I opened my eyes and found myself lying on a bed. Hmm... how did I get here? Augh! I brought my palm to my forehead as I felt the man hammering away at my skull again. Ugh... hangovers!
"You're up?" I looked up to see Hua Mi holding a tray of what looked like soup. I nodded my head as I watch him put the tray by the bedside table. He picked up the bowl on the tray and pushed it towards me.
"Here," he said as he handed me a spoon. I looked at the soup to see it had diced peppers topped all over it.
"What is it?"
"Hangover soup."
"Ahh... thanks, Hua Mi! You're the best, you know that right?" I grabbed the spoon out of his hand and started to gobble down my food.
"Of course I'm the best. Who else could deal with your feisty consumption for alcohol other than me?" I felt him rub my back and I chuckled.
"That's right. I'm lucky to have you," I continued to eat my soup.
"But, I won't be able to spend today with you. I have to go up to the Celestial Realm and deliver this alcohol that I had to pull out of my stash last night."
"Huh?" I turned my head to see him holding a robe that had four wine bottles attached to it. I put down my spoon and reached for the bottles. "Let me see," but he pulled them away from me.
"Oh ho ho, no! You can't have these. They were requested from me so I can't give you any, sorry."
"Hua Mi! Are you saying that those are better than the wine you gave me yesterday?"
"Uhh... maybe?"
"Hua Mi!"
"Alright, alright! They are... and I'm sorry, but I can't give you any."
"Hmph," I turned away from him as I held the bowl up and downed my soup. Afterward, I slammed the bowl on the table and glared at him. He told me he was going to give me his best alcohol. Why did he lie to me like this?! He knows I love alcohol! "If you won't give them to me, I will go up to the Celestial Palace with you!" I threatened.
"No!" he yelled and I flinched surprised. He covered his mouth as if he shocked himself before shaking his head, "No, no, no," he repeated himself. I frowned.
"Why?"
"Because... the Celestial Palace is very strict and rigid. A person as free as you will probably get into trouble up there. I can't take you."
"Hey! Are you calling me a troublemaker?!"
"You know you're a troublemaker. Why are you even asking me that question?"
"Tch! Hua Mi!" I yelled, "I've returned after 120,000 years but you won't even share me one bottle from your best stash?"
"It was 120,000 years for me but it was only a night for you! If anything you should be giving me a gift for having to suffer waiting for you for so long!" he yelled back.
"Hua Mi!"
"Xiao Bin!"
"Y-you! I will go with you whether you want me to or not. I will just ask the Crown Prince to give me a bottle if you aren't willing to give me a wine bottle!"
"Que Hei Bin!" Hua Mi slapped the bed and I trembled for a second. I moved back from him instinctively and he reached his hand out toward me. I've never seen him so angry at me before. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," he said softly as he grabbed my forearm, "but this is really important to me. You understand that, right?" he said with a gentle voice. I pouted before nodding my head.
"Alright. I understand. Sorry... it's just that my love for alcohol made me a bit too stubborn," I gave him a bow. He chuckled as I felt him caress my hair.
"It's alright. I did say I was going to give you my best alcohol but didn't give it to you anyway... how about in exchange I will take you to my stash and let you choose the next two bottles you want to drink?" My eyes sparkled.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Woohoo! Let's go! Let's go right now!" I rushed him. He laughed as he set the bundle of alcohol down on the bed. We walked out of the shed and I followed him as he led the way.
"It was a good thing that your master limited you to only three bottles," Hua Mi commented.
"True..." I agreed. If he didn't... I was afraid that even though Hua Mi loved me a lot, I would end up dead by his hands. I remember the last time I drank all his alcohol he didnt' talk to me for weeks.
"If he didn't the-" his sentence was stopped as he gasped and stopped walking. I looked at him to see his eyes wide open as he looked down. I followed his eyesight as it landed on a pink fruit that had a piece bitten off. I raised an eyebrow as I bent down and picked the fruit up. I held the fruit up to him.
