Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 174: Emperor Jun's Invitation, Nuwa as Matchmaker

“Rest assured, with me here, nothing will go wrong,” Qingxuan promised, understanding Fengming’s concerns.

“I trust your word, Dao Master,” Fengming replied with a radiant smile.

“In that case, once we begin, I must trouble the elders of the Phoenix Clan to lend their aid as discussed,” Qingxuan suggested.

“Naturally,” came the reply, and the group ascended to the summit of the Immortal Volcano.

“Let us begin. Proceed as we discussed,” Qingxuan instructed Zhen Yuanzi, who then drew forth the Earth Tome. Using it as an anchor, he began carefully guiding the earth veins that crisscrossed the surroundings of the Immortal Volcano.

Yet, due to the volcano’s instability, establishing a blessed land here proved exceptionally arduous. Qingxuan had no choice but to offer occasional guidance.

As the work progressed, Zhen Yuanzi soon realized that opening a blessed land here was far from easy. He felt fortunate that his own teacher was present; had he acted solely on his own ideas, the volcano might already have erupted due to his miscalculation.

“What a difficult undertaking,” Zhen Yuanzi sighed inwardly.

***

Heavenly Court, Lingxiao Palace.

“I wonder what matter brings us before the Heavenly Emperor,” Nuwa inquired as she entered, clad in imperial robes, her bearing serene and graceful. Gone was the deference she once showed when first joining the Heavenly Court; now, as a mid-stage quasi-saint and a disciple of the Dao Ancestor, her attitude toward Dijun was reserved, her status transformed. As a future sage, Nuwa’s concerns for the affairs of the demon race had faded; her temperament was more detached since she severed her two incarnations. After all, the method of severing three incarnations was the most harmonious path to sainthood in accordance with the Heavenly Dao.

Coupled with the influence of the Primordial Purple Qi upon her soul, Nuwa’s mindset had changed drastically. Before her breakthrough, or before receiving the teachings of the Dao, she was keenly interested in the demon race’s affairs. Now, she harbored no such ambition. If it weren’t for Fuxi’s deep involvement in the demon race and the court, she might have withdrawn from both altogether.

“Today, I have invited Empress Wa here to request your help,” Dijun began, betraying no sign of offense at her manner. Perhaps it was due to her status, or perhaps because the demon race and the Heavenly Court could not do without her.

“Do tell, Heavenly Emperor. If it is within my power, I shall not refuse,” Nuwa replied calmly.

Dijun spoke slowly. “I am born of the Solar Star and wish to form a union of yin and yang with Xihe of the Lunar Star in the ancient firmament. I would ask Empress Wa to journey to the ancient heavens and present my proposal to her.”

Nuwa’s brow furrowed slightly. She could discern Dijun’s intentions, but Xihe was of the ancient star lineage. Though Dijun and Taiyi belonged to that lineage, their standing among the stars was negligible; they held no real authority there.

“Daoist Dijun, may I ask if the ancient starry sky and Xihe of the Lunar Star are aware of this matter?” Nuwa asked. She was willing to try, but if this were merely Dijun’s wishful thinking, there was little she could do.

“Rest assured, Empress Wa. Though Xihe is of the ancient stars, we met during a previous teaching and both harbored such intent. That is why I ask you to act as an intermediary,” Dijun explained.

As he finished, Nuwa felt a sudden stirring from the spiritual treasure in her soul—the Red Embroidered Ball. Upon inspection, she understood the cause and effect behind it.

“So this matter truly cannot be refused. Is it mere coincidence, or…” Nuwa mused inwardly.

After some thought, she looked to Dijun and replied with poise, “Since you have explained so, I shall journey to the Lunar Star in the ancient heavens and sound out Xihe’s intentions. However, let me be clear—if Lady Xihe has no desire for this, you must seek another.”

Though she had agreed, Nuwa left herself an out.

“Indeed, that is only right. I ask only that you act as my witness. The rest shall not trouble you,” Dijun replied.

Nuwa, hearing this, gave her consent. “Very well, I will make the trip to the Lunar Star in the ancient heavens on your behalf.”

Taking her leave, Nuwa set out for the stars. After she departed, Dijun watched her receding figure, his emotions inscrutable.

Upon reaching the ancient starry sky, Nuwa made her way to the Lunar Star.

“Who goes there? What brings you to my Lunar Star?” A cold, clear voice greeted her.

“I am Nuwa of the Heavenly Court, seeking an audience with Fairy Xihe to discuss a matter,” Nuwa called out.

As she finished speaking, a fairy of ethereal beauty, graceful and cool in demeanor, appeared before her.

“So it is fellow Daoist Nuwa of the Heavenly Court. I am Changxi of the Lunar Star. We star deities dwell in seclusion, and our ancient heavens have little contact with the Heavenly Court,” Changxi said, a faint frown crossing her face from an angle Nuwa could not see.

“Daoist Changxi, I have come seeking Fairy Xihe. Might I trouble you to announce my arrival?” Nuwa asked.

“If you insist, I shall inform her. The rest you may discuss among yourselves,” Changxi replied with a soft sigh before turning away.

Soon after Changxi departed, a figure approached with quiet grace.

“Ah, fellow Daoist Nuwa. I am Xihe of the Lunar Star. What brings you here today?”

“Fairy Xihe, I have come at the request of Daoist Dijun,” Nuwa replied, laying out Dijun’s proposal and watching Xihe intently.

“What is your decision, Fairy Xihe?”

After a long silence, Xihe finally replied, “Thank you, Daoist Nuwa, for making the journey. Please tell Dijun that I understand his intentions. So long as his sincerity is true, this matter can be discussed.”

Though she did not give a direct answer, Nuwa understood her meaning.

Having no further reason to remain, Nuwa took her leave of Xihe and returned to the Heavenly Court to deliver her reply to Dijun.

After Nuwa’s departure, a figure appeared, treading upon the moonlight, and walked unhurriedly to Xihe’s side.