Being virtuous is as hard as driving a stubborn donkey uphill, while doing destructive things is as easy as rolling boulders downhill. It doesn't matter how patient, generous and wise we can be, if we can't overcome indolence, we'll never be able to benefit anyone. With heroic courage and perseverance, we become like warriors ready to face any internal or external battle in our quest to reach enlightenment and benefit all other beings.

"Jiu'er my love stay with me, come back to me little fox I need you. I can't let you go; I won't let you go, find your way back to me, to us.... I'm waiting for you..." Dong Hua pleading voice sounded like an echo thru the ripples of time and space, breaking through the great distance that fraught between them. Strewing deep into her inner self. His voice fainted away until she couldn't hear it no more.

Feng Jiu's soul was drifting further and further away, she felt being secluded and inaccessible to reach Dong Hua. Her subconscious was fully awake and functioning. She woke up to another dimension.

"Where am I?" She asked herself. She was in what it seems a white room surrounded by intense light. She touched her chest and found out that her wound strangely disappeared. The room carried some sense of serenity and quietness.

"Kneel." A strong voice startled her. It sounded like a roaring thunder. A cushion appeared out of nowhere in front of her.

"Where am I?" Feng Jiu asked.

"This is the Great Heavenly Council and you Bai Feng Jiu are being adjudicated."

"Am I dead?" Feng Jiu cautiously asked.

"Not exactly dead, but in between realms." The voice replied. Feng Jiu gasped, and quietly knelt understanding her predicament. It was her Judgement Day.

In an upper level hidden from Feng Jiu eyesight, a group of ancient immortals were carefully observing Feng Jiu's reactions. They could feel that she was scared but at the same time, she was tranquil. Willing to receive her sentence.

"Hmmm. This little one surely is special." The High Supreme Deity said.

"Appearances can be deceiving." Fate responded.

"Not to me they are not. Nothing escapes my eyes. Remember that Fate. Let us begin. Let us examine her flaws and virtues first." The High Supreme Deity interjected.

"Bai Feng Jiu has always been doted ever since her birth. She grew up to be true to her character among other traits: cunning, defiant and mischievous. Getting into all sorts of troubled situations and depending on others to rescue her from punishment. She loves to push boundaries to test some sort of freedom when she is challenged to be confined. Feng Jiu is not afraid to be straightforward with others, especially her elders or people in authority in all spheres. She grew up to be apprehensive of herself and it has caused problems in her relationship with others since her youth days. And for that she has greatly suffered. However, she has always shined when faced with injustice. Always willing to sacrifice herself for the benefit of others. Her pureness of heart is her best trait. She knows what she was born for and knows her destiny. She is not afraid of death; her resilience is unshakable. Many admire her, others envy her." Destiny added.

"This little one is strong and stubborn at the same time. There are very few who can change her determination when she makes her mind for a decision. When she loves she does it with all the strength of her being, she does not put-up barriers. Her love is pure and unconditional. It is the best strength that she has shown to have." Love added.

"May I remind all of you that Feng Jiu was conceived against nature? She is a treat to the universe and all living things. Although she doesn't know how powerful she is or can be, she is wayward and willful. Not to mention that she married against our ruling and caused her fated husband to die unnecessarily. She doesn't care about being destined or fated. She doesn't have faith in our guide. She prefers to write her own, and that is against our code." Fate interjected.

"How love or being in love is against our divine code?" Love questioned Fate.

"She violated our heavenly decree and married an ill-fated husband defying us. Her love is stained and so is her life and marriage. We can't let her to go back. We always have set the example; we can't make any exceptions." Fate replied.

"Hmmm. Let us consider this for a moment." High Supreme Deity expressed.

"Who determined her birth? Her love life or marriage?" Destiny asked the panel.

"We did." Justice replied.

"Precisely. So, to say that Feng Jiu was conceived against nature it is to conclude that we violated our own codes. And that is ridiculous. It is true that Feng Jiu is wayward and willful, but who doesn't show these ill traits? Even among the most powerful known entities and the most cultivated individuals have this flaw of character. Feng Jiu was born for a specific role and that is to bring balance and stability to all living things." Destiny explained.

"She acted against our protocol when she decided to marry Dong Hua Dijun!!! She needs to face the consequences for her actions. Look at all the havoc this marriage has caused. A simple defiant act rippled chaos and destruction to innocent lives. Are we going to turn a blind eye and ignore the facts now?" Fate objected.

