Jiang Weiqing’s words caused an uproar!

The gods on the platform exchanged bewildered glances, while the immortals below were left utterly dumbfounded.

Everyone knew that Sword Sovereign Qing Heng was deeply committed to his swordsmanship and had always remained indifferent to the affection of female immortals. But many believed that the beautiful Ruo Hua Goddess would surely be able to melt his heart… Even if, at the very least, Sword Sovereign Qing Heng had no interest in romance and thus rejected Ruo Hua’s feelings, it wouldn’t have been incomprehensible. After all, many immortals are so consumed by cultivation that they neglect emotional attachments. In fact, the Celestial Realm is filled with countless single immortals!

But what no one could have anticipated was that Jiang Weiqing’s reason for rejection would be that he couldn’t accept her feelings because he was still devoted to a deceased wife!

A deceased wife?!

Jiang Weiqing had once had a Dao partner?!

This was an earth-shattering piece of gossip!

For cultivators, unlike mortals, forming a Dao bond with someone meant their fates were intertwined. Unless they willingly dissolved the bond, a Dao partner was meant to be a lifelong companion.

In the Celestial Realm, immortals are even more cautious. They rarely form emotional attachments, but once they do, and once a Dao bond is established, they remain loyal to that bond for life. Even if one partner passes away, the other typically doesn’t seek another, often spending the rest of their life alone.

Jiang Weiqing openly declared his love for his deceased wife, which meant that not only Ruo Hua Goddess but every female immortal in the Celestial Realm should abandon any hopes they had for him!

No one believed that Jiang Weiqing was lying because there was no reason for him to do so. He could have easily rejected Ruo Hua without needing such an excuse. And really, who would lie about something like this?

Moreover, Jiang Weiqing’s statement might have been a deliberate move to clarify his stance, cutting off any future romantic entanglements. Any female immortal with a modicum of self-respect wouldn’t bother pursuing him after this.

Qiao Xuan turned his head to observe the reactions around him.

In front of him, several disciples from Wanyuan Divine Mountain had been betting on whether Jiang Weiqing would accept or reject Ruo Hua. The one who bet on him rejecting her was now rolling in winnings, while the others sat there in stunned silence, still processing what had happened.

To the right, a few disciples from Chongming Dao Sect had similarly astonished expressions, and one beautiful female disciple looked as if she had just experienced heartbreak herself.

Even the monks from the Western Extremity Buddhist Sect, who had remained stoically indifferent to all the previous gossip, were now looking toward the high platform with surprise.

Wu Zimo, standing beside Qiao Xuan, appeared utterly bewildered, mumbling to himself in disbelief, “So Sword Sovereign Qing Heng had a Dao partner? And I, who thought I knew everything about the Guiyuan Sword Sect, had no clue…”

Qiao Xuan, however, didn’t even have the heart to tease Wu Zimo. His feelings were in utter disarray, like he’d just been hit by a truck. “Love, love, love my ass! Deceased wife?! She’s been dead for hundreds of years! You even killed her yourself, remember? How can you still say something like this?!”

The situation had gone from an entertaining piece of gossip to an existential crisis for Qiao Xuan. The more he thought about it, the more unsettled he became.

Since reuniting with Jiang Weiqing, Qiao Xuan had been extremely cautious. When he learned that Ruo Hua Goddess was interested in Jiang Weiqing, he was actually relieved, thinking that Jiang Weiqing was on top of the world now and that his ex, this useless piece of trash, would surely be forgotten… But now, after Jiang Weiqing’s public confession, Qiao Xuan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him.

Jiang Weiqing might look like a refined gentleman, but deep down, he was someone who would kill his wife for the sake of the Dao! How could anyone be happy being loved by him? Weren’t you afraid he’d turn around and stab you again?!

Qiao Xuan stood there, staring blankly at the man on the high platform.

