After having his fill of food, Qiao Xuan was thoroughly satisfied. The meals in the Celestial Palace were too good! He was quite pleased!

He thought back to the time when he had gone incognito and entered the imperial palace with Xiao Lu, living in a remote, cold corner with conditions that were nearly as bad as a cold palace. They had to meet in secret, and Xiao Lu didn’t dare to treat him too well. Even though Xiao Lu was the emperor, Qiao Xuan really hadn’t lived a good life during those days…

But now, Hualan was different!

Not only was he a high-ranking Celestial God, but he also had this luxurious Celestial Palace. Qiao Xuan could eat whatever he wanted and roam wherever he pleased. He couldn’t help but sigh. If only Xiao Lu had been able to provide this kind of life back then… things wouldn’t have ended in such a tragedy.

But the past was the past, and Qiao Xuan had no interest in rekindling old flames. His relationship with Xiao Lu had been a complete disaster.

Whether or not Xiao Lu had been scum, the relationship had ended terribly.

It was a painful lesson learned!

Now, all Qiao Xuan wanted was to live a good life.

If he could live carefree and happy again, it would be perfect…

Good times always seem to fly by, and before he knew it, three days had passed.

It was time to eat again, and the celestial attendants brought in the line of cranes carrying trays of food and drink. Just as one of the cranes was about to fly away after placing its tray, Qiao Xuan suddenly grabbed one by the leg!

The crane, shocked at being suddenly pulled down, crashed headfirst onto the stone table, sending a couple of feathers flying. With teary eyes, it turned to Qiao Xuan with an expression of anger and grievance, as if to say, Why is it always me?

Couldn’t you pick another crane to torment?!

Qiao Xuan hugged the crane and patted its little head affectionately. Flashing a sheepish smile at the two stunned celestial attendants, he said, “I… I’ve never seen a celestial crane before in the mortal world. It’s so beautiful. Can I pet it?”

The attendants, who usually only served the Emperor, had never encountered such a request before. Though a bit caught off guard, they quickly composed themselves, remembering that the Emperor had specifically instructed them to treat Qiao Xuan with the utmost care. After a moment of hesitation, they bowed respectfully and said, “Of course, feel free, young master.”

The crane, however, was outraged and screeched in protest, “How could you do this to me?! I’m a crane of the Emperor’s palace! You’re all letting this happen—betraying me by standing by! How can you just leave me to my fate?!”

But the attendants couldn’t understand the crane’s complaints and soon retreated.

The crane’s gaze grew more hopeless as it slumped in resignation. Here I am again, in this guy’s clutches… It thought, This is the Emperor’s palace! How can they let this shameless guy act so freely… the Emperor must have lost his mind!

The crane, now resigned to its fate, asked angrily, “What do you want from me to let me go?”

Now that they were alone, Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow and replied coldly, “I never planned on letting you go.”

The crane was speechless.

Qiao Xuan continued in a low voice, “Last time, you took my bribe and led me to a forbidden place, almost getting me killed. How should I repay you for that?”

The crane, feeling wronged, protested, “You’re the one who wanted to sneak into the forbidden area to steal treasure. It wasn’t my fault you had bad luck and got caught! How can you blame me for that?”

Qiao Xuan’s eyes turned cold. “I’m talking about how you knew there wasn’t a Mountains and Seas map there, but you still tricked me into going.”

The crane was confused. “There isn’t a Mountains and Seas map there?”

Qiao Xuan was silent.

The crane’s confusion deepened. “I watched that place for a long time. It’s the most mysterious spot, with the Emperor even setting up restrictions there. If the Mountains and Seas map isn’t hidden there, where would it be?”

Qiao Xuan stared at the crane for a long moment before pressing his hand to his forehead. Did I misjudge this dumb crane?

It seemed like the crane had genuinely believed that the forbidden area was the treasure’s hiding place and had led Qiao Xuan there in good faith.