"Why are you so eager to punish her? Do you hate her that much?" Justice asked Fate.

"I don't hate her, is just her perseverance and defiance that I find unacceptable." Fate responded.

"Perseverance, coupled with heroic courage, is the best opponent to laziness and procrastination. Feng Jiu was able to break her laziness she had in her younger years. Failure and adversity are inherent parts of life. Immortals and mortals alike will often strive for success and encounter the dark abyss of despair that is falling short of their goals. All individuals have failed at one point or another; even immortals are failing as we are here discussing Feng Jiu's future. What matters, ultimately, is the attitude toward success. One can either be self-defeating and fatalistic, or can be optimistic and resilient.

Perseverance is one's ability to recover from failure, the ability to get up, brush-off, and find a new path toward productivity and accomplishment, despite the unintended failure. Personal perseverance is immunity from embarrassment, from humiliation, from disappointment. It contributes to good and fast decision-making.

We have to be factual and consider the following areas before we pass unbiassed judgment on her case: Attitude, choices, ethical and moral values, Feng Jiu's determination and outlook in life.

Positive Attitude: A positive attitude is not fanciful; rather it is a driving force. It is the desire to move forward, to persevere when others are retreating in the face of change and hardship. This mandate is a self-fulfilling prophecy that foreshadows success when paired with conclusive choice. Feng Jiu has maintained such in all her adversities. Let us note that.

Conclusive Choice: Success does not come from passivity in most cases. An individual must choose a course and stick to it, despite any apparent unlikelihood. Decisive action requires mettle. It requires the mettle to make difficult decisions when the convenience of an easier choice entices us from beyond. Better still are choices that are guided by an ethical compass. Although Feng Jiu grew up with many insecurities, she has been able to make decisive choices. Let us note that too.

Ethical Compass: Whatever the values that are conceived as imperative, many use them as guiding stars when making decisions because they fill with the conviction of moral certainty and belief. Once the decision is made and is carried it out, you must stick to it, and this requires uncompromising resolve. So far, we have seen how Feng Jiu has carried out her convictions with unclouded resolution. Let us note that as well.

Uncompromising Resolve: Determination and persistence can be likened to omnipotence for mortals. Keep it up until you recognize that the best option is to quit, because sometimes it will be. The point here is to recognize when stopping is rational or reasonable rather than convenient or easy. Sometimes a little bit of help from others is necessary to identify that moment. That's when social backing is crucial. Feng Jiu in most cases have depend on others counsel that have influenced her determination and course of action. Furthermore, let us add this too.

She has shown her attitude in passive and active optimism. We all have seen her passive optimist side. When she assumed the world operates on the brighter side and expects positive effects will follow negative circumstances, no matter what. Feng Jiu believes in the benevolence of people and always look the good side of them.

On her active optimist side, she has shown to be more resilient in that she is emboldened against negative circumstances. It had helped her make decisions confidently with the assumption that she will prevail and triumph, irrespective of apparent difficulty. Reaching some personal success in some of her set goals. Vindicated herself by moments of success, affecting her world outcomes.

Although Feng Jiu is still young, her mental attitude toward an action correlates closely with the consequence of that outcome. Satisfying self-fulfilling prophecy. We all are aware of her role and what she is destined for.

Certain features of her active optimist's mental attitude, are less likely to accept failure, less likely to desist from a chosen course of action, less likely to flounder in determination, and is less likely to accept rejection or failure. That is why her ultimate decision-making was not easy for her.

Feng Jiu had to select from one of the myriad options and for it was challenging. She placed others before her own personal desires, especially when she didn't know from being right, just sure. By going with her instincts, she was sure about a particular outcome and acted confidently. That significantly increased her chances of success sealing Miao Lou and ending the war.

We are well aware that decisive action is also about timeliness. Opportunities arise and disappear every second. Some are grander than others. Some go to the lucky. Often, they are snatched up by the quicker. Feng Jiu quickly recognized the opportunity and acted quickly.

Interestingly, decisive action has been shown to reduce stress and empower people to rebound from adversity. Feng Jiu resisted avoidance and paralysis when others may have succumbed. Especially when she saw that others closed to her risked their lives to save hers. Feng Jiu rebounded and turned failure into an opportunity for growth took a tremendous amount of personal responsibility. She didn't get stuck on personal trauma, she moved on to fulfill her role." Justice concluded.

