Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Visitors from the Upper Realm

Since Nie Zheng’s initial contact, You You received no further messages. When she asked Ning Rui, she found he hadn’t heard from Nie Zheng either. This felt wrong – Nie Zheng treated Ning Rui like his own brother. Even with distance, such abrupt emotional detachment seemed impossible unless… something had happened to Nie Zheng in the Immortal Realm.

You You considered asking Feng Rong to open a portal, but before she could discuss it, visitors from above arrived unexpectedly.

During a sect meeting, Feng Rong suddenly stood up beside her. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

"Someone activated the red lotus," he answered, frowning at the center of the hall.

The air rippled as flames erupted, forming a passageway gushing celestial energy. Ning Rui’s hopeful "Nie…" died when a white-robed figure emerged instead – an elderly immortal with frosty demeanor, clutching the red lotus.

"I am Chao Hong, celestial lord under Heavenly Emperor Yongqing," he declared, scanning the crowd with disdain. "Is this the Zhen Yan Sect?"

Ignoring his question, You You demanded, "Why do you have Nie Zheng’s lotus?"

"You recognize this?" Chao Hong feigned surprise. "Ah, you must be Celestial Maiden You. Nie Zheng earned promotion for retrieving the artifact. The Emperor summons you for rewards."

"Rewards? No thanks."

Chao Hong’s haughty mask cracked. "This is the Immortal Realm’s summons!"

"We stopped Qiu Yao because he was evil, not for your Emperor’s approval." You You crossed her arms. "It’s like expecting praise from neighbors for swatting a housefly."

The celestial lord sputtered. Cultivators always coveted immortal recognition! Why did this woman reject divine favor? Desperate, he tried bargaining: "Don’t you want to see Nie Zheng? Bring his sworn brother too!"

Ning Rui stepped forward despite himself. Noticing this, You You negotiated: "We’ll go if three companions accompany me."

"Done!" Chao Hong opened the portal immediately, not waiting for names.

You You glanced at the stolen lotus, gave Ling Qi brief instructions, then led her group through the flames.