Chapter 422: Jin Li's Warmth

Chapter 422: Jinli’s Tenderness

Upon hearing the words of the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable, Jinli instinctively glanced at Qi Yuan.

Her gaze grew resolute.

“I wish to renounce my status as Moon Maiden!”

To be a Moon Maiden of the Moon God Palace meant one could not marry, and moreover, upon reaching the Yang God realm, one had to sever all worldly ties.

What this implied was all too clear.

Hearing this, the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable let out a faint sigh.

The status of Moon Maiden was not something anyone could attain simply by wishing for it.

The privileges enjoyed were comparable to those of a Yang God.

Her family also received abundant resources and preferential treatment.

If she lost the Moon Maiden status, without the Moon God Palace’s resource support,

not only would her family lose their resources, but even she herself would find it extremely difficult to step into the Yang God realm.

The Yang God realm… required far more than just talent.

In the Six Heavens, there were countless worlds, too numerous to count.

How many prodigies were there? As many as fireflies.

Yet, when calculated, one world might not produce a single Yang God.

If Jinli were to strip herself of the Moon Maiden identity, the loss to her would be immense.

Indeed, such a thing had occurred only once or twice in the history of the Moon God Palace.

“This matter is beyond my authority to decide; I must consult the Moon God Primordial Lord,” the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable said coolly. “But at this moment, the Moon God Primordial Lord is in seclusion and cannot see you, so this matter must be set aside for now.

However, since you have fulfilled your merits, the esteemed Moon God Primordial Lord will likely not make things difficult for you.

Until the Moon God Primordial Lord emerges from seclusion, during this period… just be cautious.”

Now, the Moon God Primordial Lord was severely wounded and in seclusion, with no one knowing when she would reappear.

The Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable’s meaning was clear: renouncing the Moon Maiden status was permissible, but it had to wait until the Moon God Primordial Lord came out.

During this time, she must keep a low profile and save face for the Moon God Palace.

Any ostentatious marriage or such was inadvisable.

“Thank you, Celestial Venerable.” Jinli gracefully bowed, unable to suppress the joy in her heart.

At that moment, Qi Yuan looked at the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable, thought of something, and produced a token.

“May I ask, fellow Daoist, does this moon token originate from the Moon God Palace?” Qi Yuan held up the moon token.

Long ago, he had climbed to the summit of the Seven-Colored Peak to seek an audience with his master.

But he had not seen his master; instead, he had found this moon token.

The information his eyes received was that this was a token of the Moon God Primordial Lord.

“This token was bestowed by my master, Ruan Yixi, and seems to have some connection to the Moon God Palace. Might you know, senior, if there is a person by my master’s name in the Moon God Palace?” Qi Yuan asked earnestly.

Jinli frowned, lost in thought.

She had not expected that Qi Yuan had such a connection to the Moon God Palace.

The Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable looked at the moon token, her eyes narrowing, her expression grave: “This is… the token of the previous generation Moon God Primordial Lord.”

“Previous generation?” Qi Yuan was also stunned, never anticipating such an outcome.

“I know little about the previous generation Moon God Primordial Lord.

As for Ruan Yixi… I have never heard of this person,” the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable said.

Secrets concerning a Great Principle realm expert, especially one like the Moon God Primordial Lord, were not something a mere Principle realm Yang God like her could know.

Hearing this, Qi Yuan felt somewhat disappointed: “May I know if I can meet the senior Moon God Primordial Lord?”

He wanted to clarify his master Ruan Yixi’s identity and where she was now.

The Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable shook her head: “It won’t be possible in the short term, but… if it concerns the previous generation Moon God Primordial Lord, you could go and ask… the Moonlight Celestial Venerable.”

The Moonlight Celestial Venerable was the only other Great Principle in the Moon God Palace.

When the Moon God Primordial Lord was absent, the Moonlight Celestial Venerable had always been in charge of the Moon God Palace.