The man’s appearance was as elegant and refined as ever, exuding warmth and grace. But even in the way he rejected Ruo Hua, that cold, unyielding edge hidden beneath his gentle exterior was all too familiar to Qiao Xuan… Back in the mortal realm, Jiang Weiqing had been courted by many female cultivators, far more than in the Celestial Realm. He had always rejected them in this same way—seemingly kind and gentle, but beneath it all was an inherent coldness that had permeated his very being…

Back then, people often said that Feng Xian was unworthy of Jiang Weiqing, that besides his good lineage, Feng Xian was utterly useless. But Jiang Weiqing had always protected him, never allowing anyone to speak ill of him in his presence, never disdaining his laziness, indulgence, or lack of talent, always standing by his side, shielding him from all the world’s storms, allowing him to live a carefree, unfettered life.

Eventually, everyone in Dongchong Prefecture knew that Jiang Weiqing had eyes for no one but Feng Xian, despite Feng Xian being a worthless nobody.

During that time, Jiang Weiqing gave Qiao Xuan a great sense of security. Qiao Xuan never doubted that Jiang Weiqing was a loyal Dao partner.

He never doubted their relationship.

Until the moment that sword pierced through his heart.

That’s when Qiao Xuan realized that sometimes, even the most enviable relationships could become utterly ugly and humiliating when faced with a true test.

Seven hundred years had passed, and the scene on the high platform in the Celestial Realm was playing out like a replay of something Qiao Xuan had once known all too well.

At this moment, Qiao Xuan didn’t even doubt that Jiang Weiqing still had feelings for him. Jiang Weiqing’s sword path was pure, with no room for imperfections. If his mind wasn’t firm and his heart as clear as a mirror, he could never have reached his current level. His unstoppable will and his inherent pride wouldn’t allow him to speak anything but the truth. If he said those words, there was only one possibility—that’s exactly how he felt.

Jiang Weiqing hadn’t changed, but Qiao Xuan wished he had.

Because such love was terrifying, enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

What kind of person could kill you while sincerely telling you they loved you… If this had been a lie, Qiao Xuan wouldn’t even have been scared! But it wasn’t—it was Jiang Weiqing’s true feelings. Can you believe a normal person would do something like this?

This is seriously messed up!

If he were truly dead, at least he would remain Jiang Weiqing’s cherished memory, the unattainable love. But if Jiang Weiqing found out he was still alive, what if he decided to kill him again at the slightest provocation?

No, no, no! Qiao Xuan absolutely couldn’t reveal his identity!

If he couldn’t fight him, he could at least avoid him!

It had taken so much effort to cultivate into human form. He hadn’t even begun to enjoy life yet. If he got killed again, there wouldn’t be any second chances.

Qiao Xuan’s expression turned bitter. You’ve already killed me once, so why can’t you just let it go? Can’t we just part ways peacefully?

Even in death, can’t I find peace?

Qiao Xuan took a deep breath, calming himself. The situation was critical; he couldn’t afford to delay any longer.

Once the banquet ended, they would be heading back to the Guiyuan Sword Sect. If he actually went there, it would only be a matter of time before his identity was exposed…

Seeing that everyone’s attention was focused on the high platform, even Wu Zimo, who was in a daze, wasn’t paying any attention to him…

Qiao Xuan didn’t hesitate; he turned and slipped away!

On the high platform.

Jiang Weiqing’s expression remained calm and composed. He knew what consequences his words would have, but he still apologized, “I apologize for disappointing the Goddess and the Emperor.”

Ruo Hua’s eyes flickered with sadness for a moment, but she quickly recovered, smiling gracefully. “We are both cultivators. We should follow our hearts in all matters. I liked you, so I followed my heart. You can’t accept my feelings, and that’s also following your heart. There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s good that we cleared this up today; it will prevent any future misunderstandings.”

Although Huálán was also surprised, seeing that Ruo Hua had let it go, he certainly wouldn’t push the matter. After all, divine relationships cannot be forced. So he smiled and said, “Since the Sword Sovereign already has someone in his heart, it seems that I was being presumptuous and put the Sword Sovereign in a difficult position.”

With both of them expressing such sentiments, the other gods began to speak up to ease the atmosphere.

Chongming Daoist sighed, “We had no idea the Sword Sovereign had a Dao partner. It’s a pity they couldn’t ascend together, but the Sword Sovereign’s deep feelings are something we all admire. I’ll drink to that.”

