Chapter 088: The Enigmatic Celestial Book (5000)

“Jin’er... Master, I’ve wronged you...” As Snow Aunt gradually calmed down, she suddenly uttered these words, making Jin’er tense instantly, a vague sense of foreboding rising in her heart.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to cure your poison, but... the antidote isn’t with me. I... I’m powerless... Forgive me. Cough, cough... Master is sorry...” At this point, Snow Aunt began to cough violently again, fresh blood continuously spilling from the corner of her lips.

Seeing this, Jin’er was at a loss.

“Where is the antidote? Master, tell me quickly, where is the antidote?” She had no time for resentment, only hoping to hear the answer as soon as possible. If she didn’t press now, Snow Aunt might never speak again.

“The Eye Stone... the national treasure of the Fire Kingdom...” No sooner had she finished speaking than Snow Aunt coughed sharply, a gush of blood erupting from her throat. Her head tilted slightly, and then she was still.

Jin’er stood in a daze for a long time before turning around, sitting heavily on the ground.

The national treasure... Ha, ha... After all that effort, all she got in return was such an unattainable thing?

“Don’t lose heart, girl. At least you know what the antidote is and where it’s kept. There’s still hope.” Liu Qiansha approached, frowning, and helped Jin’er to her feet. “Go back and rest well. We’ll discuss things later.”

Jin’er withdrew her distracted gaze, forcing herself to rally and smiled, “Master is right. Rest assured, I won’t give up so easily.”

She turned back, looking at Snow Aunt lying on the bed with her eyes wide open, bent down and gently closed them with her hand, murmuring, “Master, rest easy. I don’t blame you.”

Liu Qiansha watched this scene, frowned, and finally shook his head with a sigh of helplessness.

Snow Aunt was a pitiable soul; perhaps such an ending was the best she could hope for.

After the burial, Jin’er searched Snow Aunt’s cabin, discovering many useful items, including the ultimate antidote for the Life-Devouring Powder. She hadn’t expected much, yet there were ten doses.

Packing all the valuable things she might need, Jin’er left the cabin and returned to her Flower Rain Pavilion.

Though it had been unoccupied for some time, the rooms remained spotless, a testament to the diligence of the servants.

After putting away her items, she couldn’t wait to retrieve her Flying Flower Sword from the cabinet.

She hadn’t used it in over a month, and missed it dearly. With this treasure in hand, her power would increase by at least a third.

Tenderly caressing the blade, Jin’er went to the backyard and began to practice.

Petals danced, the sword hummed, her long hair flowed wildly in the wind, her robes fluttered through the air, her petite, agile body moved freely, her sword techniques elegant and seamless—like the most exquisite dance.

What word could describe such beauty?

On the rooftop, Liu Ye, dressed in black brocade, watched the breathtaking scene in silence. Deep in his shadowy gaze, a mysterious light flickered.

The breeze lifted his hair, softening his cold features, making him indescribably charming.

She was finally back. Seeing her safe, the anxiety that had haunted him for so long finally eased. Now, it was time for him to leave the island and head to the Water Kingdom...

He wanted to watch her a little longer, but suddenly something darted past him.

Reacting swiftly, he leapt up, landing two steps away.

Frowning, he saw it was Tianyu’s pet—Little White. Tianyu himself landed lightly in the spot Liu Ye had just occupied.

“Well, since you’re here, why not say hello? What are you sneaking around for?” Tianyu, arms crossed, looked at Liu Ye with a lazy expression, half-smiling.

Liu Ye shot him a cold glance, frowned, and looked down. Sure enough, Jin’er had spotted him, staring up with a hint of confusion and something else in her eyes.

Liu Ye’s brows furrowed, and he turned away expressionlessly, ignoring Tianyu’s provocation. He turned and left in a flash, disappearing without a trace.

Jin’er silently watched him leave, her brow furrowing.

“What’s wrong, reluctant to see him go?” As Jin’er was lost in thought, Tianyu floated down beside her.

Jin’er shot him a glare, sheathed her sword, and walked toward the house.

“He likes you.” Tianyu’s voice, flat and emotionless, sounded behind her. Jin’er stopped.

“Based on a man’s intuition and how well I know him, I can say—he likes you.” Tianyu walked up beside her, eyes fixed on her face.

“Hmph,” Jin’er sneered, “likes me? That’s good, it’ll be to my advantage.” With that, she ignored him, heading into the house.

