Chapter 5: Domineering Goddess
-Xi Wangmu-
"Tet was kidnapped by Jingwei."
The Queen Mother of the West slowly repeated her child's words, her voice carrying no outward trace of emotion, yet the slight tightening at the corner of her lips betrayed her displeasure.
Baizhi, her ever-composed child, stood before her with her usual calm expression, but Xi Wangmu's sharp gaze easily caught the subtle signs of discontent, the faint crease between her brows, the almost imperceptible frown tugging at her lips.
The Lady of Immortality resisted the urge to rub her temple or release a sigh. Both gestures were unbecoming of an Empress, and more importantly, her youngest, Jinhsi, was present. The little Long always brought out the best of her restraint, one look from that child, and she was reminded of the image she had to uphold.
Her golden eyes drifted to the unfamiliar guest standing beside Baizhi.
"And you are?" Xi Wangmu's tone was smooth but imperious, her finely shaped brow arching questioningly.
The young woman cupped her hands and bowed deeply. "This Daoist is called Jianxin, Lady Xi." Her voice carried the steady calm of discipline, respectful but without servility common in minor nobles trying to curry favour.
It soothed a fraction of the irritation that still lingered beneath the Queen Mother's serene expression.
"This Daoist is Master Tet's disciple."
That caught the Empress's full attention. Her gaze sharpened as she studied the girl, taking in her lean and balanced body that came from repetition and refinement, not vanity. Her tone and bearing spoke volumes even before her words did.
But Xi Wangmu didn't need to rely on surface observations. The faint shift in her eyes — gold giving way to abyssal black — revealed more than appearances ever could. Her divine sight perceived all imbalances in Yin and Yang.
Second Realm… no, she mused. She's only just begun refining her Qi. Barely stepped into the Third.
A fledgling. A promising one at that. Perhaps, she should steal him from that thief?
The Queen Mother hummed lightly. "A Martial Artist."
It wasn't a question, and Jianxin didn't treat it as one.
The young Daoist inclined her head. "Yes, Lady Xi. I hail from a small sect, Drifting Cloud Sect of Yan Province."
A noncommittal hum slipped from the Empress's lips. She leaned back slightly on her throne, her mind already shifting elsewhere.
Baizhi had told her that before Jingwei appeared, Tet had tried to speak something about her, but he hadn't managed to finish, only saying—
'Xi Wangmu was rough—'
Her jaw tightened as those four words echoed mockingly in her mind.
She tried to ignore them. She truly did. But the more she tried, the louder they rang, irritating, disrespectful, infuriating!
Her grip on the throne's armrest tightened, the polished jade creaking faintly as her divine power stirred beneath her skin, threatening to slip free, before she suppressed it just as she had done countless times before.
Does he think he can trample upon this Empress's dignity without consequence?
Her golden gaze returned to the young Martial Artist standing humbly before her, and a sly, insidious idea unfurled.
A thin, elegant smile curved her lips. "Has that foo—" she caught herself, "—Tet, told you about his time in Tenkai?"
Jianxin blinked at the sudden question, tilting her head slightly, though she nodded after a moment.
That small nod surprised Xi Wangmu slightly. Two weeks. It had only been two weeks since his descent, and already he had confided so much to a mortal?
Still, it was hardly shocking. Given his authority—Play—it suits him to be disarming, she mused inwardly. But I doubt he's told her of his less… respectable tendencies.
Perfect. She would enlighten this naive disciple herself.
"Other than his 'achievements,' has your master spoken of his misdeeds? Of the ones he has wronged back in Heaven?" she asked, her tone deceptively calm, almost conversational. Almost. She barely bit back the venom in her tone.
Jianxin's brows furrowed slightly, but before she could answer, Xi Wangmu continued.
"Once, a Goddess held a simple gathering, a reunion among friends after centuries apart. There was laughter, wine, music. Everything was perfect." She paused, her tone cooling. "Until two thieves slipped into the banquet. They devoured the sacred Peaches of Immortality, fruit that blossoms once every three thousand years."
Her golden eyes locked onto Jianxin's. "One of those thieves was your master, Tet."
