Chapter 154: The Flowered Civet

The second realm was a breathtaking expanse of blooming flowers, sweet and intoxicating with fragrance.

Huali, the ruler of this sea of blossoms, was clad in a long gown woven from brightly colored fresh flowers, sitting gracefully upon a swing fashioned from floral vines.

She gently swayed her small feet, resembling a playful sprite born of the blossoms.

"Hey, you over there. Come here and push this lady a little higher," Huali commanded, pointing her jade-white finger at a tree spirit who was meticulously tending to the flora.

"At once, Milady! I'm coming right now," the tree spirit cried, hastily discarding the glazed bottle in its hands and scurrying toward Huali with an attitude that was both subsequious and eager to please.

Right at that moment, with a sharp whish, the discarded glazed bottle cut through the air in an arc, landing squarely and heavily against Black's forehead.

A volley of dark lines instantly crossed Black's face, his expression turning so gloomy it seemed it could drip water, plunging the atmosphere into an awkward silence.

Silently, he muttered complaints against this floral mistress, noting down every single one of her antics in the ledger of his heart.

Just as he thought, this flower-loving lady never did an honest day's work, idling away her time in endless play.

Compared to their diligent and hardworking Lord Fu of the first realm, she was as different as heaven and earth.

Sitting on her swing, Huali's gaze drifted about with every sway, finally locking onto Black, White, and a remarkably handsome stranger.

What a stunning man... Just how long had it been since she last laid eyes on such an exquisite creature...

"Oh? Black, White, and a new face as well. What a rare visit! Whatever brings you all the way to the second realm?"

She giggled musically. As the swing reached its apex once more, she suddenly released her grip, her body floating downward toward Jiang Yan and the others as light and effortless as a falling petal.

"Greetings, Lady Huali," Black and White hastily bowed in respectful salute.

Following their lead, Jiang Yan offered a polite greeting as well, "Greetings, Milady."

Huali's gaze lingered on Jiang Yan. "My, aren't you a handsome one. Is this gorgeous man a gift for me?"

Seeing that Huali appeared deeply captivated by Jiang Yan, White immediately stepped in to explain, "Lady Huali, this is Lord Fu's guest—Jiang Yan."

"Oh? Jiang Yan..."

Huali narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling as though the name sounded familiar, yet failing to recall where she might have heard it.

Oh well, never mind.

She, Huali, had always possessed a weakness for beautiful things, and handsome men were naturally no exception.

So what if he was a distinguished guest of Fu Qingyin?

If he was willing to stay, she certainly wouldn't let him leave...

"Jiang Yan, would you be willing to stay and keep me company? With a beauty like me by your side, your days will unfold like poetry. We can spend our time admiring flowers, swinging, and sharing stories..."

Anticipation sparkled brightly in Huali's eyes.

Jiang Yan looked at Huali, who stood roughly four feet tall and was dressed like a doll, feeling the corners of his mouth twitch uncontrollably.

He hadn't intended to make a face, but hearing such declarations from someone who looked like a little girl was profoundly surreal.

Of course, he was well aware that this floral mistress was by no means a mere child.

She was likely hundreds or perhaps even thousands of years old...

"You jest, Lady Huali," Jiang Yan said with a polite smile and a hint of deference. "Lord Fu mentioned that my mortal span is not yet exhausted, and since I still have heavy responsibilities to fulfill, I must return to the mortal realm. My purpose here is to find a friend—a black flower. I wonder if Your Ladyship has ever seen it?"

"Oh? A black flower, you say? Let me think..."

Pausing for a moment, Huali rolled her eyes in thought. "I do indeed have black flowers here, though I don't pay much attention to the newly sprouted ones."

"Milady, might I go and take a look?" Jiang Yan asked.

A flash of playful amusement crossed Huali's eyes as she countered, "Are you certain you wish to go?"

Jiang Yan paused slightly, probing with caution, "Milady, is there some sort of inconvenience?"

"Not particularly. It's just that those black flowers... they can be rather disobedient. Still, go ahead; one of them will guide you. Since you have no intention of lingering here, do not keep me any longer. Leave the moment you find your friend."

No sooner had the words left her lips than Huali turned and drifted back toward her swaying swing, acting as though nothing else mattered, leaving only a lingering trail of floral fragrance floating in the air.

The tree spirit that had previously been pushing Huali's swing cast a sidelong glance at Jiang Yan, its eyes flashing briefly with a dark, jealous light.

Lady Huali had actually called this man handsome...

In Lady Huali's eyes, what was it, then?

Quickly masking its emotions, however, it bowed respectfully and said, "Please follow me, sirs. I will lead you to the place where the black flowers grow."

Jiang Yan nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the trouble."