Dong Hua and Feng Jiu woke up upon hearing little Gun Gun baby talk. "Good morning son." Little Gun Gun sweetly smiled at his parents. "He's such a happy baby. He has your smile Dong Hua" Feng Jiu sweetly said. "Come Gun Gun is time for you feeding and then your father will give you a bath."

Feng Jiu and Dong Hua took care of little Gun Gun like they always do. After his bath, Dong Hua placed him back to his crib and placed a strong protective shield over him. "Be a good baby and rest for a while, we'll be back later on for play time." Dong Hua told his son, little Gun Gun cooed back to his father as his response. Dong Hua chuckled to hear him talking to him this way. "Yes, son don't worry we won't take long" Dong Hua tenderly replied.

Feng Jiu was mentally preparing for their departure with Yan Chiwu. Dong Hua was quiet during their travel. Yan Chiwu didn't dare to say a word either. The three of them traveled in absolute silence. Once they arrived to the secluded location where Ji Heng was held, Yan Chiwu opened the security shield for them to enter. Lord Xu Fang greeted them. "Dijun, Dihou" they just nodded back to him. "Take us to her" Dong Hua finally said.

"Right this way." Yan Chiwu proceeded to guide them.

Lord Xu Fang stopped them at the courtyard entrance. "Dijun, may you please remember her father's plea with your Lordship." Dong Hua said nothing; he gave Xu Fang a deadly cold stare. Xu Fang understood and moved out of the way.

Ji Heng upon seeing Dong Hua entering her room got to her knees immediately. Feng Jiu swiftly followed behind him. Ji Heng was annoyed to see Feng Jiu accompanying Dong Hua. "Ji Heng formally greets his Lordship Dong Hua Dijun, and his Dihou her Highness Queen Bai Feng Jiu" Ji Heng nervously said.

Yan Chiwu stood there blankly watching her. Feng Jiu noticed that Ji Heng didn't regarded Xiao Yan presence. "Aren't you going to greet your lord husband princess Ji Heng? After all that is proper protocol." Feng Jiu ironically asked.

"Of course, lord husband welcome back." Ji Heng simply said without lifting her head, she remained kneeling down. There was a lump on her throat. She was nervous and already aggravated.

Feng Jiu sensed her displeasure. "Princess Ji Heng, we meet again." Feng Jiu said. "The last time we saw each other I clearly remember that you were strictly forbidden to step out of your territory. You disappeared from the demon lands for a long time. A search was commissioned to find your whereabouts. It was a decree that it was passed as a preventative measure from waging a war with your kingdom since we are now allying thru a peace treaty. Unfortunately, my words were not respected and your defiant actions contributed to the latest war on my domain. Were my words simply passed wind to your ears?" Feng Jiu carefully stated.

"Oh, no...your highness...I mean... Dihou. Of course not." Ji Heng stuttered trying to contain her irritation.

"Then why you disobeyed my imperial decree?" Feng Jiu unsympathetically questioned her.

"I.... was... misled by Lord Nie Chuyin to bond with Miao Lou... I never thought that it was going to be threat to others. Then after that I was hold as her prisoner on a cave. I wasn't aware of what happened afterwards." Ji Heng answered defending herself.

Lord Xu Fang spoke this time. "I can attest to this your highnesses since I lead her rescue and was able to break her bond from Miao Lou."

Feng Jiu ignored Xu Fang statement. "Misled you say? If that was the case, being a princess, you should have used a better judgement before you decided to allied yourself with a dangerous individual like Miao Lou. What were your real motives to form such bond?" Feng Jiu continued with her interrogation.

Ji Heng was hesitating to answer. She cautiously gazed at Dong Hua direction.

"Hmmm I see... your fixation with my lord husband Dong Hua Dijun. With the opinions of others, exterior influences, and personal insecurities, it's easy to simply give in and pursue something unattainable. A suitable marriage was provided to you to benefit the inner conflicts of your clans. Was Demon Lord Yan Chiwu not enough for you?"

"Why will I settle for less of what I deserve?" Ji Heng irately answered.

"Settle for less you say? So, according to your statement what do you deserve then Princess Ji Heng?" Feng Jiu glared at her not backing down.

"I deserve to be at Dijun's side." Ji Heng finally said. Earning a disapproval glare from her adoptive brother and Yan Chiwu. "JI HENG!!!" Yan Chiwu shouted.

"My father made Dijun promised that he will look after me. I spent many years serving him, gaining his trust and affection. With the hope that one day he was going to marry me. Instead, you came along and seduced him with your fox charms and worked your way to his bed." Ji Heng seethed.

"Presumptuous!!! Ji Heng mind your manners. Don't forget who are you talking to!" Xu Feng furiously admonished her.

"Lord Xu Feng let her finish." Feng Jiu serenely said. Dong Hua was silently listening in disgust.

