Dong Hua was feeding her medicine. Feng Jiu could feel the bitterness of the liquid going down her throat. Three days have passed, and Feng Jiu was still resting. Dong Hua could sense her cultivation level was higher than normal. He saw her rapid eye movement and realized that she was dreaming. He entered her dream stage undetected to see what she was dreaming about.

Feng Jiu saw her mother when she was younger and pregnant with her when a powerful current run thru her body and she started her labor pains.

She saw how Zhe Yan was attending her birth. She felt being held by Zhe Yan loving arms. Feng Jiu saw him crying. "My beautiful daughter, you are so lovely and powerful." She felt her forehead hot when Zhe Yan touched her. "There, there my darling, shhhh don't fret little one. Your powers are all sealed. You will grow up to be a delightful fox with a phoenix flower on your forehead. You are not ready yet sweetheart, when the time comes, I will undo your seal" Zhe Yan placed her into her mother arms. Her mother started to feed her. "This little one is a glutton" her mother dearly said. Feng Jiu felt her mother's warmth in her hands. She remembered the taste of her mother's breastmilk.

Next dream, she saw herself when she was a baby.

Someone with a powerful aura was holding her. She could feel his essence on her tiny body. She grabbed a chunk of his hair. "Dijun?" She saw the handsome face of the man she adores holding her like the most precious treasure. She was reliving that memory. The first time she smelled his wonderful white sandalwood scent and how she was being calmed by his hair. His voice soothed her spirit and his touch felt like home. Dijun smelled her peach blossom scent and smiled at her beautiful face. "You are so precious to me Jiu'er." She felt his cold hand caressing her birthmark. She didn't want to let go of him. She heard herself talking to him in baby talk, he could understand her. "I know. I will be patiently waiting" he told her. Feng Jiu felt safe in his arms. She chose him as her mate that day, she felt the connection between them formed. Dijun loved holding her, he tenderly kissed her forehead. Her tiny heart was beating fast. She remembered his black stone eyes staring at her with all devotion and tenderness. The almighty immortal was whipped with her charms.

Feng Jiu continue to dream about her youthful and her encounters with all sort of dangers. She realized in her dream stage that her life was always at stake. She was an observer thru all her lifecycles and was able to discern Fate's play trying to get rid of her. Although Fate couldn't manipulate their love towards each other nor break their bound bond it has been always present in their lives to separate them, nurturing difficult scenarios and events to kill their loving devotion.

Feng Jiu relieved the memory of when Dijun saved her from the fire lion beast at the forest.

She felt a strange force uniting them. She saw the same black stone eyes staring at her when she was a baby. The same ethereal beautiful face of the one she claimed. Everything was being revealed to her in her dreams. They learned the hardest lesson of all: Love comes in its own time and own way; you can't predict it or even understand it. All you can do is cherish it when it arrives.

Dong Hua felt that she was waking up from his sleep enchantment. "Dijun" ...she faintly said. Feng Jiu furrowed her brows and slowly opened her eyes.

"Jiu'er, I'm right here." Dong Hua whispered to her.

"Dijun" Feng Jiu stared at him confused.

"Are you okay Jiu'er? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?" Dong Hua tenderly asked her.

"I'm all right Dong Hua but how long I've been out?"

"Three days" Dong Hua answered.

Feng Jiu remained quiet. She was gazing her husband studying his handsome features. He looked weary. "Dong Hua you look a bit tired, are you feeling all right?" She raised her hand to touch his cheek.

"I feel fine Jiu'er."

"Can you hold me Dong Hua?" Dong Hua delicately lifted her up into his chest and he embraced her. She immediately grabbed a chunk of his hair and inhaled his scent. Dong Hua felt her need to be comforted. He knew she went thru such an ordeal. He simply gave his little fox all the comfort that she needed for now.

"All I need right now is you husband. Please hold me for a while. Would you do that for me?" Feng Jiu was pleading him.

Dong Hua sensed her suppliant need "As long as you like my wife, anything that you need." Dong Hua accommodate himself in the bed and him and Feng Jiu were holding each other in utter silent. Feeling their longing and yearning for each other. Breathing in sync and inhaling each other scents.

"How long have you been waiting on me Dong Hua?" Feng Jiu asked him with a soft voice.

Dong Hua was puzzled for a moment by her question but soon realize the memory that Zhe Yan sealed from him the day they first met. He saw the same memory in her dreams. "It seems for an eternity my empress. But the day you were born, my waiting was over. Nonetheless it took me a long time to realize who you were to me back then. And for that is all my fault my precious one." He tenderly smiled at her.

Feng Jiu knew what he was referring to. She shifted her body to look at him and tenderly smiled back at him. They continued their gaze in silence. "Your black stone eyes are so beautiful Dong Hua. I can see so many emotions in them. While others fear you, I irrevocably, irrefutably and indisputably love you husband. I will never grow tired to say it or show you how much you mean to me." Feng Jiu nuzzled her head on his chest.

