"Marked with both good and evil?"  Donghua Dijun frowned as he contemplated what it meant.  He had just come back from Tai Chen Palace as he needed to deal with some matters before the wedding so he was surprised when Bai Yi Dijun and Zhe Yan had suddenly asked for an audience with him.  "This is what the Seer of Bashi said?"  

Bai Yi nodded as he tried to remember exactly what the Seer had said when she had suddenly appeared before them.  At that time Hai Lan had been pregnant for a few months and after so many miscarriages, they were feeling anxious but a little bit more hopeful.  This was the longest time that Hai Lan had kept a kittling so everyone was cautiously watching her, praying that everything will be fine.  Zhe Yan had even been staying temporarily in the Fox Realm just to monitor her.  One afternoon while Hai Lan was resting in her room, an old woman, shrouded in a silver hood had suddenly appeared before her.   She approached Hai Lan and stared at her abdomen and chanted something.  Hai Lan could not hear what she was saying but the kittling inside of her reacted fiercely as it started kicking vigorously.   Hai Lan who was momentarily entranced by the unexpected appearance came out of her stupor when she felt that kick and she shouted for her husband.  Her body shook in fright.   Bai Yi who heard his wife's voice quickly entered their chamber with Zhe Yan in tow   Both of them were shocked to see a stranger inside the chamber since they were just by the door and no one had entered the fox cavern.  Bai Yi reacted quickly intending to blast the woman away from his wife when the woman suddenly phased out and reappeared away from Hai Lan and nearer to Zhe Yan.

"Nuwa greets Bai Yi Dijun, Hai Lan Dihou and High God Zhe Yan.  We meet again High God Zhe Yan."  she said as she pushed down the hood of her cloak revealing her face.  They could also clearly see a bronze amulet hanging on her neck.   

"Nuwa? The Seer of Bashi?"  Zhe Yan exclaimed in disbelief as he stared in surprise at the familiar, yet unfamiliar face.  He was suspicious at first if not for the power he felt emanating from the ancient amulet.  It was only then that he accepted the possibility that it was really her.  No one else would be able to control the power held by that particular ancient artifact.    He had also met her once thousands of years ago, she was so much younger then but the features were the same.  Since then, though,  the Seer had gone into seclusion in her mountain home and rarely met with anyone.  The Seer inclined her head in acknowledgement when Zhe Yan finally greeted her properly.  Bai Yi and Hai Lan, who were both still in shock, merely stared at the interloper.  They've never met her before but, of course, knew who she was, at least by name.  How can anyone not know the most powerful Seer in the Immortal Realms.  

"Bai Yi greets the Holy One."  Bai Yi said once he recovered from his stupor.  He immediately went to his wife who merely nodded to assure him that she was fine.   Hai Lan also did the customary greeting, but her hand still hovered protectively over her child.  An awkward silence followed the greetings as Bai Yi, Hai Lan and Zhe Yan did not know what to say.  It appeared that the Seer also did not want to say anything, at least not yet.

"What can we do for you Holy One?"  Bai Yi finally asked, feeling extremely discomfited as the  continued silence stretched on.  They all wondered why the Seer had appeared here in their little abode.  They all knew she was not malevolent, however, her sudden appearance had alarm bells ringing within their hearts even as they tried to maintain a calm, placid countenance.    The presence of the Seer was truly frightening because everyone knew that since she had secluded herself in her mountain hundreds of thousands of years ago, she has not come down nor set foot on any other part of the Immortal Realms.  What did it mean for her to appear here now?  What world shattering vision did she see that she deigned to actually come to the Fox Realms.  Their Fox Realm was really not a place where things of significance happens.  Besides, the fact that the Seer's gaze was directed not at them but at the child further increase their worries.

Suddenly, a flash of power came out from the amulet and directly entered into the body of Hai Lan.  Immediately, there was a golden glow around her stomach.  Everything happened so fast that Bai Yi was not able to react and shield his wife.  He glared at the Seer in disbelief at her unwelcome actions.  However, before he can demand an explanation from the Seer, the Seer raised her hand and said in a strong voice, "A blessing to ward off the evil for one who should not be."

