Chapter Twenty-Three: The Jade Cloud Pavilion, Elegant and Refined

Purple lotuses are rarely seen in the human world, and even in the demon realm, yet on Lingyun Mountain they are a common sight. From the shallow pools at the foot of the mountain, to the slopes midway up, and finally to the vast lotus pond within the ‘Azure Luan Hall’, purple lotuses can be found everywhere. It seems that Violet Lotus has an exceptional fondness for these flowers.

Crossing the stone bridge and passing through a long corridor, my gaze fell upon a pavilion crafted from bamboo and wood. Though its exterior appeared simple and unadorned, it was nonetheless exquisitely refined. The surroundings owed much to Violet Lotus’s personal taste, and as for the interior, who could say what wonders it contained—perhaps outward simplicity masked inner extravagance.

The pavilion had two floors; above the second story hung a plaque radiating dazzling golden light, inscribed with three elegant characters: ‘Azure Cloud Pavilion’. The name was graceful, harmonizing perfectly with the sea of purple lotuses.

Violet Lotus entered first, and I followed closely behind.

Once inside the ‘Azure Cloud Pavilion’, I discovered that it was, in truth, an ordinary dwelling—merely a place where Violet Lotus carried out his daily life. All my fanciful notions of hidden opulence within the refined bamboo building proved to be mere imagination. Violet Lotus truly preferred this humble abode.

Incense burned atop the table, its fragrance strange to my senses, yet not unpleasant.

“Master, what incense are you burning in this room?” I asked, curiosity swelling within me.

“Lotus stamens,” he replied, raising his eyes briefly. He brushed aside his robes and sat upon the wooden couch.

“Oh.” I feigned understanding, replying loudly, though my curiosity about the incense lingered. I moved closer to the table, leaned in, and inhaled deeply.

“Have you discerned anything special from the burning lotus stamens?” he asked.

“No, nothing at all,” I replied, turning to face him, and shook my head honestly.

Since stepping into the ‘Azure Luan Hall’, I seemed incapable of doing anything to his satisfaction. Even now, confronted with such a simple question, I could not answer. Uneasiness stirred within me; today’s ceremony to become his disciple might still be fraught with risk.

After some time, he said, “Pour tea into the cup on the table and bring it to me.”

“Yes.” Sensing hope, I hurried to the table, poured water into the cup, and carried it over to him.

“Master, please enjoy your tea.” I stood before him, both hands raised, yet he did not reach out to accept it.

What was happening now? He asked for tea, but when I brought it to him, he made no move to take it. Confusion whirled in my mind—had I unwittingly offended him again?

In this moment, faced with such uncertainty, I grew increasingly anxious. I had no idea how to dispel his displeasure or make him reach for the cup.

“Kneel,” he commanded suddenly, his voice low and his smile vanished, leaving only solemnity.

“Yes.” Hastily, I knelt on the floor. Some tea from the cup splashed onto my wrist, scalding me with its heat and sending a jolt of pain through me. I had no time to tend to it; raising the cup above my head, I offered it to him, hoping he would accept.

“Master, please enjoy your tea.” He reached out, his sleeve brushing softly as he took the cup from me.

A dense lotus fragrance drifted from his sleeve, circling my nose and lingering. My gaze fell upon his exposed forearm—damn it, his skin was as white as snow, even paler than my own. If I did not win this man to my side, how could I be worthy of my title as Princess of the Demon Realm?

His delicate lips parted, and he took only a symbolic sip, the rosy hue of his lips gleaming beneath the sunlight. Then he offered the cup back to me.

“What is your name?” he asked, his eyelids lifted and his gaze fixed upon me.

“Yu Yu... Yu Ge,” I replied nervously, watching his brows draw together once more.