"Yes, but at what cost? Others suffered because of her actions." Fate objected again.

Silence fell upon the room. All of them were pondering about the different angles they just discussed.

"I have something else to add." A familiar presence entered the court. It was Golden Immortal Da Lou.

"Golden Immortal Da Lou, welcome, please come in." High Supreme Deity told her.

"As you all are aware I usually don't meddle on others affairs unless a grave injustice has been committed. I've followed Xiao Feng Huang steps closely and I believe that my words will help you guide your decision." Golden Immortal Da Lou said.

"Please enlighten us as to what 'grave injustice' against Feng Jiu you are referring to." High Supreme Deity proceeded.

"Thank you for the opportunity High Supreme Judge. Esteem Immortals." Da Lou greeted them with reverence and respect.

"As ancient immortals were are bound to take ownership of our actions, otherwise we will feel detached from them and never be fully invested. Perseverance, active optimism, decisiveness, all require the sense that your actions emanate from oneself and no one else. It is natural to displace responsibility, especially when things get tough. In these cases, we should stave off our inclinations and opt for self-reflection. Failure and adversity are fertile conditions for self-reflection. This is impossible if you do not feel personally responsible for your own actions. You won't be prompted to self-reflect and grow. It takes great courage, but it should be done, especially when acting presumptuously as an executioner in the name of so-called justice."

Everyone present was shocked upon hearing her words. They all started talking at the same time. "Please let us behave accordingly, be silent." The High Supreme Deity hit the floor with his staff silencing the room.

"Are you implying that one of us took matters in their own hands?" High Supreme Deity asked Da Lou.

"Precisely. Success is contingent upon personal attributes, but it is also contingent upon others. Without the trust of others, we are less likely to build the interpersonal support vital to success. Trust is engendered by honesty, integrity, fidelity, and ethical behavior. These are parts that make up one's moral compass. The moral compass tends to remove risk from business and personal relationships and confer predictability, which grants safety and fosters trustworthiness. If the situation is right, the trust and support of others can be crucial to success because life will present opportunities that are not able to tackled alone. This is especially true because so many outcomes and opportunities are dependent on the decisions of others, who, most of the time, have no stake in our achievements. The amazing thing about having a clear moral compass is that it aids decision-making and concurrently gains greater degrees of responsibility and confidence from the people around you. These two factors perpetuate further success. Success begets success. When I speak of persistence, therefore, I see it as not only a state of mind but a mental, emotional, and moral attitude in the face of a challenge. This is key because we sometimes need to remind ourselves of our motivations. The closer they align with our values, the easier it will be to draw courage from them. Steady persistence and relentless tenacity can look much like defiance. It is the conviction to say, "I will not give in," when opposed by people or circumstances. There is a caveat, however. Persistence and tenacity can verge on rashness and stubbornness. We must sometimes desist from our chosen ill course, despite sunken costs or effort."

"Who has chosen to do this?" The High Supreme Deity asked again.

"Someone with ill intentions that saw Feng Jiu more as a liability than an asset and took our resources dedicated to one goal and allocated them for another course. This immortal failed to recognize that success can take the form of holding back or stopping could result in self-defeat. By rejecting to hold back it forced a great injustice on an unborn child, trying to putting it to death with malicious intentions."

"Who committed such a grave thing?" Justice asked Golden Immortal Da Lou.

"The one who continues to spread doubts about Feng Jiu's character and motives in your respected minds today. This individual took the authority that it was not given to pass a sentence that it was not lawful to give. Calling herself the Hand of Heaven." Da Lou responded.

All eyes fell on Fate. "It was you, wasn't it?" Destiny scolded Fate.

"Yes, it was me. All debts need to be paid and Dong Hua Dijun incurred on a greater one and payment has not been submitted. This matter still needs to be addressed."

"To be called the Hand of Heaven without being commissioned to do so is a grave sin. Acting against an innocent life especially when is an unborn child is a greater sin. This is surely an extreme injustice." Justice interjected.

"It might be considered an extreme injustice, but we cannot forget that Dong Hua Dijun broke an oath and by our law he needs to pay with his life. Bai Feng Jiu granted him the true essence of immortality making him untouchable. So that is why I acted against his progeny." Fate defended herself.

"Without our consent!!!" High Supreme Deity shouted in disgust.

"May I add something else High Supreme Judge?" Da Lou wisely addressed the panel.

"You may."

