Chapter Fifty-Three: Without Hesitation

Page 1 of 3

“Congratulations, young master, on attaining the rank of Human Immortal!” Mengshang approached with a beaming smile. “Congratulations, my lord, felicitations to you.”

Liu Ping gently grasped Mengshang’s delicate hand and said, “If not for your Flower Azure Dew, I doubt I could have achieved a breakthrough in one stroke. My days of cultivation have been too short, and my foundation inevitably unstable. Fortunately, your Flower Azure Dew fortified my roots and allowed me to transcend in one leap.”

She was long accustomed to holding Liu Ping’s hand, no longer instinctively withdrawing from his touch. Instead, she entwined her fingers with his, quietly clinging to him, listening to his praise, her heart brimming with joy. With a chuckle, she replied, “That’s all thanks to your own brilliance, my lord. By the way, what sword intent did you comprehend just now? It seemed to carry the essence of the orthodox Dao, truly extraordinary.”

Liu Ping replied, “This is the Vast Righteous Sword Intent—righteousness in abundance—an embodiment of Confucian ideals. Rarely does anyone blend this with sword cultivation; perhaps I am something of an exception.”

“Isn’t that proof of your prowess, my lord?”

Her words of admiration brought Liu Ping much delight. Just then, a celestial maiden hastened in, stopping not far away. She bowed and announced, “Greetings, Deputy of Hundred Flowers. The twelve Flower Goddesses have all returned.”

By accident, she caught sight of the Deputy of Hundred Flowers holding hands with an unfamiliar man. Startled, she quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to look further or say another word.

Mengshang’s cheeks flushed. She quickly released Liu Ping’s hand, coughed lightly, and commanded, “Have them wait in the main hall.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Soon, twelve ethereal maidens, each of unmatched beauty and distinct temperament, entered the hall. They were the twelve Flower Goddesses.

The Goddess of Apricot Blossom spoke first: “Who would have thought a celestial phenomenon would arise within our Realm of Hundred Flowers? Have any of you read records on this matter? Which power dominated this place in ancient times?”

“I don’t know; I’ve never seen such records.”

“Nor I.” They all shook their heads, some confusion in their eyes.

The Goddess of Apricot Blossom sighed, “If only I had bothered to study those texts more carefully, perhaps we wouldn’t be so at a loss now.”

“Indeed, who could have imagined such a miracle would appear in the Realm of Hundred Flowers?” The Lotus Goddess laughed.

“Let us compose ourselves,” said the Plum Blossom Goddess. “The Deputy will be here any moment. Such idle talk is unbecoming.”

“Very well.”

“We’ll listen to you, eldest sister.”

After a moment of quiet waiting, the Deputy of Hundred Flowers finally appeared. But behind her… was that truly a man? Their lovely eyes widened in disbelief, as if doubting their own vision.

The youngest, the Narcissus Goddess, rubbed her eyes and murmured in puzzlement, “How could there be a man in the Realm of Hundred Flowers?”

The Jade Hairpin Goddess exclaimed, “Wait, this youth looks familiar to me.”

“Familiar?” the Lotus Goddess whispered, a hint of censure. “Seventh Sister, are you so obsessed with men that you’re seeing things?”

The Jade Hairpin Goddess was about to retort when Mengshang arrived. The goddesses all bowed and greeted her, “Greetings, Deputy of Hundred Flowers.”

“You are all my sisters; there’s no need for such formalities,” Mengshang replied with a gentle smile. Yet in her words and bearing was a subtle authority that compelled respect from the twelve goddesses. Standing behind her, Liu Ping silently marveled—this truly was “one’s position shapes one’s character.” Status could so easily transform a person’s presence. He couldn’t help but feel grateful that, with him, his dear Mengshang remained the same sweet girl she’d always been. The thought brought a quiet happiness to his heart.

Page 2 of 3

But he drew too much attention. After the twelve goddesses paid their respects, all eyes fell upon him.

This was not the effect of some protagonist’s aura or domineering presence that struck terror or awe into onlookers. Liu Ping felt nothing impressive about it; in fact, it was rather awkward.

Sure enough, the Plum Blossom Goddess immediately asked, “Deputy, may I ask, who is this person?”

Mengshang replied, “This is Young Master Liu, a distinguished guest whom I have invited.”

It was hardly an explanation. The Plum Blossom Goddess frowned slightly, but knowing her place, did not press further.

The other goddesses exchanged glances, unable to fathom Mengshang’s intentions.

Suddenly, a cry rang out, drawing everyone’s attention to its source.

It was the Jade Hairpin Goddess. Pointing at Liu Ping, she exclaimed, “I finally remember! I have indeed seen him before. Was he not a mortal? How did he end up in Heaven, and here of all places?”

Liu Ping was taken aback, but more than anything, he was baffled. How could the Jade Hairpin Goddess possibly know him?

