Choices and Consequences

Choices and Regrets(Xuǎnzé yǔ yíhàn 选择与遗憾)

Qing Qiu

"Xiao Wu, Zhen Zhen, this is Mo Yuan, God of War and Master of Kunlun Mountain" Zhe Yan added.  "Greetings High God Mo Yuan" Bai Zhen and Bai Qian bowed their heads with both arms extended.  Returning their greetings, Mo Yuan could not take his eyes off Bai Qian.  He was confused as to why the Queen of Qing Qiu was in his dream.  He is convinced that the doe eyed woman in his dream is Bai Qian.

Bai Qian found herself starting to feel hot and flustered by the intensity of Mo Yuan's gaze on her.  Although his face remained impassive, his soft brown eyes showed a myriad of expressions - from confusion, intrigue to admiration.  She decided to leave to refresh and collect herself before joining the meeting that she assumes is the reason why both Dong Hua Dijun and Mo Yuan are in Qing Qiu.  "Please excuse me.  I have some things to attend at the fox den.  I will join you later."  She bowed her head and left the group.

Having seen the new arrivals, Bai Zhi decided to take a break and together with the Empress who left Bai Feng Jui to continue training their group, they invited them back to the fox den for refreshment.

Everyone was seated around a table in the main den with refreshment served.  Bai Zhi asked "What brings you both here?."  Zhe Yan told Bai Zhi that Bai Qian's presence is necessary before they all can discuss the reason for Mo Yuan and Di Jun's visit.  Migu was sent to fetch Bai Qian from her chambers.

While waiting for Bai Qian to join them, Di Jun's mind was on Bai Feng Jui.  He was not surprised by her beauty. The Fox Imperial Family are known not just for their wealth, benevolence, influence and power but also for their beauty.  Her sword and fighting skills were also exceptional for a girl of her age. He is inexorably drawn to her and there is nothing that he can do to stop it.  He knew that once he met her, he would not be able to let go.  But, let go of her he must.  He accepts the repercussions of his choices and he doesn't allow himself to regret it.  He doesn't fully know what the ramifications are if he decides to throw caution in the wind and pursue her. He can't afford to test fate.   He decided then and there as he has always done to put the safety of the realm first over his own feelings.  He will ensure that Feng Jiu is protected at all times but he will not see her again.  He ignored the stabbing pain that pierced his heart.

Mo Yuan heard the soft footsteps approaching their group.  He turned his head to the source. Bai Qian was making her way towards their group.  A small sweet smile graced her lips.  She was beautiful, much more beautiful than anyone he met before.  Wearing a dress in the palest shade of lavender that hugged her curves in its soft folds, she looked ethereal. Her doe-like eyes held his attention. Something in her touched his inner core like no one has.  And before he could further analyse the effect she had on him as well as his reaction to her, she has seated herself beside him.  A sweet, refreshing smell of spring and peach blossom wafted around him.  Zhe Yan who was seated across from them was amused watching Mo Yuan's reaction to Xiao Wu.  Though his brother tried to keep his face devoid of expression, he noticed his interest and his sudden intake of breath when she sat beside him.  This could get interesting, Zhe Yan thought.

"Now that we are all here, will somebody explain this sudden visit?  Please don't get me wrong.  You both know that I love having you visit us but I feel that there is more to this than just a visit among friends." Bai Zhi prompted.  Di Jun looked at Bai Zhi and said, "Mo Yuan received a scroll from Sang Ji, the northern sea monarch.  The scroll contained a prophecy that we believe is about the four pillars that Nuwa repaired.  Fuxi has noted in his account of that war, the possibility of the pillars falling down and unleashing once again to the mortal and immortal realms the horrors of those that were vanquished and sent to the depths of hell.  The pillar in Mount Buzhou has a crack.  We all believe that once the woman who is fated to me is sacrificed and her blood is spilled, that pillar will fall.  The woman is Bai Feng Jiu, your granddaughter"

Everyone around the table except Zhe Yan and Mo Yuan wore a shocked expression.  "Are you sure Di Jun? Could all of you not be mistaken?"  Bai Meili choked her question.  Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.  Jui'er is too young and how can she be Di Jun's fated.  "How is she your fated Di Jun?" Bai Qian queried.  Dong Hua explained to them the story of how he removed his name in the Rock of Three Incarnations which was written alongside Feng Jiu.

All of them agreed that Feng Jiu should be protected at all times. Dong Hua suggested putting his own protection spell on Feng Jui that will alert him if she is in danger, which everyone agreed is a good idea.  He also asked that Feng Jiu be kept in the dark about the prophecy so as not to unduly alarm her. 

"The other part of the prophecy speaks of someone who carries the mark of our mother."  Mo Yuan disclosed.  He also explained about Ye Hua's dream of the woman and the white lotus.  Both of them believe that the woman is key to preventing the calamity that the prophecy predicted but they don't have any idea of which realm she belongs to and how to find her.   "Zhe Yan mentioned someone here in Qing Qiu who has been gifted with the white lotus.  Hence the reason why we are here.  We need to meet that person to determine what he or she  knows of the prophecy" Mo Yuan added.

Bai Qian sighed, opened her palm and the white lotus shimmered into view.  "I am the person you are looking for."