Chapter 226

Chapter 226: Reporting to the Seventh Heavenly Layer

The young boy before them was the Sixth Heavenly Emperor, right? But why was he kneeling to her? What kind of bizarre twist was this?!

"Master, I’ve finally found you!" The young boy grew even more emotional, his eyes instantly filling with tears as if he might burst into crying. "I’ve waited every day for your ascension so I could see you again. Now… it’s finally happened, Master…"

"Wait!" You You’s head spun with confusion. "Young man—no, Sixth Heavenly Emperor! Are you mistaking me for someone else? I don’t know you!" His kneeling was putting way too much pressure on her!

"No! Master, you gave me a second life. I could never mistake you for anyone else!" The boy insisted firmly. Realizing something, he added excitedly, "My immortal body has been remade, so you might not recognize me at first. I’m Zi Zhe—Yuan Zi Zhe!"

"……" Even if your name was Atomic Bomb, I still wouldn’t know you!

Wait!

"Your surname is Yuan?!" You You suddenly froze, scanning him up and down. "You’re not… Elder Yuan?"

"Yes! It’s me, Zi Zhe!" He nodded vigorously. "Master, you’ve finally remembered!"

"…… Holy crap!"

It really was Elder Yuan—the "people’s teacher" she’d sent soaring into the heavens! Ling Qi’s ancestor!

She recalled the white-haired old man he’d once been. How had he turned into this after ascension? Where was the "elder" part?!

"Master! I’ve thought of you every day since my ascension! I knew someone of your power would rise swiftly. I’ve waited all this time to see you!" Yuan Zi Zhe’s excitement grew as he unconsciously shuffled closer on his knees.

Feng Rong, who’d been stunned by the Elder’s transformation, suddenly snapped alert. He wedged himself between them, scowling. "Talk from over there. No need to crowd her." He’d almost forgotten—this guy was You You’s first Follower.

You You shook off her daze. "Elder Yuan, stand up properly. No need for formalities!"

"As you command, Master!" Yuan Zi Zhe sniffled, bowing once more before rising. "Had I known you’d ascended, I’d have greeted you personally at the realm gate."

"Wait, there’s a misunderstanding—I haven’t ascended!" You You clarified.

"What?!" Yuan Zi Zhe blanched. If she hadn’t ascended, how was she standing here?!

"It’s complicated. I’ll explain later." She coughed. "I came because I need your help." The Sixth Heavenly Emperor being Elder Yuan? This curse business was as good as solved!

"Your matters are mine, Master. Just give the order!" He glanced awkwardly at the watching immortals. "You must be weary from your journey. Let’s continue in the side hall."

You You agreed.

Elder Yuan promptly dismissed the stunned crowd, ushering them to a side hall laden with celestial fruits and wines—as if desperate to offer everything he owned.

Only then did You You learn Yuan Zi Zhe’s story: After ascending, his cultivation had inexplicably skyrocketed, bypassing the first five heavenly layers entirely to land directly in the Sixth. Unprecedented in Immortal Realm history, he’d kept this secret while adjusting to celestial life, quietly cultivating and awaiting her arrival.

Back then, the Sixth Heavenly Layer lacked a ruler. After sensing the Pillar of Light, he’d gradually ascended to become Emperor. His rapid rise sparked resentment among immortals, leading to years of turmoil. Only recently had he solidified control.

"Now," Elder Yuan asked after finishing his tale, "what aid do you require?"

"We need water from Seventh Heavenly Layer’s Huanzhe Sacred Pond." She detailed the cursed celestial maidens below.

"Such evil!" Yuan Zi Zhe seethed. "If those maidens perish, half the Immortal Realm’s sects could vanish—a catastrophe for the Mortal Realm!"

Exactly. The curse made no sense—who would gain from this?

"Don’t worry, Master. I’ll inform the Seventh Heavenly Emperor immediately. However…" He hesitated. "We’re from the middle layers. The Seventh Layer remains aloof. I can’t guarantee their cooperation."

"Do your best." You You nodded. Given Seventh Layer’s legendary care for female cultivators, refusal seemed unlikely.

Besides, Yuan Qi had said the pond water wasn’t rare—just useful for purification. How hard could getting some be?

If the Seventh Emperor proved heartless… well, she’d find another way. Even if it meant bending a few rules.

——————

Three days later, Seventh Heavenly Layer responded—not with an invitation, but by sending three envoys: two low-level female immortals and a man whose mere presence pressed down on Elder Yuan himself.

Feng Rong’s eyes narrowed. "You You, he’s a god."

A god?!

She startled. Though rumors said gods dwelled in upper layers, she’d never expected to meet one.

"Forgive our poor welcome, Divine Lord Ming Ye." Elder Yuan bowed, recognizing their guest.

"No need, Emperor." Ming Ye smiled before noticing Feng Rong. His gaze lingered, then he grinned wider. "An ancient Divine Clan member graces us? My oversight."