"Nobody knows Dijun like I do. I know how he likes his tea plus we share mutual interests. I made it my mission to learn every of his favorite topics to maintain an intellectual conversation with him. We spend many nights together sharing our precious time. I got very familiar with his daily routine and assisted him in his palace duties. When you were merely a maid in his palace you didn't fooled me. I knew that you wanted to be with him. You were a laughing stock with your insolence, impertinence and clumsiness. Using 'kindness' as an excuse to get closer to him. You are only a novelty to him, a hobby. He'll get bored of you and will threw you aside and move on. You think you have the qualities to be his Dihou? I'm better than you Bai Feng Jiu!!!" Ji Heng explosively said to Feng Jiu.

"Ji Heng!!! How you have the audacity to compare yourself to her highness?" Yan Chiwu came to his sister defense. "It's sad for me to admit this, but you fall too short, you don't even come close to reach her ankles. Contrary to her you didn't cared about your status, your brother efforts to save you or our people. We worked hard to resolve all of the inner conflicts within our clans to finally have some type of working accord. While you were unreasoning with your fascination fell deeper into a trap that endangered the lives of our people and others not fulfilling your role as princess of our demon clan. Her highness worked hard to avoid a war and when the war was in full force, she was willing to sacrifice her own life to end the same war that you contributed. You are selfish, you only think of yourself. Her highness is a true empress and queen, placing the lives of her subjects first, for the safety of universal peace! Where is your honor? Do you any?

Ji Heng, you uncaringly and wittingly rejected and trampled over my feelings and good intentions; causing innocent people to die over your egotistical desire to obtain something that never belonged to you. I value honest and authentic relationships. And you endangered an important one to me. Your beauty, good appearance and manners are just an illusion that only hides the root of your evil heart. I loved you Ji Heng, but you failed to see it because you're blind with your malicious intents. For a demon I even find that revolting." Yan Chiwu interjected.

"Ji Heng, we gave ample time to reflect on your wrongdoings and this is how you repay our efforts to keep you alive? Your father will be extremely disappointed at you." Xu Fang indignantly said.

"At least I'm true to myself. I only wanted Dijun's love and if I have to pay with my life, so be it." Ji Heng answered.

"It saddens me very much to see how you do not value your husband efforts. You have wasted your time in your disgust against me that you cannot see the good qualities that he has. Lord Yan Chiwu, humiliated himself for you, interceding on your behalf risking his life, his honor and his aptitude for someone who does not deserve it.

One can distinguish two types of faults: the first one is simply the fact that one is guilty of doing something, and the second type refers to seeing or projecting one's mistakes, while not knowing what to do about them or refusing to correct them. Repentance is the clear recognition of our unskillful actions done intentionally or unmindfully through our body, speech and mind, which are the results of our lack of compassion and wisdom, originating from our attachment, aversion and delusion. You refuse to repent from your evil actions Ji Heng. As Qing Qui Queen I have the right to exert justice on behalf of my subjects. Many of them lost their lives even before the war began by the hand of unscrupulous individuals who saw them as profit instead of sentient beings. You purposely alienated with the mastermind behind this carnage, because of your insolent obsessions. Innocent blood was shed without regards thanks to you, their blood cry out for justice. Soon your trial will be held and you will receive your sentence. There is nothing I can do for you Ji Heng." Feng Jiu concluded.

"I don't need nothing from you Bai Feng Jiu!!!!" Ji Heng shouted back.

Dong Hua was mad at this point seeing her bearing. "Some trees are large and some are small. Some trees have fruit that is obvious, tasty, and large; and some do not. Some trees are just in the form of seeds and have barely moved beyond germination—but they are still trees. The point is, there needs to be, at some level, even at the most basic level, some remorse for the malicious actions that you committed. That remorse will be at different levels for different persons and for different sins, but it must be there for everyone. You are full of hatred and your fruit is rotten. I deeply regret taking you under my wing. If I invested my time in you Ji Heng was to comply with the promise I gave to your father. Nothing more." Dong Hua spoke.

Ji Heng produced her father dragon scale. "Honor him Dijun, please fulfill my father's promise!!! In honor of my father's name and memory, I beg you to divorce your wife and marry me instead." Ji Heng supplicated to him.

"You can't tell me what to do or how I fulfill his promise, Ji Heng. Your father will be awfully disappointed to see his daughter act this rudely. He was truly an honorable man. I never gave you any hope that you will ever be my Dihou. I provided the means for you to grow decently, not to become bitter and vicious. I despise people who cling to me and seek for me to grant their wishes as if I were a fairy godmother. May I remind you who I am!!!" Dong Hua glared at her furious.

"Dijun please don't be so coldheartedly. I did all of this out of my love for you. Take me as your side consort, I won't disappoint you. Can you reconsider?" Ji Heng continued with her melodrama.

"Your insolence has no bounds. Don't speak to me about love when all you did was hurting others out mere choice. Your words and actions lack humility and sincerity. You have gravely shamed your father's name. You have proved to be unworthy of a lesser penance with your obstinacy and stubbornness. You haven't reflected on the responsibility for everything that you did showing your ignorance and self-centeredness. You haven't reflected on the real motivation of your actions harming other people, ripening negative karma within yourself. You refuse to change and accept your wrongdoings. You need to do a reality check and see if everything that you did was lawful. Instead, you are entombing yourself for eternal damnation.

