We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 440: It’s Elder Sister’s Turn

Xiao Mo didn't refuse, following Qin Mujiu to her private chambers.

The Hall of Holding Wine, far from being quiet, was buzzing with activity at this particular moment.

Considering Qin Mujiu had only recently joined the palace, the attending maids found themselves with little pressing work.

Thus, several of them congregated, chatting idly while their hands moved with unhurried grace over their assigned tasks.

However, upon witnessing their mistress enter the Hall of Holding Wine alongside His Majesty, they were startled into action, quickly rising and kneeling on either side, their voices a unified greeting:

“This servant greets His Majesty and Consort Mu upon your return to the palace…”

“Rise,” Xiao Mo instructed, nodding.

“You may return to your duties. There’s no need for excessive formality within the Hall of Holding Wine, provided you adhere to the rules,” Qin Mujiu said, gesturing with her hand.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Consort Mu,” the maids replied in unison.

Without another glance at them, Qin Mujiu led Xiao Mo towards the inner chambers.

“Your Majesty’s Brother, please have some tea first,” she offered, guiding him to a seat.

She poured a cup and presented it to him with both hands.

Xiao Mo’s gaze fell upon the teacup, a subtle hesitation clouding his features.

“Could it be that Your Majesty’s Brother suspects Mujiu has poisoned it?” Qin Mujiu chuckled softly at his reaction. “Your Majesty’s Brother, please be assured. Mujiu would sooner poison herself than allow Your Majesty’s Brother to suffer the slightest harm.”

“My beloved consort misunderstands,” Xiao Mo replied, accepting the cup. “How could I possibly suspect you of such a thing? I was merely pondering what is truly on your mind at this very moment.”

Qin Mujiu’s lips curved into a smile. “And has Your Majesty’s Brother discerned my thoughts?”

“I cannot say,” Xiao Mo admitted, shaking his head before taking a sip of the tea.

“This morning, National Preceptor Jiang informed me that you and Ruxue both desire the same thing,” Xiao Mo stated, his gaze steady and profound. “I have contemplated this repeatedly, yet I genuinely cannot fathom what within this modest palace could possibly hold such equal interest for both you and Ruxue.”

“Indeed…” Qin Mujiu’s eyes twinkled with a subtle amusement as she met his gaze directly.

“What could it be? That is certainly a difficult question to answer.”

“Then, would my beloved consort indulge my curiosity?” Xiao Mo inquired.

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty’s Brother. Some matters carry karma too weighty to bear,” Qin Mujiu’s voice remained gentle. “I cannot disclose them to you just yet.”

For a fleeting instant, a flicker of guilt, burden, and apprehension crossed her eyes.

However, it vanished as swiftly as it appeared, suppressed beneath a placid surface.

“While I am unable to reveal everything to Your Majesty’s Brother at this time, you may rest assured,” Qin Mujiu assured him with a composed smile. “One day, once all matters are resolved, I shall certainly tell you. But until then, Your Majesty’s Brother must exercise a little more patience.”

Xiao Mo offered no reply.

As if suddenly recalling something important, Qin Mujiu shifted the topic. “Enough of that. I nearly forgot the primary reason.”

“I have a gift I wish to present to Your Majesty’s Brother…”

“A gift?” Xiao Mo asked, a note of surprise in his voice.

“Yes. You could also consider it part of my dowry,” Qin Mujiu’s eyes crinkled. “Please, wait here a moment, Your Majesty’s Brother.”

She moved to a corner of the room, retrieved a small box from a chest, and placed it before Xiao Mo.

The lid was lifted.

Within lay a mask and a small clay figurine.

The instant Xiao Mo’s eyes landed on the figurine and the mask, his heart began to race uncontrollably.

He was certain he had never encountered either object before, yet an overwhelming sense of familiarity washed over him.

More than that, he felt an inexplicable connection to these two items, as if they held a profound significance for him.

It felt as though they rightfully belonged to him.

The sensation was so peculiar that his thoughts momentarily drifted.

“This humble clay figurine,” Qin Mujiu explained with a smile, “is something I fashioned with my own hands when I was a child. I have treasured it ever since.”

“I always imagined that when I eventually married, I would present it to my future husband,” she continued, her tone softening. “And now, I finally have the opportunity.”

“As for this mask—Your Majesty’s Brother, please do not dismiss it merely because it appears aged. There is even a touch of rust upon it,” Qin Mujiu’s expression brightened. “However, this mask possesses a long and storied history. Legend has it that it is a traditional facial adornment from Ancient Qin.”

“I have heard that during significant festivals in Ancient Qin, men would don masks of this style and perform a ceremonial battle dance, offering prayers for peace and blessings.”

Qin Mujiu gazed at him expectantly. “I believe Your Majesty’s Brother would look exceptionally striking wearing this mask. Would you be willing to try it on?”

Xiao Mo’s gaze remained fixed on the mask. He then reached out, lifted it, and placed it over his face.

