After Provoking the Mad Beautiful Deity - Chapter 38

Yanlai was a famous beauty within the Three Realms and the future Crown Princess. Her conduct was near perfect. For her to abandon her engagement to Qingfeng and turn to marry the Demon Venerable would surely bring shame upon her from the Immortal Realm.

Hong Chen felt the hope was slim.

Inside the sleeping quarters, the three remained silent. The Moon Goddess’s eyes were full of affection, Yanlai remained as calm as a deep well, and only High Immortal San Meng felt as if she were sitting on a bed of needles. The Moon Goddess held San Meng’s hand with heartbreaking tenderness. San Meng, however, was indifferent to this concern and brushed her hand away. “In all these years, I have never heard you mention Hong Yan.”

“Why mention her? You used to mention Yanlai in front of me as well.” The Moon Goddess’s tone remained unchanged, her temper incredibly good. Even when faced with San Meng’s coldness, she did not become discouraged or displeased.

San Meng understood the implication and had to ask a few more questions. “How did Hong Yan die?”

“The gods joined forces to execute her. It is no secret. How could you not know?” The Moon Goddess began to feel puzzled, and she looked toward Yanlai.

Yanlai sat by the window, her silhouette lonely, possessing a sense of vicissitude like misty shadows under the moon. Yanlai remained unmoved. She knew that the Moon Goddess had not participated in the Great War of Immortals and Demons; everything the goddess knew was gathered from elsewhere.

The Moon Goddess said, “The two of you are acting strangely. Is something wrong?”

The Moon Goddess felt inexplicably sad and asked San Meng, “Do you miss her? But her soul has already scattered. She killed so many High Gods. Even if she were alive, the Immortal Clan would never forgive her.”

Yanlai suddenly smiled. “The High Gods’ souls have scattered, leaving behind a group of useless fools. How exactly would they ‘not forgive’ her?”

So many High Gods had died, yet Hong Yan lived. The disparity in strength required no further words.

The Moon Goddess was incredibly embarrassed. “No one would blame you if you didn’t tell the truth. Yanlai, do you miss Hong Yan?”

“I am the same as San Meng. I do not remember Hong Yan,” Yanlai said indifferently.

The Moon Goddess sat on the bed. Hearing this, she felt disappointed and walked over to Yanlai. “Did you drink the Water of Forgotten Emotions?”

“Does such a thing exist?” Yanlai asked curiously.

The Moon Goddess shook her head. “No.”

Yanlai was momentarily speechless and said nothing further.

The three remained in their respective silences until Hong Chen felt her way over. As soon as she entered the hall, the atmosphere felt inexplicably eerie, so she simply walked to Yanlai’s side.

Yanlai looked up, meeting the girl’s clear eyes. “What do you want to say?”

“I have a problem,” Hong Chen admitted candidly. It was indeed a hassle, and she privately felt that Yanlai would handle it perfectly.

Although Hong Chen was the Demon Venerable, there weren’t many things that troubled her. Regarding this matter, she felt she needed to consult someone.

Yanlai found it strange. What kind of trouble could Hong Chen have?

Hong Chen told her, “That guard you abducted from the Flower Clan, she says she was once my slave. Do you remember?”

San Meng, on the bed, suddenly jolted and interrupted. “Is she a Flower Spirit named Yu Qi?”

“Oh, have you recovered your memory?” Hong Chen was surprised.

She had forgotten; it wasn’t that San Meng had lost her memory, but that the original physical body was different. This was the kind San Meng, not the demon San Meng.

San Meng shook her head. “No, I saw the Empress’s dream. If you are,” She paused, her eyes flickering toward the Moon Goddess as she instinctively stopped. She changed her words. “Her original owner was A-Rou. A-Rou helped her enter the Immortal path and transform into a human. Do you, understand?”

Hong Chen only half-understood but still looked at Yanlai. “What should I do?”

The Moon Goddess listened to the ambiguous exchange and saw how much the girl relied on Yanlai. Curious, she pulled at San Meng and asked, “Did you injure yourself by entering the Empress’s dream?”

No one ignored her. San Meng tiredly closed her eyes and lay on the bed, her face pale and her eyes devoid of life. The Moon Goddess was heartbroken and reached out to hold her wrist. San Meng opened her eyes and withdrew her hand, avoiding her gaze to look at Hong Chen.

The Hong Chen before her did indeed bear some resemblance to Hong Yan before her fall into the demonic path, though she looked a bit unintelligent.

Yanlai discarded her previous coldness and said with a smile, “Just take her in. Since you enjoy causing trouble anyway, having an extra helper isn’t a bad idea.”

