Older sister? I had just met Twenty-Seventh, but she was already tearing up at seeing me. Was she emotional over seeing another female disciple like her? I brought my sleeve up to her face and wiped away her tear as her big eyes continued to look up at me.
"Junior," I gave her a smile, "why are you crying? Are you that happy seeing senior?" she frowned as she pulled her hand away.
"Senior?" her voice sounded soft and cute.
"That's right. I am Fifteenth. Greetings, Twenty-Seventh," I moved my hand away. She furrowed her brows before she let out a gasp.
"Greetings, Fifteenth. I am Twenty-Seventh!" she bowed before standing up. Her golden brown eyes shivered as they looked at me. I just smiled as I walked over and sat down on her bed. I looked at her and patted at the space next to me. She nodded, understanding, as she took a seat. She pressed her lips together as she hung her head low. I waved my hand in front of her. She jumped for a second but didn't stop me. I frowned for a second before smiling.
"Relax, Twenty-Seventh," I said softly, "am I that scary?"
"Huh? No!" she shook her head, "senior is not scary at all... it's just..." her eyes landed on the bed and she bit her lip.
"It's just?" I questioned and she looked back up at me.
"It's just... senior... you really look like my older sister," her voice was barely audible.
"Your older sister?" hmm... that's odd. She nodded her head.
"You two look almost identical... it's just... my older sister had a birthmark."
"A birthmark? Where?" I cocked my head. She stared at my forehead.
"There," she gently pressed onto the center of my forehead.
"What did the birthmark look like?" I leaned my head to one side. She thought for a moment before moving her finger on my forehead.
"In the center was a pink circle. The half pink circle was surrounded by a crescent moon and the other half had a spike hovering downwards out. Three spikes hovered outside of the moon, pointing up," she explained. I could see a rough picture of what it may have looked like in my head as she moved her slender finger away.
"Hmm... junior, may I ask what your sister's name was?" although I had a feeling already knew what her name was.
"Her name? Hmm... her name was, Cu. Xing," she said each syllable clearly.
"Cu Xing?"
"Yes," she nodded her head. Hmm... I wonder why people kept thinking I was this woman... did we really look alike? Was she the me in the lost data? That was the most likely answer... but that means that I somehow went through my trial as a Celestial Being?! But... I never heard of Immortals being reborn as a Celestial Being to complete a trail... it was usually them being reborn as a mortal...
"Junior... what is your name?" I changed the subject.
"My name? My name is Wei Xing," she replied.
"Wei Xing? Hmm, you have such a pretty name, junior."
"A pretty name?"
"Un. It's much better than mine. Que. Hei. Bin. It sounds a bit ugly doesn't it?" I raised my eyebrows and she smiled, revealing a dimple on her right cheek.
"It's a unique name," she responded kindly. I looked around pretending to check if anyone was there before I leaned into her ear. She frowned, confused.
"Shh... don't tell anyone that I told you my name sounds ugly. Master was the one who gave me this name. If he finds out how I feel... you might lose your only female senior," I whispered before leaning back. She chuckled before nodding her head. I smiled as I patted her head.
"I understand. I will keep this between us," she gave me a small smile. Ahh... her and that brat were both from Celestial Tribes... how could they act so differently? Wait... that's right! She's from the Northern Sea Palace. I should ask for some tips before leaving so I don't get into trouble!
"Junior," I tapped my fingers on the bed, "I heard you are from the Northern Sea Palace. Is that correct?"
"Yes. That's correct. But I don't want any special treatment! I entered this place because I wanted to train hard an-" I placed my finger over her lips.
"You don't need to explain anymore. I understand. I can see your sincerity," I gave her a nod of approval and she looked at me with thankful eyes before bowing.
"Thank you, senior," she smiled. Aww... she looked so cute when she smiled! Anyways, I need to get back on track.
