Meeting Again

"Master, are you planning to send Blue Snow Clear Brew again for the Celestial Master's birthday?" Yun Qingyi asked while grinding ink on the side.

"What's wrong with that?" Li Luoning, sensing the implication in Yun Qingyi's words, continued writing a prescription as he spoke.

"Master, you've always sent Blue Snow Clear Brew in the past, which was fine. But when Xingzhe went missing, the Celestial Master issued a pass without much question. Shouldn't you express some gratitude? Moreover..." Yun Qingyi paused abruptly.

"Moreover what?" Seeing Yun Qingyi hesitate, Li Luoning put down his brush and looked at him.

"Moreover, the stock of Blue Snow Clear Brew you saved up for this year is gone," Yun Qingyi admitted somewhat sheepishly.

"Gone?" Li Luoning's brows furrowed slightly.

He rarely drank, so how could the Blue Snow Clear Brew be gone? But seeing Yun Qingyi's embarrassed expression, he guessed what had probably happened. It was likely that Mi Xingzhe, that little rascal, had taken it to enjoy with Yue Ruling when he wasn't looking.

Li Luoning sighed, shaking his head resignedly, and did not pursue the matter further.

"I understand. Give me some time to think."

Days later, as the Celestial Master's birthday approached, various immortals dressed grandly began arriving at the Celestial Master's hall, taking their seats in order of civil and military ranks.

Li Luoning, accompanied by Yun Qingyi, walked slowly towards the gate of the Jade Pure Palace. They heard Yue Ruling calling from behind and stopped to turn around.

"Xiao Yi Immortal Master, Brother Qingyi," Yue Ruling approached and bowed, with Li Luoning and Yun Qingyi returning the gesture. Yue looked around but didn't see Mi Xingzhe.

"Brother Qingyi, isn't the junior brother coming with you?" Yue Ruling asked, a hint of disappointment in her eyes since she hadn't seen Mi Xingzhe since returning from their mortal trials.

"Xingzhe is feeling unwell today, so I asked him to stay at Mirror Cloud Residence. If you wish to see him, you can visit him later," Li Luoning responded with a smile.

"Ruling, where is your master?" Yun Qingyi asked upon noticing that Yue Ruling had come alone.

"He's in seclusion. Ever since we returned from our mortal trials, he's been secluded and hasn't come out yet," Yue Ruling replied with a pout.

Hearing Yue Ruling's response, Li Luoning and Yun Qingyi exchanged a look, their eyes conveying a mutual understanding, though they chose not to voice it.

As they were talking, a familiar voice came from not too far away.

"Coming here for the delicacies and not even inviting me, your master?" SiTu Fanzhi approached jokingly, greeting Li Luoning and Yun Qingyi.

"Master, why didn't you tell me when you ended your seclusion?" Seeing SiTu Fanzhi, Yue Ruling's previously disappointed face brightened up, as she ran to his side, grabbing his arm and acting coquettishly.

"Such disrespect," SiTu Fanzhi said affectionately, turning to add, "On the Celestial Master's birthday, even if I were busy, how could I not attend?"

"Master, why did you seclude yourself right after returning from the mortal realm? Were you injured? I heard from O Shinan that..." Yue Ruling began to ask.

"Ruling, we should head in; we don't want to be late," Yun Qingyi suddenly changed the subject.

"Oh, right, let's hurry then," Yue Ruling realized, snapping back to the present.

SiTu Fanzhi nodded appreciatively at Yun Qingyi, who responded with a slight nod and said no more.

Inside the Celestial Master's hall, the atmosphere was festive. SiTu Fanzhi sat on the throne, smiling as he sipped his drink, enjoying the performances below. The civil and military officials on either side also partook in the merriment, toasting and chatting joyously.

At one point, a voice announced: "Medicine King presents a longevity pill. SiTu Fanzhi offers a spirit-protecting bow. Xiao Yi Immortal Master offers a golden beast cup."

"Hmm? Immortal Master Xiao Yi, why is your gift different this year? I have long been looking forward to your home-brewed Blue Snow Clear Brew," SiTu Fanzhi asked with a smile.

"If the Celestial Master likes, I will provide some Blue Snow Clear Brew later. However, this golden beast cup, symbolizing 'endless longevity,' I thought was the most appropriate gift for the Celestial Master's birthday," Li Luoning replied.

"What makes this golden beast cup so special compared to the Blue Snow Clear Brew of previous years

?" SiTu Fanzhi, intrigued by the change, asked.

"Esteemed Celestial Master, this cup can discern the essence of any substance poured into it, changing color accordingly," Li Luoning stood up and explained.

"Oh? That does sound intriguing. Immortal Master Xiao Yi, could you demonstrate this for us?" SiTu Fanzhi requested.

Li Luoning nodded and signaled Yun Qingyi to bring the golden beast cup. He then poured a cup of wine into it, and soon, the cup shone with a brilliant light.

