Volume Two: The Dragon Soaring Across the Nine Heavens Chapter Eight: A Journey on a Whim

Night had already fallen. Gazing at the dusk beyond the window, Yaoguang calculated the time and found it just right. She turned and addressed the immortals behind her, announcing it was time to depart. Since this journey involved a gathering of immortals and for the sake of caution, Yaoguang activated the teleportation array directly inside the villa.

“Yitian, leave your clone behind and come with me in your true form,” Yaoguang instructed, chanting an incantation as a blue circle of light appeared on the floor of the Immortal Room. “Let’s go.” She stepped into the circle first and vanished. The other immortals followed, entering one after another.

Bai Ling’er was utterly astonished. She felt as if she had merely blinked, and suddenly found herself in a wondrous realm. “Wow.” Opening her eyes, she found this world even more beautiful than Qingqiu. Distant mountains shrouded in mist, waterfalls cascading from cliffs, birds singing among fragrant blossoms. Nearby were elegant pavilions and ornate corridors, winding paths leading to tranquil corners, with spirit maidens and immortals passing to and fro, and all manner of spirit beasts frolicking on the lawns and by the streams. The sky was adorned with rainbow-colored auspicious clouds, birds and immortal cranes soaring above, and even dragons circling through the air. “It’s so beautiful! This must be Phoenix Sister’s divine realm. It’s even more stunning than Qingqiu.”

“Come on, it’s a rare chance to be here. Enjoy yourself; who knows when the next time will be,” the eldest of the Fox Sisters patted Bai Ling’er, then transformed into her true form—a nine-tailed white fox—and bounded toward the spirit spring. The other immortals behind Bai Ling’er also shifted into their true forms and went their separate ways.

“Immortals, to your usual places, please. Everything you like is ready,” a spirit maiden called out as she saw the gathering.

“Let’s go,” the immortals replied, dispersing.

“Where’s everyone going?” Bai Ling’er asked.

“To answer Your Highness, they’re at the Hundred Fruit Orchard. If you wish to go, I can take you,” the spirit maiden replied.

“Thank you, Immortal Sister, but I’d like to look around first. Are there any taboos here? Places I shouldn’t go or things I shouldn’t touch?” Bai Ling’er asked.

“There are none. In the Divine Lord’s realm, you may do as you please. All who enter are our own. Enjoy yourself,” the spirit maiden answered, then turned to Yaoguang. “Divine Lord, do you have any instructions?”

“Prepare everything on this list and send them as directed. After that, you may go about your business. Don’t worry about me,” Yaoguang said with a smile. She looked at the little white dragon and Bai Ling’er. “Do as you like, but don’t eat the spirit herbs in the Hundred Herbs Garden indiscriminately. For those, ask the Herb Immortal before tasting anything—some of the herbs are too potent and may have unintended effects.”

“Alright, I understand,” Bai Ling’er nodded earnestly.

Yaoguang beamed, taking the arm of the male immortal as they flew toward the spirit spring.

“The Divine Lord has returned!” In an instant, the entire Phoenix Spirit Mountain erupted in excitement.

“Let’s go!” Yaoguang pulled the male immortal and dove straight into the spirit lake. He barely had time to react before he plunged into the water, a refreshing sensation instantly flowing through his body.

The white dragon glanced at Bai Ling’er, then in a flash transformed into his true form and soared above the spirit lake. With a single breath toward the lake, a fine, gentle rain began to fall. “Water fight!” cried the white dragon as he leapt into the lake and then burst out, sending the sparkling water flying down from above.

Unable to resist the temptation, Bai Ling’er jumped into the water as well. The moment she dove in, she felt the spiritual energy within her begin to stir and flow—a most pleasant sensation. As she marveled at this, a spirit child skipped past her. “Sister White Fox, this spring is imbued with the essence of heaven and earth—a sacred place for cultivation. Since you’re here, enjoy yourself!” With that, the child tossed her a cluster of amethyst grapes. Bai Ling’er caught them, plucked one, and tasted it. Sweet—so sweet, and delicious. “There are endless immortal fruits in the Hundred Fruit Orchard. Go help yourself!” The spirit child flew away.

“Hundred Fruit Orchard?” Bai Ling’er muttered, then climbed ashore.

“Looking for the Hundred Fruit Orchard? It’s over there,” Yitian walked up, having heard her mutter, and pointed. Not far off, Bai Ling’er saw an arched gate. Curiously, she walked over. The gate was simple, with a wooden plaque overhead inscribed with ‘Hundred Fruit Orchard’. Stepping inside, she was taken aback by the stunning sight—trees of every kind, each heavy with fruit.

