Qinglian’S Heart Is Covered, Fate Meets Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The Charm of Lianhua in the Mortal Realm, Immortals and Mortals Together

Since that day, Qinglian often quietly entered Gu Baifei’s dreams. Sometimes she would accompany him at his desk, grinding ink while listening to him softly recite his newly composed poems; other times, she would stroll with him through the rainy alleys of Jiangnan, watching the awning boats glide over the puddles on the bluestone paths, just as it was a thousand years ago when she first descended to the mortal world.

Although Gu Baifei knew it was a dream, each time he would clutch the lotus petal in his palm, as if holding the only proof of her existence. His stories began to feature a gentle, purple-robed immortal, and reading them always brought a faint warmth to the heart. Consequently, his manuscripts gradually gained fame, becoming highly sought-after works in the market.

In the Celestial Realm, Hu Si saw that Qinglian was constantly running off to the mortal world, but he wasn’t annoyed. He only occasionally teased, “You, Immortal, are wilder than a mortal heart. Does the quiet cultivation of the Celestial Realm not compare to the vibrancy of the mortal world?”

Qinglian glanced at him, twirling a newly condensed purple lotus between her fingers. “The Celestial Realm is cold; it’s not nearly as lively as the mortal world. Besides, since I protect all living things, I naturally need to know their joys, sorrows, and worries.”

Hu Si shook his head helplessly, but still covered for her frequent visits to the dreams. When the Father Emperor asked, he would simply reply with a smile, “Immortal Qinglian is diligently cultivating her divine duties and occasionally visits the mortal world to observe the people’s conditions.”

This day was Gu Baifei’s birthday. He set out two small dishes and a pot of clear wine in his courtyard, speaking to the bright moon outside the window, “If the Immortal could come, it would be complete.”

No sooner had he spoken than a breeze stirred in the courtyard, and Qinglian’s figure truly and tangibly appeared before him. She was no longer a phantom in a dream, but possessed the warmth of a physical body. Gu Baifei stood up in shock, nearly knocking over his wine cup. “Immortal… how did you truly come?”

“I received special permission today to temporarily shed my immortal form and celebrate your birthday with you.” Qinglian smiled faintly and sat down, pouring him a cup of wine. “I have read all your manuscripts. They are very well written.”

That night, the two sat and chatted, discussing everything from the mortal world’s daily life to the interesting affairs of the Celestial Realm. Gu Baifei spoke of his ambitions, and Qinglian told him about the lotus pond in the Jade Pool and the miniature mortal world within Venerable Nüwa’s palace. It wasn’t until the morning light was about to break that Qinglian rose to take her leave.

“In the future… will we be able to meet again?” Gu Baifei clutched the lotus petal, which had long become smooth and warm, his tone hiding a subtle anticipation.

Qinglian looked up at Gu Baifei but did not speak.