In the era of spiritual energy revival on ancient Earth, Jun Ye inherited the legacy of an underwater secret realm, safeguarding Huaxia1It’s the name of ancient China. By the interstellar cultivation era, he had built his own faction, protecting the entire Henan star system.
From being the leader of a municipal patrol team to becoming the Emperor of the Spring Waters2remember his title and how it bore a link with bodies of water and especially springs/streams, Jun Ye bore increasingly heavy responsibilities. Every decision he made could affect millions.
By nature, he was laid-back and disliked constraints. Yet, for the people under his care, he strove to approach every matter with caution and deliberation.
Marrying Feng Xiu as his Dao companion, however, was one of the rare decisions he made purely on a whim.
The first time Jun Ye met Feng Xiu…
The divine phoenix, a beast born of heaven and earth, molded by the faith of the people, was brought to him by one of his subordinates as a small, fluffy chick no larger than the palm of a hand.
“Your Majesty, how about this divine bird?” Bai Che3Yup, the same character as Bai Mao’s said, holding up an icy cage containing the fledgling phoenix, shivering violently from the cold. “Raise it for a few centuries, and it might make a nice mount for you.”
Bai Che was among the first to follow Jun Ye. Having lived through the chaos of spirit beasts during the spiritual revival, he harbored little respect for faith-formed creatures like the phoenix.
Jun Ye, however, had no interest in making a grand entrance atop a phoenix. He could shift landscapes with a thought and had a comfortable starship for interstellar travel.
He initially intended to have the bird sent to the Spirit Beast Research Institute but happened to meet the fledgling’s watery, jet-black eyes.
How beautiful—so fragile yet captivating.
“Let it go,” Jun Ye ordered, deciding to keep the young phoenix.
When he retrieved the chick from the cage, its body was nearly frozen stiff.
Jun Ye placed it beside him in a sunny spot while he handled official matters. After attending to a few critical documents, he stretched and noticed the chick had sidled up to his leg, its tiny fluffball body pressing against his robe.
Jun Ye froze mid-stretch. Such a soft and delicate creature—it would take only the slightest movement from him to send it tumbling. Too fragile.
Recalling those glistening eyes, he amended his thoughts: fragile, but beautiful.
Beautiful things that brought joy always earned a bit of indulgence. Reducing the range of his movements, Jun Ye avoided disturbing the sleeping chick.
Jun Ye didn’t need a mount, and keeping the chick was simply a matter of liking its eyes. He considered it a pet.
“Providing a pet with shelter and food isn’t enough,” the mainframe had once admonished. “Pets also need ample space to play, companionship, and affection from their owner.”
Jun Ye had been gone for months and returned only to pluck the chick from behind the door and poke its belly.
“Too troublesome,” Jun Ye said, watching as the chick wriggled to avoid him. In just a few months, the phoenix had grown noticeably larger. Poking it now felt quite satisfying.
Pinching its tail, Jun Ye immobilized the phoenix, leaving its belly exposed for his fingers. Before long, its eyes grew misty, and it had no energy left to lift a paw or kick.
“You’ve bullied it to tears,” the mainframe observed. “You’re being awful.”
“I’ll comfort it later,” Jun Ye replied, though his tone carried irritation. He released the chick and its tail, letting it flop onto the floor.
The phoenix remained in a kicked position for a moment, watching Jun Ye retreat. When their eyes met again, it instinctively flipped over, scrambling to its feet and dashing away.
As the room fell silent, the mainframe prompted, “Aren’t you going to comfort it?”
“Not satisfied yet. No,” Jun Ye said, heading for the inner chamber.
After taking a shower, Jun Ye dried his hair with spiritual energy, lazily strolling back toward his bed.
Reaching the bed, he discovered a red fluffball curled atop his pillow.
“How did it get here?” Jun Ye frowned.
“You didn’t arrange housing for the phoenix before leaving,” the mainframe explained. “According to interstellar pet statistics, most prefer to sleep with their owners.”
“…I think you need a system upgrade,” Jun Ye muttered, lifting the pillow with the chick still atop it and placing it on the floor.
Sleeping without a pillow was uncomfortable for Jun Ye. Yet what bothered him more was waking the next morning to find his face buried in something warm and soft.
Unaccustomed to such a scenario, Jun Ye’s brain stalled for several seconds. He eventually pulled his head back and sat up, staring at the phoenix lying beside him, unsure how to react.
Should he toss it off the bed or pretend nothing had happened? Contemplating his options, Jun Ye chose instead to get up, wash, and request a bird nest for his room.
Days passed, and while the mainframe’s adjusted settings made it less meddlesome, the phoenix remained as persistent as ever about sneaking onto his bed.
At first, it simply nested there at night, but after being forcibly removed a few times, it began waiting for him to fall asleep before climbing back up.
Jun Ye was unaccustomed to having anyone share his bed, bird or otherwise.
No matter how many methods he tried to keep the fledgling phoenix off his bed, none proved effective. Eventually, Jun Ye resigned himself to pulling it out before bed and giving its belly a thorough rub. The fledgling would then drag its tail and flee far away, finally granting Jun Ye a few peaceful nights.
