Chapter 26: Aphrodisiac Fruit Part 1

Faster blood flow?

Joyful mood?

Shen Sheng’s thoughts instantly jumped to the aphrodisiacs used in the mortal world…

But she’d already eaten half. Subconsciously, she tried to hand the red fruit back to Jiang Wan. “Fu Kong has terrible intentions, planting what… what kind of aphrodisiac fruit here.”

Maybe it was psychological, but she already felt a bit warm and restless.

It’s all in my head, it has to be.

The fruit’s color was like a magnificent peony, red as dripping blood. A bite revealed cloyingly sweet juice. How could such a delicious fruit make one think of aphrodisiacs?

Shen Sheng was thoroughly depressed. Jiang Wan, beside her, was slowly, methodically eating her fruit, her features like a painting, pure and noble.

Jiang Wan was almost finished. Shen Sheng gave up struggling and took another bite. Fine, eat it. It couldn’t kill her anyway.

Once the entire fruit was finished, Shen Sheng felt thirsty and wanted to go back for water.

Jiang Wan, however, was thinking of moving on. “There’s a stream up ahead.”

Shen Sheng followed her and saw the stream flowing beneath a large tree. The place didn’t feel like a palace at all, but more like a pastoral countryside.

Jiang Wan crouched by the stream. Her clean, fair hands dipped into the water, her slender fingers stirring it. Shen Sheng crouched down as well, imitating her to wash her hands.

Small fish occasionally swam past beneath the surface. The fish didn’t seem to fear people; they boldly swam through the gaps between her fingers.

The wet, smooth sensation underwater was wonderfully strange, life flowing through her palms—beautiful and joyful.

Shen Sheng became engrossed. Time was peaceful, without any burdens.

She put both hands in the water. Soon, another school of small fish came, swam through her fingers, and then left.

Within moments, they returned, excitedly wagging their tails.

Three years of slaughter, licking wounds on the edge of blades. The beautiful side of nature before her now was walking towards her.

She smiled. Jiang Wan also smiled, quietly watching her, her lips curving silently.

The young woman radiated brightness and high spirits, that air of purity rising naturally.

Jiang Wan watched the person beside her for a few breaths, then turned to look at the small fish in the stream water. She asked Shen Sheng, “By coming here, what did you want to find out?”

“I want to change the destiny of the South River drying up,” Shen Sheng blurted out.

But Jiang Wan shook her head. “What if it’s impossible to change?”

Shen Sheng was confused. Jiang Wan told her, “The gods aren’t only us. Our South River Clan, where women are esteemed, doesn’t conform to the natural laws of heaven and earth. They say our South River Clan shouldn’t exist in this world, that eventually, we’ll be judged by the Heavenly Dao.”

Shen Sheng suddenly clenched her fingers, scaring the fish into fleeing in panic. She said nervously, “The South River has healed so many people! Don’t they feel any gratitude?”

“Mhm, what you say is very true. All the gods in the world have received its protection.” Jiang Wan curved her lips into a smile, but that smile held infinite weariness.

In her smile, Shen Sheng saw acceptance and understanding, as if she was looking at her own future fate, knowing it would dry up, yet powerless to stop it.

In this moment, Shen Sheng once again felt that profound helplessness.

She slowly withdrew her hands. Water droplets trickled from her fingertips. Looking at the ripples spreading on the water’s surface, she said, “You know the future?”

“Knowing is one thing, but what can I do? The very fact that you are able to come here proves that knowing the future is futile. If I couldn’t meet you, it would mean the South River Clan wouldn’t fall. Unfortunately, you came anyway. I thought you wouldn’t.” Jiang Wan murmured to herself.

The Jiang Wan before her was gentle and kind.

Shen Sheng stared at her, suddenly realizing she was truly different from Anu. Anu was crazy and cruel; Clan Leader Jiang, gentle and tolerant of all things.

Shen Sheng unconsciously took a deep breath. She had to make a change. She grasped Jiang Wan’s hand, a silent comfort.

The news of the South River Clan Leader’s wedding spread throughout the world. Soon, Immortals from all corners would come to offer their congratulations.

Shen Sheng witnessed the might of various gods. However, Prajna City remained a forbidden sanctuary. Even Immortals tens of thousands of years old couldn’t penetrate the city’s Formation and could only hover in the air, watching helplessly.

Prajna City had a unique way of protecting its people.

Shen Sheng stood at the city gate, staring at the mirror. Many saw the reflection within and were astonished.

Thus, word spread outside that Clan Leader Jiang Wan and Shen Sheng were a match made in heaven, blessed by the God of the South River.

Shen Sheng wandered through the city. It wasn’t much different from an ordinary town, except there were no men to be seen. Women ran independent households, free and unrestrained.

Within the city, Taverns and shops lined the streets, Embroidery Workshops and other stores were not uncommon.

The wedding dress was being embroidered by the seamstresses at the city’s Embroidery Workshop.

As Shen Sheng walked through the city, she familiarized herself with every corner. Outsiders thought Prajna City extraordinary, but in truth, there was nothing particularly special about it.

