My Husband’s Ascension C25 (Part 2)
Chapter 25.2 Paramour
Beaconlight Mountain, Jimo Sea.
Amidst the clouds and mist, the young woman in green, like a sprig of jade bamboo, sat serenely atop the mountain peak, finishing her morning practice as the sunrise painted the sky.
This was the schedule arranged for her by Daoist Ming Jue.
A practitioner of Shennong Dao must bathe in the morning light to illuminate the five organs and sip the dew to nourish the eight meridians—neither rushing the process nor neglecting the cultivation that provides sustenance.
In simple terms: one must live like a plant.
With the sun risen, her morning practice was complete. It was nearly time for breakfast, so Zhao Zhao carried the seedlings, which had shared in her sunlit ritual, down to the lower dwellings.
Passing through a grove of peach blossoms, she arrived at the current residence of Cloudculm Abode in Jimo Sea.
The owner of the property brokerage had shown them several prime plots that day, yet only this peak of Beaconlight Mountain satisfied Zhao Zhao’s requirements.
She immediately had Li Feng lead the others to one side while she rolled up her sleeves and haggled with the owner through three hundred rounds, finally securing the mountain at a price that made the owner loathe doing business with her ever again.
He even introduced them to the finest craftsmen in Jimo Sea, and after three months of effort, the new Cloudculm Abode was completed.
Though it could not rival the golden-domed palaces of Immortal Realm of Kunwu, compared to the Cloudculm Abode at Small Sword Pass, this Beaconlight Mountain estate now boasted countless Amethyst Cinnabar Chambers*.
(TLN: Amethyst Cinnabar Chamber (紫翠丹房) originates from Daoist mythology and is first mentioned in ‘The Inner Story of Emperor Wu of the Han (漢武內傳; Han Wudi neizhuan)’, where it is described as one of the abodes of the Queen Mother of the West (西王母).)
With only a handful of occupants, the grounds stretched more generously, offering both space and serenity.
Even the bronze alchemy furnaces of Daoist Ming Jue numbered three, and the pill workshops had twelve doors—large enough to gallop a horse inside.
Li Feng’s quarters, called Dongting Ripple (洞庭波), lay just beneath Zhao Zhao’s room within a waterfall. While the flow could be magically separated to allow entry, Li Feng loved playing in water and often tumbled in the falls, thoroughly enjoying his room.
As for Yao Ling and Rong Yu, spacious and comfortable rooms had been prepared for them as well.
Yet, at their insistence, Zhao Zhao eventually set up two Gauze-Enclosed Alcoves* within her own chamber for them, planning to let them move out into independent rooms once they were older.
(TLN: In the classic novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦)', a Gauze-Enclosed Alcove (碧纱橱) is a small, semi-private inner space within a room, created with movable partitions (隔扇) often covered with green gauze/silk. See image below for a visual of a room highlighted with two Gauze-Enclosed Alcoves.)
Facilities such as the kitchen, sword practice areas, garden, and guest quarters had all been completed around the main hall.
The blueprints provided by the craftsmen even included side halls for more disciples in the future, and a repository for storing divine artifacts and weapons.
However, since the sect currently had very few members, Zhao Zhao had the spaces left empty, to be constructed when needed.
Zhao Zhao was about to head to the entrance gate to collect the breakfast sent up from below when she noticed a familiar figure standing outside.
“...A’Shun?”
The visitor was none other than Zhongli Shun, whom they had parted with months ago outside the property brokerage.
Knowing that Zhao Zhao and the others had settled on Beaconlight Mountain and would be occupied with construction for several months, he had refrained from disturbing them until now.
Today, having heard news at the foot of the mountain about the completion of the new sect on Beaconlight Mountain, he had brought along some spiritual fruits harvested from the family’s spiritual gardens to pay a visit.
The sect before him was far more beautiful than he had imagined.
Luxury and grandeur aside, the view was breathtaking: summer blooms in full radiance, clear mountain streams, and Amethyst Cinnabar Chambers scattered amidst the drifting mists.
It combined the ethereal aura of a celestial palace with the wild charm of mountain blossoms.
Compared to the towering, quadrangular palaces of the Zhongli Clan, this place exuded an atmosphere that stirred the soul wherever one looked.
“Here to see Yao Ling and Rong Yu? Just in time, breakfast has just arrived—come, eat with us,” Zhao Zhao said, inviting him in as a nearby farmwoman handed over the steaming morning meal. After paying and expressing thanks, she gestured for Zhongli Shun to enter.
Though the boy tried to appear composed, a flicker of happiness betrayed him at her words.
Yet he did not forget his purpose.
“I’m not here to play with them,” he said earnestly. “There’s a matter I need to discuss with you, Miss Immortal.”
From his bosom, Zhongli Shun produced an invitation.
“It’s from the Tushan Clan* of Jimo Sea. Somehow, they learned of our acquaintance and asked me to deliver this invitation to you.”
(TLN: The Tushan Clan (涂山氏; Mount Tu Clan) was an important tribe in ancient Chinese mythology, regarded as one of the ancestral clans of the Xia people (夏族), the group that would later establish China’s first dynasty, the Xia Dynasty. The clan is most famous for its connection to Yu the Great (大禹), the legendary hero who tamed the floods, and his wife Lady Tushan, Nüjiao (涂山女娇).)
