The concert concluded smoothly. As expected, although the Qilin Hall had performed admirably, first place went to the group with the most technically perfect and stable performance overall. Still, the Dean awarded Qilin Hall an encouragement prize—a plaque shaped like a “Rock ‘n’ Roll Qilin,” crafted from the Stardust Remnants that Dugu had spent a fortune to acquire.

“This is already more than enough,” Luan Ling said, satisfied.

She had briefly fantasized about winning first place and performing at the Peach Banquet, but then imagined the Empress of Heaven sitting expressionless above, watching them rock out in the middle. A chill ran through her—better not. No matter how avant-garde she felt, she wouldn’t dare draw the Empress’s attention.

With the concert over, it was almost March 3rd, the time when the Celestial Realm prepared for the annual Peach Banquet. This event not only celebrated the birthday of the Queen Mother of the West, but also served as an important occasion for the deities to report their achievements.

All the gods holding key positions would attend, and naturally, the students of the Celestial Academy were included. Typically, the Academy granted a spring break during this period: younger gods could go home, study independently, or… just restrain themselves from unleashing dragons everywhere.

Si Zhuo, being restricted in the Celestial Realm, had only two choices: go home or stay in Qilin Hall under confinement.

Luan Ling had assumed he would return home, given his previous reluctance to stay in the heavens. To her surprise, he voluntarily chose to remain in Qilin Hall—a peculiar decision.

“Do you think when we come back, Qilin Hall won’t even have a door left?” Luan Ling worriedly glanced at the hall before leaving.

“Don’t worry. Even your dorm will be left without a door,” Si Zhuo teased casually.

Luan Ling immediately retorted, “If you touch my room, I’ll tear out your dragon tendons!”

Si Zhuo shrugged. “Come try. Let’s see if I roast you into godly jerky first, or if you strike me down.”

“Who’s afraid?”

Luan Ling rolled up her sleeves, ready to act, when a cough sounded beside her.

“Princess.”

Her expression instantly sobered. If it weren’t for the Peach Banquet, she too would happily remain at the Academy like Si Zhuo.

But, just as the gods reported their achievements at the Peach Banquet, everyone in the Celestial Palace had to report yearly to the Empress. She was the ultimate authority in the heavens, and as long as Luan Ling remained in the Celestial Realm, she couldn’t escape this awkward ritual.

Usually, the one more anxious than her was Luan Yu. Compared to Luan Ling’s dutiful nature, Luan Yu was reckless and unstudied. Though the Empress never punished him, he still feared this moment every year.

Even their eldest brother, Luan Qingchen, with his completely detached demeanor, seemed reluctant to face the Empress. Over time, it had become widely acknowledged that Luan Qingchen was likely the strongest god in the Celestial Realm. Should the Heavenly Emperor not surpass his current limits, Luan Qingchen might well be the top deity.

Even such a powerful god avoided the Empress. So it was no surprise that a lesser-known princess like Luan Ling would feel apprehensive. Yet she was curious—how did the Empress normally discipline Luan Qingchen and Luan Yu? Luan Yu had caused countless troubles, yet she never scolded him. As for Luan Qingchen… Luan Ling couldn’t imagine how the stern eldest brother would be chastised.

With divine speed, Luan Ling arrived at the main hall of the Celestial Palace—their “family gathering”—where they met the Empress as if in formal audience.

Luan Qingchen had arrived earlier, standing silently. Luan Ling dared not look at him. Unlike the Empress, he wasn’t a power she feared in principle—he could simply destroy her, independent of any laws.

But the Empress and Luan Qingchen didn’t behave like Luan Yu, who sought trouble constantly. Over the years, Luan Ling had learned to coexist with them. As long as she focused on her own affairs, Luan Qingchen wouldn’t intervene. He seemed like a celestial weapon, only responsible for striking when needed.

Just as she was about to enter, she bumped into Luan Yu coming from the other side.

She expected his usual mischief, but this time he merely looked at her and fell half a step back.

Strange. Ever since returning from mortal training, Luan Yu seemed scattered, yet also… changed. Perhaps descending to the mortal realm could have lasting effects after all.

The three of them entered the palace, Luan Qingchen closing his eyes in meditation, giving neither of them a glance. Once seated, Luan Ling sensed the Empress’s divine awareness approaching. Even before the Empress arrived, she braced herself, carefully observing, wary of being called upon.

Reflecting on her recent mischiefs, Luan Ling prepared herself. Soon, the Empress arrived, her gaze sweeping over the three of them before resting on Luan Ling.

Why always me…

Feeling the Empress’s attention, Luan Ling’s head ached. She sat in the middle, thinking surely it was Luan Yu’s turn.

Family gatherings were rare moments of equality; each would receive the Empress’s scrutiny, only the order differed.

“Why are you just sitting? It’s a family gathering—do I need to remind you to start eating?” the Empress said calmly.

Luan Ling wondered how someone like the Empress had paired with the Heavenly Emperor and produced Luan Qingchen and Luan Yu. The Empress hardly seemed the type to feel love or continue a lineage. While it made sense for her to ally with the Emperor to wield power, her oddity extended to all her children. Luan Ling realized that her strictness wasn’t personal; she treated all heirs similarly.

“You seem to have many thoughts. Speak them openly if you wish,” the Empress said, looking at Luan Ling.

Luan Ling shoved the remaining food into her mouth and closed her eyes, resigned.

Her spiritual strength was substantial. She had tested the Empress; she couldn’t read every thought, but she still controlled the gods tightly.

Luan Ling reported her recent studies and assessments honestly, including all her misdeeds, integrating minor events into the major ones, transmitting everything through her divine awareness.

This time, she truly did some things she’d never attempted before. After reporting, she didn’t dare raise her head, fearing punishment like what Si Zhuo had faced.

However, the Empress didn’t attack her. She asked normally about the Celestial Academy, then suddenly said:

“The Celestial Academy recently held a concert. I hear you participated?”

Luan Ling tensed. Extracurricular activities… did the Empress expect exceptional results, or think she was neglecting duties?

She answered honestly: “Yes, I participated.”

“What did you perform?”

Luan Ling met the Empress’s gaze. “It was a piece arranged by Qilin Hall ourselves.”

“And the instruments?”

Unsure how to answer, she said, “It’s difficult to describe—they were new-style instruments that I and Sister Zhu Yin put together.”

“Zhu Yin,” the Empress said.

Of course she recognized the name—Luan Ling was subtly highlighting her classmate. She had always been cautious yet quietly testing the Empress, understanding the survival rules of the Celestial Realm better than anyone.

The Empress cut straight to the point: “You mentioned your classmate to have me award all rewards to her?”

Luan Ling, slightly nervous, looked up. “Empress, I didn’t create these new instruments seeking reward. As for Sister Zhu Yin, she naturally carries divine artifacts. One day, she will meet you at the Peach Banquet; there is no need for me to request rewards…”

The Empress listened silently, then chuckled softly, leaving Luan Ling even more unsettled.

She hadn’t meant to imply anything. Yet, whenever accomplishing something others could not, she subconsciously assumed the Empress should notice. Despite mutual disdain, in this chaotic Celestial Realm, Luan Ling felt the Empress was the only one who could understand her minor insights.

After all, the Empress’s gaze overlooked gods—but she noticed mortals. Just like those trivial things in dreams, insignificant mortals.

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