Xiaoyu stood stubborn in his place, head lowered, and in return Nian Yue waited patiently for the boy to make his decision.

  “..Okay.” Xiaoyu nodded finally. “I will do it.” With gentle movements, he leaned down and placed the doll beside his tomb stone, giving it a last goodbye pat. But then when Xiaoyu tried to take a step back, his wrists felt heavy, taut as if he was tied by numerous threads that were dragging him down. His head started throbbing. He felt as if he was being drawn to the doll like a spell—an urge so strong it felt uncomfortable. “I.. I can't. It's resisting.”

  Nian Yue feared it. Xiaoyu’s po attachment had formed an even Qi of itself. It was trying to control Xiaoyu’s soul to stay. A century old soul, even if a child, was not immune to these desires and powers.

  “Stay clear. I'll cut the threads.” Nian Yue reached over her shoulder and with a breeze of energy a crystal sword formed upon her back. Her fingers curled around what appeared to be the hilt of the sword. The blade was jade white—if a little muddy, just like the moon’s surface from earth’s view. The sword was sharp, flawless and no less than what an ideal sword should be, yet it seemed as if it was not made for wars but to preserve and admire with bare eyes. The hilt of the sword was forged with pure silver, shimmering in delight, while beautiful blue gem stones were tucked into it like lucky charms. “Tell me when you feel the most confident to let go.”

  Nian Yue precisely held the sword hovering under the invisible connection between the doll and Xiaoyu, waiting for his reply.

  Xiaoyu in his place seemed nervous, scared and unsure. He lowered his head, as if disappointed in himself. “Wait..”

  Nian Yue was surprised as she turned to Xiaoyu. Her eyebrows frowned but she didn't question the boy's request. However when she tried to lower her sword, another request from the boy made her stop from doing so. “Please give me a moment.” And then the next second, Xiaoyu's chest was glowing with faint purple light. His eyes were closed. He was cultivating what looked like a sphere of unknown power, withdrawing it out of his body. When he was done, he opened his eyes and looked at Nian Yue. A faint smile curved on his lips and his eyes were full of hope. “Will you return this to hua jie?”

  Nian Yue took a moment before she held out her free palm as Xiaoyu transferred the sphere to Nian Yue and then stood ready with a satisfied smile. “Now you can do it.”

  Nian Yue nodded and with a swift upward swing of her sword the invisible threads snapped in two. There were sudden faint sounds of an incoherent creature, whimpering and crying out in pain, which possibly, only she had heard but she paid it no mind.

  When the thread snapped, Xiaoyu's body lit up in golden light that flowed upwards. His eyes instinctively fluttered close. He felt the weight of his body slowly disappear, turning cloud light as if ready to float away. He whispered in between his confusion. “Is this how it feels to become an angel?”

  Nian Yue chuckled and tucked her sword on her back. The purple sphere floated and obediently sank around the blade of the crystal sword, not stabbing just tied around safely. “Seems so.” She then brought her hands together, right palm held within the center of her chest, pointing towards heaven—palm open and the fingers curling just slightly. Her left palm came underneath, acting like a base for the right palm. The gesture formed a half blooming moon. When the gesture was complete, the hands shimmered with gentle glow. The circulation of qi drawing from the curled fingers and being reflected back to heavens with the palm underneath, were like asking permission from heavens before the circle of reincarnation opens. Even though the power comes within her authority, it's heaven who will take care of the soul before its next birth, therefore.

  And soon the portal started forming in front of them. As the energy within Nian Yue became overwhelming the crescent moon mark over her forehead came to life. Finally the portal had opened—a circular gate to the afterlife. The outer rim of the portal was glowing white but the inner space was a reflection of an endless universe, a red void, comforting yet consuming.

  “Xioayu,” Nian Yue called out, stepping aside so the portal was visible to the boy. “Ready?”

  Xiaoyu nodded in response and walked towards the entrance of the portal. He glanced at Nian Yue one last time and then smiled. In response, Nian Yue closed her eyes and lowered her head in courtesy. “May great lord’s blessing be upon you and your new life.” And with that Xiaoyu stepped past the entrance and the portal shrunk shut until it disappeared out of the view.

  Nian Yue now gazed at nothing. It was only her left in the end. She glanced at her shoulder, and the sphere came flying back into Nian Yue’s palm. She then lowered her gaze and looked down at it, unsure and uneasy. And then from the corner of her eyes she sensed the presence of someone.

