I also felt bad knowing Xueyi wasn't doing well in the mortal realm. I need to think of a solution, but I'm unfamiliar with the Heavenly Realm. Besides the immortals and gods in Shangyuan Palace, I have no other avenues to explore.
Even though it was just a dream, I knew this was Xueyi's telepathic technique. If she weren't in trouble, she wouldn't have sent me a dream message. In the vast Shangyuan Palace, who should I look for? Wú Niàn? No, with her cultivation, she probably wouldn't understand much. Emperor Lord? Absolutely not. Lord Xingyu said the Emperor Lord values peace and quiet; I definitely shouldn't disturb him. Lord Xingyu... Right, how could I forget Lord Xingyu? As an immortal official with a high rank, he'd be the best person to ask about this...
The moonlight was hazy as I went alone to Lord Xingyu's residence. Although I'd been in Shangyuan Palace for some time, I hadn't interacted much with Lord Xingyu. He was always busy with endless matters, so we junior fairy maidens naturally wouldn't bother him.
But there was no other way this time. I would also need to request leave tomorrow to go to Wuyou Pond, and I could ask him then about a method to transfer immortal essence without harming myself.
Lord Xingyu's residence was a bit remote. I searched for a long time before arriving at Yude Terrace. This place is quite far from Shangyuan Palace; I wondered why he liked it here.
I saw the courtyard gate was ajar, so I stepped inside. Looking up, I could see candlelight burning inside the house. I walked up and knocked a few times. After waiting a moment, the door opened, and a strange man emerged. He seemed somewhat surprised to see me. Worried I had come to the wrong place, I stammered, looking up at him, "Is this... Lord Xingyu's residence?"
The man looked down at me, his expression astonished. "A'yu is inside. Who are you?"
"A'yu..." He actually called Lord Xingyu that. Could there be something between them... My imagination ran wild, and I was speechless.
"I am..."
"Changyi, why are you here?" Lord Xingyu came out from inside, wearing a striking white inner robe. Had he just gotten out of bed? I glanced at the stranger, then at Lord Xingyu, and my heart sank. I really shouldn't have come here tonight...
"It's windy outside. Why did you come out like this? Go back inside quickly!" The stranger looked at Lord Xingyu with great concern and turned to get a cloak from inside to wrap around him.
I really couldn't bear to look at them anymore. I lowered my head repeatedly and said, "It's nothing major. I just wanted to ask for leave, sir, to go to Wuyou Pond tomorrow."
Lord Xingyu smiled and readily replied, "So that's it. Tomorrow, you can go to Sixuan Place to get a palace token, but you must return before dark. Otherwise, once the Heaven-Connecting Gate closes, you'll have to wait until the next day."
I bowed and hastily turned to leave...
The stranger's gaze fell on me as I hurried away. He said to Lord Xingyu, "When did Shangyuan Palace get new recruits? I didn't know."
Lord Xingyu came out from inside, watching my retreating figure, and smiled faintly. "Her name is Changyi. Emperor Lord personally promoted her. She's working in Shangyuan Palace now. Haven't you heard from your end?"
The stranger's expression faltered for a moment. He cupped his hands and said, "Since Emperor Lord personally promoted her, it's none of my Shang Sheng's business. However... the immortal registry needs to be updated, or it's difficult for me to do my job..."
Seeing Star Lord Shang Sheng's slightly awkward face, Lord Xingyu nodded. "This was my oversight. If I hadn't been suffering from an old illness these past few days, I would have informed you sooner."
Star Lord Shang Sheng raised his hand, and a book appeared. He flipped through a few pages, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's been many years since anyone new joined Shangyuan Palace. This is truly rare!"
On the way back, my heart was in turmoil, and my face felt burning hot. This was clearly Lord Xingyu's business; why should I feel embarrassed? It was strange, really. Lord Xingyu was considered a very good immortal among us. Aside from Emperor Lord's high position, he was the most popular in all of Shangyuan Palace. I had heard Wú Niàn and Chu Chen mention how good Lord Xingyu was... It seemed some things were truly not as simple as they appeared. The way that stranger and Lord Xingyu behaved so intimately made one feel very odd... I had originally wanted to ask Lord Xingyu about transferring immortal essence, but I had completely forgotten about it by now. Since I had already left, there was no reason to go back. Alas, my mind!
Helplessly, I raised my hand and patted my forehead a few times, saying to myself, "What should I do tomorrow..."
After thinking it over, something felt wrong. Xueyi said the immortal energy on me would hurt her. I wanted to transfer some immortal essence to her, but now it seemed like I couldn't do anything. Lost in thought, I didn't pay attention to the stone under my feet. A sharp pain shot through my forehead as I cried out and fell backward...
"How could you be so careless?" A pair of large hands caught me as if scooping a moon from the sea. Clad in flowing red, with a face like a peach blossom, who else could it be but Young Lord?