"No need to thank me, junior. Master chooses his disciples very carefully. If you aren't sincere and humble then Master won't accept you... then again, I wonder how Second got in..." I rubbed my chin and she stifled a laugh. I smiled, seeing that she was more comfortable now as I watch her shoulders relax. "Anyways... tell me about the place you are from. I've never been anywhere in the Celestial Realm. How is it?"
"Oh... the Northern Sea Palace... it's a beautiful place... but you have to be careful with your manners when you are there. They are second in ranks, only behind the Celestial Tribe so their rules are a bit strict... and things can get very complicated there... that's why I left," her eyes grew sad again and I suddenly felt guilty for asking her.
"I see..." I tried to think of how to cheer her up and I smiled as I came up with an idea. A peach appeared in my hand as I held it up to her. "For you. Thanks for sharing with me," she looked at the peach with a shocked expression before looking up at me. She took the peach out of my hand.
"Thank you," she gave me a bow, "senior... do you like peaches?"
"Yes. They are my favorite fruit," another one appeared in my hand and I took a bite out of it.
"Ahh..." she smiled and also took a bite out of hers. I watched as her expression lit up and she looked at the peach with awe. How adorable!
"Good, right? It's from the Celestial Palace," I grinned.
"The Celestial Palace?!" she looked amazed. I nodded my head. "How did senior get your hands on this?"
"Hmm... I have my ways," the story was too long to tell at that moment, "anyways," I got off the bed and threw the half-eaten peach back into my inventory, "I'm going to go rest now. Junior, get some rest too. When I have time I will come to visit you more often. We are the only females on this mountain, so let's take care of each other," I held my hand out to her. She looked at my hand, and then back to me before she reached her hand out. We shook hands in agreement and I smiled. It felt good knowing that I had a nice junior sister on this mountain with me. I pulled my hand back as raised it up to use my teleportation magic. I didn't really want to walk back if I could just conveniently use magic.
"Senior," she said and I paused.
"What is it?" I cocked my head to one side. She bit her lips for a moment before clearing her throat.
"Senior... can I call you, Older Sister?" her voice was quiet. Older Sister... it didn't sound bad to me.
"Sure, Younger Sister," I replied. Her face lit up as she smiled widely. How cute! I returned her smile. "Goodnight," I said as I waved my hand. I was back in my current room and I let out a sigh of relief as I jumped on my bed. Good thing this junior was so polite and nice. I wouldn't know what to do if she was like Second. Thinking about Second... hmm... he was right when he mentioned that I need to cultivate more. His skills have definitely improved... wait, skills. I need to take a look at my skills!
"Status menu," I said and then clicked on the Skills tab.
Cui Yun Swordsmanship Flying Cooking Teleportation Barrier Casting Transformation ???? ???? Soul Sealing
Page 1/3 ->
"What?" I stared at the question marks and then clicked on one.
Skill: ????
Level: ????
Description: ????
All of them showed the same thing and I frowned as I backed out to the Skills tab. Hmm... Soul Sealing? Did I have this skill beforehand? I tapped on it.
Skill: Soul Sealing
Status: Activated
Level: ????
Description: ????
What? Status? That didn't show up on the other ones... why did it show up on this one? I didn't understand what was going on! Was I going to get more information when I restored all the lost data? I grappled with my hair before letting out a groan. I set my head on the pillow and felt my body relax. After lying down, I suddenly felt fatigued. My eyes shut by themselves as I felt myself falling into sleep's arms.
-
Huh? When did I get here? I looked around to see I was standing back on a piece of land with my pond surrounding me.
"Why?" I heard a voice say from behind me. This voice sounded eerily familiar as I turned around. I gasped as I saw myself staring back at me... however I looked very different. The girl who stood a distance from me had a pink birthmark in the center of her forehead that looked like what Twenty Seventh had just told me. Her dark hair was tied up in a bun, except for a couple strands that hung in front of her face. She wore a dark short robe that ended above her knees. Overlaying her robe was a silver breastplate and on her shoulders laid silver shoulder pads. Beneath the robes were brown trousers which were overlapped by long boots that reached the bottom of her knees. She was wearing no accessories except for a golden collar. She stared intently at me making seemingly no expression.