"Gleaming with color, like the finest spring water," Li Luoning announced, holding up the golden beast cup.

"Indeed, a wonderful treasure. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Immortal Master Xiao Yi," SiTu Fanzhi praised after seeing the demonstration.

Meanwhile, at Mirror Cloud Residence, Mi Xingzhe felt somewhat bored, idly playing with Bingo in the courtyard, his mind replaying vague memories of his recent time in The Flatland. Suddenly realizing something, he perked up.

"Today is the Celestial Master's birthday, and Master and senior brother probably won't return until late. And with nearly every notable immortal attending the celebration, that means I'm..." Mi Xingzhe muttered to himself, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"But senior brother mentioned that The Flatland and The Liao Yin Immortal Realm are separated by a barrier, and I don't have The Empty Flower Token. Oh well, I might as well try; maybe some kind-hearted celestial soldier will let me out." After pondering for a moment, Mi Xingzhe decided to give it a try and left Mirror Cloud Residence.

Just as Mi Xingzhe stepped out, a figure emerged from the shadows behind him. "Heh, as expected."

Soon, Mi Xingzhe arrived at the intersection of The Flatland and the ice bamboo forest.

"This should be the right place," Mi Xingzhe muttered, unsure but seeing the environment was quite different from the ice bamboo forest, he felt fairly certain.

He cautiously reached out, feeling an almost imperceptible barrier.

"There's no patrol around, and I can't even borrow a quick pass," Mi Xingzhe looked around, talking to himself.

The figure that had followed him from Mirror Cloud Residence to here saw Mi Xingzhe standing there and murmuring to himself, smiled mischievously, then flicked a finger, sending a burst of energy at Mi Xingzhe's knees, causing him to stumble and fall.

"Ah, who's there!" Mi Xingzhe exclaimed as he fell, angrily looking around for the culprit.

The only response was the silence of the bamboo forest behind him. At that moment, a bird flew effortlessly through the barrier between the ice bamboo forest and The Flatland, and Mi Xingzhe realized that his stumble had caused him to fall through the barrier.

"Why can birds easily pass through the barrier, but senior brother said..." Mi Xingzhe puzzled, then remembered what Yun Qingyi had mentioned that anyone from The Liao Yin Immortal Realm must have The Empty Flower Token to pass through.

"The Empty Flower Token... maybe it's not the barrier that stops people, but the Empty Flower Token of The Liao Yin Immortal Realm that prevents entry. Today, master took my Empty Flower Token, inadvertently allowing me to pass through the barrier easily," Mi Xingzhe realized.

"That means as long as I don't tell master and senior brother this secret, I can freely pass through the barriers of The Liao Yin Immortal Realm," Mi Xingzhe thought to himself, pleased with his discovery. He stood up, dusted himself off, and walked towards The Flatland.

"Of course, I never imagined The Flatland would have so many interesting and novel things. Miss Ruoying, how come you're so familiar with this place? Do you often come here to play? Next time, you must bring me along again," Mi Xingzhe said with a smile.

"Sure, I promise next time," Hua Ruoying agreed.

"It's getting late, I better hurry back. The birthday banquet is probably ending soon, and it would be bad if they caught me sneaking out," Mi Xingzhe mentioned.

"You go ahead, sir. I still have some things to take care of," Hua Ruoying excused herself.

"Well, okay then," although Mi Xingzhe was reluctant to leave, he looked at the time and felt it necessary to go back.

"Alright, I'll find you again next time," Hua Ruoying reassured.

"Then, I'll be off," Mi Xingzhe still lingered a moment longer, but he knew he had to leave or he would definitely be discovered.

"Right, sir, take this with you," Hua Ruoying handed Mi Xingzhe a thumb-sized puppet.

"What's this? It's so exquisite, did you make this?" Mi Xingzhe marveled as he accepted the puppet.

"Consider it a token of our meeting. Next time I come to The Flatland, I'll definitely call on you to join me," Hua Ruoying proposed.

"Agreed," Mi Xingzhe happily accepted the gift and bid farewell to Hua Ruoying.

Not far away, a figure watched the three parting.

"You're not seizing the opportunity given to you," the figure murmured coldly, observing the scene.

Seeing Mi Xingzhe nearly gone, Hua Ruoying's expression instantly changed. She waved her hands in the air to form seals, flicking her fingers, a puppet shadow shimmering with an orange glow in her palm, which flickered simultaneously with the puppet in Mi Xingzhe's pocket.

After she absorbed the shadow back into her hands, Hua Ruoying, along with Qingping, turned to leave when a voice floated over.

"Isn't it time you returned what you promised?" Nan Zhe, dressed in black, descended slowly from above.

Upon seeing Nan Zhe, Qingping instinctively hid behind Hua Ruoying, fearful of the cold mask in front of them.

