Chapter 234

Chapter 234: Ming Ye’s Plans

You You glanced at Ming Ye and continued, “I informed the Sixth Heavenly Emperor beforehand and waited three days in the Seventh Heavenly Layer, yet received no summons. The lower realm’s celestial maidens can’t delay their treatment, so I came to take the sacred pond water myself.”

“Nonsense!” Heavenly Emperor Hong Fei sneered. “Mortals can’t ascend here! Their fragile bodies would crumble under the Seventh Layer’s might. Even if you trespassed for those lowborn creatures, offending a Divine Lord warrants death a thousand times over! How dare you covet the sacred pond water?”

You You clenched her fists. “So even if this dooms mortal cultivators’ path to ascension, you won’t act?”

“Celestials care nothing for ants.” Hong Fei’s lip curled as she scanned You You with open disgust. “Why should I?”

“Now I see.” The last shred of doubt vanished from You You’s mind.

“Kneel and beg for mercy before I—”

“You’re not the Seventh Heavenly Emperor.” You You’s declaration cut through the hall.

“What?!” Hong Fei’s composure cracked. Beside her, Ming Ye’s eyelid twitched. “Lies! Silence this madness!”

“You’re an impostor!” You You’s voice rang louder.

The true Seventh Heavenly Emperor had vowed to uplift all women—not this sneering creature oozing hatred for her own gender, unmoved by celestial maidens’ plight.

“The real emperor would never be you!”

“Ridiculous!” Hong Fei’s hands trembled.

“How long have you masqueraded as her? Centuries?” You You pressed. “Since the celestial calendar’s 16,5706th year? The Seventh Layer’s 1,250th anniversary?”

“Seize her!” Hong Fei shrieked at the stunned immortals. The crowd hesitated. Female immortals at the back gasped, pieces clicking into place.

You You raised the glowing pearl from the pond’s depths. “This belongs to you, doesn’t it?”

“How?!” Hong Fei lunged wildly, imperial poise forgotten. “Give it back!”

“Can’t. Your face already pollutes the scenery.” You You crushed the pearl. It shattered like glass.

Hong Fei’s scream became a man’s howl as a phantom tore free from her body—a pockmarked male visage uglier than rotting fruit. The apparition crawled toward Ming Ye, clawing at his robes. “Save me! You promised godhood if I lured more women! You swore—”

Ming Ye stomped on the wispy form. The soul dissolved with a faint pop. “Useless trash.” He smirked at You You, unbothered by the exposed deception.

“Finding the inner dan was clever.” Ming Ye conceded. “But destroying one puppet changes nothing. The Seventh Layer’s mine. These male immortals obey me. What can cursed female prisoners and a mere Earth Immortal do?”

“I didn’t come to play hero.” You You shook pearl dust from her hands. “Just here for sacred water. Since you won’t hand it over…” Her spirit sword materialized with a hum. “I’ll beat it out of you.”

A male immortal beside Ming Ye snorted. “Arrogant worm! I’ll teach you respect!”

Ming Ye blocked him, eyeing Feng Rong. “Your confidence stems from this phoenix, Divine Lord? Why side with this wench?” He bowed mockingly. “Noble Feng Clan of the ancient Divine Clan… aligning with scum?”

“Fight or shut up!” Feng Rong snapped. He’d disliked Ming Ye since first sight. “You You said we’ll pummel you until the water flows. Who’s first?”

Ming Ye’s mask slipped before reforming. “What if I offered to revive your dormant clan, Divine Lord Feng? Full awakening, in exchange for non-interference.”

Feng Rong froze. “You know how?”

“I’ve studied divine secrets.” Ming Ye’s smile turned oily. “We needn’t be enemies. Stay neutral, and I’ll share the method. Your glorious Feng Clan could rise anew.”