“I don’t need anyone following me. Yan Guang and the others are more capable.” Hong Chen didn’t want to accept it. She had no memory of Yu Qi and thus no feelings for her. Especially being watched daily by a stranger, the thought alone was uncomfortable.

Yanlai sneered. “If Yu Qi were better looking, would you have accepted her then?”

“Oh, you understand my heart quite well! Recruiting someone beautiful is pleasing to the eye, how wonderful.” Hong Chen did not hide it, boldly admitting her thoughts, and said to Yanlai, “Why don’t I keep her for you? Look at you, so proud and reserved. Following a maidservant would give you more of a High Goddess’s aura.”

Yanlai’s expression turned cold at the remark. “If I have no maidservant, do I lack the aura of a High Goddess?”

“You have it, but not much. You look more like,” Hong Chen hesitated. San Meng and the Moon Goddess held their breath, curious about what she would compare Yanlai to.

After a long pause, Hong Chen couldn’t find a suitable word and said with difficulty, “If you don’t want her and I don’t want her, I’ll just send her home.”

Yanlai glanced at her and slowly stood up. Hong Chen followed closely behind. The Moon Goddess, pushing aside her shock, asked San Meng, “Yanlai found a new love interest so quickly? How did she fall for her own disciple again?”

The Moon Goddess spoke with her head tilted, while she quietly tied a red string to San Meng’s fingertip and the other end to her own.

The red string was too bright, and San Meng discovered it immediately. The red string did not disappear, meaning the two were not in love.

The Moon Goddess was deeply disappointed. San Meng slowly untied the red string from her finger. “Is it interesting to play this every time we meet?”

“Hong Yan has been dead for ten thousand years, yet you still can’t forget her.” The Moon Goddess tucked the red string into her sleeve, looking thoroughly dejected. “Look, even Yanlai has found a new disciple. Why won’t you wake up?”

San Meng did not answer. Hong Chen was Hong Yan. The scenes from ten thousand years ago were playing out again. Yanlai’s heart had never changed.

She said, “Yanlai does not like her new disciple. If you don’t believe me, go try it yourself. They only have the bond of master and disciple.”

“You are instigating me,” the Moon Goddess exposed her lie.

San Meng turned to look at her. “We can make a bet.”

“If I win, you must like me,” the Moon Goddess raised her chin.

San Meng smiled. “If you lose, go back to the Nine Heavens.”

The Moon Goddess readily agreed.

The Dark Night King sent a message to Hong Chen; the investigation into a certain matter finally had a result.

The two flew to the Dark Night King’s mansion in the Demon Realm.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Hong Chen walked in front with Yanlai following closely. Before they had walked ten steps, the Dark Night King strode out to greet them, his face covered in smiles. “The Demon Venerable has arrived.”

The Dark Night King was beaming, looking less like a person of the Demon Realm and more like a street thug. Hong Chen felt a wave of disgust and blocked Yanlai behind her.

“The Dark Night King seems very happy.”

“Naturally, I am happy. I ordered people to seize over a hundred medicinal pills. Guess what?” The Dark Night King was so excited his face practically screamed: there is something wrong with the pills.

Yanlai’s heart felt heavy. She could tell something was wrong from the Dark Night King’s expression. The Heavenly Emperor had indeed tampered with them.

The Dark Night King, unaware of Yanlai’s thoughts, told the Demon Venerable with a smile, “Something was added to the pills. They have turned into a poison that dissipates one’s cultivation. Tell me, isn’t the Immortal Clan fighting amongst themselves, preventing cultivators from becoming immortals? No wonder no one has become a god in all these years, hahahaha!”

Even the elegant Yanlai couldn’t help but roll her eyes. The Dark Night King was happy like a complete idiot, and seeing that the big idiot Hong Chen was also laughing, she turned away in resignation, refusing to look at the two fools.

Just because the pills had problems didn’t necessarily mean the Heavenly Emperor was responsible. It could be someone else, and the Heavenly Emperor would never admit guilt anyway.

The Dark Night King said, “I have already released the news. Let’s see if these cultivators get angry enough to kill the Immortals.”

“The disparity in strength is too great. Instead, you should send some medicine that aids cultivation to recruit the cultivators into the Demon Realm,” Hong Chen suggested. On the path to dealing with the Immortal Clan, she and the Dark Night King were of one mind.

The Dark Night King was overjoyed and immediately said, “I have already sent people to do that.”

He inadvertently glanced at Yanlai. Yanlai had specifically changed into black robes for her trip to the Demon Realm. Her figure was tall and slender, her back straight, and her lips red. Standing in the vast courtyard surrounded by demonic energy, the energy still could not hide her temperament and radiant elegance.

