Chapter 166

Chapter 166: Journey to the Upper Realm

You You brought Yuan Qi, Feng Rong, and Ning Rui along. As Followers, Yuan Qi and Feng Rong naturally accompanied her. Ning Rui hadn’t seen his brother Nie Zheng for months, and since he was immediate family, it made sense to include him.

The Passage Chao Hong opened using Feng Rong’s true fire instantly expanded when the group entered, becoming several times wider. Unaware of the reason, Chao Hong nervously checked his red lotus repeatedly, eyeing the flames separating them from crackling lightning.

After mere minutes in the Passage, they arrived. The scenery shifted to reveal towering palaces piercing through clouds, celestial cranes weaving rainbow trails between structures. Central to it all stood the grandest palace, its light pillar radiating overwhelming celestial might. While You You and Yuan Papa remained unaffected, Ning Rui staggered under the pressure.

Yuan Papa swiftly channeled divine power to steady him. "Your Cultivation can’t withstand this. Don’t look directly."

Ning Rui bowed his head. "Thank you, Divine Lord."

"Celestial Maiden You," Chao Hong gestured toward the palace, "The Heavenly Emperor awaits within. I cannot accompany you further without summons."

You You nodded thanks, then frowned at the endless staircase. "Must we climb? No sword control?"

"It’s a teleportation array," Yuan Papa explained.

Relieved, she stepped on. A breeze swept them instantly to the top, where white palace walls loomed imposingly. Stone dragons coiled around pillars, their carved forms shifting with lifelike motion.

A celestial official greeted them politely. "His Majesty awaits. Follow me."

They passed through relay guides until reaching the main hall. Thick celestial energy misted the space, obscuring the enthroned figure.

You You clasped fists. "Greetings, Heavenly Emperor Yongqing."

"Impudent mortal!" An Immortal shouted. "Kneel before His Majesty!"

Startled, she replied, "He’s your ruler, not mine."

"Defying celestial might!" He launched immortal power at her knees.

Feng Rong snorted. Divine power rebounded the attack tenfold, slamming the Immortal face-first into the ground with a resounding crack.

You You blinked. Were they demonstrating proper kneeling?

Heavenly Palace etiquette proved… peculiar.

The furious Immortal scrambled up, but a deep voice halted him. "Lord Feng."

"Forgive me, Heavenly Emperor!" The offender retreated hastily.

The approaching ruler revealed a square-jawed, stern face younger than expected—youthful yet radiating integrity.

"Young friend from the lower realm warrants different treatment," Yongqing declared, then bowed to Yuan Qi and Feng Rong. "Divine Lords, your presence honors us."

The hall froze. Pale-faced, the chastened Immortal trembled. Divine Lords?!

"Lord Nie reported divine assistance retrieving the artifact. I doubted deities would descend, yet here you stand." The Emperor clasped hands. "My gratitude."

"You flatter us." Yuan Papa smiled. "Our sect master recovered the artifact."

"The Celestial Maiden has our thanks." Yongqing glanced briefly at You You before pressing, "Yet questions remain. Today’s summons seeks your divine wisdom above all."