In the Fire Refining Starry Sky, atop the altar, Yan Zhen’s women from his past life had gathered together. The atmosphere buzzed with joy and lively chatter.
Yan Yan was especially delighted, even more so than if she’d seen her own mother. She kept calling out “Aunt Zi” after “Aunt Zi,” which set Zi Xunyi to giggling. Zi Xunyi gently stroked the little head of the Flame Princess.
Cai Lian took Zi Xunyi’s hand and greeted her warmly. “How have you been in the Heavenly God Clan, Sister Zi Ji?”
Zi Xunyi smiled faintly. “Not bad. With Ling’er to keep me company, I haven’t been lonely at all. And what about you, Sister Cai Lian?”
“I’m doing well too.” A rare smile graced Cai Lian’s face. “I came to the holy land with him ahead of time, and Yan’er was even born on Holy Son Peak. You… you don’t hold it against me, do you?”
“Of course not. That’s wonderful news. You worked so hard in your past life, Sister Cai Lian, and now after rebirth, you’ve finally gotten what you deserved. I’m truly happy for you.”
“But you’ve been the one suffering.”
“I’m fine. Compared to everything you shouldered in your past life, this is nothing at all.”
In her past life, Cai Lian had reigned as the female monarch of a nation. When her private pregnancy became known, the gossip was relentless. Then her daughter was born without a trace of the Snake God Bloodline, which plunged her even deeper into crisis.
Cai Lian had endured tremendous pressure to raise her daughter, only to face her two elder sisters returning to seize power. Their claim had been illegitimate at first, but because of her daughter, Cai Lian’s prestige in the City of Water plummeted. Some of her subordinates defected to the sisters, while others stood by coldly, watching.
The mother and daughter had been utterly isolated, teetering on the brink of despair. If Yan Zhen hadn’t arrived in time, given Cai Lian’s fierce temperament, they probably would have fought to the death against the others.
By contrast, Zi Xunyi’s pregnancy had not yet been exposed. Her circumstances hadn’t changed much from before. In fact, with her bloodline elevated to divine level, her treatment had improved, securing her position as God Maiden.
“What’s past is past. Now we’re all well off.”
Zi Xunyi released Cai Lian’s hand and turned to Yi Xian’er. “Xian’er, you look so much better than in your past life. Is it because your heart’s desire has been fulfilled?”
Yi Xian’er actually blushed a little, looking embarrassed. “Don’t tease me, Zi Ji.”
“Who told you to be so stubborn back then? You’d already figured out a way to resolve the clashing Gangsha between you two, but you still chose to walk away. Yan Zhen actually liked you, you know.”
“I’m sorry. I just don’t understand why I was such a coward in my past life. When I heard you all were getting married, I panicked. I thought he had all of you—that he didn’t need someone like me anymore.”
Zi Xunyi let out a soft sigh. “You silly Xian’er. Don’t ever think like that again. Wouldn’t it be nice for all of us to live together?”
Yi Xian’er was thoroughly convinced. “I won’t. Thank you, Zi Ji. From now on, we’ll serve him together~”
That last part came through mystic power transmission.
Zi Xunyi’s lovely face flushed pink. That Xian’er—prim and proper on the outside, but a total vixen underneath. It wasn’t just her personality; her body was the same, all modest curves until the clothes came off. The contrast had enchanted Yan Zhen in their past life, though she’d been oblivious to it, convinced he had no need for her. Zi Xunyi felt a little exasperated.
She was still processing that when Ji Ya spoke up in a sweet, coquettish voice from nearby. “Sister Zi Ji, how come you’re ignoring your big sister?”
Zi Xunyi turned her head and beheld Ji Ya’s enchanting white fox face, utterly bewitching. She was dressed in a striking red qipao that came off glamorous yet elegant—a look only a fox beauty like her could pull off.
“Sister Ji Ya, I was just about to greet you. First, let me congratulate you on getting everything you ever wished for.”
“As long as my good little sister doesn’t hold it against me, that’s enough.”
“How could I? In our past life, someone was completely dense about it. All of us were anxious for you, Sister Ji Ya. Now everyone’s happy—it’s perfect. The Radiant Heavenly Emperor Palace couldn’t do without you as its big steward.”
