Chapter 163

Chapter 163: Nie Zheng Returns

After resolving the Feng Family’s internal conflicts, You You decided to address some lingering matters.

"Return?" Nie Zheng, still clutching a stack of teaching materials, froze. He blinked blankly before reflexively asking, "Return where?"

"To the Immortal Realm, obviously!" You You gave him a look, as if reminding him he was still an Immortal. "Didn’t you report that your traitor-tracking magical tool reacted during our battle with Qiu Yao, confirming he’s the Jing Chen Immortal you sought? Now that everything’s settled, shouldn’t you go back?"

"Oh…" Nie Zheng rubbed his temple. Buried in teaching duties, he’d nearly forgotten his mission. The sudden resolution felt surreal. Hesitating, he added, "But sect master… didn’t you say the Mirror of Enlightenment was destroyed? Without a divine artifact, how can I face the Heavenly Emperor…"

"No need to fret!" You You grabbed her storage bag and upended it, spilling out eight clattering magical tools. She waved him over cheerfully. "Pick one!"

"These are…?"

"Divine artifacts!" You You stated matter-of-factly. "We gathered these after defeating Qiu Yao. Your Emperor’s mirror may be gone, but any of these will do for your report."

"But…" Nie Zheng gaped at the pile. Since when did divine artifacts become so plentiful? "Are you certain?"

"Consider it payment for teaching our disciples." You You shrugged. Given the mountains of spirit stones he’d previously sent to the sect, this seemed fair compensation. "Besides, your Emperor never used that mirror anyway – that’s why it got stolen. What difference does it make if you bring back a different artifact?"

"Uh…" Nie Zheng’s eye twitched. Was she implying the Emperor couldn’t tell divine artifacts apart?

"We’ll miss you, of course." You You patted his shoulder with exaggerated solemnity. "Visit whenever you can. Oh, and while you’re up there, could you research the Feng Clan’s rebirth methods? The Immortal Realm must have better records than the Mortal Realm." The entire Feng Clan remained trapped in Sacred Tree space – a promise to Little Fire Chicken demanded thorough preparation.

"…" Nie Zheng’s lips pursed. So this was the real reason she wanted him gone.

"Don’t worry about boundary-shattering lightning." You You nodded toward Feng Rong. "He’ll open a safe passage."

Feng Rong stood, reheating You You’s tea with a flicker of flames before addressing Nie Zheng. His hands wove a complex spell, tearing open a crackling portal edged with lightning. At its center burned a narrow passage radiating white celestial energy.

"Done." Feng Rong produced a palm-sized red lotus, scowling as he tossed it over. "Carry this. It allows communication across realms."

Nie Zheng juggled the glowing lotus until stabilizing it with celestial energy.

"Off you go." Feng Rong shoved a random divine artifact into his hands.

Clutching his gifts, Nie Zheng eyed the portal with unexpected reluctance. Though bound to the Immortal Realm, duty called. Steeling himself, he bowed deeply to You You and Feng Rong. "My eternal gratitude, celestial maiden and Divine Lord." After saluting the others, he turned toward the passage.

"Nie Zheng!"

Ning Rui burst in, panting. Spotting the portal, he hastily bowed to You You. "Sect master! Is he really leaving?"

"Ning Rui!" Nie Zheng transformed instantly from solemn immortal to clucking mother hen, tearfully gripping the younger man’s shoulders.

"You came! Listen carefully – consult Master Qiu about cultivation issues, seek Elder Ling for daily matters, and involve the sect master for major decisions! Don’t overexert yourself in training! And about that cute junior sister – propose properly! I know you fancy Senior Sister Shui Yan, but remember Kui Bi’s heartbreak? Better play it safe! Oh, and I’ve asked Qiu Zhang to find dual cultivation techniques for your wedding night preparations—"

"GET OUT!"

Ning Rui’s kick sent Nie Zheng tumbling through the portal.

You You: "…"

Feng Rong: "…"

Witnesses: "…"

Some revelations were best unspoken.