"Good zither, good tune!"

Fu Xi greatly applauded, unable to part with the seven-stringed zither.

Yu Yuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty flatters me; I simply play for fun. When it comes to musical skills, I am not worthy to be compared with you."

Fu Xi laughed heartily, evidently very pleased.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Fu Xi personally stored away the seven-stringed zither.

Clearly, he was particularly fond of this zither.

Nuwa, seated at the top guest seat, saw this and glanced at Yu Yuan thoughtfully.

After a moment, she stood up, said a few words to Fu Xi, and then went towards the back garden.

Maid Green Bird hurriedly followed.

Meanwhile, another maid, Cai Feng Fairy, approached Yu Yuan, bowed deeply, and said earnestly, "Vice Sect Hierarch Yu Yuan, the Goddess summoned you to visit her."

Princess Long Ji, standing nearby, immediately looked surprised at Yu Yuan and then turned to Cai Feng Fairy curiously, asking: "What does the Goddess want with Yu Yuan Immortal?"

Cai Feng Fairy cast a brief glance at Princess Long Ji and then looked away, showing no intention of explaining.

As a trusted maid by the side of the Saint, and virtually equivalent to a direct disciple, she naturally did not concern herself with the Heavenly Court Princess.

Yu Yuan was not surprised by her arrival; looking at Long Ji, he said calmly, "Wait here, I'll return shortly."

Having said this, he rose and followed Cai Feng Fairy out of the hall.

The two walked along a secluded path to the back garden, where Yu Yuan saw a delicately elegant treasure hall, blended naturally and harmoniously with the surrounding flora.

Yu Yuan had stayed many days in the Heavenly Emperor Hall and never remembered seeing such a hall in the garden.

Clearly, this must be Nuwa's doing.

He didn't give it too much regard and followed Cai Feng Fairy to the front of the treasure hall.

At that moment, a uniquely stunning young maiden emerged from inside; it was another maid of Nuwa, Green Bird.

"Vice Sect Hierarch Yu Yuan," bowed Green Bird, then gestured with her hand invitingly, "The Goddess requests your presence inside."

"Thank you both fairies for guiding me."

Yu Yuan thanked them, tidied his robe at the entrance, and then opened the door and entered the hall.

The interior was unlike the grandeur he imagined.

Instead, the hall was simply furnished, only a couple of desks and cushions.

A small green lamp flickered dimly, casting light upon the figure of the Heavenly Dao Merit Saint who sat behind a desk.

She wore a gorgeous, intricately embroidered robe, her complexion fairer than frost and snow, her eyes and brows like autumn waters, lips like red pearls, and hair cascading like a waterfall, her demeanor graceful and refined.

Yu Yuan bowed respectfully and said, "I am Yu Yuan, the One Qi Immortal of Jie Sect, paying my respects to the Goddess."

"It seems that 'Jie Sect One Qi Immortal' is false, while 'Outer Heaven Demon' is true, right?" Nuwa's voice was indifferent, but her gaze began turning cold, "What exactly is your purpose in approaching my brother intentionally?"

"Noble Goddess, you misunderstand," Yu Yuan replied with an innocent look, "I am certainly not an Outer Heaven Demon!"

"If you are not an Outer Heaven Demon, then why would the Taoist Ancestor decree your execution?" Nuwa asked sternly.

"This…" Yu Yuan replied bitterly, "Not only do I not understand why this is happening, even my great master, the Upper Pure Saint, has no idea.

Thus, my master went to search for Zixiao Palace in the Outer Heaven Chaos.

I wish to clarify this matter too.

Hearing of Lord Fu Xi's upcoming birthday, I came to Fire Cloud Palace to offer birthday felicitations, also thinking if I could meet you, Goddess, to understand the underlying reasons."

"My brother is upright and kind-hearted; even if he knew you were using him, he would not care," Nuwa's voice grew increasingly cold as she fixed her gaze on Yu Yuan, "But I mind it very much!"

Yu Yuan understood he had touched the Saint's taboo.

Just as The Three Pure Ones before attaining Sainthood acted unanimously and harmoniously with each other, Fu Xi and Nuwa too cultivated together for countless ages.

However, unlike the Three Pure Ones who gradually distanced due to differing Daoist philosophies, Fu Xi and Nuwa's relationship was always close.

Even after Fu Xi's divine demise and reincarnation into the Human Race, Nuwa, who had attained Sainthood, still revered him as before and helped him recall his past life memories.

With her temperament, how could she tolerate such behavior from Yu Yuan using Fu Xi?

With this thought, Yu Yuan quickly explained, "Goddess, you misunderstand; when I first arrived at Fire Cloud Palace, I clarified everything with Lord Fu Xi, with absolutely no intention of using him!"

"Oh?" Nuwa raised an eyebrow slightly, staring into his eyes, she asked, "Is everything you just said true?"