“Take whatever you like and eat your fill. You can even take some with you, but don’t waste anything, or the Divine Lord will be furious,” a spirit child at the entrance said, noticing her looking around. He handed her a bag. “This is a storage pouch. No matter how much you put in, it will never feel heavy. Have fun, miss!”

“Thank you,” Bai Ling’er replied, accepting the pouch and stepping inside. The orchard was vast, filled with every fruit imaginable. To her amazement, she even spotted a ginseng fruit tree displayed on an exquisite platform. She had thought ginseng fruit existed only with the Immortal Ziyang. Such a treasure—could she eat it here?

“Want to try a ginseng fruit?” Yaoguang, hand in hand with the male immortal, entered and saw Bai Ling’er gazing dreamily at the tree.

“Are these really free to eat?” Bai Ling’er asked.

“Of course! The spiritual energy here is different. Don’t worry. My orchard is coveted by all three realms, but only I can tend it properly, you see. Every year at the Peach Banquet, I send spirit fruits to the Heavenly Realm—they rely on me. Don’t worry. I have plenty of friends,” Yaoguang said, then with a wave, produced a dewy ginseng fruit in Bai Ling’er’s hand. “Taste it. Pick whatever you want. The east is the Hall of Flavors, the west is the Hundred Herbs Garden, the north is Beast Mountain, and the south is the Elixir Hall. Eat any fruit, dine as you wish. If you dislike what’s on offer, go to Beast Mountain, find ingredients, and bring them to the Hall of Flavors—they’ll cook them for you. Only the herbs and elixirs in the Hundred Herbs Garden and Elixir Hall need to be checked with the spirit children before tasting—some are too potent. I’m off to have some fun. Ling’er, enjoy yourself. I can’t always bring you here. If you want me, come to the Immortal Terrace.” Yaoguang pointed to a pavilion ahead, then flew there with the male immortal. Strangely, a swarm of fruits trailed behind them, following them to the pavilion.

“What kind of magic is that?” Bai Ling’er exclaimed.

“That’s just what Phoenix does. Too lazy to fetch things by hand, she uses her powers—whatever she wants just follows her. See for yourself,” said the fox immortal, noticing Bai Ling’er’s astonishment. Sure enough, behind the floating fruits were all sorts of dishes—roast duck, crab, stir-fried vegetables, desserts, peach blossom wine… Bai Ling’er was amazed. So this was what being a true immortal was like—she had been so ignorant. She had to admit, Phoenix was a true immortal. Watching this spectacle, she bit into the ginseng fruit in her hand, her eyes lighting up with stars. Sweet, fragrant, and so delicious.

“For you,” the white dragon, done playing in the water, walked in and handed Bai Ling’er a bottle of wine, following her gaze. “Good heavens, the Divine Lord’s food just follows her around.” He was equally astonished.

“Peach blossom wine!” Bai Ling’er excitedly popped the cork. She loved the taste of this wine.

“Ginseng fruit?!” Now it was the white dragon’s turn to be surprised. “Are you allowed to eat that?”

“Of course, the Divine Lord said there’s plenty,” Bai Ling’er replied, taking another bite. “She also said to enjoy ourselves, since we can’t often come back.”

“What sort of place is this, where everything is supplied in abundance? There are things on Phoenix Spirit Mountain you can’t even see in the Heavenly Realm. Amazing,” the white dragon exclaimed. As he spoke, a ginseng fruit appeared in his hand. Looking up, he saw it was Yitian.

“Help yourself to whatever you like. I’m off to the Hall of Flavors—my favorite, braised fish, is ready,” Yitian said cheerfully and left.

“Let’s go take a look too,” Bai Ling’er said, following Yitian into the Hall of Flavors. “It’s a buffet!” she exclaimed in wonder. The Hall of Flavors was just like a self-serve restaurant—delicacies from mountains and seas, every dish imaginable.

“You two must be the new attendant immortals. Eat whatever you like, or order from the menu on the wall. If you’re still not satisfied, we’ll make something to your taste,” said a plump man, approaching with a large ladle in hand.

“Are you the God of Cookery?” the white dragon blurted out in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Haha, little white dragon from the East Sea! I’m not the God of Cookery anymore, just the spirit chef here. A hundred years ago, I made a mistake as an immortal and failed my tribulation. Phoenix saved me, brought me here to recover. When I was healed, she helped me succeed in my second tribulation. After ascending, I didn’t want to leave and stayed on here. Isn’t it wonderful? Old tales, best forgotten. But tell me, how did you end up as Phoenix’s attendant?”