"W-w-who are you?" I stammered out.
"I'm you," she answered. Her voice sent shivers down my spine at how emotionless it sounded. It was as if she was a robot... as if she had no soul. She took a step forward and I couldn't help taking a step back. "Why?" she asked again.
"W-w-why what?" I clutched onto my robe. I didn't know why I felt so scared.
"Why are you trying to restore them?!" although her voice carried no emotions, I could feel the pain from her eyes.
"Restore what?"
"The lost data. Why are you restoring them? I deleted them for a reason! Why must you restore them?" I swallowed my saliva as my lips felt dry.
"Why not? Why can't I restore them?" I retorted.
"Y-you... didn't you listen to me? I wanted to be happy... I want you to be happy... I told you that you didn't need them... why must you restore them?" a tear ran down her pale cheek. I didn't know what to say as I just took another step back.
"I-I... I..."
"Stop. Don't restore them. Don't do it," she took another step forward. I shook my head.
"I can't do that," I answered, "I need them... I want to know what happened... maybe I can get back to Earth this way," I admitted.
"Don't you remember that saying on Earth? Curiosity killed the cat. Do you want to be that cat?" her tone changed as it sounded like she was threatening me.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"I... I don't care. If I need to, I will be that cat," I yelled back. The look in her eyes changed as they soften.
"Alright... if that's what you want... I can't stop you," she vanished and then suddenly appeared in front of me.
"Huh?" I gasped and then I felt her push me. I started to fall backward and when I did I saw the mark on her forehead slowly fading away before I sunk into the pond.
-
I sat up and panted as I felt sweat trickling down the side of my face. What just happened? I looked down to see my hand trembling uncontrollably.
"You're already up?" I looked up to see my Master walking toward me. In his hand was a pair of plain blue robes.
"Master?" he set the robes on my lap.
"Get ready. We are going to leave in an hour and also, don't wear a lot of accessories like you usually do. You are my maid, you aren't supposed to look so fancy," he ordered. I nodded my head and he left the room. I wiped the sweat off my forehead with my sleeve... huh? Why was I sweating again? I didn't remember.
-
I went into Master's office after getting dressed, and like he demanded I didn't wear any accessories except for two plain wooden hairpins to put up half my hair.
"Master," I gave him a bow and he looked up from behind his documents. He glanced at me up and down and then nodded his head.
"Good. Now put this on," he threw a hat that had a veil covering it over to me. I caught it and let out a sigh as it reminded me of the one that Su Hai made we wear the other day.
"Master," I started to put the hat on, "I can agree with covering my face, but I am still going to speak."
"Hmm? Why?"
"Why? Because I want to! What if I get into trouble or I witness something? If I pretend I don't have the ability to speak then I will get myself and someone else in trouble."
"Hmm... alright, alright. You can speak then," Master got up from his seat and walked over to me. He fixed the position of the hat a little bit and then nodded his head. "You look fine. Let's go," he tapped my shoulder.
-
Since I have never been to the Northern Sea Palace, we couldn't use our teleportation skills teleport to a place close to it, as the Northern Sea Palace also had a barrier around it, since teleportation can only be used in places that I have been to. It took us 2 hours of flying to finally get there, yet I didn't mind. I enjoyed looking at the Celestial Realm's scenery. Although it was similar to the Immortal Realm's, the colors were much more vibrant. There were also creatures roaming the forestry that I've never seen before. When I asked about it, Master just said that they were petty deities that were still cultivating to gain a human form. I was confused because I thought that all Celestial Beings were born with a human form, but Master said that some have been born on ominous days when the energy in the Celestial Realm wasn't good so that caused them not to be able to be born in their humanoid form. He also mentioned that some were creatures who roamed the Celestial Realm trying to cause havoc. There were also many wars happening in the Celestial Realm due to conflicting views. I nodded my head but was still confused on the matter subject. I should've paid more attention in class.
