Chapter 10: Punishment in the Celestial Palace
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The Endless Dream of Water and Sky—The Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces.
Radiant light stretched across ten thousand miles, auspicious clouds floated ceaselessly, immortal cranes soared majestically through the heavens, and celestial towers and pavilions drifted in the sky, their eaves flying like wings.
The boundless brilliance illuminated the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces, revealing the divine might of the realm of gods—The Endless Dream of Water and Sky.
Gods from all directions occupied their respective immortal ranks, each of them noble and splendid, standing with grace within the palaces.
The Moon-Linked Supreme sat in the grand hall, radiant as the full moon, three thousand strands of black hair cascading over his shoulders, shining faintly with a subtle luster.
He was dressed in a silver-white robe, the Celestial Attire of the Moon Above, with a snowy white cloak draped over his shoulders.
On his head rested a silver moon crown adorned with luminous gemstones, a divine coronet for those who soar the heavens, with a celestial pearl inlaid at its center and streaming ribbons of clouds falling from either side.
His garments flowed like mist, his demeanor cool and ethereal, as if he were one with heaven and earth.
“All beings are restless, their suffering boundless. Recently, the remnants of the demon clan dared trespass upon the Endless Dream of Water and Sky, harming innocent spirits.”
“Divine Lord Fenglan, I command you to eradicate the demon remnants and investigate how the demon clan managed to enter the Endless Dream of Water and Sky.”
“Yes, your divine servant shall investigate at once,” replied Divine Lord Fenglan, bowing respectfully.
He rose, and outside the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces, faint murmurs echoed.
“Hurry up, don’t dawdle.”
Celestial Lady Shuangrao, imposing and dignified, strode forward, following the heavenly soldiers of the divine realm as they escorted Little Flower Yan into the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces.
“Shuangrao pays respects to the Supreme,” Celestial Lady Shuangrao offered a perfunctory bow.
“What matter disturbs the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces?” The Moon-Linked Supreme’s gestures exuded waves of celestial energy.
“Reporting to the Supreme, this little flower sprite trespassed into the Bright Moon Hall and may be connected to the demon clan,” Shuangrao replied, her lips curled with malice.
“Trespassing the Supreme’s chambers is a crime of overstepping one’s bounds. As for the demon clan, the matter is grave—speaking recklessly, you are responsible for the consequences.”
Beside them, Divine Lord Lanshu lounged against the jade couch below the Supreme’s dais, resting his chin in a jade hand, his expression indifferent, his smile vague and inscrutable.
He wore a grand coronet of golden Taihua, with feathered hairpins entwined at his temples.
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He was clad in a robe of White Zephyr, ethereal as mist, his bearing elegant yet tinged with an unruly spirit.
In his hand was a dazzling golden jade fan, radiating brilliance, his aura extending across the heavens.
Within the divine realm—The Endless Dream of Water and Sky—only the Moon-Linked Supreme and Divine Lord Lanshu stood as equals atop the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces.
Yet one presided from above, the other from below.
“I did not!” Accused by Shuangrao of collusion with the demon clan, Little Flower Yan knelt in the palace, tears brimming with grievance, loudly defending herself.
She had never met a demon, how could she be involved with them?
As for trespassing upon Bright Moon Hall, Divine Lord Lanshu was correct—she had indeed done so, and now felt uneasy, lacking confidence.
It was only to repay a debt of life, hoping to sever ties with the domineering immortal lord as soon as possible; otherwise, she would never have trespassed.
Divine Lord Fenglan, who had not yet departed, stood silently by, observing the unfolding events.
“Perhaps, as usual, it was one of those young immortals who adore the Supreme, sneaking into Bright Moon Hall to catch a glimpse of his grandeur,” mused Divine Lord Lanshu, his gaze seeming to pierce the thoughts of any present, a wave of his hand revealing all things in the world.
“Mm! That’s not it!” Little Flower Yan quickly shook her head, following Lanshu’s words.
At this, Shuangrao grew agitated. If she denied it, her slander of Little Flower Yan’s connection to the demon clan would become a serious crime.
Thus, she doubled down, clinging to hope of survival.
With a thud, Shuangrao fell to her knees, sincerely bowing before the Moon-Linked Supreme.
“I beg the Supreme to investigate!”
On the Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces, the immortals and gods gazed humbly at the Moon-Linked Supreme and Divine Lord Lanshu, as if beholding the sun and moon.
For a long while, none dared utter a word, fearing trouble might implicate themselves.
Divine Lord Fenglan, dressed in a robe of white and red feathers, with a phoenix song motif, an ornate golden collar, elegant and noble, walked with light steps, his handsome bearing apparent.
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His silvery hair reached his waist, half tied, half loose, with a long silver cloud crane hairpin adorning his hair.
At his temples, several strands were braided into small plaits, threaded through three golden hollowed lotus beads of violet and blue.
He offered Shuangrao a gentle smile, speaking up in defense of Little Flower Yan.
“It’s only a little flower sprite, Celestial Lady Shuangrao, you’re taking this too seriously.”
With that, his eyes were like autumn waters, proud lips pressed lightly together.
After all, his unruly young disciple Liuying often stole elixirs from the Treasure Pavilion to heal this little flower sprite’s soul and replenish her immortal root; he knew this, so he turned a blind eye.
Shuangrao, seeing Divine Lord Fenglan defend Little Flower Yan, seized the chance to frame him, wearing a wicked smile.
“I’ve heard that the Divine Lord and this little flower sprite are quite close. You often give her rare elixirs from Lanyi Palace and the Treasure Pavilion. Is it true?”
“Oh? Is that so? I know nothing of such matters. Celestial Lady Shuangrao, you serve daily in Bright Moon Hall attending to the Supreme. Perhaps you harbor feelings of admiration?”
“Divine Lord, what do you mean? How can you slander me?”
“Slander, you say? With no evidence, Celestial Lady Shuangrao, aren’t you accusing a little flower sprite of ties to the demon clan? Aren’t you slandering me for being involved with her?”
“I wouldn’t dare! I beg the Supreme to investigate!” Shuangrao protested, her voice hoarse with anger, looking up at the Moon-Linked Supreme with feigned innocence.
The Moon-Linked Supreme closed his eyes, listening to Shuangrao’s noisy accusations, his heart vexed, his face dark, regarding the kneeling Shuangrao with cold disdain.
“Enough. The Thirty-Three Celestial Palaces are not a place for a petty celestial lady to cause trouble. Right and wrong are clear to me; you need not worry. From today, Celestial Lady Shuangrao need not attend Bright Moon Hall. Take her to Daylight River for reflection.”
Divine Lord Lanshu rolled his eyes at Shuangrao, waved his jade hand, “Take her away!”
“Yes, Divine Lord.” The heavenly soldiers obeyed, immediately escorting Shuangrao out.