You Secretly Wore My Clothes?
The sky gradually darkened, and the spirit lamps hanging from the treetops lit on their own. Feng Qi finished preparing dinner and called for Ji Chaoyun several times, but when he still did not come out, Feng Qi had no choice but to go inside and find him.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Ji Chaoyun hurriedly trying to hide something.
Feng Qi raised a brow. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing!” Ji Chaoyun pulled up the quilt and wrapped himself in it. “Wh-What is it?”
Feng Qi said, “Didn’t you hear me calling just now? It’s time to eat.”
Ji Chaoyun gave an “oh,” yet did not move. He blinked twice and silently stared at Feng Qi.
“...” Feng Qi sighed, stepped forward to put his shoes on for him, then bent down and scooped him off the bed. “You’ve become so lazy. Have you forgotten the Medical Sage said you need to walk around more on your own?”
Ji Chaoyun wrapped both arms around Feng Qi’s neck and whispered, “...Tired.”
The cub had been growing quickly of late, and the slight curve of Ji Chaoyun’s lower abdomen was now clearly visible. These past few days, never mind practicing martial arts, even standing for too long left him tired.
Feng Qi carried Ji Chaoyun beneath a tree in the courtyard, filled a bowl with congee, and handed it to him.
During this period, Feng Qi had kept Ji Chaoyun here and carefully tended to him. Apart from the three meals he prepared every day, he also followed the Medical Sage’s instructions and found all manner of nourishing spiritual ingredients, determined to make up for all the deficiencies Ji Chaoyun’s body had accumulated over the many years past.
Ji Chaoyun bit lightly on his chopsticks and asked indistinctly, “Have the people sent to investigate Qingqiu returned?”
Feng Qi paused while placing food in his bowl, then shook his head. “No.”
The Immortal Realm allied forces were currently headed by the Phoenix clan, with their encampment established within Hongmeng Academy under the joint command of Immortal Lord Tianshu and Feng Qi.
Over the past several days, the allied forces had dispatched many people to Qingqiu, yet all had returned empty-handed. They could not even locate the entrance to Qingqiu.
Feng Qi said, “Qingqiu lies within the Nameless Sea. It is a solitary island floating upon the waters, making it difficult for outsiders to enter. The Fox Clan of Qingqiu is also skilled in illusion arts, which makes the place all the easier to defend and harder to attack. If we wish to force our way into Qingqiu, we may have no choice but to bring the army to its borders and forcibly break through their illusions. Yet if we do that...”
Ji Chaoyun poked at a piece of snow-white fish in his bowl from which Feng Qi had meticulously removed every bone. “If we do that, the hostages will be in danger.”
Feng Qi sighed. “Yes. That is also why we have been unable to send out the troops. Moreover, Bai Qiuyue captured so many people, which is tantamount to declaring war against the Immortal Realm. Yet after all these days, he still hasn’t made any move. I think... he may have something else planned.”
“You mean... the Demon Clan’s seal?”
“Precisely,” Feng Qi said. “Looking back at everything he has done, there has really only ever been one objective: breaking the Demon Clan’s seal. First, he searched everywhere for the three artifacts I left behind. Then we opened the barrier on Mount Sumeru and destroyed the Dragon King’s Third Prince’s scheme. Now, he has abducted so many immortals yet remains completely still. All of this really points to only one thing. Bai Qiuyue probably doesn’t have the strength to wage war against the Immortal Realm.”
Ji Chaoyun understood. “So you think his objective is still to break the Demon Clan’s seal and release Yan Huaqing?”
“Rather than saying he wants to release Yan Huaqing, it would be more accurate to say that he wants to reunite with Yan Huaqing.”
Ji Chaoyun fell silent for a moment, then placed his hand over Feng Qi’s. “Seeing Bai Qiuyue become like this must be difficult for you.”
Feng Qi patted his hand and gave a soft laugh. “He didn’t become like this. He has always been this way.”
Feng Qi let out a long sigh. “I simply still don’t understand why he said those things to me before my ascension.”
“...He wasn’t worried that I wouldn’t return. He simply knew that once my divine status was restored, he and I would become mortal enemies once and for all.”
Ji Chaoyun stroked the back of Feng Qi’s hand and changed the subject. “By the way, since Qingqiu lies upon the sea, it isn’t truly impossible to find.”
Feng Qi paused. “You mean...”
Before he could finish speaking, a phoenix glowing with golden light suddenly flew out from the teleportation array.
It was a communication art unique to the Phoenix clan.
The phoenix gathered into a mirror of light before the two of them, and Immortal Tianshu’s figure appeared within it.
Feng Qi asked, “Uncle, is there something you need from me?”
Tianshu looked at Feng Qi, then at Ji Chaoyun. “Chaoyun happens to be there as well. Hongmeng Academy has received some new allies who wish to meet the two of you.”
Feng Qi frowned. “Chaoyun needs to go as well?”
The news that Ji Chaoyun was carrying Divine One Feng Xiao’s flesh and blood had long since become known throughout the Immortal Realm.
