Category: The Number One Good-for-Nothing in the Celestial Realm

Chapter 30 p2

Because of this, the Celestial Mother and the Heavenly Emperor had a heated argument, even resorting to violence, but that wasn’t something she could reveal to outsiders.

Ying Cunxin added, “With the Celestial Mother’s approval, the Four Seas Ministry has a reason to persist, regardless of what the Heavenly Mechanism Department decides.” They also had to weigh the pros and cons. It seemed that Feng Chiyue was the one with true courage. Despite having nothing, she had forcefully pushed for change in the Celestial Feather Ministry. She looked at Feng Chiyue, who was lounging lazily, and asked, “Do you have any suggestions, Minister Feng?”

Silence fell over the hall.

Feng Chiyue looked up at Ying Cunxin, a smile blooming on her face, as radiant as spring flowers.

“As long as those who oppose can’t speak, everything will be easy.”

A face that could outshine the heavens, a voice laced with chilling intent, like frost falling from plum blossoms in the winter wind.

Ming Jian Su, sitting beside her, showed no intention of objecting.

She clearly agreed.

“Thank you for the advice,” Ying Cunxin said sincerely. Then, she added, “I wonder what the White Tiger Ministry thinks.” The White Tiger Ministry was in charge of the beasts of the Heavenly Court.

They were named after the “White Tiger” and followed the lead of Bai Guchan, the West River Lord. Bai Guchan was a white tiger who had attained enlightenment. It was said that she had been converted to Buddhism by a wandering immortal from Mount Sumeru and only followed Buddhist principles, ignoring worldly affairs. If the White Tiger Ministry also implemented the assessment system, then only the human officials would be left using the old, unfair system. Over time, some officials would surely become dissatisfied and push for change from the bottom up.

After discussing the assessment system, Ying Cunxin noticed Feng Chiyue’s impatience and excused herself.

Chu Yi was reluctant to leave. She hadn’t achieved either of her goals. However, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue’s eagerness to see her go made it impossible for her to stay. As she left Dong’e Mountain, she glared at Ying Cunxin. If Ying Cunxin hadn’t come today, she might have achieved her goals! How could she get back at this annoying dragon princess? Drag her into the Ethereal Spirit Realm and beat her up?

“Why didn’t you eat the fruit I peeled for you, Your Highness?” Ying Cunxin asked slowly, interrupting Chu Yi’s thoughts. “Are you afraid I poisoned it?”

What a ridiculous question! Chu Yi was about to retort sarcastically, but then she caught sight of Ying Cunxin’s ethereal beauty and swallowed her words. However, her expression remained cold. “I don’t like fruit,” she said stiffly.

Ying Cunxin smiled faintly. “I’ll remember that,” she said, her voice unhurried.

Chu Yi was baffled. Remember what? Why? She was frustrated and eager to find someone to fight, so she ignored Ying Cunxin, transforming into a bright sword light that pierced through the swirling clouds, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Ying Cunxin looked up at the fading sword trail, her smile widening.

Although the Emperor’s Daughter had a bad temper, she was strong and ambitious, even earning praise from the East Abode Master. Where else in the four seas could she find someone like her?

—

In Dong’e Mountain.

Feng Chiyue was also unhappy. She turned to Ming Jian Su, her face sullen.

“Are those old geezers from Danxue Mountain looking for trouble?”

She admitted that she had deliberately caused chaos in the Celestial Feather Ministry. She had been in a bad mood and didn’t want anyone else to be happy. But now, she couldn’t even be bothered to think about the assessment system, yet Danxue Mountain had submitted a petition to the Heavenly Court, claiming it was beneficial to the Immortal Realm and should be implemented everywhere.

Fine, let them implement it. It had nothing to do with her. But Ying Cunxin had come today representing the Four Seas Ministry. Would others also use this as an excuse to disrupt her peaceful life?

“They have ulterior motives,” Ming Jian Su said, her eyes hardening, her sword intent surging.

Danxue Mountain was trying to use others to deal with her junior sister! They had already taken so much. Couldn’t they tolerate a single Phoenix? “Although we’ve conducted an assessment once, there’s no established system yet. It’s not ideal. Junior Sister, you–” Before she could finish, Feng Chiyue placed a finger on her lips.

“I don’t want to hear it,” Feng Chiyue said, her voice dejected.

Ming Jian Su couldn’t stand seeing her junior sister so dispirited. She had resigned from many of her positions and had plenty of time to help her manage the Celestial Feather Ministry. After a moment of thought, she said, “Junior Sister, I’ll establish the rules and regulations for you. You can just post them on the Chaos Mirror.”

Feng Chiyue looked at her skeptically. “Really?” She knew that Ming Jian Su had secretly complained about her being troublesome!

“Of course, when have I ever–” The words “lied to you” reached her lips, but she swallowed them back. She couldn’t give Feng Chiyue any ammunition. She composed herself and said, “Just trust me, Junior Sister.”

“Alright,” Feng Chiyue agreed readily. She handed the Chaos Mirror and the Celestial Feather Minister’s seal to Ming Jian Su. “Elder Sister, you’re capable of anything. No one can compare to you. I’ll go refine some tonifying elixirs for you!”

Ming Jian Su: “…” She was truly suffering.

Before ascending, Ming Jian Su had already reached the position of sect leader. She was skilled at managing the affairs of a large sect. After agreeing to help Feng Chiyue with the Celestial Feather Ministry, she immediately got to work.

Like most departments in the Heavenly Court, the Celestial Feather Ministry was a mess. In theory, it managed the registry of all feathered immortals, but in reality, only the candidates for selection had complete records. Those who chose to be wandering immortals weren’t registered, and those who found their own masters or were taken in by elders or companions often had incomplete information.

Ming Jian Su couldn’t stand it. She worked day and night, organizing the documents, but Feng Chiyue was unhappy. She had thought that listening to Understanding would be enough to help her sleep, but in the middle of the night, she was still wide awake.

She wanted to hold Ming Jian Su.

“Elder Sister,” she called out towards the screen.

Ming Jian Su was frustrated. She took a deep breath, put down her brush, and went to Feng Chiyue.

Feng Chiyue sat up, pulled Ming Jian Su into her arms, and sighed contentedly. Her affection dispelled the gloom that had settled over Ming Jian Su. She stroked Feng Chiyue’s cheek and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

“Understanding isn’t enough. I want you to stay with me,” Feng Chiyue mumbled.

“Wait a little longer,” Ming Jian Su said.

“No,” Feng Chiyue shook her head, refusing to let go.

“I’m almost done,” Ming Jian Su said.

Feng Chiyue bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then, as if making a decision, asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ming Jian Su looked at her in surprise. Those weren’t words her junior sister would normally say. Was she concerned about her? No, it was best not to expect too much. What if her next words were a bucket of cold water? As her mind raced with thoughts, she answered Feng Chiyue’s question. “The registry in the Celestial Feather Ministry is a bit messy. It’s taking some effort to organize.”

Feng Chiyue released Ming Jian Su and thought for a moment. “Is that so? Let me think of a solution.”

Ming Jian Su didn’t expect Feng Chiyue to actually use her brain, but compared to before, her junior sister had improved. She smiled and said, “Don’t worry. Take your time.”

Feng Chiyue glanced at her, thinking, how could she take her time? If she was busy, she wouldn’t have time to sleep with her! “I remember now! I have a treasure!” Feng Chiyue’s eyes lit up. She stood up, made a hand gesture, and a foot-long jade scroll appeared in her hand. She shoved it into Ming Jian Su’s arms.

“I also found this in the Abyss of the Milky Way. It’s called the ‘Celestial Feather Career Book.’ The names of all feathered immortals are recorded within!”

Ming Jian Su took the scroll and channeled her consciousness into it. Her expression changed drastically! The Celestial Feather Career Book truly contained the names of all feathered immortals from every lineage.

It was a Dao artifact formed by heaven and earth, similar to the Merit Mirror that recorded the deeds of all beings. How did Feng Chiyue possess such a thing? The Abyss of the Milky Way… what were her origins? Ming Jian Su’s eyelids twitched, a suspicion forming in her mind. A hint of worry flashed in her eyes.

She looked down at Feng Chiyue, who was smiling brightly, her lips moving, but in the end, she only said, “Don’t tell anyone else about the Career Book.”

“Don’t reveal your wealth, I know,” Feng Chiyue said, pleased with herself for solving a problem for Ming Jian Su.

“Elder Sister, keep it. It’s useless to me.” After a moment, she added, “Can you sleep with me now?” She had already made a big concession. If Ming Jian Su still wanted to work on the documents, she would be angry.

Chapter 30

What was so good about Chu Yi? Why should she praise her? If she had known that so much could happen in just one month, she would never have left the Immortal Realm. There had been no carefree revelry, only constant anxiety.

Ming Jian Su’s sudden outburst stunned Feng Chiyue. In the past, if Ming Jian Su had slammed the table like this, she would have thrown a tantrum. But she was in a good mood today, so she wouldn’t hold it against her.

She leaned closer to Ming Jian Su and said, “It won’t hurt to praise her a few times. After all, we know the truth.”

Seeing that Ming Jian Su remained silent, her face still cold, Feng Chiyue continued, “If you don’t want to, then I can only–”

“You’re not allowed to praise Chu Yi either!”

“Find an opportunity to kill her.”

Their voices rang out simultaneously.

Ming Jian Su: “…” She stared at Feng Chiyue, bewildered. “Kill? What kill?” she asked. Had she been too busy and was hallucinating?

“Who would praise her?” Feng Chiyue said, glancing at Ming Jian Su. She had no intention of hiding her plans. “Chu Yi keeps coming to see you. Don’t you find it annoying? I was thinking of a peaceful solution, but since you don’t agree, forget it. We can only find a way to eliminate her. After all, dead people are the quietest.”

Ming Jian Su hadn’t expected her junior sister to have such thoughts. She massaged her forehead, confused. “Was praising her the peaceful solution?”

“Yes, praise her in front of the East Sea Dragon Princess. The more extravagant the praise, the better,” Feng Chiyue said. Ming Jian Su was stunned. Feng Chiyue grew impatient. “You’re so stupid,” she muttered, then explained patiently, “Ying Cunxin admires strength. If she becomes infatuated with Chu Yi, then Chu Yi won’t have time to bother us. It’s killing two birds with one stone, preventing future trouble.”

“Killing two birds with one stone?” Ming Jian Su asked, her brow furrowed.

Feng Chiyue frowned and stood up, crossing her arms as she studied Ming Jian Su. “Is the feng shui on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms that bad?” she asked.

Ming Jian Su pursed her lips, pondering the words “admires strength.” Then, realization dawned on her. The East Sea Dragon Princess admired strength, and she was widely recognized as the strongest immortal. Her junior sister was afraid that Ying Cunxin would fall for her and refuse to leave Dong’e Mountain. One Phoenix was enough for Dong’e Mountain. They couldn’t accommodate a troublesome dragon.

Understanding Feng Chiyue’s good intentions, Ming Jian Su’s annoyance vanished, replaced by amusement. Looking at the pile of troublesome documents on the table, she felt a surge of energy. She was about to say something when the faint fragrance that always surrounded Feng Chiyue faded. She looked up and saw that Feng Chiyue had already returned to the couch, playing with the Chaos Mirror, her face carefree and radiant.

Ming Jian Su: “…” She was truly destined to be a workhorse.

Well, as long as her junior sister was happy.

—

A few days later.

Ying Cunxin arrived at Dong’e Mountain.

As she approached, she caught a glimpse of a familiar sword light. A name had just formed in her mind when Chu Yi, looking confident and radiant, emerged from the light. Her gaze was fixed ahead, as if nothing else existed besides Dong’e Mountain.

“Your Highness,” Ying Cunxin called out, not wanting to be ignored. She smiled faintly and approached gracefully, her steps as light as if she were walking on lotuses. Chu Yi turned and nodded coldly, wondering why Ying Cunxin was here. Was she going to be another spectator?

Chu Yi wasn’t interested in talking to Ying Cunxin. She had two goals in coming to Dong’e Mountain. The first, and most important, was to spar with Ming Jian Su. The second was to inquire about the Morning Sun Assembly incident. The Chaos Mirror was filled with rumors about her single-handedly annihilating them, but she knew it had nothing to do with her. However, no matter how she explained it, no one believed her.

The Heavenly Court even intended to use this incident as an example to intimidate wandering immortals. She had initially thought it was the work of some wandering immortal, but after learning of Ming Jian Su’s survival, she had discarded her previous theory.

The Morning Sun Assembly had tried to ambush Feng Chiyue, making them Ming Jian Su’s enemies. Countless immortals held grudges against the Morning Sun Assembly, but they all had their own considerations. Ming Jian Su, however, was different. Her sword intent was unwavering. She never hesitated.

