"Qing..."
Feng gazed at the breathtakingly beautiful maiden before him, a vision surpassing celestial fairies, and found himself momentarily entranced, murmuring her name. Snapping back to reality, he offered a perfectly measured bow, adding, "Qing... Fairy..."
"...Feng."
Radiant as the moon in the heavens or frost upon the earth, she shone like stars and snow, yet outshone them all. Qing's eyes seemed still, but her tone carried a slight pause before she spoke softly.
"Please, sit."
Feng took a seat below her, lifting his gaze to trace the contours of her flawless face. Her perfect curves outshone the world's grandeur, her eyes more brilliant than the distant North Star. Words failed him; her presence was a constellation of light, the focal point of all existence. Even the usually eloquent youth found himself speechless, his heart brimming with a thousand thoughts, yet his lips could only muster, "It's been a while... your grace is even more radiant than before... I... in my humble self..."
*You... are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.*
He thought this but spoke only polished, faultless phrases.
As Feng beheld Qing's ethereal beauty, his usual confidence faltered. Before this peerless maiden, everything else blurred, leaving only her silhouette in his vision, untainted by even a speck of dust. He marveled that such a woman could exist, neither of this world nor a mere enchantress.
He couldn't help but mock himself. Like a common mortal, he was captivated by Qing's appearance, unable to tear his eyes away. How utterly mundane.
Yet it was undeniable. Qing, yet to embark on her trials, was already legendary for her beauty, her elegance unmatched. Countless prodigies and talents, even within the Xian Sect, vied for a glimpse of her, waiting day and night along her paths, content with just a fleeting sight.
The cultivation world shunned vulgar rankings like those of mortal martial realms. After all, the women of note here were either backed by immense power or wielded formidable cultivation. To rank them was to court disaster.
Millennia ago, someone dared to compile a "Peerless Beauties of Immortal and Demonic Paths" list. Before it could be published, the demonic women listed seized him, flayed him alive, and subjected him to the torment of the Blazing Sun, obliterating his soul beyond reincarnation.
Even the Nexus Prophecy Pavilion, with its godlike heritage, only dared to rank spiritual treasures or prodigies, never touching lists of powerhouses or beauties, lest they offend untouchable figures.
Though no official list existed, those who witnessed Qing's splendor unanimously agreed she was a rare gem, peerless in the world, a potential icon of the righteous path's beauty.
Feng had to concede that Qing's allure wasn't merely skin-deep. Her temperament, soul, and resolve were flawless, leaving even the harshest critics in awe. Her beauty was unforgettable, etched in memory forever.
Among his confidantes, each a beauty in her own right—Suya's gentle healing grace, Xian Lilith's elusive charm, or Lian's bold, untamed spirit—none quite matched Qing's radiance.
"What brings you here, Feng?" Qing's eyes flickered like ripples in a clear pond, her gaze serene yet piercing, calm as still water.
"I..." Feng nearly blurted out *I wanted to see you*, but hesitated, settling on propriety. "It's about the Demonic Path."
"The Demonic Path?" Qing's eyes trembled, a fleeting shadow crossing her face as if lost in memory or thinking of someone. Her tone grew colder. "The Righteous Alliance from before?"
*The Demonic Path... or is it... for her?*
"Yes." Regaining his composure, Feng reverted to his sharp, strategic self, unaware that Qing had witnessed his indiscretion with Xian Lilith. He spoke calmly, "The Demonic Path, usually scattered, has been unusually united lately. They're plotting something big."
*For what... the Emperor made it clear earlier.*
He trusted Qing, as the Xian Sect's heir and Prince Ren's eldest daughter, knew these secrets.
The meeting of Zareth Gongzi and Prince Tao, the undercurrents in the capital, the gathering of the Evil Heart Sect's three disciples, and the influx of shady figures—all swirled in Feng's mind as he spoke fluently.
Under Qing's complex gaze, she listened quietly, her silence amplifying his eloquence, his words flowing like a torrent, vibrant and commanding.
"...In summary," Feng paused, "I'm certain their move will come during the Emperor's Heavenly Sacrifice in a few days!"
"And your proof?" Qing asked softly, her heart tangled with emotions, her lips parting slightly. "How can you be so sure?"
"I... I guessed." Feng faltered, picturing Xian Lilith's teasing, alluring smile.
"Because of that woman..." Qing noticed his hesitation, her heart sinking with clarity and a trace of unease.
"What are your plans?" she asked, steering the conversation forward.
"They're in the shadows, we're in the light. Strike first." Feng pondered, recalling Emperor Ming's promised aid. This time, he wasn't alone; the Bright Hua dynasty backed him. "Or crush them with overwhelming force."
"The capital is fortified with elite troops, the dragon aura unstoppable. Even immortals would falter. Marshal Jun leads the玄武 army, and Rex Zhen's Yan Fu cavalry from the north..."
He stopped abruptly, realizing his misstep. Qing's expression remained neutral, but Feng's eyes flickered, guilt washing over him. Why did he mention them?
Marshal Jun was Suya's grandfather, and tales of Feng's bond with her were sung in the capital's taverns, stirring young hearts.
Rex Zhen's Yan Fu army was led by Lian, the untamed northern flower. Though Feng wasn't present at Qing and Lian's last meeting, palace rumors suggested it ended badly.
Mentioning them was like challenging Qing.
"Hm." Qing nodded slightly, her eyes shadowed by sunlight streaming through the window, masking her thoughts.
"The Xian Sect will act fully," she said softly.
Her words carried the weight of her authority as the Xian Sect's future leader, a pledge from a righteous titan.
Feng exhaled in relief. The Xian Sect's top-five status in the righteous path, with its immense influence, eased the court's burden significantly.
Yet, relief gave way to a pang of loss. *Is this all?*
Was his visit merely for this? No, it wasn't.
He came to see Qing, to speak his heart, not to discuss politics.
But silence stretched between them, Feng wordless, Qing with downcast eyes, separated by mere feet yet worlds apart.
"...I take my leave." Unable to bear the quiet, Feng rose, bowed, and turned to go, a trace of reluctance in his step.
"You..." Qing's eyes flickered with hesitation, like clouds shifting unpredictably, as if hoping for something. Her voice was soft. "...Have nothing else to say?"
Her words, light as a dragonfly's touch, stirred a storm.
Feng spun around, seeing the ethereal maiden blush, her cheeks outshining the sunset, her shy hue eclipsing all beauty. His heart raced.
"I... I..." Feng sat again, stammering, "I don't know what to say."
"Oh." Qing's voice carried a hint of disappointment.
"But... I wanted to see you." Summoning courage, Feng met her cool, detached gaze with fierce determination. "I came to the palace just to see you."
His words shattered the calm like a meteor striking a tranquil lake, leaving the usually composed Qing flustered, instinctively wanting to flee his intense stare.
Yet his gaze burned with not just admiration but raw desire.
It reminded Qing of another man who looked at her the same way.
*Is Feng... like him?*
She compared them, then shook her head, dismissing the thought.
Her shy, averted glance only fueled Feng's ardor. Boldly, he ascended the steps, closing the distance until they were mere feet apart, face to face.