Chapter 228

Chapter 228: Strange Happenings in the Seventh Heavenly Layer

You You froze, suddenly remembering this was the Immortal Realm. She looked up at Ming Ye and asked, "Divine Lord, what’s wrong with her?"

"It’s nothing…" Ming Ye narrowed his eyes briefly before explaining, "Celestial maiden, don’t be alarmed. This fairy maid suffered cultivation backlash recently, damaging her immortal body. Such episodes are normal. She’ll receive medicinal pills upon returning to the Heavenly Palace."

"But she’s in agony!" You You insisted. Couldn’t they at least stabilize her condition? She didn’t know how!

Ming Ye’s frown deepened, showing no intention to assist. "The Heavenly Palace is near. Her immortal body can endure this until we arrive."

"……" Since when could such pain be endured?

You You stared at Ming Ye and the other female immortal, shocked by their indifference as they kept flying. Weren’t they all from the same palace? How could colleagues be so cold?

The fallen immortal’s celestial energy raged violently as her suffering intensified. You You clenched her teeth. "I’ll try healing you. Stay strong!" She cast the Revitalizing Technique.

Light flashed. The female immortal’s chaotic energy stilled, color returning to her face. Uncurling slowly, she gaped at You You in disbelief.

"Better now?" You You asked urgently.

The female immortal opened her mouth but suddenly scrambled up. Without a glance, she hurried behind Ming Ye, face blank again.

"……" Rude much? Was this how everyone in the Seventh Heavenly Layer acted?

Ming Ye turned, eyeing her with muted surprise. "I hadn’t expected the celestial maiden to master healing spells. How… fitting."

"I only know one technique," she admitted truthfully.

Ming Ye gave her another look before facing forward. "We’re here."

Clouds parted ahead, unveiling resplendent palaces floating among rainbows and auspicious mists.

The Seventh Heavenly Layer!

—————–

Upon arrival, You You assumed she’d meet the Seventh Heavenly Emperor promptly. Instead, Ming Ye handed her to other female immortals and left.

She was led to a side hall and told to wait. A full day passed without news. Believing the Seventh Heavenly Layer had complex protocols, she waited patiently. Two more days crawled by.

No updates came. The side hall felt unnervingly quiet. Passing female immortals kept eyes lowered, silent. Those she questioned knew nothing about the Emperor’s schedule.

You You’s patience frayed. The cursed followers in the lower realm couldn’t wait indefinitely—Yuan Qi’s suppression wouldn’t last forever. Delays risked even Yuan Papa’s safety.

By the third afternoon, she marched toward the exit. A hand yanked her into rockery shadows.

A familiar female immortal in white robes frantically cast isolation spells before shoving items into her hands: "Map, teleportation charm, Ye Ming Palace pass, Restorative Pill, maid disguise. Hide in the southern celestial woods until midnight, then flee the Seventh Heavenly Layer!"

"Wait—" You You recognized her as the previously ailing immortal. "Why help me escape?"

"Leave now!" The immortal trembled. "Ming Ye knows what you did below. As a celestial maiden, you’re in danger! Return to the Sixth Heavenly Layer—anywhere but here!"

"But I need to see the Seventh Heavenly Emperor!"

"You can’t!" Desperation edged her whisper. "The Emperor obeys Ming Ye completely. Male immortals flood our realm while newly ascended sisters vanish within days. Those remaining bear poison curses." She shuddered. "Disobedience brings bone-corrupting agony. Many disappear. Go before you’re trapped too!"

"Poison curse?" You You recalled the earlier episode. "Your collapse was due to that?"

"Yes! All female immortals here are cursed. Refuse orders, and the curse kills through torment."

You You’s eyes widened. Now she understood—the oppressive silence, the fearful obedience. Everything here was wrong.