"Thank you. According with our law when an oath is broken, the punishment for the offender is a required restitution. Since Dong Hua Dijun removed his love life from the Rock of Three Incarnations his fated wife which was originally Bai Feng Jiu, was allotted to another husband. In this case, Lord Weng Chan, who valiantly sacrificed himself dying in her place, which is the restitution of Dong Hua Dijun's debt full payment. Lord Weng Chan sacrifice granted him great merit in the eyes of this Council, paying a debt on behalf of another. For that I will request that you allow him to speak on his behalf." Golden Immortal Da Lou spoke.

"Call him in." Lord Weng Chan entered the high court and reverently greeted everyone present.

"Lord Weng Chan, according with our codes of morality, you have earned the great merit to go back and live a good and long prosperous life with your fated wife Bai Feng Jiu. We willfully fulfill your wish if this is what you desire." The High Supreme Deity addressed Weng Chan.

"Thank you, your Honor, it is a great privilege for me to hear your kind words. However, I lived a prosperous life and although my fated wife never loved me as I wanted to; my wish is to see her happy with her beloved. To be able to see her get her true happiness is enough for me. His Lordship Dong Hua Dijun has also earned the right to be happy with her for all of his deeds to preserve universal peace. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. He has lived an extensively long life without being able to experience love. I won't wish that upon anyone. That in my opinion weight more than his broken oath. I never wanted her to love me forcefully. Because love should be given freely, selflessly and not imposed. If you see fit to grant me a wish, my only request will be to accompany her, but not as her fated husband, but as her companion. To be next to her for a lifetime and see her finally happy is my only request. I have nothing more to add your Honor." Weng Chan finished addressing the court.

"Lord Weng Chan what an honorable request. May I ask you; how well did you get to know Bai Feng Jiu?" Justice asked him.

"I came to know her late in our lives, but what others thought of her was enough for me to see the exceptional young woman that she really is. From her family and friends, her life achievements, her kind acts towards others, proves that she deserves all the happiness in the universe. She is really one of a kind." Weng Chan smiled upon saying these words.

"And you are willing to give her away just like that?" Love asked Weng Chan this time.

"The greatest act of love is to give away your life on behalf of those that you love. I'm willing to see her happy even if is not with me. She has greatly suffered to attain her happiness. I want to gift her that. I have no regrets."

"Thank you, Lord Weng Chan, for your transparency. You may take your leave; we will reach a decision on your request." .

"Thank you, your Honor." Weng Chan left the courtroom.

"Love is a pure feeling that you give unselfishly to another living being. It comes with a total feeling of comfort, knowing that you haven't caused pain or suffering to anyone. Instead, you've helped bring them joy. To feel compassion for the other person. This compassion is what would lead all living beings to receive respect. That young immortal has my utmost respect." Love said.

"If we believe in the continuity of mind, then love inconspicuously connects us to the ones we love with continuous positive energy, so that even tangible separations between people who love each other do not reduce the intangible power of love, the greatest power known in the universe." Destiny added.

"I believe we all have heard enough to reach a decision about Bai Feng Jiu." High Supreme Deity said.

"We all have." The panel answered.

"As for you Fate, you will never take matters into your hands ever again. Their fate is now in our hands and not on yours any more. If you ever encroach our authority again, we'll make sure that your fate is sealed forever. Understand? You will serve punishment for this grave sin of yours. We'll reach a decision afterwards." The High Supreme Deity concluded.

"Yes, your Honor." Fate bewilderly answered.

"Anything else that you wish to add Golden Immortal Da Lou?" High Supreme Deity asked.

"Nothing else your Honor." Da Lou said.

"Then let's reach a verdict."

"Thank you, your Honor" Da Lou replied and left the courtroom.

Feng Jiu was still kneeling waiting patiently for her sentence. An hour has passed ever since she entered the room.

"Bai Feng Jiu"

"Present."

"Are you ready to hear your sentence?"

"I'm ready."

"Get up."

"Thank you, your Eminence."

Feng Jiu felt her soul returning to her body. Slowly her senses began to wake. She felt pain, anguish, desperation and sadness. Her hand was being held. Warmth liquid was going down her throat. The pungent smell of bitter medicine hit her nose. She concentrated to move her fingers but there was not enough strength to do so. She couldn't open her eyes.

"Xiao Jiu darling you must rest. Don't force yourself." Zhe Yan gentle voice was soothing her fears. "Everything is all right kittling. Dong Hua is safe, don't worry. Is all over now."

