Chapter Text
As the two city Tournament looms overhead like a cloud, Mu Tianji prepares her warriors for the worst to come and Ji Bozai does the same.
People in their seats at the Zhuojin Tower, debating on who they're betting on to win as Ming Yi and Ji Bozai go against each other once again with different identities and the opposite city they once fought for.
Tianji sat calmly with an anxious Xiuyun standing behind her, the ever loyal aide she has been since young. "Your Majesty, aren't you nervous?" Although she was aware of their collusion with Ji Bozai, she can't help but be afraid of what could happen and the risks that all the warriors are willing to go through.
A proud smile crawls up the newly crowned Empresses lips as she drinks from her teacup. "I chose them to fight for Jixing Abyss as they're strong and have good harmony as a team. Why should I be nervous?" Looking ahead the dome where Ming Yi prepared herself to put up a good act.
Having silencing talismans tied to their belts so everyone outside the arena wouldn't hear them. To the Yaoguang Emperor, Ming Zhenghui, they're fighting head on against each other to the death without knowing that his own son, Ji Bozai is fooling him right in front of his face.
Exchanging offence and defence with piercing gazes that they really had everyone convinced they were really having a good showdown of their prowess.
Chao Heng on the other hand lurked in the shadows near Zhuojin Tower, preparing for the Nine Heavens to open and take the blessed rain after merging himself with a newly raised Netherbeast Army.
Fuyue and Situ Ling prepared themselves to return to Zhushui palace to take the ancient tome about the Sky Swallowing Array accompanied by She Tianlin, Buxiu and Twenty Seven.
Buxiu has had enough with the random nonsense that Master She had been doing. Having a sign language of his own that Twenty Seven perfectly understood. The dragon companion could only sigh in exasperation with the former venerable's antics while being dragged away by the cat companion.
As amusing as it was for Situ Ling and Fuyue, business came first.
The match lasted for nearly a whole day as Ming Yi and Ji Bozai keep getting tied by retrieving half the key on both hands that the spectators have grown tired.
The council has decided to let both cities participate in the finals against Zhushui Spiritual State and Flowing Wave Gorge just as Tianji had planned with Ming Yi and Ji Bozai.
Meng Yangqiu made fun of Ming Zhenghui's face when Yaoguang Mountain and Jixing Abyss got tied again and again that had everyone laughing while discussing their advancement in the tournament at Shouhua Academy. Momentarily making light of the situation while preparing themselves for a big battle the next day.
Ming Yi and Ji Bozai took the time to discuss their plan seriously as they went to Wugui Sea, occupying the manor for themselves.
Ji Bozai leaned his back against the post of the pavilion while Ming Yi sat by the tea table, tracing the rim of her cup with the pad of her thumb while a heavy silence engulfed them.
He dared not initiate a conversation because he didn't want his fears for tomorrow get the best of him. While she worriedly watched him, she grew just as anxious— remembering the oath she swore upon her aunt and mother's divine consciousness at Zhangwei Mountain.
A few more seconds of wallowing in the quietness until she decided she could no longer let the weight of the silence go on.
The chair scrapes against the floorboards as Ming Yi pushed herself off her seat. "I just got a flying message from my father saying that he's obtained the layout of the Sky Swallowing Array. Maybe we can use it to find another way to break it." she walks towards him and he only nods and hums in response.
She stops right in front of him, observing the look on his face— looking for something she doesn't even know what she's trying to find, but he stayed unmoving in his position, arms crossed over his chest while he acknowledged every word she said. "We must break the Sky Swallowing Array to foil Chao Heng's plans." the determination audible in her voice yet he still hums and nods. Avoiding her gaze because if he looked back, his fear would grow stronger.
Ming Yi waited for him to say something, anything— but he wouldn't and it just frustrated her that she started rambling. "Ji Bozai, are you ignoring me? A great battle is before us and our fate is uncertain. I can't lose everyone, moreover, I can't lose you." tears brim at the corners of her eyes and he finally looks back.
Ji Bozai huffs and lets out a soft smile. Letting his hand cup her cheek in which she leaned into his touch. "I don't want to lose you either." his eyes gazed deeply into hers. The words he'd been afraid to say finally slipping out. "I was saved from the Sunken Abyss." she listens attentively waiting where this might go. "In the past, I could sacrifice everything to achieve a goal, but right now…"
He could never understand why she could make him brave and afraid at the same time, the words of honesty naturally coming out of his mouth, especially when she had that sincere look on her face whenever she lent her ears. "I feel afraid." saying it aloud lifted a little of the weight in his chest.
