Chapter 270

Chapter 270: Unity Can Only Wait

You You contacted Long Xi, asking him to help investigate the Great Annihilation War of the Divine Clan from years ago and whether the Long Family had any records. Long Xi readily agreed, stating that as long as she wasn’t contacting Wu Yue, he could look into anything. However, due to the passage of time, he couldn’t guarantee if the Long Family still possessed such materials.

You You understood; after all, even Yu Hao, a member of the Divine Clan, knew little about it. They could only do their best. She hadn’t expected that before receiving any results from Long Xi, visitors from the Immortal Realm would arrive first.

“Sect Master, two men have come to the mountain gate claiming to be your acquaintances. They insist on meeting you urgently!” a disciple reported.

“Urgently?” You You paused. “Who are they?”

The disciple hesitated before answering, “They call themselves… Old Two and… Old Nine!”

“Huh?!” She recognized Old Two, but who was Old Nine? Huan Yan (Old Two) usually contacted her via messages—why had he personally descended to the lower realm? “Bring them in.”

“Yes, Sect Master.” The disciple hurried out.

Within moments, the disciple returned with two men. The left one was indeed Huan Yan (Old Two), while the one beside him turned out to be the Ninth Heavenly Emperor.

“Grandpa, your grandson has come to see you!” Huan Yan immediately dropped to his knees with a loud thud.

The Ninth Heavenly Emperor, who had been preparing to greet her, froze mid-gesture, unsure whether to bow or follow Huan Yan’s example and kneel.

“Why are you here?” You You, accustomed to Huan Yan’s antics, set aside her documents and pulled him up. “What’s so urgent that you couldn’t send a message?”

“Grandpa, it’s the Ninth Heavenly Emperor…” Huan Yan gestured to the man beside him. “He claimed there’s a critical matter concerning the Seventh Heavenly Layer that requires your immediate attention. When he learned I possessed a red lotus to descend, he insisted I bring him here.” He turned to the Emperor. “Your Excellency, wasn’t this urgent? Speak now!”

“It is urgent, but…” The Ninth Heavenly Emperor glanced between them, hesitating before clasping his hands. “First, I must confirm something with you, Friend You.”

“What?” You You asked.

He fidgeted, his expression torn between anxiety and hope. “After the Qian Sheng Ceremony, during your interrogation of Yu Hao’s original spirit… were your words true?”

You You stiffened. All Heavenly Emperors had witnessed that interrogation, including the Ninth Heavenly Emperor, since Yu Hao was tied to his Opportunity. Was he here to challenge her decision to take Yu Hao away?

“They were true,” she replied cautiously.

“Then—” he leaned forward, “when you mentioned the demon tribes harming female immortals while impersonating the Divine Clan… was the fallen one from the Seventh Heavenly Layer… Ming Ye?”

She blinked, surprised he’d guessed correctly. “Yes, it was Ming Ye.”

“I knew it!” The Ninth Heavenly Emperor erupted, scowling. “That vile creature! Ugly in face and character, rumored to mistreat female immortals—how dare he taint the Seventh Heavenly Layer! Trash!”

He ranted for a while before suddenly switching to a hopeful tone. “If Ming Ye was a demon… then has Heavenly Emperor Hong Fei been under his threat all these years?”

“She—”

“Of course!” He barreled on, eyes blazing. “Someone as proud and unyielding as Hong Fei would never lower herself to that filth! Those rumors about her pledging herself to him must’ve been coerced!”

“Actually—”

“Demons have no shame!” he spat, then turned to her eagerly. “So the rumors about her being devoted to Ming Ye, even wanting to become partners… all lies, right?”

“…”

“Absolute lies!” He grinned wildly. “Hong Fei never liked him—not even slightly! You agree, don’t you, Friend You?”

“…”

“Absolutely!”

“…”

“And her rejecting all those celestial lords’ advances—that was because of this too, yes?”

"……"

"Hmm, there’s no doubt about it!"

"……" Why ask her when you’ve already decided everything yourself?

"And also…"

"Ninth Heavenly Emperor!" You You finally interrupted his monologue, demanding sternly, "What’s your actual reason for coming here today?"

The Ninth Heavenly Emperor froze as if struck by a memory, his posture stiffening. After a long pause, he lowered his head slightly, eyes darting nervously. His previously smooth speech fractured into stammers. "I… I… well… since Hong Fei addresses you as sect master… that makes you her elder, right?"

"I… suppose?" You You eyed his sudden unease. "Does this relate to your sudden visit from the lower realm and your so-called urgent matter?"

The Ninth Heavenly Emperor glanced at Huan Yan, then back at her. With sudden resolve, he dropped to his knees with a loud thud and bowed deeply. "Senior You You, I’ve admired Celestial Hong Fei for ten thousand years. From our first meeting, I vowed to wed none but her. I beg your permission to propose to her!"

You You: "……"

Huan Yan: "……"

What nonsense was this?

"You rushed here for… this?" You You’s cheek twitched. Was he joking?

"Senior!" The Ninth Heavenly Emperor pleaded urgently. "This is my life’s greatest matter! I swear my feelings are genuine. I abandoned hope upon hearing she’d partner with Ming Ye, but now that I know she was coerced, I can’t stay silent!"

"That’s not the point!" You You massaged her temples. "Why bring this to me? I run an immortal sect, not a matchmaking service!"

"You’re her sect master and elder." He pressed on solemnly. "Marriage requires elder approval. If you consent, I’ll pledge myself as your vassal and offer the entire Ninth Heavenly Layer as dowry to help you conquer the Immortal Realm!"

"Huh?!"

Who said anything about conquest?

"I never mentioned unifying the Immortal Realm!" Denial sharpened her tone.

"But…" Bewilderment flashed across his face. "Five of the six Heavenly Emperors already serve you. Adding me would complete the set!"

"……"

"If distrust remains," he added desperately, "I’ll marry into the Seventh Heavenly Layer instead! I care only for Hong Fei’s consent."

Huan Yan chimed in: "Grandpa, this makes sense!"

"……"

Sense? Sense your head!