Chapter 21

His eyes were deep and slightly bluish, a blend of Jiaoren and phoenix lineage, exuding a mesmerising beauty that was almost ethereal and suffocatingly enchanting.

The door closed with a "kādá," leaving the astonished Su Yue and the steward behind.

Gu Tingshuang, hearing this, leisurely lifted his paw and slowly slinked back along the wall.

Just as the intermission was ending, the immortals who had come out for a stroll were returning to their seats one by one.

When Gu Tingshuang returned to his spot to find Ning Shiting and Ting Shu, he saw a young man in black talking to Ning Shiting, making polite conversation with a hint of shy curiosity in his eyes, asking questions like "How old is Gongzi this year?"

As soon as Gu Tingshuang approached and squatted at Ning Shiting's feet, the young man was immediately frightened and retreated several steps: "A-an ancient white wolf! I didn't expect Gongzi to keep such a creature."

Gu Tingshuang calmly swayed his tail, remaining motionless in his spot.

Ning Shiting, pleased to see Gu Tingshuang return without causing trouble, bent down and picked him up, smiling: "Well... it's not my wolf. It's our Shizi Dianxia's wolf. I'm just taking it out for a walk. Didn't you see me with this little wolf earlier at the banquet?"

"I-I missed it." The young man continued to back away, looking as if he wanted to run away, "The second half is about to start. Gongzi, we should hurry back."

Watching the young man scamper away like a frightened rabbit, Ting Shu chuckled, "Such a coward. Our Gongzi isn't afraid of the little wolf at all."

Ning Shiting also laughed: "Indeed, if he's this scared of an ancient white wolf, I wonder what he'll do when he finds out I'm a poisonous Jiaoren."

Gu Tingshuang suddenly raised his head in Ning Shiting's arms, staring at him.

Ting Shu also looked up at Ning Shiting, exclaiming, "Ah," and asked, "Why will he know you're a poisonous Jiaoren later?"

They both knew that few people were aware of Ning Shiting's deadly nature despite following King Qing for many years. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many speculations and rumours about "Gongzi never uses silverware," and he wouldn't conceal his face or keep a low profile when travelling.

Ning Shiting made a shushing gesture, looking at Ting Shu with a fond smile.

Seeing him not answering, Ting Shu obediently found the answer himself: "Oh, Gongzi wants me to see for myself later."

The two, along with the wolf, returned to their seats inside.

They were quite late; by this time, other perfumers were already eagerly preparing to replicate the Soul Returning incense. The place was bustling with activity.

Su Yue and his steward took a while to come out, and their expressions weren't good.

The steward asked Su Yue in a low voice, "Gongzi, what if what the Rakshasa King said is true? What should we do?"

Su Yue, with a grim expression, replied, "Things have come to this point; there's no room for manoeuvring. We can only take it step by step. Today, we must find out Ning Shiting's true identity, the reasons for his veiled face, and why he never uses silverware. If we can't uncover his secret, then at least we must secure the Soul Returning incense."

As everyone settled back into their seats, the Black-faced Rakshasa King clapped his hands lightly twice, drawing everyone's attention.

He sat in the center of the room, next to the divine tree, the Teng Cypress, which had just been resurrected. The remaining Soul Returning incense was stored in three boxes, neatly displayed for everyone to see when opened.

As their gazes swept over the incense, a sense of covetousness filled the room.

"As you all know, I obtained this Soul Returning incense by chance, and besides my collection, there is no other place in the Six Realms where it can be found. Over four consecutive years of incense conferences, much has been consumed, and no one yet has deciphered the formula. If the Soul Returning incense were to disappear from the world, it would be a great loss. Therefore, I ask all of you present to give it your best effort today. Whether you succeed or not, you will have contributed to the divine realm. If anyone is truly able to remake this incense, I will give them the remaining three boxes. Please, proceed."

Most of the perfumers present had come specifically for the Soul Returning incense, and both the title of "World's Top Fragrance Master" and the incense itself were highly coveted.

Among the attendees were not only those who had studied and sought the Soul Returning incense for centuries but also those who had been captivated by it since its first appearance four years ago. They had meticulously planned and tried hundreds of formulas, all for this moment.