The young Martial Artist stiffened, eyes widening slightly in shock. For a heartbeat, Xi Wangmu savored the faint flicker of doubt and the hint of realization.
But the moment was short-lived.
Jianxin's expression steadied almost immediately. Her hands folded before her, and she spoke softly but firmly.
"During our two weeks together, Master Tet has unconditionally and without hesitation taught me much—"
Xi Wangmu's brows lifted, wondering where the girl was going with this.
Her tone grew steadier with each word, as though drawing strength from memory.
"'When you can't control what is happening, control how you react. That is where your power lies'."
The Lady of Immortality stilled, a foreboding feeling filling her.
"Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.'"
"'When guided by respect and sincerity, even passion becomes a virtue'."
The black and white haired girl fearlessly stared into her gold eyes, "'Engage people with what they expect; it settles them into patterns. When they are comfortable, wait for the moment they cannot anticipate.'"
For a brief second, the throne room was silent. Even the flowing fountains seemed to hush.
"Well said, my dear disciple."
The Queen Mother of the West's smile faltered instantly, her head turning sharply toward the great doors that had just swung open.
Three figures entered.
Her eyes instantly picked out two—one she had wanted to see, and one she had longed to punish—and the third, her child, Dan Shu.
"Master Tet!" Jianxin exclaimed, relief and surprise colouring her voice.
Xi Wangmu's brows twitched. Yet, to her own surprise, the rage she had expected — the righteous fury she had prepared to unleash — didn't erupt. It merely simmered beneath the surface.
"Jingwei… thief," she addressed coldly, her voice ringing across the hall, "you dare intrude upon this Empress's palace uninvited?"
The boyish God smiled that same infuriating, carefree smile she remembered all too well. "Wang'er—"
A visible shiver ran down her spine at the affectionate suffix.
"I wouldn't call this barging in," he continued airily, "you did call for me, didn't you? And Jingwei too, no?"
Her golden eyes narrowed sharply.
How does he know? she wondered. The only reason she was able to figure out Jingwei's identity was because of her eyes.
Play, Games, and Rules should have no such capability to look at a person's essence or soul like Yin did.
Her gaze flicked to the Phoenix Immortal, who stood silent beside him…Has he already recruited her?
Her lips thinned. What is your game, little thief?
"Speak," she commanded, her voice cool as ice. "What brings you to this Empress's hall? Surely you haven't developed a conscience and come to apologize, have you, thief?"
Tet paused, his usual levity fading. His footsteps echoed softly as he walked forward.
Baizhi, Jinhsi, and Dan Shu immediately tensed, moving protectively before her. The oppressive pressure that suddenly filled the chamber was staggering, impossible for the so-called weakest god of Tenkai without his Arcanum.
Xi Wangmu's brows drew together. It's not divine power…
"Will?"
It was Jingwei who spoke for the first time since she entered, surprise colouring her features.
"As expected of Master Tet… to wield the legendary Will of the Fifth Realm."
At the awe of his disciple, the tension shattered like glass. Tet blinked, his grin returning sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry, Xi Wangmu."
The Goddess stared blankly. For a moment, she wondered if her hearing had failed her.
Did he… just apologize?
He continued, sounding earnest and apologetic.
"Back then, Wukong told me you were hosting a party, inviting everyone in Kunlun except her. She said you'd been mean to her, so as revenge, she wanted to steal your peaches. She told me you could grow more anytime, that they weren't that valuable…"
Xi Wangmu's eyes twitched.
"…but before I descended, I found out that wasn't true," Tet added quickly, raising his hands defensively. "So, I figured when I finally came down, I'd apologize. Maybe let you punch me once or twice for it. I didn't think it'd get out of hand, ehe~"
He straightened, tapping his head with his fist and sticking his tongue out playfully.
Xi Wangmu stared at him for a long, silent moment.
Then her lips curled—slowly, elegantly—into a predatory smile.
"My children," she said sweetly, rising from her throne, "drag him to this Empress."
Today was, indeed, a good day for the Queen Mother of the West.
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A/N: As Sun Tzu said, "Sometimes we need to lose the small battles in order to win the war." In Tet's case, at least he'd no longer need to watch over his shoulder after this small beating he'll receive.