Chapter Thirteen: Leaving Her Alone Above the Ninth Heaven

Beneath the Ninth Heaven

Her identity was unexpectedly exposed, and the little bundle no longer tried to hide it.

“Yes, I am the only daughter of my father, the little princess of the Ghost Clan—Miaoyuan.”

“What exactly did you come out of prison for?” The Celestial Lord questioned her with a heavy tone, as if her identity was something shameful.

The little bundle lifted her proud little head, her eyes filled with cold arrogance as she looked at him and retorted, “I haven’t done anything.”

“The Lady Meng Po has already told you, we were merely passing through this place. These celestial beasts here can all vouch for us.”

With her words, the group of blessed beasts all hummed in unison. Though Miaoyuan couldn’t understand their speech, she could tell these little creatures were speaking on her behalf.

She smiled happily, curling her lips sweetly and softly, showing an exceptionally tender smile to those adorable and noble little beings.

“Coo coo~ chirp chirp~” The little creatures chirped excitedly, fluttering about, making the entire Ninth Heaven seem like it was hosting a grand celestial gathering—an incredibly lively scene.

It was truly laughable. A mere little princess of the Ghost Clan, yet able to command so many celestial beasts to testify on her behalf?

The Celestial Lord’s face darkened considerably, and the way he looked at the little bundle was tinged with gloom. “Whether they can prove it is not something you, a mere Ghost Clan member, can decide.”

If it wasn’t up to a princess of the Ghost Clan, then could it be decided by him, a lowly third-rank Celestial Lord of the Ninth Heaven?

Meng Po was furious. If not for the urgent official business at hand, she would have argued with him right then and there.

Damn it, bullying people all the way to their little princess? Does he not understand how noble her status is? No evil ghost within their Ghost Domain dares speak so disrespectfully, regardless of rank.

And here he was, boasting of his high rank as a Celestial Lord, investigating their identities right here in the Celestial River?

“If it’s not up to me, then is it up to you?” The little bundle’s tone carried a biting sarcasm laced with anger, which any keen ear could discern.

But since she was just a naive little pink bundle, her questioning tone didn’t provoke any resentment.

“This matter, naturally it should be decided by the Jade Balance Hall.”

“Who?!” The little bundle was momentarily stunned, suddenly sensing she had heard that name somewhere before.

Meng Po hurriedly covered her mouth. “Little Princess!”

Lowering her voice cautiously, Meng Po explained, “It is the Celestial Lord of the heavens, the peer of Lord Yan, known as the Jade Balance Hall.”

The little bundle understood. So it was him. She nodded slightly, signaling her comprehension.

Only then did Meng Po carefully release her hand, lifting her gaze to the Celestial Lord before her. Her tone was tinged with coldness as she said, “We can explain to the Jade Balance Hall, but may I ask, Celestial Lord, who might you be?”

“I do not change my name or surname with the wind. I am Lan Qing.”

“Celestial Lord Lan Qing?” The renowned Celestial Lord known for his mastery of musical magic attacks? His sister, Lan Mei, was the orchid fairy fond of the Jade Balance Hall, wasn’t she?

“Indeed. I imagine Meng Po is busy with official duties and has no time to meet the Jade Balance Hall. In that case, entrust the little princess to me. I will take her to see the hall.”

“How can that be?” Meng Po refused without a second thought. The little princess was so young and inexperienced—she had never even met the Jade Balance Hall. This was her first time out of prison; how could she go with him to the Ninth Heaven?

Wasn’t she just pushing the little princess into the fire?

If Lord Yan found out, it wouldn’t be just a simple beheading. Perhaps the eighteen levels of hell would be a light punishment.

“Why not? Do you not trust me, Meng Po?”

“Celestial Lord Lan Qing, you jest.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him—it was that she absolutely did not.

Yet after hearing him speak, the little bundle didn’t seem afraid at all. Instead, a spark of joy ignited in her heart.

If she went with this Celestial Lord, could she secretly slip away and find that friend who had sinned against the heavens?

“Very well.” The little bundle accepted eagerly, her eyes hiding an unspoken happiness.

Meng Po was stunned, quickly lowering her head to look at her. “Little Princess?!”

Did she even know what she was saying? Did she realize how dangerous the Ninth Heaven was?

The little bundle tugged at her sleeve and whispered, “Oh, Lady Meng Po, you go handle your business first. When you’re done, come back and get me, alright?”

“How can I?” Meng Po worried desperately. “If I leave, and something happens to you, no one will know, Little Princess.”

No one else in all of Hell knew that she had brought the little princess out. They probably all thought the little princess was resting in the palace.

Who would have known that the little princess was so bold as to sneak out? And who would have guessed she was even bolder to bring the little princess along while running official errands?

“I’m fine, Lady Meng Po. I have a treasure.”

“What treasure do you have?”

“I have…”

“Since the little princess has made her decision, she will follow me,” Lan Qing glanced at the little bundle with firm resolve, as if determined to take her to meet the Jade Balance Hall.

“Little Princess!” Meng Po called softly, her heart filled with torment and worry.

“Don’t worry, Lady Meng Po.”

“Little Princess…”

The little bundle stepped forward without a trace of fear. “I will go with you, and you will let Lady Meng Po leave here safely, right?”

“Of course. I would never harm anyone from Lord Yan’s domain. Certainly not you either.”

Whether the Jade Balance Hall would harm her, that Lan Qing did not know.

The little bundle caught the hidden meaning in his words and inwardly scoffed. So he was too afraid to harm her himself, and instead intended to bring her before the one who could punish her?

Is this what it means to be a Celestial Lord? Hah, he was less noble than a mere child like her.

Lan Qing turned and departed, carrying the little bundle as they soared directly into the Ninth Heaven.

“Little Princess?!” Meng Po’s eyes widened in terror as she helplessly watched the Celestial Lord Lan Qing take their little princess away, leaving her alone behind.

Soon after, all the blessed beasts flew off together, as if the wondrous scene she had just witnessed was but an illusion.

Yet the little princess’s genuine laughter still echoed in her ears.

How was she to return and report everything that had happened to Lord Yan? How could she explain that the little princess had been taken away?

Meanwhile, the little bundle who had been taken away had already cast all her worries and plans aside.

She watched the graceful celestial beasts dancing in the air, the drifting white clouds, and the various Celestial Lords and fairies in their splendid robes, moving in and out of the towering, resplendent Ninth Heaven. Her small eyes widened, overwhelmed by the dazzling sights before her.

“So beautiful…”

Unlike their Hell, this was a completely different, breathtakingly magnificent world.

She truly loved it here.