Raising his head, he met his own reflection in the room’s mirror.

A countenance in the reflection appeared both familiar and strange. Xiao Mo’s bewilderment deepened.

He shook his head, attempting to clear his thoughts, and reached up to remove the mask he wore.

“Your Majesty’s Brother, please wait…”

Qin Mujiu gently clasped his wrist.

“Is there something?” Xiao Mo inquired.

“I wish to admire it a little longer,” Qin Mujiu replied, a smile gracing her lips as she looked at him.

“Is it truly that handsome?” Xiao Mo asked.

Qin Mujiu nodded. She raised her fair, delicate hand and tenderly caressed his cheek, her eyes shimmering with a soft, gentle light.

“Your Majesty’s Brother, when you wear this mask.”

“It looks absolutely captivating…”

*****

“Scan this area.”

“And look over here.”

“This section also requires sweeping.”

“Ensure the tables are wiped clean as well.”

Within the front courtyard of the Hall of Congealed Snow, Daqing was issuing instructions to the palace maids diligently engaged in cleaning the grounds.

Daqing had accompanied her young lady into the palace the previous night.

She had secreted herself away amidst the wedding procession, intending to present her young lady as a surprise to His Majesty—a surprise meant to make His Majesty realize that the woman he had wed was the very same individual he had encountered previously.

Xiao Mo had been consumed by duties to the point of utter exhaustion, and consequently, had not truly registered Daqing’s presence.

What ultimately filled Daqing with a sense of profound regret was the realization that—

Young Lady had indeed delivered a significant surprise to His Majesty.

His Majesty had even been on the verge of spending the night in Young Lady’s sleeping quarters.

Yet, who could have foreseen that His Majesty, utterly drained and having indulged excessively in drink, would simply fall into a deep slumber...

Had circumstances been different, Young Lady might have already conceived His Majesty's imperial heir by last night.

“Did you not notice the fallen leaves yonder? Make haste and sweep them away!”

The more Daqing contemplated the missed opportunity, the more she felt a pang of regret. She puffed out her cheeks and directed her words at the palace maids, her disappointment subtly coloring her tone.

Before long, the distinct sound of approaching carriages and horses echoed from beyond the Hall of Congealed Snow.

“Young Lady, you have returned!”

Upon glimpsing her young lady’s return, Daqing hastened forward with palpable delight.

“Mhm,” Bai Ruxue affirmed with a smile. “How has everything been? Have you found the palace tedious? I had mentioned to you—there was no obligation for you to accompany me into the imperial residence. If you still wish to depart, I can arrange for your escort.”

“No, Young Lady, it is not at all tedious, not in the slightest,” Daqing replied swiftly, shaking her head. “This servant has been by Young Lady’s side since our childhood days. Wherever Young Lady goes, this servant will naturally follow. Young Lady must not banish this servant away.”

“If you are eager to remain here, then above all else, I shall be content. Why would I ever consider sending you away?” Bai Ruxue playfully tapped Daqing’s forehead with a smile.

“Hehehe…” Daqing rubbed her forehead, then entwined her arm with Bai Ruxue’s. She then stretched her neck to peer behind her. “Eh? Young Lady—did His Majesty not return with you?”

“His Majesty likely proceeded to Consort Mu’s residence,” Bai Ruxue stated with composure.

Daqing’s expression shifted instantly. “Young Lady… If His Majesty has gone to Consort Mu’s chambers now, then—His Majesty and Consort Mu… Should Consort Mu be the one to conceive first, then…”

“Enough, enough,” Bai Ruxue interjected, patting her head. “I am returning to my chambers to rest. You should attend to your duties—but bear in mind, the palace operates under different rules than the outside world. Do not transgress the regulations. Do you comprehend?”

“I understand, Young Lady…”

Daqing lowered her gaze, inwardly musing that her Young Lady seemed remarkably unfazed by the unfolding situation.

The struggle for imperial favor within the harem was a matter of grave significance.

From the chronicles she had perused, the contests for preference in the rear palace often escalated into battles with life-or-death consequences...

Yet, Young Lady remained as serene and unperturbed as ever, as if no challenge in existence could truly pose a substantial obstacle in her path.

Bai Ruxue uttered no further words and proceeded to enter the sleeping chamber.

The instant she crossed the threshold, a protective spell formation, designed to thwart any probing divine-sense, was activated within the room.

As Bai Ruxue turned, a young woman attired in an elegant blue gown was already positioned before her.

“Elder Sister…” Daqing murmured softly, her countenance etched with evident urgency.

Yesterday, Daqing had arrived with the wedding procession, but the opportunity to converse with her Elder Sister in private had been scarce. She had been consumed by anxiety to an almost suffocating degree.

“If there is something to discuss, speak at your own pace. Perhaps a cup of tea would be welcome first.”

Bai Ruxue smoothed the fabric of her skirt and took a seat, pouring Daqing a cup of tea. “What was Qin Mujiu’s response? Has she indicated whether she will consent to our terms?”