The crowd was eager and ready, but Ning Shiting remained calm, quietly holding a small wolf in his lap and occasionally sipping his tea.

From nearby, a conversation could be overheard by those with good hearing: "Don't be fooled by the crowd. The real experts haven't made their move yet. The Jiaoren from Qing Wang’s Palace is an unknown factor, but the Jiaoren race, being aquatic creatures, can detect scents with their mouths, tongues, and noses. In this regard, they are thousands of times more sensitive than ordinary fragrance masters."

"However, I heard that the Jiaoren was seriously ill recently. Will that affect today’s performance?"

"Hard to say. Look at the Immortal Chief’s Mansion. I’ve heard they’ve been coveting the Soul Returning incense for two or three years now. The reason is that the Tianfei wants the incense to cultivate and enhance her beauty.(1) They’ve used all means to search for perfumers across the realm, and rumour has it they came well-prepared this time, having pushed the formula to near completion. We might as well just go through the motions and not compete with tigers and wolves."

By now, seven or eight perfumers had stepped forward to try their hand at replicating the Soul Returning incense, each demonstrating their concoctions. The Immortal Chief’s Mansion had provided every available incense ingredient from the Six Realms, and many perfumers had brought their secret recipes as well.

Despite their efforts, the resulting scents either differed greatly from the Soul Returning incense or missed the mark by just a little.

One well-known, solitary perfumer took a small pinch of incense powder with a mixing spoon and heated it over a dim flame.

In an instant, the room was filled with a refreshing scent that seemed to cleanse the spiritual roots, closely resembling the Soul Returning incense. The incense did not drip oil when burned but condensed into a light mist.

This was almost identical to the incense the Rakshasa King had displayed!

At least, in terms of its effect on cultivation, it was undeniable.

However, it failed to pass the final test—the black-robed Rakshasa took a dead cicada from his sleeve and exposed it to the incense. Nothing happened.

When he used the real Soul Returning incense, the dead cicada came back to life, once again proving the unique and irreplaceable nature of the Soul Returning incense.

Ting Shu watched from the side, his eyes nearly popping out: "Gongzi, this incense is already so powerful, and yet it still can't compare to Soul Returning incense?"

Ning Shiting said softly: "It's still a little short. The ancient scrolls record that among the world's miraculous incense, besides Soul Returning incense, there is also Zhen Sandalwood Death Repelling Incense. As the name suggests, one can bring a soul back from the underworld, while the other can revitalise the dead. This fragrance master has made the Death Repelling kind, which is close but not quite to the same level as Soul Returning. However, being able to produce incense of this level will greatly enhance one's cultivation. This fragrance master will undoubtedly become very famous."

Ting Shu understood: "So, Soul Returning is still more powerful."

Ning Shiting said, "In the past... by chance, I also made Zhen Sandalwood Death Repelling Incense, which can indeed extend the life of those near death. But it is not Soul Returning Incense, and it can't revive the dead or heal bones and flesh."

Gu Tingshuang, who had been lying on his lap, bored by the constant comings and goings, perked up his ears at Ning Shiting's words.

The Black-Faced Rakshasa's words matched what Ning Shiting was saying now.

He had actually made Death Repelling Incense?

Ting Shu complained, "When did this happen? Gongzi, such an amazing thing, and you didn't tell me. If I were you, I'd have told everyone long ago that I had already made this Zhen Sandalwood Death Repelling Incense. Who else would have the chance to boast?"

Ning Shiting was silent for a while, then smiled and said: "I guess it was when I was fifteen or sixteen years old, before I found you."

Ting Shu wanted to ask more, but was interrupted by another commotion on the stage.

Somehow, the person on stage had changed to the black-clothed youth who had earlier tried to strike up a conversation with Ning Shiting.

He lit the incense he had prepared and walked around, letting everyone in the room smell it.

The scent of this incense was miles away from that of the Soul Returning incense, even inferior to the low-quality incense sold in ordinary shops, with a somewhat unpleasant smell.

Some people who smelled it showed no change in expression, while others clearly displayed expressions of disgust.