But that area clearly wasn’t for storing treasures… So where exactly was Hualan hiding the Mountains and Seas map?

Could it be… he’s carrying it on him?!

Realizing that Qiao Xuan was growing suspicious, the crane, too, started to piece things together. It had hoped to see Qiao Xuan get into trouble, but it never actually intended to deceive him! How could this person think I’m some sort of cunning, deceitful crane? That’s an insult!

Just as the crane was about to retort, it suddenly froze and whispered, “The Emperor is coming.”

Qiao Xuan immediately released his grip, and the crane took off as fast as it could, fearing that if the Emperor saw it with Qiao Xuan again, it would be wrongly accused of conspiring with him. That would be impossible to clear up!

The next moment, Hualan entered.

Clad in a flowing, elegant robe, Hualan radiated grace and nobility as he walked leisurely toward Qiao Xuan. His gaze swept across the table, and with a slight smile, he said, “Just about to eat?”

Qiao Xuan immediately put on a well-behaved expression and replied respectfully, “Yes.”

Hualan’s demeanor was warm and relaxed. He gently raised a hand and said, “Sit down. No need to be so formal.”

Qiao Xuan smiled. “Mm.”

Hualan gracefully sat down next to him, turning slightly with a smile. “I was feeling a bit hungry myself. Mind if I join you for this meal?”

Like I could say no!

Qiao Xuan, pretending to be flattered, said, “Of course not.”

Lowering his gaze, Qiao Xuan noticed today’s dishes were a mix of heavenly cuisine and several familiar dishes from the mortal world, ones he had loved as Rong Xuan. It was clear—this was a test.

Hualan was intentionally probing him.

Qiao Xuan knew he should avoid those particular dishes to avoid arousing Hualan’s suspicion. However, he still hadn’t found the Mountains and Seas map, and he only had ten days. It seemed his best shot at breaking through this deadlock was with Hualan himself. But how could he get Hualan to willingly show him the Mountains and Seas map?

If all else failed, he’d have to take a risk.

Qiao Xuan picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, smiling as he said, “You even have osmanthus cake here! I thought I wouldn’t be able to find mortal world food after coming to the Celestial Realm.”

Hualan’s gaze softened, and he chuckled. “I, too, have traveled the mortal world. Mortal food may lack spiritual energy and not help with cultivation, but it has its own unique charm.”

Qiao Xuan nodded enthusiastically, a bit embarrassed. “Please don’t laugh, but even though I’ve ascended, I still miss the food from the mortal world.”

Hualan looked into Qiao Xuan’s bright, clear eyes, his own gaze unknowingly turning tender. His voice softened, “If you like, I can have it prepared for you anytime.”

Qiao Xuan, mid-bite of the osmanthus cake, hesitated for a moment.

The man before him was refined and graceful, a handsome, noble figure. Back then, Xiao Lu had been just like this—not only good-looking but also charming, considerate, always finding ways to make him happy… Anyone could have fallen for someone like that. How could he have resisted?

Qiao Xuan had always been a sucker for good looks and loved enjoying life.

But now, things were different. He was no longer Rong Xuan, burdened by a need for revenge, nor did he need to rely on anyone else to live. Mortal food? Once he returned to the mortal world, he could eat whatever he wanted.

He wasn’t about to be swayed so easily!

Thinking about the carefree life that awaited him in the mortal world, Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Hualan, noticing the smile on Qiao Xuan’s face, felt a familiar tug in his heart.

The boy in front of him, nibbling on the osmanthus cake with a bright, thoughtful smile, reminded him so much of his Xuan’er. Xuan’er had always been full of dreams, often spacing out with a smile, thinking of all the things he wanted to do in the world outside. That same smile used to light up Xiao Lu’s days, filling them with warmth.

His Xuan’er had endured so much. Even after all the hardships, he had smiled for him. But behind that smile had been countless untold struggles and pain. And Xiao Lu had been oblivious.