As for my Dihou, she is the only woman that I will share my life with. The only one worthy to be my empress. She is the love of my life, my partner, my equal, my shield and lifeline. When she speaks, her words are reinforced by me, so when her words are disregarded, I'm unheeded as well. Her authority as queen is supported by me. You have tainted her image, employed ways to kill her, interfered in her mortal trial and disrespected her in front of me just now inferring that she's not treasured in my eyes. You think so high of yourself, but you are not worthy to be a princess or even a demon!" Dong Hua heatedly said.

"Ji Heng, try to transform the lack of self-confidence, ignorance and mental "paralysis" with repentance, purification, equanimity, sincerity, reality check with others and wisdom." Yan Chiwu suggested.

"Are we done here?" Dong Hua frustratingly asked.

"We are husband, let's leave." Feng Jiu placed her hand on his shoulder to calm his mood.

"NO, please, wait." Ji Heng shouted. "I know I deserve death as capital punishment for everything I've done. I cannot justify myself more. I only ask that you to consider that I was a victim, and was manipulated to commit these atrocities. Although I have truthfully expressed everything that I feel, I know that I'm reaping what I sowed and for that I am willing to accept my condemnation, but do not vent your anger against our people or clans."

Feng Jiu turned around and looked at Ji Heng pitifully. "Finally, some words of reasoning! We will pass your message to the confederation. Don't worry I will not act unjustly towards the demon clans. We are allies and not enemies. That is the only thing I can guarantee you." Feng Jiu turned around and left her room.

"Was she worth it Xiao Yan?" Feng Jiu asked him. Yan Chiwu lowered his head in defeat, he sighed hard. Feng Jiu sensed her brother's pain. "We've tried for you Xiao Yan" She padded his shoulder to comfort him.

"Jiu'er let's go, Gun Gun is waiting for us." Dong Hua interrupted their moment.

"We'll see you soon Xiao Yan, take care. Lord Xu Fang, please bring your sister to Kun Lun Mountain next week."

"We'll do Dihou. Have a safe trip." Lord Xu Fang escorted them out.

Dong Hua and Feng Jiu arrived at Tai Chen safely. "I'll check on Gun Gun." Dong Hua said.

"Are you hungry? I can fix something quick for you?"

"Not hungry, I just want to spend time with Gun Gun."

"All right. I will read the reports that are piling up from last week."

"Don't strain too much. I'll get you when is time for the baby's feeding."

"Okay." Feng Jiu went to the study and decided to read the reports in the garden. Her feline companion noticed her distressed state. He carefully approached her. "Lier, am I interrupting you?"

"Oh, hi. I'm just catching up with Qing Qui's reports. Since Gun Gun's birth I've been busy."

"I understand how it is; I won't interrupt you then. If you don't want to talk that is okay. Please don't mind my company."

"I don't mind it at all."

He stayed near by admiring her beauty and her multi-satirical capabilities. Feng Jiu opened a portal to communicate with Migu and get updated information about Qin Qui's development. Carefully planning her work agenda. Time passed it was already midafternoon when Dong Hua came to get her. He too was admiring how capable his little fox has managed to schedule her work around her mother responsibilities. She was a hard-working young queen.

"Migu don't forget to let me now the crops progress. It's important that everything is counted for. Did you send the shipments to the remote villages? If so, I need to know if they safely arrived. Also, we need to appoint someone to look after our silk production. This takes priority. I will ask grandfather to see if he already has someone in mind. Furthermore, we need to plan another trip to our region to oversee Qing Qui's advance. I will let Dijun know so we can discuss this with grandfather and coordinate the trip. Ah Migu, don't forget to send someone to father's shrine and clean it regularly. Send some fresh offerings there please. Thank you Migu that will be all for now." Feng Jiu closed her meeting portal with Migu and began adding those tasks to her agenda.

"Little fox, looks like you need a break." Dong Hua regarded her.

"There is so much work that needs to be done Dong Hua. We need to take time to discuss these things." Dong Hua waved his hand and all of her paperwork disappeared from the table. "Ah Dong Hua?" Feng Jiu furrowed her brows confused.

"I fed the baby with the milk that you previously pumped out and gave him a bath. After reading a bedtime story, he's peacefully resting in his room."

"Thank you, husband. I was waiting on you to get me, I guess I didn't notice his feeding time."

"You look like you're going to pass out. Even your feline companion is asleep. You need to rest from all this Jiu'er. You're not eating as you should and not getting enough sleep. Do I need to confine you so you can rest?" Dong Hua raised his brow to her and gazed her sternly.

"Husband please don't be mad at me. I have a lot in plate lately." Feng Jiu cutely pouted.

"I understand little fox. But is my job to make sure that my wife is taken care of. I'm here for you too."

