Chapter Thirty-Eight: Master Li, Immortal

Although Bai Xiatian had only just taken human form, it did not mean she was naive or easily deceived. She had read extensively, absorbing knowledge and preparing herself to enter the wider world.

Suspecting that Feng Shang was trying to take advantage of her, Bai Xiatian immediately felt displeased.

Her almond-shaped eyes widened as she spoke assertively, “If I ask about the outside world and you don’t want to answer, you can just refuse. Using it as an excuse to demand benefits is shameful.”

“Miss Bai!”

Seeing her reaction, Feng Shang’s tone turned grave and his expression became serious. “First, you’re the one seeking information about the outside world; you are asking for something. Second, I am well-versed in ancient and modern matters, knowledgeable about a thousand domains—my stories could last days and nights. Even a brief summary would take at least an hour or two, don’t you think that’s quite an effort? Third, if you keep asking questions endlessly, it’ll be even more exhausting. Isn’t it fair that I ask for some compensation?”

“That… does seem reasonable.” Bai Xiatian’s delicate, refined face suddenly softened. She was, after all, still somewhat inexperienced in the intricacies of the world. While Feng Shang’s words seemed a bit one-sided, she couldn’t find any fault with them.

“What kind of compensation do you want?” Bai Xiatian was starting to take the bait.

Feng Shang, who was no stranger to hoodwinking the young phoenix, had his own set of persuasive tricks. He smiled, “You say you’re preparing to enter the world, but there’s so much you need to know. For example: the top ten unsolved mysteries of the Spiritual Energy Universe, the most untouchable peak powers, detailed maps of every star domain… you’ll want a copy of each.”

“Really?” Bai Xiatian was half-convinced, half-skeptical.

“You have no idea how dangerous the outside is. There are star fiends who trade slaves, fierce spirits who kill without blinking, and demons who relish eating little girls. A single misstep and you’re doomed forever.”

Feigning a mournful tone, Feng Shang continued, “Last year, two female star cultivators came to Nine Star City. They’d just discovered an ancient ruin and gained many treasures, but a demon set his sights on them. Not long after leaving the city, they were robbed.”

Bai Xiatian’s face turned pale at his words.

“I have plenty of secret knowledge here. Learn it, and your life will be safe. But the more you want to know, the higher the price you must pay.” Feng Shang cast her a sidelong glance.

“Hmm…”

Bai Xiatian fell into deep thought.

“I have nine golden maxims and a hundred classic case studies—master them, and you’ll have a unique edge wherever you go. I’ll even give you a discount for the full set,” Feng Shang pressed harder, encouraging her to pay up.

In her mind, Bai Xiatian quickly calculated whether she should part with some of the cosmic crystals she had hoarded over the years.

Nearby, the Dance Immortal watched with a smile, finding the scene quite amusing. Seeing the young girl about to fall into the trap, she finally couldn’t help but interject:

“Girl, everything Young Lord Feng has mentioned—you could just ask me, and I can tell you as well. Or do you think my experience is inferior to his, and you’d rather pay to hear it from him?”

“Oh!”

Bai Xiatian snapped back to her senses, her beautiful eyes wide as she realized she’d nearly been ensnared by Feng Shang’s scheme.

Of course! The Dance Immortal was a godly master herself; her experience far surpassed that of any youth. Seeking her counsel was a thousand times better than listening to Feng Shang.

Feng Shang’s tempting words were like a grand pie in the sky—irresistible at first glance, but on closer inspection, mostly illusion and smoke. His main goal was simply to get her to pay!

“You really are a cunning merchant.”

Having figured it out, Bai Xiatian was indignant, a hint of anger flashing in her dark, beautiful eyes.

“I didn’t lie to you. Information is priceless. I don’t tell just anyone who wants to know. If you’d rather hear the Dance Immortal, that’s your choice. But the Spiritual Energy Universe is ever-changing—years can shift everything. You’ve lived in the Sea of Flowers, shut off from the world; how can you compare to me?” Feng Shang replied earnestly.

“Is that really true?” Bai Xiatian’s doubts began to swirl again.

The Dance Immortal laughed, a clear, melodious sound. Bai Xiatian was not stupid—she was clever indeed—but in terms of conversational skill, she was no match for Feng Shang, who had grown up in Nine Star City. She’d unwittingly fallen for his tricks.

“That’s enough, Bai Xiatian. Young Lord Feng came to the Northern Domain this time to witness the beauty of the Flower Masters of each era. Years ago, Master Li gained enlightenment here on the Way of Winter Snow, leaving behind traces of her insight. You’re the spirit of the Northern Domain; it shouldn’t be difficult for you to recreate a bit of her divine aura, should it?” said the Dance Immortal.

Hearing this, Feng Shang was taken aback.

Master Li was a peerless beauty, ethereal and transcendent. Later generations described her as the most divinely inspired woman in the Spiritual Energy Universe. Even a few brief appearances left countless people awestruck and enamored.

But in this era, she was already gone; it was all but impossible to see her in person.

Bai Xiatian’s heart stirred.

Dance was reminding her—did Feng Shang want a benefit? What greater reward could she offer than letting him witness the visage of Master Li herself?

“Feng Shang, I’ll let you see the immortal image of Master Li. In exchange, you must tell me those nine maxims, the hundred classic cases, and explain other things in detail. Do we have a deal?”

“You can recreate Master Li’s countenance?”

Feng Shang looked at her with surprise, all teasing gone. To witness the grace of the previous Flower Master with his own eyes would be a story worth boasting about when he returned to Star City.

“I can,” Bai Xiatian replied with certainty.

“Deal. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Good.”

Bai Xiatian beamed, her eyes sparkling black and bright, spinning with excitement. She added, “I’ll do my best to let you see Master Li, but when you tell me your stories, you’d better not skimp on the details.”

“No problem,” Feng Shang promised.

“Then let’s head to the Ancient Immortal Peak—it’s on the eastern side of Snow Peak. That’s where Master Li once gained her insight into the Way of Winter Snow.”

Bai Xiatian’s snowy-white feet shimmered with radiant light, crystal-clear and translucent. She stepped lightly through the air, never touching the ground, floating swiftly away, eager to complete this exchange.

“Let’s go.”

The Dance Immortal’s long hair fluttered, her flawless features touched with longing. The previous Immortal Master had been half a mentor to her, and it was thanks to Master Li’s guidance that she had achieved her own godhood. She, too, wished to see that figure once more.

Her robes billowed as she rode the wind away.

Feng Shang followed close behind. Just then, Qing E’s voice sounded, “I have a bad feeling. You’ve already gained a great fortune in the Sea of Flowers; seeking out the Flower Master’s immortal image now may not be wise.”

“It’s just an immortal image—she’s already gone, what’s there to fear?” Feng Shang was unconcerned.

“It’s not the same,” Qing E said gravely. “Someone like Master Li, a being of divine power shaped by the fate of the Spiritual Energy Universe—her traces of enlightenment are extraordinary, eternal. As a Letter Spirit, my premonitions are usually reliable.”

“Uncle E, you’re being superstitious…” Feng Shang frowned.

“Let’s hope it’s just a false alarm,” said Qing E.