"Nan Zhe, you have quite the memory," Hua Ruoying appeared unsurprised by his arrival, signaling Qingping to hand something over.

Qingping passed a brocaded pouch and quickly hid back behind Hua Ruoying. Hua tossed the pouch to the figure in front of her.

"Here are your strings, we're even now," Hua Ruoying said coldly.

Nan Zhe weighed the pouch in his hand without looking inside, his deep eyes curved in a smirk, clearly not planning to let the matter rest.

"Miss, you are indeed a woman of your word. But these few strings to compensate for that creature's life, you've gotten quite the bargain," Nan Zhe stated brazenly.

"A gentleman's word is his bond. We have found the strings, what more do you want?" Hua Ruoying grew tense hearing his response.

"I, Nan Zhe, have never claimed to be a gentleman, and besides, Zixuan Yingqing is a treasure of immense value. You must know its worth, don't you? How about this: make a new deal with me, agree to three tasks, and we will let bygones be bygones," Nan Zhe's voice was calm as he played with the pouch in his hand.

"You! Fine, three tasks. After that, we owe each other nothing, and you must never bother Qingping again," Hua Ruoying answered, trying to maintain her composure.

"Qingping? It's only been a few days and even that creature has a name?" Nan Zhe's tone was mocking as his gaze darkly swept over Qingping hiding behind Hua Ruoying.

"That's none of your concern, just state your terms," Hua Ruoying responded.

"I haven't decided yet. When I do, I will come to find you," Nan Zhe did not continue the discussion further and, flicking his sleeve, flew away, leaving his words echoing in the air.

"He really is relentless," Hua Ruoying complained once Nan Zhe had disappeared.

Walking through the ice bamboo forest, Mi Xingzhe felt nervous. The darkness of the forest at night was indeed frightening.

"It's so dark, I hope I don't get lost," Mi Xingzhe worried.

Unaware to him, a figure was watching every move he made from a high vantage point.

"Hmph, did you really think I'd let you

 go back so easily?" The figure on the tree snorted softly and threw a charm directly at Mi Xingzhe.

The silence of the ice bamboo forest made the thrown charm easy for Mi Xingzhe to detect. He dodged swiftly.

"Who's there?" Having grown in his abilities, Mi Xingzhe called out assertively into the night.

No response came, just another attack. As Mi Xingzhe crossed his arms to block, the purple magic exploded suddenly. The tremendous impact flung him back, knocking him to the ground unconscious.

Seeing Mi Xingzhe lying unconscious, the figure descended gracefully from the tree and approached.

"Heh, such a fragile waste," the figure remarked disdainfully.

Meanwhile, Hua Ruoying and Qingping were on their way back to Fanli Valley,

"I knew he wouldn't just let it go," Hua Ruoying said angrily, feeling manipulated by Nan Zhe.

"Ruoying sister, could he kill me?" Qingping asked timidly.

"He won't. If he really wanted your life, he wouldn't have let me save you that day. Nan Zhe must have other motives," Hua Ruoying reassured her, then added thoughtfully.

"What could his motives be? I heard when I was in The Flatland that Nan Zhe drinks demon blood, uses human bones for his bed, and concocts medicines with skulls. His residence in The Flatland is said to be built from the bones of millions of demons. Any demon that displeases him doesn't die a comfortable death; he doesn't even spare their souls, making him a real-life King of Hell of The Flatland," Qingping relayed shakily.

"Really? If he were that powerful, wouldn't he have dominated all three realms by now? Why would he stay in a godforsaken place like The Flatland? It's probably an exaggeration. I can't beat him, but that doesn't mean he's that formidable," Hua Ruoying was skeptical of Qingping's words.

"It's true, Ruoying sister. They say he..." Qingping tried earnestly to convince her, but Hua Ruoying cut her off.

As they continued on their way back, they spotted a person lying ahead on the road.

Hua Ruoying pulled Qingping, who was walking backwards facing her, to turn around by looking at him meaningfully. Qingping got the message, turned around, and upon seeing a person lying on the ground, moved to check but was stopped by Hua Ruoying.

"Hold on," Hua Ruoying cautioned, pulling Qingping aside to hide in the bushes to observe their surroundings. After ensuring no one was around, she pulled out a spherical object and threw it forward.

"Ruoying sister, what is that?"

"I've heard that creatures in The Flatland often cause trouble at night. We can't be sure if the shadow is human or demon. What I just threw can detect any movement around the corpse. If there's a demon playing dead, it'll react," Hua Ruoying explained while keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

Seeing no reaction from the thrown object, Hua Ruoying and Qingping felt reassured and stepped out of the bushes to check.

Qingping poked the person on the ground with a long branch. Seeing no response, Hua Ruoying approached and turned the person over.

Seeing the face of the person on the ground, Hua Ruoying exclaimed in surprise.