Under that same pavilion, they once agreed on protecting each other, and now they await an unknown fate again tomorrow— whether to die together trying to protect all of Hexu, or to survive together and give themselves the chance of building the future they pictured having.
Ming Yi stood on her tiptoes and engulfed him in a longing hug and he hugs back just as tight, like it would be the last night they'd be able to hold each other like this.
She made him promise that night, no matter what happens, if it came down to the sacrifice, he shouldn't do it alone, yet he refused the idea and she stayed persistent— if there were at the very least, a small inkling of hope, she would risk it, with him, together.
The sun shone brightly over all of Hexu as the battle against Chao Heng in the Zhuojin tower finally came to an end. Barriers over the cities had finally been lifted, allowing everyone to travel as freely as they can.
Zheng Tiao and Zhang Tai had been busy all day running the jewellery shop after Tianji had approved to make it a permanent business. Fairies, had swarmed the place during the opening day.
Yan Xiao had made plans of attending Ming Yi and Ji Bozai's birthday banquet after deciding with Tianji on what gift to give the couple; and while Ming Yi prepared for the small banquet, Twenty Seven and Chen Xi are chasing each other around because of the dried fish that the child apparently stole from the spirit companion's stash. She warned them not to destroy anything while at it.
She Tianlin had cancelled his plans on teaching youngsters in Cangwu Hill when he learned that his daughter was hosting a birthday banquet, a little soured that she was celebrating the same day as the man who was asking for his daughter's hand in marriage. That damn pretty boy. He won't be letting him off the hook so easily.
Speaking of… Ji Bozai arrived not long after he went to talk to Bo Yulan's portrait in the spirit well while burning wooden tags with the names of those who plotted her death, carved on them. The debt they owed each other has been repaid, although it was deemed useless anymore. It was only a shame that she wasn't around to watch her niece grow into a fulfilling young woman. At the very least, her divine consciousness remained in the Bo ancestral home with Ming Yi's mother.
The afternoon was festive and the couple couldn't ask for anything more than being surrounded with the peace and harmony of all the six cities of Hexu. This is what they've fought so hard for, what Lin Ziyao of Cangwu Hill died for, preserving her divine consciousness inside the Sky Swallowing Array to find two warriors in the transcendent stage of cultivation, using the last of her capability to get them to reach the perfected stage to shut it down for good.
It was all worth it.
Situ Ling sat alone in the balcony while watching Fuyue mingle with the people in the Shouhua Academy. They've gratefully accepted Ming Yi's invitation after the big battle while Ji Bozai insisted he come celebrate with them as one of the large contributing people in their plans in taking down his father. Now that he's the newly crowned Emperor, he's been tirelessly running around the city, revising laws and changing the rules for the warriors who wanted to join the Qingyun tournament. Undeniably an exhausting feat for him, but if it meant to bring a change for the betterment for his city and his people, he wouldn't ask for anything more.
Not long after, Ji Bozai joined him with two jars of wine in both hands, offering the other to the newly crowned Emperor of Zhushui. "Your Majesty." jokingly showing a curtsy to the younger and Situ Ling couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. "Crown Prince." he retorted, accepting the wine and raising his jar in the air as a toast. They clink their bottles and drink— letting them sit there in a comfortable silence as the chatter went on downstairs with a clear view of what's happening. "I suppose I haven't thanked you yet." the Yaoguang Crown Prince breaks the silence, watching the love of his life spend time with the people who care about her and love her, his heart couldn't feel any fuller. "For what?"
"For not being an enemy. You really had me back there." pertaining to the Diwu tree core incident. They both chuckle at the memory. Situ Ling takes another chug of his wine. "I should thank you and Ming Yi, for saving mine and Fuyue's life." he flashed him a genuine smile of his gratitude. "But do know, if you ever fail to keep Ming Yi happy, I'll snatch her away from you." he added with squinted eyes in a playful manner.
Right. Ji Bozai forgot about that bit— but it's all fun and games now, is it not? He could only shake his head and roll his eyes at the younger in the same manner. "You wish." smugly retorting.
It's a little funny to think that they once considered each other a love rival for Ming Yi— now, they've become allies and maybe… friends.
After finishing their jar of wine, they celebrated along with everyone downstairs. She Tianlin had teased Ji Bozai if he'd dare to drink more wine with him and Ming Yi offering the one Meng Yangqiu brewed just to help him survive her strong drinker of a father, but since he wouldn't back down from a challenge, he took the large aged wine sitting on the table and she couldn't do anything about it.