Therefore, ever since he returned to the immortal residence to nurture the pregnancy, he had stopped taking part in anything concerning the alliance, and no one dared disturb him.
He had originally not wanted too many people to know about his pregnancy, but who could have expected him to faint during the Heavenly Ranking Tournament and sleep for an entire day? By the time he awoke, word of his pregnancy had already spread everywhere. There was no longer any way to conceal it.
As for who had done that, the answer went without saying.
Tianshu coughed lightly. “These allies have a rather special identity. Chaoyun will understand once he comes.”
“But he...”
“It’s all right,” Ji Chaoyun said. “I’ll go with you.”
One incense stick’s time later, Ji Chaoyun, bundled by Feng Qi in a thick fur-collared cloak, stepped into Hongmeng Academy once more after many days away.
For Feng Qi’s convenience in traveling back and forth, the teleportation array opened directly onto the main peak’s plaza at Hongmeng Academy. Ji Chaoyun stepped out of the array, and before the academy’s bitterly cold wind, unchanged for decades, could even touch him, Feng Qi blocked it completely.
Feng Qi pulled Ji Chaoyun’s hood over his head and carefully checked him from top to bottom before finally wrapping an arm around him and walking toward the council hall.
Ji Chaoyun was bundled so tightly from head to toe that only his eyes remained visible. He blinked innocently. “It really isn’t that cold...”
“If I say it’s cold, then it’s cold. Keep it on.”
Feng Qi bundled him even more tightly as the two arrived before the council hall. “I’d like to see exactly which tactless fool insists on seeing you.”
The doors of the council hall opened at that very moment. A young man in silver robes stood there and met Feng Qi’s gaze, his expression completely bewildered.
“...”
At Feng Qi’s advance instruction, several times the usual number of spirit fires had already been lit inside the council hall. The temperature was far higher than outside, making the hall warm and comfortable. More than a dozen silver-robed men stood along one side of the hall, sweating profusely from the heat.
Feng Qi treated the whole group as though they did not exist. He closed the doors, greeted Immortal Venerable Tianshu at the front of the hall, then put an arm around Ji Chaoyun and led him toward the other side.
He removed Ji Chaoyun’s cloak and helped him sit in an armchair.
Jun Ruzhuo glanced at the tightly closed doors once more. Not daring to say anything, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, stepped forward, and called, “Elder Brother.”
Feng Qi had never held much fondness for Jun Ruzhuo and merely gave an irritated snort.
Ji Chaoyun asked, “You’re the new ally who joined us?”
“Yes,” Jun Ruzhuo said. “After these past days of recuperation, Lingyuan Sea has recovered much of its strength. We are willing to join the Immortal Realm Alliance and resist the Demon Clan together.”
From the raised platform, Tianshu also said, “Young Master Jun heard that the allied forces had met with difficulties in searching for Qingqiu, so he traveled a great distance with the dragon clan’s elite soldiers to offer aid. The dragon clan reigns supreme in the waters. With their elite soldiers assisting us, it should only be a matter of time before we breach Qingqiu’s barrier.”
Ji Chaoyun’s eyes brightened slightly.
Indeed, if they wished to locate a solitary floating island amid the vast ocean, no one was better suited to the task than the Dragon Clan.
He had just been about to suggest to Feng Qi that they seek the dragon clan’s aid. He had not expected Lingyuan Sea to arrive at such an opportune time.
Tianshu continued, “Young Master Jun told me that among the soldiers who came to Hongmeng Academy this time are many of Chaoyun’s former friends and subordinates. They all wish to see Chaoyun. Young Master Jun did not want to disturb Chaoyun’s rest and remained hesitant over the matter. After giving it some thought, I also felt that you ought to meet. Therefore, I took it upon myself to grant them this favor and called the two of you back. I hope Divine Lord will not take offense.”
Tianshu had, after all, raised Feng Qi. Since he had already put it this way, Feng Qi could hardly say anything more.
Only then did Ji Chaoyun look toward the group of silver-robed men standing along one side of the hall.
They were all dressed in the attire of Lingyuan Sea, some young and some old. Ji Chaoyun had not seen anyone from Lingyuan Sea in a long while, and he truly recognized quite a few familiar faces among them.
Several men stepped forward and knelt before Ji Chaoyun one after another.
“This subordinate is Jun Yu of the Right Valiant Cavalry. Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“This subordinate is Jun Feiping, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. Your Highness, I taught you swordsmanship when you were young.”
“Me too, me too! Your Highness the Crown Prince, I’m Ah-Xuan. I used to study and practice martial arts with you. Do you still remember me?”
“Your Highness, this subordinate is...”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince...”
Ji Chaoyun gazed at the figures kneeling before him one after another. His throat felt so dry that he could not speak.
At the rear of the group, Jun Ruzhuo swept aside his robe and dropped to one knee. “This subordinate, Jun Ruzhuo of Lingyuan Sea, now leads five thousand elite soldiers of Lingyuan Sea in joining the Immortal Realm Alliance. We await Your Highness the Crown Prince’s command.”
