Chapter 110: Together

“Fu Li has mentioned him to you?” Feng Ruizhong smiled. Picking up the teapot, he poured Zhuang Qing a cup of tea. “These tea leaves are two thousand years old Chen dynasty tea, but they’ve been kept fresh in a Qiankun pouch. Try it.”

Zhuang Qing took a sip of the tea. Without savoring the taste, he continued asking, “He was very important to Fu Li?”

“Little Li is a very responsible owner, and that was his first and only pet,” There wasn’t much emotion in Feng Ruizhong’s voice when he mentioned this human. “Unfortunately, this human had a limited lifespan and was only by Little Li’s side for not more than five years before passing away from illness.”

Zhuang Qing once again recalled the conversation between the underworld’s yinchai chief and Fu Li outside Affinity Moon Hotel when he had just gotten to know Fu Li.

“After Little Li buried him, he sunk into a deep sleep,” The edges of Feng Ruizhong’s eyelids were a faint red-golden color. When he fiddled with the teacups with a lowered head, he appeared arrogant and cold. Zhuang Qing could not find any similarity between him and the playful little sparrow Fu Li had described.

“The humans have a saying called ‘God’s plans supersede our own’. Just when we thought that we had hid from the eyes of heavenly law, the azure dragon clan egotistically stirred up chaos, causing the entire Wei River to flood many areas. Countless people died in the flood,” Feng Ruizhong’s voice was cold. “If we hid in the mountains and didn’t go out, the number of people struck by the disaster would only increase. But if we went out to stop the azure dragon clan, we would definitely be discovered by heavenly law.”

“Heavenly law no longer tolerates the existence of powerful yao cultivators in the world. It wants to build an era without magic, one that belongs to ordinary humans,” Feng Ruizhong paused. “You’re very clever. By guiding the cultivators to sneak into the human world and live there, you have allowed heavenly law to recognize this method of interaction, leaving the yao race a chance to live.”

Whether heavenly law was fair or unfair could not be said. During the era of the ancient great yao, the yao race had occupied nearly all the continents, and the other living creatures were mere fish meat in the mouths of the great yao. Only by prostrating themselves in front of the great yao could fish meat struggle on at death’s door. Later on, the human race gradually thrived. They too had to make offerings to the various yao gods before they could have favorable weather to live on. The divine yao continued to remain aloof and lofty as they treated humans as playthings. This lasted until the great yao gradually disappeared or passed on, and the human ability to create became stronger and stronger. The grand days of the divine yao then started to come to an end, welcoming the magic-free era of the humans.

The humans now were akin to the yao cultivators back then – they sought all the world’s resources without the slightest restraint, stood at the peak of all living creatures, and schemed against each other without any worries. But who could guarantee that human glory would always remain as it was?

If the things heavenly law bestowed on all living creatures in the world were not treasured, there would come a day when heavenly law would take them all back.

“It was also Heaven’s Will that the Holy Beast Blue Dragon’s inheritance was given to you,” Feng Ruizhong looked up at the sky. “These forty-nine barriers can’t hold on for much longer. If you have anything more you want to ask, take this chance to do so. I’ll tell you everything.”

“All of you evaded the eyes of heavenly law through painstaking efforts that year, so why dare to come out now?” Zhuang Qing looked at Feng Ruizhong. “Back in those years, you could occasionally leave the mountain because you deceived Fu Li, allowing all of you to hide under the eyes of heavenly law with the identities of ordinary yao cultivators. But your identities have already been exposed now, so why is there no reaction from heavenly law now that you’ve appeared?”

“You’re very intelligent,” Feng Ruizhong smiled. “Because, since the start of this year, the age of the humans have already reached their peak. Us yao cultivators can struggle for survival in the human world as long as our behavior isn’t over-the-top, just like how the humans in those years did in the presence of the divine yao.”

There was a subtle change in Zhuang Qing’s expression. He wanted to ask more when there was an abrupt cracking sound from the barrier. Something seemed to have split, but at the same time, everything seemed normal. Zhuang Qing knew that he couldn’t continue asking, even if he felt that Feng Ruizhong had left certain things out in his answers.

“This type of tea is called Hongfang tea, and the leaves were plucked from Kunlun Mountain. Unfortunately, this type of tea has all withered up now due to insufficient spiritual qi. The one you’re drinking now is an out-of-print version, so savor it well, don’t waste it,” Feng Ruizhong looked a little lazy. He threw a spiritual stone into the spiritual spring, causing the golden lotuses inside to tremble.