"We are still adjusting to parenthood Dong Hua. We knew it was going to be challenging. So far, I think we are doing fine. Gun Gun demands too much time from us, he's still a baby. I appreciate you helping me."

"He's my son too. But I can't deny the fact that you've been stressed lately. You are a responsible queen, a devoted wife and mother. I admire your disposition of continuing fulfilling your royal duties while taking care of our son, but you need to pay more attention to taking care of yourself too Jiu'er to evade a meltdown. I need my little fox content and steady."

Feng Jiu sensed his unmet need. "I know Dong Hua. I'm grateful to have such a doting husband, please forgive me if I neglected your needs too." Feng Jiu got up and hugged him.

Dong Hua smiled at her. Her worry to displease him always baffled him "I understand your predicament little fox, do not worry. It will take some time for us to transition to our previous routine. We have Gun Gun now and is natural and expected that he takes priority in our relationship as he's dependent of us. How about if we spend some alone time to watch the sunset, would you like that?"

"Very much, but there is no sunset here in Nine Heavens" Feng Jiu gazed at the sky.

"Perhaps somewhere more natural."

"But, what about Gun Gun? Are we taking him with us?" She curiously asked.

"I've already made arrangements with your mother. She is already here." Feng Jiu gazed him complacent. "You think of everything husband."

Dong Hua offered her his extended hand. "Come let's go."

Feng Jiu took his hand. "Where are we going?"

"You'll know when we get there." Dong Hua took her into his majestic aura and traveled to Bihai Cangling.

"Ohhhh Bihai Cangling!!!!" Feng Jiu was so excited to be back where they spend their honeymoon. She ran around so happy to be back. Dong Hua was taking it all in. His heart filled with mirth seeing his little fox this joyful roaming around was his delight. Her eyes and smile added more beauty to the place. The sound of her melodical giggles and sweet laughter filled the scenery with her special magic. Bihai Cangling nature responded to her as to welcome her back. "Finally, she's back to her carefree self." He thought.

"Thank you, husband." Feng Jiu hugged him burying her face on his broad chest, cutely crinkling her nose. Dong Hua chuckled at her reaction. "We'll spend a couple days here before we go back to Kun Lun Mountain." Feng Jiu happily nodded. "What do you want to do?" He asked.

"This place is majestic Dong Hua, is so serene and peaceful. I'm mentally drained so I really want to relax if that's okay with you. We can explore more tomorrow when I feel refreshed."

"I know the perfect thing to help you. Come let's go inside the mansion." Dong Hua had a massage table ready for her. "I will be your masseur. Get ready and lay down on your stomach."

Dong Hua rubbed his hands with massage oil to warm them up. He proceeded to brush, knead, roll, press, and rub the areas between each Feng Jiu joints, to attempt to open her body's defensive wei qi and get the energy moving in her meridians and the muscles stimulation of acupressure points. When Dong Hua finished, he took her to a hot tub for her muscles to readjust after the massage. After a while he then applied rose ointment to her entire body for aromatherapy. Feng Jiu was so relaxed that she fell asleep on the table. Dong Hua took the opportunity to stabilize her unbalanced chi. He dressed her up with a loose silk chemise and placed her to bed for her to rest.

Feng Jiu woke up right before the sunset. She went outside to look for Dong Hua who was waiting for her on a small bench near the boat deck. "How was your rest?"

"I wasn't aware that I was that tired."

"You slept five hours until now."

"Thank you for taking care of me with your magical hands."

"I aim to please my beautiful Dihou. Come here little fox, I want to have you in my arms now. Let's watch the sunset together." Feng Jiu sat on his lap to contemplate the evening colors at Bihai Cangling.

"The sunset here is remarkable, surpassing other places. Everything here is incomparable, the green land, the crystal blue sea and the expression that unites them on the promontory. I'm fortunate that you're sharing your beautiful home with me husband." Feng Jiu told him.

"I will not have it any other way little fox. Bihai Cangling responds to you too, we are connected to it in a special way. We'll bring Gun Gun with us when he's bigger. I'm sure that he will love it too." Occasionally Dong Hua pats Feng Jiu's back to make her feel reassured. He knew how his little fox loves to snuggle with him.

Dong Hua has not touched Feng Jiu since the baby was born. Desire unwinds and stretches lazily deep in Feng Jiu's belly, his proximity to her was irresistible. His white sandalwood scent was intoxicating her senses. Feng Jiu's blood began burning with the strongest passion to be with him. She began to feel heated; her erratic heartbeats gave her away. Feng Jiu tried her hardest to hold her urges but Dong Hua noticed her frenzied state and a wry smile curled up on his lips. He delicately caressed her hair heating her even further with each touch. His sweet little fox was a hot mess in arms. Her checks blushed with a lovely pink shade and her skin flushed.

Feng Jiu turned around to face him, with innocent eyes fill with desire and lust gazing his ethereal face. "Little fox" His voice is feather soft. Leaning his head down he plants a gentle kiss on Feng Jiu lips. "You look lovely when you blush."