Meanwhile...

"Zhong Li, where is Dihou's mother? I left them under your care." Dong Hua harshly asked him.

"Dijun, When Tai Chen Palace was under attack, Dihou instructed some of the soldiers to safeguard her from any harm. Dihou's mother is at the safe room. There was so much chaos around the palace that I failed to see where Dihou went afterwards, please punish me Dijun for my negligence." Zhong Li knelt down in front of Dong Hua.

"Get up Zhong Li. Have the guards bring her where Dihou is being treated at."

"Yes Dijun."

Moments later, Feng Jiu's mother was near her bed. "Xiao Jiu!!! How did this happen Zhe Yan? Is she going to be all right?"

"Please calm down, Xiao Jiu is deep asleep to heal her injuries. Tell me how are you feeling?"

"Overly tired. I never thought that Xiao Jiu was going to act this reckless in her condition."

"You're still surprised? You perfectly know how Xiao Jiu is. Don't worry she'll come around. Let me check how are you doing." Zhe Yan scanned her with is phoenix aura and was able to discover a small pearl inside her womb. He internally smiled. "Why don't you lie down for a bit, it will help with your fatigue." Zhe Yan suggested. After she laid down, Zhe Yan put a sleep spell on her. Dong Hua happened to enter the room when he finished.

"Well?" Dong Hua asked Zhe Yan.

"The baby is doing fine Dong Hua. I didn't tell her what Xiao Jiu did, instead I put her to sleep. Her body is feeling the ramifications of her condition. I don't know for how long she can bear this pregnancy. Nor I think she has discovered yet that she's carrying Xiao Jiu's baby. Have you figured out how did she managed to do the transfer?"

"Not yet. We have to wait for Jiu'er to wake up. At least the baby is safe. That is a relief."

"How are you feeling?" Zhe Yan asked him.

"Tired...So much for retirement." Dong Hua shrugged at his answer.

"Well, your old as time itself. Better rest up and recuperate fast. I have to keep eyes on the three of you. Your lazy days are about to change soon."

"Where is Mo Yan?"

"He left for Qing Qui to handle things there."

Back at Qing Qui....

Mo Yan along with his Kun Lun disciples finished purifying all the evil miasma that Miao Lou left behind. There so much devastation. Qing Qui scenery suffered a damaging transformation. Bai Zhi was hopeless to see how his beloved land has been robbed of its beauty. Bai Zhen was scanning their troops for the wounded. They had established a medical treatment camp. Yan Chiwu and his army assisted with the cleanup. He also felt hopeless upon seeing so many of his brothers lying dead on the ground.

Qing Qui civilians came to help their emperor with the restoration work. So many homes and business were destroyed.

Cang Yi's father and their army offered their assistance with the cleanup too. They were working hand in hand with the Shīzi army organizing tents for the wounded and offering supplies for the needy.

Bai Rui, Bai Qian and Ye Hua arrived to witness the somber desolation panorama. Bai Rui held her husband hand. "We will rebuild again husband. We will restore Qing Qui's glory and beauty again to our lands." Bai Zhi simply nodded and his wife wiped his tears from his face.

Bai Qian felt impotent seeing so much anguish and suffering all around the land. "Our beloved Qing Qui!" She cried out. Ye Hua held her in his embrace. "We will help them Qian Qian, I promise you." Ye Hua reassured her.

Bai Zhen came to see his family devastated. "Bai Zhen son please tell us what news you have! Where is your brother?" Bai Zhi pleaded.

With a gloomy face he addressed Bai Zhi. "Father.... I have unfortunate news."

"Whatever it is we'll face it together son, please tell us." Bai Zhi said.

Bai Zhen had tears in his eyes. With a trembling voice said: "Father...second brother...didn't make it."

"How... did it happen?" Bai Zhi asked.

"According with several witnesses he was holding Lord Weng Chan body. They died together under a strike of poisonous arrows. There too many." Bai Zhen replied.

Bai Rui burst into tears "Nooooooo.... our son. Bai Yi..." Bai Qian and Bai Zhi held her tight. They were all crying in agony. Ye Hua felt pained seen them grieving.

Bai Zhen knelt on the ground exhausted, overwhelmed, heartbroken, angered, distraught. Ye Hua has learned to develop his empathic side. He knew foxes were emotional creatures. Ye Hua knelt with him and held him, offering him some sort of comfort. Bai Zhen cried out in his shoulder. The Bais were inconsolable.