"Is this fruit special? Why do you look like that?"
"Th-t-th-that fruit is an aphrodisiac fruit!"
"Huh? An aphrodisiac fruit?" I turned the fruit around to observe it.
"Yes! It's a good thing that whoever ate this fruit didn't take that big of a bite or else they would've gone crazy under the bushes!"
"Hmph, who would dare to walk into this garden and blatantly take a bite of your fruit without asking for permission, Hua Mi?" I felt annoyed for Hua Mi.
"Don't mind it. It's not like they came and took all my fruits. Let's continue on our way," Hua Mi paid it no attention as he continued walking. I waited until he was a couple step in front of me and I looked at the fruit.
"Observe," I whispered and a screen appeared in front of me.
Object Identified!
Name: Xie Ye Fruit
Description: A pink fruit that has a unique fruity taste. It is an aphrodisiac and when consumed can cause a strong sexual drive to its consumer. Eat and use with caution!
"Woah!" I let out a small gasp. I didn't even know such a fruit existed in this world. I have been too ignorant.
"What are you doing?" Hua Mi called out from in front of me and I dropped the fruit to the ground.
"Nothing," I quickly replied as I ran up to him.
We soon reached another shed that was surrounded by a barrier. Hua Mi waved his hand over me and my body glowed for a couple seconds.
"I just allowed you access to my stash but you can only come by three times and grab only two bottles to leave at the most," he warned, "after that, you have to come to me so that I can put my magic over you again so you can come again."
"Why are you limiting me like this?" I complained. He squinted his eyes as he flicked me on the forehead. "Ah!" I let out a small yelp.
"If I don't limit you then you are going to drink my stash dry again!" he scolded and I just gave him an innocent smile.
"Alright! I was just kidding around!" I said to him and his lips curled up as he nodded his head and we headed into the shed.
"Woah!" the smell inside was just simply amazing. It smelt of sweet and sour fruits, of healthy roots, of just plain good old happiness. I could've slept there every night and be happy. I checked the bottles of wine one by one slowly and opened them to smell. Mmm... they all smelt so good! As I was looking I saw a bundle of four wines up on a high shelf by the corner. Why were those so out of view and so high up? Did Hua Mi put those up there on purpose? "Hua Mi," I called him over and pointed at the four bottles, "I want to check those."
"Those?" he pointed to them too and I nodded my head. He looked at me with suspicious eyes, "your intuition is really something," he reached up and grabbed them. He brought them down to me and I opened them to smell. Ooh... they smelt heavenly... a bit bitter... but still heavenly. I dipped my finger inside and then licked the alcohol on my finger. Mmm... heavenly indeed.
"I want this one," I smiled and Hua Mi just rolled his eyes.
"Alright," he said as he was taking two of them off and I grabbed his arm.
"What are you doing?"
"What do you mean what am I doing? You are only allowed to drink two more bottles so I putting these two away."
"Don't. I want to bring the other two back to my Master. These wines were made from roots and you know how my Master likes wines made out of roots, right?"
"You..." he looked at me with eyes like I was a schemer and I smacked his arm.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I'm really going to give them to my Master! I'm not going to even drink all of them because my limit is only two more bottles! Have I ever disobeyed my Master?" I asked.
"Yes."
"When?"
"You rushed out to the battlefield without informing him and then disappeared for 120,000 years," he threw the facts at me and I felt my face go red.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"Y-you! I will follow you to the Celestial Palace if you keep acting like this!" I threatened and his eyes widened as he glared at me. I glared back at him and we stared each other down for a moment before we both let out a laugh.
"Alright! Let's go then, and I will carry the wine or else you won't be able to leave the barrier," he gave up. I smiled as I grabbed his arm and hugged it.
"Thank you, Hua Mi! You are the best! I love you!" I said and he just rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he said nonchalantly but I could see the smile on his face. We started heading back to his small house.
