Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Situation in the Seventh Heavenly Layer

The Immortal Palace housed many female immortals, but even more male ones. Yet the males held titles as celestial lords, while females served as attendants.

Initially focused on retrieving the sacred pond water, You You hadn’t dwelled on this. Now she realized: women held high status in the Mortal Realm, let alone the Immortal Realm—just look at the Fourth Heavenly Layer’s naive bunch. The Seventh Heavenly Layer, renowned for prioritizing female immortals, shouldn’t relegate them to menial roles beneath all males.

Moreover, the female immortals here carried an air of oppression, as if shackled. Clearly, the poison curse was to blame—their submission born from suppression, not choice.

"Your spell lifted my poison curse," the female immortal said gratefully. "But I’ve kept it hidden. Since you aided me, I’ll help you. Take your things and flee now!"

You You studied her genuine concern, then handed back the items. "I can’t leave yet."

"What?" Panic flashed across the female immortal’s face. "I swear I’m not lying—"

"I believe you," You You interrupted, gripping her hand. "But I came for the Huanzhe Sacred Pond’s water. Regardless of this place’s state, I must return it to the lower realm. Countless celestial maidens—even Wu Yue—could perish otherwise."

"The lower realm?" The female immortal frowned but pressed no further. "You truly need the sacred pond water?"

"Yes."

"Then I’ll get it for you." She steadied herself. "Wait here. I’ll return by dawn."

"Wait!" You You caught her arm. "We go together."

"But—"

"Don’t worry." You You smiled reassuringly. "I’m strong enough to protect you. If we leave this place, you’re coming with me."

The female immortal’s racing heart stilled. Against logic, she trusted this promise. Before she knew it, You You had led her from the rockery.

"I’m You You. Your name?"

"…Xiao Man."

"Xiao Man, stick with me. I’ve got your back."

"…Okay."

———————

Xiao Man explained: New female immortals were taken to Fuqiu Valley three days after arrival, ostensibly for rank assessments. In truth, this forbidden zone erased memories of survivors. With You You’s summons imminent, they had to act tonight.

Guiding You You through familiar corridors, Xiao Man headed toward the Huanzhe Sacred Pond—located in Ye Ming Palace, domain of Divine Lord Ming Ye.

Having attained a Divine Body, Ming Ye rivaled the Seventh Heavenly Emperor herself. Only her celestial maiden lineage kept his status technically inferior.

As Xiao Man detailed the Seventh Heavenly Layer’s horrors, You You’s dismay grew. This wasn’t an Immortal Palace—it was a den of evil targeting women.

The lie was simple: all ascended female immortals were funneled here until the practice became unquestioned. Three male Divine Lords ruled, Ming Ye (who claimed Divine Realm origins) and two others who’d inexplicably stayed post-ascension.

Though three Divine Lords should strengthen the Seventh Heavenly Layer, their corruption proved otherwise. Power corrupted them into despising female immortals, enforcing cruel punishments and strict hierarchies. Male immortals followed suit, reducing women to servitude.

Resistance emerged but was crushed, leaving every female immortal cursed into compliance.

"What of the Seventh Heavenly Emperor?" You You demanded. "She’s a celestial maiden too!"

Xiao Man’s expression darkened. "She indulges Ming Ye completely—even endorsed the curses. Claims women are naturally inferior."

"Ugh!" You You cursed. Classic toxic masculinity!

"They say she was just once," Xiao Man added. "But Ming Ye’s arrival changed her. Some charm of his…"

"So she’s love-struck? Letting this happen for a man?!"

Xiao Man nodded. The Emperor sought partnership; Ming Ye refused.

You You seethed. Had she known this cesspit’s state, she’d never have bothered with formal requests.