The South River was simply protecting its children in its own way.

Shen Sheng liked to stand at the city gate and look down at the lower realm. Sometimes she’d sit there for half a day. Sang Xuan sometimes came to find her and talk about what was happening down below.

The Seal wasn’t secure and could break at any moment. They hadn’t yet thought of the best solution. If no solution was found, they would perish together.

When speaking of this, Sang Xuan’s face always held a smile, without resentment or even anger. Dying for the Great Dao seemed an honorable thing.

As Shen Sheng listened to her recount everything, she teased, “Has she come up yet?”

“Mhm, the Clan Leader gave me the Marrow Cleansing Pill.” Sang Xuan looked a little embarrassed. The Marrow Cleansing Pill the Clan Leader had prepared for Miss Shen had ended up with her.

She assured her, “I’m working hard to find another Marrow Cleansing Pill. When I do, I’ll give it to you.”

Shen Sheng knew little about the Marrow Cleansing Pill’s use, so she asked a few more questions.

Seeing her confusion, Sang Xuan was also puzzled. “The Clan Leader didn’t tell you?”

“No. Wait, didn’t you say only South River Descendants or those who’ve Formed a Contract with them could enter Prajna City? Without a Contract, how could she come up?” Shen Sheng sensed something amiss. Could Sang Xuan be deceived?

If she was being fooled, then she’d lived these hundreds of years for nothing.

Sang Xuan explained, “She is a South River Descendant. It’s just that her mother was an ordinary person. The Marrow Cleansing Pill helps awaken the Divine Power within her blood. It’s like removing the dregs, making her Divine Power purer.”

“The Clan Leader’s mothers were both Immortals. She was born a Demigod. Very powerful.”

Shen Sheng rested her chin on her hand. No wonder Jiang Wan hadn’t given her the Marrow Cleansing Pill. She’d assumed it helped with training.

She asked, “Then why do people down below want the Marrow Cleansing Pill?”

“Marrow Cleansing, of course! It enhances Spiritual Power, making cultivation faster. They’re exceptionally good treasures.”

Shen Sheng nodded. She asked, “Do other Immortals know about the South River’s situation?”

“No. We handle our own affairs,” Sang Xuan shook her head. The South River was holy water, coveted by countless individuals. There were plenty who would destroy it if they couldn’t have it.

Human hearts were unfathomable. It was best to keep it secret and solve things themselves.

Shen Sheng asked, confused, “Isn’t it possible to ask for their help?”

“It hasn’t reached that desperate point yet. Just last time, the Clan Leader reinforced the Seal all by herself. What’s there to fear?” Sang Xuan was brimming with confidence, her brow carrying that youthful fighting spirit.

Shen Sheng smiled.

She returned to the main hall as dusk fell. Jiang Wan was in the main hall discussing important matters with her subordinates. Shen Sheng walked through the rear palace alone.

The fruits still hung high on their branches, unpicked.

Arriving at the sleeping chamber, Jiang Wan had already returned. The table was laid with the Wedding Dress. She was talking with her maidservants.

As Shen Sheng stepped over the threshold, a maidservant announced, “Miss Shen has returned.”

Jiang Wan looked up, meeting the gaze Shen Sheng directed at her. “Sang Xuan said you’d come back, but you were gone for a long time. Did you have fun?”

“Quite fun,” Shen Sheng walked over in three quick steps.

The maidservants tactfully withdrew.

Shen Sheng sat down to one side. “How’s what you were busy with?”

“Quite well. Only, Prajna City is special. The Immortals who came to offer gifts can’t enter the city. I’ve had people arrange resting places for them,” Jiang Wan replied.

“I… meant the South River. I want to go inside and take a look.” Shen Sheng spoke urgently.

Jiang Wan glanced at her. “Even if you go, what can you do? What’s the point of getting close to the Evil Devil?”

Shen Sheng fell silent. Jiang Wan told her, “Even if the South River is destroyed, we will kill the Evil Devil.”

Shen Sheng: “…” How could this person’s thinking be so contradictory?

Anu wanted her to come and prevent this catastrophe, but Jiang Wan, knowing the outcome, stubbornly refused to change her approach. What was she thinking?

Jiang Wan smiled. “Let’s get married first. Oh, tomorrow, Huang Yun and Ruo Wu’s daughter will come over.”

“What for?”

“To roll on the bed. A folk custom.”

Shen Sheng: “…” We’re talking about serious matters, why do you keep thinking about the wedding?

Shen Sheng sighed softly. Jiang Wan curved her lips, pinching Shen Sheng’s face. “You’re truly adorable, more so than Sang Xuan. I thought you’d act rashly, but these past days, you’ve only been exploring on your own, not acting alone recklessly.”

“I am a general. How could I act like a child?” Shen Sheng sighed, tilting her head to look at the woman, radiant as pearls and jade. Her heart sank again and again. What kind of torment must such a beautiful woman endure to become that crazed lunatic?

She reached out and touched Jiang Wan’s cheek. Ticklish, Jiang Wan turned aside to avoid it. “See? Only little children touch and poke like that.”