"Husband, you haven't touched me in a while... I.... need... you." Feng Jiu shily confessed.

"I know," Dong Hua whispered with his wary smile again. He groans softly and enfolds her in his embrace algo struggling to hold his urges. "I thought you wanted to see the stars little fox."

"I do but..."

"But what?" Dong Hua softly asked.

"I rather be with you now and then we can see the stars later. The night is long." Feng Jiu gave him a lovely stare with her big brown doe eyes.

Dong Hua eyes alight with excitement. "My impatient little fox"

"Do you know how much I crave your touch, your body, the way you make me feel when we connect? Is too much for me to bear being so close to you."

Dong Hua lips pressed together softly as he gazed her beautiful flushed face. His heart started to pound wildly against his chest being so close to Feng Jiu inhaling her arousal scent stirring his primal urges, desires and turmoil.

"Please husband, I want to be with you." Feng Jiu heatedly begged him.

Dong Hua conjured a thin mattress on the ground with some luxurious pillows, silk sheets and magically removed their clothing. He delicately laid her naked body down as he watches her. "You are so gorgeous little fox," he murmurs. Kneeling down he began to kiss her entire body sweetly with slow loving kisses. "Your breasts are bigger now Jiu'er, I like them" he breathes, and he leans down, sucking Feng Jiu areolas and tasting them. Blissful pleasure radiates outward from deep inside her as he holds her so intimately and kissing her so tenderly. Dong Hua continued his oral ministration fueling her libido further. Feng Jiu was chanting his name as he drinks her sweet nectar. "Oh...Dong Hua..."

As she felt her body build toward her release, Feng Jiu realized this is what she wanted this connection, this demonstration of their love. "Please don't make wait more, I want all of you husband."

Dong Hua flexed his hips, and slowly entered her. Pleasure spikes hot and hard from deep within her. Leaning backward, Feng Jiu tilted her head back, with her mouth open wide in a silent expression of her pleasure, reveling in his sweet lovemaking.

"Jiu'er, you feel heavenly" he breathes, and he leans down, kissing Feng Jiu throat. Holding her tight, slowly easing in and out, pushing higher and higher exquisitely timed a fluid sensual force. Blissful pleasure radiates outward from deep inside her as he sensually moves to take her higher. "You are mine my beautiful wife, you belong to me" Dong Hua possessively said. Feng Jiu was panting hard "Yes yours Dong Hua."

Hours passed by while they are passionately entangled voicing their sensuous passions; in between sweat, erratic breaths, passionate kisses, erotic positions and fervor desire for one another. Dong Hua groaned loudly as his hands are in her hair and around her bare back, firmly holding her hips filling her with his love with each thrust. Feng Jiu is in pure ecstasy blissfully moaning at his domineering performance.

As they change positions his tongue invades her mouth ravenously, taking all that she willingly gives. "I love you, Jiu'er," he whispers close to her ear, his voice low and harsh, and he lifts Feng Jiu again rhythmically. She curled her hands back around Dong Hua's neck into his silvery mane moaning unrestrainedly from the pleasure he was giving her.

"I love you so much Dong Hua." Opening her eyes, she finds his face, and all Feng Jiu saw is his raw love, shining bright thru the moonlight and bold in the soft glow thru the night starry sky. An astounding vision for her eyes only. "Dong Hua you are so beautiful and only mine" Feng Jiu told him. Dong Hua leaned down again and rewarded her with his arduous loving kisses. He was immersed by her pure love.

After a while their bodies craved for another release "Let's soar together little fox," he whispered in his voice low. Feng Jiu closed her eyes as her body tightens at the low sound of Dong Hua's voice, spiraling into an intense climax. Dong Hua placed his forehead against Feng Jiu's, as he softly whispers her name, wraps his arms around her, and finds his own release along with hers. Their loud moans intertwined coming out after a prolonged session of emptying themselves feeling each pulse with passion and want.

After regulating their breaths post climax state, Dong Hua pulled his little fox into his chest, he holds her tightly, his nose in her hair inhaling her sweet scent. She immediately placed her arms around his waist as she always does to seek comfort from him. They lay down under the sheets love drunken enjoying the night sea breeze to cool down their heated bodies. "I missed you so much my sweet little fox."

"I missed you too husband."

"Let's rest a bit and see the stars now."

"The night is still young you know." Kissing his chest softly.

"I haven't gotten my fill with you yet my voracious and insatiable little fox. Don't worry we still have time." Dong Hua chuckled with his eyes closed.

"Dong Hua..."

"Hmm?"

"Will you ever get bored of me and threw me aside?"

"Jiu'er," Dong Hua breathed, capturing her mouth once more and kissing her softly. "What are you talking about? You're not my pet or a novelty. You are my beloved wife. I will never get bored of you. You and Gun Gun are my greatest treasures. I will never leave you or abandon you. You are too precious to me." Dong Hua tighten his hold on caressing her naked back.