-
When we reached the beach of the Northern Sea Palace my eyes widened. In the middle of the sea was a path that separated the sea in half. Guards were circling the whole beach. By the entrance, there were two guards who both wore silver armor.
"Follow me and be courteous. This isn't Cui Yun Mountain so if you get into trouble here then Master will not be able to help you," he warned.
"I understand. I'm not a child," I whispered back. He just shrugged his shoulders as we walked toward the entrance. The two guards looked up and noticed us as Master handed them a bamboo scroll. They opened the scroll and then looked back up.
"Greetings, Lord Guang Yuan," they both bowed.
"Rise," Master ordered and they rose.
"Lord Guang Yuan, for the safety of our King, may we know who this lady behind you is?" one of them questioned.
"She is my maid," he responded. The two looked at each other with a puzzled expression.
"Excuse me for my rudeness Lord Guang Yuan, but since when did you start having a maid?" the other one questioned.
"Not too long ago," Master said nonchalantly.
"Then why is she wearing a veil?"
"Because she injured her face and doesn't want anyone to see it."
"I see... but Lord Guang Yuan," they were persistent and I could tell Master was getting annoyed as he smacked his thigh.
"I didn't know that merely bringing a maid would cause me to be interrogated like this. Your King and I have been friends for thousands of years and your Prince and Princess are also my disciples. Are you guys inferring that I brought this maid because I have malicious intent? If so, then I will return to Cui Yun Mountain," Master started to turn on his heel and the guards held their arms up to stop them. I stifled a laugh as I saw the shocked expressions on their faces.
"N-no! We wouldn't dare interrogate my Lord. Please pass through," they made way. Master cleared his throat as he gave them a small glare before he started walking to the path. I saw sweat trickling down their necks as their Adam's apples went up and down from swallowing. I held my hand up to my mouth to keep me from bursting out loud.
"Maid!" Master yelled from ahead, "are you not coming?"
"Sorry, Ma- my Lord," I ran to catch up to him. When I reached him we walked together with him leading a bit, an etiquette that maids and servants usually followed. I chuckled as the scene from earlier kept playing in my head.
"Maid, what are you giggling about?"
"Hmm... ah... I was just surprised to see my Lord use such a tactic. In the past, my Lord was much more patient and didn't like to get riled up at public places."
"Times have changed. I have attended too many banquets and now I find those protocols a waste of time," he waved his hand back and forth.
"Ohh... your maid understands," I nodded my head.
We reached the entrance of the palace and for the first time, I was thankful for the veil that covered my idiotic face as I looked in awe. The palace was decorated with gold sculptures and tall stone pillars. On the pillars were silver seashells and pearls. Bright lights wrapped themselves around the pillars like vines. Servants passed by us and I stared at their glittery robes and elaborate hairpins. In front of us was a line waiting to get into the main hall.
"What do you think?" Master elbowed me.
"Hmm... it looks very nice... your maid is impressed," I answered honestly. He smiled as he nodded his head in satisfaction. After a few moments, we were finally able to enter the main hall. The main hall was huge, resembling a school auditorium, as hundreds of tables were placed across the area. Master was directed to a table that was on the left side of the King's throne. I could feel people giving us weird glances as they looked at me, but Master seemed ignored them as he sat down. I sat behind him and he turned around. He smiled and nodded his forehead for me to move closer to the table. I obeyed as I sat at the edge of the table.
"Remember to be courteous," he reminded me again.
"I understand... I'm not a child, you don't need to keep reminding me," I argued. He just smiled as he turned back to the table which had sliced fruits down as an appetizer. He picked up one of the sliced fruits and bit into it.
"As long as you understand," he mumbled as he continued to eat. I rolled my eyes knowing full well that no one could see my face. I looked to gradually see more and more people entering the main hall. I looked across to see the right-hand table from the throne was still empty. Master once said that the people who sit left and right of a king's throne are the most important people to them, however, the right holds a higher position than the left. I wonder who was going to sit there. I looked beside that seat to see a man who resembled Fourteenth. My eyes traveled further but I didn't see Fourteenth anywhere.