Mo Yan received the distressing news and quickly rushed to their side to offer them his condolences. "Bai Zhi brother, if there anything I can do let me know. I'm here for the family."

"Thank you, Mo Yan. For now, we just need our space to grieve. I hope that you and everyone else will understand. We'll send for you when the memorial is ready so you can be with our family."

"I will be there, count on that brother. In the meantime, let me coordinate the work around here since Dong Hua and Feng Jiu are out of commission. Zhe Yan is taking care of them as we speak. That way you and your family will be free to concentrate on the memorial arrangements."

"I'll appreciate that Mo Yan."

"Is the least we can do." Mo Yan strongly hugged Bai Zhi.

Mo Yan sent Zi Lan to Tai Chen Palace to inform Dong Hua about the news. Feng Jiu's mother was dismayed. Zhe Yan and Dong Hua were monitoring her health. They didn't want her to be emotional unstable.

"Bai Yi was a good man Zhe Yan."

"I know he was."

'When is the memorial?"

"Bai Zhi wants to wait until Xiao Jiu wakes up. They will visit soon."

"Thank you Zhe Yan. I will prepare our garments."

"Okay. Are you going to be all right?"

"Yes, do not worry, I will be fine."

"I'll be here if you need me."

"I know. Thanks."

Thirty Days Later....

Feng Jiu slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was a pair of black stone eyes intensely staring at her. Dong Hua was lying next to her. "You finally woke up little fox. How are you feeling?"

"Disoriented. My chest still hurts a bit" Feng Jiu flutter her eyes.

"It will take some time for your wound to heal completely."

"How are you feeling?" Feng Jiu asked him concerned.

"I'm fine. The poison is out of my body, I'm out of danger. Do not worry."

"I'm relieved to know that. How long I've been out this time?"

"A month."

Feng Jiu noticed his clothes. "So.... I guess you know already."

"We all do. Bai Zhi came by a couple of weeks ago to see how you were progressing. The family is waiting for you to wake up to proceed with the memorial."

"I see. How is mama doing?"

"She is doing well."

"And.... the baby?" Feng Jiu hesitantly asked him.

"The baby is doing well too Jiu'er. But your mother doesn't know yet."

"Good. I need to transfer back the baby to my womb."

"You just woke up Jiu'er. We can discuss that later on"

"Are you going to scold me?"

Dong Hua tenderly smiled at her. "Do you want me to? Hmm?" Dong Hua raised his brow and waited for her to answer.

Feng Jiu lowered her head. "I'm sorry husband."

Dong Hua carefully pulled her into his embrace and breathed in her scent. "We'll talk about this later, I missed you in my arms."

"I missed you too." Feng Jiu inhaled his soothing white sandalwood scent.

"For a moment I thought I was going to lose you." Dong Hua hugged her tighter.

"You did for a while." Feng Jiu replied with a soft tone.

"I'm grateful that you are back." Dong Hua stared at her face.

"Me too. I'm back where I belong." Feng Jiu met his face.

"With me, in my arms forever little fox." Dong Hua answered.

"That is the plan." Feng Jiu met his gaze

"Let's stick to the plan this time, shall we?" Dong Hua smiled at her.

"Agreed." Feng Jiu smiled at her beloved.

"Rest a bit more before your parents notice that you are up already. I want to have you all to myself at least for a while." Dong Hua cutely pouted.

"You're so shameless" Feng Jiu chuckled.

"And you love it my naughty little fox." Dong Hua whispered to her ear.

"You know I do."

"My Dihou"

"My Dijun" Feng Jiu nuzzled her face into his broad chest and snuggled further.

They rested for a while embracing each other. Both of them regulated their breathing and dozed off. A couple of hours later Zhe Yan and her mother came to the room to see them sleeping like that.

"These two don't waste any time." Zhe Yan nauseatingly said.

"Let them have their time Zhe Yan, once Xiao Jiu is up, we all are moving into a gloomy scenario. At least they are at peace like this. I love to see them happy regardless of their obstacles."

"How are you holding up?" Zhe Yan asked her.

"I feel strange to be honest with you. Mentally and emotionally, I am a bit drained with all that happened. I'm so glad that this war is over. It is strange to enter a new era not sure what to do or expect."

"It could be exciting too. Will you stay around?" Zhe Yan asked her with a hint of hope on his voice, she caught it.

