Chapter Forty-Four: The Hall of Lofty Skies

After the Seven Fairies departed, Yuan Wujie also took his leave.

As Yuan Wujie soared through the sky, his mind was occupied with thoughts of rewards.
"A reward, really? Is this Master’s intention?"

By chance, Yuan Wujie encountered the Lord of the Lunar Star on his way.
"Wujie, how are you? Are you feeling better?" The Lord’s voice called out ahead of him.
"Elder Lunar, Master has already treated my injuries. I am much improved now." Facing the Lord of the Lunar Star, Yuan Wujie replied with warmth.

While Xiao Yu was tending to Yuan Wujie's wounds, the Holy Mother of Golden Spirit had sent instructions to the Nine Radiant Star Lords, directing them to petition the Jade Emperor for a reward on Yuan Wujie’s behalf. Yuan Wujie, having suffered grievous wounds in his defense of the mortal realm, was deemed worthy of honor.

Thus, the Nine Radiant Star Lords naturally believed Yuan Wujie had battled the monstrous demon to protect innocent mortals, incurring karmic retribution that originally belonged to the demon—transferred to Yuan Wujie through some arcane means.

"Would you care to join me for a visit? My sworn sister is a peerless beauty, and you really ought to meet her," said the Lord of the Lunar Star, his expression conveying a meaning only men would understand.
"No, no need."

Having just returned, the thought of going back unsettled Yuan Wujie slightly.
"True enough, your wounds have only just healed. You should go back and spend time with Xiao Yu—she’s missed you dearly these days."

Believing Yuan Wujie intended to visit Xiao Yu, the Lord of the Lunar Star spoke of tomorrow’s ceremony and then departed.

"It seems the reward is indeed coming tomorrow."

Yuan Wujie pondered, then instead of returning to Xiao Yu’s palace, flew straight toward the Palace of the Mother of Stars.
"Master, your disciple has a question."

No one in the Star Division failed to recognize Yuan Wujie; his transformation was surprising, yet none dared obstruct him as he entered the palace.
"You wish to ask about tomorrow?"
"On my way back, I met the Lord of the Lunar Star. I wanted to inquire about your intentions, Master."

Curious about the reason for his impending reward, Yuan Wujie sought answers.
"I instructed the Nine Radiant Star Lords to handle this. You have a shrine among mortals, but only the Jade Emperor’s personal decree will grant you recognition from the Heavenly Dao, allowing you to receive the power of incense offerings."

The Holy Mother of Golden Spirit explained, and Yuan Wujie recalled he had a statue among the people.
"No wonder incense never accumulated for me on earth—I lacked the Heavenly Dao’s approval, not simply because the amount was too small," he mused inwardly.

"The power of incense is very peculiar—extraordinary things often happen because of it. Go rest for now. Tomorrow the Nine Radiant Star Lords will escort you to the ceremony."
"Yes, your disciple takes his leave."

Rather than returning to his own palace, he flew directly to Xiao Yu’s.

Xiao Yu had composed herself anew, restored to her usual aloof demeanor.
Cool and distant in public, such airs had no effect before Yuan Wujie.
"Xiao Yu, my lady, I’ve returned!"

Yuan Wujie barged in boisterously, sweeping Xiao Yu into his arms.
"Why are you back so soon?"

She tried to break free, but after several attempts, simply let Yuan Wujie hold her—after all, she now belonged to him.
"The Jade Emperor is appointing me as an official tomorrow."
"That’s wonderful—not like my... Fox Hill."

Fox Hill had become a desolate wasteland; Xiao Yu already knew the cause from the Holy Mother of Golden Spirit. She sometimes feared she too might fall victim to the sect’s hands.

Now that Yuan Wujie had a legitimate status, her greatest freedom lay within the Star Division; her only glimpses of the wider world came when accompanying the Holy Mother on visits.

"In time, I’ll have a grand mansion, and you’ll be its mistress."

Yuan Wujie was aware of the Fox Hill calamity; Xiao Yu was now his, and he would never let others harm her.
"Mm." Sometimes a simple response outweighs a thousand words.

In the quiet night, small, extraordinary events often occurred.
"Sixth Sister, please don’t make things difficult for him tomorrow, will you?" The young fairy pleaded with the blue-robed fairy.
"What’s there to worry about?" Whenever they argued, the young fairy always came off worse.
"But I don’t want him to lose what he deserves because of our quarrel. Uncle Tai Bai said such chances are rare for him."
"Then marry him, and his chance will be restored," the blue-robed fairy retorted, clearly intent on making Yuan Wujie suffer tomorrow.

A night passed in the Heavenly Court; half a year passed in the mortal world.

Today, the Nine Radiant Star Lords escorted Yuan Wujie to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Yuan Wujie had prepared early, eager to meet the legendary Jade Emperor.

"Elder brother, do you think the bloody scent from the right side of Wujie’s body will cause trouble?" The Earth Lord couldn’t help but ask the Solar Star Lord.
"It’s nothing. With Her Highness’s backing, do you think the Jade Emperor would offend her over such a trivial matter?" The Solar Star Lord reassured them and led Yuan Wujie toward the hall.

"Solar Star Lord, how many great deities do you think will be present in the Hall of Supreme Harmony?"

It was Yuan Wujie’s first time there, so he asked about the situation.
"Probably not many great deities—mostly ordinary immortals and some who ascended from the lower realms."
"The great deities don’t obey the Jade Emperor?"
"He can hardly command them. When has Her Highness ever paid him heed? That’s how things have always been in the Heavenly Court."

From the irreverence in the Nine Radiant Star Lords’ mention of the Jade Emperor, it was clear how precarious his status was. Among immortals who ascended from mortals, the Jade Emperor’s position was unattainable; but to the sects and great deities, he was almost dispensable.

They arrived at the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Though the Jade Emperor’s authority seemed tenuous, the ceremonial procedures had to be observed.
"The Nine Radiant Star Lords have brought Yuan Wujie to receive his appointment."
"If so, please enter."

The gate-guards saw the Nine Radiant Star Lords leading and allowed them through without hesitation. These guards, who had spent untold years cultivating for their position, dared not offend anyone.

Even sensing something odd about Yuan Wujie, they did not dare obstruct him further.
"Jade Emperor, the Nine Radiant Star Lords bring Yuan Wujie to be conferred an official post."

Atop the hall sat an immense figure, and beside him, an old man with white hair, brows, and beard, spoke to the giant.
"Mm."

The immense figure was, without doubt, the Jade Emperor. The old man at his side was his confidant, Elder Tai Bai Venus.