CATSR Chapter 116

Following Master Chu Jing’s grand Sealing Array Ceremony, the interstellar community was hit with an even more shocking revelation—the Spring Waters Emperor was to marry the divine phoenix!

 

“Xiao Xiu, are these the garments and accessories sent by the Emperor?” Feng Xiu’s exotic bird friends gawked at the dazzling array of wedding attire and jewelry that filled the room.

 

“Yes…” Feng Xiu mumbled, still dazed from the news. Days had passed since the Emperor had agreed to marry him, yet he hadn’t recovered from the shock. Even as the Emperor’s attendants delivered several sets of ceremonial attire for him to try on, he remained stupefied.

 

Everything felt so surreal, as if he were floating on clouds, unable to touch solid ground.

 

“How exactly did you manage to snag the Spring Waters Emperor?” Feng Diao, a golden eagle, stood before Feng Xiu, unbothered by his stunned expression. After all, if he were about to marry the Emperor, he’d be dazed too.

 

“Weren’t you just a pet of the Emperor’s before this?” Feng Diao circled him, scrutinizing him from head to toe before suddenly gasping. “Wait, don’t tell me—you were that kind of pet?!”

 

Feng Xiu’s face flushed a deep red, his blank expression finally breaking into embarrassment. “I wasn’t! Stop saying nonsense! The Emperor wouldn’t even let me on his bed!”

 

“Oh? Then where did the Emperor have you?” Feng Diao teased with a sly grin.

 

“On the floor beside the bed!” Feng Xiu blurted without thinking.

 

The other exotic birds, who had been admiring the wedding garments, all turned to look at him, their expressions reading, You’re that kind of bird?!

 

“Oh~” Feng Diao said, feigning a look of realization.

 

“It’s not what you think!” Feng Xiu exclaimed in frustration, utterly mortified.

 

Feng Diao burst into laughter, doubling over.

 

Of course, he didn’t believe anything untoward had happened between Feng Xiu and the Emperor before Feng Xiu had come to the Feng Clan. Back then, Feng Xiu hadn’t even achieved human form—how strange would the Emperor’s tastes have to be?

 

Still, how had this silly little bird managed to persuade the Emperor to take him as a Dao companion? Was it pure sincerity?

 

Just then, Feng Xiu’s wristband vibrated violently, accompanied by several rapid ding-ding-ding notifications.

 

“Huh?” One of the exotic birds asked, “Who did you set as a priority alert?”

 

“Who else but the Emperor?” Feng Diao joked, leaning over to sneak a glance. When he saw the name displayed on the holographic screen, his eyes widened in shock. “Damn! It is the Emperor!”

 

The group of birds immediately flocked around Feng Xiu, who clutched his wristband and retreated in a panic. “It’s a holographic video call! Aren’t you going to give me some privacy?!”

 

Feng Diao held up his talons in mock surrender. “Got it, got it—private couple time.”

 

Feng Xiu’s anxiety rised up. He was terrified that the Emperor would grow impatient if he delayed too long. But he couldn’t focus on the call until the other birds left.

 

As the last bird, Feng Diao, exited the room, he even closed the door behind him with exaggerated care.

 

Feng Xiu darted to the door, kicked it shut for good measure, and locked it from the inside.

 

The birds outside, who had been about to press their ears against the door, froze. “….”

 

“…He’s not the innocent chick we used to know anymore!”

 

 

While handling the preparations for the Dao companion ceremony, Jun Ye waited for the other side of his wristband call to connect.

 

About a minute later, a blue light flickered, and Feng Xiu’s holographic projection appeared before him.

 

“Emperor!” Feng Xiu greeted with a wide smile, though his nervousness was evident. This was the first time he had used the Emperor’s contact number since obtaining it.

 

Jun Ye’s gaze swept over Feng Xiu, pausing for a few seconds on the phoenix’s pajama top, which featured an oversized cartoon chick. “You didn’t like the wedding garments?” he asked. Feng Xiu’s current state didn’t exactly scream “fitting session.”

 

“I like them very much!” Feng Xiu replied hurriedly, darting to the table where the wedding garments were laid out. He immediately picked the most vivid red ensemble and began lifting his pajama hem to change.

 

Mid-motion, he froze, stiffly raising his head to meet Jun Ye’s calm gaze.

 

“Try them on first. We’ll talk later tonight,” Jun Ye said evenly, disconnecting the call.

 

Feng Xiu’s expression crumbled instantly.

