"Emperor Yi, with Fairy Chang'e dancing alone, would it not seem a little too monotonous? In my Buddhist Sect, there is the Dunhuang Flying Bodhisattva, who excels in the dance of the flying heavens. Today, having the fortune to witness Great Yi opening the Well of Gods and Demons, such a joyous event, she too wishes to offer her flying dance to celebrate the splendor of Great Yi."
At this moment, the seated Tathagata Buddha spoke with a gentle smile.
His gaze fell upon a graceful figure at his side.
It was none other than a Bodhisattva of the Buddhist Sect. Her attire revealed a distinct exotic charm, dressed in the Dunhuang garments that Yi Tianxing had once read about. Her face was stunning beyond compare, with a sacred aura about her—an air of holiness that inspired reverence and left no room for profane thoughts.
This was the Flying Bodhisattva of Buddhism.
Every smile, every expression of hers brought serenity and peace to the heart.
Her beauty was of a different kind—an exotic allure.
"If the Bodhisattva has such an interest, I naturally have no reason to refuse," Yi Tianxing replied with a faint smile. "Since the two fairies are in such high spirits, I shall offer a prize. This is a vial of Immortal Skin Jade Dew. It is an unparalleled treasure, nurtured from the Immortal Dew Tree born of the God and Demon seed planted in Great Yi. If a female cultivator bathes in water infused with this Jade Dew, her skin and beauty will become more flawless than ever before, repairing any blemishes or imperfections, leaving her without a single flaw. Even immortals and gods may maintain their beauty unchanged for hundreds of years."
The Immortal Dew Tree had been born from the God and Demon seed, watered with top-grade immortal jades and various rare treasures of heaven and earth. From this divine tree, every thousand years, a new batch of Immortal Dew would grow, each drop stored within thumb-sized jade gourds.
Moreover, there wasn't just one type of dew. Dozens, even hundreds of different kinds would appear, each with unique effects.
Yi Tianxing's collection alone already numbered in the hundreds—Foundation Establishment Dew, Immortal Skin Jade Dew, Golden Body Dew, Lunar Dew, Star Dew, Hundred Flower Dew, Divine Light Liquid, Life Dew, Marrow Washing Dew, and many more, ranging in grades from the lowest Yellow rank to the supreme Heavenly rank.
Each one had a different purpose and varying levels of value.
The Immortal Skin Jade Dew was among the highest tier. Its allure to women cultivators was unmatched. Even Chang'e, known as the foremost immortal beauty under heaven, would become even more flawless should she use it—beauty reaching an unimaginable realm.
Never underestimate how irresistible such treasures were to female cultivators.
Even within the Immortal Palace, Yi Tianxing's consorts would constantly scheme and plead for it, forcing Yi Tianxing to "unlock" many mysterious arts during those times.
This Immortal Dew was a treasure rarely spread among the upper echelons of Great Yi, scarce and always in demand. To the outside world, it was virtually unknown.
As soon as it was revealed, both the Flying Bodhisattva and Chang'e's eyes revealed a glimmer of longing, their gazes fixated on the jade gourd containing the Immortal Skin Jade Dew.
No matter whether she was fairy or Bodhisattva, every woman cherished beauty.
To claim they weren't tempted by the Jade Dew was impossible.
"In that case, this Flying One shall not decline. Allow me to take the lead and present a dance before His Majesty and the assembled immortals."
The Flying Bodhisattva spoke first, her tone showing no intent of conceding—her confidence in dance was absolute.
"Please!" Yi Tianxing nodded, smiling.
With a flick of her sleeve—
Shua!
A radiant light flashed, and dozens of dancers appeared in the hall, each garbed in exotic attire that revealed their arms, waists, and jade legs, adorned with silken sashes and ornaments. Each carried different instruments, each stunning and pure, over a hundred in total. At the same time, the Flying Bodhisattva's own attire shifted to match theirs.
Her aura transformed—more sacred, more dazzling, utterly transcendent.