  “.....”

  Nian Yue turned around, facing the person who had crept behind her just a distance away. Her face was a reflection of someone full of rebellious intent.

  It was Han Yuelin! who stood taut, shocked and horrified. “Nian Yue, What have you done?”

  The purple sphere in Nian Yue’s hand shattered like a fragile peace of glass.

  ~~~

  Nian Yue’s steps were heavy. A part of it was because she was exhausted and the other was because her wrists were bound with heavy chains. The golden chains that were made to seal away the spiritual energy, temporarily. She did think, what was the reason for these chains to be so huge and heavy, not like she could run away when tens of Martial gods surrounded her, trailing just a distance away, behind and around her. Even someone as close as Han Yuelin was a part of this martial group. What more, he was the one to bind her with these ridiculous chains. The absolute humiliation.

  From the high seats in the golden hall—owned by the uninvited celestials, now witnessed the show of a young celestial drag chain twice her size. Didn't they think that she was just a child this time?

  “Absolute trouble.” A celestial murmured.

  “The relief didn't last a day..” Another sobbed.

  “I swear on the great lord, none of this will turn out any good. Start protecting your domains.” Another complained.

  “I’m starting to hate the moon goddesses..” And another just..

  Such beautiful and strong thoughts. Such strong thoughts on such a spiritual level. Someone please tell them, some of the celestials can hear their absolute whispers.

  “Nian Yue–” Came the gasping voice of Han Junyao who rushed through the gates of the golden hall just in time. When his eyes landed on Nian Yue in such a state he couldn't hold back and tried pushing through the squad of martial gods to reach her. However, “Assistant General Han Junyao,” Han Yuelin called out, forcing the latter to pause in his tracks. “Take your position. Stand behind where you belong.”

  “General..” Han Junyao pleaded, clearly worried.

  “Stay away.” Han Yuelin murmured a little harshly this time. However there was something in his eyes, a flash of a gesture and finally Han Junyao eased up and stood back. His fists clenched by his sides. His head lowered in helplessness. Han Yuelin then turned back to face the sacred throne. His right hand planted firmly on his sword at his hip.

  “Goddess Reincarnation.”

  As the emperor's rough voice rang in the court—disappointed and low, the whole court fell silent. The heads turned at the divine throne in union. Some were surprised, some were even afraid. The emperor was known for his gentle nature and calm judgements in any situation—the absolute incarnate of a wise soul—never to use force or violence, unless unnecessary. Hearing such a tone from him was a horror in itself.

  Nian Yue breathed out softly and responded, “Yes, my lord.”

  You're beheaded!

  My lord??? Nian Yue thought impulsively. Thank the great lord that was not the reality. At least not yet.

  “Do you acknowledge the length of your mistake?” Yan Tianxiu asked.

  “I do,” replied Nian Yue, respectful yet still authoritative.

  “What was the reason for you to carry out treason against heaven?” Yan Tianxiu’s eyes were fixed on Nian Yue, still looking calm and stable even when the tone of his voice betrayed the emotions. Rough and harsh but never loud. By his side stood Shou Meixian. His hands were tucked into the sleeves of his robes by his stomach. His gaze conveyed transparent annoyance and anger. No filter.

  “I do not think I have attempted treason. I merely acted on the responsibility my title gives me. The child was my responsibility. If I wouldn't have been interrupted so rudely by uninvited sources, I would have carried out this task my way without any harm to the heavens.” Nian Yue said calmly.

  At the comment, several heads turned to Mei Wu. However, Mei Wu merely rolled her eyes and leaned back into her seat, relaxed and instead inspecting her nails.

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  Yan Tianxiu took a moment before asking the last question. “Is there something you have known, either from this case or the child, that heaven is not aware of yet?”

  “...” Nian Yue's eyes trailed up at the sacred throne, strong and unwatering as she said, “Yes.”

  The court gasped. Even Han Yuelin glanced at Nian Yue with surprise painted all over his face. Clearly, even he did not know about this.

  “Are you willing to give this information to the heavens?” asked Yan Tianxiu.

  “I’m not willing.” replied Nian Yue.

  At that Yan Tianxiu fell silent. Shou Meixian however seemed to be boiling in his place yet unable to say a word without permission—He was brimming with endless unspoken words like a volcano with no opening. They wouldn't have been beautiful anyways.

  Finally, a subordinate approached Yan Tianxiu, holding a scroll. He then opened it to present in front of the court. “Imprisonment approved for goddess reincarnation, under the judgement star. Conduct of another investigation and interrogation with the goddess with any ethical means will be permitted.” The announcement was made.

  “Your highness, under my presence she will reveal whatever she has known. She's just having a rough moment. I need a little time, there is no need for such extreme measures.” Han Yuelin tried to shorten the situation so it won't lead to what he thinks was the last option. He immediately turned to Nian Yue, who stared at him with visible disgust. Han Yuelin wasn't surprised, as he murmured, “Nian Yue, not a word..”

  “Han Yuelin will not conduct this arrest.” Yan Tianxiu said.

  “Your highness–” Before Han Yuelin could continue, another presence barged in. Not loud or special but serene and quiet, like the silence before the strong waves that could sweep away everything.

  “My apology for showing up late.”

  The heads now turned towards the large entrance of the court. Tan Lanyue walked in, a hand firmly rested on the sword by her hip. Her presence commanded respect, but along with that there were amused whispers. Han Yuelin and Tan Lanyue in one place, under one roof? That has to be the eighth miracle of the universe. What would this unexpected union bring upon the heavens?

  As Tan Lanyue’s gaze fell over Nian yue, her earlier hard expressions softened. She approached the chained goddess. The martial gods surrounding Nian Yue immediately parted, not a single protest was made.

  “Oh.. what have you done to yourself.” Tan Lanyue murmured, caressing Nian Yue’s head, and the latter only stared at her ancestor with a look of disbelief and bewilderment. Tan Lanyue then turned her attention towards the emperor. Her eyes sharpened—lacking respect on purpose. “I apologize on behalf of Tan Nian Yue. We take full responsibility to fulfill the damage suffered by heavens and the worried celestials. A troop from our star will soon be sent to Verdant root for further safety and investigation.”

  Yan Tianxiu took a moment but then nodded anyway.

  Shou Meixian by Yan Tianxiu’s side raised an accusing eyebrow, but in the end he too remained silent.

  Tan Lanyue turned back to Nian Yue. Her lips twitched to a smile, as she whispered. “Don't worry, Da Yi will get you out soon.” With that when she turned to leave, in an unfortunate moment her gaze fell over Han Yuelin. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched.

  Han Yuelin did not make any comment and just accepted it as not to cause a scene. The tension didn't last long as Tan Lanyue decided to walk away.

  “The court has been dismissed.” Finally Yan Tianxiu announced after making sure no one inside the court had any objection.

