A vibrant red camellia, once fresh and full of life, withered and shriveled the moment it was removed from its jade vase.
At the table, Jin Xiu gazed at the wilted flower in his hand, remaining silent for a long time.
The sound of curtains rustling broke the stillness as Mei Xian stepped inside.
“Divine Lord.”
Jin Xiu casually placed the dying flower back into the vase before turning around.
Mei Xian hesitated for a moment, then said, “The Flower Festival is approaching. Should we begin preparations?”
Jin Xiu did not respond.
The century-old celebration was a grand occasion, where both immortals and demons gathered to revel in the beauty of flowers and fine wine.
Since his banishment, he had already witnessed countless such festivals—each one fading like a fleeting memory in the endless passage of time.
None of them had truly mattered.
Except for one.
After a long pause, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
“Proceed as usual.”
Mei Xian looked as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Jin Xiu noticed her expression.
“What is it?”
She fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke in a quiet voice.
“Divine Lord, you will be ascending to the rank of Heavenly God next year. Your departure is near. Once you leave for the Celestial Palace, it will become even harder for us to see you.”
She lowered her gaze.
“I was thinking… perhaps this time, we could make the festival a little grander.”
Jin Xiu paused in surprise, then smiled again.
“Very well. Do as you wish.”
The cold detachment in his expression softened, a rare trace of warmth appearing.
A slight blush tinged Mei Xian’s cheeks as she nodded and prepared to leave—but before she could step away, he called her back.
“Wait.”
Jin Xiu motioned for her to come closer.
As she approached, he raised his hand, and in an instant, a small golden ruyi scepter appeared in his palm, shimmering with brilliant streaks of multicolored light.
Mei Xian’s eyes widened in shock.
“The Flower Deity’s Order?”
Jin Xiu nodded.
“You have cultivated for nearly twenty thousand years. It is time for you to ascend.”
“I spoke to the Emperor about this a few days ago. From now on, you shall temporarily oversee the affairs of the flowers in my stead.”
“When the Celestial Registry and Golden Elixir are bestowed upon you, you must devote yourself to your cultivation—there must be no mistakes. Once you reach the status of High Immortal in twenty thousand years, you will be formally ordained as the Flower Deity.”
Mei Xian was taken aback.
She lowered her eyes.
“Divine Lord… you have not stepped down yet. I don’t think I should—”
Jin Xiu cut her off.
“For years, you have handled the affairs of the two seasonal blooms with diligence, easing much of my burden. Your merit is well deserved.”
“Whether you assume the position sooner or later, it makes no difference.”
His tone was calm but firm.
“And once you are officially appointed, you will have the right to attend the Celestial Pool Banquet.”
Only High Immortals and Supreme Deities had the privilege of attending the Celestial Pool Banquet.
She was not a High Immortal yet, but as long as she inherited the title of Flower Deity, she would be allowed to enter the immortal gathering—where he would be.
A flicker of joy crossed Mei Xian’s face, but she hesitated, unsure if she should accept such a great responsibility.
“Divine Lord… I fear that I am not worthy…”
Jin Xiu did not argue further.
Instead, he simply placed the golden ruyi into her hands.
“If you encounter difficulties, I will send someone to assist you.”
Only then did Mei Xian kneel and formally accept the Flower Deity’s Order.
Jin Xiu returned to his seat at the table.
“The Hundred Flower Brew for the festival has not yet been prepared. Summon Xing Xing.”
Mei Xian hesitated.
“She… doesn’t seem to be here.”
Jin Xiu’s gaze lifted toward her.
“She went to see…”
Mei Xian hesitated, her words trailing off.
A flicker of disdain crossed her usually composed features.
She had always been proud and aloof, unwilling to gossip behind others' backs.
Even now, though she wanted to speak, the words stuck in her throat.
Jin Xiu was silent for a moment before he smiled faintly.
“When she returns, have her come see me.”
Mei Xian let out a quiet breath, then glanced down at the golden ruyi in her hand, hesitating.
“This matter… should we keep it from Xing Xing for now?”
Jin Xiu understood her concerns.
He sighed.
“Xing Xing is not as level-headed as you. But she will find out sooner or later.”
“You are now the acting Flower Deity—you will oversee the floral realms, and all the flowers must follow your command.”
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