There were no attendants in Dong’e Mountain. Apart from Zhu Wan, who rushed out to greet them, there was no one else. However, neither Chu Yi nor Ying Cunxin cared about formalities. They nodded to Zhu Wan and followed her to the main hall.

Peach blossoms danced in the wind. A few birds chirped on the swing set, undisturbed. As they passed by, Zhu Wan even instinctively took out a few spiritual fruits to feed them. She didn’t think much of it, but both Chu Yi and Ying Cunxin were surprised.

Those were “Heavenly Phoenix” fruits. They had once been abundant in Danxue Mountain, but after a great calamity, almost all of them had withered, becoming rare and precious. Dong’e Mountain was actually using them to feed Feng Chiyue’s pet birds? Chu Yi’s respect for Ming Jian Su reached new heights.

Inside the hall, two identical-looking attendants were arranging fruit platters. Chu Yi initially thought they were twins, but upon closer inspection, she didn’t sense any spiritual energy fluctuations from them. A question formed in her mind, but before she could ask, Ying Cunxin spoke. “Are they puppet humans?”

Zhu Wan clasped her hands and replied, “Yes.” When she had received the puppet humans from Chang Huai, she had thought Feng Chiyue was wasting Cinnabar Jade and treasures, believing they were useless.

But she soon realized that Chang Huai’s skills exceeded her understanding. Her hands now free, she had abandoned her previous shallow views and wholeheartedly embraced the convenience. “They’re amazing,” she said. Although activating the puppet humans required Cinnabar Jade, it was much more cost-effective than hiring attendants, and they never slacked off.

Zhu Wan had exchanged name seals with Chang Huai on the Chaos Mirror and knew that she was looking for ways to earn Cinnabar Jade. She was about to recommend some clients to her when the clear sound of bells approached. There was no need to guess. It was Feng Chiyue and her Elder Sister. As expected, a moment later, two figures, one red and one blue, appeared outside the hall.

They were walking side by side. Feng Chiyue wasn’t in her Elder Sister’s arms or on her back.

This realization relieved Zhu Wan. She had been afraid that their blatant intimacy would ruin Dong’e Mountain’s reputation in front of their rare guests.

Wait, why was Feng Chiyue here? She usually avoided guests. Could it be that something uncontrollable was about to happen?

Zhu Wan’s expression shifted rapidly. The three words “Feng Chiyue” were synonymous with “alarm” to her. She wasn’t a good-for-nothing. She was a disaster. Her Master was truly suffering.

As a storm brewed in Zhu Wan’s mind, Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue reached the bronze table and sat down, facing Chu Yi and Ying Cunxin.

Feng Chiyue rested her chin on one hand, her other hand hidden under the table, playing with Ming Jian Su’s fingers. She traced her fingers from tip to base, sometimes intertwining them, sometimes letting them slip through her fingers like fish.

Ming Jian Su glanced at her, but instead of stopping her, she only encouraged her.

Even without speaking, the atmosphere between them was inexplicably intimate and sensual, making Chu Yi, as an observer, feel a chill run down her spine. She remembered her purpose and asked Ming Jian Su, “East Abode Master, have you heard about the Morning Sun Assembly incident?”

Feng Chiyue gently pinched the webbing between Ming Jian Su’s thumb and index finger, her soft fingertips brushing against her skin like feathers, causing a slight itch. Ming Jian Su controlled her emotions and remembered Feng Chiyue’s instructions.

She nodded. “Yes, I have. The story of the Emperor’s Daughter single-handedly annihilating the Morning Sun Assembly has spread throughout the Immortal Realm,” she said. Before Chu Yi could speak, she smiled brightly and added sincerely, “Your Highness is wise and powerful, capable of turning the world upside down. You punished evil and upheld justice, ridding the world of the Morning Sun Assembly’s scourge. You’ve vented our anger for us.”

Chu Yi’s mind went blank upon hearing those words. Ming Jian Su’s “enthusiasm” filled her with a sense of foreboding. Before she could speak, Ying Cunxin, swirling her wine cup, added, “The Emperor’s Daughter is cautious, courteous, and humble. Why are you unwilling to acknowledge your own achievements?”

Chu Yi: “…” She had never imagined words like “courteous” and “humble” would be used to describe her. The deaths of the Morning Sun Assembly had nothing to do with her. Taking credit for it would be against her conscience. She stood for justice and righteousness and would never steal someone else’s achievements.

Ming Jian Su also echoed Ying Cunxin’s words. Their voices overlapped, drowning out Chu Yi’s, leaving her no chance to speak. Ying Cunxin’s smile widened as she listened to Ming Jian Su’s praise. Her gaze, lingering on Chu Yi, became increasingly heated.

It was Feng Chiyue’s idea, but after listening to Ming Jian Su praise Chu Yi for a full quarter of an hour, she felt a strange sense of displeasure. She released Ming Jian Su’s hand, snatched her wine cup, and took a sip, her face dark.

Ming Jian Su instantly sensed her resentment and stopped talking. She picked up a piece of fruit, peeled it carefully, and offered it to Feng Chiyue. She glanced at Ying Cunxin and asked, “Did your invitation mention the Four Seas Ministry, Fellow Daoist Ying?”

“Yes,” Ying Cunxin replied with a sweet smile. She also imitated Ming Jian Su, peeling a piece of fruit. However, her relationship with Chu Yi wasn’t close enough for her to feed it to her directly, so she placed the white fruit flesh on a porcelain plate and pushed it towards Chu Yi.

She didn’t pay attention to Chu Yi’s reaction and continued answering Ming Jian Su’s question. “The Celestial Feather Ministry has implemented an assessment system, and the Four Seas Ministry thinks it’s a good idea. We would like to consult with Minister Feng.”

Feng Chiyue’s frown deepened. She shouldn’t have come. What did assessments have to do with her?

Ming Jian Su tried to appease her with a look, then said, “The Four Seas Ministry? Or the East Sea? Or all four seas?” If she remembered correctly, the West Sea had offended her junior sister deeply. Didn’t they hold a grudge?

“It was the Four Seas Dragon Kings’ idea,” Ying Cunxin said. Although the plan to form a Four Seas Alliance through marriage had fallen through, their relationship hadn’t deteriorated too much. That fool Ao Chaofeng had called Feng Chiyue “vicious,” but the West Sea Dragon King had thrown him into the Cold Prison to cool his head. Now it seemed that Ao Chaofeng was truly useless.

Chu Yi ignored the plate of fruit that was slowly filling up and also spoke about the assessment system. “In the Purple Empyrean Palace, the Vermilion Birds, Swan Geese, and others also brought up the matter. They believe that the assessment is beneficial to the Immortal Realm, ensuring a fair and impartial selection process that truly reflects the abilities of immortals from all races. They suggest implementing it throughout the Immortal Realm.”

Not long ago, Danxue Mountain had vehemently opposed it, as the Celestial Feather Ministry had dismissed half of its officials and even publicly displayed the assessment questions on the Chaos Mirror, humiliating the feathered race.

Now they had suddenly changed their minds. Had they realized the benefits of the assessment? She doubted it. It was most likely a deliberate ploy, as they knew that the Heavenly Emperor and the Star Monarchs wouldn’t agree to it. If the assessment system was implemented throughout the Immortal Realm, it would become much harder for them to promote their descendants.

They wouldn’t target the Vermilion Birds who had made the suggestion in the Purple Empyrean Palace. Instead, they would use the Heavenly Emperor to pressure the original source – Feng Chiyue, the Celestial Feather Minister.

“There must be a lot of opposition,” Ming Jian Su said, understanding Chu Yi’s thoughts. Her dislike for Danxue Mountain intensified, and her face darkened.

“Yes,” Chu Yi replied, her face tense. She wanted to push for change in the Immortal Realm, but her words carried little weight. However, it didn’t mean it was impossible. “My mother agrees,” she said.

Chapter 29 p2

“Why would I rob anyone? The effort and reward wouldn’t be balanced,” Feng Chiyue snorted. “These are all mine,” she emphasized.

Ming Jian Su looked at her suspiciously. In the past two hundred years, she hadn’t received a single piece of Cinnabar Jade from Feng Chiyue… but the elixirs had been endless, much better than those from the Supreme Palace.

“I went to the Abyss of the Milky Way,” Feng Chiyue said casually.

Ming Jian Su was stunned. She immediately remembered that was where she had found Feng Chiyue. But back then, apart from the formation seal, she hadn’t seen any treasures. Had Feng Chiyue hidden them? For so many years, she had kept quiet about it? Ming Jian Su’s gaze became accusatory, and she couldn’t help but ask. She had been penniless when she ascended to the Immortal Realm, starting from the lowest position as an attendant. If she had had access to such wealth back then, she would have retired long ago! Would she have had to work like a dog for so many years?

“I was afraid you would cheat me out of my money and my body,” Feng Chiyue replied matter-of-factly.

Ming Jian Su: “…” She had begged her to be taken away from the Abyss of the Milky Way, and now she was accusing her of being a cheat! How wicked!

“These are all for you,” Feng Chiyue said.

The slight annoyance Ming Jian Su had felt vanished like a popped bubble. She hesitated for a moment, then firmly refused.

“Junior Sister, keep them for yourself.” She still held the position of East Abode Master and received a salary from the Heavenly Court. She could support herself. She wouldn’t be a freeloader! Her past ideals were no longer her present ideals.

“If you don’t want them, I’ll give them to someone else,” Feng Chiyue said.

“Someone else? Who?” Ming Jian Su’s alarm bells went off. She looked at Feng Chiyue, her expression serious.

Feng Chiyue took out the Chaos Mirror and tapped Zhu Wan’s name.

Seeing her actions, Ming Jian Su relaxed. There were no suspicious contacts on the Chaos Mirror. Good, no one had dared to approach her junior sister.

Zhu Wan lived nearby and arrived at the Dharma Hall within moments.

She was also shocked to see the Qiankun bags, thinking that Feng Chiyue and Ming Jian Su had raided someone’s treasury.

Feng Chiyue pointed at the bags. “Put these away,” she said.

Zhu Wan’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably. She had never seen such valuable treasures. She picked up the bags with trembling hands, as if handling priceless artifacts. Such trust warmed her heart, but the next moment, Feng Chiyue’s voice shattered.

— Elder Sister, do you want to get a new disciple? Someone more capable, less clumsy, and braver.

Zhu Wan left the Dharma Hall with the bags, her face expressionless, cursing Feng Chiyue silently.

Ming Jian Su didn’t consider Feng Chiyue’s suggestion to find another disciple. Her mind was still on the pile of treasures. It was impossible to accumulate such wealth overnight. She had found Feng Chiyue in the Abyss of the Milky Way.

Back then, according to Feng Chiyue, she had already been trapped for decades. The Abyss of the Milky Way was the purest place of spiritual energy in the Immortal Realm. Could treasures simply appear out of thin air? After a moment of thought, Ming Jian Su asked, “Where did you get these?”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know,” she said simply.

Ming Jian Su: “…” “Then how can you say they’re yours?”

Feng Chiyue frowned. “Aren’t the treasures I collected before my Nirvana mine?”

Ming Jian Su was stunned. “You’ve undergone Nirvana?” she asked, bewildered. Why hadn’t she noticed? And Feng Chiyue had never mentioned it before.

Feng Chiyue said casually, “I don’t remember much from before my Nirvana. It’s not important anyway.” She pulled Ming Jian Su down onto the couch, wrapped her arms around her, and said, “I probably died once because I ate something I shouldn’t have. There was a nameless poison in my body, a mixture of all sorts of substances. But the fire of Nirvana burned away most of it, leaving behind only a tiny trace that occasionally affects my thoughts and behavior. For example–”

“Open your Sea of Consciousness,” Ming Jian Su interrupted, her voice urgent.

Feng Chiyue’s fingers twitched, her gaze evasive. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Ming Jian Su’s expression was serious. She ignored Feng Chiyue’s teasing. They had lived together for over two hundred years. She knew Feng Chiyue’s body like the back of her hand. But she had never found any traces of poison. They had dual cultivated, their consciousnesses intertwined, their souls completely exposed to each other. How could a poison hide so well? Could she have overlooked it in her moments of bliss? The thought filled her with guilt.

Although Ming Jian Su occasionally lied, Feng Chiyue still trusted her implicitly. Hearing her request, she lowered her mental defenses, allowing Ming Jian Su’s consciousness to enter her Sea of Consciousness. Unlike Feng Chiyue’s laziness and tranquility, Ming Jian Su was anxious, her mind focused on finding the poison, ignoring any thoughts of pleasure. After an unknown amount of time, she finally found a faint red mark in Feng Chiyue’s Sea of Consciousness—it was enveloped in a small ball of crimson fire and would eventually be burned away.

