Chapter 771

Chapter 771: Boating on the Cloud Sea

Luo Capital, Yuzhang Mountain.

This mountain towered into the clouds, covered entirely in jade-like stones, standing tall on the earth like a straight seal, commanding awe.

In this verdant mountain, a long, winding staircase in the shape of a square frame spiraled up the mountain. The red lacquered railings were visible among the dense trees. As night approached, lanterns were lit on the pillars, illuminating the path. From below, these lights resembled a ladder reaching the heavens, leading step by step into the clouds.

The top hundred winners of the Crimson Tower Sword Duel, along with those who passed the autumn exams, about two hundred people, under the arrangement of the Ministry of Spring Affairs, changed into uniform attire and rode horses through the main streets of Luo Capital, causing many to watch and cheer.

Swordsmen wore long swords with purple tassels at their waists, while scholars donned flower and bird embroidered robes. They rode through the capital’s main thoroughfare, escorted by guards.

Many commoners came out to watch, scattering flowers and spices along the roads. Some nobles or wealthy individuals sat in teahouses and taverns along the streets, carefully observing. If they found someone appealing, they might even send a gift or proposal right then and there.

Many poor scholars and swordsmen who had previously been overlooked now, after achieving success, became objects of expectation and admiration. Even if you had no background, you could marry a high-born lady who was once out of reach, becoming the object of many people’s admiration.

Even women would receive many offers of goodwill at this time. If they were agreeable, they could also secure a good marriage. Compared to ordinary women who married into high-ranking families, such talents would receive more respect and freedom, no longer limited to life in the inner courtyard.

After the parade, it was usually close to dusk. They would rest for a while before heading to Yuzhang Mountain to prepare for the ceremony.

This was often called the ladder to heaven, a moment of pride and glory for countless people.

The procession moved forward, with occasional calls and readings coming from the front. These were the officials of the Ministry of Spring reading sacrificial texts.

Amidst the rustling pine waves, talented individuals in purple and red robes ascended the steps. Below them, the bustling city gradually revealed a different scene, magnificent and splendid.

Suddenly, everyone was inspired to write poetry. Many scholars and swordsmen composed verses as they walked, expressing their joy and heroism.

While the other talented individuals had to climb the mountain, Lolan Hill arrived at the summit of Yuzhang Mountain in a carriage pulled by celestial horses.

In the circular open space surrounded by white jade railings, the carriage slowly descended. A pair of light white shoes peeked out of the door, gently touching the ground as if it were a white wall. Looking up, one saw snow-white stockings, a pale gold gauze skirt, inner white silk lining, golden leaf embroidery on the sleeves, delicate fingers, a graceful collarbone, strands of silver hair, a pure face, and a faintly glowing jade between her brows.

Several female officials waiting nearby stepped forward, bowing. “We welcome the arrival of High Priestess Jinque.”

Then, these high-ranking female officials dressed in gold embroidery led Lolan Hill towards a corridor.

Walking along the white jade railing, one could look down and admire the beautiful sight of the myriad lights of Luo Capital dotting the land below.

However, compared to flying in the night sky, the view here was slightly different. Below, the scenery seemed to be separated by a layer of transparent, clear water, rippling with light, dyed by the orange-yellow lights.

After turning past several palaces and buildings, a spacious venue appeared before Lolan Hill.

Overall, it resembled a large block of terraced structures built along the mountain slope, extending downward in layers. Each terrace had several round tables for guests. These terraces were on the edge of the mountain, offering a view of the beautiful night scenery of Luo Capital and the beautiful moonlight.

Although there was no moon tonight, the starry sky was still dazzling, captivating the heart.

In the center of the venue, several round tables were arranged like stars around the moon, with the most central table made of amber jade, resembling a bright full moon.

Although no one was seated yet, this table was presumably reserved for the imperial family.

After arriving at the venue, Lolan Hill was first taken by a female official to a side balcony where a woman in golden phoenix robes was waiting for her.

“This is the current Empress, Empress Zhaoyue.” The golden-robed official introduced her.