Fuyue helped Zhang Tai walk around the Shouhua Academy to socialise as she's been having trouble looking at her feet with the child growing in her belly. Surprisingly carrying twins, and everyone couldn't be more happy for her. Double the celebration. She had promised to name her twins after Ming Yi and Ji Bozai as an attempt at humour first, but she and Zheng Tiao decided on a serious note to actually do so when they are born.
On the way back to Wugui Sea, Ming Yi stumbled on her feet in the sand as they got off the flying boat, trying to walk a straight line while carrying a drunk Ji Bozai on her back. She believed that this could be the time where Buxiu could magically appear and help with his master to get him in the manor, but alas he was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps, he was still out with her spirit companion, Twenty Seven and having their own fill of fun while she had settled her father back at the Shouhua Academy— and now she had to take care of the man who's been trying to win her heart again and reject his marriage proposals after restoring peace and order in Hexu and the Qingyun tournament.
Grumbling under her breath and cursing him for drinking too much as he couldn't rival She Tianlin's drinking capacity yet. She took one step at a time, hauling him like he was a sack of grain, his feet digging a drag path through the sand. This was one of the times she actually wished she was offered help, including Granny Xun's. "I told you you couldn't take it, you could've just humoured him a little." scolding the love of her life. Ji Bozai wasn't really that heavy, but his weight did somehow strain her legs. "Just how much did you drink?" beads of sweat started forming on her temples halfway through the barrier.
The small flight of stairs was very challenging as she tried to make him step up from behind her but he let out a whine as he got off her back and practically dragged her down with him to lay on the steps. Ming Yi exclaimed in surprise as they both almost fell face down. "Ah! slowly!" half-laughing and half-sighing in exasperation.
Now they sat on the stone steps, using his arm as a pillow while laying down. Ji Bozai lifted his hand, making a height estimation with his hands over his head. "What?" she couldn't make up what he was trying to do or say. "This much." his cheeks stained red from the drunkenness and his eyes were droopy like he was going to pass out any moment. "How much is that?" she's looking back and forth from his hand and his face. Finding it actually adorable how he looked a mess right now.
"A wall." he flashed her a cheeky smile, showing his dimples and Ming Yi's eyes widened in horror. Her father and this guy is hopeless. "A whole wall!?" her expression distorting into disbelief. "The both of you drank a wall of jars of wine!? You two—" and then she heaves a heavy sigh. "My future father in law wanted to test my character, how could I possibly lose? Of course I had to drink." he mumbled with a pout on his lips, laying on the steps of the stairs
Ming Yi doesn't know if he was acting cute on purpose so she wouldn't scold him further, but his drunken state and this soft side of his was hard to come by, and so she let his charm work on her like the lovesick fool she is for him. "You could've at least shown him a bit of weakness, it wouldn't kill you." she stares at his face, worried about what else her father would ask him to do while she wasn't looking. Then, she was caught by surprise when he jolts to sit up straight, looking for something in his clothes that left her bewildered as she watched him. Stopping him from peeling off his robes, saying it was inappropriate since they were outside the entrance to the manor.
Ji Bozai successfully pulls out a scallion pancake wrapped in paper, offering it to her like it was some sort of sweet treat, smiling in contentment when she took it from his hands. "A scallion pancake?" Ming Yi couldn't be more fond of him at this moment, but the next words he said made her smile drop. "It's from the Empress, she wanted me to give it to you and she wanted to greet you a happy birthday." she didn't know what to feel about it. Yan Si acted as her mother in the twenty years she's lived as Ming Xian, only to be deceived and break all the hope she's had of reuniting with someone she considered as family. This scallion pancake was a way to slowly make amends for the grievances they held for one another. Although she wasn't her real child, she treated her like her real mother. "H- how is she?" setting the gift down her lap.
"The Emperor has lifted her confinement, but she couldn't bring herself to see you." he held her hands as a way to comfort her. That, Ming Yi understood completely. Who would have the face to show up when they felt shame for using a child for twenty years to keep her status in the Yaoguang palace? She made a mental note to visit and check on her some time when they start travelling around Hexu. Maybe then, Yan Si wouldn't have to avoid her because of the guilt.
Ji Bozai scooted closer to her and snuggled over her arm and shoulder, sitting under the moonlight at the entrance to the manor of Wugui Sea, this kind of peace is perfect, almost too perfect that Ming Yi wished it isn't just some dream. She needed Twenty Seven to at least pinch her or flick her forehead to get her out of the trance, it felt surreal. "I've never seen you like this before. Would you show me this side of yours ever so often? Maybe even just a little?" she brushes his pretty long lashes with her fingertips and he flinches with a whine leaving his lips. "It tickles." it made her chuckle.