Remembering the past was always painful for Hualan.

Unable to help himself, Hualan reached out, wanting to touch the boy in front of him. The familiar sensation was like an echo from the depths of his soul…

Is it really you, returned to me?

Is this what you look like now?

Lost in his thoughts, Qiao Xuan was suddenly pulled back to the present when he felt a warm touch at the corner of his mouth. He jerked his head up, startled, just in time to see Hualan withdrawing his hand. The man’s fingers had lightly brushed Qiao Xuan’s lips, and Qiao Xuan nearly choked on the cake he was eating.

Hualan, realizing he had overstepped, quickly withdrew his hand, pressing a fist to his lips and clearing his throat awkwardly.

Qiao Xuan stared at him, feeling a wave of panic. Had he gone too far in his act?

Suddenly, he lost his appetite.

No, no… Hualan’s behavior made Qiao Xuan feel an increasing sense of urgency. He was walking on a tightrope! With Hualan growing suspicious and Jiang Weiqing waiting to take him back to the sect, he had to move quickly!

The time was right.

After the meal, Qiao Xuan glanced at Hualan with feigned curiosity and asked, “Your Majesty, I’ve heard that you possess a treasure called the Mountains and Seas map, capable of observing anywhere in the Three Realms. That sounds incredible! May I have the honor of seeing it for myself?”

That dumb crane wasn’t helpful; it was better to go straight to Hualan!

Hualan smiled warmly at Qiao Xuan’s eager expression. “Of course.”

Qiao Xuan beamed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Hualan stood up, and Qiao Xuan quickly followed. Both of them silently agreed to pretend that nothing awkward had just happened…

Qiao Xuan had already scouted the surrounding areas of the Celestial Palace but hadn’t found anything. He couldn’t afford to be too bold, and if he hadn’t been pushed to the edge, he wouldn’t be resorting to this tactic.

It doesn’t hurt to try!

As he followed Hualan, Qiao Xuan’s mind raced with thoughts until they arrived at a palace.

It wasn’t far from the palace where Qiao Xuan had been staying. It wasn’t very conspicuous and had no special protective barriers, which is why Qiao Xuan hadn’t paid much attention to it before. Now, seeing where Hualan had led him, Qiao Xuan’s curiosity deepened.

The two celestial attendants at the entrance bowed respectfully when they saw Hualan approaching. “Your Majesty.”

Hualan walked straight into the hall and, with a wave of his hand, a door opened. Inside, the room was empty except for a plain white screen standing in the center. It seemed completely ordinary.

Qiao Xuan’s guard went up.

Hualan’s voice was soft and calm. “This is the Mountains and Seas map.”

Qiao Xuan was speechless. Is he messing with me?

Seeing the confusion on Qiao Xuan’s face, Hualan chuckled and raised his hand, gently brushing the screen. The once plain screen gradually transformed into a stunning ink painting, rivers, and mountains coming to life. Streams flowed, birds flew, and the entire landscape seemed to move as if alive, a living, breathing black-and-white world. Wherever the mind directed, the scene would shift, as if the entire realm was captured within the screen.

Qiao Xuan’s mouth dropped open slightly. Damn, it really is the Mountains and Seas map?!

If it hadn’t been activated, who would’ve guessed?

Even if it was placed right in front of him, no one would think twice about it.

What a low-key divine artifact…

And there were no guards, no barriers—anyone could walk right in and out… Is this what a treasure vault is supposed to look like? If Qiao Xuan hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed this was the Mountains and Seas map.

He had seriously misjudged that dumb crane.

The crane hadn’t deceived him; it genuinely had no idea that this was the Mountains and Seas map. It had believed the real treasure was in the forbidden area.

Most people would think the same.

Hualan glanced at Qiao Xuan and asked softly, “Is there a place you’d like to see?”