Zhuang Qing watched the spiritual stone sink to the bottom of the spring. The hand holding his teacup tightened and then relaxed again.

“That human pet has already been reincarnated, right?” Zhuang Qing looked down at the surface of the cup. His eyes were reflected in the water. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the jealousy in his heart.

“Maybe,” Feng Ruizhong threw two medicinal pills into the spiritual spring. The koi yao inside leaped out of the water and swallowed the medicinal pill, its golden fish tail carving a pretty arc in the air. “That human had the fate of a monarch for three lives – a good emperor who would benefit both the country and the people. We might even be able to guess which three he was by flipping through the history books.”

Zhuang Qing was silent. Fu Li had been preparing to enter university lately; did he guess which emperor was his pet while revising history?

“So fragrant,” Fu Li walked in. There was even a bodyguard and palace maid crafted through divine devices following behind him. He had changed into the attire he wore on Reflecting Mist Mountain during those years, perhaps to make his elders happy. The magic robe was gorgeous but also capable of warding off the attacks of a great yao, while his magic band was refined from divine stone. An abundance of spiritual qi rolled off his entire body.

Seeing that Fu Li had entered, Feng Ruizhong’s careless appearance instantly became much more proper. A kind smile adorned his face. “You look better dressed this way, how can our family’s child wear those rags? Make do with this attire first, the King and I will make a few more magic clothes in the style of the current human world later. It’s a pity that the humans now are too casual – they cut their hair on a whim and don’t even use a hairband. We can only make you a few more hats to make do with.”

Having witnessed firsthand how these formidable parents pampered the younger generation to no end, Zhuang Qing was already certain that Fu Li’s bad habit of giving things away by the handful originated from these elders. In their eyes, the things others considered exceedingly precious treasures were nothing more than toys, so they felt no heartache even if they gave them away.

Apart from his good behavior, there wasn’t much difference between Fu Li and a hedonistic son of rich parents in the human world.

“You’re still going to work in the afternoon?” Feng Ruizhong stroked the magic clothes Fu Li was wearing, a little regretful that Fu Li couldn’t wear it a while longer. He said at once, “You sit here with Zhuang Qing for a while. Your Uncle Ganglie and I will make a set of magic clothes you can wear outside right now.”

“Uncle Feng, I don’t need…”

“How can you not need it? Look at the life you’re leading without us around,” Feng Ruizhong fished out a pile of tea, fruit, and pastries, placing them on the table before walking off in a haste, intending to finish making the clothes before Fu Li went to work.

Fu Li sat at Feng Ruizhong’s seat and asked Zhuang Qing, “King Ganglie and I were chatting about some entertaining stories just now, were you bored sitting here?”

“No, Senior Feng is very humorous,” Zhuang Qing took an empty cup and poured Fu Li a cup of good tea. Holding up his teacup, he said, “Congratulations on reuniting with your elders.”

“Thank you,” Fu Li toasted Zhuang Qing, took a sip of the tea, and instantly smiled till his eyes curved into crescents. “It’s actually Hongfang tea, I knew that Little Sparrow… Uncle Feng has the most good things on him.”

He ate a few of the spiritual fruits he had casually taken from the plate, and then threw one into the spiritual spring. Watching the golden koi fly up high into the air to snatch the food, he smiled at Zhuang Qing. “The color of its scales are very pretty, a little like you.”

Seeing the identical way he and Feng Ruizhong behaved, Zhuang Qing was almost certain that the great yao of Reflecting Mist Mountain had never taught Fu Li the concept of using things sparingly. But when he heard Fu Li praising the koi, he still offered a reaction, “Is that so?”

“En, although its scales aren’t as good-looking as yours,” Fu Li held up his teacup, smiling as he ate. The smile on his face hadn’t faded even once since he came in, probably because of his good mood.

“I remember you saying that you dislike furless animals?” Zhuang Qing raised a brow.

“You’re special,” Fu Li coughed dryly. “You have to think in this way – I hate the dragon race so much but I still praised your good looks, it’s clear you’re very good-looking.”

Zhuang Qing let out a light laugh at his fallacious reasoning.

“Do you still want to become a civil servant now that you’ve found your elders?” Zhuang Qing’s gaze was fixed on Fu Li, as if he was searching for a certain answer from his eyes.

“Of course, I came to the human world to gain experience,” Fu Li said seriously. “The first step is to get a university degree.”

“En, this ambition is a far-reaching one. Good luck,” The corner of Zhuang Qing’s lips curved. “Need me to give you lessons?”