The Dark Night King took an extra look. This was the Demon Venerable’s woman. Once he became the Demon Venerable, the woman would naturally be his.

Hong Chen noticed his eyes and felt a sudden urge to poke them out. “Do you think you’re worthy of coveting the Demon Queen?”

The Dark Night King quickly withdrew his gaze and apologized. Hong Chen was displeased and pulled Yanlai away.

What a piece of work. Once the matters with the Immortal Clan were resolved, she would definitely kill him.

After obtaining a definite answer, Hong Chen quickly returned to the Demon Palace to summon the Young Lords of the Ten Halls for a meeting. Yanlai naturally went along.

She was curious how the Demon Venerable would “recruit” talent.

Once everyone arrived, Hong Chen briefly explained the situation and recounted the Dark Night King’s words. She gave simple instructions to issue invitations to the cultivators; the Demon Realm was thirsty for talent.

Yan Guang wanted to curse the Immortal Clan upon hearing this, but seeing her teacher’s wife sitting primly beside her teacher, she swallowed the words.

She couldn’t curse, otherwise she would be cursing her teacher’s wife too. Cursing the teacher’s wife was the same as cursing the teacher.

Yan Guang was sensible, but the Sixth Young Lord, Yan Heng, burst out in curses, swearing at the Heavenly Emperor above and the blind Immortals below. After cursing for a full fifteen minutes, she finally realized her senior sister was pulling at her sleeve.

“Senior Sister, why are you pulling me?”

“You are cursing Teacher’s Wife.”

“I am not. I am cursing those stupid Immortal Clan people.”

“Teacher’s Wife is also from the Immortal Clan.”

Realization dawned on Yan Heng. With a thud, she knelt toward Yanlai and kowtowed three times. “Teacher’s Wife, I have a loose tongue. I hope you can forgive me.”

Yanlai rested her chin on her hand, sitting upright, elegant and detached. “It’s no matter if you curse a few more times. I’ve never cared. Your teacher curses me every day.”

“Teacher curses you every day, and you still stay by her side?” Yan Heng felt her worldview suffering a total collapse. How could her teacher curse people?

Teacher’s Wife is so pitiful. She immediately said to her teacher, “Teacher’s Wife loves you. You cannot trample on her feelings like this. You should apologize to her. You said yourself that one shouldn’t trample on the feelings of those who love them.”

“Teacher, you can’t bully Teacher’s Wife just because your cultivation is deep.”

“Teacher’s Wife is so beautiful; you should cherish her instead.”

Yanlai’s one sentence caused the young disciples to bombard Hong Chen. Hong Chen was also stunned. She didn’t pay attention to her disciples’ accusations, but was thinking: when did I ever curse Yanlai?

Yanlai rarely listened to the young disciples with such patience. She arched an eyebrow and looked at Hong Chen, her eyes seemingly saying: apologize.

Hong Chen signaled the disciples to stop talking and turned to Yanlai. “Fine, I apologize. Don’t move.”

Yanlai instinctively felt something bad was about to happen.

Sure enough, Hong Chen leaned over, one hand gripping Yanlai’s slender waist, and pressed her lips against hers, her teeth prying open Yanlai’s mouth.

When the cool breeze and bright moon meet, the stars shine bright and the silver glow is like a hook.

Yanlai was stunned. Hong Chen’s palm was pressed against her lower back, and that burning heat pierced directly into her skin.

The young disciples forgot to blink. Their words of condemnation were swallowed back down. The teacher’s dominance, the teacher’s wife’s gentleness like water.

The passionate kiss, which came naturally, was a feast for everyone’s eyes.

Yanlai was, after all, a person of exquisite mind. After the initial shock, she pushed the other away. Her face was flushed red, and she wished she could find a crack in the floor to crawl into. Ignoring the eager gazes of the Young Lords, she hurried out of the hall.

Hong Chen looked at Yan Heng and smiled provocatively. Yan Heng gave her teacher a look that said “You are amazing.”

Hong Chen had always been wild and uninhibited; the laws of heaven and earth could not bind her.

Now that Yanlai was gone, the meeting continued.

Walking out of the hall, Yanlai took a deep breath. Her face was flushed, her whole body was burning, and a heat was surging toward her lower abdomen.

As the cold wind blew, the heat dissipated, and she became clear-headed again.

The Demon Palace was different from ordinary halls. Its peaks were similar to mountain ranges, rolling and majestic. She looked at the demon bell at the top, reached out to take it down, and shook it in her hand.

The demon bell was an object from Phoenix Mountain, with the mountain’s insignia on the bottom.

Stroking the insignia with her snowy fingertips, Yanlai couldn’t help but smile. A woman’s voice came from behind her. “That is the Demon Venerable’s property. You cannot take it.”