Tianyu stood in place, pondering her words, puzzled.

To her advantage? What did that mean?

From her expression and words, it seemed Liu Ye’s feelings were one-sided.

Thinking of this, Tianyu’s mood improved greatly, and he followed her inside with a smile.

“Jin’er, come with me—dinner’s ready, all your favorites.” Tianyu called out cheerfully as soon as they entered, his earlier unease gone.

Jin’er wasn’t in the best mood, but she didn’t refuse, nodding and setting aside her sword to follow him.

They entered Tianyu’s Star Palace, heading straight to a pavilion where food and wine were already prepared.

“Eat more. It must have been tough outside. Godfather really is something—so many subordinates, yet he sent you out. If he does it again, I won’t let it slide.” Tianyu kept piling food into Jin’er’s bowl as he spoke.

Jin’er smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, picking up her chopsticks to place a piece of braised pork in her mouth.

“Mmm! Delicious!” The palace didn’t have many people, but the chef was top-notch. She hadn’t eaten here in quite a while; seeing all those tempting dishes, she couldn’t help but dig in.

“If you like it, eat more.” Seeing her satisfaction, Tianyu was delighted, and kept piling food into her bowl.

“Enough, it’s a mountain now. You eat too.” Jin’er spoke as she placed a piece of chicken in his bowl, smiling gently.

Tianyu nodded, lips curled in a smile, and ate happily. With her at his side, even plain rice tasted sweet.

Neither spoke much after that, though Tianyu occasionally glanced at Jin’er, always wearing a faint smile.

Halfway through, Tianyu grew curious and couldn’t help asking, “By the way, Jin’er, what were you doing out there this time? Was it lively outside? I’ve never left the island, tell me about it.”

Jin’er’s brows furrowed, her good mood fading, scenes from the afternoon flashing through her mind—a sudden heaviness settling over her.

“It’s livelier outside, but this place is prettier,” she replied, deliberately ignoring his first question.

“Oh? Is it fun? It’s pretty here, but after a while it gets dull, too stifling. Except for you, everyone else here is boring. Hey, when can we go out together for some fun?” Tianyu finished, his expression full of anticipation and excitement, like a child.

Jin’er glanced at him, smiled, “If you’re bored, why didn’t you go out on your own?”

Tianyu pouted, a little dejected, “Godfather won’t let me. You know there’s a maze around the island—only a few know how to get out.”

“Aren’t you the Star Palace master? Just ask a boatman to take you out,” Jin’er said, unconcerned as she ate.

Tianyu frowned, saying nothing.

After a while, Jin’er looked up at him. Seeing his gloomy face, she couldn’t help but laugh, “I get it. It’s just as I thought—your title as palace master is really just for show.”

Tianyu glared at her, annoyed, “Just for show? Forget it, I won’t argue! Bring the wine!”

No one ever questioned his status, but she, the one he cared for most, mocked him for it—how could he not feel frustrated? She might think he only had his position because the island lord was his godfather, that he acted arrogant because of it. But she knew nothing of the bitterness in his heart.

“Hey, are you mad? When did you become so petty?” Jin’er watched him down a cup of wine in one gulp, raising an eyebrow.

She rarely saw him drink; what was up today? Did she really say something too harsh?

As she puzzled over it, Tianyu set down his cup, turned to her with a serious look, “Jin’er, if I really were just a palace master in name, would you look down on me?”

Jin’er was stunned, then burst out laughing, “Haha! Please, I never thought you were a real palace master anyway, haha...”

She laughed for a while, seeing Tianyu’s face grow darker, finally forcing herself to stop and, as seriously as she could manage, said, “I mean it—I’d never look down on you for that. Really.”

Tianyu stared at her for a long moment, finally seeming to believe her. His expression relaxed, and he poured her a cup of wine.

“Come, let’s drink together.” He held up his cup, handing her the other.

Jin’er smiled, clinked cups with him, “Alright. To my safe return.”

Tianyu nodded, drinking first.

Seeing him turn his cup upside down to show it was empty, Jin’er followed, drinking hers in one gulp.

“Ah! So spicy!” She gasped, fanning her mouth frantically and stuffing sweet-and-sour ribs into her mouth.

“Hahaha!” Tianyu laughed at her helpless, flustered state.

Jin’er glared as she chewed, muttering, “What’s so funny? It’s my first time drinking.”