The phoenix chick didn’t seem to learn, either. Despite being rubbed countless times, it never thought to hide. Every evening, Jun Ye would find it by the bed, grab it with precision, and send it scampering off after a belly rub.
“Keeping a pet is simple, isn’t it?” Jun Ye remarked to the mainframe.
The mainframe, recognizing that Jun Ye was merely seeking an outlet to boast, opted not to respond.
The only complication arose as the phoenix grew rapidly. Within just over a decade, it had become too large to fit indoors. The mainframe ordered a larger bird’s nest for the courtyard.
Now freed from the nightly ritual of rubbing the phoenix’s belly, Jun Ye thought he would feel relieved. Instead, he was kept awake by incessant chirping from the yard.
The phoenix rarely called out, only letting out soft cries when utterly overwhelmed during belly rubs.
“What’s wrong with it?” Jun Ye asked, donning his outer robe and heading outside.
The mainframe’s database contained extensive information on phoenixes, though much of it was human conjecture. As the galaxy’s only phoenix resided in Jun Ye’s courtyard, most verified data came from direct observation.
“Insufficient data for accurate analysis,” the mainframe replied. “However, prolonged bird calls are often associated with mating behavior.”
Jun Ye paused, an inexplicable discomfort rising within him.
It felt like discovering that the cabbage he had carefully nurtured now sought to be devoured by a pig.
Emerging from his residence, Jun Ye cast a glance toward the vibrant red bird. The chirping ceased immediately.
“Tch, at least it knows fear…” Jun Ye muttered, watching the phoenix cautiously approach him. Under his gaze, the bird lay down on the grass and exposed its belly.
Previously, such a display of submission would have earned it a belly rub. However, knowing it was likely entering its mating season sapped all of Jun Ye’s enthusiasm.
The phoenix tilted its head, its eyes glossy and moist, as though merely lying before him was enough to make it feel bullied.
“Feng Clan specializes in bird rearing, correct?” Jun Ye asked, twisting the band on his wrist.
“Yes,” the mainframe replied. “The Feng Clan of Red Crow Star is the largest breeder of exotic birds in the Henan star system.”
“Send it there in the morning. Though this is the galaxy’s only phoenix, there are plenty of other large exotic birds. Perhaps it’ll find one to its liking.” Jun Ye’s gaze lingered on the phoenix’s watery eyes as he issued the command.
“Understood,” the mainframe replied, promptly notifying the Feng Clan to prepare for the transfer.
Jun Ye cast one last glance at the phoenix before turning to leave.
Instead of returning to his room, he headed for the divine pool. Whenever he felt troubled, soaking in the divine pool for half a day was his remedy.
Sitting on the white jade tiles with his shark tail submerged, Jun Ye let his mind drift before aimlessly browsing his wristband interface. On the web, he spotted an article about the Spring Waters Emperor sending a divine bird to the Feng Clan.
“Make sure they take good care of it,” Jun Ye instructed.
“Understood,” the mainframe replied. The Feng Clan hardly needed the reminder. A phoenix was not only a divine bird but the king of all avians—a symbol of prosperity. To a bird-breeding family, it was a blessing of unparalleled rarity, especially under the Emperor’s care.
Jun Ye returned his focus to cultivation at the divine pool. For a high-level demon4Like I said, I have no idea wtf Jun Ye is… But it appears he’s a shark demon…??? whatever that is lol. I’ve never really heard of his species so if anyone knows anything don’t hesitate to tell me in the comments so I can share with fellow readers! like him, time passed swiftly in meditation.
Every few months, he set aside two days to handle administrative affairs. Occasionally, he would ask the mainframe about the phoenix’s situation.
From initial despondence and rejection of all contact, the phoenix eventually made a few bird companions.
Even birds, it seemed, understood the need for gradual emotional progress.
Jun Ye assumed that the next update would reveal the phoenix had found a mate among the exotic birds.
“What did you say?” Jun Ye asked aloud, startled by the mainframe’s latest report.
The mainframe repeated, “Two months ago, the phoenix transformed into human form. The Feng Clan assisted in obtaining special identification, and it is currently attending school on Red Crow Star.”
Jun Ye was momentarily lost in thought before sighing. “Well, it’s not surprising. As a divine bird born of faith, it makes sense that with proper cultivation, it would achieve transformation in a few years.”
Rising, Jun Ye leaped into the divine pool, swam a lap, and climbed out. His white robe with silver patterns settled on him like a second skin.
“Time to leave seclusion and stretch my legs.”
Curiosity about ancient divine birds ran high among interstellar citizens. After leaving seclusion, Jun Ye frequently saw news about the phoenix on the interstellar network, occasionally accompanied by photographs or videos.
One image captured the phoenix’s human eyes, prompting Jun Ye to click in. After viewing it, he felt a pang of disappointment.
“Looks like it’s lost its charm,” he muttered. In its bird form, the phoenix’s eyes were stunning; now, they seemed average.