Tushan Clan of Jimo Sea?
Having just settled in and spent the past few months focused on building the new sect, they knew little of the prominent families in Jimo Sea. Zhao Zhao did not understand why the Tushan Clan had sent an invitation.
Upon entering the inner hall, with everyone present, Zhao Zhao placed the invitation letter on the table and briefly explained the matter.
Daoist Ming Jue examined the invitation, pondering for a long moment before remarking, “Though we have endeavored to remain low-profile, buying land and constructing a sect inevitably draws attention. It’s not surprising that a prominent family in Jimo Sea would want to investigate matters for themselves.”
Li Feng glanced at Zhongli Shun, who was staring intently at the meat buns.
“What is the standing of the Tushan Clan here in Jimo Sea?”
Zhongli Shun snapped back to attention.
“Besides the Zhongli Clan, the Tushan Clan holds the widest influence. In recent years, many prominent families in Jimo Sea have bowed to them; they are quite formidable.”
Li Feng stroked his jaw thoughtfully.
“The Tushan Clan originates from the Verdant Highlands*, and like me, they are of the yao race. The Verdant Highlands’ Tushan Clan’s strength is considerable, but I’m not sure how powerful this branch in Jimo Sea is.”
(TLN: The Verdant Highlands (青丘) is a legendary eastern realm mentioned in the ‘Classic of Mountains and Seas’, said to be inhabited by nine-tailed foxes.)
In Yunmeng Pier, whenever a new merchant set up in the city, they would pay respects at the Xie Residence first.
Zhao Zhao considered this and concluded that they would have to attend Tushan Clan’s banquet. “Then, Master you—”
“These brittle bones believe,” Daoist Ming Jue interjected swiftly, placing a hand on Zhao Zhao, “that for such a formal occasion, it is more appropriate for the sect master to go personally.”
He continued with quick reasoning, “Last time it was agreed that you would succeed as sect master. These brittle bones have worn with age; it is more fitting for me to remain as an honorary elder and enjoy my years in peace.”
Zhao Zhao scoffed in her heart.
He claims to be ‘worn with age’, yet when he swung a fishing rod with such vigor, didn’t seem so worn then, did he?
Daoist Ming Jue, however, was not one for pleasantries, so Zhao Zhao had no choice but to let it go.
Yao Ling, on the other hand, was unusually enthusiastic upon hearing they were to attend the banquet, bouncing up and down with raised hands, “Master, take me! I’ll protect you!”
Since this was merely a standard banquet, bringing Yao Ling along wasn’t a problem. Yet before Zhao Zhao could respond, Li Feng flicked the girl lightly on the forehead.
“This is an adults’ banquet, kids don’t get a seat at the table. Stay home where you belong.”
…
On the day of the banquet, Zhao Zhao finally understood exactly what Li Feng meant by an “adults’ banquet.”
Tushan’s palace, bathed in the endless night, shone as if daylight, lanterns illuminating the vast halls, while the melodic strains of flutes and zithers floated from within.
Zhao Zhao and Li Feng ascended the long staircase, guided by two rows of attendants. Even before reaching the doors, the scent of perfumes and face powders wafted outward.
Li Feng, with his keen senses, sneezed about eight times in quick succession.
Zhao Zhao was about to ask if he wanted to block his nose when the palace doors swung open, and the music suddenly became crisp and clear. From within, a beguiling female voice drifted outward,
“The Head of Beaconlight Mountain is finally here. We were beginning to wonder how long you’d keep us waiting.”
A gust of night wind hit, and Li Feng let out a sneeze so thunderous he nearly tumbled down the stairs.
Zhao Zhao, however, was completely captivated by the brightly lit hall.
Her eyes took in the grand interior, and at the center stood a woman in vermilion robes. Her face bore a gentle springtime warmth, her smile like blooming flowers, her attire resplendent as Goddess Xuannü of the Nine Heavens*—this had to be the Tushan Clan matriarch they had inquired about before: Tushan Long.
(TLN: Goddess Xuannü of the Nine Heavens (aka Jiutian Xuannü; 九天玄女) is the goddess of war, sex, and longevity in Chinese mythology.)
Seated at the lower positions were other women, each possessing their own allure. Upon closer inspection, their robes were embroidered with the emblems of their respective families, likely all female cultivators from notable houses in Jimo Sea.
Yet what drew Zhao Zhao’s attention even more were the men surrounding these women, whose presence radiated an even more sophisticated charm.
Only then did Zhao Zhao belatedly recall something Li Feng had mentioned earlier: customs in Jimo Sea differed from other parts of the cultivation world. A capable female cultivator would typically be accompanied by a minimum of eight male paramours; without them, her standing among peers would appear diminished.
The matriarch of Tushan, resting a hand on her cheek, smiled slightly and said, “The banquet is about to begin. Would the Head of Beaconlight Mountain and your paramour join us at the table.”
Li Feng, who suddenly took on the role of a paramour: ?
