For nearly ten thousand years, he had rarely participated in court affairs. But lately, he had appeared at court meetings more frequently. Though the Celestial Emperor made no comment, the other immortals were quick to understand the implications and showered him with congratulations.
After dealing with a wave of well-wishers, Jin Xiu entered the side hall.
The Celestial Emperor sat at his desk, reading memorials, not even looking up as he remarked, “You’ve been quite busy lately.”
Jin Xiu smiled faintly, brushing his robes as he bowed. “Jin Xiu of the Hall of Blossoming Dawn greets Your Majesty.”
Only then did the Celestial Emperor shift his gaze from the memorials, gesturing for him to sit. “You’re not one to curry favor for no reason. What do you want from me this time?”
Jin Xiu glanced at the chair beside him but did not take a seat. “I wish to request the removal of someone’s immortal status and seek Your Majesty’s approval.”
The Celestial Emperor’s expression remained unreadable. “Hu Yue?”
Jin Xiu nodded. “She is trapped in a love tribulation. If this continues, she will face divine punishment. The only solution now is to erase her demon registration from the Celestial Records, allowing her to reincarnate as a mortal with the help of the Northern Realm’s Spirit Spring. Only then can she escape this calamity.”
The Celestial Emperor spoke unhurriedly, “I can approve that. But last time, it was for that girl. Now, it’s for Hu Yue. I must say, I don’t quite understand—since when did you become so sentimental?”
Jin Xiu replied, “She is the Celestial Maiden’s cousin. I cannot stand by and do nothing.”
The Celestial Emperor raised a brow. “The Celestial Maiden?”
Jin Xiu did not explain the title and simply said, “Hu Yue’s attachment to the mortal world is too strong. Even if she forcibly cultivates immortality, she will never succeed. Regardless, she is the niece of the Northern Realm Queen. Your Majesty, why not grant her this favor and allow her to be freed?”
The Celestial Emperor mused, “I do not give favors for nothing. If she is the Northern Realm Queen’s niece, why hasn’t the Northern Realm King made this request himself?”
Jin Xiu remained composed. “Defying the heavens comes at a cost. Naturally, the Northern Realm King fears bringing misfortune upon the Northern Realm.”
The Celestial Emperor let out a soft chuckle. “So, you do understand the meaning of ‘defying the heavens.’”
Seeing the Celestial Emperor’s deliberate mockery, Jin Xiu couldn’t help but smile. “I have already done plenty. One more time won’t make a difference.”
The Celestial Emperor lowered his head, continuing to review the memorials, his tone indifferent. “It’s not a difficult matter. To reshape her body, a single drop of the Northern Realm’s Spirit Spring will suffice. I will speak to the Northern Realm King on your behalf. As for erasing her immortal status… it’s merely eighty-one heavenly punishments. Have her come and receive them quickly.”
Jin Xiu replied, “Eighty-one heavenly punishments— even immortals may not endure them, let alone someone who has yet to fully ascend.”
The Celestial Emperor lifted his gaze. “Then tell me, who do you propose should take them in her place?”
Jin Xiu chuckled. “Senior Brother, why must you tease me?”
The Celestial Emperor narrowed his eyes. “You?”
Jin Xiu said calmly, “Besides me, who else could withstand those punishments?”
With a sharp movement, the Celestial Emperor pushed the memorials aside. “Ridiculous!”
Jin Xiu remained silent.
The Celestial Emperor rose and walked to stand before him, his expression cold. “Erasing an immortal’s name from the Celestial Records is not a trivial matter. Defying the heavens carries its consequences, and a tribulation is inevitable. How can you be so reckless?”
Eighty-one heavenly punishments—even high gods and celestial beings would struggle to endure them. Any mistake could weaken one’s cultivation or, worse, cause a loss of spiritual power, forcing them to revert to their original form. And to go against the will of the heavens—who knew what greater calamities might follow?
Jin Xiu was silent for a long while before smiling faintly. “Two hundred and forty thousand years of cultivation, Senior Brother—do you truly think I cannot withstand this level of punishment? Last time, wasn’t I just fine?”
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