Miyun Palace Master glanced at Ruo Hua, her eyes sparkling as she teased, “Ruo Hua, my dear, you have no idea how many young talents in the Celestial Realm were heartbroken just now. But look on the bright side—they now have another chance.”

Beichen Star Sovereign, holding a folding fan, laughed, “Oh? So in a way, the Sword Sovereign has saved their lives?”

The gods exchanged lighthearted banter, and the awkwardness from earlier quickly dissipated.

These were gods who had lived for countless millennia. They weren’t about to get hung up on such matters. If it worked out, it would have been a joyous occasion. If not, it wasn’t the end of the world… Just look at Miyun Palace Master; she had been quietly in love with the Emperor for ten thousand years. Although they never became a couple, they were still close friends. Things just continued as they always had.

Even after being rejected once, Ruo Hua Goddess was still the high and mighty Ruo Hua Goddess. Nothing would change that.

As fellow gods, they bore no grudges against each other. No one would mock her for this. Even if it was mentioned later, it would just be a lighthearted story shared among the gods.

In the Celestial Realm, strength was the only thing that truly mattered.

Jiang Weiqing responded with a faint smile, his demeanor composed. He neither humbled himself nor acted arrogantly. He even shared a few jokes with Ruo Hua, as if nothing had happened.

Everything quickly returned to normal.

Jiang Weiqing lifted his wine cup, lowering his gaze to conceal his emotions. The mention of Feng Xian had reminded him of the young boy who had just ascended, and he instinctively looked down at the gathering below, only to find his brow slightly furrowing.

Among the Guiyuan Sword Sect disciples, the boy was nowhere to be seen.

…

Qiao Xuan quietly slipped away, his figure flashing as he left the garden. Moments later, a celestial crane landed softly beside him, flapping its wings as it whispered, “I’ll take you there, but you have to keep your word and give me the rest of those fruits!”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry.”

He wasn’t short of those fruits.

Reassured, the crane spread its wings and flew ahead, leading the way.

Qiao Xuan followed closely. The crane was quite adept at maneuvering through the palace’s twists and turns, avoiding well-guarded areas. Clearly, this crane was familiar with the Heavenly Palace, knowing all the shortcuts. They moved swiftly, encountering no guards or formations, until they arrived at a secluded palace.

This palace was in a remote area, desolate and devoid of people. It didn’t look like a place where treasures would be hidden. Qiao Xuan cast a skeptical glance at the crane.

The crane, full of pride, said, “It took us a lot of effort to find out that there’s a forbidden area here. Don’t be fooled by the palace’s appearance; there’s more to it inside!”

The crane then flew to a smooth jade-like stone wall and said to Qiao Xuan, “This is the entrance.”

Qiao Xuan focused his energy, sending a fallen leaf floating toward the stone wall. Just as it was about to touch the wall, a flash of white light appeared, and the leaf was instantly shredded into countless pieces, fluttering to the ground!

This formation was no ordinary one…

Qiao Xuan started to believe that there really was a treasure hidden here, something Huálán Emperor was taking great care to conceal.

The crane, watching Qiao Xuan intently, said, “We agreed, right? As long as I brought you here, you’d give me the rest of the fruits. You’re not going to go back on your word, are you?!”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow, seeing through the crane’s scheme. It knew that this formation couldn’t be easily breached by an ordinary person. That’s why it had hinted earlier that bringing Qiao Xuan here was enough to fulfill its part of the deal, regardless of whether Qiao Xuan could actually get inside.

Fortunately, Qiao Xuan hadn’t been counting on the crane. With a wave of his hand, he made a pile of fruits appear and said with a faint smile, “These are all yours.”

The crane’s eyes sparkled, and it let out a triumphant cry. A flock of its companions immediately descended, snatching up the fruits and disappearing in the blink of an eye, as if fearing Qiao Xuan might change his mind.

Qiao Xuan wasn’t bothered.

He turned his attention to the stone wall, his eyes narrowing as he quickly formulated a plan.