Everyone answered in unison, “We await Your Highness’s command!”
“I...”
Ji Chaoyun had not faced such a scene in a long time. Though nothing showed on his face, his gaze drifted helplessly toward the person beside him. Feng Qi squeezed his hand and smiled warmly. “Your Highness the Crown Prince, they’re calling for you.”
Ji Chaoyun steadied himself and said hoarsely, “All of you, rise.”
He stood and swept his gaze across every face before him. “Thank you all for being willing to come. Over these past several hundred years, the Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea has endured many upheavals and suffered grievous losses. Still, I believe all of you are the finest warriors of the Dragon Clan. This time, we will surely wash away the humiliation of the past and destroy the Demon Clan.”
“Yes!”
☁
Feng Qi carried Ji Chaoyun out of the teleportation array.
Among the clansmen Jun Ruzhuo had brought, most had once been close to Ji Chaoyun. After so many years apart, Ji Chaoyun was overcome with emotion and could not resist speaking with them a little longer.
It was only when Feng Qi finally lost his patience and insisted on taking him away that Ji Chaoyun realized he truly had grown somewhat tired.
“Once this war is over, I’m definitely going to give Jun Ruzhuo a good beating.” Feng Qi placed Ji Chaoyun back on the bed and spoke indignantly.
Knowing he was in the wrong, Ji Chaoyun said quietly, “I’m really fine. I can walk by myself...”
Before he could finish, he met Feng Qi’s reproachful gaze and obediently changed his words. “It was my fault...”
“Good that you know.” Feng Qi lightly tapped his forehead. “Raise your arms. Time to take off your clothes.”
Ji Chaoyun obediently raised his arms and allowed Feng Qi to remove his outer robe.
Feng Qi hung the robe up and returned to the bedside, only to pause. “This garment of yours...”
Ji Chaoyun was now wearing only a plain white inner robe. The collar was noticeably too wide, the shoulders drooped, and the sleeves he had rolled up several times had slipped down during his earlier movements. They were so long that even Ji Chaoyun’s fingers were completely hidden.
“...” Feng Qi raised a brow as realization dawned. “You secretly wore my clothes?”
Only then did Ji Chaoyun remember his plans for tonight, and the tips of his ears belatedly turned red.
Feng Qi keenly noticed something amiss. He leaned closer and asked quietly, “What is this about, little dragon? What were you planning to do while wearing my clothes?”
“I-I just... took the wrong one!” Ji Chaoyun rolled over and wrapped himself in the quilt until he resembled a silkworm cocoon. “I’m going to sleep. Good night.”
Feng Qi frowned slightly. “Took the wrong one? As if I’d believe...”
His gaze fell upon the pillow, where the edge of a thin booklet protruded from beneath it.
Feng Qi instantly realized what it was.
Without making a sound, Feng Qi pulled out the booklet.
Ji Chaoyun had wrapped himself tightly in the quilt when he heard the man behind him read quietly, “The key to this position lies in the waist. Keep the movements light and slow, and it will not harm the child...”
“!” Ji Chaoyun spun around and sat up. “Stop reading!”
Feng Qi closed the booklet, which was filled with notes, and laughed so hard he could barely straighten himself. “You were secretly studying this all by yourself. Why didn’t you call me to join you?”
“I-I wasn’t...”
“You weren’t? Then what were you doing?”
Ji Chaoyun was too embarrassed to speak. Feng Qi tossed the booklet aside and slowly pressed closer until Ji Chaoyun was backed against the head of the bed, then kissed his reddened earlobe.
“Have you been wanting it?”
Ji Chaoyun’s entire body shuddered hard, and his breathing immediately quickened.
Feng Qi took in his reaction and deliberately spoke at an unhurried pace. “The Medical Sage gave me this so I could use it to help restore your spiritual power. I hadn’t even finished reading it myself, yet somehow you’ve already studied it thoroughly.”
Ji Chaoyun’s face burned. He wished he could dig a hole and bury himself inside it.
Feng Qi tilted his head and kissed his cheek as well. “If you want it, you only need to say so. There’s no need to go to all this trouble to entice me. There’s plenty more in here. We can study it slowly together.”
“...”
Feng Qi asked again, “Wearing my clothes was only one part of your plan, wasn’t it? What else did you plan?”
“There... there is something else...”
“What is it?”
Ji Chaoyun looked up at Feng Qi. Steeling himself, he raised a hand and removed the hairpin at the back of his head.
His long black hair spilled down, gradually fading from black at the roots into silver until it spread across the entire bed.
Silver dragon horns appeared upon his forehead. The fine down covering them stood on end from their owner’s nervousness, quivering faintly.
Ever since recovering his dragon pearl, Ji Chaoyun no longer reverted to his half-yao form whenever his yao aura leaked out. Feng Qi had therefore not seen him like this for a very long time.
Feng Qi’s gaze immediately darkened.
☁︎₊˚⊹ The Author’s Jade-Slip Aside ⊹˚₊☁︎
Fade to black...
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