With a single touch, Ming Jian Su knew what the residual poison was—it was simply the accumulated toxins from all the random elixirs Feng Chiyue had consumed. High-quality elixirs were perfect and flawless, their energy harmonious, without any impurities. But ordinary elixirs contained residues that needed to be expelled through cultivation, known as “elixir toxins.”

Had Feng Chiyue truly eaten something she shouldn’t have before her Nirvana?

Ming Jian Su was about to withdraw from Feng Chiyue’s Sea of Consciousness when Feng Chiyue’s consciousness playfully wrapped around hers. The sensation of their consciousnesses intertwined was too pleasurable to resist, and Ming Jian Su didn’t want to resist.

A long time later, Ming Jian Su finally came back to her senses. She sat up, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, her gaze unfocused as she looked at Feng Chiyue, forgetting about the elixir toxins.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Feng Chiyue said suddenly. “I must not have had any family or friends before my Nirvana.” Her tone was certain, her expression as indifferent as if she were talking about someone else’s past. “If I did, how could I have undergone Nirvana in the Abyss of the Milky Way? How could no one have taken care of my possessions?”

Ming Jian Su stared at her, her mind blank. A multitude of emotions swelled within her, threatening to burst out of her chest. “I–”

“It’s a good thing I didn’t,” Feng Chiyue said, her tone turning cheerful. She pulled Ming Jian Su down and poked her flushed cheek. “Now it’s all ours!”

Ming Jian Su wasn’t as carefree as Feng Chiyue. The Phoenix lineage was very close-knit. It was rare to see a Phoenix who was estranged from their clan. Not all Phoenixes could undergo Nirvana, and those who could were all elites of the lineage. When the day of Nirvana arrived, they would surely be under the care of their clan. But her junior sister had severed ties with the Phoenix lineage both before and after her Nirvana. Should she find an opportunity to check the Phoenix clan’s registry and confirm her junior sister’s origins?

“Junior Sister, don’t you really want to know about your past?” she asked seriously.

Feng Chiyue’s hand had already slipped into Ming Jian Su’s robe, her fingers caressing her waist. Hearing Ming Jian Su’s question, she paused, then said, her voice laced with displeasure, “You, Ming Jian Su, are you planning to kick me out after taking my money?”

“Of course not,” Ming Jian Su said hastily. She thought for a moment. If someone claiming to be her junior sister’s family or friend appeared and tried to take her away, she would definitely kill them. “Junior Sister, will you leave me?” she asked, her voice serious as she leaned closer to Feng Chiyue.

Feng Chiyue pinched her waist. “You were the one who ran away.” How dare she blame her? As expected, wealth corrupted. It hadn’t even been a full night, and Ming Jian Su was already twisting the truth.

Ming Jian Su chuckled.

Good, she was still number one in her junior sister’s heart.

—

The next day.

Undefeated returned. Apart from a few beautiful feathers on its tip, it also carried an invitation from the East Sea.

“Those feathered immortals who were disobeying orders have come to their senses. They’re currently counting their members and will report to the Celestial Feather Hall before sunset,” Ming Jian Su said. She knew her junior sister wouldn’t bother reading the documents from the Celestial Feather Ministry, so she had taken over the responsibility. She had already decided to eliminate Danxue Mountain, so she had to secure the position of Celestial Feather Minister for her junior sister. That way, her actions would be justified.

“You’re quite skilled at handling these matters, Elder Sister,” Feng Chiyue said with a smile, picking up the last piece of fruit and offering it to Ming Jian Su, a rare display of attentiveness. Her Elder Sister had worked hard last night. She had to be considerate and be a good junior sister. Wanting to share Ming Jian Su’s burden, she picked up the invitation from the East Sea and scanned through it.

“I often handled sect affairs before I ascended, cleaning up those fools’ messes,” Ming Jian Su said, taking advantage of the moment her mouth was free. “Who is it from the East Sea?”

“Ying Cunxin,” Feng Chiyue said, frowning slightly. Some people on the Chaos Mirror had said that Ying Cunxin, the East Sea Dragon Princess, admired strength and beauty. She had even been willing to break off her engagement with the West Sea for the Emperor’s Daughter. But in terms of strength, Chu Yi couldn’t compare to her Elder Sister. And in terms of beauty, she was also far behind. Could it be that after learning of her Elder Sister’s return, Ying Cunxin had decided that Chu Yi’s appearance was too ordinary and had set her sights on her Elder Sister instead? An idea formed in her mind. “Elder Sister, has Chu Yi contacted you these past few days?” she asked.

“Yes,” Ming Jian Su replied, frowning.

“Then invite her here,” Feng Chiyue said.

Ming Jian Su put down her brush, her mind no longer on the documents. Alarm bells rang in her head. Why did her junior sister want to invite Chu Yi?

“I think the Emperor’s Daughter is quite impressive. She single-handedly annihilated the Morning Sun Assembly,” Feng Chiyue said.

Ming Jian Su: “…” Her junior sister was actually praising Chu Yi! What did that have to do with Chu Yi? She was the one who had done it! Those from the Morning Sun Assembly had bullied her junior sister and deserved to die! There were many praises on the Chaos Mirror. Could it be that her junior sister had actually believed them?

“Elder Sister, when Chu Yi arrives, praise her generously,” Feng Chiyue said.

Ming Jian Su’s temper flared. She slammed her hand on the table, her face dark. “No!”

Chapter 29 p1

While Ming Jian Su was away, Feng Chiyue had been too busy to pay attention to anyone else. Chu Yi wasn’t that important. Faced with Ming Jian Su’s question, she simply said, “I don’t know.” She didn’t let Ming Jian Su change the subject. She used the jade ruyi to tease the loose collar of her robe, glaring at her. “I’m asking you.”

The cool jade against her skin sent shivers down Ming Jian Su’s spine. She took the ruyi away and frowned. “I don’t know what she’s thinking either. The Emperor’s Daughter has always been unpredictable,” she said.

“Oh,” Feng Chiyue said, melting into Ming Jian Su’s arms. “Just ignore her,” she said lazily. Ming Jian Su naturally agreed, but a hint of doubt lingered in her mind. The Emperor’s Daughter often bullied her junior sister. She wasn’t a good person. Why had her attitude changed so drastically? Who was she really interested in?

“Why are you distracted?” Feng Chiyue asked, sensitive to Ming Jian Su’s subtle shift in mood. She nibbled Ming Jian Su’s collarbone, leaving a red mark on her creamy skin.

“I’m not,” Ming Jian Su denied, her gaze fixed on Feng Chiyue. The faint light from the treasures and candles in the hall, combined with the moonlight streaming through the window, illuminated Feng Chiyue’s face, making her beauty even more breathtaking. Ming Jian Su tucked a few strands of hair behind Feng Chiyue’s ear and asked, “Did you miss me while I was gone, Junior Sister?”

“No,” Feng Chiyue snorted. “I was busy. I didn’t have time to miss you.” After Ming Jian Su left, one problem after another had crashed down on her like relentless waves. She hadn’t thought much about it before, but now, prompted by Ming Jian Su’s question, her anger grew. If Ming Jian Su hadn’t left without a word, she wouldn’t have had to suffer so much! Her eyes quickly reddened, tears welling up. The tears she hadn’t shed upon hearing of Ming Jian Su’s “death” now flowed freely, her expression pitiful.

Seeing this, Ming Jian Su panicked, her heart melting. She wiped Feng Chiyue’s tears and said soothingly, “It was all my fault. I won’t do it again.”

“Liar. Everyone’s bullying me,” Feng Chiyue complained, hitting Ming Jian Su lightly. “It’s your fault.”

Ming Jian Su withdrew her hand, replacing it with a series of soft kisses on Feng Chiyue’s face. Feng Chiyue hummed softly, clutching Ming Jian Su’s robe, passively accepting her affection. Her emotions were as fleeting as the wind. Her grievances vanished after a few tears. She found Ming Jian Su’s pace too slow and pushed her down, reversing their positions.

“Elder Sister, shouldn’t you make up for that missing month?” she asked.

Ming Jian Su: “…” She had her answer. Feng Chiyue did miss her, but she wasn’t sure if it was her as a person or just her body.

—

The next day.

Feng Chiyue still didn’t want to go to the Celestial Feather Ministry.

Now that her Elder Sister was back, why should she work herself to death?

But even if she didn’t move, Que Chen Yi thoughtfully brought a stack of documents to Dong’e Mountain, diligently reporting on the current situation in the Celestial Feather Ministry.

“The artifact from the Dragon Cauldron Palace has been installed in the Carriage Hall. It’s called ‘Celestial Feather Express.’”

“The Celestial Feather Hall has verified the population numbers of the various lineages and found significant discrepancies compared to the previous records. There are many unregistered ‘black households,’ but they’re still providing labor. The flow of funds is unclear.”

“Several lineages still haven’t reported their numbers.”

Que Chen Yi chattered incessantly.

Feng Chiyue covered her ears, not wanting to hear a single word.

Que Chen Yi: “…” She looked pleadingly at Ming Jian Su, who stood beside them, her presence as sharp as a sword. According to the Chaos Mirror, although the East Abode Master was cold and ruthless, she was also dedicated to her duties, a rare example of diligence in the Immortal Realm. Perhaps… the East Abode Master could persuade the Minister to actually do some work?

“There’s no point in investigating the unclear flow of funds,” Ming Jian Su said, her voice devoid of emotion. The Celestial Feather Ministry had been controlled by Danxue Mountain in the past. Where else could the funds have gone besides their pockets and the Heavenly Emperor’s? “Which lineages haven’t reported their numbers?” she asked.

Que Chen Yi, relieved that someone was taking charge, quickly listed several lineage names.

Ming Jian Su nodded, pondered for a moment, then summoned Undefeated. “Go,” she said.

Que Chen Yi was confused. “What’s this?” she asked cautiously.

Ming Jian Su replied calmly, as if it were obvious. “If they haven’t reported their numbers, it means their lineage is extinct. My sword will go pay its respects.”

Que Chen Yi: “???”

She finally understood who Feng Chiyue had learned from! Was the East Abode Master’s good reputation in the Immortal Realm due to her strength masking her flaws? Or had… the Minister been taking the blame for her? Que Chen Yi had a vivid imagination. She quickly painted Ming Jian Su as a villain, dropped the documents, made an excuse, and fled, as if chased by tigers and wolves.

As soon as Que Chen Yi left, Feng Chiyue uncovered her ears and asked casually, “What did she say?”

Immortals had sharp ears and eyes. How could she not have heard a single word? It was clear that her junior sister’s laziness was acting up again. Ming Jian Su was both amused and exasperated.

“The Celestial Feather Ministry is a mess, Junior Sister. Are you sure you want to take on this responsibility?” The Heavenly Mechanism Department managed the registry of the Immortal Realm, but only the section for Human Immortals was complete, as they ascended through the various heavenly gates. But Heavenly Immortals… if they didn’t report it themselves, who would know if they had children? It wasn’t just Human Immortals who disdained the Heavenly Court and chose to be wandering immortals. There were many Heavenly Immortals who did the same.

“No,” Feng Chiyue said without hesitation. It wasn’t her choice. The Star Monarch had forced her into this position. The Star Monarchs of the Immortal Realm were all villains, jealous of her carefree life. She tugged Ming Jian Su’s sleeve and asked curiously, “Why aren’t you on duty, Elder Sister?”

Ming Jian Su: “…”

After tasting freedom and ease, who would want to return to the drudgery of work?

“I resigned from some of my positions.”

“When?” Feng Chiyue asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just now,” Ming Jian Su replied. The moment she said she had resigned, she had resigned.

“Will your salary be significantly reduced then?” Feng Chiyue asked with concern.

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to afford me.” Seeing Ming Jian Su’s puzzled expression, she added, “To support me.”

Ming Jian Su: “…”

Those were the shameless words of her beloved junior sister. What an ungrateful little wretch! Despite knowing Feng Chiyue’s nature, Ming Jian Su couldn’t help but laugh. She gritted her teeth and said, “Don’t worry. Even if I have to sell everything I own, I’ll still be able to support you.”

Feng Chiyue blinked. Had Dong’e Mountain already reached the point of selling everything they owned? She should have kept quiet about her debts. After all, time could heal all wounds.

Ming Jian Su’s decision to “resign and retire” wasn’t just talk. She took the time to visit the Heavenly Court. It only took two hours. When she returned, Feng Chiyue was gone!

“Master, perhaps Immortal Monarch Feng went to the Celestial Feather Ministry?” Zhu Wan said, not as worried as Ming Jian Su. After experiencing so much, she had learned to remain calm in the face of adversity.