-
Hua Mi set the wine bottles down on the bed as I picked up the bowl.
"Where do you want me to put this?" I asked.
"You can just leave it. If you need to take a bath then exit the back door and go behind this shed. You'll see a path. Just follow it and you will eventually reach a pond there for you to bathe in," he headed toward the front door.
"Where are you going?"
"To pick some fruits to offer along with the wine," he answered as he waved his hand. I just shrugged my shoulder as I walked out the back door. I followed his direction and reached a pond that was surrounded by peach blossom trees.
"Wow," I breathed out in awe as I watched the peach blossoms fall into the pond, "I knew that Hua Mi liked peach blossoms... but I didn't think he liked them this much... no wonder he smells so good," I pulled my robes off and entered the pond. The temperature was just right and I smiled as I brought some water and splashed it on my face. Huh? I turned around and looked behind me. I thought I heard a voice... but it must've been nothing. Hmm... whatever... I held my breath as I dunked my head under the water.
-
When I came back to the shed I didn't see any signs of Hua Mi. On the bed, I found a note. I picked up the note and it read, 'I had to leave first so I couldn't say goodbye. Be a good girl and wait for me to come back. If you do, I will make you some of my best spicy dishes to go along with your wine. Love, Hua Mi.' The ends of my lips couldn't help themselves as they curled up.
"Although in the past he felt so much like a younger brother... now he feels so much like an older brother... times have really changed," I spoke to myself. I looked at the bundle of wine bottles and I brought them outside where I could also enjoy the wind. I sat down on the porch where we drank yesterday and opened one of the wine bottles. "Half of you should be good enough," I pulled off the cap. I closed my eyes sniffed the wine. The smell was enchanting as I could smell different fruits and even a hint of herbs within the wine. Hmm... it was truly heave- wait. Fruits? I opened my eyes and looked at the wine before taking another sniff.
"This... isn't the wine I chose from earlier," I turned the wine bottle around and then frowned, "Hua Mi made a mistake... hmm... should I just drink i-no! Que Hei Bin, you shouldn't be like this," I let out a big sigh, "even though Hua Mi said we shouldn't go to the Celestial Realm... I can't let him give the Crown Prince the wrong wine... but why didn't he want me to go? Ahh... because they have a lot of rules. That just means I have to be careful. Sneak right in and sneak right out," I told myself. I stuffed the wine into my inventory as I took in a deep breath. It was going to be my first time going to the Celestial Realm... but it won't my first time sneaking in and out of somewhere... I should be fine!
-
I was a distance from the gates of the Celestial Palace and I could feel sweat trickling down my face. If I get caught here will I get into a lot of trouble? Am I doing the right thing? Ugh... let's just do this quickly and then leave! I held my thumb and middle finger together as I chanted a spell over myself. After I was done, I pulled out a mirror and saw Hua Mi's face in the reflection. I checked to see if everything was alright.
"Hmm... being a High Immortal does make magic easier to use," I nodded in approval and then gasped at how my voice also sounded exactly like his. Hehe, this was going to be easy. I flew up the gates and two guards wearing white stopped me.
"Lord Hua Mi? You just entered a while ago," one of them frowned.
"That's right, but I forgot to grab these bottles of wine also so I went back to retrieve them," I held the bottles up in the air. They looked at each other for a second before looking back at me with suspicion. "What? Do you doubt me?" I looked at them with an unhappy expression. The two quickly shook their heads.
"We don't dare to!" they bowed their heads before looking at one another again.
"Lord Hua Mi, if it's really you can I take a look at your wine?" one asked. I nodded my head as I pulled the cover off one of the wine bottles and held it up to his nose. He took in a whiff before moving back as a grin laid across his face. The other one coughed and he shook his head before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry Lord Hua Mi, please enter," he said and the two made way for me. I bowed my head to give them my thanks, before taking my first steps into the Celestial Palace. I clench my teeth to keep myself from looking out of place as my jaw wanted to drop at the sight of the Celestial Palace.