Bai Yi and Hai Lan both stiffened up hearing the word of the Seer.  They knew that they were not meant to have a child at all.  When Hai Lan had broken the marriage compact with her former intended, they had been warned of what it would mean for their future.  For Hai Lan to have carried this kittling for this long was already a miracle.   They have always been prepared for disappointment but for this kittling to have survived this far, they could not help but feel hopeful.   Hai Lan clutched the hands of Bai Yi while he slowly rubbed circles on her palms to sooth her.   

"There's a prophecy on the child?" Zhe Yan asked the Seer softly. After analyzing it for a few moments, this was the thing that made the most sense to him. The Seer would not be here if it was not because of a vision.  But this was indeed a scary thing.   The visions must portend to a bad omen or else she would not be here.

The Seer stared back at them and then in a monotonous voice intoned, "The child must be born in Fanyin Valley if she is to survive.  She is not meant for this world if not for her fated one.  Her life will be marked by both good and evil.  To overcome the evil is to save the Universe.  It is up to her if this can be done.  This vision must not be revealed again until such a time as the good appears.  Remember, she must be born in Fanyin Valley if you want her to live."  After having said all that, the Seer disappeared leaving the 3 occupants in the room with more questions than answers.

"She didn't say anything else?"  Donghua asked after Bai Yi had recounted everything he could recall.  It had been so long ago that the memory was a little bit hazy.  All he could remember from that time was the fear they felt.  They didn't want any prophecy attached to their child, all they want is for her to live a quiet, peaceful life.  They never told anyone else about what the Seer said.  In the intervening years, the memory of the actual prophecy faded for some reason.  The lines spoken by the Seer slowly disappeared from their minds until they had quite forgotten it.  It was only when Zhe Yan had mentioned that Xiao Jiu had been marked by Donghua Dijun that the words spoken by the Seer had been slowly recollected and recalled.   Maybe it was because of the lingering memory of the prophecy that made Bai Yi resistant to the idea of Xiao Jiu and Dijun together.     

"No, that was it.  As far as I can remember."  Bai Yi said shaking his head still trying his best to recall anything he might have missed.

"Yes, I remember also, that's about all she said."  Zhe Yan concurred.  Zhe Yan realized that even he had forgotten exactly what had happened at that time.  The only thing that they could recall firmly was that Xiao Jiu should be born in Fanyin Valley.  Aside from that whatever else the Seer had said had disappeared from their memories until now.

"It was only when Zhe Yan mentioned that you have marked her that my memory was triggered.  Maybe the prophecy has something to do with your marking."   

The  frown on Donghua's face deepened.  The Seer coming down to personally deliver the prophecy was disturbing enough but for it to be vague and ambiguous was even worst.  But all prophecies were like that.  They only become clear once they pass.  He knew it would be useless to ask the Seer for more clarification so he knew it was up to him to decipher it.  In this particular one, he can only assume the mark of good was from him but what about the mark of evil?  Was it there already in his Xiao Bai or was it to appear only in the future.       

"Do you think the wedding should be postponed while we try to get to the bottom of this?" Bai Yi asked afraid to rock the boat, to change Xiao Jiu's status in life when everything was still so unclear.  He was uneasy with the idea that the marriage may adversely affect the couple, most especially his beloved daughter.

"No."  Donghua said firmly.  This was the one thing he was very certain of.   His instinct, which has never failed him, told him that he can protect Xiao Bai better if she was married to him.    "The wedding will go on as planned.  Although we have don't know what it means yet, It's clear that the prophecy is related to me also.  I can only fully protect Xiao Bai if her life is fully intertwined with mine."  Bai Yi frowned but after a while his features eased up a little.   Xiao Jiu and Dijun did seem to be really11111111 fated for each other for how else can they find each other in such a vast universe considering the distance between their age, their personalities and their status in life.  Was he the reason she could survive in this Universe?  She is not meant for the world if not for her fated one.   He nodded his head to the acquiesce to the wedding going forward as planned.  It's not as if he could really stop it any way, he though wryly to himself, not with Dijun so intent on getting his claws into his daughter as soon as possible.  