There were many female guards in the Demon Palace. Since Hong Chen was a woman and disliked men getting close, those around her were all women. The woman before her was one of her guards.

Yanlai turned around. The woman wore black embroidered robes. Her face was handsome, and her fair skin was enough to cover the slight flaws in her features. She had a baby face, looking no older than sixteen or seventeen in human years. Her eyes were round, large, and extremely spirited.

Hong Chen’s guards shared her style, their large eyes looking incredibly innocent. Yanlai took one glance and ignored her.

In the guard’s eyes, Yanlai’s behavior was rude. Furthermore, this was the Demon Venerable’s property; how could it be taken so casually?

The guard transformed her energy into a sword to attack. Yanlai pinched the incoming blade with one hand. “Don’t you understand the principle that a visitor is a guest?”

The commotion outside alerted those inside, and Hong Chen hurried out. Seeing the situation, she waved her hand at the guard. The guard was indignant. “She took your demon bell without reason.”

Hong Chen looked at Yanlai’s hand at the small bell. She glanced at the guard. “It’s no matter. You may step down.”

The guard gave Yanlai a resentful look, feeling extremely slighted. Hong Chen pulled Yanlai into the hall.

“They are all spoiled. Pay no mind to it.” Hong Chen spoke dismissively. She was not a bloodthirsty person; a few curses were the end of it.

Yanlai held the demon bell and shook it gently. The bell was muffled, making a clunking sound, like a person who had lost their voice making incoherent noises.

Hong Chen watched her for a moment. “It was there when I woke up. It’s like a mute. I didn’t like it, so I left it on the roof. Do you like it?”

“It is an object of Phoenix Mountain, a jade token for entry and exit. With it, one can freely enter and leave Phoenix Mountain.” Yanlai closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the bell, and her heart slowly sank.

She still hadn’t told Hong Chen that she was already a dead person.

Yanlai gently shook the bell, her lips curving into a rare smile. She said, “Hong Chen, you deserve a better woman.”

“You want to say you don’t like me, right?” Hong Chen rolled her eyes.

Yanlai put away the bell and took out the red string given by the Empress. A simple red strand. She tied one end to her own pinky and handed the other end to Hong Chen. “Want to try?”

Hong Chen hesitated. If they tested it and Yanlai didn’t love her, wouldn’t that be very embarrassing?

She didn’t move and angrily burned the red string, becoming domineering and unreasonable. “It’s fine if you don’t like me. We can just practice dual cultivation. Dual cultivation doesn’t require liking. There is a phrase from the human world that I think is quite good.”

Yanlai forgot the previous lesson and blurted out, “What phrase?”

“Forceful possession.”

Yanlai: “…”

Yanlai was filled with regret. How could she not control herself from asking? She wished she could slap her own mouth. She stood up and left.

The person immersed in the thought of “forceful possession” pondered bitterly: that phrase seems wrong again.

What was wrong with it? Before she could figure it out, her young disciples were shouting, “Teacher’s Wife, where are you going?”

Hong Chen bolted after her.

Upon returning to Phoenix Mountain, the immortal servants hurried to report that something had happened. After the cultivators on the mountain learned the medicinal pills were fake, they were the first to attack the immortals on the mountain.

Fortunately, the Moon Goddess was on the mountain and led the servants to handle it.

Yanlai mostly spent her time in secluded cultivation and rarely handled mountain affairs. This time, she had no choice but to deal with it. Yanlai released her divine sense to search for the Moon Goddess’s location. Once found, she and Hong Chen immediately rushed over.

Hundreds of cultivators had formed a powerful group, using their techniques to attack the Moon Goddess. The Moon Goddess was outnumbered and was in a panic, not knowing what to do.

At the critical moment, Yanlai arrived with Hong Chen. Yanlai was the Master of the Mountain. Her actions were always clear-cut. At this moment, she couldn’t care that the cultivators were still mortals and used her techniques to trap them.

The leader of the group shouted about the injustice of the Immortal Clan. Yanlai could only let out a sigh before responding, “The medicinal pills remaining on Phoenix Mountain were developed by our ancestors and have nothing to do with the Nine Heavens. If you believe me, you are welcome to take them. If you do not, I am powerless to help you. I have allowed you to cultivate here and provided immortal fruits, but I have never given you pills. If you feel wronged, you may go to the Nine Heavens. Seeking trouble here will only result in the scattering of your souls.”

Yanlai’s aura and prestige far exceeded those of the Moon Goddess. As the Master of this mountain, her words brought the crowd to a dead silence.

 

Yanlai continued, “I will return to take inventory of the pills. Those who want them may stay to collect them; those who do not, leave Phoenix Mountain immediately. Any troublemakers will be punished without leniency.”

