Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Temporary Stay in the Upper Realm

The main hall remained silent. Whether stunned by the divine artifact’s display or burdened by guilt, even the previously vocal immortal now leaned weakly against a pillar, utterly dazed.

Heavenly Emperor Yongqing recovered first, forcing a stiff smile. "So Celestial Maiden You You already commands the divine artifact. Truly, none could safeguard it better. Our earlier concerns were baseless – please forgive this oversight." His earlier dismissiveness shifted to earnest appraisal, even offering a courteous bow toward the ordinary humans. His gaze lingered on Ning Rui, whose cultivation ranked lowest.

You You thrust the trembling fan at him. "Your fan."

The artifact vibrated violently, straining toward its former wielder. "Behave," You You commanded. "Zhen Yan Sect keeps its promises. What’s given stays given."

Though addressing the fan, her words scalded the assembled immortals. The fan stilled, snapping shut with finality as its divine power dimmed to dormancy.

Yongqing’s eyes narrowed briefly before resuming imperial composure. "We invited you to express gratitude for aiding our celestial lord. The artifact matter was secondary. Since Divine Lords Yuan Qi and Feng Rong know our realms well, perhaps you’d enjoy touring the Immortal Palace? Unfortunately, Lord Nie handles affairs in the south. Rest here until his return in two days?"

"Nie Zheng’s absent?!" Ning Rui blurted.

"Merely resolving minor disturbances," Yongqing assured. "He’ll return shortly."

Ning Rui’s disappointment showed. You You exchanged glances with her companions before nodding. "Two days. Then we depart regardless – Zhen Yan Sect needs us."

"Of course." Yongqing summoned an attendant. "Escort our guests to Qianyang Palace. Treat them as honored benefactors."

As they left the half-split hall, Yongqing’s mask slipped.

"Why spare these insolent mortals?" an immortal hissed.

Yongqing’s glacial stare silenced the speaker. "That You You controls divine artifacts. Until we learn how…" He tightened his grip on the inert fan. "Summon Nie Zheng."

"Release him?!"

"You require explicit instructions?" Yongqing’s tone froze the air.

The immortal paled. "At once, Emperor!"

—————-

Their lavish quarters secured, You You signaled Yuan Qi. Protective talismans flared around the chamber while Feng Rong’s flames seeped through walls, sealing all gaps.

"Well?" You You asked when certain of privacy.

"Nothing," Yuan Qi admitted. "No trace lingers here."

"Not even original spirit remnants," Feng Rong added.

Ning Rui looked between them. "Sect Master, what’s happening?"

You You produced a jade Soul Token from her storage bag – Nie Zheng’s name glowing faintly. "Recognize this?"

"But… he made Master Qiu witness this token years ago!" Ning Rui recalled. When sect members doubted the overly friendly immortal’s status, Nie Zheng had insisted on the ritual to prove his sincerity.

"How long since his last message?"

"Nine months, seven days."

"Before this, even in danger?"

"Daily updates. Always."

You You nodded. "After seeing that red lotus he supposedly gifted Yongqing… Nie Zheng would never willingly part with friends’ gifts."

Realization dawned on Ning Rui. "You think he’s…"

"Compelled," You You finished. "That token’s our only link. We need answers before leaving."