“Impossible,” Ming Jian Su said, but she still went to the Celestial Feather Ministry to inquire. Que Chen Yi was busy running around, greeting the numerous feathered immortals who came and went, but none of them were Feng Chiyue.

For a moment, Ming Jian Su suspected that Jing De Immortal Monarch, Si Lu Star Monarch, or those feathered immortals from Danxue Mountain had done something. Her aura darkened, and she wanted to send those suspicious immortals to the cycle of reincarnation with Eternal Calamity. It was Zhu Wan who, steeling herself, persuaded her to wait a little longer.

In this short month, not only had Feng Chiyue become a stranger, but even her Master seemed like a different person, radiating a murderous aura. It was too much for her.

Ming Jian Su’s face was devoid of any warmth, her eyes filled with a bone-chilling killing intent. A month ago, when she had decided to leave the Immortal Realm for a while, she had believed that even if there were conflicts among the immortals, they wouldn’t escalate to life-or-death battles.

But the subsequent events had surprised her, especially Danxue Mountain’s audacity. In Heaven in a Pot, she could have persuaded Feng Chiyue to stop and minimize the damage, but she hadn’t. She had chosen to eliminate them all, erasing all traces of the ambush. She had spent many years training in the mortal realm and understood that when rules were useless, only absolute power could ensure justice.

She and Chang Li were both among the Four Generals of the Heavenly Court. Their relationship wasn’t particularly good or bad. But from now on, Danxue Mountain and Chang Li were her enemies.

It wasn’t until sunset that Feng Chiyue finally returned to Dong’e Mountain.

Before she could even catch her breath, Ming Jian Su appeared before her like a bolt of lightning, pulling her into a tight embrace, her grip so strong that it felt like she wanted to merge their bones and blood.

Feng Chiyue was always willing to be intimate with Ming Jian Su, but this wasn’t the right time. She had traveled a long distance and was exhausted. She pushed Ming Jian Su away and said, “Elder Sister, let me catch my breath.”

Ming Jian Su frowned, her face cold. “Where have you been? Did someone ambush you on the way?”

Feng Chiyue broke free from her embrace, her eyes sparkling with joy. She grabbed Ming Jian Su’s wrist and said excitedly, “Come with me.” Without waiting for a response, she dragged Ming Jian Su back to the Dharma Hall. She made a hand gesture, and a series of thuds echoed through the hall. Over ten Qiankun bags landed on the couch.

“Look!”

The openings of the bags loosened, and a dazzling multicolored light, brighter than the ornate decorations in the hall, filled Ming Jian Su’s vision. She had experienced her own moments of glory, but even then, she had never seen so many treasures, never been so wealthy. She gasped, her previous worries vanishing completely.

“Junior Sister, who did you rob?” she asked cautiously. With so many treasures, it couldn’t be just one person, right? Had she plundered the Heavenly Emperor’s treasury?

Chapter 28p2

---

After sending Yun Ze away, Ming Jian Su headed towards the Purple Empyrean Palace.

She flew on her sword, the sword light shining brightly, attracting attention. Whether they had read the Chaos Mirror or not, almost half of the Heavenly Court knew she was back.

This news was even more shocking than her “death.” The usually peaceful Heavenly Court was abuzz with activity, the immortal officials each harboring their own thoughts.

As for the Heavenly Emperor… he had been troubled by the selection of a new East Abode Master, but with Ming Jian Su’s return, he naturally abandoned the matter, relieved of a burden. He didn’t seem too concerned about what had happened during her disappearance.

He exchanged a few pleasantries with her and then vanished from sight. Ming Jian Su was surprised. She had expected to be forced to write a lengthy report. It was Ming Yuheng who, as they left the Purple Empyrean Palace together, explained, “The Great Yin Celestial Mother has left seclusion.”

The Heavenly Emperor, chosen by the Mandate of Heaven, represented the yang aspect of the Heavenly Dao. Whenever a Heavenly Emperor was born, a “Celestial Mother” would also be born in the realm of yin.

She would eventually become the Heavenly Emperor’s Dao companion, balancing the yin and yang, the pure and turbid energies of heaven and earth. The Heavenly Emperor might change, but the Celestial Mother remained constant. Traditionally, the Celestial Mother and Heavenly Emperor shared the responsibility of governing the Heavenly Court.

However, this Celestial Mother was different. She spent most of her time in seclusion. Because of this, her presence in the Heavenly Court had gradually faded. But now, she was back. The other immortal officials didn’t seem to care, but the Heavenly Emperor, accustomed to ruling alone, must be anxious.

“I heard that the Heavenly Emperor’s cultivation is inferior to the Celestial Mother’s. He was once reprimanded by her,” Ming Yuheng whispered, sharing gossip about the two supreme rulers.

Ming Jian Su wasn’t interested. Her gaze fell upon a Daoist priest wearing a tall hat and a long robe. She took the unusual step of greeting him first. “Immortal Monarch Jing De, it’s been a while.”

Jing De Immortal Monarch: “…” He had wanted to pretend he hadn’t seen her. What “while”? He wished he could avoid her forever. What kind of crevice on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms could trap Ming Jian Su? Why had her “death” turned out to be false? If he had known she was still alive, how could he have possibly bullied her junior sister? Well, in the end, it wasn’t Ming Jian Su who had been bullied. He twisted his stiff neck, forcing an ugly smile onto his face, and bowed.

Ming Jian Su pretended she hadn’t seen his reaction and walked past him, as if she hadn’t been the one who had called out to him.

Jing De Immortal Monarch wasn’t relieved to have avoided a confrontation. Instead, he felt a chill run down his spine. If Ming Jian Su had sought revenge right then and there, the matter would have been settled. But her inaction meant that their grudge wouldn’t be easily resolved. She wouldn’t kill him in front of their colleagues, but what about outside Kunlun Mountain?

Ming Jian Su’s return was a “tragedy” for Jing De Immortal Monarch, Ao Chaofeng, and the others, but for Chu Yi, it was a cause for “joy.”

She hadn’t gone to the Purple Empyrean Palace today, but she had heard from other sources that Ming Jian Su had fallen into a crevice on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms and received a fortuitous encounter.

“Her cultivation must have improved. If she’s willing to be my opponent, even just in the Ethereal Spirit Realm, it would be wonderful,” Chu Yi said, pacing back and forth in her hall.

Finally, she said excitedly, “Someone, bring me a piece of Fallen Star Stone from my treasury.”

It was a type of meteorite iron used to refine swords, extremely rare. But then, she frowned and waved her hand.

“Wait.”

Fallen Star Stone was valuable, but it might not be the most suitable gift for Ming Jian Su. After a moment of thought, she grimaced and said through gritted teeth, “Choose a few bolts of colorful cloud brocade from my treasury.” It wasn’t that she was unwilling to part with them, but the idea of using Feng Chiyue to win over Ming Jian Su left her with a strange sense of displeasure.

Ming Jian Su was a flawless jade, while Feng Chiyue… was a blemish that couldn’t be erased.

Regardless of their true feelings, anyone who didn’t want to antagonize Dong’e Mountain sent a gift after learning of Ming Jian Su’s return. Even Ming Yuheng, Chu Yi, and the Phoenixes, who usually disliked Ming Jian Su, prepared generous gifts. Perhaps because she didn’t want to see Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue together, Feng Yao simply dropped off the gift and left without a word.

Zhu Wan, exhausted after sorting and storing the gifts, was left alone on Dong’e Mountain after the other attendants and officials left. Feng Chiyue was useless, and as for her Master… how could she, a mere disciple, burden her? Her Master had said nonchalantly that she could leave the gifts for now, but Zhu Wan couldn’t stand the mess, so she resigned herself to cleaning up.

“Master, those officials who left want to return to Dong’e Mountain. Is that alright?” Zhu Wan asked when she saw Ming Jian Su. She hadn’t cut off contact with them. After leaving, they had realized that Dong’e Mountain offered the best treatment. Not only did they receive their full salaries, but they were also allowed to study Daoist texts and improve their cultivation. Outside, they were constantly busy with menial tasks, serving other immortals.

Feng Chiyue sat on a swing, her toes touching the ground, her gaze fixed lazily on Ming Jian Su.

Ming Jian Su, however, seemed to have ignored Zhu Wan’s question. She held a jade plate in her left hand and a small skewer in her right, spearing a piece of spiritual fruit and feeding it to Feng Chiyue. Seeing Feng Chiyue close her eyes contentedly, a smile curved Ming Jian Su’s lips.

Zhu Wan: “…” She shouldn’t have come here.

“No,” Ming Jian Su finally answered as Zhu Wan hesitated, wondering if she should repeat her question. Abandoning her junior sister in her time of need was unforgivable. They were already being merciful by not reclaiming everything they had been given. How dare they even dream of returning?

Zhu Wan didn’t care whether they returned or not. Taking advantage of Ming Jian Su’s good mood, she asked, “Should we recruit new officials then?”

Feng Chiyue looked up and said slowly, “Humans are unreliable.”

Zhu Wan faltered, then asked hesitantly, “Then… Phoenixes?” Could it be that Feng Chiyue wanted to support her own kind and strengthen the ties between Phoenix Mountain and Dong’e Mountain?

Feng Chiyue frowned.

Ming Jian Su glanced at Zhu Wan. “There won’t be a second Phoenix in Dong’e Mountain,” she said.

“I remember now. I asked Chang Huai to make some things. You can ask her for them,” Feng Chiyue said, ignoring Zhu Wan. She looked up at Ming Jian Su and added, “I haven’t paid her yet.”

Ming Jian Su: “…”

“Besides Chang Huai, I also asked Zhu Wan to run up some debts elsewhere,” Feng Chiyue continued.

Running up debts… Ming Jian Su had never done such a thing, even in the mortal realm. Hearing Feng Chiyue’s words, she couldn’t sit still any longer. She hastily sent Zhu Wan to the Dragon Cauldron Palace to settle their accounts with Chang Huai.

However, a young Daoist boy from the Dragon Cauldron Palace saw them and excitedly told his companions,

“The East Abode Master is here to pay her debts!”

Somehow, the news spread and became distorted.

It became “The East Abode Master is cleaning up Feng Chiyue’s messes. Anyone who has suffered losses because of Feng Chiyue can seek compensation from her.”

After this news spread, both the officials from the Celestial Feather Ministry and those who had been wronged by Feng Chiyue when she was a gate emissary sent bills to Dong’e Mountain.

Ming Jian Su was so angry she laughed.

In Danxue Mountain.

The Vermilion Birds, Bifangs, and other feathered lineages were gloomy, their faces ashen. They had hoped that the Celestial Pivot Department would intervene, but who could have imagined that Ming Jian Su would return? The Celestial Pivot Department had simply laughed it off, saying they would investigate further if they found any evidence. They wouldn’t arrest Feng Chiyue and naturally wouldn’t touch the Phoenixes. The matter could only be dropped.

Previously, some elders had doubted Feng Chiyue’s ability, but now, they were almost certain she was the culprit. After all, with Ming Jian Su, whose cultivation had undoubtedly improved, they were more than capable of killing their clansmen. Unfortunately, there was no concrete evidence, and the Celestial Pivot Department wasn’t willing to offend Ming Jian Su for their sake.

“We’ve missed our best chance. Are we just going to let Feng Chiyue get away with this? With Ming Jian Su’s support, will there even be a place for us in the Celestial Feather Ministry?” an elder asked, his voice filled with resentment.

“Feng Chiyue isn’t on good terms with the Phoenixes. Why don’t we just ignore her?” someone suggested, fear creeping into their hearts.

“It’s not about whether we want to ignore her or not. Do you know that the Celestial Feather Ministry is re-registering the population numbers of all lineages?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” someone asked, puzzled.

“You fool!” the Vermilion Bird elder snapped, furious. “There were problems with the previous registry. Where do you think those laborers who mined and harvested resources for us came from?” After Danxue Mountain took control of the Celestial Feather Ministry, most of the resources hadn’t gone to the ministry but to them. They had used the Celestial Feather Ministry’s name to benefit themselves. The ministry was crucial for their foothold in the Heavenly Court.

“Then what should we do? The East Abode Master is back. Can we still remove Feng Chiyue from the Celestial Feather Ministry?” An anxious voice echoed through the hall.

The Vermilion Bird elder pondered for a moment. “From today onwards, no official from Danxue Mountain is allowed to work in the Heavenly Court,” he said.

“That’s not a good idea. There are many candidates for selection. If we give up, we’re simply handing our gains to others,” someone immediately objected. He chuckled coldly and said, “Doesn’t Phoenix Mountain have many candidates for selection? Let’s push them forward. The Heavenly Emperor won’t allow the Phoenixes to rise again.”