“Your Majesty,” Lolan Hill bowed, performing a courtly greeting.

“Don’t be so formal.”

A gentle voice came from above. Lolan Hill looked up and examined the figure slowly.

Empress Zhaoyue did not appear old, wearing a complex and luxurious robe embroidered with golden and white phoenixes, with golden oriole flowers blooming at the corners.

She sat on a green jade throne, adorned with layered phoenix cloud headpieces, with numerous pearl drops hanging down, adorning her. Her appearance was not stunningly beautiful, but she was dignified and elegant, naturally exuding a composed and regal aura.

“You must be Lolan.”

As the young girl looked at the empress, the latter also appraised the girl, occasionally showing approval in her eyes.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Come sit. I’ve heard quite a few rumors about you recently.”

“Alright, we have some time before the Burnt Tail Feast. Let’s chat.”

“Alright.” Lolan Hill softly replied, then slowly walked forward and sat on the jade throne next to the empress.

“How old are you? You look very young. By young, I mean youthful in spirit and demeanor.”

“I’ve met many witch goddesses. Though they may not age, meeting and talking with them still reveals their unusual demeanor. Some are indifferent, others capricious, though sitting beside them, it feels like being in another world.”

The empress spoke softly, seemingly unconcerned about Lolan Hill’s response.

“My age, I’m not sure exactly, but I’ve only been awake for a short time, maybe less than twenty years.”

“Do you often sleep?”

“Yes, sometimes I feel very tired.”

“It must be hard. I know.”

She took Lolan Hill’s hand, gently holding it.

“Having powers beyond the norm, you sometimes feel more responsibility.”

“Sometimes, when you can do something but fail to save the day, it’s harder than not having hope from the start.”

“Ordinary people can find all sorts of reasonable excuses to avoid responsibility, but for us, that’s not suitable.”

“When you become everyone’s hope, failing becomes a sin.”

“People won’t hold a drunk man on the street accountable, but they will measure an emperor against the standards of a saint, and any mistake can lead to criticism.”

“That’s because when you’re in that position, you’re not just living for yourself.”

“That’s why many flying immortals and goddesses, despite having powers beyond mortals, rarely show themselves in public.”

“Showing oneself brings fame, which in turn restricts actions.”

The empress shared her insights, seemingly helping Lolan Hill analyze the pros and cons.

“I didn’t mean to talk so much. Don’t mind me. Actually, I rarely have someone to confide in, so I couldn’t help myself.”

“Of course not. Thank you for telling me these things, Your Majesty.”

“You’re a good child. You seem different from those goddesses, perhaps because you’re still young.”

“I heard you plan to return to the West after the Autumn Lantern Festival?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have family there you miss?”

“Family… perhaps not, but I have some close friends.”

The empress chuckled. “That’s nice. It’s better than being alone.”

“After visiting the West, you should come back and visit. I look forward to hearing stories from the west.”

The empress and Lolan Hill chatted about everyday matters, occasionally mentioning her childhood. At that time, she lived in the mountains of Ruolan Prefecture before entering the palace.

“The locals there raise black-feathered birds, which they use to cross valleys and travel through the mountains. Their dyeing techniques are excellent; my childhood bed was made of blue-dyed fabric, durable and lasting.”

“In ancient times, Ruolan Prefecture belonged to a small country called Youya. This country originated from one of the six states ruled by the Green Bird, with many mountains covered in snow year-round. Some valleys have a mild climate, suitable for growing fruit trees and crops, supporting many people.”

“On snowy mountains, there’s a small river flowing down, its icy waters winding through the valley, with small towns like pearls scattered around.”

“In autumn, the mountain becomes cold. People wear thick outer coats filled with bird feathers, though not very attractive, the warmth at night in the mountains brings comfort.”

Listening to the empress reminisce, time slowly passed.

After a while, a commotion began to rise from below the mountain. The empress stopped speaking.

“It seems the talented individuals have arrived tonight.”

“I remember one of them was your senior brother who entered the final round.”

“Yes, that’s Senior Brother Gu Lie from our sect.”