Dong Hua hugged her tighter and inhaled her scent. "And I will never grow tired to have you in my arms Jiu'er. Since the first time I held you, I knew that you belonged to me. I love you with every fiber of my being. I'm glad that we are able to be together and love each other like this."

"Yes, like this and never let go of one another." Feng Jiu said.

"Never." Dong Hua whispered to her ear.

Migu went over to their chambers to check on Feng Jiu status. He silently opened the door and saw Dong Hua and Feng Jiu holding each other affectionately. He was glad that she was up already. He didn't want to ruin their intimate moment so he slowly closed the door. "I'm so glad that they were able to clear their misunderstandings" He thought. He felt happy for them and went to the fox den to inform the rest of the family that Xiao Jiu was finally awake.

"For once I'm glad that our Xiao Jiu ascended." Bai Yi said.

"Were you concerned that she was never going to do so?" Feng Jiu's mother asked him.

"Well, she's a late bloomer, so I was beginning to think that her delay was because of that reason." Bai Yi answered.

"We need to continue with the celebration banquet, you know how much Xiao Jiu loves celebrations." Bai Zhi said.

"Why don't we ask her if she is up for one? After all in consideration of her husband she might not want to have all the fanfare as before." Bai Zhen said.

"Nonsense! We will have this banquet, it's tradition." Bai Zhi replied.

"Father we didn't have one for Xiao Wu when she ascended." Bai Zhen said.

"Well, her situation was different from our Xiao Jiu. I say we move forward with the celebration." The Fox Empress said.

"I know that we all would love to have a big celebration for our Xiao Jiu ascension, but I agree with Bai Zhen, we should ask if she up for a festivity. She just woke up. Perhaps she will prefer an intimate gathering instead." Feng Jiu's mother suggested.

While the Bai family was trying to reach an agreement at the fox den, Dong Hua and Feng Jiu were enjoying their bliss in silence and peace.

"Jiu'er?"

"Yes, Dong Hua?"

"Please tell me what happened to you at your ascension trial. You disappeared for a long time. It took a tremendous amount of willpower not to go after you. I couldn't find your location. I was worried."

"You were worried? Perhaps that is why he looks tired" She thought.

"More like petrified, terrified, scared, I couldn't get to you to protect you. You should know that you are my only weakness. If anything happens to you, the universe will suffer. So please tell me what happened and where did you go." Dong Hua told her.

"Dong Hua I was taken to a different dimension by a powerful entity. On that dimension I was able to morph to my true self. I was able to soar in space in absolute freedom. It was an extraordinary experience."

"You morphed to your true self?"

Feng Jiu lowered her face from his. Dong Hua delicately raised her chin to meet his face. "Which is?"

"I'm a phoenix Dong Hua but I'm also a fox." Feng Jiu met his gaze to see for any reactions from him. "Are you disappointed?" She carefully asked him.

"Why would I be disappointed Jiu'er? I love you the way that you are. Fox or Phoenix."

"I was afraid thought that you only prefer your little fox." Feng Jiu pouted.

"But you still are my little fox. What makes you think different?"

"Dong Hua there are many things and details that I'm not aware of. I'm afraid to face the Bai family now, knowing the truth of my origins." Feng Jiu's face fell again.

"Jiu'er, my love, look at me. You need to have a serious talk with your mother and your real father. Do not feel like an outsider now. The Bai family adores you Jiu'er. You are their pride and joy; they love you as their own. Regardless of the truth of your identity don't feel ashamed of who you are. Is not your fault. Is nobody's fault." Dong Hua reassured her.

"I know. While I was on this unknown dimension, the powerful entity revealed to me the reason why my identity was concealed. I guess is up to me if I want to tell them whom I am really. I can't hide this from you because we agree on not keeping secrets from each other. Plus, you will figure out eventually. Or maybe you already knew."

"This is something important Jiu'er. You need to find it in your heart if it's worth revealing. If you do want your identity protected, I can do that. I will guard your secret. But I can't prevent you to let your family know if that is your wish. My advice is that you first talk to your parents, gather all perspectives before you make a decision."

"Who else knows?"

"Mo Yan. And you can be at ease, he will not reveal your identity to anyone, not even to his brother, your aunt or his disciples. He already swore it to me."

Feng Jiu nodded. "So, will you still call me your little fox?"

"You silly girl! Of course I will. You are my everything. Who is my sweet, lovely, mischievous, voracious, beautiful and insatiable little fox?"

"I am." Feng Jiu hugged him and giggled.

Dong Hua sweetly smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "Now let's go. Your family wants to celebrate your ascension with a banquet."

"A banquet? And you are going with me, right?"

Dong Hua sighed. "I will endure your family fox behavior, is that what you are refereeing to."

Feng Jiu grinned at Dong Hua "You are the best husband. I will make sure to greatly reward you."

"Oh? I remember that you wanted to play earlier on, so I will make sure to play along with whatever wild fantasies my naughty wife comes up with. I truly enjoy those." Dong Hua seductively said to her ear. His voice sent shivers to her body arousing her. Feng Jiu's face got heated "You are so bad husband you don't play not fair." Feng Jiu placed her hands-on Dong Hua's waist and began to undo his sash.