 

The crowd wavered. Having been under the protection of Phoenix Mountain for many years, their hearts leaned toward Yanlai.

 

Once the cultivators were appeased, Yanlai lowered the barrier. She first sent the Moon Goddess back to her quarters and then consulted with Hong Chen.

 

“The situation at Phoenix Mountain can be settled, but I worry other sects will face major uprisings.”

 

“Uprisings are better; otherwise, how will these cultivators ever willingly enter the Demon Realm?” Hong Chen lay lazily on Yanlai’s large bed, feeling wanton and happy. She couldn’t help but hum softly. “I want to practice dual cultivation with you. Who knows, maybe if we do, my missing soul and spirit will return.”

 

Yanlai ignored her. Hong Chen was a “Medicine Human,” and her essence was one of sacrifice. After dual cultivation, her own power would not increase, but the other person’s cultivation would certainly rise.

 

But Hong Chen was only thinking of pleasure.

 

Yanlai chose not to dwell on it. She stepped forward and pulled Hong Chen up. “Let’s go to the pharmacy and take a look.”

 

“I’m not going. It’s none of my business, and I don’t want to move.” Hong Chen’s goals were always precise; she followed Yanlai because she coveted her beauty and wanted dual cultivation.

 

Everything else was irrelevant to her.

 

Yanlai pinched her cheek. “You’re not going?”

 

“Not going.” Hong Chen chose to be lazy.

 

Yanlai lifted her chin, her tone threatening. “Are you going or not?”

 

“Why are you dragging me along? Didn’t you use to do everything alone? You could do it then, why can’t you do it now?” Hong Chen gripped Yanlai’s hand, trying to overpower her with strength.

 

Yanlai chuckled softly. “Do you want to have a fight with me?”

 

Both were practitioners of fire-based arts. A fight between them would surely burn the palace to the ground. Hong Chen grumbled for a moment before climbing up, bossily demanding, “Come here and let me give you a kiss.”

 

Yanlai refused. “You already kissed me today.”

 

Hong Chen arched an eyebrow. “Just because you ate breakfast in the morning, does that mean you won’t eat dinner at night?”

 

Yanlai found it funny. “I can go an entire day without eating.”

 

“Then you go. I’m staying.” Hong Chen lay back down, triumphantly crossing her legs and shaking her foot, showing none of the elegance expected of a lady.

 

Yanlai finally let out a sigh. “You have to finish the work before you can get paid. How can you ask for a reward without putting in the labor?”

 

Hong Chen was convinced: work first, reward later. She followed Yanlai out of the sleeping quarters with a skip in her step.

 

The pharmacy of Phoenix Mountain had once been a forbidden area that ordinary people could not approach. Now, the Demon Venerable strode in grandly, touching white bottles and green jars.

 

There were thousands of medicines, each with unique effects. Hong Chen found a jade bottle and sniffed it; the scent was familiar, reminding her of the medicine the Empress had given her.

 

Phoenix Mountain also had “wonder drugs.” Instead of mocking them, Hong Chen quietly hid several bottles away.

 

Yanlai didn’t see it, as she was immersed in searching for medicine. After hiding the drugs, Hong Chen walked around Yanlai with an air of feigned innocence, as if testing to see if she had been caught.

 

Yanlai never dreamed there would be such wonder drugs in the pharmacy. Seeing Hong Chen wandering around as if nothing were wrong, she pointed toward a corner cabinet and told her to search there.

 

Her trick successful, Hong Chen hurried over to search for medicine, acting extremely obedient.

 

They searched silently for half a day, placing the found medicines into a chest to be sent out.

 

While searching, Hong Chen kept an eye out for more wonder drugs. She would rather take a hundred by mistake than let one slip through her fingers.

 

Hong Chen muddled through and hid a few more bottles before Yanlai noticed. It wasn’t until Hong Chen reached for an unmarked jar that Yanlai immediately shouted, “Don’t touch that!”

 

“An aphrodisiac?” Hong Chen’s eyes lit up. She instinctively reached out to unseal the jar. Yanlai pressed a hand to her forehead as green light erupted from the jar, accompanied by a stench that reached the heavens.

 

Hong Chen was blasted back several yards by the smell, clutching her nose and wishing she had never come. Yanlai smiled faintly. “You brought that on yourself.”

 

Hong Chen walked away in a huff, nearly vomiting by the time she reached the door. Yanlai called her back again. “Carry the medicine chest.”

 

“Where’s my reward?” Hong Chen clutched her rising chest, her head spinning from the stench. It was too foul.