Truth be told, she preferred his cheerful demeanor; that earlier melancholy seemed odd and unfamiliar.

Seeing her recover, Tianyu poured her another cup with a smile.

“More?” Jin’er raised an eyebrow.

Tianyu lifted his cup, “What, scared?”

“Me? Hmph, nonsense!” She picked up her cup disdainfully, “But this is the last one.”

She wasn’t so foolish as to fall for his tricks twice.

Tianyu chuckled softly, his teeth white and even, his eyes crinkling, his whole presence like the sunlight of early summer—bright and dazzling. For a moment, Jin’er was nearly dazed.

Then Tianyu clinked cups gently, his expression earnest, “Thank heaven I met you.”

Jin’er was taken aback, unsure how to respond, meeting his sincere, fiery gaze. Her heart raced.

They gazed at each other in silence, as if time had stopped.

After a long moment, Jin’er snapped back, hurriedly looked away, and awkwardly smiled, drinking her wine.

Whether it was the wine or something else, her cheeks felt hot as fire, and she was overwhelmed with embarrassment.

Tianyu drank, reluctant to look away from her face.

Her cheeks were as red as ripe apples, making one want to take a bite.

“I—I’m full, I’ll head back.” Jin’er couldn’t bear his heated gaze or her own flushed face, rising in an attempt to escape.

No sooner had she stood than her head spun, and she toppled sideways.

Fortunately, Tianyu caught her in time, keeping her from falling.

“Are you alright?” Tianyu asked anxiously.

Jin’er looked up, seeing his handsome face only inches from hers, his brows creased in concern.

Strangely, her mind flashed back to their first meeting on Mist Flower Island. In just over a year, he’d grown taller and more handsome, his features no longer bearing only childish mischief and arrogance.

As Jin’er stared in a daze, Tianyu’s throat moved. Nervously, he slowly lowered his head.

As he was about to touch her enticing lips, Jin’er suddenly came to her senses, hurriedly turned her face away, dodging his impending kiss.

Tianyu froze, his handsome face flushed with embarrassment.

He bit his lip, raised his head, helped Jin’er sit up, and led her to a bench at the pavilion’s edge.

“Sit for a while and let the wine wear off before heading back. I’ll play the flute for you.” Without waiting for her reply, he fetched his flute, leaned against a pillar, and began to play.

The melodious, slightly sorrowful flute soothed Jin’er’s restless heart. She relaxed, leaning back, quietly watching his captivating profile, savoring the peace.

Unconsciously, his figure became double—one was Tianyu, the other, Qingyue in white.

Different men, different flutes, but the same melody.

Perhaps, she really should feel grateful. Grateful that in this lonely world, she had met two men who brought her comfort. And Mo Yan, the charming, carefree man who always claimed to care only for her. And...

At that thought, Jin’er frowned, closed her eyes, unwilling to think further.

The flute’s notes lingered, the night breeze was gentle, and Jin’er, tipsy, soon fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Who knows how long she slept? When she woke, she found a cloak draped over her.

“You’re awake?” Jin’er turned her head at the voice, seeing Tianyu sitting beside her, smiling.

“How long was I asleep?” she asked, rubbing her aching head.

“More than an hour.”

“So long? Why didn’t you wake me?” Jin’er looked outside—the sky was already pitch black.

“You slept so sweetly, I couldn’t bear to wake you.” Tianyu smiled, taking the cloak she handed him.

“It’s late, I should go.” Jin’er stood. The wine was nearly out of her system.

“I’ll walk you home.” Tianyu said, draping the cloak over her shoulders again.

The simple gesture made Jin’er feel cared for. He’d not only grown taller, but his thoughts were more attentive, more gentle.

She meant to refuse, but knew it would be pointless, so she didn’t bother.

Tonight, there was neither moon nor stars, only the street lamps illuminating their path.

They walked in silence, until Tianyu escorted Jin’er to the Flower Rain Pavilion door. He suddenly grabbed her arm.

Jin’er looked at him in confusion, seeing him open his mouth as if to speak, but unable to.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Um... get some rest, see you tomorrow.” Tianyu hesitated for ages, but only managed this sentence.

Jin’er smiled, “Alright, you too.” She handed him the cloak and turned inside.

Only when the door closed and Jin’er vanished from sight did Tianyu, frustrated, turn with a sigh and head back to his Star Palace.