"Don't mention any of this to Xiao Bai first.  I will talk to her about this after the wedding.  I don't want anything marring her enjoyment of our wedding day."  Donghua said not wanting anything to disturb his baobei.  Bai Yi and Zhe Yan both nodded not wanting her to worry also.  "I will consult some ancient scroll and try to divine this once I'm back in Bihai Cangling.  If you remember anything else, let me know immediately."  Bai Yi and Zhe Yan both stood up to excuse themselves when the door to the villa suddenly opened. 

"Donghua, where are you?  Migu said you were back!"  Xiao Bai called out cheerfully as she entered Donghua's villa.  Spying the old God, she immediately launched herself at him to give him a tight hug and a kiss on his lips.  "You're finally back!!!! Did you miss me? I miss you so much.  Don't leave for so long next time.  I'm really sad when you're  not around.  Better yet,  next time you take me with you, all right?"  she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist more tightly putting her head on his chest to inhale his familiar scent.    

"Xiao Jiu!" Bai Yi admonished loudly when he saw the actions of his daughter, his face turning red.  Xiao Bai immediately stilled, loosening her hold on Donghua.  It  was apparent that it was only now that she realized that Donghua was not alone.  She closed her eyes momentarily, hoping against hope that it wasn't her father who she just heard.  But she was doomed to be disappointed because as she turned, she saw both her father and uncle.  Because they were off on the side, they were not clearly visible from the entrance of the villa and as Xiao Bai was frequently focused only on Donghua, she never took the time to look around first before she gave Donghua that hug and kiss.  "Umm, father, Uncle Zhe Yan, how are you here? I didn't expect you to be here."  she mumbled shyly feeling a little embarrassed at being caught by her father being intimate with Donghua.  

"Clearly..." Bai Yi said scowling.  

Xiao Bai looked away from her father's frightening face and stared daggers at Donghua when she saw him smirk.  She didn't care if she was being unfair but how can he not warn her beforehand that he was not alone?  This was all so embarrassing.  Donghua remained unfazed at her glaring at him and merely encircled his arm around her waist to bring her closer to him, not caring that they were in full view of his future father in law.  Xiao Bai blushed as she tried to wiggle her way out but he merely tightened his hold on her as he placed a soft kiss on her head.  Xiao Bai's fierce glare immediately softened.  

"We were just having a little discussion with Dijun.  Why are you here?"  Bai Yi asked still looking displeased at the hoydenish behavior of his one and only offspring now wrapped tightly in the arms of the old God.  How can she just go in Donghua Dijun's villa and throw herself at him like this?  They were not even married yet.  It was all so improper that Bai Yi regretted spoiling his only offspring so much that she does whatever she feels like doing.  He should have disciplined her more when she was younger.   

"Umm, I, I, just wanted to invite Dijun to eat dinner with me."  Xiao Jiu said meekly.  She knew based on the grim face of her father that he was displeased with her behavior.  It's just that when she was with Donghua, she tended to lose all her inhibitions and let all her true nature show.  "If you're not done with your discussion yet, maybe you can continue it later?  Umm, Dijun needs to eat on time or else it's not good for his cultivation. He's been in the Sky Kingdom for a few days now and I'm sure he's not been eating on time."  she continued, her tone of voice making it appear that her father and uncle were disturbing Dijun in some ways by keeping him from eating healthy meal on time. 

Bai Yi:"....."

Zhe Yan: "..."

Dijun merely looked at his wife with a doting look on his face.  Just being around her made him happy.  She really did take extraordinary care of him.  Always making him her most important priority.  However, he wisely kept quiet as Bai Yi turned even redder, this time in outrage.

"You little brat, having raised you for so long, you only have Dijun on your mind now?"  Bai Yi said, his voice full of grievance at the blatant favoritism being shown by his daughter.  How quickly her allegiance change to that of her future husband.

"Father, what I meant was that all of you need to eat on time.  Of course I have all of you in mind.  It's just that Dijun has been taking care of the disturbances all over the Immortal Realms and his cultivation has suffered a little so I need to be the one to take care of him.  He only has me to take care of him.  You wouldn't deprive him of my care, would you?"  Xiao Jiu said scrambling to explain but at the same time making it sound like Dijun would perish without her tender loving care.  Dijun's smile could only become bigger.

