Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 13: Xiao He's Poor Bottom

"I can't." She looked around at the baby demons and the devastation they had wrought. "There're still some things I have to do here."

Seeing Shen Li struggle made Mo Fang wrinkle his brow involuntarily. He didn't want to push her but this matter could not be delayed! He decided to prioritize the latter. Saluting with his fists in front of him and his head bowed he said, "My Lord the matter of leaving can no longer be delayed! If Your Highness is caught, another escape will not be possible. The heavenly realm has already prepared for the marriage ceremony..."

You didn't have to tell her twice. Shen Li understood this matter better than anyone else. It was just that she really couldn't leave! She looked to Xing Yun and watched as he used her spear to poke at a baby demon's bottom. He reacted with surprise when it dissipated before it even had a chance to cry out. He sighed and turned the tip of the spear towards his face studying it closely.

Shen Li turned to Mo Fang. With a complicated expression on her face she rubbed the space between her brow. Sighing she said, "I know, but I can't leave right now."

"My Lord?" Mo Fang was really confused. He didn't think the Azure Sky king had the word "can't" in her vocabulary. It was either "do" or "don't." Where did "can't" even come from? His brain was simply unable to compute what she said. He couldn't help but continue to stare at her with a blank expression.

"After spending time here in the mortal world... I have fallen for someone." She looked at Xing Yun as she spoke.

Mo Fang turned to follow her gaze. What he saw was a distracted looking man, disorderly attired, pale faced, weak looking, and very importantly - mortal. This vision only made him more confused. This guy?! He's so... I don't get it.

The two watched as Xing Yun lost his grip and dropped the spear. It rolled on the ground and hit several baby demons, immediately causing them to dissipate on contact while a few others dissipated simply by proximity. Xing Yun chased after the spear but the constant coughing that wracked his body would make him stumble and accidentally kick the spear, making it roll away again. It took him three tries before he finally grasped it.

Mo Fang couldn't help but wonder. This person captured the king's heart?

Shen Li sighed watching him. "Yes, he is the one. I would never have expected either..." She shook her head. Looking up she saw Mo Fang's frown. "He is different from us. His body is worn out and will not be able to withstand too many ordeals. As things stand, it is not safe for him here. I must put things in order for him first before leaving. Although I have taken a fancy to him, I know that as a demon I walk a different path than him. A mortal's life is short and their memories do not carry forth from one life to the next." Shen Li's voice was gentle but firm. "I won't stay with him, but I will give him a safe life."

Mo Fang silently looked down averting his gaze. After hearing the resolution in her voice he knew she had made her decision. Once she set her mind there would be no swaying her so he said, "This subordinate will share in Your Highness's worries, and will do as commanded."

"Half a day." Shen Li walked to Xing Yun. "Stall them for half a day. I will finish this matter then."

"As Your Highness commands. I will try my utmost to do so."

"Thank you!"

With the decision made Mo Fang didn't linger. He disappeared like the wind, intent on his mission.

Shen Li took the spear from Xing Yun's hand. When she did so he told her, "Your spear is really powerful."

"That you could hold onto it for so long is impressive. You are also quite powerful." Her spear was obviously no ordinary spear. It had taken countless lives with an aura that was enough to intimidate and instill fear in most creatures. Just seeing it would make people's emotions fluctuate. Xing Yun appeared utterly unaffected by it though, so in a sense he was also a master.