"Of course, I will, I don't want to miss out on our grandchild. That little one is going to give us a run of our lives." Feng Jiu's mother chuckled a bit.

"We will spoil him rotten." Zhe Yan happily replied.

"Yes, we will."

"Time to wake up the love birds."

"Come on Zhe Yan, do you have to?"

"Of course, I have to, I need to check how Xiao Jiu is doing!" Zhe Yan annoyingly woke them up causing Dong Hua to be frustrated. "Xiao Jiu darling how are you feeling?"

"She is doing well." Dong Hua seethed not letting go of Feng Jiu.

"Dong Hua I need to check her, please free her." Feng Jiu's mother snickered upon seeing Dong Hua's face.

"I will free one of her arms so you can examine her." Dong Hua icily said.

"Dong Hua, fùqīn. Please stop."

"All right, all right. I give up! When it comes to Xiao Jiu and her shameless husband there is no room to breathe. We need to have a serious talk, Xiao Jiu!" Zhe Yan seriously told her.

"Yes fùqīn." Feng Jiu got up to be examined. Zhe Yan was throughout with this examination. He stared at her hinting her to talk to him in his mind. "Care to tell me how did you managed to transfer your baby to your mother's womb?"

"Don't be mad fùqīn."

"I'm not mad, but it bothers me that you are so impulsive with things that are this vital. You risked your baby's life, put yourself in danger and your mother health in jeopardy too. She's physically struggling and managing symptoms that are strange for her. Did you ever considered that her body might not be compatible with your pregnancy? May I remind you that this child is different? Dong Hua and your DNA are unique. Its beyond my medical comprehension to see how this baby is still alive. Whatever you did, you need to reverse it and transfer the baby back where it belongs. Either you show me what you did or tell your husband to help you, but it needs to be done as soon as possible."

"I understand. Duìbùqǐ fùqīn."

"Are you done talking with my wife?" Dong Hua joined their telepathic conversation.

"Can you at least respect our privacy?" Zhe Yan complained.

"Do you respect ours old phoenix, hmmm?" Dong Hua retorted.

"Point taken."

"All right Xiao Jui you seem to be doing well. Need to take it ease still. Your wound has not internally healed completely."

Feng Jiu saw that her mother was exhausted. She didn't want to wait any longer so she casted a sleeping spell on her. Zhe Yan placed her on another bed next to theirs. She got up to see her. "She is so beautiful and regal. Mama I love so much, Duìbùqǐ for everything." Feng Jiu gave her a soft kiss on her forehead.

"All right little fox, tell us what to do." Dong Hua told her.

Feng Jiu produced the spell scroll. "Here Dong Hua, this is how I did it."

"Where did you get this?" Dong Hua curiously asked.

"From your library."

"My library doesn't have this types of scrolls Jiu'er."

"Really Dong Hua? Your secret library does."

"You naughty fox." Dong Hua softly hit Feng Jiu's head with the scroll. Dong Hua read the scroll and looked over Feng Jiu with a stern expression. She purposely avoided his gaze.

"Is it that bad?" Zhe Yan asked.

"Read it for yourself and tell me." Dong Hua passed the scroll to Zhe Yan.

Zhe Yan widen his eyes "You are naughty indeed Xiao Jiu. How could you!!!" Zhe Yan reprimanded her too.

"I already apologized all right?"

"You are forbidden to ever go to my library again, understand Jiu'er?" Dong Hua sternly told her.

Feng Jiu sighed hard. "Yes husband."

Feng Jiu laid down next to her mother for the transfer to begin. "Tell me if it gets too uncomfortable for you and I will put you to sleep." Dong Hua said.

"I will prefer to be awake." Feng Jiu held her mother's hand.

"All right." Dong Hua began extracting the pearl from her mother's womb, he was astonished as how well his little fox created an environment for the fetus to thrive. The fetus was bigger. Zhe Yan eyes misted seeing for the fist time his grandchild in this form. "Astounding!"

Using his powers Dong Hua carefully completed the transfer with no complications. As soon as the fetus was back to her womb, Feng Jiu felt it. Zhe Yan proceeded to scanned Feng Jiu to make sure that everything was satisfactory. "Everything went well Dong Hua."

Dong Hua squatted to Feng Jiu's stomach and was able to hear the little one heartbeat. He tenderly smiled.

"Is mother, okay?" Feng Jiu asked.