"Dong Hua, I love you. I will always love you." Feng Jiu said wanting him to know, wanting him to be sure of her love.

"Little fox, please don't doubt my love for you. You are my lifeline."

"I don't, is that..."

"No matter what others say or think about us, never take their words to heart. You are pure as the holy blue sea is, and I regret the time that we wasted before. The past can't hurt us anymore, not unless we let it. But also, it teaches us that it is within our power that which hurts us in our past only does so because of the ability we give it. The power is in our hands and that we are only as weak as we allow ourselves to be little fox."

"You were not totally at fault Dong Hua as I knew that approaching you with a relationship goal was nearly impossible for me to attain. You are key to keep the universe balanced. I'm blessed that now we can be together and live our love to the fullest changing our outlook with a much brighter view of our future. But please understand that gradually I'm getting rid off many negative emotions that are still rooted in myself. I don't doubt your love Dong Hua, but I have difficult memories that can feel especially hard to reframe. We both venerate and reviled our past as immutable, unchanging and unalterable. But many of the wisest and smartest among us choose to see it differently. Indeed, accepting that we can view the past in a different way is a radical idea to some in itself. Not only are there things that we won't be able to forget, but we also should not try. Forgiveness does not undo the past, nor should it. But it reframes our view of the past and in doing so, has a positive effect on the future. Holding on to the past as it can be damaging to us but forgiving and changing how the past affects us is the way to a better future. We are now a family and this is what I choose to build new memories from as I reach healing thru it."

"My little brave fox, you have grown so much already. As your healing partner I understand your quandary. Not only can we interpret the past differently as time goes on, but we can also free ourselves from feeling shackled by it. Is preferable, right or ethical to misrepresent or alter facts to one's liking. It only means that one can see the facts in different lights or interpret their meaning in a different way to gain a better understanding of what has befallen them. It also means that the past belongs to us, and not the other way around. The past is not locked away; not dead, gone or buried. The past is always with us. Indeed, it resonates and remains present all around us. It makes us who we are and continues to shape us. It is comforting to know that we are not sitting on an immovable rock of events gone by, we become greater as time goes on, and our past is with us, adding to our inertia. Consider that all of it exists on an equal playing field. All of it is happening everywhere at the same time all at once; we only perceive the passage of time because of the nature of our existence. Time and space are constantly existing at all times with or without us. we are not disconnected from the past; the past is simply an illusion of our memory and perception. It is still happening and will continue to happen, conceivably forever."

"In that case, let us flourish in our present learning from our past so we can build a stronger future. You, me and Gun Gun. Deal?" Feng Jiu sweetly smiled at him.

"Deal little fox." They rested content continuing with their star gazing and their consuming lovemaking passionate sessions as days went by at Bihai Cangling. Dong Hua and Feng Jiu strengthen their bond while enjoying themselves in lovable pure bliss. Is just what they needed.

A Week Later at Kun Lun Mountain...

The confederation members were gathered at the main hall. Mo Yan was waiting for Dijun's arrival. Minutes later Dong Hua and Feng Jiu calmly arrived at Kun Lun holding hands, they silently took their seats.

After everyone greeted each other, Mo Yan alerted Zi Lan to bring forth the accused. Ji Heng was brought up to the main hall. She was dressed in simple clothes with no adornments. She was accompanied by Lord Xu Feng and Yan Chiwu. The Demon Clan elders and leaders were seated accordingly.

The Bai Clan was still wearing their mourning clothing. Other region leaders were present among the audience too. The ambience was tense. Kun Lun disciples were strategically positioned to prevent disorder from prowling during the proceedings.

Tianjun Ye Hua and Tianhou Bai Qian were seated next to Mo Yan. They were in charge of passing the sentence as the Heavenly Imperials. Their faces unemotional.

Dong Hua and Feng Jiu were seated along the Bai Clan representing Qing Qui. Feng Jiu's heart was cumbersome. Dong Hua held her hand and pulsed some of his essence to calm her down. "Jiu'er my love everything will be okay." He mentally told her. Feng Jiu gave him a reassurance look that she was calm. Dong Hua gave her a small smile. "I'm ready husband" She mentally told him.

Mo Yan opened up the session with a statement: "Esteemed immortals, we are gathered here today for the proceedings of the active accusations against Princess Ji Heng from the Red Demon Clan for her involvement and contribution with Demon Queen Miao Lou and her accomplice Black Demon Lord Nie Chuyin that resulted in the war waged on Qing Qui territory.

I like to address the important issue that brings us together. As you all aware, Miao Lou recruited rebels from all over the realms to join her army and waged war against everyone in her path. While I was training at Qing Qui northern lands our forces gathered evidence showing that forbidden dark magic was conjured and was being used to infiltrate impostors as their spies before security was enforced on Qing Qui borders. Our suspicions lead us that Mio Lou was hiding Black Demon Lord Nie Chuyin and Red Demon Princess Ji Heng, their whereabouts were unknown to us for a long time. After that we focused on the capture of Lord Cang Yi from the Eagle Clan which was accomplished thanks to Demon Lord Yan Chiwu intel infiltrated in her army, they were able to lead his Lordship Dong Hua Dijun to apply his execution for his traitors acts against the kidnapping of Qing Qui Queen. Peaceful relationships have been maintained with the Eagle Clan after the war.