“When can I contact the Moonlight Celestial Venerable?” Qi Yuan asked curiously.

“In a while, the Great Principle Discourse Assembly will commence, and the Moonlight Celestial Venerable will represent the Moon God Palace. At that time, you can naturally pay your respects,” the Moon-Gathering Celestial Venerable said, her eyes showing reverence when mentioning the Moonlight Celestial Venerable.

The gap between Yang Gods could even be likened to that between a Yang God and a Yin God.

Especially between the Great Principle and Minor Principle realms.

The stronger one’s power, the harder it was to ascend even a minor sub-realm, as difficult as reaching the heavens.

“The Great Principle Discourse Assembly, is it?” Qi Yuan murmured.

It seemed he had to participate in this Great Principle Discourse Assembly.

As he and Jinli exited the palace, Qi Yuan held Jinli’s hand, strolling leisurely through the Moon God Palace grounds.

Jinli was like a demure maiden, having shed her former sharp coldness, now gentle and tender.

Along the way, many cultivators of the Moon God Palace saw this scene, all showing surprise or whispering among themselves.

“Am I seeing things?”

“What am I witnessing?”

“The Moon Maiden is actually holding a man’s arm!”

Every member of the Moon God Palace here knew that the Moon Maiden Jinli was an “ice person,” keeping everyone at arm’s length, always killing, killing, killing.

Such a girlish demeanor—they had never seen it before.

Some cultivators also showed expressions of envy and jealousy.

“So, Lady Moon Maiden was not born cold; she’s only cold to us.”

“This man’s appearance truly matches Lady Moon Maiden’s as if made in heaven. But I wonder, what is his identity?”

“Is he worthy of our Lady Moon Maiden?”

“To be favored by Her Highness, he must be exceedingly outstanding!”

These people looked at Jinli and Qi Yuan with curiosity and astonishment.

After some time, along the path came a woman who appeared dignified and graceful.

This woman was none other than Yu Tiao, the host of the Moon Chen Banquet.

She saw the Moon Maiden Jinli, blinked her eyes, and looked curious: “Greetings, Lady Moon Maiden.”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance at Qi Yuan.

“And this is?”

She was a myth that mirrored the heavens, in this war zone, her status only slightly lower than that of the Moon Maiden.

But in terms of connections, she had far more.

Jinli gazed at Qi Yuan, the memories of the past flooding back, and her courage swelled: "He is... my beloved."

Beloved meant a dao companion.

At that moment, Jinli no longer wished to retreat, but to be brave.

As these words were spoken, the expressions of Yu Tiao and those around her shifted slightly.

For the Moon Maiden could not have a beloved.

"Your Highness, these words..." Yu Tiao hesitated, still in shock.

The ice-cold Moon Maiden Jinli actually had someone in her heart.

"My merits are already sufficient. Once I meet the Lady of the Moon God, I will no longer be the Moon Maiden of the Moon God Palace," Jinli said firmly.

The gazes of everyone present did not merely shift—they were stunned, drawing in sharp breaths.

One must know, the meaning of the Moon Maiden was to follow the prescribed path, with the support of the Lady of the Moon God, to surely become a Yang God!

Now, someone was actually giving up the qualification of Moon Maiden. How could they not be shocked, even... envious.

Some looked at the Moon Maiden as if she were a lovesick fool.

For the sake of a man, to abandon the identity of the Moon Maiden—how could she be so misguided?

Though this man was somewhat handsome, could handsomeness be eaten?

The Moon Maiden Jinli understood the meaning behind these expressions, but she paid them no heed.

She had always been clear-headed, knowing what she wanted.

After a brief moment of astonishment, Yu Tiao sized up Qi Yuan.

She was surprised and perplexed—what charm did this man possess to make Jinli give up the qualification of Moon Maiden?

Qi Yuan looked at Jinli, his expression focused: "What you have lost, I will compensate you for."