  ~~~

  “My apology goddess..” The attendant guard said lowly. As he closed the gate of the cell behind Nian Yue. The quick sound of lock clicking followed afterwards.

  Sitting down with her back resting against the wall, Nian Yue let out a drawn out groan. Her eyes fluttered closed. Finally at least she could have some rest even if it was not in a favourable place.

  “.......”

  “Greetings, Goddess Reincarnation.”

  Nian Yue’s eyes shot open at the sound. Her head immediately turned to her side from where she heard that unmistakable voice. “Lord An Xu? Is that you??”

  “Haha.” Came the weary sound of the literary god from the cell next door.

  “What are you doing here??” asked Nian Yue.

  At first no sound came from the other. Nian Yue thought it wasn't polite asking a god how they ended up imprisoned. So, she fell silent. But then An Xu replied on his own. “...My existence and your presence are a threat to heaven.”

  Talking in riddles was like a trend in heaven. Whenever one would talk like that Nian Yue would take a step back and say goodbye. It's not like she would get answered right away if she asked anyways. “Did you.. not enlist my departure?” She asked the real question.

  “Goddess was testing me, how could I?” An Xu said with a little humor.

  “...I would like to laugh at your situation if it wasn't caused by me,” Nian Yue said, her tone flat and unamused.

  “Thank you for not doing that,” said An Xu.

  Nian Yue let out another harsh sigh and closed her eyes. She rested her head against the wall behind her. “....Don't worry you won’t have to stay here for long. No matter what they say, the smooth management of both the literature halls is the backbone of heaven.”

  “Princess Guang Yue, unfortunately it's more complicated than that..” said An Xu wearily.

