Chapter 239

Chapter 239: The Original Spirit of Hong Fei

“Don’t worry. We’ll find another way. You…” You You began, “Though Hong Fei’s original spirit is weak, Feng Rong can help return it to her body for recovery.”

“Listen…” Hong Fei cut her off urgently, “My original spirit has been trapped here for centuries as the formation’s core. It’s beyond repair. I’ve little time left. Ming Ye’s formation… it’s a god-forging array!”

“God-forging?!” You You, Feng Rong, and Xiao Man stared in shock.

“Yes!” Hong Fei nodded. “He discovered celestial maidens hold a power that can forge divine status. He used his authority to abduct female immortals into this array. Whether celestial maidens or not, all had their cultivation drained and perished. None survived these centuries.”

Though prepared by the bloodstains, You You still shuddered, imagining the countless female immortals who’d perished here. The thick resentment made sense now.

“Ming Ye believed celestial maidens’ ability to grant spiritual roots meant they harbored unique power,” Hong Fei continued, her voice trembling. “Ordinary victims lost their cultivation and celestial bones. Celestial maidens had their souls torn apart in his futile search. I’ve lost count of those slaughtered on this altar.”

“He destroyed their very souls?!” Xiao Man clenched her fists, chilled to the core.

“Trapped here, I could only collect their residual souls when Ming Ye left,” Hong Fei’s spirit flickered. “I beg you—after I fade, take these souls from beneath the altar and send them to the Nether Realm. Let them reincarnate.”

“What about you?” You You asked.

“I used my soul power to hide them. Now I’m too weak to lift the seal.” Hong Fei smiled bitterly. “Wait until I’m gone, then release them.”

“But Ming Ye’s dead! Heal first!” You You urged.

“No time. Residual souls can’t wait centuries.” Hong Fei shook her head. “As Seventh Heavenly Emperor, I failed them. I won’t let them vanish completely.”

“But you’ll perish too!” Xiao Man cried.

“My burden to bear.” Hong Fei turned to You You. “I’ll gift you my remaining cultivation and soul power. Use it to protect Seventh Heavenly Layer’s female immortals.”

Before anyone reacted, Hong Fei pressed her forehead to You You’s. White light glowed—then bounced back.

Hong Fei: “…”

You You: “…”

“Hands off!” Feng Rong yanked You You away, glaring. “Trying to steal her under my nose?!”

“I was transferring power!” Hong Fei stammered.

“Why didn’t it work?”

“Maybe I’m max-level?” You You shrugged. Seeing Hong Fei’s confusion, she sighed. “Look, you’re a good emperor. We’ll handle the souls, but protect your own people. Instead of giving me power, let me send you oranges.”

“Oranges?!” Feng Rong sputtered.

You You covered his mouth. “No strings attached. Just saving you.” She patted Hong Fei’s shoulder—this time, her power connected.

“Stay put. I’ll get those oranges.”

“…What?”