“Same as you, to repay a debt of gratitude,” the white dragon replied simply, briefly recounting recent events.

“So that’s how it is. You’re lucky, then. Phoenix’s kindness is boundless. Enjoy yourselves, I’m off to make the yak butter tea Phoenix asked for,” the chef laughed, heading back to the kitchen.

Amazed and tongue-tied, Bai Ling’er and the white dragon were soon distracted by the delicious food. Everything was delectable. Bai Ling’er noticed that there was no rabbit or dog meat on offer. Upon inquiry, she learned that rabbit was forbidden because Phoenix’s mortal mother was born in the year of the rabbit, and dogs are humanity’s friends. Other wild meats, especially those tied to immortal forms, were absent too. Phoenix’s principles were truly strong.

Bai Ling’er found the date and yam cake particularly tasty and packed some into her storage pouch. The little white dragon favored the braised pig trotters. Both ate so much they nearly swallowed their tongues. Curious about the Immortal Terrace, Bai Ling’er used a telepathic message to ask Phoenix if she could visit. Phoenix replied almost instantly: “Come on up.”

Bai Ling’er and the little white dragon flew to the terrace. Atop the high platform, they found a spirit palace built atop the mountain, reminiscent of a film set from the mortal world—simple, yet inviting. Bai Ling’er saw Yaoguang reclining on a wooden bed at the far end. Approaching, her view opened up to a vast, plateau-like lake. Not far away, blue sky and white clouds met the shimmering water. Yaoguang casually tossed fish feed into the water. Looking closer, Bai Ling’er saw the surface was teeming with carp of every color—this must be the Thousand Carp Pond.

How beautiful it was here. Noticing her entranced, Yaoguang waved her hand and lotus flowers of every hue bloomed across the water, dazzling in their beauty.

“Phoenix, your divine realm is truly extraordinary,” Bai Ling’er exclaimed once more.

“There isn’t another like it in all three realms. Even the Asura Realm envies the scenery here. But I don’t host guests often—my temper isn’t the best,” Yaoguang said softly, rising to her feet.

Bad temper? Bai Ling’er and the white dragon exchanged glances. Was Phoenix really ill-tempered? They’d never noticed. Since meeting her, she’d shown ruthlessness only to the Ghost Sect—who certainly deserved it—but was otherwise easy to get along with.

“Hahaha!” The male immortal, reclining on the bed, could no longer contain his laughter at their bewilderment. “Your Divine Lord Phoenix is the most eccentric in all three realms. Ruthless to monsters and spirits, certainly, but with her own people, she’s kind to a fault. Those she dislikes, she ignores entirely. Phoenix despises using authority to pressure others. I remember once, a certain figure from the Heavenly Realm visited Phoenix Spirit Mountain, fell in love with it, and decreed the next Peach Banquet be held here. Phoenix simply returned the edict unopened and made it clear she refused. That official tried to use power to force her hand, so your Divine Lord changed the mountain’s boundaries—making Phoenix Spirit Mountain invisible to the entire three realms. This silent refusal infuriated the Heavenly Realm. Word even reached the Divine Realm, where the ancient elders were displeased and rebuked the Heavenly Realm for overstepping—coveting another’s divine realm was unacceptable. The Divine Realm then decreed that Phoenix’s realm must not be disturbed without her permission. So none in the three realms dare trouble Phoenix now. Besides, Phoenix is utterly willful; if she’s unwilling, nothing can move her—proud, indeed.”

“The Divine Realm decreed it? Incredible! But why?” Bai Ling’er asked.

“Because Phoenix is the only one to have survived three hundred and twenty-four heavenly thunders to ascend to Divine Lord. In the five realms now, true Divine Lords are ever rarer,” the man sighed.

“Three hundred and twenty-four strikes of heavenly thunder?!” Bai Ling’er and the white dragon both gasped. “Why?”

“Because both heavenly punishment and ascension came at once. Coveting my divine realm? Not a chance. This is my home—why should others come and go as they please? Shouldn’t they ask for my consent?” Yaoguang replied coolly.

“Then why are you so good to us?” Bai Ling’er asked.

“Because it’s fate—and nothing can buy my willingness except my own delight!” Yaoguang laughed, then turned and soared to the Thousand Carp Pond, frolicking across the water.

“Phoenix is truly wonderful,” Bai Ling’er sighed softly. She did not know why, but a firm conviction grew in her heart: as long as she followed Phoenix, she would never go astray. What she did not yet know was that, many years later, Phoenix would become the greatest benefactor of her life.