Chapter 60: Red Sand

A harsh voice snapped from the side, “Let go.”
Only then did she realize her hands were still fiercely gripping the Star Lord’s collar, clutching like a wild beast. She hurriedly released him, losing her balance and tumbling to the bottom of the pool. The floor was smooth and white with fine sand, and the buoyancy of the water made her fall feel weightless.
Sitting on the sand, she gazed in wonder at her floating clothes and hair—she was truly underwater. Yet she could breathe freely, and aside from the chill seeping into her very core, it felt no different from standing on land.
The Star Lord, flustered and exasperated, straightened his garments. “You ate the celestial mushroom, so now you can breathe underwater. Didn’t you know?”
She shook her head, still dazed. A school of blue fish swam past, captivating her curiosity. She reached out to catch them, but they slipped nimbly through her fingers. She could even dive now! How had she not noticed?
The Star Lord snorted disdainfully and turned away. Lifting her head, Qing Yin noticed a massive pale blue crystal ahead. It glowed softly, casting shimmering light throughout the water. In the center of the crystal was a vivid splash of color—she couldn’t quite discern what it was.
Curious, she rose and adjusted to the floating steps of walking underwater, moving closer—finally, she saw.
Inside the crystal was a young woman, skin as pale as snow, with ankle-length crimson hair coiled around her bare form—enchanting as a poppy in full bloom.
A woman was sealed within this crystal, her stillness absolute, time itself suspended, her life frozen in ice.
The sight was a powerful jolt—a collision of life and death, ice and fire, that left Qing Yin deeply shaken.
The Star Lord stood before the crystal, lost in thought as he gazed at the woman. The blue radiance reflected in his eyes, flickering with vitality, softening his usually cold, steely gaze.
Qing Yin heard him murmur, “Red Sand, at last you can come out.” He reached out, and his fingertip traced lightly across the surface of the crystal.
It was as if an invisible flame danced at his touch—a faint red mark appeared instantly. The mark widened, cracks branching deep into the ice. The crystal groaned under the strain, fissures spreading, and in an instant, the massive block shattered, collapsing with a thunderous crash.
Seeing the great chunks of ice falling, Qing Yin scrambled backward in fright. But the Star Lord remained unmoving where he stood.
Shards of ice stirred the sand at the pool’s bottom, clouding the water like a swirling mist. Unprepared, she inhaled some, coughing violently before she recovered. When the haze cleared, she saw the Star Lord kneeling, cradling the woman with crimson hair in his arms. He had already shed his outer robe, draping it over her to cover her nakedness.
He gazed down at her, calling softly, “Red Sand…” His voice trembled, thick with pain and longing.
The woman’s long scarlet lashes flickered as she slowly opened her eyes. Her pupils were the color of blood-red crystal, glinting with an unearthly allure.
She lifted her face, her vacant gaze gradually focusing on the Star Lord’s features. After a long moment, she whispered weakly, “Who are you?”
“I am the Star Lord of Polaris,” he answered, his voice hoarse as he struggled to contain his emotions.
Her confusion deepened. She seemed to search her mind, yet found nothing. “Who am I?” she asked again.
“You are Red Sand, my wife.” His fingers gently stroked her cheek.
Red Sand hesitated. “But…I can’t remember anything.”
“You’ve slept for so long. It’s been centuries. I’ve waited so long… But now you’re finally awake.” He drew her gently into his embrace as though she might shatter. “It doesn’t matter if you remember nothing. All you need know is that I will cherish you, protect you, and stay by your side. That is enough.”
With his support, Red Sand slowly stood, stretching her stiff limbs. He waved his hand, and at once a violet gown of gossamer fabric appeared, fluttering around her like a celestial mist.
She looked around at the cold, silent depths in confusion. The Star Lord took her delicate fingers in his own. She glanced down at their joined hands, and suddenly she smiled—a smile brilliant as a field of poppies, dazzling and bewitching, so that even Qing Yin, watching nearby, was momentarily entranced.
Red Sand looked up at the Star Lord and said with a gentle smile, “Your hand feels so familiar.”
Qing Yin saw, clear as day, a single tear slip from the Star Lord’s eye, dissolving into the water. She hadn’t expected someone so ruthless to weep.
The Star Lord replied, “See? You do still remember me.”
He slipped his arm around Red Sand’s waist, lifting her effortlessly as the two floated gracefully toward the surface. He didn’t forget to glance back at Qing Yin, his look sharp with warning. “Follow,” he ordered.