  “...” And Nian Yue fell silent once again.

  ~~~

  The faint sound of rustling of dried leaves was crisp. A pair of stiff legs dragged across the nature drenched ground, blood and dirt all mixed together. Elegant fingers entangled tightly into the sticky dark hair, dragging the slacked body by the roots. Fresh blood dripped from the skull of the dead body, marking the ground she stepped on—red. The hand dragged the slump body effortlessly, as if it weighed nothing. Painted red lips curled into an amused smile, dreamy yet chaotic. Her purple attire was like a dark glittery sky in the mist of late night, come worship her if you can.

  Finally, She let go of the filth she was holding and the weight fell down with a thud, face down. The bloodied body, contorted limbs and the royal clothes were now a mere evidence of lost divinity.

  He was watching everything. His unfortunate eyes had witnessed something horrible—something he wouldn't be able to forget for a long time. His body refused to move, his mouth refused to speak, his lungs refused to breathe even if didn't need to. He could fight but at the same time, it seemed impossible.

  He watched the woman tilt her head back, making eye contact with the open sky. Suddenly the wind picked up. The mist was starting to cover the only vision there was. The rays of sun seemed to be taking forever and at his lowest he was practically begging the heavens to help him.

  The wind whirled, the dead leaves set free to spin around happily as if it was their last. How could one be so carefree around her while the other was begging for mercy—both without any words. All of a sudden the dead body beside her lit up on fire as if out of thin air. Black smock covered the sky in seconds, forming angry void clouds. Nearby, he could hear multiple giggles and cheering of death. They enjoyed the burning of flesh and so did she.

  Her smile widened, unhinged, watching the burning flesh melt in front of her. Her swaying hair covered half of her face, but those unmistakable eyes shined regardless. The endless void around those dark purple iris was soul sucking. They could consume any energy, any soul who dared stare into them any moment longer. He had made that mistake.

  Those eyes he feared so gravely drifted towards him. She was aware of his presence. His eyes widened, shivering violently with immeasurable fear. That powerful body was of no use anymore as it shook. He tried to take a step back, to run away but his body just won't move. Until that horrible smile of hers arched further into a cruel one. Her eyes curled into a pair of crescent moons. They were of the devil's.. They were of the devil’s!

  “AH– AH— AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”

  The last shriek that escaped his throat was all that was left.

  ~~~

  “Goddess Reincarnation.. this is too much. You could have easily escaped this punishment if you had confessed what you knew. Being a rebel to heaven will get you nowhere.” Inside Nian Yue’s cell chamber a martial goddess and two Saturn goddesses—who stood there as witnesses and to write down anything that the imprisoned goddess would reveal, were present there. Unfortunately the bright papers the Saturn goddesses held were all empty. The ink brush was unused and drying up. The annoyance on their faces was clear and evident.

  The martial goddess let out a weary sigh and pulled back, feeling down and troubled. “Princess Guang..”

  “I think you dislocated my jaw..” Nian Yue said lowly. Her chained hand tried to reach her partially swollen cheek.

  “...Goddess Reincarnation, this is not a joke,” the martial goddess hissed.

  “Oh..” said Nian Yue as if she had no clue.

  With another heavy sigh, the martial goddess crouched down to meet Nian Yue’s height, who sat there helplessly, a little bruised here and there. “What is stopping you from letting us know? If it's not your betrayal towards heaven then what is it?”

  “......”

  Hua Jie trusted me with this..

  Will you keep it a secret for me?

  ..I will.

  Nian Yue couldn't answer. Her head lowered further. Her last answer remained the same. “Whatever I know is no threat to heaven.”

  The martial goddess fell silent. Her jaw clenched. The two witnesses knew what's to come and they were already tired.

  Suddenly the wooden gate of the cell was knocked, loud and desperate enough that the heads inside the cell immediately turned to the source. The two Saturn goddesses looked at each other with confusion. When the permission was given by the martial goddess, one of them reached for the gate and opened it with a creak, just enough to see who was outside.

  “Let Princess Guang Yue out.” It was Han Junyao. Again. He was gasping for air as if he had run all the way down there.

  “General Junyao, What is this childish behavior? You do know we will not listen to you unless..” The martial goddess fell short as her eyes trailed down on the open scroll Han Junyao was holding.

  “I have the emperor’s permission,” Han Junyao said with confidence.

  Nian Yue gaped at the open scroll from her side and could only blink once in a few seconds to make sure she was seeing the correct things.

  ____ ____ ____

  Character Names:-

  [光昙澜月 (Guāng Tán Lán Yuè) — “Radiant Moon of Fleeting Waves”]

  Titles:-

  [大姨 (Dà yí) — “Mother's elder sister/Aunt”]

  To be continued:-

  —----------—