Beneath the bridge, clouds drifted like flowing water—endless, empty, and vast. In the far distance stood a majestic palace, its gates tightly shut, the air around it somber and still. Two women walked one behind the other, slowly approaching the head of the bridge, where they came to a halt.
Mei Xian gazed at the palace gates. “Could that be the palace of the ruler of the Middle Heavens?”
Lu Yao smiled gently and nodded. “Ten thousand years of silence. Ever since he was demoted, it’s remained unoccupied.”
Mei Xian withdrew her gaze and returned to a posture of appropriate reverence. “Fortunately, the Divine Lord’s ascension draws near. When that day comes, the palace will surely regain its glory. I’ve learned much today—my thanks to you, Celestial Lady.”
Lu Yao laughed and took her hand. “There’s no need for such formality. Come, let’s go take a closer look.”
Mei Xian lowered her head and declined. “I appreciate your kind intention, but it’s getting late. There are still matters to attend to back at the Huachao Palace. With the Divine Lord’s tribulation approaching, he has entrusted the palace affairs to me. I must not allow mistakes or distractions. It’s better I return now.”
“Very well. Another day, then.” Lu Yao didn’t press her and released her hand. Casually, she remarked, “My brother and I have both been outside the palace recently. I heard Xing Xing is to be grounded for a year.”
Mei Xian replied, “She delayed the seasonal bloom. The Divine Lord ordered her to reflect on her mistakes within the Water Moon Mirror.”
[Note: The Water Moon Mirror is a magical artifact often used for introspection, reflection, or confinement.]
Lu Yao sighed. “Xing Xing once asked someone to plead with me, but this wasn’t a trivial matter. You know how he is—he never plays favorites with you girls. If I intervened, I’d only put him in a difficult position. So I didn’t speak on her behalf. I owe her an apology.”
[In truth, she feared that personally pleading might raise suspicion. That foolish girl—good for nothing but making trouble—was of no use even if kept close.]
Mei Xian said, “The Celestial Lady has always been reasonable. One day, Xing Xing will understand.”
“You’re right,” Lu Yao smiled again, turning her gaze back to the sealed palace doors with a meaningful look. “Since he left, no one has taken up residence in the palace of the ruler of the Middle Heavens. Do you know what the Emperor intends?”
Mei Xian thought for a moment. “I imagine he hopes the Divine Lord will return to his rightful place soon.”
Lu Yao nodded. “Being too entangled with the mortal world does him no good in his advancement. I worry about that.”
Mei Xian was silent for a long time before responding, “You worry too much, Celestial Lady. The Divine Lord would never lose sight of what matters.”
“I hope so,” Lu Yao said. “But nothing in this world is truly certain. If something were to go wrong… you know what’s at stake.”
Mei Xian asked cautiously, “What do you mean, Celestial Lady?”
Lu Yao spoke plainly, “That girl has completely vanished these days. I have no idea where she’s gone.”
Mei Xian froze for a moment, then slowly shook her head. Her voice calm: “After she caused your brother’s severe injury last time, I no longer dared to get involved. I assume the Divine Lord has made other arrangements.”
Seeing no trace of deceit in her expression, Lu Yao softened and offered comfort. “What happened with A-Jiu was ultimately my fault. If I hadn’t accidentally mentioned the seal, Xing Xing wouldn’t have acted so recklessly, urging you to break it. What’s done is done—you need not blame yourself.”
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