Chapter Sixteen: Caiyao’s Origins – Part One

Caiyao looked at Li Sibai and smiled. "Brother, did you notice anything shoot out from your body when you finished your upgrade?"

Li Sibai recalled the scene carefully. It did seem like something had been expelled from his body, but at the time, he had been focused on his internal state, his eyes closed in cultivation, and paid little attention to anything else.

"I think there was something, but what does it have to do with the old tree spirit?"

"Of course it's related. Do you remember the first time I helped you succeed in cultivation? Something shot out then as well."

Li Sibai tried to remember, but his memory was hazy. He shook his head and looked at Caiyao.

"You probably didn't notice then," Caiyao said. "At that time, a stream of scorching red gas shot out from your body, and I absorbed it. Then I fell into a deep sleep for several days. When I woke, I felt that my own cultivation had advanced significantly. I’m not entirely sure why, we’ll have to wait for the old tree spirit to wake and discuss it."

Li Sibai felt a hint of worry. "If you slept for days, does that mean we’ll have to stay here for several days as well?"

Caiyao glanced at Li Sibai and then at the old tree spirit. "Perhaps, but I have a feeling it might not be the case. This old tree spirit’s cultivation is much higher than mine—he may wake up sooner."

She paused, then continued, "Since we have some time, Brother, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

Li Sibai thought for a moment. "It seems my questions all hinge on him waking up. So, why don’t you tell me his story? How did you two meet?" He gestured at the old tree spirit, now eager to hear a tale himself.

"All right!" Caiyao agreed readily, found a clean branch and sat down, with Li Sibai following suit.

"Let me start with my story. Would you like to hear it?"

Li Sibai nodded vigorously.

Caiyao was, in fact, a Rainbow Feathertail Bird. Like Li Sibai, she was born and raised on Mount Kunlun, but not in the human world—she came from the Ninth Heaven above Kunlun. The upper six layers of the Ninth Heaven belong to the realm of the gods, while the lower three are the domain of immortals, those who have achieved immortality. On the Eighth Heaven, there is a pool of crystal-clear water called the Jade Lake.

Legend has it that the Jade Lake is the residence of the Queen Mother of the West, situated on the eighth level of the Ninth Heaven. The scenery there is breathtaking, lush and verdant. Because it is closer to the mortal world, the pure energy is abundant, and many sentient creatures live by the lake, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to cultivate their own spiritual power.

Caiyao grew up by this Jade Lake. She never knew her parents, nor did she remember who they were. All she knew was that from her earliest memories, she played by the lake, eating lotus seeds when she was hungry and drinking the sacred water when thirsty, basking in the spiritual energy of the world and the radiance of sun and moon. Thus, Caiyao grew up carefree by the Jade Lake. Over time, her cultivation increased, and the colors of her feathers grew ever more brilliant and dazzling. She became an exceptional sight by the lake, befriended by many spiritual beasts who loved to hear her sing and play with her. In a blink, centuries passed.

But good days always seem to fly by. Caiyao’s popularity bred jealousy among some divine beasts, such as the Queen Mother's mount, the Azure Luan.

The Azure Luan was a true divine beast, one of the Five Phoenixes, and she had long established her status in the realm of the gods as the Queen Mother's companion. Before Caiyao’s arrival, the Azure Luan was the most beloved and respected divine bird of the Eighth Heaven. But Caiyao’s presence changed everything. Although not yet a divine beast, Caiyao’s growing popularity at the Jade Lake made the Azure Luan feel threatened.

By then, Caiyao was nearing the stage of taking human form—a crucial step for a spiritual beast to become a divine being and possess her own domain. The Azure Luan would never allow this to happen and pondered how to eliminate Caiyao without raising suspicion.

Caiyao spent most of her time in the Eighth Heaven, but by chance, she wandered into the Dark Forest at Jade Void Peak on Mount Kunlun, where she encountered the old tree spirit.

The old tree spirit had cultivated for ten thousand years and was the leader of all tree demons in the Dark Forest. Though a tree demon, he had long since become a true spirit, far surpassing the other monsters in the forest. In terms of rank, he was above even the highest-tiered beasts, though not classified as a beast himself. Many years ago, the founder of the Xuantian Sword Sect, Master Yuxu, came to the forest and met him when he had only cultivated for a few thousand years. Master Yuxu exterminated the monsters of the Dark Forest but spared the tree demons, as they caused no harm to humans and did not eat flesh. Earlier, the old tree spirit had only intended to frighten Li Sibai.

Master Yuxu, moved by the hardships of their cultivation, spared the tree demons and instructed the old tree spirit to help any disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect who entered the Dark Forest. Over the millennia, the old tree spirit had indeed ordered all tree demons to look after such disciples, but none had ever ventured so deep—Li Sibai was the first.

Thus, upon meeting Li Sibai, the old tree spirit felt an immediate affinity and was eager to test his strength, only to be greatly disappointed and baffled by how this youth had made it to the heart of the Dark Forest.

The old tree spirit was instantly captivated by Caiyao’s radiant feathers when they first met, and Caiyao was drawn to his character—he was the tallest and grandest tree in the forest. Caiyao landed atop his crown and sang with her unique, melodious voice. The old tree spirit was enchanted; her song seemed to resonate with a power that penetrated his heart, allowing him to see into his true self.

From that day on, the old tree spirit and little Caiyao became friends. He was knowledgeable and experienced; she was lively, clever, and enchanting, bringing color to his long years. The two often chatted and sang together, and the old tree spirit took Caiyao as his little sister.

This time, Caiyao came to the Dark Forest at Jade Void Peak to visit the old tree spirit again. Unexpectedly, the Azure Luan, with no duties from the Queen Mother that day, secretly followed her. As soon as Caiyao descended to the mortal world, the Azure Luan ambushed her. Caiyao was startled and barely dodged, but was still grazed. Realizing things had gone awry, she plunged headlong into the Dark Forest without a second thought.