It was a clue—a black token engraved with a coiling snake.
A faint glow pulsed from its surface. Prince Long Hua had never seen anything like it.
Prince Long Hua said quietly, "Let's return."
Shuiton Shan bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."
They headed back.
Prince Long Hua went straight to Chief God Hei Ping.
"I found this," he said, placing the token before him. "I have never seen it before."
Chief God Hei Ping stiffened in shock. "Heavens…"
Prince Long Hua frowned. "What is it?"
Chief God Hei Ping composed himself. "Nothing you need to worry about. Go back now and send a message to Jade Emperor Donghua. I must meet him immediately. Also, travel to the Shuilu Kingdom—Princess Xiao Yufan has awakened."
Prince Long Hua nodded. "Understood."
He left swiftly.
Chief God Hei Ping then ordered, "Send a message to Emperor Xiao Yu Qing and Empress Xiao. I need to meet them at once. It concerns a grave matter."
"Yes, my lord," his attendant replied.
Meanwhile, Prince Long Hua had already sent the message to Jade Emperor Donghua.
"Let's go," he said, unable to hide a smile.
Shuiton Shan blinked. "Where to, Your Highness?"
"We're going to see Princess Xiao Yufan. She has finally awakened."
With a wave of his hand, the two of them teleported to the Shuilu Kingdom.
In the Shuilu Kingdom
The message from Chief God Hei Ping reached Emperor and Empress Xiao.
They quickly prepared themselves for the journey to the Heaven Realm.
(An unexpected fate was waiting for them.)
They informed their sons and daughters, then departed.
Prince Long Hua first visited Princess Meiling.
"Meiling, how have you been?" he asked kindly.
"I'm fine. But why are you here?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"I came to see you. Royal Father and Mother miss you dearly—they'll visit when they are free."
Princess Meiling smiled. "Alright. I'll wait. But don't pretend with me—you're here to see her. She's in the back garden."
Prince Long Hua couldn't hide his smile and walked away.
Princess Meiling watched him leave. My silly brother… he can't even admit he loves her.
Just then, Princess Lin Zhang approached.
Princess Lin Zhang asked softly, "How have you been?"
Prince Long Hua answered politely, "I'm well."
He turned to leave, but—
"Long Hua…" she called out.
Her voice trembled. "I have loved you since we were children. But you never look at me. You only care about her. Why?"
Prince Long Hua stopped.
"Zhang," he said gently, "you are a good friend to me. But I have never thought of you in that way. You know my heart belongs to Yufan. I'm sorry."
He left.
Princess Lin Zhang felt her heart shatter.
Tears streamed down her face.
Prince Long Hua finally reached the back garden and saw Princess Xiao Yufan.
"Hii… how have you been?" he asked softly.
She smiled. "I'm good. And you?"
"I'm well too. Shall we take a walk?"
"Okay."
They strolled together, talking and laughing the whole afternoon, as if time itself slowed for them.
Meanwhile, on the way to the Heaven Realm
Suddenly—
Empress Xiao clutched her stomach.
"Aaaaaa—AHHH—!" she cried out in pain.
To be continued.