At these words, the expressions of the men and women from the Moon God Palace shifted once more.

They all felt Qi Yuan was speaking with great arrogance.

What Jinli had lost was the identity of the Moon Maiden, the qualification to step into the Yang God realm.

Yet, despite these doubts in their hearts, they did not show them.

Yu Tiao sighed softly: "The Moon Maiden's resolve is truly admirable."

As for Qi Yuan's words just now, she directly ignored them.

Even if he were a Yang God Venerable, could what he gave Jinli surpass what the identity of the Moon Maiden of the Moon God Palace could offer her?

They exchanged brief words, then parted ways.

Jinli grasped Qi Yuan's hand: "Don't mind their words.

My decision to abandon the Moon Maiden identity is my own wish, born of selfishness."

She did not want to morally bind Qi Yuan, nor did she want him to blame himself.

Qi Yuan smiled: "Between us, there is no need for scheming, nor need to heed others' opinions. Otherwise... it would be too dull."

Qi Yuan felt that he was not only lawful good but also an idealist.

He trusted Jinli deeply.

Jinli would strive to give him her best, and he would strive to give her his best.

If they were always calculating gains and losses, he and Jinli would never have continued talking on the Linglong Yuxi, nor would they have come this far.

Though a woman like Jinli seemed like a dreamy illusion, existing only in imagination, this was the realm of immortal cultivation, where all kinds of women existed.

"You don't step on ants, I am lawful good—we are a perfect match," Qi Yuan said lightly.

"Mm." Jinli's snow-white cheeks flushed with crimson again.

Without realizing it, the two arrived at Jinli's residence.

Jinli made no attempt to hide it, leading Qi Yuan into her private chamber.

The room was simply furnished. By the window, on a desk, lay a brush and inkstone. A vase held several branches of immortal vines, bearing a string of fruits, hanging low and lovely.

A landscape screen and gauze curtains divided the room into three sections: sleeping, sitting, and bathing.

Aside from a few decorations, the chamber was cold and clean, like a snow cave, with a faint, exotic fragrance somewhat similar to Jinli's own scent.

"In truth, when I was in the lower realm, I wanted to tell you of my existence, but I feared bringing you unnecessary trouble.

A month ago, my stellar golden core once brushed past your star," Qi Yuan said calmly, lightly inhaling the fragrance from Jinli's dark hair.

"This... was you?" Jinli recalled that day, when ten suns hung in the sky and swept past her star. Her expression shifted, a hint of tension in her voice, "You are the Ten Suns Venerable?"

"Mm." Qi Yuan nodded.

Hearing this, Jinli felt a sweetness, but more so a nervousness. She leaned close to Qi Yuan's ear, lowering her voice: "You must never speak of this, or else... it will be very troublesome."

"Oh?"

Jinli spoke too closely, her breath like orchid, and Qi Yuan felt a ticklish sensation.

"Not only will the Taihuang Palace seek trouble with you, but the Moon God Palace will as well!" Jinli's expression was grave.

That Qi Yuan was the Ten Suns Venerable, with formidable strength, naturally delighted her, but what the Ten Suns Venerable represented forced her to take it seriously.

"The Lady of the Moon God holds the Taiyin Throne, while the one in the Taihuang Palace holds the Dayang Throne, which you also seek.

Dayang and Taiyin are opposed.

For either to advance further, they must devour the other.

You... must not meet the Lady of the Moon God. If she discovers you, I fear..."

Jinli dared not imagine.

The methods of a Great Principle were unimaginable, and the Lady of the Moon God was no ordinary Great Principle.

Great Principles like the Lady of the Moon God, who grasped supreme principles, numbered fewer than two handfuls even in the Sixth Heaven.

Such beings had unfathomable means.

If the Lady of the Moon God saw Qi Yuan and discovered his identity, there might be some scheme or plot.

Even if Qi Yuan had no intention of harming the Lady of the Moon God, no thought of devouring the Taiyin Throne.