 

Oh no, oh no! He lamented internally. This was the Emperor’s first time contacting him, and he had acted so stupidly!

 

Meanwhile, as Jun Ye continued managing the wedding preparations, the memory of Feng Xiu’s awkward antics brought the faintest of smiles to his lips.

 

Not very bright, Jun Ye mused, but I don’t need a clever Dao companion.

 

He already had plenty of intelligent subordinates. His Dao companion only needed to be someone he could occasionally tease for amusement. Besides, a phoenix, as a divine bird born of heaven and earth, didn’t need to worry about lifespan and could stay with him for a long time.

 

That evening, just before bed, Jun Ye sent Feng Xiu another video call request as promised.

 

The call connected quickly, revealing Feng Xiu seated at the edge of his bed, dressed in a deep red wedding garment. The dim light created an almost ethereal atmosphere.

 

“In such a hurry?” Jun Ye asked, studying the outfit closely. It fit Feng Xiu well and complemented him perfectly.

 

“I wanted to wear it for you to see,” Feng Xiu replied, shifting nervously. Under the robe were trousers styled for men—it was unmistakably a groom’s outfit.

 

Feng Xiu doubted the Emperor could miss his gender now. In fact, it would have been stranger if the Emperor hadn’t already realized it, leaving him flustered and unsure of what to do.

 

“Hm. I see it,” Jun Ye replied simply.

 

Feng Xiu blinked in surprise. He’s not even going to say it looks good?! The confidence Feng Xiu had in his appearance crumbled under Jun Ye’s indifferent words.

 

“Then… are you satisfied?” Feng Xiu asked hesitantly, fidgeting with his sleeves.

 

“Satisfied,” Jun Ye said after a moment. “With the clothes and with you.”

 

Feng Xiu’s face lit up in a wide smile.

 

The two lapsed into silence, their eyes meeting. After several seconds, Jun Ye reflected that he might have unintentionally stalled the conversation. Attempting to redirect, he said, “It’s late. You should rest. The ceremony will be exhausting.”

 

In his mind, Jun Ye ran through the extensive itinerary he had already pared down. Even thinking about the remaining formalities was irritating. If not for the mainframe insisting that further cuts would disrespect the other party, he would have skipped straight to the post-ceremony “pet-the-bird” routine.

 

Feng Xiu was tracing the contours of Jun Ye’s face in his mind. Hearing these words, he lowered his head shyly, as if suddenly struck by a thought. “I don’t mind being tired… as long as you’re happy.”

 

“Hm.” Jun Ye didn’t find Feng Xiu’s reaction unusual. In the divine pool alone, there were countless spirits and creatures who would blush simply from his glance. Unfortunately, none of them made him happy while navigating the labyrinthine wedding arrangements.

 

“Good night?” Feng Xiu ventured.

 

“Good night,” Jun Ye replied.

 

The call ended, the screen disappearing, and Feng Xiu let out a delighted scream, throwing himself onto the bed and rolling around in giddy excitement.

 

Ahhhhhhh!

 

The Emperor had said good night to him! Soon, he’d be sleeping next to the Emperor!

 

Mid-roll, Feng Xiu suddenly remembered he was still wearing his wedding attire. He sprang up in a panic.

 

“Phew… no wrinkles,” he muttered in relief, carefully smoothing the fabric.

 

 

The Dao companion ceremony was an extravagant affair.

 

Celestial melodies reverberated, drums and music resounded through the skies, and a myriad of birds gathered in homage.

 

Every prominent figure or faction in the interstellar realm attended, their arrival marked by divine radiance and spectacular displays of magic. Yet, Feng Xiu could only see the person beside him.

 

There were many forms of Dao companionship. For cultivators, it could mean walking the path of cultivation together. It could simply mean a romantic bond. But a ceremony as solemn and meticulous as this signified a vow of eternity—endless companionship through all time.

 

Walking on a carpet woven from celestial blossoms, Feng Xiu felt as though he were treading in a dream. Only the hand holding his tethered him to reality.

 

Jun Ye had assumed he would dislike the tedious formalities, but as he led Feng Xiu through each step of the ceremony, he found himself strangely unbothered.

 

Perhaps it was the way Feng Xiu clung to him, his eyes filled with trust and awe. That endearing reliance made even the intricate rituals feel far from tedious.

 

 

Jun Ye rinsed off in the bathroom and cast a superficial cleansing spell on himself. When he returned to the bedroom, he found Feng Xiu already lying on the bed.