Fu Li recalled Zhang Ke telling him that Zhuang Qing had obtained top marks in the imperial examinations, was once a great official, and had obtained all sorts of academic degrees. Instantly, he was filled with deep veneration for this study god of the yao world. “Yes yes yes.”

“Then we’ll start lessons after Lunar New Year’s eve,” Zhuang Qing turned to look at the koi swimming about in the spring. Its tail did indeed have some charm, but not as much as his.

One hour later, Feng Ruizhong walked in with Kang Gu, large bags in hand.

“Come, both of you go change in the hall,” Feng Ruizhong stuffed a bag each into Zhuang Qing and Fu Li’s hands. “We’re short on time, so we only managed to make a coat and shoes with simple patterns. We’ll make a few more sets for both of you later on.”

Zhuang Qing hadn’t expected to receive one as well. He stared blankly as he held the bag of clothes.

“Little golden dragon, don’t blank out. Little Li will be done changing soon,” Kang Gu patted Zhuang Qing on the shoulder. Coming to his senses, Zhuang Qing solemnly expressed his thanks to them.

“This child is quite polite,” Kang Gu stroked his chin, speaking to Feng Ruizhong. “It’s just that his personality is a little subdued, not at all like the personality of a dragon.”

“Work your pig’s brain a bit. If he had the dragon race’s rotten personality, how could our family’s child have made friends with him?” Feng Ruizhong responded. “This child has a steady personality, considers things from all angles, and possesses profound virtue. I can rest at ease with our child having such a friend.”

Kang Gu: “Can you stop calling me pig’s brain?”

“Are you not a pig? If you’re not a pig, would you have dropped your hair in the human world and stirred up such a big commotion?” Feng Ruizhong laughed coldly. “The way I see it, your brain was damaged after being frozen for a thousand years. Since you managed to leave the ice after much difficulty, don’t get sent back in by heavenly law’s lightning.”

Kang Gu: …

Fu Li changed into the clothes his elders had specially made, turned around, and saw that Zhuang Qing had also changed into his. Standing by the window, he glanced out. King Ganglie was arguing with Uncle Feng again. In the past, the little sparrow frequently helped the King refine tools on the mountain. In the end, they would end up quarreling while refining. Fu Li was already used to it.

“Are we going down the mountain now?” Zhuang Qing saw Fu Li leaning against the window, watching Feng Ruizhong and Kang Gu. Knowing that he couldn’t bear to part with his two elders, Zhuang Qing said, “I’ll permit you to go on holiday in advance this afternoon, I’ll rush over.”

“How can I let you go back alone? We agreed to share in blessings and shoulder challenges together,” Fu Li shook his head. “It’s the last day of work this year. I have to accompany you till work ends, otherwise what kind of brother would I be?”

Fu Li told his two elders through sound transmission that they would be heading to work, and then pulled on Zhuang Qing’s arm, leaving the flying palace and arriving at Zhuang Qing’s car.

“Go go go, let’s quickly get to work. We’ll be on holiday after it ends.”

At work in the afternoon, several staff belonging to sects had already applied for leave to go home. Zhuang Qing, who was usually very strict, was easier to talk to at this time and approved any request for leave.

They were now promoting yao rehabilitation, so even the yao criminals locked below ground would receive the new year gift bags distributed by the management bureau. These bags contained nothing more than some melon seeds, biscuits, sweets, and so on, but Fu Li and Song Yu still received a warm welcome by the yao criminals when they went to distribute the bags.

“Fu ge, will you be spending Lunar New Year’s eve with Zhuang Qing?” Song Yu noticed the complicated patterns and protective restriction on Fu Li’s clothes. Cold sweat seeped out of his body profusely. Which yao cultivator made such a powerful coat?

“En, of course I’ll be with him,” Fu Li nodded. “He isn’t on good terms with those aquatic yao cultivators, of course I’ll be accompanying him.”

“Your relationship is so good,” Song Yu was a little moved. Back when he was beaten up by Fu Li till his feathers filled the sky, he really hadn’t thought that Fu Li and Zhuang Qing would end up together. “But since you and Zhuang Qing have such a good relationship, why not hold a Dao Bonding Ceremony and give him some status?”

“Dao Bonding Ceremony?!” Fu Li thought that he had heard wrongly and turned to look at Song Yu. “Why must a Dao Bonding Ceremony be held?”

“The entire cultivation world knows you’re together but you still don’t want to take responsibility, where do you want Zhuang Qing to stand?” Song Yu was shocked. Fu ge was usually quite supportive of the human world’s monogamous system, and he had even said that everyone, regardless whether they were yao or human, had to have morals and take responsibility. Who would have expected him not to take responsibility once he was the one involved?