Bai Yi sighed knowing that his daughter was too far gone now.  He looked at Dijun who was looking entirely too pleased with himself.  Look at that smile of his! Of course he's happy! Bai Yi shook his head.  How can his little cabbage who he has nurtured for so long be dug up just like that by a pig?  There was really no justice in this world.  "We are done with our discussion.  You can go eat now."  he said a little irritably, his voice surly. 

"You're not eating with us? I prepared enough for everyone. I cooked your favorited braised pork also."  Xiao Jiu said.  Although she would prefer to have a two person world with Donghua since they've been apart for so long, she felt it would be better not to antagonize her father more so she tried to persuade him to eat with them.  

"No, I will eat with your mother and Zhe Yan with your uncle."  Who wants to see them act intimately together?  Bai Yi had heard enough from everyone as to how the two acted so besotted with each other whenever they were together, as if they were alone in the world.  Even if he hasn't seen them together much yet, he knew that no one was exaggerating.  His old father's heart could not take it if he had to bear witness to that also.  He will be better off eating with his wife instead.

When the two elders left, Xiao Bai turned to Donghua and happily took his arms to drag him to the dining area where a huge feast was laid out.  "What were you discussing?  Is it for the wedding?"  Xiao Bai asked as soon as she had Donghua seated in his chair with a huge bowl of food in front of him.  She looked at him, frowned, and added some more meat that she knew Donghua liked.  He really was too thin.  Did he not eat at Tai Chen Palace?  

"Something like that." Donghua said a little evasively as he helplessly placed his hand over his bowl to prevent her from adding any more food.  She always fed him too much thinking that he wasn't eating well.  "Come here seat next to me. You eat also."  he said patting the space beside him.  

"Ah It feels good to relax with you after a long day."  Xiao Bai said happily as she leaned her head on his arms for a few moments.  Donghua observed her noting that she looked a little tired.   He rubbed her temple, adjusted his seating and put one arm around her shoulder to let her lean on his chest more comfortably.

"Have you been exhausting yourself over the wedding arrangements?  Chonglin should be doing most of the work.  You're not supposed to be running around doing things on your own. Also, I know you cooked all these dishes.  How many times have I told you not to do all the cooking.  That's why I sent Master Shi Ran over so that you don't have to do this."  Donghua chided gently. He was also feeling a little guilty.  He wondered if he was rushing the wedding too much.  He didn't realize how much went into preparing a wedding especially for the bride.  But he knew Xiao Bai had been very busy with things related to the wedding the past few days based on Chonglin's reports.  Although her cultivation  was pretty much back to normal owing to him giving her his blood, he still did not want her to feel worn out and fatigued.  She was much too precious to him.

"No, no, Chonglin has really been doing all the work.  It's just my mother has so much instructions for me on etiquette and such.  From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep, it's just one lesson after another.  I think she's afraid that I might scare you away if you see how undisciplined I really am.  Just today, there was a two hour lecture on how I should address you in private and in public.  It got all confusing so I told her I will just call you baobei both in public and in private to avoid any confusion.  She was not pleased with me." she said giggling. "I think preparing this wedding has been robbing her of her sense of humor."  

"You really are a bit undisciplined."  Donghua said flicking her adorable little nose.  She wrinkled her face and continued to grin at him.   

"So, does that mean you've change your mind about me? Have I scared you away?" she asked cheekily.

"Hmmm, I'll have to think about that. My baby is a bit unruly."  It was so easy to be with her.  He always feels any stress he may have slowly melting away.      

"What?  How can you say that to your precious baby?"  Xiao Bai said laughing as she swatted his arms playfully, not taking his statement seriously at all knowing exactly her place in his heart.  "In that case, I'll talk to father about postponing the wedding." 

"You dare???" Donghua pinched her cheeks.  "You know I'll never change my mind about you.  There's no one I love more than my unruly, undisciplined fox princess and I can't wait until we are married. One more week left and we will never have to be separated from each other.  I did miss you a lot when I was in Tai Chen Palace."    Donghua confessed as he gave her a small kiss on the lips.  Xiao Bai smiled as she urged him to quickly eat.  

The worry over the prophecy was temporarily set aside for now so that they can enjoy a joyous reunion.  Looking at his beautiful wife, Donghua can only vow in his heart to always protect this precious treasure by his side.