 

Approaching, Jun Ye parted the bed curtains and looked down at Feng Xiu, who was staring blankly at the canopy above. “Tired?” he asked.

 

Feng Xiu shook his head, inhaling the rich floral fragrance in the room as he murmured, “I’ve finally made it to your bed.”

 

The remark made Jun Ye think back to Feng Xiu’s fledgling days, when the young phoenix would commandeer his pillow or sneak onto his bed in the middle of the night. His gaze shifted to Feng Xiu’s stomach, and his hand followed.

 

“Mm…” Feng Xiu instinctively curled his legs, shifting his eyes from the canopy to Jun Ye’s face.

 

It felt like he had returned to his youth, pinned down by the Emperor as his belly was rubbed. Unable to resist but yearning for that hand to linger, just a little longer…

 

Jun Ye frowned slightly. The silky wedding attire was far from the texture of soft feathers; the sensation left something to be desired.

 

“Chirp…” Feng Xiu’s eyes brimmed with trust and dependence. Resolving to give it another try, Jun Ye considered whether the sensation would improve if he removed the fabric barrier.

 

His hand moved to Feng Xiu’s collar. As Dao companions, he had every right to see Feng Xiu without any coverings.

 

Feng Xiu offered no resistance, his body trembling lightly but relaxing as Jun Ye’s hands began to rub.

 

Jun Ye’s lips curved into a faint smile. Without the clothing, the tactile experience was indeed much improved.

 

He soon discovered that it wasn’t just Feng Xiu’s stomach that offered a pleasing texture—many other parts of his body were equally satisfying to touch.

 

“Chirp…” Feng Xiu’s eyes filled with a watery sheen.

 

Jun Ye adored this expression on him.

 

After thoroughly exploring the front, Jun Ye naturally wouldn’t neglect the back. But he wanted to keep watching Feng Xiu’s eyes as well.

 

Jun Ye didn’t like having to choose between two options. Lying down beside Feng Xiu, he drew him into his arms, positioning him so they faced each other. His hand naturally found its way to Feng Xiu’s back.

 

The best of both worlds.

 

“Chirp, chirp—”

 

Before long, Feng Xiu’s limbs wrapped tightly around Jun Ye.

 

Jun Ye allowed it, indulging himself in the tactile pleasure for some time. Only then did he notice a certain hardness on Feng Xiu’s otherwise pliant body. The realization of his duties as a Dao companion finally dawned on him.

 

What a hassle…

 

Since inheriting the legacy of an ancient secret realm, Jun Ye’s needs in this area had become nearly nonexistent. While rubbing Feng Xiu had lifted his spirits, it hadn’t stirred much physical response.

 

“Do you know what to do?” Jun Ye asked softly, stroking Feng Xiu’s face.

 

“I… I do,” Feng Xiu replied.

 

“Then you handle it,” Jun Ye said, letting go of him.

 

Feng Xiu: “?!”

 

Wait… is the Emperor the one on the bottom?!

 

Feng Xiu’s heart quaked at the revelation. Yet, he complied with Jun Ye’s instructions, even as his body trembled. Summoning all his remaining strength, he began to move downward.

 

……

 

Jun Ye absentmindedly ruffled Feng Xiu’s hair, and Feng Xiu tilted his head up to gaze at him.

 

Truthfully, Jun Ye barely felt anything from Feng Xiu’s earlier bite. But from this angle, Feng Xiu’s tear-filled eyes glistened as they looked up at him, and an unfamiliar sensation suddenly surged through Jun Ye.

 

His hand tightened in Feng Xiu’s hair, gripping it firmly.

 

……

 

 

The night stretched long.

 

The energy shield surrounding the main courtyard sealed off all external light and prevented anyone from peering inside. Within, the artificial night alternated endlessly, and the shield would only dissolve when the Emperor and the Phoenix Lord departed.

 

Outside the shield, the Emperor’s personal guards maintained a vigilant watch, while the occasional small spirit glanced toward the barrier from afar.

 

“It’s still night inside,” one of the spirits murmured.

 

Another sighed wistfully, “No wonder Lord Bai Che said the Emperor would never fancy someone like us. With how long it’s been, a weaker one would’ve been drained dry of their essence by now.”

 

Jun Ye had always been careful to maintain restraint. Still, after thousands of years, this first indulgence left him with moments where he lost control.

 

It wasn’t until Feng Xiu lay limp beneath him, too exhausted to open his eyes and only able to let out soft whimpers, that Jun Ye finally brought himself to stop.

