Drink Until We’re Drunk

Sean glanced at her, his expression cool and distant.

"If His Majesty the Celestial Emperor ever comes back and finds out you're the Demon Emperor, what do you think he'll do? I can totally picture his face! Hahaha—it's killing me just thinking about it!"

"You think that's funny?"

"Isn't it funny?"

"Looks like you really don't value your own life, huh?"

"Uh... that's a totally different thing! Totally different! By the way, was it the Fish who made the Wildlands Tribulation Storm Array?" Lily Bai asked. (The Fish: a sentient magical treasure with powerful array-forging abilities.)

"Mm."

"The Fish is seriously awesome!" Lily gave a big thumbs-up.

Sean nodded.

"So... was it Ian Yan who helped arrange my reincarnation?"

"Yes."

"That guy... even he turned bad," Lily Bai ground her teeth.

Sean glanced at her.

"You're even worse!" Lily jabbed a finger at him.

Sean turned his head to look straight ahead.

His face was cold and serious.

"Don't pretend to be all serious! The Lovebound Summoning Art! You knew the truth all along, didn't you?"

"Yama Lord told me not to say anything."

"Don't blame him! I never would've guessed you were such a good actor!"

Sean replied, "I wasn't acting."

"Not acting? You switch from real to fake so smoothly! You still say you weren't acting?"

Sean said, "I was just cooperating with you."

"Cooperating with me?" Lily's cheeks flushed with anger. "That was deception!"

A mischievous smile slowly crept into Sean's eyes. "Weren't you having fun?"

"Who was having fun? Who?" Lily stomped her foot. "Listen here! That was just a little girl's silly crush! Now that I remember the past, I definitely don't like you anymore!"

Sean's aura dropped. He stared at her for a long moment, then turned and walked away.

Lily almost called after him, but her pride wouldn't let her. She stomped her foot again, fuming.

...

That evening, Peach Blossom Haven hosted a banquet.

In front of the servants, the Lu family only called her Little Fish, treating her as Luna Lian's friend.

Once the doors closed and only family remained, High Goddess Vivian Lu clung to her, crying like a rainstorm. "Yanyu, it's our fault—your father and I failed to protect you. You suffered so much!"

"Mother, I'm back now, aren't I? You're the ones who suffered." Lily said.

"Back then, we wanted to storm Drake Abyss to rescue you," Vivian shook her head. "But the entrance closed—we couldn't get in!"

"Divine Lord Soren even wanted to march an army," Ethan Lu said, "but... the Empress Dowager stopped him."

Lily said, "Good thing she did. Otherwise... I'd have a huge karmic debt!"

Ethan glanced at Sean and sighed softly.

Was the Fifth Prince rushing in to save you not a sin? Family ties—close and distant—are all exposed without meaning to.

Forget it... Ethan sighed again and poured Sean a cup of wine. "Your Highness, after all these years, I've never had a chance to thank you. Father's Peach Blossom Brew is famous for healing injuries and dispelling blood stasis. (Peach Blossom Brew: a magical wine with restorative powers.) Tonight, we drink until we're drunk!"

Sean smiled and nodded.

Lily watched them drink and chat together, the corners of her mouth curving in quiet contentment.

Later, she, Vivian, and Ryan escorted her back to her old courtyard.

A hundred years had passed, but nothing had changed—her room was still full of Luminous Golden Chalice Blooms. (Luminous Golden Chalice Blooms: magical flowers known for their radiant beauty and longevity.)

Even the two Flower Eggs Sean gave her were still on the stand, now sprouted and lush with new branches. (Flower Eggs: magical seeds gifted by Sean, now grown into vibrant plants.)

The three women shared heartfelt talk late into the night.

They talked about Ethan Lu's marriage—his wife was gentle and capable, and they treated each other with respect.

They talked about Ryan Lu's cultivation of prophecy arts, and how he might one day become an Oracle. (Oracle: a mystical role with the power to foresee the future.)

And Luna Lian, ever since Lucia's death, had many suitors, but she always turned them down, saying she was still too young.

"Did the Empress Dowager ever bring up a marriage proposal?" Lily asked.