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Upon his return to the heavens, one of the first things Xie Lian notices is just how good it smells.
The heavenly realm never smelled bad before, of course. It’s where the gods live and gather, and it would be an utter embarrassment if the atmosphere’s top notes were of sweat, dust, and blood (courtesy of Generals Xuan Zhen and Nan Yang, mostly). Still, something about the air had clearly changed between Xie Lian’s second and third ascensions, somehow making the heavens even more heavenly.
“Ling Wen? I had noticed it earlier, but where is this smell coming from? I can’t quite figure it out.” It’s distinctly floral most of the time, a meld of various flora rather than one specific kind. He can identify jasmine, lavender, and rose, so Xie Lian initially suspected a new garden, but that doesn’t explain the sweeter, sugary smells or the musky, deeper ones. Perhaps there is a sweets shop of some type as well as some gardens?
Ling Wen’s brows furrow for a moment before realization dawns on her face. “Ah, you must mean the little venture one of the beauty goddesses set up a few decades ago. I haven’t gotten to visit it yet, but they apparently specialize in soaps and other bathing items. One may exchange merits to purchase these goods.”
Xie Lian’s shoulders slightly sag. He knew there had to be some sort of payment method, but merits are things he certainly has none of. It would be rude to visit the place if he has no intention or means of buying anything. No worries! He can go once he earns enough! It should still be around a couple years or a decade later, right?
“The beauty goddess is quite generous, so she sometimes gives out some samples to visitors,” adds Ling Wen. “And there are often demonstrations of the different products across the heavens— that’s why the air is always fragrant. It’s very well-received by the other gods, and they surely wouldn’t mind if you took a look around.”
Xie Lian still feels some trepidation, but his initial hesitancies melt away. He can go to the shop after taking care of the Heavenly Emperor’s request, as a little reward! He might even have some merits to spare afterwards!
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Mount Yujun was absolutely exhausting. Xie Lian needs something rejuvenating.
It’s perfect timing, in fact. His debts are paid off, and he might as well see if he can take a nice little soap or bath oil with him when he goes down to the mortal realm. It’s been a long time since Xie Lian has bought something nice for himself. Soap would also be something he actually uses. If he doesn’t have enough merits, well, at least he got to take a look at what the gods in the heavens are enjoying these days.
Recalling Ling Wen’s directions, Xie Lian creeps towards the beauty goddess’s small pop-up. It doesn’t take long to find it, especially since the lovely fragrances help to lead the way. The sight that unfolds in front of him takes his breath away.
The pavilion housing the shop is a garden, but of bathtime goods instead of flowers. Looking at the displays, there are rows and stacks of colorful soaps in various shapes and sizes. While some of them are creative and delicate, crafted into cute animals or flowers such as roses, lilies, and daisies, many are blocky rectangles or simple, vivid spheres. Xie Lian has never seen soaps like these before. And the smell! It’s a comforting meld of scents that aren’t too overwhelming, yet each one is distinct. It makes perfect sense that this is all the work of a beauty goddess, on a mission to assist the members of heaven in maintaining their otherworldly images.
As he walks through the entryway, though, Xie Lian’s heart starts to sink. There’s no attendant or anyone here. If the store is closed for the day, he might as well go ahead and descend. He has no reason to linger in the heavens.
“Ah, I do apologize for nearly missing a valuable customer. How might this one help you today?”
Xie Lian turns towards the deep, smooth voice. There was no one nearby just a moment ago. Standing before him is a tall youth clad in vibrant red, his appearance around the same as Xie Lian’s, if not a little bit younger. He has a slightly mischievous hint to his smile, and his poise is relaxed and confident. Xie Lian’s heart stutters in surprise at the handsome stranger. When did this young man sneak up on him?
Xie Lian straightens up and calms his nerves. “I heard good things about this shop and its products. I would like something simple to take with me when I descend, could you help me choose one?”
“Of course.” The store attendant, or at least Xie Lian assumes he is, draws closer. “Who do I have the honor of assisting today?”
“Ah, I am Xie Lian, Crown Prince of Xianle… and you?”
The youth’s smile widens as he tilts his head and peers down at Xie Lian. “You may call this one San Lang. Now, perhaps one of these soaps may interest dianxia?”
San Lang gently steers the martial god towards a stack of many colorful blocks. Upon closer inspection, most of them have intricate patterns and layering. A couple even have little adornments on the top. Xie Lian has never seen such delicate and beautiful soaps. Are all these meant to be used for bathing?
“I’ve never seen soaps like these before,” Xie Lian mutters as he leans in to get a closer look. “Are you sure these are for washing? They look like they could be served as a dessert.”
