“You’re wrongly accusing me. It’s this princess who starts trouble every time,” Fuhuan sighed. When would she ever have time to cause trouble for the Third Princess?

Lengyuan curved her lips into a smile. “I knew it. Huan’er never loses out.”

“Naturally,” Fuhuan raised an eyebrow and took a sip of water.

“By the way, there’s something I wanted to ask you about,” Lengyuan looked at Fuhuan, her expression becoming somewhat more serious.

Fuhuan looked at Lengyuan, waiting for her to continue.

“A few days ago, they say the Great Emperor of Purple Subtlety’s star formation showed changes, becoming faint and indistinct. But after a while, the formation returned to normal. Do you know anything about this?” Lengyuan asked.

Hearing Lengyuan ask about this matter, Fuhuan instinctively shook her head. “This… I don’t know about it.”

In the past, she would never have hidden anything from Lengyuan, but this matter was extraordinary, and she had to keep it buried in her heart, telling no one.

“So you don’t know either.” Lengyuan understood and sighed again. “They say that after that night, the Heavenly Emperor went to see the Great Emperor of Purple Subtlety the next day. Even the Great Emperor himself didn’t know why the star formation suddenly showed anomalies. Afterward, the matter was simply dropped.”

…

…

“But generally, people familiar with star formations know they don’t show anomalies without reason. So I’m worried that something might be about to happen.”

Fuhuan pressed her lips together, listening to Lengyuan’s words while thinking of an explanation in her heart. She truly didn’t want to deceive her sister, but given the gravity of the matter, the fewer people who knew, the better.

“But Purple Subtlety Father is fine now, and doesn’t seem like anything is wrong,” Fuhuan said.

“Yes, it’s good if nothing’s wrong. I just fear some abnormality might appear,” Lengyuan sighed.

After speaking, Lengyuan smiled again. “Well, let’s not talk about such mood-disturbing topics anymore. Let’s discuss something else.”

“Sure, we haven’t seen each other for several days. Does your sister have any interesting news to share with me?” Fuhuan held her teacup, smiling as she looked at Lengyuan.

“I don’t have any news, but I would like to discuss someone with you.” As Lengyuan spoke, a blush unconsciously appeared on her face.

Fuhuan raised an eyebrow. “Discuss who?”

“The Lord of the Underworld who appeared at the Heavenly Emperor’s birthday banquet that day.” When Lengyuan mentioned the words “Lord of the Underworld,” she bit her lip, her face showing some shyness.

Seeing Lengyuan with this lovestruck maiden appearance, Fuhuan felt somewhat troubled. “Sister, have you taken a fancy to that lord?”

“Huan’er, don’t talk nonsense!” Lengyuan immediately denied it, then added, “I just happened to meet the rumored new Lord of the Underworld that day and felt he was somewhat unusual.”

Unusual?

Hmm, indeed unusual, with his eyes positioned on the top of his head.

“This Lord of the Underworld doesn’t seem easy to get along with,” Fuhuan remarked, thinking silently that if Lengyuan liked such a man, she would certainly have a difficult time.

“I’m just casually mentioning him to you. Don’t keep misinterpreting my words.” Lengyuan’s face grew increasingly red. Just the thought of the Underworld Lord Siqing made her heart race uncontrollably.

However, as the elder sister, showing such feelings in front of Fuhuan wasn’t quite appropriate.

“Alright then,” Fuhuan saw that Lengyuan wouldn’t admit it, so she didn’t continue.

Just then, an immortal attendant came to report that the Heavenly Emperor had summoned Fuhuan.

Hearing that the Heavenly Emperor wanted to see her, Fuhuan didn’t dare delay. After bidding farewell to Lengyuan, she hurriedly left Cuiling Palace and went to the Heavenly Emperor’s palace.

…

Arriving at the Heavenly Emperor’s palace, Fuhuan discovered that besides herself, several elder immortal deities were also present.

After entering, Fuhuan bowed to the Heavenly Emperor and the elder immortal deities.

Once seated, she heard the Heavenly Emperor in the main seat speak slowly, “The Underworld has been quite active these past two days. That Siqing has kicked out two more of the Ten Yama Kings. In the short time since he took office, he has completely restructured the entire Underworld. I don’t know what he intends to do.”

“Perhaps this young Lord of the Underworld is full of youthful vigor and wants to reorganize the Underworld with his strength. After all, the previous Underworld had indeed become quite chaotic.”

“Yes, everything Siqing does is under the Heavenly Emperor’s watchful eye. There shouldn’t be any mishaps.”

Hearing these remarks, Fuhuan slightly furrowed her brow. Did the Heavenly Emperor’s words mean he already had significant objections to Siqing?

But why summon her here?

The Heavenly Emperor sighed. He naturally knew there was some truth in what the officials below were saying, but he was just worried. Although the Underworld was also under his domain, when the old Lord of the Underworld was there, he hadn’t felt any threat. But ever since he had followed Wuji Heavenly Venerable’s recommendation and made Siqing the Lord of the Underworld, he had constantly felt extremely anxious.

He feared that one day, after Siqing had taken complete control of the Underworld, he would oppose his Heavenly Realm…

“Huan’er,” the Heavenly Emperor suddenly called out, looking at Fuhuan.

Fuhuan stood up and bowed slightly to the Heavenly Emperor.

“You are still young, playful, and idle in your daily life, not understanding the rules of the Heavenly Realm. Since you have offended me today, why don’t I punish you by sending you to the Underworld to gain experience and learn the rules? How does that sound?” The Heavenly Emperor’s words were full of deeper meaning as he glanced at Fuhuan below.

Hearing this, Fuhuan was stunned for a moment but quickly understood.

The Heavenly Emperor intended to send her to the Underworld under the pretext of punishment for offending him. Ostensibly for training and punishment, but actually to monitor Siqing?