He really hadn’t expected Fu ge to be such a hypocritical yao.

Fu Li: …

There was something not quite right about this matter, he had to straighten things out properly.

“What are you standing here for?” Zhuang Qing walked over expressionlessly. “Have the gift bags been given out?”

Fu Li was silent while Song Yu hurriedly shook his head.

“You still have the time to chat idly when they haven’t been distributed?” Zhuang Qing took the bag from Fu Li’s hands. “Let’s go, I’ll accompany you.”

Fu Li stole a peek at Zhuang Qing. Weren’t the two of them very normal, where did the rumors outside come from?

“What are you looking at?” Zhuang Qing opened a prison cell’s window and shoved the bag containing sweets and biscuits inside. The yao cultivator behind the door accepted the bag. Leaning against the window, the yao cultivator glanced at Zhuang Qing and Fu Li, saying fawningly, “Are these sweets from the Dragon Emperor and Fu daojun? I wish you two eternal unity and a lifetime of happiness.”

Finishing this statement, the yao cultivator picked up the bag and happily ran off into the distance.

Fu Li: …

Even the imprisoned yao criminals knew of this rumor? He thought about how Zhuang Qing had just reached adulthood and became the emperor of the aquatic races, but ended up having his reputation spoiled by him. His sin was too great.

“The little yao nowadays really like talking nonsense,” Fu Li took another bag containing a gift box from his Qiankun pouch and walked over to another room, opening the window. This time, Fu Li was familiar with the person standing behind the door. It was Seventh Uncle Sun, the dog yao who had been imprisoned after creating fake identification.

“It’s Little Fu,” Seventh Uncle Sun accepted the large bag Fu Li handed to him. Sneaking a look at Zhuang Qing, he told Fu Li in a low voice, “A yao can’t be judged by appearance; Little Fu, you’re really powerful, even managing to take down our yao world’s lofty flower. You don’t have to say anything, I’ll definitely have a good drink with you when I get out of jail one month later.”

Fu Li: …

He looked back at Zhuang Qing somewhat guiltily. Zhuang Qing’s expression was normal, as if he didn’t care about these rumors. He secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Zhuang Qing wasn’t the sort of yao who would get angry out of nowhere, otherwise it might be a bit awkward today.

After all the gift bags were distributed, Song Yu ran far away with the register. As a yao with self-awareness, he definitely wouldn’t be the two people’s lightbulb.

Fu Li watched Song Yu run off into the distance, his mood complex. If he’d learnt about this earlier, he would have given him a good beating at that time. He ran faster than anyone else the moment there was trouble, yet he still said he wanted to be his little brother. What use did he have for such a little brother?

“Those words…” Fu Li’s fingers ran over his coat. “You heard them?”

“En,” Zhuang Qing turned and walked up the stairs. Fu Li hastily followed after him.

“I think these rumors might be a bit over-the-top.” Fu Li saw Zhuang Qing come to a halt and hurriedly said, “But these little yao are just spreading it randomly, don’t take it to heart.”

“I didn’t take it to heart,” Zhuang Qing turned to face him. “Did you take it to heart?”

“N-No,” Fu Li hastily shook his head.

“Humph,” Zhuang Qing gave an ambiguous snort. “Since you don’t mind, I don’t mind it either. What are you talking about this for?”

“I was worried you would be unhappy,” As the senior, Fu Li felt that he should consider things a bit more thoroughly. “It’s about to be the new year, it won’t be good if you’re unhappy.”

“You’re overthinking, I’m very happy,” Zhuang Qing said with a taut face.

“Also, I have something to discuss with you,” Fu Li pulled on Zhuang Qing. “How about not spending Lunar New Year’s eve at your house?”

Zhuang Qing looked down at the hand grabbing his arm. He was silent for a few seconds. When he raised his head, his expression was calm. “Okay.” He shook off Fu Li’s hand, turned, and left.

“Then let’s move the food to the flying palace after work.”

“Fu Li,” Zhuang Qing turned towards Fu Li, the corners of his lips slightly curved. The smile he directed at Fu Li was very polite. “I won’t object to you not spending the new year at my place, but aren’t you using your age to bully me if you still want to take the food I bought?”

Fu Li was stunned. He didn’t understand why Zhuang Qing would say such a thing. “I want you to spend the new year together with me at the flying palace. If we leave so much food at home, it’ll spoil right?”