by bit, I’ll fill her with substance. Perhaps one day she’ll serve a greater purpose, and at least, I won’t have to remain alone in silence within the mirror.

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

As the white-robed fairy bowed respectfully before him in the courtyard, Lu Jiangxian said softly, "Since the Lesser Yin seat has yet to reclaim its residence, fate has allowed you to return to your immortal post ahead of time. Go first to Zhen'gao to take up a position and, for now, act under the orders of the Supreme Yin Court."

Shaohui quickly knelt. Though the figure before her was not her direct superior, he ranked among the highest of the palace lords. She accepted his command with deep respect and withdrew with her pipa.

When she left the great hall, she descended the mist-shrouded jade steps. Immortal Officials on either side bowed in greeting. Though she was a Lesser Yin fairy, many from the Supreme Yin Court were present. She nodded lightly, dismissing them, and made her way along a familiar path toward a high platform carved with bright moon motifs.

The platform gleamed with jade-like radiance amid drifting snow, and was flanked by flowing spirit water. Several imposing heavenly soldiers stood guard along the banks. She stepped forward and ascended the platform, where a handsome immortal general was reading.

"Fellow Daoist Zhen'gao!"

Shaohui greeted him respectfully. The handsome man lifted his head in mild surprise and replied, "It has been a long time! Have you returned from reincarnation? Congratulations!"

Though Shaohui held an equal immortal rank, her swordsmanship and influence could not compare to his. As she was under another's protection, she replied with careful courtesy, "It was not through reincarnation or cultivation that I returned, but somewhat ahead of time. My memories remain vague. It likely relates to a change within the Lesser Yin Dao of Wu and Gui. My own lord has yet to reclaim his post, so I know little of the details."

Zhen'gao nodded, the icy gleam of his armor cold as frost, and answered, "The Lesser Yin has not yet been restored. It seems the exalted one has ordered you to serve the Supreme Yin in the meantime."

"Your insight is keen, fellow Daoist. I have come to receive my orders."

Shaohui, not one for too much reserve, smiled brightly. Zhen'gao drew a dossier from his desk and nodded as he said, "You still belong to the Lesser Yin seat, and it will not be easy for you to fit within the Supreme Yin Palace. I will not make things difficult. I shall assign you a small pavilion at the edge of the heavens where you may compose the records of Lesser Yin and oversee the nearby Immortal Officials."

Shaohui smiled gratefully, offering repeated thanks, and Zhen'gao said, "There aren't many Immortal Officials nearby to oversee; it's mostly a nominal post. There's only one minor god recently promoted from the lower realm. You just need to hand over a few duties to him."

He paused, sounding slightly helpless as he said, "The fellow has quite a loose tongue. Right now, he's sitting in the eastern third court, fretting over a few withered branches and leaves. You may as well bring him back along the way; it will help you get acquainted."

Shaohui was pleased. Had she been assigned several Supreme Yin Immortal Officials, their immortal position would not have matched hers, making it awkward to manage them. But she had no such worries with a minor god from the lower realm.

She accepted the command token and said gratefully, "Thank you, fellow Daoist! I had long heard of your renown, but I never knew you were so affable."

Zhen'gao took out a jade box from his desk and smiled. "Don't be too quick to thank me. This box contains spell techniques of the Lesser Yin aspect. You'll need to revise and adapt them."

Shaohui accepted wholeheartedly as he continued, "One more thing, the Heavenly Gate remains sealed. You may not come and go freely. Should you venture into the Outer Heavens, you'll need to pass through my Supreme Yin Court and receive authorization before reentering."

She smiled in reply. "With the Lesser Yin Palace unopened, I've no desire to wander about. I would rather stay in a quiet pavilion, writing and cultivating my Dao. It's exactly what I prefer."

Unlike the flighty Dangjiang, Shaohui's nature was steadier. After settling the matters at hand, she descended the high platform and went to find Dangjiang. She landed in a familiar domain and indeed saw a young man asking questions of a maid. As soon as Shaohui descended, the maid dropped to her knees in fear and dared not make a sound.

Dangjiang had just finished reporting his merits and was still inquiring about the Golden Branch of Laurel when the maid fell to her knees in worship. Startled, he raised his brows and saw a tea-white-robed fairy maiden cradling a pipa standing behind him. Her face still bore traces of youth, but her attire revealed a being of very high rank.

Dangjiang instantly realized he had met someone of great importance and hurriedly bowed as well. "This humble official greets the fairy!"

Dangjiang was utterly miserable, and was bowing so low his posture was almost pitiable.

He had carelessly gifted Chi Buzi something from the heavens. Though it had been within Lu Jiangxian's calculations, he still deserved a lesson. If he were allowed to act without consequence, it would happen again, and he might send down all manner of unapproved items the next time. Without Supreme Yin spirit items, Lu Jiangxian couldn't condense anything properly.

Now Dangjiang was penniless. He had mistakenly used a spirit item, and there was no such thing as credit in heaven. Once the maid reported back to the palace, someone had come looking for him. He had barely warmed his seat before facing dismissal; how could he not be anxious?

When Shaohui had manifested in the mortal world, she had been a playful spirit sparrow. Even with her memories erased, her nature had not changed.

She immediately asked, "What's all this noise about? Explain yourself."

Dangjiang quickly recounted everything from beginning to end. Shaohui laughed and said, "The Golden Branch of Laurel? You certainly have a talent for timing. There are only a few days each year when the Supreme Yin and Lesser Yin hold the highest value, and you happened to pick one at the perfect time."

Dangjiang grew even more embarrassed as Shaohui continued, "Immortal Official Liu is away. I'll be overseeing you from now on. I can't just leave you floundering like this. I'll cover the cost for now; you can repay me later once you've saved enough."

Dangjiang froze for a moment, deeply moved, and bowed. "Thank you, my lady! May I know your esteemed name?"

Shaohui smiled and replied, "I do not belong to your Supreme Yin Court. I hold the seat of the Lesser Yin of Wu and Gui and bear the Dao title Shaohui."

Only then did he realize she was someone on the same level as Zhen'gao. Rising awkwardly, he could not help but grumble inwardly,

Damn that Chi dog... Hurry up and slay some creatures from the Purple Mansion Realm already so that I can get a share of the credit. At this rate, how many manuals must I write to make up for my losses?

Dangjiang silently followed the tea-white-robed fairy. The weight of worry and reverence for his superior kept him speechless. Everything around him blurred, and before he knew it, he was back in his own courtyard.

His heart still throbbed with pain,

I'll go after him in a few months!