“Have you forgotten, fellow Daoists? Now, everyone from the feathered race who wants to advance through the Celestial Feather Ministry has to participate in the assessment!”

The elders: “…”

“The assessment has angered many. During the court meeting in the Purple Empyrean Palace, they were going to cancel it, but it was delayed due to other matters. If the opposition grows stronger, we can definitely paint Feng Chiyue as the villain of the Immortal Realm.”

“But only we, Danxue Mountain, are opposed to it. How loud can our voices be?”

“I understand your meaning, fellow Daoist. Tomorrow, we’ll submit a petition to implement the assessment system in the Four Seas Ministry, the White Tiger Ministry, and even the main office of the Heavenly Mechanism Department! Why should only our feathered race suffer?” Either no one would be assessed, or all officials would suffer together.

In Dong’e Mountain, Feng Chiyue, who had never been eager to work, hadn’t expected those old geezers from Danxue Mountain to create even more trouble for her. She was currently preoccupied with a new problem.

Feng Chiyue was fiddling with a jade ruyi she had obtained from somewhere. She knelt before Ming Jian Su, pressing the ruyi against her collarbone, her eyes downcast. “Why is Chu Yi visiting you so often?” she asked. “Does the Heavenly Court lack worthy opponents for her? Why doesn’t she go find Ming Yuheng or Chang Li?”

Ming Jian Su was also puzzled. She had rejected the Emperor’s Daughter several times before, and Chu Yi had stopped pestering her. But after her return, Chu Yi had become unusually enthusiastic, even coming to Dong’e Mountain personally. Was it for sparring? Or did she have other motives? Ming Jian Su ignored her disheveled robes and asked instead, “Junior Sister, how many times did she visit you while I was gone?”

Chapter 28p1

Ming Jian Su was exceptionally skilled at “selling” her sword. Feng Chiyue was instantly persuaded. If Ming Jian Su was too busy to spend time with her, then it was better to let the sword shoulder some of the burden.

“Aren’t you going to the Celestial Feather Ministry today?” Ming Jian Su asked.

“Rest,” Feng Chiyue replied lazily. She had no desire to move, let alone go to that dreadful Celestial Feather Ministry. She wrapped her arm around Ming Jian Su’s waist, her fingers gently caressing her through the thin robe, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Ming Jian Su’s breath quickened. She let out a soft hum and pushed away Feng Chiyue’s wandering hand. “I’ve been absent for a while. I need to explain things to the Heavenly Emperor,” she said.

Feng Chiyue rested her chin on Ming Jian Su’s shoulder, looking at her with a hint of disappointment. “Can’t you just send a message through the Chaos Mirror? Do you really have to go in person?” she asked, her voice laced with displeasure.

“Wouldn’t that be disrespectful to the Heavenly Emperor? Too audacious?” Ming Jian Su replied. The Heavenly Emperor wouldn’t deduct her salary for this, but with his stingy nature, he would probably hold a grudge. That meant her share of the rewards might be reduced. After all, he was the Heavenly Emperor, chosen by the Mandate of Heaven. She had to give him some face.

“Respectful?” Feng Chiyue looked at her suspiciously, then gently nibbled her earlobe. “You, Ming Jian Su, you have someone else in your eyes now. Does that mean you’ll have someone else in your heart soon?”

Ming Jian Su was used to Feng Chiyue’s strange focus. “Of course not,” she said without hesitation. “Besides you, Junior Sister, no one else is worthy of my attention.”

Feng Chiyue finally smiled in satisfaction. She released Ming Jian Su and started dressing herself.

Shortly after they got up, a whooshing sound, accompanied by a clap of thunder, exploded outside Dong’e Mountain. A foot-long, purple-red token shot towards them like lightning, aiming for Feng Chiyue. Feng Chiyue didn’t even flinch. She sat down on a chair, allowing Ming Jian Su to comb her tangled hair.

When the token was about five feet away from Feng Chiyue, a blinding sword light, as radiant as a starry river, erupted, intercepting the token with a loud clang. The lightning surrounding the token dissipated, and it fell to the ground, seemingly unwilling to give up, twitching like a fish out of water before finally falling still.

After carefully placing a crescent-shaped ornament on Feng Chiyue’s forehead, Ming Jian Su turned to look at the token. “It’s a Criminal Pursuit Thunder Token from the Grand Decree Temple of the Celestial Pivot Department,” she said, her brow furrowed. She quickly understood the reason. After the sudden deaths of so many feathered immortals last night, Danxue Mountain couldn’t possibly ignore it. But she believed she had erased all traces. They couldn’t possibly know it was them. “I’ll handle this.”

“Of course you will,” Feng Chiyue snorted. She had no desire to deal with such matters. She didn’t even look at Ming Jian Su. “Come here, lower your head,” she said, and with a finger stained with lip rouge, she dabbed it on Ming Jian Su’s lips.

In the Grand Decree Temple of the Celestial Pivot Department.

The officials noticed that none of the Criminal Pursuit Thunder Tokens had returned and hastily reported it to Junior Monarch Yun Ze. According to the laws of the Heavenly Court, the tokens were used to apprehend suspected criminals. If anyone resisted, their crime would be considered more severe, and officials would personally arrest them. However, to save effort, the Grand Decree Temple often issued the tokens before a verdict was reached, leading to a gradual decline in their power.

“Are the Phoenixes resisting the decree? That’s typical of them,” Junior Monarch Yun Ze said, frowning slightly. “You go to Dong’e Mountain.” But then, he remembered the recent rumors on the Chaos Mirror and changed his mind. “No, I’ll go myself.”

Yun Ze was a man who enjoyed making a grand entrance. Four black dragons pulled his ornate chariot through a storm of thunder, arriving at the cloud-wreathed Dong’e Mountain within a quarter of an hour. The two attendants at the front of the chariot lifted the curtains, and after a moment, Yun Ze, his face as handsome as jade, stepped out.

“Sound the Kui Drum,” he commanded.

The two attendants immediately understood. They took out the Kui Drum and started beating it, producing a sound like a thousand thunderbolts exploding in the sky. Whenever officials from the Celestial Pivot Department went out on official business, they would sound the Kui Drum to warn everyone: “The Celestial Pivot Department is at work. All others, step aside.”

Waves of sound echoed through the air.

Zhu Wan, practicing her swordsmanship in the mountains, was startled. What was happening now? She frowned, wanting to investigate the source of the noise. But as she took a step, she saw her Master, emanating an otherworldly aura, emerge from the Dharma Hall. Feng Chiyue, who should have been on duty, was leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, her eyes gleaming, a spring in her step.

Romantic encounter, returning soul… one word after another popped into Zhu Wan’s mind, her rusty brain suddenly whirring to life. She pinched herself, the pain making her gasp. It wasn’t a ghost or a phantom. Her Master had secretly returned.

Outside the mountain.

Yun Ze stared intently at Dong’e Mountain. Although the elders of Danxue Mountain had accused Feng Chiyue and the Phoenixes of killing their clansmen, he didn’t believe they were truly capable of such a feat. To silently kill so many immortals within the territory of Kunlun Mountain was too far-fetched.

However, Danxue Mountain had made a big fuss, so he had to put on a show. He couldn’t simply dismiss them. The Heavenly Emperor was also displeased with Feng Chiyue’s actions in the Celestial Feather Ministry. Perhaps they intended to use this opportunity to completely suppress her, preventing her from causing further trouble.

As Yun Ze pondered the Heavenly Emperor and his colleagues’ motives, his mind wandered. However, the attendants accompanying him remained vigilant, their gazes fixed on Dong’e Mountain. Suddenly, a figure dressed in blue, a color recognized by even a three-year-old child in the Immortal Realm, appeared in the sky. “J-J-Junior Monarch…” one of the attendants stammered.

“What is it?” Yun Ze snapped, startled out of his thoughts. Seeing his two subordinates staring in shock and terror, as if they had seen a ghost, he felt his face burning with shame. How could such incompetent fools be part of the Celestial Pivot Department? How did the Heavenly Mechanism Department even select their officials? Yun Ze suppressed his anger and finally sensed the shift in the energy around them. He looked up, equally startled.

Hadn’t he just seen a ghost?

Damn it, why was it the East Abode Master?

He had expected Feng Chiyue to resist the decree or surrender, but he hadn’t anticipated the return of the supposedly dead Ming Jian Su!

Ming Jian Su looked at the stunned Yun Ze and smiled faintly. “Fellow Daoist Yun Ze, what brings you to Dong’e Mountain? Has someone violated the laws of the Heavenly Court?”

Yun Ze masked his surprise and bowed to her. The East Abode Master wasn’t dead. She had returned to the Heavenly Court. Why hadn’t there been any news on the Chaos Mirror? If she was here, could they still arrest Feng Chiyue? How would he explain this to Danxue Mountain? His mind raced. He forced a smile and said, “Fellow Daoist Dong’e.” He didn’t mention that Ming Jian Su was considered “dead” in the Heavenly Court. Instead, he directly stated his purpose, putting all the blame on Danxue Mountain. “The elders of Danxue Mountain have accused Minister Feng of the Celestial Feather Ministry of murder. Although I don’t believe it, I still have to come and inquire.”

Ming Jian Su didn’t believe his lies. Not a single word from those Heavenly Court officials could be trusted. That Criminal Pursuit Thunder Token was still in the Dharma Hall. “My Junior Sister is kind-hearted, innocent, and naive. How could she possibly kill anyone? Are those fellow Daoists from Danxue Mountain confused?”

Yun Ze felt a twinge of discomfort. A month ago, he would have believed those words without hesitation. But after the incidents of “the Supreme Palace’s cauldron being destroyed” and “the West Sea Dragon’s scales being plucked,” he believed that using words like “kind-hearted” and “innocent” to describe Feng Chiyue was an insult to language.

He knew Ming Jian Su was protective of her junior sister, so he didn’t badmouth Feng Chiyue directly. Instead, he used the elders of Danxue Mountain as a shield. He sighed softly. “I share your sentiments, Fellow Daoist. But those from Danxue Mountain claim that Minister Feng overturned the cauldron of the Supreme Palace, proving her considerable power.”

Ming Jian Su smiled “kindly.” Two sword lights swirled around her, their intent as sharp as frost in the depths of winter. “My Junior Sister is benevolent. Why would she attack the Supreme Palace’s cauldron for no reason?”

Yun Ze: “…” Did these two have a misunderstanding about the word “kindly”? He was here to investigate the mysterious deaths of those feathered immortals. He tried to steer the conversation back on track. “I–” he began, but then he heard the frantic snorting of the dragons pulling his chariot, as if they were being stalked by some terrifying creature.

“I understand, Fellow Daoist Yun Ze. You’re saying that Jing De Immortal Monarch, disrespectful of his seniority, bullied my Junior Sister for no reason, right?” Ming Jian Su offered him a grateful smile. “I was trapped on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms and was unaware of the events in the Immortal Realm. Thank you for informing me of the truth.”

Yun Ze was confused.

What truth? Hadn’t he said nothing?

“I still have matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll visit the Celestial Pivot Department another day,” Ming Jian Su said, emphasizing the word “visit.”

Yun Ze returned to his chariot in a daze and hurried back to Kunlun Mountain, his chariot crackling with thunder and lightning. It wasn’t until he was halfway there that he suddenly snapped out of it.

Ming Jian Su had risen from the dead! Did the other immortals know? He no longer cared about the “murder case” in Danxue Mountain. He hastily took out the Chaos Mirror and sent messages to all his fellow Daoists who had exchanged name seals with him. Then, he posted a message in the public pavilion of the Chaos Mirror.

Ming Jian Su was back. Those who were hoping to see Feng Chiyue suffer a tragic fate would be disappointed.

However, the comments below were different from what he had expected.

— Ah, the heavens have eyes.

— The East Abode Master is back! Does that mean she won’t leave Dong’e Mountain again? She’ll be like before, won’t she?

— The Celestial Feather Ministry… can it return to normal?

 

Chapter 27 p2

In Dong’e Mountain.

Zhu Wan was frantically searching for Feng Chiyue. With so many enemies, her late return was a cause for concern. She might be in danger. The Phoenixes had relented and agreed to help search, but after two hours, there was still no sign of her. Where could she have gone? Should they ask the Heavenly Court for help?

“What are you looking for?”

As Zhu Wan turned around, a familiar voice reached her ears, and she almost burst into tears of joy.

“Where have you been? Why are you back so late?” She had been afraid that the next day, the Heavenly Court would summon her to identify a body. If that happened, how could she face her Master?

Feng Chiyue’s lips moved, and two words came out: “Romantic encounter.”