 

“I’ll give it to you when we get back,” Yanlai said nonchalantly. Hong Chen looked at this Immortal beauty and thought she looked exactly like a wicked human boss exploiting her workers. She said, “Pay half upfront.”

 

Yanlai was quite embarrassed. “How does one pay half?”

 

A half-kiss?

 

Yanlai didn’t dare think further. Seeing Hong Chen’s smug expression, Yanlai said, “Fine, you go back. I’ll call someone else to carry it.”

 

“That works too. Pay up my wages.” Hong Chen pulled back her foot and pointed to her cheek, signaling Yanlai to kiss her.

 

Yanlai, however, said with a smile, “You didn’t finish the job. I can’t pay the wages.”

 

“You’re breaking your word!” Hong Chen bristled.

 

Yanlai pointed to the medicine chest on the floor. “I said, you didn’t finish. Here is the evidence. If you only do half the work, there are no wages.”

 

They had circled back to the beginning. Hong Chen was completely dumbfounded. Could it really work like this?

 

The reward only comes after the work is done. If the work isn’t finished, all the previous effort is for nothing.

 

Hong Chen was caught in a dilemma. Yanlai gazed at her leisurely, her posture straight and her aura transcendent.

 

After a few grumbles, Hong Chen flicked her finger, and the chest flew into the air. She was very indignant but helpless. The dignified Demon Venerable had been reduced to a manual laborer.

 

As the medicine chest was brought into the mountain, it immediately attracted countless cultivators who rushed to snatch the pills. Hong Chen let out a furious roar, her spiritual energy surging and forcing the crowd back several steps, nearly making them fall to their knees.

 

Hong Chen’s spiritual power far exceeded that of the God of War, Jiu Han. She didn’t spare a glance for ordinary cultivators. Once they sensed her power, their faces paled, and they stood rooted to the spot, not daring to move.

 

“The medicine is here. It is a gift from Phoenix Mountain and has nothing to do with the Nine Heavens of the Immortal Clan. Those who receive this medicine and wish to remain and cultivate are welcome to do so. If you do not wish to stay, take the medicine and leave. If you have grievances, go find the Immortal Clan.”

 

Hong Chen flicked her sleeve, and the medicines in the chest flew into the people’s hands in an orderly fashion, one for each person. The crowd was incredibly grateful.

 

Shouts echoed through the mountains, all praising High Goddess Yanlai of Phoenix Mountain.

 

At the same time, Yanlai received a decree from the Heavenly Emperor to hurry to the Xuantian Hall for a meeting.

 

For the first time in many years, the Heavenly Emperor was so solemn. Yanlai had no choice but to go. Simultaneously, the heads of all the major clans in the lower realms were flying toward the Nine Heavens.

 

The Moon Goddess stayed to look after San Meng. Yanlai entrusted the mountain’s affairs to San Meng and, as before, led Hong Chen—who was concealing her demonic energy—toward the Nine Heavens.

 

Along the way, they encountered many immortal friends. The Clan Leader of the Barren Lands was there with his young heir, Xuan Ze. As soon as he saw them, Xuan Ze couldn’t wait to catch up to Hong Chen. They flew on immortal cranes through the ethereal air, their sleeves fluttering.

 

Xuan Ze warmly invited Hong Chen to sit with him. Hong Chen took one look at the immortal crane and her eyes didn’t blink; she almost flew over to it.

 

Yanlai reminded her from the side, “The Immortal Clan values rules. There must be a distinction between men and women. Be mindful.”

 

Hong Chen let out an “Eh?” and, remembering Yanlai’s rigidity, had to refuse Xuan Ze.

 

Xuan Ze’s gaze swept over High Goddess Yanlai. He was feeling very nervous but didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he made his crane speed up to fly alongside the Qilin so he could say a few more words to “Yan Chen.”

 

Hong Chen sat cross-legged on the Qilin’s back, her features like a painting, her green robes beautiful. Her obedient appearance was endearing. Yanlai glanced at her, then toward Xuan Ze, her lips curving slightly. “That boy has feelings for you.”

 

“I know. I’m so beautiful that anyone with eyes would like me.” Hong Chen laughed along, her teeth bright and her skin like snow.

 

Yanlai was nearly mortified by her thick skin. She raised her hand to adjust her sleeve and warned, “The Barren Lands clan only has this one heir. Stay away from him. If anything happens, the entire Barren Lands will become your enemy.”

 

Hong Chen loved causing trouble. Ordinary High Immortals would be constantly on edge following her; only Yanlai could keep her in check without fear of the trouble she caused.

 

Xuan Ze watched Hong Chen longingly. Suddenly, the Qilin accelerated. He immediately urged his crane to speed up.

