novelraw Chapter 412: Hey, I’m Huo Shao Yan!
Chapter 412: Hey, I’m Huo Shao Yan!
The next day.
Yu Zhao quickly rose and opened the door upon hearing movement outside.
Standing at the door was Feng Jiu Si, conversing with two maids. Noticing Yu Zhao, he gestured for the maids to withdraw before smiling gently. “Fairy Liu Yun, did you rest well last night?”
Yu Zhao stepped aside. “Please, Young Master Feng, come inside to speak.”
Feng Jiu Si, clad in striking red robes that enhanced his graceful demeanor, hesitated briefly and then declined politely, saying, “This is the residence of Fairy Liu Yun. It wouldn’t be proper for me…”
“I am not Fairy Liu Yun,” Yu Zhao interjected firmly.
She had never intended to conceal her identity. Pretending to be Fairy Liu Yun to marry Feng Jiu Si was out of the question. Her sudden disappearance meant Dao Lord Tai Wei would likely renege on his promise. Thus, the matter of repairing the Heavenly Ladder fell back on her shoulders. She also needed to find a way back to the Cultivation World and couldn’t afford to linger with the Feng Family.
Feng Jiu Si looked at her quietly for a moment, still standing at the threshold. He then pointed to a nearby pavilion. “Let’s talk there instead.”
Before Yu Zhao could respond, he reassured her, “Don’t worry. In the Feng Family, no one dares to eavesdrop on our conversations.”
Yu Zhao nodded, and the two headed to the pavilion.Feng Jiu Si retrieved a tea set from his storage space and poured her a cup. “This is the Wind Realm’s specialty, Cloud Mist Tea. Try it,” he offered with a faint smile.
Yu Zhao thanked him, observing a swirl of pale blue mist lingering above the cup. She took a sip, and the slightly sweet tea, rich with spiritual energy, coursed through her meridians, instantly rejuvenating her and energizing her spiritual power.
“Exquisite tea,” she remarked sincerely.
Feng Jiu Si’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’m glad you like it.”
Setting her cup down, Yu Zhao’s expression grew serious. “Young Master Feng, I must clarify—I am not Fairy Liu Yun.”
“I know.”
His calm response, devoid of any shock or urgency, left Yu Zhao stunned.
“Surprised?” Feng Jiu Si chuckled softly. “Fairy Liu Yun is, after all, my future Dao companion. It would be strange if I didn’t possess a portrait of her.”
It made perfect sense. For others not to recognize Fairy Liu Yun was understandable, but for Feng Jiu Si, her fiancé, to be unaware would have been peculiar.
“Then why didn’t you expose me when you saw me yesterday?” Yu Zhao started to ask but stopped midway, realization dawning in her eyes.
Feng Jiu Si had concealed the truth for the Feng Family’s sake. With the dual cultivation ceremony imminent, news of Fairy Liu Yun fleeing her marriage would make the Feng Family a laughingstock. Since most outsiders didn’t know what Fairy Liu Yun looked like, it was easier to play along for now and deal with the fallout later.
“Although my marriage with Fairy Liu Yun was arranged long ago, we’ve never met. If it weren’t for family obligations, even I would have considered escaping the marriage. She’s simply braver than I am,” he said with a hint of wry humor.
Yu Zhao couldn’t help but regard him with newfound respect. Feng Jiu Si truly lived up to the virtues in his name: to see clearly, listen keenly, act respectfully, and behave with propriety.
Despite her changing perception of him, her resolve remained firm.
“Young Master Feng, the substitution was against my will. I was forced into that carriage. Forgive me, but I cannot take Fairy Liu Yun’s place and marry you.”
“Why not?” Feng Jiu Si’s tone was gentle. “Am I not good enough?”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Yu Zhao replied curtly.
“Ah, I see.” Feng Jiu Si sighed regretfully, a faint smile returning to his lips. “Might I ask your name, Daoist?”
“Yu Zhao.”
“Daoist Yu,” he said sincerely, “Today is the day of my dual cultivation ceremony with Fairy Liu Yun. I came early to ask if you’d help me put on a performance. Once the storm has passed, you are free to leave, and I will not hinder you.”
Yu Zhao hesitated.
The Feng Family, and likely the Wind Realm itself, might prove invaluable in her search for the Heavenly Ladder and a way back. Agreeing to this farce could entangle her in unnecessary troubles, but it also presented an opportunity.
Seeing her reluctance, Feng Jiu Si added earnestly, “If you’re concerned I won’t keep my word, I am willing to swear an oath.”
“No need for that,” Yu Zhao said, her thoughts finally clear. “I accept.”
In truth, she had no choice. Refusing Feng Jiu Si would likely provoke others eager to solve the Feng Family’s predicament in her stead. For now, she could only tread carefully and adapt.
“Good. Leave the details to me. Xing Yu and Li Yun will stay by your side to guide you,” Feng Jiu Si said, departing soon after.
As Yu Zhao prepared to return to her room, a lazy voice called out from behind her.
“Fairy Liu Yun, I’ve long admired your reputation.”
Turning, Yu Zhao found herself face-to-face with an unexpected visitor.
The man was clad in crimson robes adorned with gold embroidery, a jeweled crown atop his head, and boots encrusted with gleaming gemstones. His entire appearance radiated one word: opulence.
Yu Zhao’s brow twitched slightly. If she hadn’t known Feng Jiu Si was the groom, this man’s ostentatious attire would have made her doubt it.
Scanning him with her divine sense, she quickly realized he wasn’t someone she could provoke and began to leave.
“Hey, Fairy Liu Yun, why the rush?”
A folding fan snapped open in her path with a crisp sound. Its owner shook his head, the gold crown on top glinting blindingly.
Yu Zhao frowned and stepped back.
“Xing Yu, Li Yun,” she called, unwilling to engage with this stranger.
The man’s eyes glinted with mock hurt.
Moments later, two maids arrived, bowing deeply upon seeing the man.
“Greetings, Young Master Huo,” they chorused.
Huo Shao Yan smirked, his tone laced with disdain. “Go on, tell your future mistress who I am.”
Exchanging uneasy glances, Li Yun stepped forward and whispered, “Fairy Liu Yun, this is Young Master Huo of the Fire Realm—Huo Shao Yan.”
Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow. First the Young Master of the Wind Family, now the Young Master of the Fire Family? Were there also heirs from the Water, Earth, and Metal Families?
Huo Shao Yan had been waiting for an awestruck greeting but was instead met with her thoughtful expression. His jaw dropped in disbelief.
“Hey! What are you thinking about? I’m Huo Shao Yan! Don’t you have anything to say to me?”