"It is indeed true," Yu Yuan nodded earnestly, "I have no intention of deceiving the Saint!"

Nuwa looked at him and her expression gradually softened, "It seems my brother indeed wishes to help you. Since he believes you are not an Outer Heaven Demon, then I will also trust you this time."

After a brief contemplation, she flicked a glint of spiritual light.

The spiritual light fell on Yu Yuan's head and then sank into his Primordial Spirit.

Contained within the light was the sequence of events, clearly playing out in Yu Yuan's mind.

Yu Yuan's expression changed slightly as he exclaimed in a lost voice, "So Her Majesty has never met the Taoist Ancestor?"

Nuwa's gaze cooled slightly as she looked at him and asked, "What are you trying to say?"

"I was thinking…"

Considering the gravity of the situation, Yu Yuan cautiously weighed his words. "Is it possible… I must state beforehand that what I am about to say is just a speculation, not targeting anyone…"

Nuwa's elegant eyebrows knitted slightly, her impatience evident as she said, "Speak your mind!"

Yu Yuan nodded and straightforwardly voiced his speculation, "Is it possible that the one who had Her Majesty relay the decree was not the Taoist Ancestor?"

"That is absolutely impossible!"

Nuwa retorted coldly, "With the Creation Jade Disc as proof, who else could it be if not my mentor?"

"But why wouldn't the Taoist Ancestor directly issue the decree to my mentors? Why trouble Her Majesty to convey this decree?" Yu Yuan asked curiously, "Moreover, if it were truly the Taoist Ancestor, why would there be a need to use the Creation Jade Disc as proof?"

At those words, Nuwa's slender eyebrows shot up instantly, "Speak nonsense again, and don't blame me for executing you on the spot!"

"…"

Inwardly, Yu Yuan curled his lip. Hadn't he already mentioned it was just a speculation? Why the agitation?

However, under the awe of Nuwa's saintly authority, Yu Yuan dared not act recklessly and stood silently without budging or uttering another word.

He stole a glance at Nuwa, noticing the Saint's expression shifting unpredictably, as if pondering something.

Moments later, Nuwa spoke in a calm tone, "Do you have any more questions?"

Yu Yuan pondered for a moment then shook his head, bowing deeply to her, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I have no more questions."

Nuwa glanced at him, her tone indifferent, "You may ask."

"…"

From Nuwa's earlier reaction, Yu Yuan realized that his words must have triggered some thoughts in the Saint, but knowing little about Nuwa, he dared not probe further.

At that moment, he bowed respectfully, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I truly have no more questions. I have other matters to attend to, and if Your Majesty has no further instructions, I shall take my leave."

Nuwa looked deeply into his eyes, her thoughtful gaze making his scalp tingle.

Ultimately, however, Nuwa said nothing more and simply waved her hand placidly.

Yu Yuan did not linger, turning and leaving without hesitation.

He returned to the grand hall, thanking the Great God Fu Xi and taking his leave.

This encounter with Nuwa and the crucial information received were all thanks to the help of Great God Fu Xi.

Fu Xi waved his hand nonchalantly, smiling, "If you're free in the future, remember to come to Fire Cloud Palace and play chess or the zither with me."

"Definitely!"

Yu Yuan nodded solemnly, making a promise in his heart.

He knew that as one of the Three Saint Emperors of the Human Race, Great God Fu Xi was unable to leave Fire Cloud Cave.

Being confined to one place year-round was nearly akin to imprisonment!

Yu Yuan felt it necessary to visit often during his free time.

After all, his stay in Fire Cloud Palace had been very comfortable, almost like the carefree paradise of Peach Blossom Land.

After parting with Fu Xi, Yu Yuan walked straight out of the Heavenly Emperor Hall, heading swiftly towards the entrance of Grotto Heaven.

"Immortal, wait for me!"

A familiar voice called from behind.

Hesitating slightly, Yu Yuan then saw Long Ji riding a Green Bird flying up beside him, beaming, "Where is the Immortal heading? Need a ride?"

"Where is the Princess planning to go?" Yu Yuan asked with a smile.

Without hesitation, Long Ji laughed, "Wherever the Immortal goes, I shall follow."

Her slender eyes curved like bright crescents, her smile incredibly sweet.

Yu Yuan raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled.

Even though the red thread of fate between them had been cut, why didn't Long Ji seem affected at all?

Seeming to guess his thoughts, Long Ji giggled, "Chang'e once said that fate is decreed by heaven, but the final bond as companions is not determined by the red thread."

Curious, Yu Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Then what determines it?"

A sly glint flashed in Long Ji's eyes as she teased, "Guess!"

Yu Yuan: "…"

At that moment, on impulse, he pulled out the Bronze Treasure Mirror from his Ruyi Qiankun Bag.

The message was sent by Wen Zhong, a brief sentence.

Great Shang has already mobilized an army of 300,000, planning to besiege Linhuan Pass!

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