"Oh, so eager already?" Dong Hua seductively said.

"Oh, kiss me already and stop talking would you" Feng Jiu desperately said while trying to undress him.

"My empress is so demanding... I love it" He chuckled.

Feng Jiu gently pulled on his hair, bringing his mouth down to her, kissing him, forcing her tongue between his lips and into his mouth. Dong Hua groaned, and his arms embraced her, pulling her to him. His hands find their way into Feng Jiu's hair, and he kissed her hard and possessive. Their tongues twisting and turning together, consuming, and tasting each other with fiery passion. They began tearing their robes when suddenly someone knocked at their door. Dong Hua opened his eyes and broke his heated concentration. He sighed frustrated "Little fox we should continue this in another more private place. Someone is at the door and I'm sure is one of your family members." He seethed.

"Agreed." Feng Jiu frustrated replied. She was panting with desire and had to control her emotions to stop with her seductive cravings. She proceeded to rearrange their clothes.

"How do I look?"

"Flustered" She smiled at his answer. "Please come in" Feng Jiu said.

Zhe Yan came inside their bedchambers. He scoffed "Judging by the covers it seems that I came at the wrong time." Zhe Yan shamelessly said. Dong Hua menacely glared at him.

"Geez calm down Dong Hua, I just came to deliver Xiao Jiu's medicine. The rest are waiting on you at the fox den Xiao Jiu, they are preparing a banquet in your honor. Here, drink your medicine first before you go and meet them." Zhe Yan handed Feng Jiu a bowl of medicine.

Feng Jiu drank her medicine and turning back to Zhe Yan said: "Later on I would like to talk to you and mom please."

Zhe Yan turned around and told her: "After the banquet go to my peach blossom home, we will be waiting for you there." He gave her a sweet smile and left their chambers.

"I guess I can't escape this banquet. Let us change so we can be more presentable." Dong Hua nodded and magically changed their clothes. He got them matching purple robes. "Hmm, much better now, come let's go to the fox den before I lose control again." Dong Hua said.

"We can finish later husband; don't worry we have plenty of time." She raised to her tippy toes and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.

"I can't wait to have you again" he gave her a low growl and pulled her to his body possessively. She giggled at his response.

"Good things are worth waiting for" Feng Jiu teasingly said to him.

"And I will patiently wait for you my empress. Let's go before is too late."

At the fox den the Bai family were still discussing either to have a grand banquet or a small family gathering. Dong Hua and Feng Jiu appeared at the den entrance surprising everyone.

"Xiao Jiu!!!! You are finally awake, come here sweetheart." Her grandfather exclaimed.

Feng Jiu went to her grandfather embrace. "Oh how much I miss you Xiao Jiu." He hugged her tight. "I'm so proud of you Xiao Jiu, you are now a high immortal. Our queen has finally ascended."

The rest of the Bai family got up from their seats and greeted Dong Hua. "Dijun" they all said in unison. "Forgive me Dijun I was lost hugging my granddaughter." Bai Zhi said.

"Understood Bai Zhi, no offense is taken, I'm well aware of how much you miss my wife." Dong Hua waved his hand.

"Please sit here Dijun, we are having a family discussion, since you are part of our family now, it will be great to hear your opinion as well." Bai Zhi said. Dong Hua nodded and sat next to him.

"We are waiting on Bai Quan to arrive; she misses her niece." Bai Zhi said. Feng Jiu was feeling anxious with all of the attention she was receiving. "Grandfather, please hear me out."

"Go ahead Xiao Jiu." Bai Zhi indicated.

"I'm grateful that all of you want to celebrate my ascension; however, I wish to have a small family gathering. I will appreciate that you honor my request."

"But we are proud of your achievements Xiao Jiu, you are Qing Qui's Queen. We want to give you a grand celebration. You didn't want a grand wedding either. Is there something wrong with you Xiao Jiu. We know how much you love festivities." Bai Zhi was getting exasperated.

"Grandfather, I understand that you might feel a bit disappointed at my choice. And although I do love celebrations, my priorities have changed. I want to do something different this time. I want to travel thru out the eastern lands to survey any present needs from our people. I haven't been able to do in quite some time. Our Prince Consort can help me achieve this and alleviate some of these responsibilities. Dong Hua and I will travel around the eastern lands, that way we can also enforce our borderlands security. Check for any inconsistencies and work towards a solution together. There is so much work that need to be done and I don't want to miss the opportunity to achieve the goals that were proposed for Qing Qui." Feng Jiu carefully said.

Bai Zhi mood changed "You have always worked hard Xiao Jiu for Qing Qui. We have prospered because of your hard labor as queen. We are so proud of everything that you have done. Also, we are fortunate to have Dong Hua Dijun assisting you on your goals. Thank you Dijun."

"Bai Zhi it is an honor to assist my empress on her queen duties. She is the most capable queen. I will support her in everything she wants to do for Qing Qui, rest assured." Dong Hua said.