"The fifth prince of the Northern Palace entering," the servant announced. I looked down to see Fourteenth marching in with a solemn expression. His long green hair was settled into a high pony-tail as his deep blue eyes darted around the room. Hmm... he seemed to have matured from the aura he gave off. I watched as he noticed our table and walked over.
"Fourteenth greets Master," he put his hands together in front of him and bowed.
"Rise," Master gestured and he stood up.
"Master... is the news true?" he asked in a quiet voice. News? Master glanced back at me for a second before nodding.
"Of course it's true," he replied.
"That's good... when I have time, I will definitely pay Cui Yun Mountain a visit," Fourteenth had a small smile on his face.
"That will be good... I'm pretty sure she'll be happy."
"I hope that will be the case," his eyes traveled back to me and then he furrowed his brows, "Master... this lady..."
"Don't mind her. You should go take a seat, the banquet will be starting soon," Master waved his hand.
"Yes, Master," Fourteenth bowed again before leaving, however, I could still feel him giving me a curious glance.
"Uh... my Lord..." I spoke. I wanted to ask if Fourteenth was talking about me and why he didn't tell Fourteenth who I was.
"Yes... yes... just be quiet..." he managed to answer all my questions without me saying a word about them, as expected of Master. I could only do what he said as I closed my mouth. I continued to think as I heard chattering fill the room, but a voice pierced through those chatters.
"I... wrong... curse... forgive..."
I heard a child's voice rang out. I glanced around the room to see no children anywhere. Hmmm... what this? Could it be... my lost data?
"Welcome, Heavenly Crown Prince," a servant announced and I jumped. I look around me to see everyone standing up, except for Master who stayed seated.
"Master, do I stand?" I quickly asked and he just shrugged his shoulders. I squinted my eyes at him before also standing up. It was better to be safe than to be sorry.
"Welcome, Heavenly Crown Prince," everyone said as they bowed. I followed what they were doing.
"Rise," I heard Su Hai's low voice command. I pressed my lips together as I stood back up. Through my blue veil, I could still see him wearing his red robes. He walked to the table across from us and took his seat there. Huh? He was the one who was going to sit there? After he took his seat others also began sitting down, and I followed suit.
"What do you think?" Master suddenly asked.
"Think? Think of what?"
"Of him," Master nodded his head at Su Hai. What?! Why was he asking me about this?
"Uh... he seems to be... courteous and humble," I replied.
"Hmm... I see..." Master took a picked up another piece of fruit and stuffed it into his mouth. I kept feeling glances heading our way and I thought it was because of me, but when I looked around I could see female fairies looking at Master with heart eyes as they giggled among each other. Some of them also shot me some sharp gazes. Master seemed oblivious as he just continued to munch on his fruits. I guess after all these years he was still attractive to the younger generations.
"Welcome, King of the Northern Sea Palace," the servant announced again. This time everyone stood up, including Master.
"Welcome, King of the Northern Sea Palace," we all said as we bowed.
"Rise," a bass voice ordered. I felt my lips go dry at how much authority there was in his voice as I stood back up. Although I couldn't see his face through my veil, I could feel that the King's aura was different from any aura I've ever met. It was a strong aura that commanded obedience and tolerated no wrong, an aura truly suited for a king. He walked his way past us and then took a seat on the throne. All of us sat down and I fiddled with my sleeve.
"Congratulations Sea King," a man who seemed to be an official stood up and bowed.
"Thank you, and thank all of you for coming to join me today. Please eat and enjoy yourselves to your heart's content," he waved his arm.
"Yes, Sea King," we all replied. Maids entered the hall as they set down various foods and wine on the table. My eyes sparkled when I saw the wine and I felt Master glare at me. I cleared my throat as he looked away.
"Lord Guang Yuan," the Sea King suddenly said.
"Yes?" Master asked.
"Who is that lady next to you?"