“The Xiangyu Sect truly produces many talents. There are Qingyu Immortal and others in the past, and now you, Gu Lie, and Jin Hua. It seems the inheritance of the Incense Burning Immortal won’t easily decline.”

“Perhaps I’ve bored you sitting here. I’ll call Xiaoyu over to keep you company. When the feast begins, come join us.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The empress instructed a female official, who soon brought a young girl in blue-black gauze robes. She was Xiao Yubing, the daughter of King Huainan.

Beautiful and graceful, she approached with a light step.

“Grandmother, you called for me?” she said happily, leaning into the empress.

“Alright, you’re not a child anymore. You can’t act like you used to.”

After giving her a brief lesson, the empress introduced her to the silver-haired girl.

“This is Jinque High Priestess Lolan, who will be honored tonight. She comes from the Xiangyu Sect and was the one who resolved the disaster in the Sunset Mountains.”

“Seeing how similar your ages are, why don’t you spend the evening together? Xiao Yubing knows this area well and can take Lolan around.”

“Sure, Grandmother.”

Xiao Yubing turned to Lolan Hill and extended her hand.

“I’m Xiao Yubing. Are you Lolan?”

“Yes, I am.”

Lolan Hill gently shook her hand, and Xiao Yubing led her away.

“We’ll go now, Grandmother.”

They walked into a long corridor covered by pine trees.

After leaving the empress’s balcony, Xiao Yubing slowed down.

“Haha, were you a bit nervous? Everyone is when meeting important figures for the first time. Don’t think I wasn’t nervous the first time I entered the palace.”

“Yes, it wasn’t the first time. I was carried in as a child, but later, I understood what to pay attention to.”

“Grandmother is actually very kind to us granddaughters. But you need to be more careful in front of Grandfather. He is very serious and strict. It’s best not to do anything strange in his presence.”

Xiao Yubing talked about royal matters, perhaps only she, favored granddaughter, dared to speak so freely.

“Ah, we’re here.”

They stopped at a unique balcony. Unlike others, this one resembled a harbor, with several crescent-shaped boats moored and a few golden-armored guards standing by.

“These are the Moonlight Boats, which can float on the Cloud Sea.”

She led Lolan Hill down the steps, approaching the white jade boat.

“These boats are carved from special Clear Spirit Jade, the only ones that can float on the Cloud Sea.”

She explained the secrets of the boats and told the guards she needed a boat to take Lolan around.

“Princess, normally it would be fine, but today is the Burnt Tail Feast. If we row now, it might be—”

The guard stared at the two beautiful girls, hesitating as he recalled his duty.

“Don’t worry, give it to me. I have orders from Her Majesty to take High Priestess Lolan for a ride.”

With the empress’s permission, the princess easily convinced the guards to bring out a small boat.

“If you’re taking Lady Lolan to the Cloud Sea, please be careful. Falling from the boat would be like falling from great heights.”

Though the princess was known for her strength, the guards still warned cautiously.

“No problem, I understand.”

Interrupting their chatter, the somewhat capricious princess led Lolan Hill into the small boat and pushed off with a white jade paddle. The boat glided into the night sky outside Yuzhang Mountain.

Floating in the Cloud Sea around Yuzhang Mountain, the boat gently swayed. With each stroke of the paddle, a soft sound of water echoed.

Curious, Lolan Hill dipped her hand into the cloud water, feeling a cool sensation.

These cloud waters seemed lighter than air, floating in the sky, yet exceptionally clear, allowing a view of the city’s night scenery below.

Without the moon tonight, the Cloud Sea was dotted with the lights below, and as the boat and paddle disturbed the transparent cloud water, the orange-yellow lights fragmented, shimmering with a golden glow.

Accompanied by the sound of the white jade paddle, the boat slowly moved forward, revealing increasingly expansive views. Looking up, one saw the vast starry sky; looking down, the brilliant lights of the city.

The distant tranquility of the starry river, contrasted with the bustling city below, enveloped the small boat, making everything else seem insignificant.

“What a wondrous sight.”

(End of Chapter)