At that level, that identity, intent mattered little.

Hearing this, Qi Yuan felt quite pleased: "They say a girl's heart turns outward. You haven't even married me, and already you're leaning toward my side."

Without any hesitation, Jinli stood by him, not the Moon God Palace.

He was deeply moved.

From the Lady of the Moon God's perspective, it was chilling.

Of course, such a comparison was not apt.

Because in Jinli's view, at present, the Lady of the Moon God could threaten Qi Yuan, but Qi Yuan could not threaten the Lady of the Moon God.

Hearing of marriage, a blush crept over Jinli's skin, white as fine jade, like pear blossoms piled with snow, with peach blossoms dotting among them.

Qi Yuan looked at Jinli, seeing her brows and eyes tender and affectionate, lips like painted pearls, her vermilion mouth slightly parted, and his heart stirred.

Sometimes, he too took the initiative, and everything fell into place naturally.

He couldn't help leaning in and kissed Jinli's rosy lips.

Jinli's body suddenly stiffened, then instantly went limp, her beautiful eyes half-closed, breathing softly, a flush of passion spreading over her exquisite snow-white face.

After what seemed like a long time, the entanglement ended, but the intense longing had not dissipated; instead, it had brewed even stronger.

A brief separation is sweeter than a new romance, let alone a long separation and a new love.

"If you like, I..."

Jinli looked at Qi Yuan, her cold face softened with tenderness, her primrose-yellow top slipping off, the lotus-hued thin gauze pulled aside, revealing a sight of worldly beauty.

Her hair, like a waterfall of black silk, veiled her front, appearing and disappearing.

A resolute expression appeared on her face, or rather, a look of abandoning everything, but her delicate shoulders trembled, showing her inner turmoil.

"Are you Her Majesty the Empress, or Her Highness the Moon Maiden?" Qi Yuan's expression was tender as he leaned in, "Or Jinli?"

Jinli slightly closed her eyes, did not struggle, and held Qi Yuan tightly.

Even the tightest embrace could not vent this ten-thousand-year longing.

As the saying goes, arise from emotion, stop at propriety.

Now, Jinli was still the Moon Maiden, and could not have her photo affixed to Qi Yuan's marriage certificate.

Qi Yuan had always been respectful of propriety, conservative and traditional, so despite his longing, he restrained himself and did not take the final step with Jinli.

After all, they weren't married yet!

At this moment, he held Jinli in his arms, his expression regretful: "Alas, I knew the world's hardships early on; I truly wish I could linger a while longer in this haven of tenderness."

But Qi Yuan understood he could not stay here long; with the Mara clan, delays would breed trouble.

He had to return quickly.

Jinli's eyes showed a deep reluctance.

She knew Qi Yuan was plotting against the Mara clan.

She could not follow; if she did, she would only hold him back.

"What if... you capture me and imprison me?" Thinking of something, Jinli's face was full of anticipation, no longer cold and aloof.

Qi Yuan shook his head: "I still have to consider the face of the Moon Goddess Palace, and staying by my side... is somewhat dangerous."

For Qi Yuan, it was safer for Jinli to remain in the Moon Goddess Palace for now.

He was plotting against the Mara clan to reclaim his well, which would inevitably invite pursuit.

He couldn't very well keep Jinli in his underworld forever, could he? Not let her cultivate?

Although he could channel spiritual energy to his junior sister Jiang Lingsu to let her cultivate.

But that was because Jiang Lingsu was weak.

It wouldn't work for Jinli, who was at the Mythological Realm.

The disappointment in Jinli's eyes was unconcealed: "You... be careful in everything; if things become impossible, come to the Moon Goddess Palace!"

She was reluctant to let Qi Yuan leave, but she would not hinder his great endeavor.

"Don't worry." Qi Yuan smiled.

Sometimes, it felt good to be cared for and remembered.

Was it because he had lacked love back on Blue Star?

(The End)