Approximately six months prior, the demon realm had initiated a significant movement—most notably, the Nine-Tails Kingdom had absorbed its neighboring smaller states, exhibiting clear intentions to advance upon the Ten Thousand Arts world.

To prevent Qin Mujiu from interfering with her meticulously laid plans—and more importantly, her wedding ceremony—Bai Ruxue had dispatched Daqing to ensure that no major disruptions would manifest in the interim.

“Qin Mujiu’s disposition remains unchanged from before—she is quite reasonable,” Daqing admitted with a sigh. “She stated that her intentions are her own, and she will not be swayed by external influences.”

“Thankfully, she seems to have no immediate plans to attack the Ten Thousand Arts world,” Daqing responded, shaking her head. “However, ten years from now, things could change drastically. After all, she is that crippled old man’s granddaughter. She inherited his resolve and is even beginning to show signs of becoming an existence capable of co-ruling the demon-race world.”

“Elder Sister, in Bai Ruxue’s previous life, what exactly transpired between her and Qin Mujiu?” Daqing inquired, a puzzled look on her face. “Why does Qin Mujiu harbor such intense hatred for her—killing her once wasn't sufficient, and she relentlessly pursued her lifetime after lifetime, never granting her peace?”

“Who can say?” Bai Ruxue replied, her head tilted as her gaze drifted towards the sky visible through the window.

“Within the Four-Tailed Heavenly Fox clan, they are born for love, seek the Dao through love, and yet, how many perish due to love?” Bai Ruxue’s voice was soft. “Out of countless profundities, this one word—‘love’—is the most challenging to comprehend.”

Her gaze returned, and she continued, “Since Qin Siyao is unwilling to form a contract with us, then so be it. We shall focus on our own objectives.”

“As for the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall—assistance where necessary must be provided. Do you understand?”

“Understood, Elder Sister.”

Daqing’s affirmation was accompanied by a subtle flicker in her eyes, suggesting unspoken thoughts.

Bai Ruxue noticed and spoke with gentle encouragement, “Between us sisters, there should be no secrets. If something weighs on your mind, speak it.”

“Elder Sister…” Daqing hesitated, biting her lip. “When will you reveal the truth to Xiao Mo and take him away? Even if it means ascending beyond the clouds, past that Heavenly Gate—what if a remnant god resides there?”

“Elder Sister, you have already reached the perfected completion of the Ascension Realm. If you were to then employ Seven-Seas Union with the Dao… could even that remnant god truly halt your progress?”

Daqing finally voiced her apprehensions.

Ever since Bai Ruxue’s second departure from Elder Sister, upon learning that he had drawn the attention of the world’s gods, Elder Sister had immediately altered her name and identity, retreating into obscurity, and appointed Sizhu as the Lord of the Four Seas.

Sizhu was a woman whom Elder Sister had taken in as a disciple through a fortunate encounter.

After numerous millennia, the world believed the Lord of the Four Seas to be a blue dragon at the perfected completion of the Immortal Realm. Only the most ancient and high-ranking figures within the major sects were aware of the true identity of the Lord of the Four Seas.

The reason Elder Sister had orchestrated this was because Bai Ruxue had previously sacrificed herself for Elder Sister. The karmic link between Elder Sister and Bai Ruxue, like an invisible red thread, had not gone unnoticed by that remnant god of the world.

Later, Elder Sister employed celestial methods and expended immense effort to conceal this red thread.

To prevent that remnant god from tracing the thread and finding Bai Ruxue, Elder Sister had to refrain from openly renewing her karma with Bai Ruxue.

Any overt renewal would cause the red thread to reappear, drawing the god’s scrutiny once more.

However, in Daqing’s assessment, Elder Sister’s current cultivation realm was astonishingly formidable. If Elder Sister so desired, she could utilize Seven-Seas Union with the Dao, potentially even stepping into the fabled seventh realm.

Was it truly necessary for Elder Sister to conceal herself under a false identity?

“Silly girl.”

Bai Ruxue offered a tender smile and gently tapped Daqing’s forehead.

“Who stated that in this world, only a single remnant god truly remains?”

“Elder Sister… what do you mean by that?” Daqing asked, her eyes wide with bewilderment.

“In ages past, those legendary deities undeniably perished,” Bai Ruxue stated, her eyes clouding over. “But would they truly remain ‘dead’ for all eternity?”

“And who, in your estimation, was it in ancient times that brought about the demise of those gods seated in their celestial realms?”

“And if those gods were to regain life—who would they despise above all others?”

Daqing’s eyes widened in alarm. Her throat constricted, but she dared not vocalize her burgeoning suspicion.

“Daqing…”

Bai Ruxue delicately folded her hands over her slender thighs. Her peach-blossom eyes seemed to capture the very essence of spring.

“Elder Sister does not wish to lose him again…”

“He protected Elder Sister twice.”

“This time…”

“It is Elder Sister’s turn…”