Zhu Wan’s face froze. She studied Feng Chiyue from head to toe. “Are you joking?” she asked tentatively. As far as she knew, no one, except her Master, could catch Feng Chiyue’s eye. This one even dared to scold the Heavenly Emperor. What kind of beauty could earn the word “romantic” from her? Could it be that after causing so much trouble for Dong’e Mountain, she was planning to run away?! The thought filled Zhu Wan with horror. Feng Chiyue had no bottom line. She wouldn’t be surprised by anything.

Feng Chiyue didn’t care what Zhu Wan thought. She flicked her sleeve and returned to the Dharma Hall, reclining on her couch and channeling some magical power into the black box. Hearing Ming Jian Su’s voice, she closed her eyes, her body relaxing. She couldn’t be bothered to be angry. Compared to the past, the present was far more important. Ming Jian Su was back. She could be carefree and irresponsible again.

A breeze rustled the leaves of the peach tree, its shadow swaying gently.

Zhu Wan stood under the tree, staring at the fallen blossoms, her heart heavy with sorrow.

Ming Jian Su, upon returning, saw Zhu Wan lost in her own world. “What are you doing here?” she asked curiously.

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhu Wan thought it was coming from the black box in the hall. But then, she realized something was wrong. The voice from the black box wouldn’t be so calm and peaceful. It would be filled with longing and desire. She snapped out of her daze and looked up, her neck cracking as she did so.

Zhu Wan: “…”

Ming Jian Su gently adjusted her neck and said softly, “Go back and rest.”

“Yes, Master,” Zhu Wan mumbled, her body stiff. She walked away, her steps awkward, her mind still hazy. Her Master had returned from the dead, but she spoke so casually, as if she had just returned from a day of work.

Had her Master leaving Dong’e Mountain been a hallucination? She looked back and saw her Master standing tall, her gaze fixed on the Dharma Hall, her expression unreadable. Why wasn’t she going in? Had something really happened to her? Was this just her soul or a phantom? Was she afraid of upsetting Feng Chiyue? Zhu Wan’s mind raced with wild thoughts. She didn’t dare approach Ming Jian Su again.

Whether it was real or not, if she dared to cry out or hug her Master’s leg, Feng Chiyue would definitely throw her out of Dong’e Mountain.

Ming Jian Su was unaware that in Zhu Wan’s eyes, she looked like a wandering soul.

With her cultivation, she could easily hear the sounds coming from the hall.

She actually regretted giving Understanding to Feng Chiyue because she hadn’t anticipated what Feng Chiyue would do with it. Her intention had been to provide some entertainment for Feng Chiyue while she was away on official business. However, Feng Chiyue had come up with other ideas, using Understanding at inappropriate times, claiming it was for “flirting.”

Didn’t she, Ming Jian Su, have any shame?!

If she entered the hall now… she didn’t even need to think about what would happen.

Inside the hall.

Feng Chiyue knew Ming Jian Su was outside. She didn’t call out to her, but instead, took out a brush and paper and muttered to herself, “Only hearing the voice but not seeing the person is not perfect. Elder Sister almost stepped out of the painting before, but Undefeated ruined it. Now’s the perfect opportunity. I can have as many Elder Sisters as I want.”

Ming Jian Su: “?” For someone as lazy as Feng Chiyue to actually do this, it meant she was serious. She was right outside, and Feng Chiyue wanted to summon a painting spirit that looked exactly like her for entertainment? That was unacceptable! Ming Jian Su didn’t hesitate. She took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and strode into the hall.

The brush touched the paper, and wisps of spiritual energy swirled around it. A fake Ming Jian Su was about to emerge from the painting. Ming Jian Su panicked. She rushed forward and slammed her hand onto the painting, suppressing the gathering spiritual energy. A painting spirit? Fine, but it would stay trapped in the painting forever.

Feng Chiyue glanced at her sideways.

Ming Jian Su sighed softly, surrendering immediately. “It was my fault. I shouldn’t have run away in anger. I shouldn’t have hidden in Asura City for so long. I should have come back the moment you were bullied. But–” she quickly added, aren’t you also at fault, Junior Sister? You hid things from me. I actually thought you were weak and helpless.”

Feng Chiyue shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh, I was wrong. So what? Kill me.”

Ming Jian Su: “…” Heaven and earth could bear witness! Apart from accidentally injuring Feng Chiyue during their sparring sessions in the past, she had never hit her, okay? How had it escalated to “kill”?

Feng Chiyue fiddled with Understanding and said slowly, “I understand. You left your weak and vulnerable Junior Sister alone in the Heavenly Court, facing all those hardships, just to train her, to make her dance on the edge of death a few times, so she could understand your good intentions.”

Ming Jian Su felt a pang of guilt.

But she quickly recovered. Dance on the edge of death? Whose death? Even if Feng Chiyue was truly weak, she had left behind enough protection for her—although now it seemed completely unnecessary.

Ming Jian Su wisely changed the subject. “Your Grand Unity Fiery Light is quite impressive, Junior Sister.” It was a technique she had forcefully obtained from Phoenix Mountain, a move that had further strained the already tense relationship between Dong’e Mountain and Phoenix Mountain. But she didn’t regret it. Her junior sister was a Phoenix. What was wrong with her cultivating the Grand Unity Fiery Light? Those guys from Phoenix Mountain were too stingy.

Feng Chiyue blinked. “It’s not as good as your Heavenly Dao Sword Stance, Elder Sister.”

Ming Jian Su couldn’t tell if it was genuine praise or sarcasm. Based on past experience, the best solution was to shut Feng Chiyue up.

But she still voiced her small request. “Junior Sister, can you put Understanding away?”

She didn’t want to hear her own voice whispering sweet nothings from Understanding at a crucial moment.

Feng Chiyue pondered for a moment, then agreed. After all, they had argued about this before. Compared to Ming Jian Su disappearing again, putting Understanding away was clearly the better option.

—

In Danxue Mountain.

The disappearance of twenty to thirty immortals, including Bi Feng, was unusual. When the various lineages checked their life flames and discovered that they had all been extinguished, they were horrified and couldn’t sleep.

In such a short time, dozens of immortals had died silently! They tried to use divination techniques to retrace Bi Feng and the others’ final moments, but all they saw was a vast emptiness, devoid of any clues. The elders of Danxue Mountain gathered for a meeting, even summoning Chang Li. Apart from the calamity a thousand years ago, they had never suffered such a large-scale loss.

“According to the Chaos Mirror, that little immortal from Dong’e Mountain is looking for Feng Chiyue. Could she be responsible?” Most of the deceased were officials who had been dismissed from the Celestial Feather Ministry and held deep grudges against Feng Chiyue. However, the idea that Feng Chiyue alone could wipe out a group of feathered immortals was too far-fetched.

“Does she have the ability?” someone retorted. It wasn’t that they wanted to defend Feng Chiyue, but among the deceased, some, like Bi Feng, were quite capable.

“Perhaps Feng Chiyue alone couldn’t do it, but what about with Phoenix Mountain’s help?” an elder suggested, a cold smile on his lips. If something major happened in Danxue Mountain, those from Phoenix Mountain would surely be delighted.

“But Feng Chiyue doesn’t seem to be close to Phoenix Mountain.” After all, after she became the Celestial Feather Minister, the Phoenixes hadn’t benefited at all. Instead, they had been harshly suppressed.

“Perhaps it’s just a facade,” the Vermilion Bird elder said. He turned to Chang Li, who had remained silent, and asked, “What are your thoughts?”

Chang Li massaged her forehead, her brow furrowed. Recommending Feng Chiyue as a gate emissary had been a mistake. They had underestimated her. Who could have imagined that she would be so cunning and ruthless? Her face hardened. “Let the Celestial Pivot Department handle this,” she said coldly. The Celestial Pivot Department was in charge of justice and punishment in the Heavenly Court. All major cases were handled by them.

The next day.

The elders of Danxue Mountain went to the Celestial Pivot Department to file a complaint.

Among the three major departments, the Celestial Pivot Department was considered a relatively idle one. Many matters were resolved privately among immortals and never reached their ears, preventing unnecessary gossip. As usual, Dao Ling Star Monarch, the head of the Celestial Pivot Department, didn’t show his face. The elders were greeted by his deputy, Junior Monarch Yun Ze. Yun Ze appeared relaxed and indifferent, but after hearing the elders’ description, his expression changed drastically. He immediately dispatched officials to Phoenix Mountain and Dong’e Mountain to apprehend the suspects.

In Dong’e Mountain.

Feng Chiyue was in a good mood. She woke up with her arms no longer empty, and the inexplicable melancholy that often plagued her had vanished as she embraced Ming Jian Su. She poked Ming Jian Su’s cheek, waking her from her sweet dreams. “You obtained a new sword called Eternal Calamity, right?” she asked.

Ming Jian Su mumbled a response, her eyelids heavy with sleep. Although that embarrassing artifact, Understanding, was gone, Feng Chiyue always found other ways to torment her. In her daze, she had agreed to try a dual cultivation technique that involved intertwining their consciousnesses. The result… they were both addicted. Their cultivation had improved, but their bodies were exhausted, lacking any energy.

Feng Chiyue frowned and popped an elixir into Ming Jian Su’s mouth.

Ming Jian Su swallowed it without resistance. She opened her sleepy eyes and asked hoarsely, “What kind of elixir is this?”

“Tonic,” Feng Chiyue replied succinctly. She fed her another elixir. Before Ming Jian Su could ask, she explained, “For your throat.”

A hoarse voice was unpleasant.

After Ming Jian Su absorbed the medicinal power, Feng Chiyue pulled her up and draped a robe over her shoulders.

Ming Jian Su looked at Feng Chiyue suspiciously. In the past, she was always the one attending to Feng Chiyue. Why was Feng Chiyue dressing her now? Something was amiss. What was she planning? Could it be that in broad daylight—no, she couldn’t agree to that. She had been hiding for so long and still had to report to the Heavenly Emperor.

Feng Chiyue didn’t beat around the bush. “I saw the phoenix feathers on the sword’s hilt. Where did you get them?” If she remembered correctly, Ming Jian Su had tried to steal her feathers several times. Could it be that unable to obtain them from her, she had taken them from another Phoenix? Unacceptable! She wouldn’t allow a second Phoenix to appear in Dong’e Mountain!

Ming Jian Su, relieved that it wasn’t what she had feared, replied, “They were already on the sword.”

Feng Chiyue stared at her. “Then why did you keep them?”

Ming Jian Su explained helplessly, “I tried to remove them, but they’re integrated with the sword. If the feathers are damaged, the sword will be destroyed.”

Feng Chiyue didn’t think Ming Jian Su would lie about this. She thought for a moment and said, “Don’t you already have Undefeated? Why do you need another sword, Eternal Calamity? How many life-bound swords do you have?” Before Ming Jian Su could answer, she glared at her, her voice filled with accusation. “You’re two-timing!”

Ming Jian Su: “…” After encountering Eternal Calamity, she had realized that she couldn’t resist the allure of a good sword. She had only had one before because she hadn’t found any others worthy of her attention.

“Junior Sister, let me explain.” Ming Jian Su’s mind worked quickly. She had learned about Undefeated’s miserable experience handling documents and felt no sympathy, instead using it as an excuse. “We can train Eternal Calamity to be as powerful as Undefeated. It can do many things for you, Junior Sister,” she said earnestly.

“Hiring attendants requires paying them Cinnabar Jade, elixirs, and robes. But a sword doesn’t need any of that.”

Chapter 27 p1

Inside Heaven in a Pot.

Bi Feng, the Vermilion Birds, and the other feathered immortals channeled their magical powers, resisting the effects of the Phoenixes’ Virtuous Sound. Undefeated split into countless sword lights, swirling and clashing with their various magical artifacts.

Bi Feng and the others looked for an opportunity, slowly approaching Feng Chiyue. Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning erupted, and a wave of fire surged towards them, a fiery cloud spanning over thirty feet. A scorching heat washed over them.

Bi Feng, experienced and observant, abruptly stopped, channeling his magical power forward to counter the fiery cloud. “Be careful, everyone! This is the Grand Unity Fiery Light!” he shouted, warning his companions.

The fiery light surged towards them like a raging river, its power immense. The immortal at the forefront was caught in its path. His protective aura shattered, his skin ripped apart. He cried out in pain and hastily retreated. But the fiery light was fast, catching up to them in an instant. It swept over them, leaving a trail of blood and gore in its wake.

Feng Chiyue was also surprised. She had just been testing it out. This technique was something Ming Jian Su had forced her to learn, stolen from somewhere unknown. She hadn’t expected it to be so powerful. She blinked, not restraining her power, but instead, unleashing it further. The fiery cloud expanded, spanning over a hundred feet.

The immortals, initially confident, were now panicking. They had to deal with both Undefeated, which darted around unpredictably, and the devastating fiery light. After several of their companions were killed or injured, Bi Feng finally found an opportunity to approach Feng Chiyue.