 

Without Feng Xiu’s gaze upon him, his interest faded significantly.

 

After one last indulgence, Jun Ye cast a cleansing spell over both of them, then lifted Feng Xiu from the grassy ground.

 

Returning to the bedroom, Jun Ye frowned briefly at the mess and cast another cleansing spell over the room. Placing Feng Xiu on the now pristine bed, he lay beside him, holding him close as they both drifted into sleep.

 

“Chirp… chirp…”

 

Jun Ye was roused from slumber by faint, pained sounds from the body in his arms.

 

Sensing the light tremors against him, his mind snapped into clarity. Looking down, he saw Feng Xiu’s pale face, his skin covered in a thin layer of frost. Feng Xiu’s hands were weakly pressed against his chest, and his colorless lips quivered as faint, almost inaudible chirps escaped him.

 

Opposing attributes.

 

Jun Ye pieced it together instantly, channeling spiritual energy to stabilize Feng Xiu’s vital functions.

 

Their elemental incompatibility had always been an issue. Feng Xiu had absorbed not only Jun Ye’s… contributions but also the residual essence Jun Ye had left within him. The superficial cleansing spell had failed to remove it.

 

Jun Ye retrieved a pill to suppress the cold from his storage ring and fed it to Feng Xiu. Wrapping both of them in a robe conjured from spiritual energy, he moved them in a single step to the home of a renowned healer.

 

The healer, who had just settled into bed, groaned upon seeing them. “You’re killing me.”

 

“Jun! Cough… let go! You’re choking me!”

 

Jun Ye snapped awake, startled to find his hands gripping Feng Xiu’s neck. Seeing his Dao companion gasping for air, tears streaming from his eyes, Jun Ye released him immediately, his expression shifting from confusion to dawning realization.

 

Feng Xiu clutched his neck, taking deep, ragged breaths.

 

The advantage of a divine beast’s body was its resilience, and Feng Xiu quickly recovered. Though his breathing steadied, he gazed at Jun Ye with a mixture of grievance and caution. “Were you trying to strangle me so you could swap me for another Dao companion…?”

 

“No,” Jun Ye said simply, reaching out to touch the faint red marks on Feng Xiu’s neck.

 

Feng Xiu tensed but gradually relaxed as he noted the clarity in Jun Ye’s gaze, devoid of malice.

 

“Did you… have a nightmare?” Feng Xiu asked hesitantly, shivering slightly as Jun Ye’s touch tickled his skin.

 

Jun Ye didn’t answer directly. Instead, he gathered spiritual energy at his fingertips and ran them over Feng Xiu’s neck, erasing the marks entirely.

 

Withdrawing his hand, Jun Ye lay back down on the bed.

 

Feng Xiu quickly scooted closer, wrapping his arms around Jun Ye.

 

Jun Ye lowered his gaze to the phoenix clinging to him.

 

Feng Xiu, having spun an imaginary tale of vengeance in his mind, looked up resolutely. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you!”

 

Jun Ye’s hand gently brushed over Feng Xiu’s overly luminous eyes, a faint smile touching his lips. “Go to sleep.”

 

Feng Xiu nuzzled into Jun Ye’s palm, murmuring, “Don’t be afraid. My phoenix fire is powerful—I’ll keep you safe.” Only then did he lay back down, closing his eyes. His arms around Jun Ye never loosened.

 

Jun Ye stared at the hand on his waist for a moment, his mind flashing to memories of Feng Xiu tearfully reaching out to embrace him, and the resolute promise in his eyes to protect him.

 

Suddenly, he understood.

 

It wasn’t Feng Xiu’s eyes or his tears that had drawn him in. It was the emotions they conveyed when they looked at him.

 

This realization explained why he had found Feng Xiu’s picture disappointing, yet had been drawn to him when they were face-to-face.

 

Whether it was the light in Feng Xiu’s gaze when he looked at him, or the quiet endurance he displayed even when overwhelmed, it all boiled down to one truth:

 

I like the you who likes me.

 

(The End)

 

 

---

 

And so, here it ends ;-;

 

I did have trouble and felt unmotivated with the later parts of this story as I felt like it really derived a bit from the original plot I was waiting for at first, but honestly? It’s a cute read and I don’t regret pushing through til the end. Sure, it’s not the best story out there with a very detailed plot, and some points are just straight up rushed, but Xiu Xiu and Jun Jun are still cute in their own way.

 

If you made it through here with me, I hope you could at least enjoy it!

 

Thanks for reading!