As Ye Ziling walked out of the hall, a celestial maiden, in her haste, stumbled and fell. A crimson invitation card slipped from her grasp and landed on the ground.
The maiden scrambled to her feet, her hands fumbling as she picked it up. Kneeling before Ye Ziling, she pleaded, "This lowly one meant no offense, please forgive me, Divine Maiden..."
Ye Ziling's heart skipped a beat at her words, and her footsteps faltered. "It is fine."
Her gaze fell upon the wedding invitation, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes.
The Heavenly Realm hadn't seen a celebration in a long time. Which immortal had sent this invitation?
The surface of the invitation was exquisite, adorned with intricate and opulent embroidery that subtly hinted at an aura of authority. It was clear, without a doubt, that the sender of this invitation was no ordinary immortal.
"Which immortal sent this invitation?" she asked, frowning as she looked down at the card on the ground.
"Replying to the Divine Maiden... it is from Emperor Qingbai and..." the maiden faltered, unsure how to proceed.
This lady's status was particularly sensitive, and the maiden hesitated, not knowing whether she should reveal it.
"Naturally, it is from me." A clear and melodious voice chimed in. Ye Ziling turned her head to see Shen Yueru standing before her. Dressed in a flowing purple gown that trailed behind her, her steps were graceful and steady. Her ruby-red lips curved into a slight, mocking smile, her stunning face filled with derision. "Does Goddess Tuyao still remember me?"
Ye Ziling pressed her lips together, her gaze remaining cold as she observed Shen Yueru. She recalled Shen Yueru's previous appearance in a wisteria dress, but now, that innocent and pure face was filled with calculation.
"Congratulations, Miss Shen. Your martial exam was not as satisfactory as hoped, yet now you have soared to prominence and become a phoenix. This must surely fulfill your wishes of many years."
Ye Ziling stood before her, her gaze utterly dismissive.
One might say she was not so much Qingbai's concubine as she was a second Fuqu.
Shen Yueru's expression contorted, and she glared fiercely at Ye Ziling, her eyebrows etched with infinite hatred. She waved her hand, signaling the celestial maiden to retreat.
Ye Ziling had no desire for further entanglement with her. Shen Qingfeng was the one at fault; she had no interest in Shen Yueru's life.
She took a step, intending to walk past Shen Yueru, but was stopped by a cold voice.
"Wait."
Ye Ziling paused and glanced back at her.
Shen Yueru's eyes brimmed with hatred as she threw her head back and laughed, like a bloodthirsty specter. "Ye Ziling, do you think you won't be thanked for not killing me?"
"You made me lose my father, you made me lose my Senior Brother, you made me lose everything. I, Shen Yueru, will be your sworn enemy for all eternity!"
Shen Yueru's smile vanished, her eyes burning with intense animosity. She glared at Ye Ziling, gritting her teeth, and continued, "Do you know how I climbed to this position?"
Ye Ziling observed her eyes filled with hatred and calmly withdrew her gaze. "I have important matters to attend to. Miss Shen, please excuse yourself."
"Important matters? Is the Divine Maiden trying to save someone?" Shen Yueru saw her attempting to leave, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes. She asked mockingly, "I'm afraid you won't have the chance."
Just as Ye Ziling's brow furrowed in confusion, Shen Yueru walked calmly towards her, casually swaying a jade flute in her hand.
"You should be familiar with this treasure, shouldn't you? As Emperor and I prepare for our wedding, the Queen Mother of the West bestowed it upon me as a congratulatory gift. If I'm not mistaken, this should belong to the Divine Maiden?"
Ye Ziling's gaze flickered as she looked at the jade flute in Shen Yueru's hand, but her expression remained unruffled.
This Jixin Flute was a gift from Junlan to her long ago.
More than ten years ago, when Junlan suffered the Heavenly Retribution, this Jixin Flute was entrusted to the Queen Mother of the West on his behalf, to be personally delivered to her.
Although she didn't know the significance of this Jixin Flute, it was Junlan's personal belonging. She could use the flute's power to break through the seal and rescue Bai Yu.
