In the distance, two women approached with measured steps.
The one in front was especially stunning—elegant and radiant even in pure white robes.
Among all in the celestial realm, only Tian Nu Lu Yao could wear white so vividly and gracefully.
Xing Xian accompanied her, casting a cold glance at Mei Xian before stepping forward and bowing to Jin Xiu.
“Your Eminence, the Celestial Maiden has arrived.”
Jin Xiu smiled. “Is there something you need?”
“Must I have a reason to come?”** Lu Yao** gently lifted her robes and ascended the stone steps with slow, graceful strides.
“The Flower Festival is about to begin. You must be busy these days, and since I have nothing else to do, I thought I might lend a hand.”
As she spoke, she reached the terrace.
Mei Xian immediately bowed, but Lu Yao stepped forward and held her hand with a smile.
“I’ve always said you are meticulous in your duties. One day, you will hold a great responsibility. I came here specifically to congratulate you.”
Mei Xian lowered her gaze, her posture correct and reserved. “I am unworthy. It is only due to His Eminence’s favor. How could I dare trouble the Celestial Maiden?”
“No need for such humility. Do you think his judgment could ever be wrong?”
Letting go of Mei Xian’s hand, Lu Yao turned to Jin Xiu.
“Though, I do have something to discuss with you.”
At this, Mei Xian and Xing Xian quickly found an excuse to retreat.
Jin Xiu watched as Xing Xian disappeared into the distance and furrowed his brows slightly.
“The Emperor bestowed upon me a scroll of Tong Hai two days ago. I may need to enter seclusion to comprehend it.”
“Tong Hai and Jitian—those are the most orthodox divine arts for commanding celestial forces?” Lu Yao’s expression was both surprised and pleased.
“I heard that the divine command techniques were passed down in two volumes—Tong Hai as the upper scroll, Jitian as the lower. They were personally taught by the Grandmaster to the Celestial Emperor. The Emperor has always favored you, and now he has granted you a celestial scripture. He must be concerned about your upcoming tribulation.”
Jin Xiu said quietly, “I fear I will fail to live up to his efforts.”
Lu Yao’s expression changed slightly. Her demeanor became more serious.
“Your tribulation is near. Why speak such ominous words?”
Jin Xiu, lost in thought for a moment, was briefly taken aback by his own words before shaking his head.
“Heaven’s will is set. How could a few words change it?”
Lu Yao still seemed uneasy. She bit her lip lightly. “Even so, hearing it spoken aloud is… unsettling.”
Jin Xiu looked at her for a long moment before averting his gaze. “Thank you for your concern.”
Lu Yao tilted her head, studying him.
“Ever since you were sent to Flower Palace, I’ve wanted to visit you several times but feared violating heavenly law. Now that I’m finally here, you’re treating me even more distantly.”
She suddenly let out a soft laugh.
“Or have you simply been worn down by these flower spirits and flower demons? The most affectionate man in the heavens used to be Zhong Tian Wang. If they saw you like this now, I can’t imagine how disappointed they’d be.”
Jin Xiu gave a faint smile. “It has been too long since I left Zhong Tian. I’ve gotten used to it.”
“So, it seems I was overthinking.” Lu Yao pursed her lips before pulling a scroll from her sleeve.
“Since you have the Emperor’s favor and Tong Hai in your hands, what is there to fear?”
She placed the scroll in his hand.
“I have something for you as well. This is Hunxin Shu—a technique from the Northern Immortal Realm. Though it may not compare to the Emperor’s celestial scripture, it might still be of some use to you.”
Jin Xiu hesitated. “A Northern immortal technique… Should this really be shared outside your realm?”
Lu Yao feigned annoyance. “Who said I was sharing it with just anyone?”
A faint blush crept across her jade-like face. Leaning slightly against his arm, she was far less reserved than usual, and in that moment, there was an undeniable allure to her presence.
Her eyes held the same deep emotion they had two thousand years ago—unchanged.
Jin Xiu remained silent for a while before finally accepting the scroll.
“Thank you.”
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