Even Ji Ya looked a touch shy at the mention of old times. “Heh heh, you’re too kind, Sister Zi Ji. I only did what I could. This household still needs you and Sister Cai Lian to keep it running.”
“As long as we sisters get along, the home will only get better.”
“Couldn’t agree more.”
Only after that did Zi Xunyi lower her head and pat Long Ying’s head, puzzled. “Little Long Ying, how come you’re still in this form? Can’t you change back?”
Long Ying crossed her arms over her chest, her expression one of clear annoyance, her little eyebrows furrowed tight. “I can change, but the moment I sleep, I shrink right back down.”
“Ah? How…?”
“I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s just a habit now. I’ll ask Father King and Mother Concubine about it later.”
Zi Xunyi blinked. “Well then, as for sisterly matters, we’ll have to wait until you change back.”
Long Ying puffed up with pride. “I will become Yan Zhen Zhen’s bride!”
The women couldn’t help covering their mouths and chuckling. Even Yan Yan giggled along. Yan Zhen, however, was utterly speechless.
In the midst of it all, Jiu Youyue was the only one Zi Xunyi wasn’t so familiar with. She stood a bit apart from the group, but Zi Xunyi had already welcomed her as one of their own—just like she had with Cai Lian upon first meeting in their past life. She approached warmly. “Sister Jiuyou, I’ve finally met you. I’m Zi Xunyi—Zi Ji is fine.”
Jiu Youyue had a favorable impression of Zi Xunyi too. She smiled. “Sister Zi Ji, you’re every bit the Heavenly God Clan Goddess. Your looks and bearing exceed my expectations. No wonder you captured Little Zhen Zhen’s heart.”
“You’re too kind, Sister Jiuyou. You’re a beauty to make the moon hide in shame yourself. Yan Zhen has never stopped thinking about you.” Zi Xunyi embodied the gentle grace of a noble lady. “From now on, we’re all family. I hope you can settle right in.”
“Naturally.” Jiu Youyue seemed influenced by the warmth, her usual demonic allure softening. “I might not know all the rules and customs. Please bear with me, Sister Zi Ji.”
“Oh, don’t say that. The Yan Family doesn’t have so many rules… But what about the Evil Consort? Is there a resolution?”
“Evil Consort has returned my Origin Source to me. I’ll no longer be bound by her.”
“Really? That’s wonderful. Congratulations, Sister Jiuyou.”
“Thanks to Little Zhen Zhen.”
Zi Xunyi’s beautiful eyes lit up. “Did you defeat the Evil Consort?”
Jiu Youyue’s gaze turned a bit peculiar. “You could say that.”
So Zi Xunyi looked toward Yan Zhen. He explained, a little awkwardly, “It’s a long story. But the short of it is, Evil Consort Master is one of us now.”
Zi Xunyi froze. “Wait, what did you say, Yan Zhen? Evil Consort Master? You call her Master?”
“Ahem, yes. She’s my teacher, just like Master and Saint Lord Master.”
“How in the world did that happen?”
“A lot has happened… Evil Consort Master is a reincarnator too.”
“She reincarnated as well?”
Cai Lian and Yi Xian’er chimed in to explain to Zi Xunyi. Their rebirth had been triggered by Yan Zhen’s reversal of time and space. Everyone present at the time retained some memories of their past lives, to varying degrees.
“But even so, why take her as your master? What exactly went on?”
Helpless expressions crossed Cai Lian’s and Yi Xian’er’s faces.
Zi Xunyi turned back to Yan Zhen.
He had no choice but to give a brief rundown of events from start to finish—of course, skipping some unnecessary details, like just how full he’d gotten.
Once she heard it all, Zi Xunyi’s gaze matched theirs. “Yan Zhen, don’t tell me you even… with the Evil Consort too? Not to mention, the Evil Consort and Sister Jiuyou are practically mother and daughter. Isn’t that a bit…?”
Jiu Youyue chuckled lightly. “I don’t mind. And it’s not like we don’t already have something like that at home.”
“Hm?”
“Sister Zi Ji, you should ask Little Zhen Zhen yourself.”
“Yan Zhen?”
“Uh… well—”
Fine beads of cold sweat broke out on Yan Zhen’s forehead.
