“Just as Feng Yingzhi was [N O V E L I G H T] brimming with excitement and preparing to present his latest research成果, both of his hands were firmly pressed down by Banxia.
“Stop—if you don’t understand this matter, don’t speak recklessly. You must realize that what matters isn’t whether you like someone, but whether they like you! And from now on, don’t ever mention this again, or don’t blame me for losing my temper!”
After earnestly admonishing him, Banxia’s expression darkened, and she strode out of the room.
Watching her lonely back, Feng Yingzhi felt deeply puzzled. He murmured under his breath, “Why make things so complicated? Besides, if you never try, how do you know Ye Yu doesn’t like you? He can like so many people—one more shouldn’t matter!”
Sighing, Feng Yingzhi slipped a blue ring from the sleeve of his garment. This great invention had yet to be used! No—the only thing in this world not to be let down was an immortal device!
Clenching the blue ring tightly in his palm, his face set with resolve.
The next day at noon.
Inside the Wuwei Tower, the little bull “Xiaomeng” was floating idly when it suddenly caught sight of a glowing orb. In an instant, the entire creature grew ecstatic and dashed after it, rushing outward at top speed.
Seeing this, Banxia hurried to follow, anxious to prevent any accidents. Soon, the figures of one person, one bull, and one orb vanished from sight.
A moment later, “Banxia” cautiously emerged from Feng Yingzhi’s laboratory. Finding no one around, she straightened her posture. The blue ring on her right hand was inconspicuous but served a great purpose—it could perfectly mimic another’s appearance, down to the exact length of their hair.
Indeed, this “Banxia” was Feng Yingzhi in disguise.
As a friend of a thousand years, he could not bear to let Banxia regret her life, so he resolved to charge forward on her behalf! This, he told himself, was the meaning of friendship.
With a swift movement, Feng Yingzhi arrived at Ye Yu’s door. He expected to meet him without hindrance, but to his surprise, there was already a line of people outside.
“Lan Lianyan, Su Yao, Huangfu Baizhi, what are you doing here?” he asked.
Huangfu Baizhi spoke softly, “In about a teacup’s time it will be past noon, and that’s when the three of us have our allotted companion time. There are simply too many sisters, so we must find a way so each can spend time with him. Sorry to keep you waiting, Banxia.”
Feng Yingzhi’s face fell. Time management had reached such lengths? How excessive! He had thought the light orb would buy Xiaomeng at least two hours—ample time. Now he realized his own naiveté. Who could have guessed there’d even be a queue to see him?
Seeing his perplexed expression, Su Yao stepped forward. “Banxia, you came to see Ye Yu too? Why don’t you go first? We don’t mind coming back in half an hour, right, sisters?”
She winked at Huangfu Baizhi and Lan Lianyan, signaling them to agree. They immediately chimed in, “Not at all! Actually, I just remembered an urgent matter—won’t be back until an hour later. Banxia, you go ahead!”
“Same here!”
In the Wuwei Tower, there were no secrets. Coupled with Banxia’s previous behavior, anyone could tell she liked Ye Yu. Naturally, Su Yao and the others would wish to facilitate her confession. Although they treasured their time with him, they would step aside for an important declaration—after all, they would be sisters-in-spirit henceforth, so mutual support made perfect sense.
Although “Banxia” usually focused on forging immortal devices and lacked worldly savvy, her time in the Wuwei Tower had taught her much about social courtesy; otherwise, she would never have offered to help. Admittedly, her true motive was to witness Feng Yingzhi’s latest invention, but her initial intent was noble.
Thus, when Su Yao, Huangfu Baizhi, and Lan Lianyan so generously made way, “Banxia” was moved. She cupped her hands in thanks and vowed to remember this favor forever. The three promptly departed, and Su Yao, on her way out, called after her, “Good luck!” to which she nodded eagerly.
Before long, the span of a teacup’s worth of time passed. Hongluan, Zhudiezhen, and Liangyu emerged and were surprised to see “Banxia” waiting.
“Why are you here? Weren’t Su Yao and Huangfu Baizhi going together?” Liangyu asked.
Before Hongluan or Zhudiezhen could explain, they each grabbed Liangyu and pulled her away. “Why worry about that? Banxia must have something important to do this time! Come on, let’s go!”
“You...” Liangyu stammered, but they were gone in a flash.
Such generosity made “Banxia” almost weep with emotion. What a touching atmosphere—Banxia, you are indeed blessed!
With that thought, “Banxia” took a deep breath and entered the room.
Inside, she saw Ye Yu writing an inscription on a painting of the three who had just left—Hongluan, Zhudiezhen, and Liangyu—and noting today’s date: Immortal Calendar 35,010,000 Years, October 22.
Curious, “Banxia” asked, “What are you doing?”
“No reason, just recording life. They insisted on leaving a portrait, and luckily my painting skills are decent!” Ye Yu clapped his hands, then looked puzzled. “Huh, how do you suddenly have time to see me today?”
“Of course it’s important!” “Banxia” hurried to his side and spoke earnestly. “Actually, I’ve kept something bottled up for a long time. I like you. Do you like me?”
Ye Yu was taken aback by such a direct confession. He had assumed Banxia would never voice her feelings before ascending to the Divine Realm. Yet today she was so straightforward—did someone encourage her?
As Ye Yu pondered, “Banxia” pressed, “Is it so hard to give an answer? Like me, or don’t like me?”
“It’s not hard to answer. But I’ll soon shatter the void and step into the Divine Realm—maybe in half a month, maybe in a month. After such a brief time as immortal partners, we’ll have to part. Are you certain you’re willing?”
Ye Yu’s expression grew solemn. If human ascension to the Celestial Realm was a rarity, then Celestial ascension to the Divine Realm was rarer still—truly a feat as difficult as climbing to the heavens.
