“There’s no need to provoke me—I don’t like being used.” Lu Jiu patted her cheek. “The celestial clans of the Northern Realm aren’t like your Kunlun tribe, and I am not that ice demon. What you’ve done has already angered me. If you want to stay alive, don’t try the same tricks on me.”
He Lan Xue’s face paled slightly, but she forced a playful pout. “What are you saying? I’m just afraid that once you truly become an immortal, you won’t remember me anymore.”
Lu Jiu pushed her away. “Whether I remember you or not is unimportant. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re plotting. Since you’ve provoked me, you’d better behave.” He paused, then smiled gently, his expression refined and elegant. “I can’t touch mortals, but a little demon like you is a different matter. Sooner or later, you’ll face divine retribution, but I can’t bear to let your soul be scattered so soon.”
He Lan Xue fell silent.
Lu Jiu continued, “Even if I did lay a hand on that girl, do you really think he would go with you?”
“As long as she exists, he will never come with me,” He Lan Xue said coldly. “Because of her, he once lost five thousand years of cultivation and failed to ascend to immortality. Compared to that, your mere two thousand years are nothing.”
“She must be quite something then,” Lu Jiu said in surprise, an amused glint appearing in his eyes. “Now I’m curious—I’d like to have a taste myself.”
He Lan Xue finally smiled, her voice soft and sweet. “I wonder too—what exactly is so special about her…”
* * *
The Flower Dynasty Palace was shrouded in mist, morning dew clinging to the embroidered curtains. With its master absent, the palace felt cold and lonely.
Lu Yao sat by the window, her dark hair coiled high, adorned with luminous pearls that shimmered with soft light. As the apricot fairy beside her whispered softly, she leaned lazily against the chair, idly toying with her long, beautiful nails. Her posture was poised and serene, exuding an air of elegance and charm.
Seeing her remain unresponsive, the apricot fairy hesitated before finally calling out, “Celestial Lady?”
Only then did Lu Yao murmur, “Oh? So it’s all true?”
The apricot fairy immediately replied, “This servant would never dare to lie before the Celestial Lady.”
Hearing her refer to herself as a “servant,” Lu Yao was slightly surprised. She glanced at the fairy and smiled. “He often laments the decline of his disciples—it’s only natural that he wishes to encourage his kin to pursue immortality. And as the Flower Deity, this is part of my duty. Why, then, are you telling me this?”
The apricot fairy hesitated.
Lu Yao raised an eyebrow.
The apricot fairy quickly lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions in her eyes. “That girl is determined to become the Queen of the Gods.”
Lu Yao chuckled softly. “That was nothing more than youthful arrogance. Besides, she later chose to repay her debt of gratitude, willingly shedding her true form to become a mortal. She has long forgotten all that happened in the past—what would she remember of being a queen?”
The apricot fairy said, “But back then, His Excellency treated her differently… He even brought her to the Celestial Banquet at the Jade Pool. She was just…” She suddenly stopped speaking.
Lu Yao arched a brow. “She was just a mere little demon—how could she possibly be worthy of attending a celestial banquet? If he were to bring anyone, it should have been you all, shouldn’t it?”
Seeing her thoughts exposed, the apricot fairy's face flushed red. “We would never be so petty,” she said hurriedly. “It’s just that His Excellency will ascend to a Celestial God in two years. If he continues to be overly concerned about her, it may hinder his cultivation.”
“That is the first sensible thing you’ve said all this time,” Lu Yao sighed. “I have already looked into this matter. He has always been a man of deep emotions—no doubt he still feels guilty about what happened back then. But allowing it to delay his cultivation is absolutely unacceptable. Even the Emperor is greatly concerned, which is why he instructed me to keep an eye on the situation. You may leave for now. If anything happens in the future, report it to me.”
The apricot fairy let out a breath of relief, nodded, and quietly withdrew.
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