Zhao Zhao hauled Li Feng, whose face twisted in the desire to take down the matriarch of Tushan Clan, toward the table.
Once seated, she lifted her wine cup and smiled at the woman at the head of the table, “My apologies for arriving late. I shall first punish myself with three cups. But please do not misunderstand—Li Feng is not my paramour; he is my yao familiar.”
Tushan Long gave Li Feng a deliberate once-over, her gaze appraising.
“Such a striking appearance, yet only a yao familiar? What a waste. Among my paramours, I have none of the dog clan. Might the Head of Beaconlight Mountain be interested in exchanging one or two?”
The way Tushan Long looked at him, like inspecting vegetables, was infuriating enough. Now she even suggested sending him to be an attendant.
If Zhao Zhao hadn’t immediately ordered him to stay put and keep silent, Li Feng would have leapt forward in a frenzy to smash that smiling face of hers.
Not hearing Zhao Zhao’s swift refusal, his eyes darted to her.
Yaos may be slain but not humiliated!
Dare send me to serve as a paramour, I’ll haunt you till the end of time!
Recalling how close he had come to acting like a rabid dog, Zhao Zhao felt a shiver run down her spine.
The Tushan Clan wielded considerable influence in Jimo Sea. If Li Feng acted rashly and offended them, no one could compensate for the damage!
Zhao Zhao kept her expression calm, her smile gentle, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I’ve grown accustomed to this yao familiar. Separating him would cause inconvenience, so I must politely decline your generous proposal.”
Tushan Long’s red lips curved slightly, her eyes shimmering with charm—beautiful enough to make even Zhao Zhao, a woman herself, momentarily distracted.
“No matter. Since he is your beloved, it would be improper for me to take him. Today, I invited the Head of Beaconlight Mountain here precisely to relinquish these gifts to you. Come in—”
At her words, a line of handsome young men emerged from behind the beaded curtains, evidently prepared in advance.
Zhao Zhao’s mind immediately went on high alert.
On the way here, she had been turning over a question repeatedly: why would the Tushan Clan have had Zhongli Shun deliver this invitation?
All this trouble, could there be some hidden meaning behind it?
“Beaconlight Mountain now welcomes a new lord. As a token of goodwill, the Tushan Clan presents several paramours. Please don’t be modest; select as you please.”
Zhao Zhao’s eyes swept over the row of graceful arctic foxes. A faint suspicion began to form in her mind.
Could it be that the Tushan Clan, standing equal to the Zhongli Clan in Jimo Sea, was using Zhongli Shun as a warning:
Do not meddle in the affairs of the Zhongli Clan.
The Tushan Clan could treat them with courtesy now.
However, in the days to come, should conflict arise, they could just as easily become adversaries.
The music in the hall floated softly, the incense was sweet and heavy, and though Zhao Zhao sat among the seats, she felt the invisible weight pressing around her.
After a long moment, she lifted her head and smiled. “Very well.”
Li Feng stared at her as if he had seen a ghost.
“Only… these Tushan arctic foxes don’t quite suit my taste. None of them are to my liking…”
Zhao Zhao feigned difficulty, about to politely decline, yet Tushan Long merely curved her lips in a slight smile.
“Which among you will step forward and demonstrate the talents of a Tushan arctic fox for the Head of Beaconlight Mountain?”
From the line of arctic foxes, the one in the center stepped forward.
This male fox yao had a delicately refined, almost androgynous beauty; as he looked at Zhao Zhao, his narrow peach-blossom eyes shifted from brown to red.
The arctic fox approached with a gentle, smiling gait, as though attempting to peer into the very depths of her heart. “As an arctic fox of Tushan skilled in the arts of seduction (媚术者); this servant may transform into any appearance my master* desires.”
(TLN: Just an FYI, the ‘master 主人’ used by the fox here differs from the ‘master 师尊’ that Zhao Zhao’s disciples use to address her. The fox’s ‘master’ means owner, while RY and YL’s ‘master’ means teacher. Though both are translated as “master” in English, their meanings are entirely distinct.)
With a deliberate tone, he continued, “Head of Beaconlight Mountain, whatever visage pleases you, this servant may assume it.”
Amid the shifting forms before her, Zhao Zhao caught a single instant of recognition.
Ah…so it’s this face.
The mist swirled around them, all eyes on the arctic fox, while above, Tushan Long craned her neck in anticipation, waiting for the fox to shift into the face desired by Zhao Zhao.
None could resist the seduction arts of the Tushan foxes.
As long as this arctic fox could win the other party’s favor, she would have the perfect excuse to place someone within Beaconlight Mountain and keep their actions under surveillance.
It didn’t take long before the mist dissipated, revealing the transformed face of the arctic fox.
It was then—
Tushan Long’s smile faltered ever so slightly.
Within the grand hall, the others too unconsciously held their breath.
Zhao Zhao came back to herself, gazing at the face the arctic fox had taken on, and sighed calmly.
Of course it was him.
The instant Tushan Long saw that visage, her back stiffened, her posture straightening in alarm.
Why is it that—
Why is it that the man this woman fancied… looked exactly like the Dao Lord of Kunwu!
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Author’s Note: Here at last!