The only surviving suspect is Red Demon Princess Ji Heng which is accused of several crimes not only against Qing Qui but against all the realms victims of the past war. Her evil intents were mainly directed against her . Let us review her criminal actions:

· First of all, Princess Ji Heng disobeyed an imperial decree passed by her Highness while brazenly breaching Tai Chen Palace, abusing her student relationship with her teacher his Lordship Dong Hua Dijun.

· She is also accused of infringement her legally bound marriage by running away and offering herself to another man while being married to her husband Demon Lord Yan Chiwu bringing shame and dishonor to the entire Demon Clans as their representative.

· Furthermore, she interfered on her Highness Qing Qui Queen mortal trial prior her ascension which is a capital offense heavily punishable by the Heavenly Emperor.

· Not to mention alliancing herself with Miao Lou violating Qing Qui treaty with the Demon Clans.

· And finally casting forbidden dark magic to create puppets manipulated by Miao Lou for her evil purposes.

Does anyone have something to add against or on behalf of the accused?"  Mo Yan asked.

Lord Xu Fang stand up and asked to approach the panel. "Please go ahead" Mo Yan gave him the opportunity to speak. "Although the situation has exceeded Qing Qui borders, I want you to consider how powerful our enemy was; capable to manipulate people and things to achieve her will. In this case, Princess Ji Heng was foolishly lured to enter an agreement with Miao Lou. After that she was imprisoned by her and was used as an instrument to inflict harm to others unwillingly. I can attest to this since I participated in her rescue and also broke the bond that Miao Lou had on the princess."

"Anything else you wish to add Lord Xu Fang?" Mo Yan asked him.

"Nothing further." Xu Fang slightly bowed and returned to his seat.

Bai Zhi took the floor. "As Qing Qui Fox Emperor, I would like to remind all that Qing Qui had always maintained good and honest relations with other domains. Greatly respecting others by upholding impartial values. We have strived to maintain moral standards characterized throughout our beloved citizens who greatly suffered with the loss and pain of many very close and special in our hearts. War greatly affected our region and our people were victims that have lived so far with the memories of the destruction and killings that occurred during the past war. The purpose of this confederation is to defend universal peace from all types of enemies; either within and from abroad. This war has left us with so much devastation, scarcity, suffering, helplessness, loneliness and many other hardships. These were the result in a change of character and personality from individuals who didn't valued peacetime. Innocent lives paid a high price when such individuals fueled by corruption, exploitation, abuse and betrayal contributed to the war. Your malicious actions Princess Ji Heng had compromised the wellbeing of the citizens of Qing Qui, Nine Heavens and other regions. We will consider all causes before we reach a verdict. But before proceeding I want to know what were your motives to alienated yourself with that evil witch." Bai Zhi glared at her menacely.

Ji Heng face turned abnormally pale, Bai Zhi Dijun question threw her bearings out. She fluttered her eyes and cleared her throat. "Bai Zhi Dijun I was manipulated to do so" Ji Heng nervously answered.

Bai Zhi knew she has hidden motives; he could smell it on her. "Your motives Princess Ji Heng, don't try to avoid answering the question!!!!

Ji Heng met Bai Zhi gaze and with determination she answered: "To obtain the unattainable Dong Hua Dijun."

The demon elders were appalled at her answer. Xu Fang lowered his face in defeat his hope to keep her alive vanished. Yan Chiwu held his head high.

"So the truth finally comes out!" Bai Zhi said. "Thousands of innocent lives were lost due to a ridiculous obsession to gain Dijun's attention!!!"

Mo Yan seeing Bai Zhi infuriated called him out. "Enough Bai Zhi Dijun, please let us continue. How does the defendant plea?"

"Guilty. Guilty of loving a man as coldhearted as Dijun. Guilty for letting others taking advantage of my vulnerability. Guilty for shaming my clan and causing harm to others." Ji Heng regretfully shouted.

"After cross-examination and hearing the defendant plea of the crimes charged, we have all proven that Princess Ji Heng is guilty beyond unreasonable doubt of all charges against her. The punishment for the convicted will be decided by Heavenly Emperor Tianjun Ye Hua."

"We all have experienced hardships some more than others, and now we are experiencing unexpected twists and turns that we could never have anticipated. Is how we react in the midst of uncertainty that we rise or fall. Is how our character is built up or can be destroyed completely. If I can make a suggestion to take in consideration?" Feng Jiu spoke.

Ye Hua stood up and said: "I will allow it, since her highness Qing Qui's Queen was the main target of all this disaster."

Feng Jiu stand up from her seat and stand next to Ji Heng.