His touch, his warmth, his drunkenness, the way he clung to her while lucid from wine. It's all real. He is real, they are real.
"Ming Yi…" Ji Bozai grumbled and she hummed in response. "Actually, I still owe you an apology." her brows furrow in discernment, his tone a sudden remorse like he's made the biggest mistake of his life. She didn't know what to answer, instead, she just made a sound of approval. "I said… I still owe you an apology." he was waiting for a reaction at least to know that his apology was accepted.
The ambiguity of their situation was felt deeply that she needn't ask what he was apologising for. Reaching to poke his cheek softly in a playful manner while taking in the whole scene if it did go down to that one man sacrifice. Ji Bozai hummed, leaning in to her touch. "Indeed, you shouldn't have hid it from me." then he panicked like he wasn't already forgiven. "Then what do I do?" he jolted up again, searching her face— trying to figure if she was angry or not. "But I also lied to you more than you can count, that means I also owe you an apology, so… I guess that makes us even." she assured him, caressing his cheeks gently as if he were too fragile. "But we must promise that we shouldn't deceive one another again, okay?" He nodded in agreement. "Never to deceive each other again." a promising look on his face as he could finally breathe easy.
Even with a drunken state, he was glad that this matter was talked about.
When Ming Yi tried to remove them, Ji Bozai held her hands in place. "What are you doing?" he sounded like he was being taken advantage of and it was silly. "What? What are you doing?"she wanted to burst out laughing at the change of his behaviour. "I want." he's now pressing his face against her hands and she watches him attentively with the same adoration and fondness. "This?" and she keeps her palms rested over his face and he hums in satisfaction. He surely knows how to act like a cat without knowing it. "I like this." she's fighting the urge to bite him aggressively for his cute drunk behaviour.
Ji Bozai looked straight into her eyes, letting the words roll out his mouth naturally. "I like you" and it catches her off guard. "I've never told you before, because when I try to, I just get tongue tied and now… I'm not afraid to say it." Ming Yi listens, seeing the determination in his gaze. "I really, truly like you. I want to be with you forever and longer than that. I want to stay by your side longer than our lives. Will you never, never leave me?" tears brim at the corners of his eyes that she felt hers water up as well.
Even if it's just a drunken confession, Ming Yi could feel how he's laying his heart out for her. This was him in his full honesty, his complete certainty with living the rest of his life standing by her side, and his unwavering love and loyalty that never failed to make her heart feel full. She couldn't find anyone more deserving and more worthy of love than him. "Alright then." Ji Bozai's face twisted into confusion, not knowing whether to make up if her answer is real or not. "Really? You… you've accepted my proposal?"
Maybe she was having a little too much fun with his state that she decided to make humour out of it. "Wait, that was a proposal just now?" she wanted to laugh from the way his face distorted into a look of horror— he nodded and hummed firmly, letting her know he was actually serious about it. "Then… could we rewrite our names in the Marriage Stone—" he couldn't continue what he was saying because Ming Yi cut him off by answering his question with a soft peck on his lips.
Ji Bozai's face went blank. Utterly confused that she hasn't given him a verbal answer. She waited for him to understand what she wanted to say, but he was still in a daze. "I- I'm asking you if we could rewrite our names o—" Ming Yi frowned, cupping his cheeks in her hands and placing another soft kiss on his lips, and then another as her answer and it sort of ticked him off.
He brushes her hands off and pulls away "Why won't you answer my question?"
Oh boy was this relishing if anyone were to witness it.
"I already have!" she looked into his eyes, waiting for him to realise.
A few seconds of silence until he finally understood her answer. His heart fluttered in his chest and the warmth from the alcohol staining his cheeks pink grew more vivid that a smile unconsciously crawled up the corners of his mouth.
Ji Bozai initiates the kiss this time and Ming Yi responded, overjoyed.
It lingered softly, it was sweet, it was lovely and it is perfect.
If everything they've went through was for this moment to come, they wouldn't want it any other way.
From the side, Twenty Seven had been secretly watching them and Buxiu scaring him asking if he could just so freely eavesdrop on their masters, and the cat companion called it Ji Bozai's biggest trial in life and he won't be given another chance to listen in on their conversations as they will be travelling the six cities before the Qingyun Tournament. The dragon companion agreed with the cat companion and they both watched their masters share a sweet moment.
Granny Xun threw a sandal at both of them, scolding both spirit companions for watching something private between the couple when she was no better herself, enjoying while she could until Twenty Seven called her over to stop being a hypocrite. She grumbled under her breath that she would not let both companions off so easily.
