Very soon, Ye Yu returned to Wuwei Tower. He recounted everything he had seen and heard in the Three Corpses Hall.
All the madams listened in astonishment. None had ever heard of a “Reincarnation Calamity” occurring every five million years. What special significance did that time span hold?
Ye Yu fixed his gaze on Shangguan Jiujiu, An Jinqiu, Qin Xihe, and the others. Within the dream they had spent countless years together—had anything unusual occurred as the dream neared its end?
At Ye Yu’s question, An Jinqiu, Qin Xihe, Zhong Qin, and the rest all shook their heads. In the dream, they had indeed lived through an exceptionally long period, but their sole focus had been on finding news of Ye Yu. They had paid little heed to changes in the cosmos.
Finally, Shangguan Jiujiu stood. “I remember that long after, the Three Corpses Hall grew ever more powerful, eventually surpassing the Taiyan Dao to become the undisputed overlord of the central Heavenly Realm. But very few knew who its hall master was. I certainly never heard the name Mo Tianjun before. And in all my memory, the reconstruction of the Five Realms’ passages has never happened. So I refuse to believe his claims!”
Upon hearing this, Ying Naiyan and Xin Wan’en nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Regardless of truth or falsehood, the very notion of the Five Realms’ passages being restored is unheard of. Otherwise we wouldn’t have strained ourselves so to find a way to the Heavenly Realm.”
Ye Yu raised an eyebrow. True enough—in earlier dreams he had hinted that if he were absent, they could come to the Heavenly Realm to search for him. That was their best clue. After the dream shattered, each madam had used every means at her disposal—Ying Naiyan and Xin Wan’en from the Netherworld, Pei Chuxia from the Demon Realm—to locate the path to Heaven. If Mo Tianjun’s promise of restoration within a year were credible, why would they have to endure such hardship? It was plainly impossible. Yet why did he speak with such certainty? What did he stand to gain?
In truth, Ye Yu wished the passages would reopen. During the last dream in the Monster Realm, he had deliberately withheld a Memory Stone from Nangong Jingtang. The reason was simple: even if he told her to come to the Heavenly Realm, she could not awaken without him striking the Fu Tian Reincarnation Drum. So whether he said it or not made no difference.
Lost in thought, Ye Yu called over Feng Yingzhi. She still looked half-asleep, yet her overall demeanor had improved greatly. Clad in an ink-black immortal robe, she conveyed a sense of boundless magnanimity at first glance—truly pleasing to behold.
“How is the fabrication ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) of the Boundary Pearl of the Heavenly Realm coming along?”
“Hmm, that’s rather complex. I estimate it will take me a year to complete. But before I hand it over, I must test it thoroughly—lest you accuse me of harming you again!”
Feng Yingzhi pursed her lips, evidently still nursing a grudge over last time’s mishap. Yet it had been Ye Yu who was most upset—he had expected a repair, not a backward transmigration! Nevertheless, in light of her goodwill, he refrained from reproach and merely urged her to carry on.
Now, however, he needed to ponder Mo Tianjun’s words. Was the man lying? And if so, to what end? He had even set a one-year deadline. For immortals, a year passed in the blink of an eye—did he not fear being exposed?
Seeing Ye Yu deep in thought, the madams respectfully withdrew one by one. Only Zhu Diezhen and Wei Aoshu remained, exchanging excited glances.
Zhu Diezhen soon returned with a bowl of ginseng broth into which she had placed two Immortal Fate Pills. They dared not risk only one pill—Ye Yu had already reached the Immortal King Realm; what if his surging immortal power repelled its effects?
Though Zhu Diezhen had wanted to use three pills, Wei Aoshu had restrained her: pills must be taken one at a time; too many at once could harm the body. Reluctantly, Zhu Diezhen agreed, but she insisted Ye Yu drink the broth. No one was to stop her.
Approaching Ye Yu, she said with a touch of grievance, “Husband, I brewed this ginseng broth for you to replenish your health. Last time you were too busy to drink it—this time you mustn’t refuse!”
“Thank you, Madam. How thoughtful of you.”
Without a word, Ye Yu downed the broth in one swift draught. The clean motion made both Zhu Diezhen and Wei Aoshu’s eyes light up—he had truly drunk it!
Setting the bowl on the table, Ye Yu took Zhu Diezhen’s hand and said softly, “You’ve been in the Heavenly Realm so long, and I haven’t had a chance to accompany you. Why don’t I show you the sights today—and perhaps we can discuss calligraphy?”
Zhu Diezhen’s cheeks flushed. She knew full well what he meant by “calligraphy”—yet the script didn’t go that way. She was supposed to create an opportunity for Wei Aoshu! If she agreed, she’d be stealing her sister’s chance.
She hesitated. “I would love to go, but I’ve arranged a cultivation session with Sister Huangfu later. How about this: tonight—tonight I’ll come find you!”
Ye Yu, slightly puzzled, let it go. Zhu Diezhen was nothing if not ambitious—from human big sister to weakest among the immortals, she chafed at her status. A little drive was a good thing; he couldn’t hold her back.
“Cultivation comes first. Then tonight.”
Ye Yu said no more and walked off toward his chamber. On the side, Wei Aoshu watched him furtively, eager to see if the pills had taken effect. But Zhu Diezhen calmly tapped her shoulder. “Enough watching. It takes at least the time of an incense stick to take effect—don’t rush.”
Wei Aoshu was moved. She cupped her hands in salute: “Sister, I see and appreciate your sacrifice. One day I will repay you!”
Zhu Diezhen drew a deep breath, her expression unreadable but her heart heavy. Such a fine chance—and she had turned it down. Alas. This sacrifice must not be in vain.