"We tend to forget who is really calling the shots when we feel vulnerable. Innocent lives pay a high price when individuals do not reconsider their mistakes. This is a powerful lesson to learn to relinquish control and be free of selfishness motivations. Vulnerability is a double-edged sword. Those who protect themselves to avoid getting hurt, fail to appreciate close relationships. Everyone is vulnerable at some point, no matter how much we try to avoid it. We are born vulnerable and stay that way for our entire childhood. Our relationship with vulnerability is something we are acquainted with, yet abandon as we merge into adulthood. Our association with vulnerability requires a shift in awareness in order to strengthen our emotional well-being. It involves healing our fractured parts by merging with the wholeness of our being. Everyone has pain thresholds. If left unchecked, they become inflamed and dominate our emotional landscape, not to mention our physical health. From some perspectives, vulnerability is invoked as a fundamental, shared constitutive condition a way of being open to being affected by and affecting others whereas others focus on the specific and differentiated forms that vulnerability takes in concrete circumstances. It is because we are vulnerable that we need ethics and social justice, but it is also because we are vulnerable because we can be affected and made to feel sorrow, concern, or empathy that we feel any compulsion to respond ethically or seek justice.

Princess Ji Heng failed to uphold moral and ethical values when compelled by her obsession caused her to commit the atrocities she is charged with. The content of the concept is narrowed: to be vulnerable is to be in route to harm or violation by virtue of one's compromised status. May I suggest another type of punishment to be served instead of the death sentence."

"What type of punishment are you suggesting?" Bai Qian asked her niece.

"Death sentence is surely the maximum punishment for a criminal who is unrepentant. Is a quick fix for those who want an escape of their own realization of the evil actions committed. Her death will not bring back the many people that have died already. I suggest to the panel that Princess Ji Heng should be stripped from her immortality, take her powers away and be sent to a solitary place in the mortal realm so she can work towards her rehabilitation in a different environment. At the time of her lifespan, she will eventually die. Then she should be denied to be reborn again, unless she proves to the heavens that she is worthy of it. Her healing process will not be without suffering. This should serve as justice." Feng Jiu concluded.

"And live a miserable life without my powers? I rather die than be an insignificant mortal!" Ji Heng proudly stated. Feng Jiu was stunned listening to her petulancy.

"Enough!" Ye Hua angrily shouted. "You are graciously given a chance to live to rehabilitee and repair the damage that you caused. Yet in the mist of your sentencing, you show no remorse to change your path. Very well, I will execute your sentence. Princess Ji Heng be ready to receive your sentence. You will be sent to the mortal world and be imprisoned for the rest of your days in a remote island with no one to reach you."

"Please Tianjun, have mercy and kill me already. I refuse to live the rest of my days like that." Ji Heng dramatically pleaded.

"If Tianjun allow me to execute her death sentence." Yan Chiwu quickly intervened.

"I know how demons are known to be proud, but this is exceedingly ridiculous." Zhe Yan murmured from his seat fanning himself in dismay.

"She is your wife , but I'm the Heavenly Emperor." Ye Hua maddeningly said. "How dare you go against my decree?"

Yan Chiwu knelt down to Ye Hua "Tianjun, by no means I'm trying to overturn your authority. I only ask that you graciously allow me to be your executioner. It will be a way to reclaim our clan honor that our princess tarnished. This will also prove our loyalty to our allegiance and seeking justice performed fairly." Yan Chiwu breathed out.

The demon elders stood up next to Yan Chiwu. "May Tianjun allow it" all said in unison. Bai Qian and Ye Hua exchange glances. Ye Hua closed his eyes calming himself down. "Very well Demon Lord Yan Chiwu, I will allow you to apply the death sentence on your lady wife"

Ji Heng was brought down Kun Lun Mountain by the demon clan elders and leaders. The Bai family were allowed to witness her execution. Ji Heng was placed on a cliff edge and Yan Chiwu casted the ancient Demon Heilberg Sword, the one they use to kill their most hated enemies. Afterwards her body will be dishonorably thrown off the cliff.

Yan Chiwu lifted the sword and stabbed Ji Heng killing her quickly. He then threw her body down the cliff. He was trembling with anguish and pain. Even until the last second of her life, he loved her. Ji Heng body disintegrated before it hit the ground. Dong Hua secretly used his cultivation to vanish her body. The demon elders knelt down to Yan Chiwu. "Thank you, Demon Lord, for restoring our honor. You are a judicious ruler."

After everyone left, Yan Chiwu knelt down heartbroken grieving her beloved feeling shocked, numb, frustrated, and helpless. Feng Jiu went to comfort him. Dong Hua expressionless nonchalant face shifted to his beloved little fox. His empathic wife felt his pain. He can't fully comprehend their connection, but he knew she was helping the best way she knew how. He knew that Yan Chiwu was loyal, he kept his word gaining his respect. Dong Hua felt glad that finally justice was served. This chapter in their lives was completely forever closed.