Inside Flower Dawn Palace, Immortal Mei was bent over her desk, reviewing official records when Flower Deity Xing lifted the curtain and stepped inside with a smile.
“Sister Mei.”
Because of the Flower Decree, Immortal Mei had always maintained a distant attitude toward her. Now, faced with this sudden change, she couldn’t help but feel surprised.
Recalling Jin Xiu’s words, she decided to make amends and quickly stood up.
“I haven’t seen you lately.”
Flower Deity Xing bowed. “Since Divine Lord has entrusted the Flower Decree to you, Sister Mei, you are now the ruler of all flowers. From now on, we will all rely on you for guidance and support. When that time comes, please don’t forget me.”
Mei gestured for her to sit. “We’ve both been serving in Flower Dawn Palace for so many years—why are you suddenly speaking so formally?”
Xing laughed. “I just worry that once you become Flower Deity, you won’t think of us anymore.”
Mei furrowed her brows slightly but remained composed, instructing a maid to serve tea. With a gentle tone, she said, “That’s nonsense. Divine Lord specifically instructed that you and I should work together to oversee the affairs of flowers. He will continue to look after us in the future.”
Xing’s eyes lit up. “Did Divine Lord really say that?”
Mei nodded.
Xing beamed. “With Divine Lord’s support, our path to immortal ascension will be much easier. Once we enter the Celestial Court, we will be able to follow him forever.”
Mei smiled faintly. “It’s quite late—did you come looking for me for something?”
Xing suddenly remembered her purpose and dismissed the maids before lowering her voice.
“Sister Mei, do you know something major has happened?”
Mei’s gaze flickered slightly. “Other than preparing for the Flower Festival with dance and music rehearsals, I haven’t heard of any major incidents.”
Xing pretended to hesitate before finally lowering her voice.
“I heard it from one of the celestial maidens. If word of this gets out, it could damage Divine Lord’s reputation. Even she is deeply worried.”
Mei remained composed. “Since the celestial maidens are aware, they will surely offer him counsel. Divine Lord’s actions are not for us to speculate on.”
Seeing that Mei remained indifferent, Xing hurriedly added,
“Divine Lord actually used our Flora Clan’s divine seal on that mortal girl! Tell me, isn’t that a violation of celestial law?
“That girl is wandering the mortal realm freely. If a Mountain God or Earth Deity discovers her and reports it to the Celestial Court, what then?”
—
Mei’s expression shifted dramatically.
She shook her head.
“Divine Lord has always treated Xiao Cha well. Why would he seal her powers? If something happens to her…”
“I found it strange as well.”
Xing sighed and glanced at Mei—half intentionally, half casually.
“If this gets out, who knows whether the Celestial Emperor will punish him.
“Even the celestial maidens failed to dissuade him, so now they are just keeping it a secret for his sake.
“If only I could remove the seal myself… but alas…”
She trailed off.
The Flora Clan’s divine seal.
Other than Jin Xiu, the only one who could remove it was the holder of the Flower Decree—Mei herself.
Mei remained outwardly calm.
“Divine Lord must have his own reasons.”
Yet uncertainty flickered in her eyes.
Xing had been carefully watching her expressions the entire time.
Seeing her hesitation, she chose not to press further.
Instead, she rose with a light laugh.
“I only heard rumors—nothing is certain.
“Sister Mei, you mustn’t mention this to Divine Lord, or he’ll think I’m being nosy and blame me for it.”
By the time Hong Ning returned from Xihe Street, night had already fallen. The garden was illuminated by lanterns, casting a soft glow over the pathways.
As she approached the pond, she noticed someone waiting there.
She ignored him and did not slow her pace.
Just as she was about to brush past him, he suddenly caught her wrist.
“You’ve been using your heart’s blood again.”
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