"She is perfectly fine. Don't worry, I will take her to rest at the guest room." Zhe Yan left them alone.

"I want to take a bath" Feng Jiu expressed.

"I will prepare it for you. Stay here." Minutes later he carried her to their bath chambers. They both soaked in the healing waters he prepared. Feng Jiu felt a bit sad for what happened to Bai Yi and Weng Chan.

"Little fox, what is bothering you?" Dong Hua was concerned.

"Did they tell you how they died?" Feng Jiu asked him absent minded.

"According with the report, some eyewitnesses said that Bai Yi died protecting Weng Chang, he was hit with so many poisonous arrows."

"That is not entirely what happened."

"Oh?" Dong Hua said.

"I was there Dong Hua. When I arrived at Qing Qui, I immediately joined the fight. Weng Chan just saved my life from a fire beast that tried to kill me. He got hit with the arrows when he was fighting the creature. I tried to heal him but it didn't work. So, I went to father to help him. He was stricken with some poisonous arrows too but he refused any help. Instead, they continued fighting hand in hand. When the other round of arrows was approaching, father pushed me away and casted a protective shield over me. He chose to die along with Weng Chan. He called him 'his son'. Father died asking me to forgive him. I didn't get the chance to respond to him." Feng Jiu tears were coming down.

"Do not feel remorseful Jiu'er. There are always casualties in all wars. Many sacrificed their lives for Qing Qui that day." Dong Hua wiped her tears.

"I know. But you should have seen their faces Dong Hua. I saw how their bodies turned into dust. I wasn't able to help them. I felt powerless."

"Nobody could little fox. They chose to die together like that. Is not your fault. It was their choice. They chose to save you."

"But if I weren't there, they could be still alive."

"Who knows Jiu'er. You couldn't predict the war outcome. You can live yourself with guilt for the rest of your days, but what will that solve? Trust me, I have lived thru many wars and have seen many of my valiant comrades died time and time again. Because they believed that one day peace will be achieved in all realms. I spend so many years living with guilt that it almost consumed me. Guilt is an incredibly powerful emotion. It often combines feelings of shame, anxiety, frustration, and humiliation. These emotions can well up inside and build over time, it can be an elusive and hard-to-predict beast. It is also important to take some time alone and reflect on why it happened. What was the situation at that time and what can you do to make sure it does not happen again? Also reflect on what you can learn from this and give yourself something positive from the experience. Give yourself credit for growing, learning and becoming more responsible and mature. and sounds better than beating yourself and consequently feeling bad. It is important to let go of the guilt and forgive yourself. The longer you keep it inside, the longer will be suffering from it. Long term burden of guilt can make you depressed and anxious as you would tend to avoid social situations and begin to withdraw. Also, it is possible that you will not be a pleasant company if your mind is obsessing on your guilt feelings. Good communication and confession can ease the pain you are suffering from.

Jiu'er regardless of what happened, focus on the present. You need to think of our child now. Everything that you feel he will feel it too. The baby will need you to be strong and healthy. You made a sacrifice to keep him safe from harm. Even I wouldn't thought about using your creative way. For that I have to give you credit. For now, learn from your past mistakes and ensure that they do not get repeated. Instead of making ourselves suffer, it is better to make amends. You are not alone little fox. I will be with you always. Come here and let me give you a massage to get you more relaxed. Now that the baby is where it belongs, I want to take care of you in every level. You don't need to make this transition alone. I will grief with you."

"Thank you, Dong Hua, that means a lot to me."

"For now, no more forbidden spells, okay?"

"As long as the universe is not in danger again, then I will stay away from them."

"Jiu'er, using forbidden magic requires for you to be balanced and well-tempered. Not to mention that much of your cultivation is used when casting these types of spells. You are still young and learning about your powers. You still need further cultivation to learn to control your powerful core. I don't want you to rush it. We have time and I will help you expand your powers even further. But your father was right when he reprimanded you. I well understand your motives, but you always need to consider how your actions when applying these complicated spells will affect others too. There were too many risks involved. I think that your mother deserves to know the truth about this."

"I know husband. In time I will tell her."

"I know you will. She is an understating woman; she will not hold grudges against you." Dong Hua gave her a message that completely relaxed her.

"Husband you have magical hands." Dong Hua smiled

"I want you to rest today. Tomorrow we'll attend the family memorial. I want you to be strong little fox for the sake of our baby. I will let Bai Zhi know that we'll be there."

"All right. I'm ready."