The buildings were either painted in gold, silver, red, or white. They were all tall and there were plants everywhere which gave the place a calming atmosphere. I pinched my thigh to snap me out of admiring the beautiful view and I spotted a maid, wearing pink robes, watering some nearby plants. I was impressed at the hairpins that she used to put up her light blue hair. They were gold with white beads designed on it and almost made me want to snatch them away. I walked up to her and cleared my throat. She turned back and when she saw my face she quickly bowed.
"G-g-greetings, Lord Hua Mi. How can this lowly one help you?" her voice sounded sweet yet a bit shaky as her purple eyes darted around on the ground. I saw that she grabbed onto her robes as she fiddled with her fingers. Was she nervous to be in front of Hua Mi?
"Young lady, can you lead me to where the celebration is taking place?" I asked. She furrowed her brows as she cocked her head. "I went back to my garden to retrieve some more wine bottles as a gift for the Crown Prince and I taste tested some. Some of them were a bit potent and I'm afraid that I may lose my way if I go by myself right now," I made up an excuse. She held onto her hand as she turned her head away. "What's wrong? Do you not know the way there? If not, I can ask another servant. Sorry, young lady," I moved back.
"Th-that's not it," she quickly said, "This servant understand. Please follow this servant," she bowed as she turned around to grab her bucket of water. After that, she started to lead me up some steps and through some halls. I continued to observe this strange maid and she would sometimes glance back at me. I could see some resentment in her purple eyes and wondered why she was looking at Hua Mi this way.
"Young lady, what is your name?" I asked and she stiffened but continued to lead the way.
"My Lord... do you really not remember me?" her voice trembled yet was a bit chilling at the same time. I felt a bit uncomfortable hearing that sweet voice turned so cold.
"Huh? Uh... it may the alcohol's effect but I..."
"My Lord... I am the late... the la-ate... ah, we are here," she stopped in front of a large gate. I looked around inside the gate to see no one.
"This is..."
"Don't you remember, my Lord? This is the Crown Prince's territory, Xian Quan Palace," she spoke with a slightly mocking tone.
"A-ah... Xian Quan Palace... it has been a while since I last came here and with the alcohol... it's not helping..." I let out a small laugh. I couldn't get mad at her small facial expression and tone changes. The one she seemed to not be happy with was Hua Mi, not me. Although I do care for Hua Mi, this seemed to be a relationship between a male and female. If Hua Mi did have a romantic relationship with this maid, then the way I am acting is a bit overbearing.
"That's true... I haven't seen my Lord step foot in the Celestial Palace for 30,000 years. It couldn't be helped if you forgot..."
"Hu- ah... that's right..." I tried to keep calm yet my heart was beating so hard I'm surprised it didn't jump out of my chest. Does that mean that Hua Mi was a regular guest before those 30,000 years?
"Then, I shall leave you here, my Lord," the maid bowed.
"Wait," I held my hand out, "can't you lead me the rest of the way?" I asked. I didn't want to get lost in this big unfamiliar place. She looked at me and I saw the pain in her purple eyes.
"I c-can't... I believe if you just keep heading straight then you will reach the courtyard where the rest of the other Deities and Immortals are gathering," she informed. My curiosity wanted to ask why she couldn't but the struggle in her eyes made me stop as I nodded.
"I understand. Thank you, young lady," I gave her a small head bow.
"No need to thank me, my Lord. I wish you well at the party," she bowed as she started to walk away. I watched her walk in the direction we came from and as I turned to enter the gates she paused, and so did I. "My Lord," she turned around and looked at me.
"Yes?" I smiled at her and her eyes traveled back to the ground.
"M-m-my n-n-name is... Jiao... Bai... Yu..." her fingers fiddled around as she carried the handle of the bucket with both her hands.