Behind him, San Lang chuckles. “This one would not recommend eating the soaps, dianxia. They may look beautiful and smell delectable, but they will not taste very sweet.” He picks up one block, a beautiful blue with cloud-like swirls and hints of sandalwood, and places it gently in Xie Lian’s hand. “Thankfully, all of our goods are organic and use natural ingredients, so there’s no worry if you accidentally ingest any of it. General Qi Ying is the perfect example,” San Lang sighs in reluctant acceptance. “We’ve told him numerous times that these only smell good and aren’t meant to be eaten, but he still takes a bite out of one every month or so. At this point, I sometimes wonder if he just enjoys the taste and texture of the soaps.”
Xie Lian can’t help the giggle that escapes from his mouth. He is not well-acquainted with the martial god of the west, and now his interest is certainly piqued. Though they just met, San Lang already seems like someone who can easily command a room and keep it under control. What kind of god could make San Lang sound so exasperated?
“I’ll make sure to use these on my body, not in it,” Xie Lian reassures the attendant. His gaze sweeps across the feast of soaps. Really, there are just too many options! He places the soap in his hand back onto the table and turns to San Lang. “San Lang, which ones might you recommend? If you could help me narrow down a selection, that would be so helpful.”
San Lang’s pleasant smile grows. “Of course, dianxia. First, may I ask what sort of scents you would prefer?”
“Hm… perhaps nothing too strong, more on the floral side? Which one do you use, San Lang?”
San Lang blinks in slight surprise. He takes a beautiful red soap with black and gray swirls in its corner, weighing it in his hand. Before he can put it down or speak up, Xie Lian leans in and takes a deep sniff. The young man freezes in place as the god beams up at him.
“This one is quite lovely! It’s definitely very floral, and maybe a little metallic… Is that a word used to describe soap?” Xie Lian lets out a soft laugh at San Lang’s expression. “Oh, is this the soap you use? Either way, I do like it!”
San Lang stares down for a moment before gulping. His eyes move from Xie Lian’s face to the soap in his hand, which he slowly returns to the display as he calmly smiles again. “There are other soaps that may suit dianxia better. Here, let me show you one of the samples we have readily available.”
He quickly turns, heading towards a small makeshift waterfall that is off to the side. Beside it is a tray holding many small slivers— little samples of various soaps. Xie Lian follows closely behind.
“I believe that this soap will meet dianxia’s expectations.”
San Lang selects a powdery white soap with a soft stripe of gray. He extends his other hand towards Xie Lian. “If dianxia doesn’t mind,” he softly utters.
Puzzled, Xie Lian slowly places his hand on top of San Lang’s. It feels oddly familiar and comforting, though the last person whose hand he held was the not-Ghost Groom. Hua Cheng, or Crimson Rain Sought Flower, that’s what the other officials had called him…
He is pulled out of his thoughts with a gentle squeeze to his hand. Xie Lian’s heart jumps to his throat as San Lang guides their hands towards the waterfall.
“San Lang? Why are you—”
“This is to test out the sample, dianxia, if you don’t mind. If you would rather not—”
“OH oh no it’s perfectly fine! Please keep on going.”
Xie Lian intensely focuses on the little waterfall, while San Lang moves Xie Lian’s hand underneath the stream. For a moment he lets go of the god’s hand, and Xie Lian expects him to hand the sample soap over. Instead, San Lang begins working the small piece up into a nice lather. He then completely envelops Xie Lian’s hand with both of his.
Xie Lian forgets how to breathe.
It’s not like Xie Lian has particularly small hands, but San Lang’s are big enough to cocoon his. They’re slightly cool to the touch, noticeable compared to the lukewarm water. San Lang continues to massage the soap in, making sure every nook and crevice of his skin is spotlessly clean. This is one of the most relaxing experiences Xie Lian has had in centuries.
He lets out a long sigh. San Lang pauses for a moment. “Is everything alright, dianxia?”
Xie Lian nods. “Yes, you can… keep going.”
A charming smile returns to San Lang’s face. He brings their intertwined and soapy hands up between their faces.
“What does dianxia think about this soap?”
Xie Lian takes a deep breath. The soap’s scent is slightly sweet, simple and floral. On his skin, it makes him smell clean and delicate.
“It’s perfect,” he says, glancing upwards at San Lang.
San Lang’s expression is soft, and Xie Lian feels his heart squeeze. He quickly turns his attention to the soap dish. “How many merits will this soap cost? I’m afraid I don’t have many to spare…”
Water softly flows over their hands, rinsing away the soap suds. San Lang stays quiet as he rubs the remaining bubbles off of the skin. Once it’s completely cleaned off, he grabs a cloth and gently starts patting Xie Lian’s hand dry.
“Dianxia does not need to worry about paying for the soap. This is the first time you’ve come to visit us. Your first soap from us is a welcoming gift.”
Xie Lian brings his dried hand up to his nose, letting the soft scent float around him. “Are you sure? I would feel bad just receiving one for free.”
“Just come by and buy the soap from us next time then, dianxia,” San Lang casually says. He plucks a full block from the table and makes his way to a stack of parchment. His hands deftly wrap it up, encasing the little package with twine as a finishing touch. “This one is somewhat limited in stock anyways, and I would rather it end up in your hands than anyone else’s.”