He roared, hurling a short spear towards her. The spear gleamed silver, its flight accompanied by a rumbling sound, carrying immense force as it hurtled towards its target.

Feng Chiyue, focused on chasing the other immortals with the fiery light, didn’t even turn to look at the spear. Her eyelid twitched, and a red mark appeared on her forehead, transforming into a crimson sword light.

The sword light clashed with the spear, producing a grating sound. The silver light on the spear shattered, sliced apart by the sword light, leaving nothing behind. Bi Feng watched in horror, his heart pounding.

How did Feng Chiyue have another sword?

Having suffered repeated setbacks, Bi Feng lost all his fighting spirit. He didn’t dare stay any longer. He channeled his magical power and prepared to flee, shouting as he flew, “Fellow Daoist, deactivate Heaven in a Pot!” But his cry received no response. There were still about ten immortals left, but the one who controlled Heaven in a Pot was gone, obliterated without a trace.

A mocking smile appeared on Feng Chiyue’s lips. She squinted at the Grand Unity Fiery Light, like a child who had just discovered a new toy, playing with it gleefully. The golden-red light darted around erratically, its fiery energy filling the air. Bi Feng and the others, who had been so smug before, were now forced to flee in all directions, their dignity shattered.

Left and right, the fiery light attacked relentlessly. It tore through their protective auras and even their flesh and blood, leaving them pale and wounded. They saw a chilling indifference and cruelty in Feng Chiyue’s eyes.

Bi Feng cursed, and a look of desperation appeared in his eyes. He stopped running and roared, his body engulfed in a crimson light, like a blood shadow! A high-pitched cry pierced the sky, and a Bifang image materialized behind him.

But before it could even reach the raging fiery light, the Bifang image let out a shrill scream. A sword light descended from above, slicing it in half. The accumulated magical power dissipated before it could even be unleashed, scattered like dust in the wind.

The remaining immortals looked up, their gazes fixed not on Undefeated, but on the pale hand gripping its hilt. Their eyes slowly traveled up the arm, and they saw a female immortal dressed in a blue Daoist robe, wearing a lotus crown. A light blue cape fluttered gently in the wind. Her eyes were cold, as if looking at insignificant ants.

It was Ming Jian Su, the East Abode Master!

Wasn’t she dead? Hadn’t they said there was no trace of her on the battlefield? Why was she here now?

Silence descended upon the world.

After a moment, a mocking voice rang out.

“My dear Elder Sister, if you had been any later, I wouldn’t even need to bury the bodies.”

Ming Jian Su stiffened, feeling a surge of nervousness. She knew that upon returning to the Heavenly Court, the most difficult hurdle would be Feng Chiyue.

That sarcastic tone… as expected of her junior sister, always true to her nature.

“There won’t be any bodies,” Ming Jian Su said.

Most of these feathered immortals were from Danxue Mountain: Vermilion Birds, Bifangs, Swan Geese… To avoid future trouble, she needed to erase all traces. Heaven in a Pot… good, they had dug their own graves. If she hadn’t mastered the “Heaven and Man as One” technique of the Heavenly Dao Sword Stance, if Undefeated wasn’t connected to her and also present here, she wouldn’t have been able to break through Heaven in a Pot.

Without waiting for Feng Chiyue to speak, Ming Jian Su swung Undefeated. “Heaven and Earth Return to Origin” swept forward, and everything in its path vanished instantly. Not even their robes or Qiankun bags remained, let alone their flesh and bones. Everything was obliterated by the terrifying sword intent, leaving no trace behind.

There was no sarcasm, no praise. Only silence behind her. Ming Jian Su bit her lip, preparing herself mentally before turning around. “Junior Sister,” she called out.

Feng Chiyue ignored her. She was playing with a jade pot, the artifact that controlled Heaven in a Pot, which she had snatched from an unknown feathered immortal. When Ming Jian Su reached her, she tossed the jade pot to her and stared at her silently.

“I-I didn’t mean to stay away for so long,” Ming Jian Su stammered, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a lie, putting in as much effort as she did when practicing her swordsmanship. She summoned Eternal Calamity, the sword she had accidentally obtained, and her words flowed more smoothly.

After all, eighty percent of it was true. As for the rest, it was just embellishment and omission. Could that be considered lying? “I accidentally fell into a crevice on the battlefield and received a fortuitous encounter. That’s where I found this sword. The inheritance within the sword–” Before she could finish, a sharp clang interrupted her. Undefeated had struck Eternal Calamity. The two swords clashed, sparks flying.

Ming Jian Su: “…”

Feng Chiyue grabbed Undefeated, a smile playing on her lips. “The Dao begets one, one begets two, two begets three… who said that, Elder Sister? You’ll have thousands upon thousands of swords in the future. What’s so special about this one?” At her words, Undefeated trembled, and Ming Jian Su, as its master, could sense its “sadness.” Before ascending, she would have comforted her precious sword, but now, she could barely handle Feng Chiyue. She muttered a few perfunctory words and stored both swords in her Purple Mansion.

“Junior Sister, are you angry?” she asked cautiously.

Feng Chiyue glanced at her and said nonchalantly, “Why would I be angry? I wouldn’t waste my energy on someone who’s already dead.”

Ming Jian Su, who was supposedly dead: “…” No, she couldn’t keep giving in. Wasn’t it both their fault that she had run away? If Feng Chiyue hadn’t angered her, would she have acted so impulsively? Besides, her junior sister hadn’t apologized yet! And she had lied too! Couldn’t they just call it even, considering how much she had suffered?

By the time Ming Jian Su emerged from her internal turmoil, night had fallen, and Feng Chiyue was gone.

Chapter 26 p2

In Danxue Mountain, the immortals who were waiting for Feng Chiyue’s downfall were furious.

Feng Chiyue still had time to insult people on the Chaos Mirror every day. She didn’t seem busy at all.

They questioned Bi Feng, and as expected, regardless of the chaos within the Celestial Feather Ministry, Feng Chiyue remained carefree, as if she were on vacation.

“If we wait any longer, no one will remember us.”

“The Heavenly Mechanism Department won’t seek justice for us. If that’s the case, we’ll take matters into our own hands!”

“What are your plans, fellow Daoists?”

“If we join forces, can’t we defeat Feng Chiyue?”

“I have an artifact called ‘Heaven in a Pot.’ It can temporarily pull the battlefield into a separate dimension. That way, the Heavenly Court won’t notice. Once Feng Chiyue is dead, it’ll be too late for the Heavenly Emperor to punish us.”

“The elders suspect that Ming Jian Su isn’t dead. What if–”

“It’s been a while, and there’s still no sign of her. It means she’s already dead. There’s no need to worry. Feng Chiyue might have some skills, but if thirty Heavenly Immortals join forces, can’t we defeat her?”

“It’s settled then. In two days, when Feng Chiyue returns to Dong’e Mountain, we’ll strike!”

On the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms.

Not only were the Vermilion Birds, Swan Geese, and other feathered immortals from Danxue Mountain searching for traces of Ming Jian Su, but the disciples of Ming Yuheng, the North Star Lord, were also involved.

They scoured the battlefield, their presence impossible to miss. The demons, usually arrogant, chose to avoid them, retreating to the Demon Abyss and reporting the news to Tushan Liusu, the current Demon Sovereign.

The Immortal and Demon Realms were separated by a river, with the battlefield between them. Beyond the battlefield and the Demon Abyss lay the territory of the demons. The creatures of the Demon Realm were bizarre and grotesque, with bulging foreheads, wings, horns… They had evolved their own forms, using humans as a reference point, but there was always a lingering sense of crudeness about them, distinct from the fallen Human Immortals and Demon Immortals.

In a vast hall, a woman dressed in a red and white robe sat on a throne made of thorny bones, her nine snow-white fox tails swaying gracefully. However, none of the demons prostrating themselves before her dared to look up. This fox might seem delicate and harmless on the surface, but she was actually ruthless and cruel.

The demons had always revered strength. After the previous Demon Sovereign, Ming Ji, was slain by Suxin Jianzhu, his subordinates had fought amongst themselves for the throne. Many demons had believed that the Left General would become the new Demon Sovereign, but in the end, it was this nine-tailed fox who had fallen from the Immortal Realm and ascended to the position of supreme authority.

The blood of the renowned Left General had been used to create a carpet leading to the throne. His spirit had been obliterated, and his skull and bones had been refined into the throne itself, becoming a macabre ornament to Tushan Liusu’s power.

“The Heavenly Court is looking for Ming Jian Su, is that right?” Tushan Liusu asked casually. The rumors outside claimed that Ming Jian Su had fought against a group of demons on the battlefield and perished. However, the demons knew the truth. None of them had encountered Ming Jian Su. They believed that it was an internal conflict within the Immortal Realm, and the blame had been shifted onto them.

“Yes,” a demon replied, his voice deep and guttural. “Sovereign, should we send demon generals to kill them all?”

“There’s no need to kill them. It’s not the right time to start a war. But we can obstruct them,” Tushan Liusu said, playing with her fingernails, a casual smile on her lips.

With her command, the demons who had been lingering near the Demon Abyss crossed the boundary and entered the battlefield.

Meanwhile, the immortals who had been diligently searching for Ming Jian Su finally found a clue: a slip of paper protected by several formations, hidden within a crevice in a rock.

“What does it say?”

The immortal official who first obtained the paper turned red, struggling to speak. Finally, she squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth. “I quit.”

“What?!” A fellow Daoist beside her glared at her and snatched the paper. But after a single glance, his expression also changed. The paper bore a name seal. It was undoubtedly the East Abode Master’s. But what did it mean? Was she still alive? Should they inform the Heavenly Court? As he hesitated, a deafening boom shook the air, and a wave of turbid energy, like a black river, surged towards them.

“Demons!” someone shouted. For now, they couldn’t worry about the paper.

The news of the clash between immortals and demons on the battlefield quickly reached the Heavenly Court, and Ming Jian Su’s whereabouts were forgotten. The Heavenly Court didn’t take the conflict seriously. Such incidents happened every now and then. As long as it wasn’t a major war like the one a thousand years ago, they could remain comfortably seated on Kunlun Mountain, their hearts and minds unperturbed.

However, even if they didn’t intervene, the matter still had to be discussed on the Chaos Mirror. Both officials and wandering immortals enjoyed expressing their opinions on warfare. Feng Chiyue also saw the news about the battlefield.

For a moment, she thought of Zhu Wan’s words. Could Ming Jian Su really be injured? Could she be in the hands of the demons? She frowned, her expression hardening. But then, she relaxed again.

If Ming Jian Su could send Undefeated away, she couldn’t be in any real danger. She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. Her golden chariot sped through the swirling clouds. Suddenly, Undefeated buzzed, and the energy around them shifted subtly.

Feng Chiyue, sitting in the chariot, narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. She lifted the curtain and stepped out. The celestial horses, conjured from magical power, pawed the ground restlessly, snorting and panting. The scenery looked the same as before, but the real had shifted into the illusory. This was… Heaven in a Pot! She quickly figured it out. She smoothed the wrinkles on her sleeve and said calmly, “Are you going to come out?”

As her words faded, a chorus of bird cries rang out. The feathered immortals who had been hiding in the shadows revealed themselves.

Feng Chiyue glanced at them. Apart from Bi Feng, whose name she remembered, the others were only vaguely familiar.

“Feng Chiyue, you violated the rules of the Celestial Feather Ministry and dismissed officials without cause. We can’t tolerate you any longer,” a Swan Goose immortal shouted, his expression cold, his eyes burning with fury. “Blame–”

A spurt of blood splattered like an arrow.

A head flew into the air, then crashed to the ground. The body collapsed, blood oozing from the wound. Before the severed head and body could be reattached, the surging sword intent extinguished all life.

Feng Chiyue’s right hand was hidden within her sleeve. She smiled at the crowd before her. “What were you saying? I didn’t hear you clearly. Why aren’t you speaking? Don’t you want to say it anymore?”

The feathered immortals hadn’t expected her to kill without hesitation. They exchanged stunned glances, their hearts chilled. They had come here with the intention of killing Feng Chiyue. Now, they couldn’t let her escape.

“Attack!” Bi Feng shouted, his scalp tingling, a wave of fear washing over him. The previous scenes flashed through his mind. He looked at Feng Chiyue, his eyes filled with apprehension. He alone might fear that sword, but if they all retreated, they would be a laughingstock.

Feng Chiyue wasn’t afraid of them. She tilted her head and chuckled. “It’s not good to kill in public. But here in Heaven in a Pot… you’ve even chosen your own graves. How thoughtful of you.” Her tone was sincere, as if she were genuinely praising them. The bells on her chariot jingled incessantly with the fluctuations of energy. A high-pitched phoenix cry pierced the sky, and a magnificent phoenix image materialized behind Feng Chiyue. Many of the immortals present were of the Phoenix lineage. They could also produce a phoenix cry, but hearing this one, they could barely resist the urge to submit.