"Bai... Yu..." I repeated, "thank you, lady Bai Yu," I said.
"No need to call me a lady, my Lord. I'm just a servant. I don't deserve that title."
"Hmm... then, thank you, Bai Yu."
"Then... see you again, my Lord. Farewell," she bowed her head and I watched as she turned around and walked away. I leaned my head to one side as I wondered what had happened to her that she acted like that.
"Everyone has their own story... let's just deliver this wine and not get anymore entwined in other people's life more than we need to..." I let out a sigh as I turned and walked through the gates.
When I passed through the gates I felt a breeze brush my hair by and I felt something stirred within me. What was this feeling... why did I feel like I have been here before?
"Su Hai," I heard a muffled voice yell out and I flinched, "You... do... this..." I turned my head around trying to locate the noise. Where was it coming from? I looked to my right to see a path leading to a small archway. Hmm... the servant girl told me to go straight and then I will reach the courtyard... but... no! I just need to deliver this wine and then leave. Sneak in and sneak out! Don't forget the objective! I took a deep breath in as I took another step forward.
"Su Hai!" I heard the voice yell out again, but this time it was even more muffled. I felt my heart dropped. Why did this voice sound so sad? Who was it? I turned my head toward the path again. Hmm... I can't just ignore this screaming... what if someone really needed help? I bit my lip as I made my choice and I started to run toward the voice. The closer I got the less muffled the voice became. I turn a few corners and then I stopped in front of a closed gate. I looked up and read the name board.
"Tian Yue Hall?" I read the characters. I looked at the red doors and I could hear the voice screaming behind it. Should I barge in? Will I get into trouble? Will I get Hua Mi into trouble?
"Why?" the voice's volume was high but I couldn't hear any emotions in their tone. It was as if a robot was speaking and I took in a sharp breath as I felt something wasn't right. I quickly looked around me and I saw no one in the proximity. I swallowed the anxious saliva that collected in my mouth. I put my hand on the door and pushed it open. I rushed inside to find no one around. It had seemed as if the place had not been occupied for a long time, yet it was still clean. I frowned. Where did the voice come from? As if to answer my question I heard another sniffle and I looked down to see what looked like a hologram diamond spiraling in the center of the courtyard.
"Woah... what's this?" I walked up to it and I could hear voices screaming from within it, "is this Celestial Palace technology?" I questioned as I could see somewhat some images flashing through the spiraling diamond. I bent down to get a better look. It looked like a female and a male in the courtyard but I couldn't make any clear images. I frowned, not sure what to make of it as I reached my hand out. I tapped on the hologram and fell back on the hard ground as a screen suddenly appeared in front of me. "Ouch," I groaned. I rubbed my behind as I read the screen.
Lost data found!
Restore data?
Yes No
"Lost data found... restore data? Huh?" I leaned my head to one side as I tried to wrap my thoughts around this. "Lost data? Is this..." was this from my trial that the old me deleted... but I didn't know that lost data could be found... although I've never tried deleting data before... hmm... should I restore it? Or should I leave it?
"No..." I heard the crying again and I felt like someone just stabbed me in the chest. Why did I feel this way? Why?! I looked at the screen and my fingers trembled as it hovered over the yes tab. Should I do it? Should I not? But the old me deleted everything and she looked so distraught over it... but why did I feel this way? Why did I feel like my heart was getting torn apart? I bit my lip as my hand stopped shaking. If the memories are broken into different parts then this is just a small part of the huge picture... then just once... just this once, let me see why I'm feeling this way. I pressed the yes tab.
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
Hmm... only in first person point of view... whatever, let's just go for it! I pressed the yes tab.
Data being restored!
Restoring in 3... 2... 1...
I felt a charge of electricity run through my body as I stopped moving. It felt like someone forced my eyes closed as I felt my conscious being taken over. What... was happening to me?