Years passed, and Jun Ye received an invitation to the Chu Mirror Sealing Array Ceremony.
“Everyone in the galaxy expects me to innovate with teleportation arrays,” complained Chu Jing, appearing before Jun Ye via spatial transfer as he examined the invitation. “I’m a spatial ability user. If I want to go somewhere, I can just teleport myself. Why waste effort on arrays? I’m tempted to teleport right to their faces and teach them a lesson.”
After venting, Chu Jing smiled. “I’m old and want to let loose one last time. I’m sealing this array for good. If you have time, join as a witness.”
Looking at Chu Jing’s youthful face, Jun Ye nodded. “I will.”
On the day of the ceremony, Jun Ye set out with his personal guards. En route to the spaceport, they were stopped.
The individual blocking the way was dressed in ornate red and gold, resembling a runaway bride. Jun Ye dismissed his guards and scrutinized the figure before him. Their eyes… were beautiful.
Beautiful things always seemed to lift one’s spirits. Smiling faintly, Jun Ye asked, “What’s the matter?”
“E-Emperor…” The person stammered, their eyes welling up with tears, making them even more striking.
“Yes?” Jun Ye repeated gently, his tone patient and devoid of irritation.
“I… I…” Feng Xiu struggled to articulate himself. Being in the presence of the one he yearned for most, the familiar voice alone overwhelmed him, leaving him unable to think.
Jun Ye watched as Feng Xiu edged closer, step by step. He didn’t move or retreat, genuinely curious about the other’s intentions.
When Feng Xiu was three steps away, he suddenly lunged toward Jun Ye.
From a distance, Jun Ye’s personal guards tensed, their instincts on high alert. However, with a calm gesture, Jun Ye signaled them to remain at ease. He barely had time to brace himself before someone collided with him, their warmth pressing into his chest as they clung to his robes and began to cry.
“Can you… can you let me be your Dao companion?” Feng Xiu sobbed, clutching at Jun Ye’s chest as tears streaked his face.
“Why?” Jun Ye asked, patting the person in his arms on the back. The sensation was peculiar—both being embraced by someone crying and offering comfort himself.
Besides, the idea of a Dao companion… It had been millennia since anyone dared propose such a thing to his face.
“I-I’ll be so good…” Feng Xiu hiccupped, his mind short-circuiting from the familiar warmth of Jun Ye’s presence. His words came entirely from instinct.
“My personal guards are quite obedient too,” Jun Ye remarked.
From afar, the guards feigned ignorance, their gazes firmly fixed on the ground.
“I-I’m warm,” Feng Xiu stammered, lifting his tear-streaked face from Jun Ye’s chest as he tried desperately to list his merits.
“That’s true,” Jun Ye agreed, using his hand to wipe away the tears clinging to Feng Xiu’s face. His tone softened. “And you’re very good-looking.”
Feng Xiu, mesmerized by Jun Ye’s rare tenderness, gazed at him with teary eyes full of longing. In a hushed voice, he murmured, “I want to lay eggs for you…”
Jun Ye blinked, taken aback. “You’re female? A hen phoenix?”
He hadn’t paid much attention to the phoenix’s gender when it was still in bird form. However, all the images he’d seen on the interstellar network depicted a man. Moreover, the person in his arms right now… no matter how he looked or felt, they were unmistakably male.
Feng Xiu bit his lip, suppressing the pang of sadness rising in his chest. “Do you… prefer females?”
“They’re fine,” Jun Ye replied, thoughtfully confirming that the body in his arms was indeed male.
“I-I…” Feng Xiu hesitated, unable to confess the truth—that he wasn’t female. If he did, wouldn’t he be pushed away?
“Is there really… no part of you that likes me?” Feng Xiu’s grip on Jun Ye’s robes weakened, his body going limp. If not for Jun Ye’s support, he might have collapsed to the ground.
“I like the way you look when you cry,” Jun Ye said.
Feng Xiu wasn’t sure if Jun Ye was mocking him, but the gentle expression on his face was enough. Even if it was only for this fleeting moment of warmth, Feng Xiu was willing to risk everything. “I can cry for you every day…”
“Is that the bargain for becoming my Dao companion?” Jun Ye asked, tilting Feng Xiu’s chin upward with his fingers.
It’s not a bargain, not a trade, Feng Xiu thought desperately. I just want you to like me, to give me a chance to be near you…
He wanted to shake his head, to explain, but Jun Ye’s hold was firm—gentle yet immobilizing. Feng Xiu could neither move nor speak.
“Then you can only cry beneath me,” Jun Ye murmured, releasing his hold. His voice was soft, almost hypnotic. “Are you still willing?”
“I’m willing…” Under the intense gaze of his beloved, swayed by that gentle tone, Feng Xiu couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
Willing to submit, willing to cry only for you.
Jun Ye is quite twisted eh… But oh well we got their lil origin story!
Also, ladies and gentlemen, it looks like I don’t know how to count lol. There’s 116 chapters, so there’s still one left! Idk why I thought there were 115 lmao
Thanks for reading!