“Virtuous Sound…” Bi Feng murmured, a sense of foreboding gripping his heart. The suspicion he had previously dismissed resurfaced, his eyelids twitching uncontrollably. He raised his voice and shouted, “Fellow Daoists, guard your minds! This is the Phoenixes’ Virtuous Sound!”

—

In the crevice on the battlefield between the Immortal and Demon Realms.

Ming Jian Su was immersed in the profound sword intent, vaguely aware of the sounds of fighting outside. She gradually absorbed the strands of sword intent that bound her, and finally, her legs were free. As she absorbed the last trace of sword intent, she jumped to her feet and flicked her sleeve, storing the now-subdued Eternal Calamity.

Whenever she was conscious and free, Ming Jian Su would channel her consciousness into the Chaos Mirror, searching for news about Feng Chiyue.

Seeing the changes in the Celestial Feather Ministry, she felt no surprise, believing that anything was possible.

But then, she noticed a message with very few replies.

Wasn’t that name seal… her registered disciple, Zhu Wan’s?

— Has anyone seen my Immortal Monarch?

After she left Dong’e Mountain, the only person Zhu Wan would address as “Immortal Monarch” was Feng Chiyue, right? Or had Zhu Wan found a new master?

Below was an unfamiliar name seal. “The Master has left the Celestial Feather Ministry,” it said.

Alright, Ming Jian Su was certain that Zhu Wan was talking about Feng Chiyue.

But where could she have gone besides Dong’e Mountain? Feng Chiyue didn’t bother socializing. She had no close friends to discuss the Dao with. Of course, she also disdained associating with those immortals.

Ming Jian Su frowned and focused, sensing Undefeated’s aura. Undefeated was her life-bound sword… one of them. It was connected to her mind and soul, and she could sense its state. As she sensed it, her expression darkened, her face clouding with anger like an approaching storm!

The energy fluctuations from the sword were intense, tinged with killing intent.

She knew Feng Chiyue wouldn’t bother sparring or fighting anyone. That left only one possibility: someone was bullying her! They might even be trying to kill her!

Conflicts were common in the Immortal Realm, but very few escalated to life-or-death battles.

Who was so audacious?! Damn them!

 

Chapter 26 p1

With almost half of the officials gone from the Celestial Feather Ministry, the incessant chatter and noise subsided, bringing Feng Chiyue some peace and quiet.

In the following days, Bi Feng didn’t try to make things difficult for Feng Chiyue, wisely steering clear of the storm she had created.

While Feng Chiyue reveled in her newfound tranquility, the dismissed officials seethed with anger. Being humiliated on the Chaos Mirror was a minor inconvenience, but losing their positions and income was a major blow. Both the emissaries and attendants had certain authority, which they used to gain benefits far exceeding their official salaries. Feng Chiyue’s actions had cut off their source of wealth, making her their sworn enemy.

“I’ve already informed our fellow Daoists to slow down their work. Once the Celestial Feather Ministry grinds to a halt, she’ll have to beg us to come back,” one of them said.

“But what if she recruits from other lineages?”

“Which lineage would dare oppose us?!” another official snapped. The one who had asked the question fell silent. Smaller lineages wouldn’t dare, but the problem was that there might be a traitorous fool within their own ranks!

With almost half of its officials gone, the Celestial Feather Ministry did encounter some problems. However, it wasn’t Feng Chiyue who suffered. It was Que Chen Yi, who was now working from dawn till dusk, exhausted and overwhelmed. The only consolation was that Feng Chiyue didn’t deduct her salary and even approved several bonuses. But could Cinnabar Jade compensate for lost time? She started to question her decision to join the Celestial Feather Ministry. Wouldn’t it have been better to remain a free and carefree titmouse? Being an official sounded impressive, but that was about it.

“Minister,” she called out weakly, “the numbers for the various lineages of the feathered race don’t add up. We don’t have enough people to send to their territories to verify the counts.”

“Why do we need to send people?” Feng Chiyue asked, looking up.

Que Chen Yi: “…” How did this person even become the Celestial Feather Minister? She forced a smile and explained, “The lineages have to provide laborers. The Celestial Feather Hall needs to confirm their population numbers. In the past, the Celestial Feather Emissaries or attendants would handle this, but now, they say they’re too busy.”

Feng Chiyue raised an eyebrow. “Can’t the lineages report their own numbers?”

Que Chen Yi massaged her forehead and sighed. “The numbers aren’t accurate.”

Feng Chiyue chuckled coldly. “And you think the numbers would be accurate if a Celestial Feather Emissary went there?” Everyone knew that officials were easily bribed. She didn’t want to listen to Que Chen Yi’s lengthy explanation. “Tell them to report their numbers. We’ll randomly select some lineages for inspection. If any lineage has more members than reported, kill them all!” Her voice was filled with killing intent, leaving no room for doubt.

Que Chen Yi remained silent for a moment, then nodded stiffly. “Alright,” she said. Then, she brought up another problem. Seeing Feng Chiyue’s darkening expression, she felt a surge of fear, worried that Undefeated would slice her in half. But despite her fear, she had to speak.

Her words, initially hesitant, became increasingly fluent. Finally, she sighed. “The Carriage Hall provides transportation for immortals, but now, we have immortals requesting rides, but no one to pull the carriages. We’ve inquired with the lineages, but they’re all passing the buck. The emissaries who had good relationships with the lineages have been dismissed, and the remaining ones have no connections.”

Feng Chiyue knew that the Celestial Feather Ministry had a Carriage Hall, but she hadn’t paid much attention to it. After hearing Que Chen Yi’s explanation, she finally understood its purpose. “Humans are asking our feathered race to be their beasts of burden?” she asked, puzzled.

“It’s not just humans. All races need transportation. And it’s not just the feathered race who provide it. There are other beast spirits as well. They prefer cranes, phoenixes, dragons, tigers, lions, and elephants,” Que Chen Yi replied.

“Why doesn’t anyone crawl on the ground and offer themselves as beasts of burden? Don’t they like it?” Feng Chiyue asked.

Que Chen Yi didn’t know how to answer. This was how it had always been for the past thousand years.

“How much Cinnabar Jade do they earn for being beasts of burden?” Feng Chiyue asked.

Que Chen Yi thought for a moment. “It depends on the generosity of the immortals.” An elder from her clan had once served as a beast of burden and received five hundred Cinnabar Jade from a wealthy immortal. She had heard that some lucky ones even received tens of thousands. But receiving Cinnabar Jade wasn’t the greatest fortune. If an immortal took a liking to them and accepted them as a servant or even a direct disciple, they wouldn’t have to wait for selection and could become an attendant directly. If the immortal they served was high-ranking, their path to advancement would be smooth, and their lives would be much more glamorous than those stuck in the Celestial Feather Ministry.

“And you’re proud of this, aren’t you?” Feng Chiyue said mockingly. She didn’t care about those people. “From now on, the minimum price for a beast of burden from the Carriage Hall is fifty Cinnabar Jade per hour. The price can be set by the beasts of burden themselves. The Celestial Feather Ministry will take a tenth of their earnings, and the rest belongs to them.” Those immortals were getting transportation from her ministry for free. It was too cheap.

Que Chen Yi: “…” She hadn’t expected this one to have a knack for making money. “If we do that, the immortals will just go to the Four Seas Ministry or the White Tiger Ministry,” she said, concerned.

Feng Chiyue chuckled. “Good riddance. Less noise for us.”

Regardless of Que Chen Yi’s thoughts, she could only follow Feng Chiyue’s orders. The announcement was posted outside the hall and also on the Chaos Mirror. This angered some immortals who enjoyed showing off their wealth. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to pay, but giving willingly and being forced to pay were two different things. “Why should we pay them Cinnabar Jade?” one immortal commented.

However, his comment received little support and was met with a barrage of insults. It wasn’t just the feathered race, but also the aquatic race and the beast race who were dissatisfied with the current rules. Yes, some lucky ones were chosen by immortals, but those were a minority. The announcement from the Celestial Feather Ministry clearly benefited those who served as “beasts of burden.” Besides, would the immortals who valued them really give up just because they became more expensive?

In any case, after the announcement, the lineages that had been persuaded by those with ulterior motives immediately sent their fastest fliers, those with elegant true forms and beautiful feathers, to the Carriage Hall to wait. If they were late, they might miss their chance.

The problem was half-solved, but Feng Chiyue wasn’t happy. Que Chen Yi’s occasional complaints about the inefficiency of the officials fueled her anger. Why couldn’t those incompetent fools do anything right? Since Ming Jian Su’s disappearance, her troubles had only multiplied, becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Undefeated, seeing Feng Chiyue’s gloomy mood, spun around the hall, emanating sharp sword intent, as if wanting to slay all those who weren’t working. However, Feng Chiyue didn’t command it. Even if she killed one batch, another would appear. The troubles would be endless.

She sighed and contacted Chang Huai, an unremarkable refining attendant from the Dragon Cauldron Palace in the Heavenly Prosperity Department, through the Chaos Mirror.

Without any backing, no matter how skilled she was, it was difficult to gain a foothold in the Dragon Cauldron Palace. Chang Huai had long understood this, but she had discovered that without status or connections, she couldn’t get promoted and couldn’t even receive any other orders. She had posted several messages on the Chaos Mirror, but they had quickly sunk without a trace, ignored by everyone.

Just as she was about to give up, a message from Feng Chiyue pulled her out of her despair. Without hesitation, she abandoned the menial task she had been working on, excused herself, and rushed to the Celestial Feather Ministry.

The emissaries in the Dragon Cauldron Palace had initially intended to stop her, but upon hearing the words “Celestial Feather Ministry,” they immediately abandoned the idea. After all, with the Supreme Palace, the West Sea, and the Morning Sun Assembly as precedents, they didn’t want to provoke that fiend.

“I need an artifact,” Feng Chiyue said as soon as Chang Huai arrived at the Celestial Feather Hall. Chang Huai glanced at her and saw resentment and coldness in her eyes. She quickly lowered her head and said respectfully, “Tell me what you need.”

“I want it to encompass the entire Carriage Hall. Immortals who come to the Carriage Hall can select their desired beasts of burden directly through the artifact, and the information will be transmitted to the corresponding beasts of burden. It needs to be able to track time, plan routes, issue alerts, calculate Cinnabar Jade… let me think.”

The joy of receiving a major order gradually faded, and Chang Huai’s face stiffened. She couldn’t even force a smile.

Perhaps she should just continue working her meaningless job at the Dragon Cauldron Palace.

After listing her requirements, Feng Chiyue finally noticed Chang Huai’s expression. She sighed dramatically. “You can’t do it? I suppose I shouldn’t expect anything from the officials of the Dragon Cauldron Palace. If only my Elder Sister were here, I wouldn’t need you.”

Her gaze was filled with disdain, instantly triggering Chang Huai’s competitive spirit. She had boasted about her skills back at Dong’e Mountain. If she couldn’t even fulfill this request, it would be even harder to get any jobs and earn Cinnabar Jade in the future. “I can do it!” she declared, afraid that Feng Chiyue would find someone else.

“How many days will it take?” Feng Chiyue asked.

Chang Huai: “…” Was it measured in “days”?

Feng Chiyue smiled at her. “I need a few more artifacts refined. If you’re too busy, I’ll post a request on the Chaos Mirror and hire other skilled refiners.”

How could she possibly give up the food she had already snatched? Chang Huai immediately said confidently, “I can do it! Ten days, no, five days! Give me five days, and I’ll refine this artifact for you!”

Feng Chiyue’s smile widened. She fiddled with the jade ornament on her waist and said, “You should be the one leading the Dragon Cauldron Palace.”

Chang Huai nodded repeatedly, leaving the Celestial Feather Hall in a daze. The wind snapped her out of it. Refining an artifact in five days? That meant working day and night without eating or sleeping. Even then, she might not be able to finish it. How had a few sweet words made her lose her mind? She returned to the Dragon Cauldron Palace, her face etched with worry. Her dejected demeanor attracted curious glances from several attendants. One of them, who had also ascended from the mortal realm, pulled her aside and asked with concern, “Did she give you a hard time?”

“No,” Chang Huai mumbled. She searched the Chaos Mirror for posts about the other unlucky souls who had been summoned by Feng Chiyue. Seeing their misfortune from beginning to end, she sighed in relief. Compared to those who had been beaten or killed, she was lucky. Feng Chiyue had invited her this time. Last time, she had been abducted. It seemed her treatment had improved slightly.