 

The Qilin’s cultivation was higher than the crane’s. In an instant, the Qilin vanished. Xuan Ze sat on the crane’s back, dumbfounded.

 

The Clan Leader of the Barren Lands, seeing his son’s dazed look, kindly reminded him, “High Goddess Yanlai values rules above all. If you like Yan Chen, you must respect the distinction between men and women. Do not let the High Goddess think you are frivolous.”

 

Xuan Ze took it to heart: he must not be frivolous.

 

Following the trail, the Qilin landed outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, and the crane arrived shortly after. Yanlai led Hong Chen through the gate. This time, Xuan Ze had learned his lesson and first paid his respects to High Goddess Yanlai.

 

Yanlai nodded and led Hong Chen away without giving him a chance to speak.

 

Xuan Ze followed all the way. The Barren Lands Clan Leader allowed his son to follow; in his mind, Yan Chen was not only filial to her master but also high in cultivation—an excellent choice for a daughter-in-law.

 

Yanlai kept a close eye on Hong Chen, leaving Xuan Ze no opportunity.

 

Inside the Xuantian Hall, Yanlai’s seat was near the front. Above were the Heavenly Emperor and Empress. The Immortal Clan gave her full face.

 

Yanlai sat down with her little disciple. The Heavenly Emperor had not yet arrived, but others were trickling in. Yanlai was separated from the Barren Lands by several seats; it was impossible to speak, let alone exchange glances. Xuan Ze was disappointed, but fortunately, other immortal peers came to talk to him, which drew his attention away.

 

The Shark-man tribe of the East Sea also arrived, led by their Clan Leader and his second son. The Winged tribe walked slowly into the hall.

 

Hong Chen took the opportunity to ask Yanlai, “How many do you recognize?”

 

“I don’t recognize any of them. Their parents’ generation all died in the Great War of Immortals and Demons. Now the strength of each clan has dropped significantly. They are recuperating and rarely make public appearances,” Yanlai lowered her voice.

 

Soon, the Flower Clan arrived, with Princess Yuling following her father. As soon as she entered the hall, she began searching until she saw Yanlai and gritted her teeth.

 

Hong Chen noticed her gaze and gave her a smile. In the next breath, she could no longer smile. The person in front of Yuling was none other than Xuan Jing, who had ambushed her.

 

Yanlai gripped her hand. “Now is not the time to act. Wait until we leave the Nine Heavens. He is the Empress’s brother.”

 

At the mention of the Empress, Hong Chen endured it and acted as if nothing were wrong. Yuling, looking ready to pick a fight, walked up to the two of them.

 

Hong Chen stared at her blankly. Even someone who loved causing trouble couldn’t guess the thoughts of this Princess.

 

Yuling looked at the still-radiant High Immortal Yanlai, and her anger surged. In the next instant, Hong Chen stood up and whispered in her ear, “I have news about the Crown Prince.”

 

Yuling was stunned and looked at Hong Chen suspiciously. Hong Chen curled her lips. “If you want to hear it, follow me. If you’re afraid, we can stay by the hall entrance.”

 

Many powers were gathered in the hall, and their strength was not to be underestimated. After some thought, Yuling decided to follow Hong Chen out.

 

After just a few steps past the threshold, Yuling asked anxiously, “You can speak now.”

 

“Your cousin, the Crown Prince, is in the East Sea having an ambiguous relationship with the Shark-men. You can go to the East Sea to ask; the East Sea should already know. If not, go ask Imperial Princess De Shun in the East Sea.” Hong Chen didn’t hide anything, explaining it in a few words.

 

Under Yuling’s shocked gaze, Hong Chen strode back into the hall. Passing the seats of the Barren Lands, Xuan Ze seized the chance. “Yan Chen.”

 

Just as he spoke, a hurricane swirled in the hall, wrapping around Hong Chen and flying forward.

 

The wind stopped beside Yanlai, and Hong Chen returned as the wind dissipated. Xuan Ze was filled with regret.

 

Yanlai lowered her eyes, her emotions unclear. Her every move was as elegant as ever. Only then did the crowd notice that High Goddess Yanlai, who had ignored world affairs for many years, had appeared in the Nine Heavens.

 

The East Sea tribe immediately stepped forward to greet her, followed by the Winged people.

 

Before three sentences were exchanged, the Heavenly Emperor arrived in a hurry, his quick pace showing the urgency of the situation.

 

Yanlai pulled Hong Chen down to sit. She observed the Emperor’s expression. When he passed her and Hong Chen, he didn’t stop, acting as if he didn’t know this daughter.

 

In ten thousand years, Hong Chen’s appearance had changed slightly compared to the former Hong Yan, but they were still similar. The Emperor had seen Hong Yan and would surely notice a connection.