Surprisingly, Ji Bozai can still remember things even if he's drunk because he woke up the next morning with a headache, and well… the love of his life sleeping right beside him, under the same quilt and pillow— he woke her up to get ready to rewrite their names in the marriage stone at Mengyuan Pond.
She groggily grumbled, asking for a few more minutes to sleep in but he couldn't wait, afraid that she'd slip away at anytime. He tickled her awake and they burst into a fit of laughter that morning.
They waltz in side by side, passing the barrier, arguing on what names to put in the marriage stone because apparently, putting both Ming Xian is definitely too absurd. Ji Bozai asked not to use that because he's been jealous of that guy for too long, and so they settled for the names they used and thankfully, heavenly thunder punishment didn't strike down on them.
The mandarin ducks at Mengyuan Pond rejoiced at their renewed vow, the radiant starlight dancing in the air as their love was beyond blessed.
Another year has passed and the Qingyun tournament is being held once again.
Spectators in the Zhuojin tower argued who would win the tournament, placing their bets on either Ji Bozai or Ming Yi who have reached the perfected stage of their cultivation. Tianji found it funny because she has huge faith in her friend Ming Yi as the consecutive winner for seven years. Although she knew Ji Bozai's prowess, Ming Yi wasn't to be easily underestimated.
Safe to say, Ming Yi had won fair and square. Just like her promise to her father that a man wouldn't slow down her swordsmanship. She Tianlin had mocked Ji Bozai childishly after the match and as the respectful son in law he is, he could only take it and accept that he would be nagged by the martial arts master of the mighty warrior goddess of Hexu. He would gladly accept defeat from his wife. That, he takes huge pride in.
On their 22nd birthday, Ji Bozai left Wugui Sea early in the morning to attend court at Yaoguang Mountain and well… receive an earful from his father. He shouldn't have come because Yan Si had prepared a birthday banquet for him. For the sake of courtesy and his respect for his mother, he stayed for an hour or two.
Until he went home to a worried Ming Yi. "Did he scold you?" was the first thing she asked as he greeted her with a chaste kiss on her lips. He shook his head, denying it, but of course she would immediately see through him. The heart imprint said otherwise from the turmoil in his chest. "It's nothing really." he learned to not take his father seriously for the sake of his peace and his wife's.
Ming Yi wrapped her arms around his waist and engulfed him in a warm tight hug. All the troubles in his mind seemed to have gone away with just a simple embrace. He hugged her back and pressed a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Come on, Granny Xun and the rest are waiting, the food might get cold." she pulled away and intertwined their hands.
An idea appeared in his mind as he let her pull him along the bridge, a mischievous smile crawled up his lips.
Ji Bozai stops in his tracks that halted Ming Yi as well. "What's wrong?" she turned to look at him, tilting her head in confusion. "Actually…" he took small steps toward her while their hands still intwined, until his height towered over hers. "Can we have the meal later? I'm hungry for something else." his eyes suggestive.
Ming Yi nudged him, containing the growing smile on her lips as she already knew what he was pertaining to. "We can't let them wait." pretending to dismiss the idea, but she secretly liked it.
They stand their communicating with their eyes until he peppered her face with kisses that made her giggle. "It's our birthday, they can wait for a bit." he whispered in her ear. "You're naughty." she scrunched her nose and squished his cheeks. "Not as naughty as you." it makes her scoff in disbelief.
Ji Bozai bent down to her eye level, face inches away, waiting to be given permission to kiss her luscious addictive lips. Ming Yi bit her lower lip habitually and and smiled "I hate you." closing their distance as her hands find their way to the back of his neck. He pulls her by her belt to press their bodies against each other. Momentarily breaking the kiss he smirks smugly "You love me." and he kisses her again, passionately this time, unafraid to show his growing hunger for more than just a kiss.
She couldn't refute, smiling during the kiss and matching the same fervour and urgency he displayed. She gasps when he hoists her legs up to wrap around his waist and she lets out another giggle as she held onto him tightly, carrying her to the opposite direction from the dining hall where their bedroom was at.
Granny Xun was about to call them over when she witnessed them being all lovey-dovey. The moth guardian could only shake her head and sigh in exasperation. "Newly-weds." but she turns back with a huge smile on her face. "Let's eat, His Lordship and Her Ladyship won't join us in a few." Twenty Seven whined, complaining that they prepared this small feast to celebrate their birthday while Buxiu stood up to suggest he pick his master up but Granny Xun stopped him from doing so. "It's best we not interrupt them." she scolded the dragon companion. The cat companion immediately got the notion and plastered a disgusted look on his face. "Yeah, it's better if we don't interrupt them."
The End