"Oh, her? She's an Immortal who I saved not too long ago. She's serving as a maid at the moment because she wants to repay her debt."
"Why is she wearing a veil?" he got straight to the point.
"It's because her face got injured when I saved her and she doesn't want anyone to see it."
"I see. Please enjoy yourself," the Sea King gestured for Master to drink and Master nodded. The Sea King also continued to eat his food as deities walked up to chat with him.
"Here. Eat this," Master handed me a piece of bread.
"Bread again..." I mumbled.
"What?!" he barked.
"No. Nothing, Ma- my Lord," I took the bread. There were so many things on the table that looked good like meat, stir-fry vegetables, fruits, yet both of them just offered me bread. How stingy... I broke a piece of the bread off and ate it. I glanced up to see what people were doing when I saw Su Hai seem to be looking my way. Hmm... I'm wearing a veil... he shouldn't know who I am. I thought it was just a coincidence and I waited for him to turn his head away but he just seemed to keep gazing our way, directly at me. Did he know who I was? My cheeks grew hot and I hung my head low.
"M-my Lord," I pulled on Master's sleeve.
"Hmm?" he turned his head.
"C-can I go outside for a little fresh air?"
"Do what you want, just remember to be courteous," he reminded me again.
"Yes," I stood up and made my way out of the main hall. I let out a sigh of relief as I glanced back inside to see Su Hai's silhouette still sitting where he was. Maybe he didn't know after all.
"Curse... I..."
The child's voice sounded a lot more clear. I looked around to see that servants were busy walking in and out of the main hall to notice me. I took in a deep breath as I started to sneak my way around the palace. I headed toward the child's voice as I continued to glance around, making sure to avoid any servants. If anyone caught me, I would just say that I got lost. Still, the Northern Sea Palace was a very beautiful place as coral reefs, smooth shells, pearls and gems decorated the place. I kept passing by rooms which had huge doors.
After a while of wandering, I finally reached a room by an isolated area behind what seemed to be a concubine's quarters. I opened the door and inside was a plain room. It resembled one of a poor mortal's that I saw when I went down to the mortal world. There was a bed by the corner and a small wooden desk by another. The drapes that hung over the bed looked old as there were rips in them. My eyes trailed to the middle of the room where I saw a hologram diamond spinning. I closed the door behind me as I walked up to the diamond. I tapped on it.
Lost data found!
Restore data?
Yes No
I tapped the yes button.
During the restoration process, lost data can only be restored in first person point of view.
Do you still want to restore data?
Yes No
Oh my gosh, yes just hurry up!
Data being restored!
Restoring in 3... 2... 1...
I felt that invisible hand force my eyelids to go down as I felt my conscious being slipped away once more.
~
Hmm... what's this... I stirred in my sleep. I still needed to rest in order to recover my soul. DING! DING! DING! Gosh! Just stop notifications! I need to sleep. I opened my eyes just a tad bit to see a screen flashing at me.
New Quest Update!
Quest description: Go through a trial!
Difficulty Level: Unknown
Reward: Dependent on results of the trial.
Would you like to accept the quest?
Yes No
Hmm? A trial.
"No..." I croaked out and closed my eyes. Just as I was about to fall asleep again... DING! DING! DING! Uggh... fine! Just shut up!
"Yes!" my voice cracked as I yelled it out. The dinging stopped as I felt myself falling back to sleep. Ah... what's this? Why does my body feel so uncomfortable in this position? I turned my body and then I felt myself getting slapped in the face with water. I open my eyes to find myself in the pond. No! I tried to swim back up but a force kept pulling me down. Ahh! Air! I need air! I grabbed my throat. Ahhhh! I felt this burning sensation on the center of my forehead. What was going on? Why am I in such pain?! I tried to reach for my forehead but a force pulled my arms down.
I gazed down to see a huge palace underneath me. What was I- ahh! The burning sensation got worse as I felt the skin peeling away on my forehead. What was hap- huh? What's going on? Where is this? What am I doing? Who... am I?