Though Hualan’s gaze was gentle and seemed harmless, Qiao Xuan knew better. Xiao Lu had always been an expert at hiding his true intentions behind a kind demeanor.

He’s still testing me.

But Qiao Xuan also knew that as long as he bore even the slightest resemblance to Rong Xuan, Hualan wouldn’t risk killing him without being certain.

“I’d like to see Guiyuan Sword Sect,” Qiao Xuan said, pretending to be overcome with nostalgia. “I’ve just ascended and still miss my fellow disciples.”

Get it? I’m just homesick for my old sect!

Hualan hesitated briefly before smiling. “Of course.”

He waved his hand, and the scene on the screen shifted, revealing a stunning view of the sect, lush with mountains and rivers. Though vivid, the figures were blurred, much like rough strokes in a watercolor painting.

Qiao Xuan pretended to study it intently while thinking, Not bad, but this divine tool is no match for Earth’s satellites.

Still, what he truly wanted wasn’t the viewing function—it was the ability to travel between realms.

That’s the real power of the Mountains and Seas map!

Today had gone better than expected. Now that he had located the artifact, it would only be a matter of time before he returned alone.

Just then, Hualan looked deeply at him and said softly, “You seem quite interested in the Mountains and Seas map.”

Qiao Xuan stiffened.

Hualan smiled, seemingly casual. “Is there anywhere you’d like to go? I could take you there.”

Qiao Xuan’s heart jumped, and he quickly said, “No, no! Seeing the sect today is enough for me. I wouldn’t dare trouble Your Majesty any further…”

Sure, I want to go to the mortal realm, but not with you!

Hualan stared at him for a moment before dropping the matter.

With his goal accomplished, Qiao Xuan didn’t want to linger. He put on a grateful expression and said, “Thank you for today, Your Majesty. Please, don’t let me keep you any longer. I’ll just stroll around by myself.”

Hualan nodded with a smile. “Very well.”

As he passed by Qiao Xuan, he paused for just a brief moment before waving his sleeve and walking away without looking back.

Qiao Xuan watched him leave and let out a long breath.

That was too close!

…

Hualan returned to his palace, walking down the long corridors before pushing open a door.

Inside sat the puppet, perfectly still. Its lifelike features were motionless, its eyes devoid of life. After that day, Hualan had moved the puppet here.

Gazing at the familiar face, a look of tenderness and longing crept into Hualan’s eyes, tinged with an unspeakable sadness. He murmured softly, “Is it really you, returned to me?”

He couldn’t bear the thought that after a thousand years, his beloved had truly returned.

Even if the appearance had changed, even if there had been reincarnation, he could still sense that familiar presence, as though it called to him from deep within.

At first, Hualan had invited Qiao Xuan merely to understand his motives. To be able to breach his forbidden grounds, Qiao Xuan had to be someone unusual. Hualan had decided to play along, to see how far the game would go.

But as he spent more time with the boy, every smile, every glance, and every word began to stir something in Hualan’s heart.

A hope, once thought impossible, began to grow.

But what if… it wasn’t true?

Hualan closed his eyes, reopening them after a long pause. If it’s not him… it would only mean another disappointment.

…

Beichen Star Lord and Siyi Star Lord were playing chess.

Beichen was a dashing young man in dark robes, holding a folding fan in one hand and a chess piece in the other, deep in thought.

Siyi was a charming young woman with a golden hairpin, dressed in a pink silk gown. She glanced at Beichen with disdain and scoffed, “Hey, are you going to play or not?”

Beichen frowned. “Is this how you speak to your senior?”

Siyi smirked. “All you do is act like a senior. What else can you do? If you’re going to lose, just admit it and hand over that star stone bracelet.”

Beichen glared, annoyed. I’ve already lost so much to this brat!

Siyi impatiently tapped her fingers on the table. “Hurry up! You promised you’d give it to me if you lost.”

