Outside Ling Xiao Hall, though the morning court session had ended, the immortals had yet to disperse. Gathered in small clusters, they engaged in hushed discussions.
The young lord of the Northern Immortal Realm had actually killed the beloved son of the Celestial Lord of Kunlun by mistake. The report had been presented during today’s assembly, and though the Celestial Emperor had not made any statement, his expression had been far from pleased. Given the lingering grievances of the past, it was inevitable that the younger generation of immortals would grow curious and seek out the details.
Jin Xiu furrowed his brows slightly and turned down a winding corridor.
A group of celestial maidens approached, carrying trays of fruit and jade pitchers. Upon seeing him, they immediately halted and bowed in greeting.
Jin Xiu asked, “Where is the Celestial Emperor?”
The leading maiden responded cautiously, “The Celestial Emperor is in Jin Luo Hall with the King of the Northern Realm.”
Jin Xiu nodded, dismissing them with a wave. He took a few steps toward Jin Luo Hall but soon spotted the King of the Northern Realm striding forward with Lu Yao in tow.
He smiled and stopped in his tracks.
Lu Yao pressed her lips together, making no formal greeting. Instead, she turned to her father with a tone of reproach.
“Ah Jiu is truly out of control. How many times have I warned you? But Father never takes it to heart. Now look what’s happened—he had to cause a disaster before you’d take notice.”
“A moment’s inattention, and that little wretch has become completely unruly,” the King of the Northern Realm sighed, shaking his head. Then, turning to Jin Xiu, he inclined his head in gratitude.
“We were fortunate that Your Grace arrived in time—otherwise, my son’s life would have been lost. I must bring him to personally offer his thanks another day.”
Jin Xiu said lightly, “The King of the Northern Realm is too courteous.”
Lu Yao shot her father a glance.
“He saved Ah Jiu on your behalf, Father, yet you insist on keeping things formal.”
“True enough,” the king admitted, smiling as he turned to Jin Xiu.
“That wretched boy has been spoiled by me beyond measure, and now I can’t even restrain him. Since you do not treat us as outsiders, if you ever find yourself with idle time, I ask that you keep him in check for me.”
“The mistake has been made, but fortunately, it can still be remedied,” Jin Xiu replied smoothly, stepping aside.
“I must meet with the Celestial Emperor at once. The sooner this matter is resolved, the better.”
The King of the Northern Realm nodded.
* * *
Atop the lofty jade steps of Jin Luo Hall, the Celestial Emperor sat behind a table, reviewing memorials. With each document he approved, a golden luan bird took flight, carrying it out of the hall.
When Jin Xiu entered, the Celestial Emperor did not so much as acknowledge him.
Jin Xiu was unbothered. He adjusted his robes and stepped forward, offering a respectful bow.
“Jin Xiu of the Flower Dawn Palace pays respects to the Celestial Emperor.”
The Celestial Emperor cast him a glance.
“Since when have you become so formal?”
Jin Xiu smiled.
“I’ve taken on an arduous task, hoping that the Celestial Emperor will show mercy and scold me a little less. How could I not be courteous?”
The Celestial Emperor let out a brief chuckle, then scoffed lightly.
“The Jade Pool Golden Lotus Dew forms only one drop every ten thousand years. At present, there are but two remaining. No amount of favor could make more appear. The Celestial Lord of Kunlun himself hasn’t even submitted a petition for it, yet here you are, eager to act on his behalf.”
Jin Xiu replied, “Without the Water of the Nine Realms, the situation will be impossible to mend. If things are left to escalate, war will surely break out between Kunlun and the Northern Realm. Thus, I am not acting for the Celestial Lord’s sake, but for the sake of the Northern Realm.”
The Celestial Emperor regarded him coldly.
“Oh? Is that truly your reason?”
Jin Xiu was silent for a moment before speaking.
“It was indeed my fault back then… Madam Wen suffered because of it. And now, that young man is her son.”
The Celestial Emperor replied indifferently,
“If everyone were as sentimental as you, both the heavens and the mortal world would be at peace.”
Jin Xiu, of course, caught the sarcasm in his words and smiled.
“Since the Celestial Emperor has already made up his mind, why not allow me to take the favor for myself?”
Though the Celestial Lord of Kunlun was arrogant, the pact between the two factions still stood. No matter how powerful he was, he remained a minister. If Kunlun and the Northern Realm truly went to war, it would be a troublesome affair. The Celestial Emperor had ruled the Celestial Court for only ten thousand years—his foundation was still not entirely secure. If he were to use this matter to suppress the Celestial Lord, it would not only appear ungracious but also give others an excuse to criticize him.
It would be far wiser to pacify the situation—an emperor who did not lose his dignity, and a minister who had received a favor would have no grounds to cause further trouble.
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