Chapter Twenty-Six: I Devoured Myself

I skipped along behind Violet Lotus, heading toward Azure Cloud Pavilion. The air was fresh, my mood was bright, and even my steps felt lighter. Though Violet Lotus appeared to walk at a leisurely pace, in a blink he left me far behind. Watching his figure recede into the distance, I couldn't help but think how wonderful it was to have Violet Lotus, how truly wonderful, and how much better it would be if he were my master.

By the time I finally arrived at Azure Cloud Pavilion, Violet Lotus was already seated at the head of the table, drinking alone.

"Master, greetings!"

I ran over, full of enthusiasm, and seeing the table laden with delicious food, my mouth watered. I abandoned all propriety, lifted my robes, and plopped myself down opposite him. Looking at him with pitiful eyes, I pleaded, "Master, Little Fish wants to eat too!"

"Mm," he replied, then tipped back another cup of wine. In that moment, I accidentally caught sight of his elegant throat, and couldn't help but chuckle to myself…

"Master, I want to drink wine too," I said, cupping my chin in my hands, blinking my big eyes at him with a pleading look. His eyelids twitched, the corners of his mouth tightened, and a vein bulged on his forehead, but he didn't spare me a glance.

"Please, Master, can I have just a sip? Just one sip, that's all I want," I begged. My curiosity about the wine was overwhelming, but without his permission, I didn't dare pour myself any. All I could do was hope for a bit of kindness from Violet Lotus.

For a long while, he drank alone, paying me no mind.

"Master, let me try a little, please let Little Fish have a taste," I persisted, refusing to give up. Back in the Demon Realm, I had once sampled wine in secret—barely three cups in, and I collapsed, out cold for three days and nights. When Chi Xiao found out, he was furious, and promptly removed every jar of wine from my palace, forbidding me from ever touching a drop again. A hundred years have passed since then, and I can hardly remember what wine tastes like. Watching Violet Lotus enjoy it so much, I couldn't resist my desire to try.

"You are still young; drinking is not recommended. But since you insist, a single cup will do no harm," he said slowly, looking up at me. "However…"

"However what?" I asked, quick as a flash. Before he could finish, I grabbed the wine pot beside him and poured myself a full cup. Chi Xiao had always refused to let me touch wine, but now that I had the chance, I wouldn't shortchange myself. I filled my cup to the brim, mimicking Violet Lotus, first sniffing it—an indescribably odd smell. Then I stuck out my tongue to taste it—wow…

"Ugh… So spicy!" Tears stung my eyes from the heat. I set the cup down and quickly picked up my chopsticks, grabbing a piece of unknown food and stuffing it in my mouth. After a few bites, and a few more mouthfuls, the burning sensation slowly faded.

"Master, what is this? It tastes so good!" I asked, pointing with my chopsticks at the dish that had rescued me from the heat, though now it was poked into a messy heap.

"Fish. Carp," he said quietly, setting his wine cup down and looking at me.

"Fish?" I shrieked in horror, my hand trembling so that my chopsticks fell to the floor. No way! Had I just eaten my own flesh? Was this a joke? My heart was filled with grief, as if countless bolts of heavenly thunder were striking me, leaving me crisp and fragrant inside and out. If someone sprinkled some spices over me, I'd be a perfect side dish.