Accompanying the Phoenix

31: Visiting the Mortal Realms

Shen Li was called to the demon emperor's palace early the next morning.

Upon entering the meeting hall she saw the emperor seated in his usual spot. Mo Fang stood to his side while many other soldiers were lined up in the hall.

The demon emperor dismissed the soldiers with a wave of his hand and quickly got to the point after they left. "Last night Fu Rongjun ran to the mortal realm using the demon realm entrance."

Shen Li glanced in surprise at Mo Fang. He swiftly bowed his head and knelt on his knee.

"This is all my fault. I shall bear the full responsibility of bringing Fu Rongjun back. Once back I will accept whatever punishment is necessary."

"Why did he suddenly run away?" Shen Li asked. There was a distinct silence in the hall. "Did you beat him up?"

She wasn't serious about the question so was surprised when Mo Fang nodded.

"I was drunk last night." He rubbed at the space between his brows helplessly as though he had a headache. "I wasn't paying attention and... I kicked him... a few times."

Mo Fang hadn't changed out of the clothes he wore last night. The black steel boots he wore were specially made to handle harsh environments, they were incredibly tough and sturdy.

Shen Li thought about Fu Rongjun's baby soft, tender skin and realized the silly immortal must have really felt it. "So he was beat up a little." Shen Li continued disdainfully. "What is he? A baby? He was beat a little and he ran away? Who does he think he's threatening with this silly ploy? There's nothing in the mortal realm that can harm him. Just let him come back when he feels like it."

"That won't do." The emperor handed Shen Li a letter. "Because of an urgent matter, the heavenly emperor has decreed that Fu Rongjun must return to heaven in three days."

Shen Li thought of the letter from the bar maid a few days ago and her stomach did a somersault. She had asked Xing Zhi to send it to the heavenly emperor on her behalf, but he had been so unenthusiastic about it she thought it would take some time to see any results. Xing Zhi must have sent the letter right away. Not only that, he must have added something else to it. Why else would the heavenly emperor react so quickly?

Shen Li cast her eyes down. She wasn't sure what this feeling in her heart was.

"Fu Rongjun must be found within the next three days," repeated the emperor. "Fortunately we have time on our side. Time in the mortal world is faster so three days here is the equivalent to many years there."

Shen Li nodded. She looked at the remorseful Mo Fang then at the emperor and said, "So you want me to find him?"

"Your Majesty! This is my fault. Please don't involve Her Highness."

The demon emperor waved his hand at Mo Fang's outcry. "This delegation isn't just to bring Fu Rongjun back, but also to give the children time to get to know each other. Remember time proceeds faster in the mortal world. Li-er, do you understand?"

There was no way to avoid the marriage so of course she understood. She needed to consider his feelings more.

"I will get everything in order and set out immediately."

Mo Fang wanted to argue, but the emperor's words echoed in his ears. He felt like a fishbone was stuck in his throat. Although he wanted to say something, he couldn't.

"As for General Mo's punishment for offending a superior..."

"Don't punish him. I told him he could beat Fu Rongjun. If anyone is to blame it would be me. I shall accept punishment once I return with Fu Rongjun." Shen Li saluted, turned, and left the hall immediately after saying this.