Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 44: Shen Li's First Visit to the Heavens is Problematic

[Host: justreads.net]
[February 5, 2021]

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Nine days later.

The heavenly emperor was shaking his head and sighing profusely inside the heavenly palace when a slight knock sounded and an attendant whispered, "Your Majesty, High God Xing Zhi is here."

"Please come in." The emperor stood up to greet Xing Zhi, clasping his fists in a salute and bowing as he did so. "High God has been away for some time."

Xing Zhi smiled slightly then returned the greeting. "I could hear Your Majesty sighing even through the doors. What could have upset Your Majesty so much?"

The emperor smiled. "Heaven is safe and comfortable. The only issue of concern are the recent events in the lower realm, which we will of course keep an eye on."

The emperor led the way inside. He pointed to several jade pieces on a table. "No, I was sighing over a jade cup I saw the other day while visiting His Highness, Lord Yuan. I was so happy; to think I would find such a cup. I wanted to trade him for it, but alas, he was also quite fond of it and would not agree to my offer." The emperor heaved another sad sigh.

Xing Zhi smiled but did not say anything. Compared to the demon realm, the heavenly realm was an incredibly easy place to live.

"I don't care for many things; however I do love jade. But now I can't get the peice I want. It would be unbecoming of me as an emperor to take it from Lord Yuan. So regrettable; I truly am distressed."

"If Your Majesty can't get it, then it's only natural to let it go. It is not good for Your Majesty to obsess over an object." Xing Zhi intended to comfort the emperor, but upon hearing his own words spoken out loud, an uncontrollable smirk rose on his lips. It was a coolly self-deprecating smile. "It is out of your hands."

The emperor smiled and shook his head. "Living as long as I have, I've always reminded myself to keep a clear heart. But to encounter something like this, I find it difficult to rein in my emotions. What a hopeless situation."

Xing Zhi became distracted, lost in thought "Yes. Ruthlessly cutting away those feelings of attachment with an unwilling heart. Knowing you cannot have it, but still unable to let it go. The purer the emotion... the more difficult it is." Xing Zhi shook his head and his smile faded away. "Your Majesty's feelings, Xing Zhi understands."

The emperor looked at Xing Zhi. "This... what could High God have seen in the lower realm to understand so?" Xing Zhi's smile earlier made the emperor hurry on. "This can't be. If High God has these feelings, it will be the end of all three realms!"

"Your Majesty is overly worried."

The emperor was relieved to hear this. "Truly I did overthink it; needless to say the purity of ancient gods is incomparable to modern day immortals."

Xing Zhi smiled before changing the subject. "I came today to tell Your Majesty something."

The emperor's face became blue as he listened to Xing Zhi tell him about Fu Rongjun's behavior in the demon realm. He immediately ordered someone to bring his grandson over.

Xing Zhi knew he couldn't stay much longer so he said his farewell, but before he could leave the emperor called out, "The Hundred Flower Banquet is soon. If High God does not have anything pressing to do in the Heavens Beyond, why not stay in the Nine Heavens for a while?"

Xing Zhi thought about it for a moment then nodded before speaking, "Alright. It's been some time since I visited my old friends."

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