With a dark look, Beichen reluctantly threw down his piece, pulled out a bracelet made of star stones, and tossed it to her. Each stone was a deep, rich black, like the night sky, with tiny specks resembling stars. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Siyi’s eyes lit up as she eagerly slipped it on, proudly displaying the other dozen bracelets on her wrist, all made from different precious materials. It was a dazzling sight.

What a vain little brat!

Beichen had had enough of losing to her. She was getting too good at chess, and playing against her was just torture.

Maybe I should go play with Hualan instead. His chess skills are even worse than mine, and that Celestial Palace of his is full of treasures. Even a floor tile would be worth something. I could win a few good items from him and make this trip worthwhile…

Just as he was about to leave, the space in front of him rippled, and Hualan appeared.

Beichen was startled. Did I summon him just by thinking about him? He felt a bit guilty.

He was about to ask what was going on, but seeing Hualan’s serious expression, he quickly realized it wasn’t the right time for jokes.

Hualan’s voice was calm but firm. “I need your help with something.”

Beichen immediately signaled for Siyi to leave and asked curiously, “What do you need help with?”

Hualan’s response was slow and deliberate. “I need you to help me look into someone’s past life.”

Beichen paused, then asked, “Is it that same person?”

Hualan nodded.

Beichen couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional.

He had known Hualan for many years. Hualan had spent a thousand years in seclusion, comprehending the Dao, and during that time, he had experienced a mortal life. Beichen was the only one who knew about it. He also knew that Hualan had fallen in love with someone during his time in the mortal realm, a love that had stayed with him even after returning. Hualan had even created a lifelike puppet to treasure…

How do I know all this?

Because Hualan’s puppet-making skills were terrible! Sure, Hualan was powerful, and Beichen couldn’t beat him in a fight, but when it came to these fine arts… Hualan was hopeless. So Hualan had brought the materials and asked Beichen for help in crafting the puppet.

Beichen had gotten quite a bit out of that deal.

Anyway, it wasn’t uncommon for deities to undergo mortal trials, but usually, once they returned, they severed ties with the mortal world. What made Hualan’s case different was how much he still clung to those memories.

Immortality was often lonely. For most gods, detachment came naturally.

But Hualan was an exception.

The old dragon had been so indifferent to human emotions, so unaware of desire or love. Dragons were born strong and had no need to understand the struggles of mortals. Who would have thought that a single journey to the mortal world could leave him so entangled, unable to let go? It seemed Hualan hadn’t yet fully grasped the Dao.

But that was Hualan’s business—his own path and heart to understand. Beichen wasn’t going to interfere.

With a knowing smile, Beichen waved his fan and said, “I can help you, but you’ll have to agree to one condition.”

Hualan didn’t hesitate. “Name it.”

Beichen grinned. “You have to play ten games of chess with me—wagered, of course.”

Hualan’s face turned cold. “…Fine.”

Even though Beichen had expected Hualan to agree, he was still impressed by how readily he did so. In the ten thousand years they’d known each other, this was the first time Hualan had been so generous over someone. If this wasn’t love, then what was?

Beichen snapped his fan shut and chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll get this done for you. But to examine someone’s past life, I’ll need an object from both their past and current life. Do you have that?”

Hualan opened his hand, and a jade pendant and a strand of hair floated gently toward Beichen.

“Jade from his past life, hair from his current one. Is that enough?” Hualan asked solemnly.

Beichen quickly gathered them up, brimming with confidence. “More than enough! I’ll have your answer in three days!”

Author’s Note:

Bad Chess Player Hualan Emperor: It feels like everyone is trying to extort me through chess…

Qiao Xuan: Not me!

Celibate Dragon God Hualan Emperor: You’re my favorite.

Qiao Xuan: …No, let’s make a bet instead. If you lose, stop loving me!

Instigating Author: Don’t be a sore loser!

Incompetent Chess Player Hualan Emperor: …I suddenly feel like the world is full of malice toward me.

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