Could it be that the Queen Mother of the West's intention at the last Peach Banquet was to personally deliver this treasure to her? But how did it end up with Shen Yueru now?
Sensing the doubt in Ye Ziling's eyes, Shen Yueru saw no need to prolong the suspense and stated plainly, "The other day, the Emperor and I paid our respects to the Queen Mother of the West. I found the item exquisite, and the Emperor asked the Queen Mother of the West to bestow it upon me."
Ye Ziling's heart jolted, and her gaze suddenly darkened. She sneered, "Since this belongs to me, it is likely inappropriate for the Heavenly Consort to be holding it."
The jade flute in Shen Yueru's hand suddenly glowed. As if drawn by a force, a gentle breeze blew, and the flute was sent into Ye Ziling's hand.
Ye Ziling's fingers trembled slightly as she held the jade flute.
The flute felt cool in her grasp, yet possessed a peculiar sense of familiarity. Her heart tightened, and she looked up at Shen Yueru, offering a faint smile, "Thank you, Heavenly Consort, for safeguarding this on my behalf."
Shen Yueru exerted force on her palm, and a tremendous power snatched the jade flute from Ye Ziling's hand.
The flute froze in mid-air, pulled by two opposing forces, inching backward until it finally returned to Ye Ziling's grasp.
"Ye Ziling, you want to fight me for a mere broken flute?" Shen Yueru's expression darkened, her beautiful features contorting into a savage mask. "Originally, everything should have belonged to me..."
"My father was killed by you, Shaolin is gone, and even my Senior Brother, with whom I grew up, stands by your side. What did I do wrong? Why do you treat me like this!"
Shen Yueru cried out hoarsely, her pretty face turning crimson, her body trembling violently. Tears welled up in her eyes, "I hate you all."
"There's nothing I can do," Ye Ziling lowered her gaze, her voice as calm as water.
If it hadn't been for Shen Qingfeng's selfish desires, her clan would not have perished.
It was simply the turning of the wheel of fortune.
Ye Ziling gathered her thoughts, looked up at Shen Yueru, and said in a level tone, "If you intend to ascend by relying on Emperor Qingbai, I advise you to give up as soon as possible. If you insist on being stubborn, you will end up like your father."
Shen Yueru's eyes reddened, and she bit her lower lip, her gaze resentful. A well-intentioned piece of advice from Ye Ziling sounded different to her ears. "Ye Ziling... Why are you acting like a good person here?"
Ye Ziling wasted no further words. She cast a cold glance at Shen Yueru and turned to leave.
Shen Yueru stared furiously at Ye Ziling's retreating back, wiped away her tears, and a chilling smile flickered across her lips.
Ye Ziling hurried along, quickly arriving at the demon capital.
The surrounding scenery was still desolate. Not far away, a palace had been razed to the ground, leaving only ruins. The air was thick with the scent of blood.
Ye Ziling stopped before the palace and gazed at the scene of devastation, her eyes narrowing.
The Jixin Flute floated out from her sleeve and landed in her palm, emitting a soft, ethereal glow.
Ye Ziling reached out and touched the flute's smooth, delicate surface, her gaze growing darker.
She quickly cast a spell, using her immortal energy to ignite the jade flute's power. A beam of white light instantly enveloped her entire being.
Ye Ziling closed her eyes, channeling her immortal power to merge with the flute.
Instantly, a pillar of light shot up into the sky, piercing the heavens.
Amidst a colossal roar, the buildings of the demon capital collapsed, cracks spreading across the ground. Mountains toppled, and earth and stones cascaded down, raising clouds of dust.
But soon, she felt an overwhelming weakness spread throughout her body, accompanied by inexplicable pain that coursed through her like a thousand needles pricking her flesh. The bone-chilling agony made her sway precariously, almost falling to the ground.
"Damn it."
Shen Yueru had tampered with the jade flute!
She cursed, once again trying to mobilize her immortal energy, but found herself unable to withstand the oppressive pain.