Within Buddhism, she bore the title—Dunhuang Heavenly Maiden!
She was about to perform none other than the Dunhuang Flying Dance.
Music filled with exotic rhythms echoed, and the maidens moved gracefully, each unique, yet together weaving a beauty unlike any other.
From the very first moment, all the immortals present could not help but focus entirely on them.
The Flying Dance was graceful, unrestrained, elegant yet full of passion. The maidens swayed like fairies, their skirts and ribbons swirling in the air as though soaring freely through the heavens. The audience felt as if they were transported into a dream, a tranquil beauty spreading across the hall.
The beauty of flight—the beauty of holiness.
Even though the dancers were scantily clad, not a single thought of profanation arose, only appreciation and awe.
When the Flying Dance finally ended, many still lingered in the dreamlike atmosphere, unable to return to themselves.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Yi Tianxing applauded heartily. "Dunhuang Flying Dance, beautiful and auspicious, truly breathtaking beyond compare."
The praise was sincere, without exaggeration.
"Many thanks for Your Majesty's praise."
The Heavenly Maiden smiled and bowed, as the other dancers vanished as though they had never appeared.
"The Dunhuang Heavenly Maiden's flying dance is indeed unique. Now, I eagerly await Fairy Chang'e's wondrous performance."
Yi Tianxing's gaze turned expectantly to Chang'e.
Chang'e smiled faintly and stepped forward. As she danced, immortal aura naturally flowed, cold yet enchanting, every movement perfect beyond measure, as though one had stepped into a dreamlike fairyland.
Then, without warning, a bright full moon descended into the Xinghe Garden.
Chang'e soared upward, rushing toward the moon.
It was Chang'e Running to the Moon.
The scene was even more breathtaking than the Flying Dance. Her snow-white gown fluttered, and with a single glance backward, myriad emotions seemed to ripple in her eyes. That glance alone was enough to shake the soul.
In the blink of an eye, she alighted upon the moon and danced gracefully within its glow. Her dance—cold as moonlight, ethereal as an immortal—was unforgettable, etching itself into the hearts of all present.
Only when she finally descended from the moon did the hall erupt into awe and admiration.
"Chang'e Running to the Moon, dancing alone within the moon, breathtaking beyond words, captivating beyond awakening. In terms of dance, Fairy Chang'e is truly superior. Yet, the Heavenly Maiden's Flying Dance was likewise unmatched. Thus, this match shall be declared a draw. Each of you shall receive a vial of Immortal Skin Jade Dew, to further enhance your beauty."
As he spoke, Yi Tianxing produced another vial, handing one each to Chang'e and the Heavenly Maiden.
Neither refused. No woman would ever decline such a treasure.
The Peach Banquet proceeded smoothly toward its conclusion.
But just before the end, the White Lotus Heavenly Maiden suddenly rose, smiling at Yi Tianxing.
"Emperor Yi, I wonder—does your Great Yi lack capable hands?"
"Lack?" Yi Tianxing blinked before smiling. "Of course. Especially top-tier experts such as yourself."
"This time, Eternal Night opened over thirty Demon Abyss, and you yourself have opened nine Wells of Gods and Demons (Divine-Demon Well). If needed, I would not mind venturing into the Abyss to meet those Eternal Night fiends." The White Lotus Heavenly Maiden laughed, her intent unhidden.
"If Fellow Daoist is willing, that would be most welcome. Each Demon Abyss requires a strong expert to guard. In fact, I was just about to extend such an invitation. You may join Great Yi's Tongtian Pavilion as a First-Rank Offering, enjoying the blessing of our national destiny, and help guard an Abyss."
Yi Tianxing responded without hesitation, arranging her position securely.
"Emperor Yi, your Great Yi seems excellent. Why don't I too come to guard an Abyss? Would Fellow Daoist welcome me?"
Suddenly, Lü Dongbin spoke up.
(End of Chapter)