On that note, San Lang puts the soap in Xie Lian’s hands, patting it a few times. And what else can Xie Lian do but nod, smile, and accept the gift?
“… I guess this means I should take my leave,” the god says, securely putting away his new soap. “Thank you for all your help, San Lang. I hope I have the chance to come by again soon.”
He turns but is stopped with a light touch to his shoulder. “Actually, dianxia, would you be interested in a display of one of our other products? They’re quite unique, and this one would love to show you them before you head out.”
“Ah, of course!”
Xie Lian lets San Lang steer them towards a clear pool at the edge of the pavilion. Beside it is the display with the bright spheres and interesting shapes. Just from their surface texture, it doesn’t seem like soap. Xie Lian can also feel the faintest traces of spiritual energy from these objects.
“Allow me to demonstrate.” San Lang selects a bright green ball with ribbons of white and pink. He then drops it right into the water.
Xie Lian gasps, first out of surprise, and then out of delight. The ball gradually dissolves into a burst of color in the water, and scents of lily and lime bloom in the air. The heavenly realm is soon filled with this fresh smell. To top it all off, little leaves made of spiritual energy float out of the bath and dance around in the air until they fade away.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before!” Xie Lian feels nearly giddy, the muscles on his face growing sore from all the smiling he has been doing.
“We call these ‘bath bombs.’ While they do not offer as extensive cleansing as our soaps, they are wonderfully fragrant, moisturizing, and do assist in quickly replenishing spiritual energy.” San Lang toys with one of the leaves, which bursts into a small flurry of green energy. “They’re popular with the gods who go through much spiritual energy and need a boost— for example, Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen tend to purchase a few after their brawls. The pink one over there is their favorite.”
Xie Lian looks for the pink bath bombs on the table, finally finding them beside a stack of milky white ones called “Emperor’s Blessing.” He flushes once he sees the name of the pink bath bomb. While the jasmine and ylang ylang scent sounds lovely, the name of the product is just so shameless! Why does it have such a name, and why are Feng Xin and Mu Qing buying so many of them? Xie Lian isn’t quite bold enough to purchase one, and, after checking the price label, he isn’t quite rich enough either.
“San Lang, thank you for showing me these, but I doubt I have the merits to buy any of these…”
“No worries at all, dianxia,” says San Lang as he reaches for a wrapped parcel hidden behind the display. “This one would be honored to hear your thoughts on this test product that hasn’t been released yet. Of course, since you would be providing us with valuable feedback for a prospective product, it would be impolite of us to charge you for it.” He walks closer and encloses the bath bomb with his and Xie Lian’s hands.
“Are you sure it’s alright? You already gave me the soap, and would it be okay to give me a bath bomb for nothing as well? You really don’t have—“
“Dianxia, would you like to know a secret about that bath bomb?”
San Lang pulls his hands back, but leans in closer. Uncertain of what’s happening, Xie Lian quickly closes his eyes tightly. A soft, low whisper echoes by his ear.
“I made that one specifically for you.”
Xie Lian’s heart almost jumps out of his mouth, but he keeps it down with a gasp. His eyes fly open, but there’s no one else in the pavilion, just him. The only sign that San Lang had been here is the bath bomb fizzing away in the pond and the two gifts that Xie Lian didn’t have before entering the shop. Too real to be considered a dream or a figment of Xie Lian’s imagination.
Xie Lian descends from the Heavens, a soft blush on his cheeks and questions blooming in the back of his mind.
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After a long day of cleaning, Puqi Shrine looks less like a shack and more like a semi-habitable space. It still has a long way to go, but Xie Lian deserves a break and a small reward! And, since one of the villagers brought him a brand new tub as a welcoming gift, what could be better than a nice bath?
He prepares the bath while weighing whether he should use his new soap or the special bath bomb. Actually, he hasn’t seen how the bath bombs looks like yet…
With the water prepared, Xie Lian gently unwraps the bath bomb.
Everything on display in the shop was absolutely stunning, but this is on another level. The bath bomb is carved in a beautiful and intricate rose shape, a flower in full bloom. It’s so detailed, it looks like it was constructed petal by petal. Its deep red color slightly shimmers as the light hits it. The edges of the petals are a dark crimson. A rosy scent fills the air, at moments seeming sharp enough to draw blood.
“San Lang made this, for me,” Xie Lian softly murmurs under his breath. He places the delicately crafted rose into the water. It begins fizzing and the water swirls in various shades of red. Xie Lian climbs into the tub, and silver butterflies start emerging from the water, lazily flying around him. They shine brightly in the dim room.
Xie Lian sinks into his bath, the water reaching his chin. He sticks a finger out, and a butterfly gently perches on it. He smiles.
Xie Lian can’t wait to see San Lang again. He hopes it will be soon.