 

The Emperor pretended not to notice.

 

During the battle between immortals and demons that day, Hong Chen had seen the Emperor, but she had transformed her appearance. Meeting him again today, the Emperor did not recognize her identity as the Demon Venerable.

 

Hong Chen was straightforward, but she wasn’t stupid; she wouldn’t see the Emperor with her true face.

 

While they each had their own thoughts, the Emperor quickly sat down and said, “The Demon Clan is arrogant. They poisoned the medicinal pills gifted by the Immortal Clan to cultivators and spread rumors, causing a rift between the cultivators and my Immortal Clan. I believe you all are already aware of this. I have summoned you here hoping you can appease the cultivators, so they may focus on their cultivation and ascend to the immortal ranks soon.”

 

With one sentence, the blame was pinned on the Demon Clan. Hong Chen was so angry she nearly erupted, but Yanlai gripped her wrist in time, allowing Hong Chen to suppress her rage.

 

At the Emperor’s word, the immortals naturally believed it. The crimes of the Demon Clan were monstrous, and they disregarded human life; without needing further words from the Emperor, they gathered together to condemn the demons.

 

Hong Chen looked at these fools. Where was the evidence? Just because the Emperor says so, you believe him? Doesn’t anyone check?

 

No wonder the Emperor has been allowed to act recklessly for so many years without anyone criticizing him; they are all fools.

 

Hong Chen soon relaxed, becoming as quiet as if she weren’t there. Yanlai didn’t speak either; she wanted to refute the Emperor, but it was difficult for one person to outtalk so many, so it was better to remain silent.

 

Yanlai wanted to stay out of the fray, but others wouldn’t let her. Someone shouted out for High Goddess Yanlai.

 

“The High Goddess has remained silent until now. Are you perhaps considering a comprehensive strategy?”

 

Hong Chen rolled her eyes in public, wishing she could slap the speaker. What a joke! Who are you to question Yanlai?

 

“I have not left Phoenix Mountain for many years and am unaware of the situation outside. May I ask who this immortal friend is?” Yanlai’s attitude was excellent as she first asked for his identity.

 

The man’s face suddenly changed, turning pale and green. Hong Chen burst out laughing. “She’s just asking for your name, why did your face change?”

 

Someone nearby interjected, “This is High Immortal Qinghe.”

 

A High Immortal… Hong Chen tilted her head. “You are a High Immortal, and my master is a High Goddess. Where do you get the courage to question her?”

 

The people of the Immortal Clan were truly shameless.

 

Yanlai signaled Hong Chen not to speak and ignored High Immortal Qinghe, not taking him seriously at all.

 

The atmosphere in the hall became awkwardly tense. The others began to speak one after another, uniting in their stance to return and appease the cultivators.

 

After the discussion, the meeting was to adjourn. As everyone prepared to leave, Hong Chen was still indignant. Yanlai gripped her hand—they would talk after returning; they couldn’t expose her identity now.

 

Hong Chen looked up and pouted, unhappy. she wanted to curse these fools but knew the timing was wrong.

 

Walking out of the Xuantian Hall, before they could descend the steps, the Barren Lands Clan Leader called out to Yanlai. Yanlai stopped, and as the other approached, they exchanged bows.

 

Hong Chen frowned. The Immortal Clan was truly annoying—you bow to me, I bow to you, it all cancels out. What’s the use of bowing?

 

After bowing, they straightened up. The Barren Lands Clan Leader spoke first. “I wonder if the High Goddess’s health has improved?”

 

“I have fully recovered. Thank you for your clan’s excellent medicine.” Yanlai dealt with him patiently.

 

While the two elders exchanged pleasantries, Xuan Ze quietly approached. Hong Chen was startled but looked up and smiled. Xuan Ze’s heart followed her into intoxication.

 

At that moment, the Barren Lands Clan Leader said, “I hear the immortal energy on Phoenix Mountain is flourishing and there are many cultivators on the mountain.”

 

Yanlai remained silent and didn’t take the bait. Once she responded, the next sentence would be: “I shall bring my son to visit Phoenix Mountain.”

 

Since she didn’t respond, the Clan Leader couldn’t continue. He let out a couple of awkward laughs while Xuan Ze continued to stare at Hong Chen. Seeing Hong Chen looking back at him, the Clan Leader immediately said, “The young ones are like-minded. Why doesn’t the High Goddess come to the Barren Lands for a few days’ visit?”

 

Hong Chen’s dazed look had successfully given him the opportunity.

 

Yanlai gazed at her foolish disciple. Was the murderous Demon Venerable really just a well-behaved and cute little sister in the eyes of outsiders?