“What nonsense are you speaking?” Mengshang scolded, shooting Liu Ping a questioning look.

Several goddesses immediately pressed her, “Is it true?”

“Where did you see him?”

“Why don’t I recognize him?”

The Jade Hairpin Goddess regarded Liu Ping with great interest and smiled, “Sisters, didn’t I mention it before? A mortal once came before our divine statues and made a wish—quite amusing, really. I happened to sense it at the time and remembered him, even took a look at this mortal. Who would’ve thought it was him?”

“He made a wish?” The other goddesses were puzzled, unable to recall such a detail. The Flower Festival kept them far too busy to remember such a trivial incident, and the Jade Hairpin Goddess had never told them the wish itself, so of course there was no impression.

Liu Ping’s face turned ashen.

He’d hit the jackpot—like winning the lottery—against all odds!

How could this be? Such rotten luck!

He’d once mused that, with countless Flower Temples across the Xia Empire, for the divine system to notice his wish was like hitting the lottery. Who’d have thought it would actually happen? That his wish would be both heard and remembered—what “luck”!

His wry expression made the Jade Hairpin Goddess burst into laughter. She continued, “But it seems he’s not just an ordinary mortal, but a Human Immortal. Still, what business brings him here? Hiding a mortal is a violation of heavenly law, Deputy.”

Mengshang’s face clouded. She was curious about what wish Liu Ping had made to be so vividly remembered by the Jade Hairpin Goddess, but now was not the time for that. The other goddesses, too, turned their attention to Mengshang.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Liu Ping, off to the side, felt a pang of regret. If only he hadn’t stubbornly insisted on coming, none of this would have happened. Then again, if he’d shown more reverence at the time, things might have turned out differently.

Page 3 of 3

After a moment’s stalemate, Mengshang sighed and said, “Very well, I admit it—Young Master Liu is a mortal. But you won’t actually tell anyone, will you?”

“Of course not,” the twelve goddesses replied in unison.

They’d all witnessed Mengshang’s tireless efforts over the years, managing the Realm of Hundred Flowers with order and grace, far better than the original Flower Fairy, who’d run off to who knows where. With such bonds between them, they could never betray her.

Liu Ping was taken aback by their unanimous reply. The tension just moments before had nearly convinced him he’d have to flee with Mengshang for their lives, but it all passed so easily—truly unexpected.

Mengshang said, “Very well, in that case, let us discuss the celestial phenomenon.”

“Wait,” the Goddess of Apricot Blossom interrupted, “why is he still here? Surely you’re not planning to take this man with us, Deputy?”

Mengshang replied, “That is indeed my intention. Though Young Master Liu is a Human Immortal, he is also a sword cultivator, possessing the Vast Righteous Sword Intent. His offensive abilities are not to be underestimated…”

But the Goddess of Peach Blossom interrupted her, shaking her head. “That is not the point. This concerns the Realm of Hundred Flowers itself. Is it really proper to bring an outsider in with us?”

The atmosphere grew heavy once more.

“Young Master Liu is not an outsider,” Mengshang stated firmly, meeting the eyes of all twelve goddesses.

Their hearts sank. Had their foolish sister fallen in love with a mortal? With a sigh, they said, “If that is your wish, we have no objections.”

Yet in their expressions was a clear message—they bore considerable hostility toward Liu Ping.

Mengshang’s body trembled slightly; it was obvious that her earlier declaration had cost her dearly.

Liu Ping noticed at once, and without hesitation, stepped forward to clasp her soft hand.

This open gesture made Mengshang blush, but along with her shyness came an inexplicable sense of reassurance—this was the warmth of her beloved. Soon, her unease subsided.

But this action drew frowns from the twelve goddesses, who glared at Liu Ping, their eyes brimming with discontent.

Though nothing was said aloud, their gazes spoke volumes.

In the Realm of Hundred Flowers, as long as sisterly bonds endured, no matter what grave mistakes a sister made, they would shield each other. This unspoken rule was well known. It was because of this that Mengshang had agreed to Liu Ping’s request to accompany her.

But to see this man so boldly holding their sister’s hand, openly displaying affection, naturally aroused their resentment—and, perhaps, a hint of jealousy none among them would admit.

Liu Ping felt the prickly hostility and couldn’t help but smile wryly. He knew full well that his actions would incur their deep displeasure. Yet, when his beloved trembled, how could he, as a man, stand idle? No matter the consequences, he would act without hesitation. Often, it is not a matter of how big or small a deed might be, but simply whether one chooses to act.

Though the atmosphere was awkward, the discussion soon began. After further preparations lasting most of the day, the twelve Flower Goddesses, together with Mengshang and Liu Ping, set out for the site of the celestial phenomenon.

Aside from the absent Flower Fairy herself, this was the full gathering of the Realm of Hundred Flowers’ greatest strength. Yet the outcome of this endeavor, the future they sought, remained uncertain and shrouded in change…