Huálán Emperor had lived for over a hundred thousand years and was a god of unparalleled cultivation. His power was far beyond what Qiao Xuan could match. Breaking the formation by force wasn’t an option, and besides, that would likely alert the Emperor… While Qiao Xuan couldn’t directly break the formation, there was still a way to find a loophole.

During his earlier test, he had discovered that there was a hidden space behind this wall. It wasn’t a dead zone; air and spiritual energy could flow through, meaning it wasn’t completely impenetrable…

Qiao Xuan circled the area and found a hard stone on the ground. He weighed it in his hand, chuckling to himself before concentrating his energy and hurling the stone at the wall!

The stone, larger than a fist, hit the wall with a heavy thud. Immediately, the wall flashed with bright white light! On closer inspection, the light was actually a web of white threads, like a giant net, with sharp spiritual energy coursing through them, which wrapped around the stone and shredded it into pieces!

But at the same time, the web’s threads were pulled apart slightly, and Qiao Xuan seized the moment, transforming into a streak of golden light that slipped through the gap!

The formation quickly returned to its original state, with only some fragments of stone on the ground as evidence that anything had happened.

Qiao Xuan passed through the barrier, landing lightly on the ground and reverting to his human form.

He found himself in a deep stone passage, with mist swirling around him and cold stone slabs beneath his feet. Steadying himself, he walked forward along the only path available.

After only a quarter of an hour, the passage suddenly opened up into a beautiful garden, a scene that resembled a peaceful paradise.

It was a lovely place, with birds chirping in the trees and fish swimming in the ponds. It was tranquil and serene, but something about it felt off to Qiao Xuan because this place… didn’t feel like the Celestial Realm at all. It felt more like the mortal world.

Every plant, every tree here was something from the mortal world, even the simple stone paths that were unlike the jade ones of the Heavenly Palace. The garden was filled with rock formations and, in the distance, a manor house.

Everything seemed both familiar and strange.

Qiao Xuan frowned in confusion. This didn’t look like a place where treasures would be hidden. It seemed more like a mortal noble’s estate. As he walked through the garden, he encountered no formations, no guards, no celestial servants…

Why would Huálán Emperor create such a forbidden ground?

Had that foolish crane tricked him?

Frowning, Qiao Xuan continued forward. Since he was already here, he couldn’t just leave empty-handed. At the very least, he needed to figure out what this place was…

Finally, he reached the manor house.

The large red doors were slightly ajar.

As Qiao Xuan gazed at the doors, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him, as if he had been here before…

Hmm, perhaps mortal manor houses all looked the same…

Listening carefully, he heard nothing from within. It was deathly quiet, like an abandoned house. Cautiously, Qiao Xuan pushed open the door, and the moment he did, he found himself staring into the eyes of a young boy with a delicate face.

Qiao Xuan: … What the heck? Are you dead or something? Why didn’t you make a sound?

A chill ran down Qiao Xuan’s spine. He thought he had fallen into a trap and was about to flee when the boy suddenly smiled and said softly, “Your Majesty, you’ve arrived.”

The familiar voice made Qiao Xuan freeze in place. In that instant, a strange emotion swept through him, and he slowly turned back to look at the boy.

The boy stood there with a gentle smile, silent like a beautiful puppet.

He didn’t know who had come. He was simply programmed, or trained, to greet anyone who opened this door with the words, “Your Majesty, you’ve arrived.”

This wasn’t a living person—it was a puppet.

But Qiao Xuan’s palms were cold and clammy with sweat, and his mind went blank. He wasn’t scared of a harmless puppet.

It was because he suddenly realized that this puppet looked exactly like the body he had used in his first lifetime!

What the hell is going on?

But before Qiao Xuan could even start to think, an overwhelming pressure descended from above. The sky, vast and blue, was suddenly torn apart!

A man dressed in luxurious robes, wearing a golden crown, appeared in the sky, radiating furious energy!

Huálán, usually gentle and composed, now wore a look of cold fury. His eyes were like ice, devoid of any warmth, as if the person before him was nothing but an insect. His voice was chilling as he spoke, “So you are the one who dared trespass into the forbidden ground?”

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