“Fuhuan obeys the command.” With the Heavenly Emperor having spoken, she dared not disobey.

“Good. Then have the Wuji Heavenly Venerable take you to the Underworld immediately. With him escorting you, Siqing will respect his face, and you won’t suffer hardships in the Underworld.”

After speaking, the Heavenly Emperor added, “Remember, report back immediately if there’s any sign of trouble.”

Fuhuan nodded and turned to leave.

After leaving the Heavenly Emperor’s palace, Fuhuan heaved a deep sigh.

How unfortunate she was! Who had she offended to be sent to the Underworld? That cold, dark place—she had no desire to go there at all.

Moreover, she would have to face that strange man all the time.

But with the Heavenly Emperor’s command issued, she dared not disobey.

Unlucky, truly unlucky!

…

An hour later, Fuhuan followed the Wuji Heavenly Venerable to the entrance of the Underworld.

The guards at the Underworld’s entrance were the same two little ghosts from a few days ago. However, this time when they saw Fuhuan, they acted as if they had never seen her before, only greeting the Wuji Heavenly Venerable first.

“Greetings, Venerable.”

“Hmm, is your master inside?” the Wuji Heavenly Venerable inquired.

The little ghost nodded, “The master is inside.”

“Good, go and announce that this Venerable has brought the Phoenix Lady from the Heavenly Realm.”

Hearing this, the little ghost hurriedly ran inside.

Soon, Fuhuan followed the Wuji Heavenly Venerable into the Underworld.

The little ghost led the way in front, with Fuhuan walking behind. She glanced at the familiar path, estimating that they were being taken to Siqing’s study.

Indeed, the little ghost finally stopped at the door of Siqing’s study.

When the study door opened, the Wuji Heavenly Venerable led Fuhuan inside.

At the desk, Siqing, seeing these two unexpected visitors, was somewhat surprised. He first greeted the Wuji Heavenly Venerable, “What brings Venerable here today?”

“Look at this,” the Wuji Heavenly Venerable produced a scroll from his palm and handed it to Siqing.

Siqing took it, glanced at the contents of the scroll, then looked at Fuhuan and mockingly said, “So, you offended the Heavenly Emperor and were punished to come to the Underworld for training.”

“The young lady is young and doesn’t know better, bound to make some mistakes. During this time, try to be more accommodating, considering her father is the Great Emperor of Purple Subtlety,” the Wuji Heavenly Venerable softly told Siqing.

Siqing put away the scroll. “I have always been strict in my dealings. Since the Heavenly Emperor’s command has been issued, I will certainly act according to the rules.”

The implication was clear: whether it was training or punishment, it would be carried out regardless of who interceded.

Knowing Siqing’s temperament, the Wuji Heavenly Venerable, upon hearing these words, could only cast a helpless glance at Fuhuan.

Fuhuan maintained a stern face, inwardly tearing this Lord of the Underworld apart a thousand times. Noticing the Wuji Heavenly Venerable’s glance, she forced a smile. “Thank you for your trouble in coming here, Venerable. Fuhuan will behave obediently here. Venerable may return now.”

“Very well, then this Venerable shall take his leave.” The Wuji Heavenly Venerable knew Fuhuan was clever and resourceful. Since things had come to this, he would let them handle it.

After speaking, he left Siqing’s study.

After the Wuji Heavenly Venerable had gone, Siqing sat back down at his desk and looked at Fuhuan standing in the center. His gaze, unlike the icy coldness of before, now contained a hint of interest.

“Since you’ve come here for punishment, I shall also dutifully follow the Heavenly Emperor’s command,” Siqing said while browsing a book in his hand.

After a long while, he slowly said, “The Eighteen Levels of Hell are short-staffed. You shall go there today first. If you do well, I shall…”

Siqing drew out the final syllable, his gaze on Fuhuan taking on a teasing smile. “I shall promote you.”

“…” Fuhuan was stunned, furrowing her brow. Why did those words sound somewhat familiar?

Before she could figure it out, Siqing had already closed the book in his hand, and the smile on his face had disappeared, returning to his usual expressionless demeanor. “You may leave now.”

Fuhuan nodded and turned to exit Siqing’s study.

As soon as she stepped out of the study door, a little ghost approached her. “Supreme Deity, we’ll take you to the Eighteen Levels of Hell.”

“…” What could Fuhuan say besides lamenting her misfortune?

On the way to the Eighteen Levels of Hell, Fuhuan felt that discomfort rising again. In just a short moment, her back was already soaked with cold sweat, and her entire body’s hands and feet felt numb, almost unable to stand.

Soon, upon reaching the Eighteen Levels of Hell, the two little ghosts took their leave.

Fuhuan stood at the entrance, and shortly, a woman dressed in a brocade blue robe walked out from inside. She approached Fuhuan step by step, and upon seeing her, bowed to Fuhuan. “Youlan pays respects to Supreme Deity Fuhuan.”

“So it’s Immortal Lord Youlan.” Fuhuan scrutinized the woman before her—exquisite features, bright eyes, and white teeth—an undeniably beautiful woman.

Immortal Lord Youlan was one of the Ten Yama Kings, a woman residing in the You Mansion.

“I just received verbal instructions from the master. Since Supreme Deity Fuhuan is here for training, we must handle everything according to the rules,” Youlan said with a smile, then gave Fuhuan an apologetic look.

Fuhuan pressed her lips together. “It’s fine. Just follow the rules.”

She didn’t believe that a small Underworld could kill her!

“Then please follow me, Supreme Deity. I’ll take you in.” Youlan gestured for Fuhuan to follow her.

Fuhuan nodded and followed behind Youlan, step by step, entering what was known as the Eighteen Levels of Hell…