Covering his nose, Ting Shu frowned and said, "Gongzi, this incense is really unpleasant. What do you think?"

Ning Shiting replied, "I'm just an ordinary person and can't discern much. But the art of making incense also requires self-cultivation—those who are calm, thoughtful, and broad-minded can find more opportunities in the world of incense. This Gongzi was just startled by the little wolf earlier, and his behaviour is quite lively. I think this incense probably won't do."

After watching for a while, Ting Shu noticed that bets were being placed on the other side. He whispered to him, "This incense master seems to be one of those recruited by the Su family, and it seems the Su family is quite satisfied."

Looking from afar, Su Yue's eyes carried a subtle smile as he sat there with an all-encompassing demeanour.

As bets were placed, many people wagered on the outcome of this incense master's fragrance.

"Ning Gongzi has been sitting still all along. Could it be that he came here just to taste tea?"

From a distance, Su Yue glanced at Ning Shiting and raised his voice, "I heard Ning Gongzi just say that this fragrance doesn't seem good. Why not place a bet?"

Ning Shiting heard his name mentioned and admitted openly, taking out a folding fan made of gold and jade from his sleeve and handing it to Ting Shu.

Ting Shu said, "Wasn't this fan just made by Gongzi a few days ago? It took quite a while just to polish the fan bones, and if it doesn't come back..."

Ning Shiting replied, "Go ahead, if we lose, we lose."

Gu Tingshuang was very interested in the Soul Returning incense. He had been paying attention to Su Yue's movements and now, seeing Ting Shu reaching out, he deftly dodged his hand, picked up the folding fan made of gold and jade himself, and walked over confidently.

Ting Shu exclaimed in surprise, "This little wolf is too clever, could it be jealous of me?"

Gu Tingshuang glanced back at him and decided not to argue with this little brat for the time being.

At the betting table, red and white lotuses were being wagered, each representing the "yes" or "no" in one's heart.

Some followed the Immortal Chief and bet on red, while others, remaining bystanders, believed the incense to be of poor quality and chose white lotuses.

Gu Tingshuang placed the fan on the end of a white lotus.

As soon as he placed it down, he sensed through his heightened spiritual awareness a fluctuation of emotions from Su Yue—suppressed self-satisfaction, accompanied by disdain and arrogance. He couldn't help but lift his eyes to look at Su Yue.

Su Yue naturally noticed the little wolf too.

Though he didn't show it outwardly, deep down he still harboured some fear of this ancient legendary species. He casually moved, reaching for a teacup and brushing Gu Tingshuang aside in the process.

As more people placed their bets, the smug expression on the black-clad youth became increasingly evident.

He cleared his throat and spoke, "Indeed, this fragrance does not smell good. However, as all esteemed immortals present here know, scents like musk can be nauseating when strong but delightful when subtle. My version of the Soul Returning incense may not have a perfect aroma, but it still retains the power to revive the dead, as witnessed by the Black-faced Rakshasa King and confirmed by the spirit-light lamp."

With that, the youth added a bit more incense to his spoon, ignited it, and asked the Black-faced Rakshasa King to release the deceased cicada.

The pungent scent intensified, sparking a flurry of discussions around. Most were sceptical.

Gu Tingshuang ran back to Ning Shiting's side, but he was caught and held in place again.

At this moment, he looked up at Ning Shiting's expression, but the Jiaoren still showed no emotion, maintaining his calm demeanour as usual, unaffected by the events.

However, what happened next stunned everyone.

The cicada shell twitched, then quickly lifted its body. Its dry, transparent wings fluttered and it flew off the table!

Outside, amidst heavy snowfall, this resurrected summer cicada even emitted a few chirps, hovering high in the room for a moment, seemingly about to fly away.

"Could it be... someone has truly replicated the Soul Returning incense?"

The room erupted into a commotion. Some debated fiercely, some remained silent, while others, eager and quick-witted, stood up to congratulate Su Yue, "Congratulations to the Immortal Chief for attracting the world's top fragrance masters as fledgings!"

