Chapter Twenty-Six: What is Fate?

Knowing that the one she loves is now in love with another woman, Yaoxi couldn't sit still. She couldn't always be by his side, yet she couldn't let go of him. So, she came to see the Celestial Emperor, hoping to borrow the Mirror of All Things. But she didn't know how to ask, so she just followed him around.

The Celestial Emperor, upon hearing her reason, didn't immediately lend her the mirror. Instead, he said, "Do you know what trial Junfeng is undergoing in the mortal realm?"

His innate authority was imposing, instilling fear without anger. Despite this, Yaoxi mustered her courage and replied, "I know, Junfeng is undergoing a trial of love."

But what of the trial of love? It's just a temporary affair in the human world. Once he returns to the celestial realm, he will be the same as before. He won't change, he won't.

Seeing her resolve, the Celestial Emperor shook his head helplessly. Was she trying to deceive him or herself? If love weren't so deep and uncontrollable, it wouldn't be called a trial. He had once broken the rules and descended to the mortal realm to see Zisang in Yuzhou City. Disguised as a Taoist priest, he had spoken to Zisang, but she seemed to have forgotten his words like fleeting smoke.

Ah, these young people never bring peace. Now, his adopted son was facing an uncertain fate in the mortal realm, and his biological son was still missing. It was enough to make him worry endlessly. Now, Yaoxi was also involved, clearly infatuated with Junfeng.

Advising her now would be futile, but he couldn't just ignore it either. "Junfeng's trial is one of love. If he can overcome it, that's good. But if he can't? How many immortals have fallen to darkness because of it?"

"Junfeng was raised by me. I know his character well. But this time, I can't be certain. If you insist on this, I'm afraid you'll be the one who gets hurt."

"Your Majesty's words are wise, but the seed of love has already been planted. How can it be uprooted?"

"I promise, this will be the last time. If his heart truly has no place for me, I will let go."

With her resolve clear, the Celestial Emperor could say no more and gave in. Just as Yaoxi left, a celestial attendant came to report that the White Emperor sought an audience.

The Celestial Emperor had already guessed the reason for this visit. The marriage agreement between Danjun and Moxuan, once considered a joyous occasion, had now become a burden. Indeed, the White Emperor was here about this matter. As soon as he entered, he urgently inquired about it.

The Celestial Emperor, preoccupied with finding his own son, had neglected the marriage agreement until the White Emperor requested a dissolution. If he agreed, it would be an admission that his son was dead, validating the rumors in the celestial realm. How could he accept this? But he also understood that the White Emperor was acting for his own child's sake.

After much internal struggle, he finally agreed. Just as he was about to speak, another attendant whispered something in his ear, bringing both surprise and joy. He quickly dismissed the White Emperor and left with the attendant.

The Celestial Emperor was pleased, but the White Emperor was left fuming, pacing angrily. Unable to vent his frustration, he returned and immediately sent someone to bring Danjun back.

"Find Danjun at once. He's supposed to be getting married, yet he doesn't even know where his future spouse is. And he dares to wander around aimlessly!"

Xuanyuan Sea

Wuchen hovered above the sea on a cloud of black smoke, gazing downward. Today, the sea was different from its usual dead calm. Gigantic waves crashed violently against the cliffs, and the howling wind seemed to assert its dominance. His long hair, now disheveled, and his black robe, agitated by the wind, mirrored the chaos around him. Only the girl in his arms remained serene, her face peaceful and unguarded.

His heart felt like it was being pierced by thousands of arrows. Pain! Such pain! The Demon Lord had been sealed in the Xuanyuan Sea a thousand years ago. Throughout this time, he had been plotting his escape. Eventually, Li Qiuzhe discovered that Zisang, the daughter of the demon emperor, was a descendant of Wuyue Mei, a former elder of the Mei tribe.

The Mei tribe originally belonged to the demon realm but had defected due to Wuyue Mei's personal motives. Enraged, the Demon Lord exterminated her tribe, not knowing she had left behind a child. Zisang had her uses. With the Demon Lord's power significantly diminished, he needed energy. The only one with sufficient demonic power was Zisang, the last of the Mei tribe.

Their plan was to awaken Zisang's demonic nature and then kill her, offering her demonic soul as a sacrifice. However, they struggled to trigger her demonic side, until they thought of the Absolute Demon Sword, which had been brought back to Fusang. Forged with the Demon Lord's blood, it possessed immense demonic power, perfect for awakening Zisang's demonic nature.

But things didn't go as planned. Despite Wuchen's efforts, Zisang never wielded the sword. Five years passed, and the Demon Lord grew impatient, urging Wuchen multiple times, but Wuchen managed to placate him each time. Eventually, the Demon Lord sent Li Qiuzhe to capture Zisang. The man in red who attacked Nan Xianyi and his companions was him.

When Wuchen shielded Nan Xianyi, he used a communication spell to persuade Li Qiuzhe to retreat. A few days later, Li Qiuzhe returned, stating that the Demon Lord's patience had run out. If Wuchen didn't act, the Demon Lord would send others to capture her, risking many lives.

Under the threat of hundreds of lives, Wuchen had no choice. On their way back, he struck Zisang when she was off guard, rendering her unconscious.