Qing Yin quickly lowered her gaze. “Yes,” she answered, paddling after them with an awkward dog-paddle. She glimpsed the elegant sweep of a silver tail in the water ahead—when Red Sand began to ascend, her legs had transformed instantly into a fish’s tail. Qing Yin couldn’t help but wonder—what exactly was Red Sand?
Once ashore, Red Sand stepped from the water and her tail split again into two long, graceful legs. Bare feet peeped from beneath her violet gown, the ankles slender and delicate. Qing Yin noticed the fine silver scales at her ankles—barely visible unless you looked closely.
The Star Lord held her hand, his voice gentle as if speaking to a child: “Red Sand, there are many evil people outside who would harm you. From now on, you must only wander within my temple—never set foot beyond its bounds. But you won’t have to remain confined long. Soon, I’ll rid this place of our enemies, and then you will be free to go wherever you wish, with me.”
He gestured to Qing Yin, still dripping from her climb out of the water. “This girl is your personal maid. From now on, she’ll attend to your every need.”
Red Sand nodded obediently.
The Star Lord turned a stern gaze on Qing Yin. “Serve Red Sand well. You must not leave her side for a single moment. Understood?”
Qing Yin agreed, though inwardly she was puzzled—had the Star Lord gone to such lengths just to have her serve his woman?
He took Red Sand’s hand and led her into his sumptuous palace.
As they passed through the garden, Qing Yin snatched a few exotic fruits, stuffing them into her sleeves, munching on one as she walked. These celestial fruits were not only filling, but left her feeling invigorated and refreshed. The Star Lord was so absorbed in his beauty that he didn’t even notice.
The attendant sprites glimpsed the unfamiliar beauty but showed no surprise, their composure remarkable—a testament to their discipline.
Qing Yin followed, gnawing her fruit. As they crossed the threshold of a fragrant sandalwood door, the Star Lord suddenly halted, turning to glare at her. She froze, bewildered. “Why are you glaring at me again…?”
The Star Lord’s lips twitched in exasperation. “Why are you coming in? Wait outside the door. Do not leave, but do not enter.”
Only then did she realize, distracted by her snack, she had wandered right into their bedchamber. She hurried out, closing the door politely behind her.
Not to leave, not to enter.
What a nuisance.
Qing Yin sat on the steps, bored, and pulled out another fruit to eat.
Inside, voices drifted out.
“Red Sand, I’ve missed you so much…”
Red Sand’s tone was wary, annoyed. “What are you doing? Don’t.”
The Star Lord replied, holding back with effort, “You are my wife. I’ve waited centuries for this day.”
Red Sand’s voice was still lost. “I still can’t remember you.”
“…I’m sorry, I forgot. It’s fine. We can start again from the beginning.”
Red Sand asked, “If I am your wife, then tell me—why did I sleep for centuries?”
“You were wounded by evil men, nearly lost your life. I used immortal arts to seal you in crystal to heal. In time, you recovered and awakened.”
“My name is Red Sand. But what am I?”
“You were a fairy maiden of Jade Lake, once a silver carp who cultivated to immortality.”
Red Sand pressed on, “Who harmed me?”
The Star Lord’s voice was gentle. “I’ll tell you everything in time. You’ve just awakened—if you worry so much, your head will ache.”
The chamber fell silent.
Qing Yin imagined that right now, the Star Lord was probably embracing his beauty tenderly.
Outside, Qing Yin curled her lip. A reunion sweeter than a wedding night—no, centuries apart, that was a long, long parting. What followed was bound to be… She’d better not listen further, or her ears would burn. Better to slip away…
But inside, Red Sand’s reluctant voice drifted out: “Don’t. I can’t accept this.”
“…All right, never mind. I’ll wait for you,” the Star Lord replied, defeated.
Moments later, the door opened and the Star Lord stepped out, looking utterly dejected. Qing Yin’s jaw paused mid-bite, cheeks puffed as she looked up at him.
The sympathy in her eyes made his temper flare. He barked, “Serve the Lady well, and do not leave her side!”
And off he stalked.
Only when he was gone did Qing Yin burst into laughter. Served him right!
A voice called from within, “Attend me.”
Qing Yin hurried in. “What is your wish, my lady?”
Red Sand frowned. “Don’t call me that. I don’t even know if I am truly his wife.”
Author’s Note: The author had something to say, but since updates are so slow, was squashed before the words could be spoken.