Su Yue's side was also filled with jubilation and respect. He intentionally or unintentionally glanced towards Ning Shiting's direction. Others remained silent, discreetly casting their gazes towards Ning Shiting as well.

The Immortal Cheif’s Mansion had laid down its cards from the outset. Now, what would the new master of the Qing Wang’s Mansion do?

Gu Tingshuang noticed the glances from those around him.

However, what caught his attention was the Black-faced Rakshasa also directing his gaze towards him.

This Rakshasa wore a black jade mask, concealing his expression, but in those eyes... there seemed to be a hint of disappointment and dissatisfaction.

The black-clad youth eagerly awaited, asking the Black-faced Rakshasa, "May I ask, Rakshasa King, what do you say? I have indeed concocted the Soul Returning incense. Shouldn't these remaining three boxes..."

The Rakshasa King remained unmoved, turning to the youth and answering indirectly, "Since the Immortal Chief’s Mansion has mastered the art of Soul Returning incense, is it really necessary to be so impatient and ask me for these three small boxes of incense? Though I am no expert in fragrances, there are plenty of capable individuals present here."

Gu Tingshuang's spiritual awareness enveloped the entire room, and at this moment, he clearly sensed that the Rakshasa King's attention was directed towards his direction.

He was looking at Ning Shiting.

Sure enough, in the next moment, the Rakshasa King's gaze firmly landed on him, and he inquired, "Qing Wang’s Mansion's Ning Shiting, do you have any thoughts?"

All eyes in the room converged on Ning Shiting. Some were maliciously anticipating, while others were simply curious.

Ning Shiting set down his teacup without giving a clear answer.

Gu Tingshuang felt Ning Shiting pick him up and stand up, slowly walking to the center of the incense platform under the scrutiny of the crowd.

The Jiaoren stood tall and straight, his refined attire hinting at his slender figure beneath. His wrists were fair and adorned with the silver-blue beginnings of hair, giving him an ethereal air.

His demeanour was graceful and dignified, as if simply standing there, without revealing his face, made him more refreshing and pleasing than any exquisite fragrance.

Someone spoke up, "Since we've come to this point, why continue to hide your face and give the impression that Qing Wang’s Mansion lacks sincerity? Everyone present, except for the Rakshasa King who prefers anonymity, even the reclusive elders who have hidden for years, are willing to show themselves. It would be appropriate, both in terms of emotion and reason, for the young master to remove the veil."

Another person chuckled softly, "Perhaps there's something unsightly about his face. I heard he's quite skilled in ingratiating himself with the powerful. At seventeen, he managed to enter the Qing Wang’s Mansion. Could it be because he practices that infamous way of the Hehuan Sect, and there's an indelible Hehuan mark between his eyebrows that he covers them?"(2)

Ning Shiting remained still. After a moment of silence, he reached up and gently touched the veil covering his forehead.

Here it comes!

Su Yue involuntarily leaned forward, as if wishing his gaze could solidify and strip Ning Shiting bare.

The veil was lightly lifted and casually tossed to the small wolf.

Gu Tingshuang hadn't yet grasped the meaning behind this gesture when he realised that the small wolf had instinctively taken hold of the item he liked best from Ning Shiting—his veil.

Underneath the cover, his features were breathtakingly beautiful.

The room suddenly fell silent, as if a gust of wind had passed through.

There were no distracting marks, just a pure and flawless face.

His eyes were deep and slightly bluish, a blend of Jiaoren and phoenix lineage, exuding a mesmerising beauty that was almost ethereal and suffocatingly enchanting.

Ning Shiting spoke softly, "I have never cultivated a foundation, nor practised the immortal arts. I am merely a mortal with ordinary eyesight... My apologies for any disappointment."

The Author has Something to Say

Persimmon Wolf: Being a wolf is so amusing, and I have so skillfully caught the veil

Little Wolf: ? Boss, what are you doing?

Foot Notes

1. 天妃 (Tiān fēi) is “Heavenly Concubine”.

2. 合欢 (Héhuān) means “to get together” and can specifically mean sexual intercourse as a verb. As a noun, however, it refers to the Persian Pink Silk Tree or a design representing harmony and joy.