After a long pause, the man in the ceremonial headdress placed a black piece on the board.
With a chuckle, he remarked, “Your mind seems distracted today, Divine Lord. Could it be that good fortune is near? This game, I’m afraid, is already lost.”
Jin Xiu smiled lightly.
“Star Lord, you jest.”
The Star Lord’s expression grew serious. Bowing slightly, he offered his congratulations.
“I have heard that your cultivation is nearing completion, and your return to the rank of Celestial God is imminent. A most joyous occasion indeed.”
Jin Xiu let out a soft sigh.
“In the past, I was punished for revealing the secrets of heaven and nearly brought disaster upon the celestial realm. My master intended to mete out severe punishment, but thanks to the Emperor’s intercession, I was merely stripped of thirty thousand years of cultivation and demoted to a High Immortal.
“It has now been nearly ten thousand years since I took charge of the affairs of my clan. I never considered returning to my former position.”
The Star Lord laughed.
“Is that so surprising? You are his senior disciple—His Majesty has always placed great expectations on you.
“Since you were demoted and tasked with overseeing the affairs of the Flower Realm, the Middle Heavens have remained without a guardian. It is only natural that they eagerly await your return.”
—
Jin Xiu deflected the topic.
“Do you still remember Hong Ning, whom I once mentioned?”
“I returned from the South Sea two days ago and found her ensnared by the demon dragon.
“Her soul was nearly consumed—so I saved her.”
—
The Star Lord was astonished.
“You’re still keeping an eye on her?”
Jin Xiu replied,
“When I brought her from the future into the past, her fate was altered.
“And now, even I can no longer divine her destiny.
“If something were to happen to her, would it not be my fault? Naturally, I must continue watching over her.”
—
The Star Lord asked, “Does she understand now?”
Jin Xiu picked up a white piece from the bowl beside him and placed it gently on the board.
“Bringing her from the future into the past was never about rewriting her fate—
“It was to help her understand that everything in the mortal world is constantly changing.
“That even time itself can flow in reverse.
“That past and future are never set in stone.
“That only the immortal path is eternal.”
“She is gifted—she has always possessed extraordinary spiritual energy.
“And yet… she still refuses to grasp this truth.”
The Star Lord sighed. “To use the eyes of the future to observe the past—Divine Lord, your efforts are truly profound.”
A white stone landed on the Go board with a soft click.
Jin Xiu lifted his gaze, turning to look at the vast sea of clouds below the platform.
With a sigh, he said,
“My clan, bound by the limitations of our form, has always struggled to cultivate.
“This is why our numbers have dwindled over time.
“But as long as I hold this position, guiding even one more soul onto the immortal path is an act of merit.
“In the end, everything depends on her fate.”
—
The Star Lord placed a black piece onto the board.
“Immortals, demons, and mortals belong to different races—they cannot intermix.
“She once insisted on entering the mortal world to repay a past kindness and nearly faced divine punishment.
“It was only thanks to you, Divine Lord, that she was saved.
“You gave her the Water of the Jade Pool, allowing her to shed her old form and be reborn, preserving her spirit.
“But now, she is no longer of your kind.”
Jin Xiu replied,
“Her fall into the mortal world was caused by me.”
—
“To undergo tribulations in the mortal realm is the only path to ascending into the celestial register.
“This is the law of heaven.
“If she had not been attached to the mortal world, she would not have ended up like this.
“Everything is predetermined by fate.
“You should understand this better than anyone, Divine Lord.
“No wonder His Majesty always says you are too sentimental.”
The Star Lord chuckled, making a quick calculation with his fingers.
“She has already reincarnated ten times, her debt repaid.
“If she wishes to cultivate as a human, it is not impossible.
“Since you will soon relinquish your duties and return to rule the Middle Heavens, you should guide her properly before then.
“Do not let this delay more important matters.”
Jin Xiu nodded.
“This is precisely why I wish to settle this before I step down.”
—
“Whether she ascends depends on fate and the will of the heavens—it cannot be forced.”
The Star Lord shook his head.
“Perhaps you are too fixated on this, Divine Lord.
“Just the other day, His Majesty mentioned you…
“He seemed quite concerned.”
Jin Xiu froze.
“What do you mean?”
The Star Lord sighed. “That, I do not know.
“But apart from the Emperor, who else could possibly divine your fate?
“Perhaps you should go ask him yourself?”
—
Jin Xiu’s expression returned to calm.
With a faint smile, he said,
“We may be able to foresee the fate of others—
“But not our own.”
“The same goes for you.
“And for the Emperor as well.
“The will of heaven must not be revealed.
“As for me—whether I know or do not know, does it make a difference?
“Everything will unfold as destiny intends.”
—
The Star Lord fell silent for a moment.
Then, bowing slightly, he said solemnly,
“Indeed… it seems I am the one who has been foolish.”
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