"Now you see? The gods aren't so easily fooled." High Immortal Quinn smiled. "Lord River Drake, the Nanlu Kingdom happens to fall under the jurisdiction of the Lumina Realm. Once I return, I'll report to the Divine Lord and have all of Nanlu's Spirit Trees reclaimed."
For every kingdom, Spirit Trees are basically symbols of imperial authority.
Taking back the Spirit Trees means their imperial power is finished.
Ever since the Nanlu king died, Chang Gu's younger brother became emperor, her mother was made Empress Dowager, and Chang Gu herself was titled Princess Royal.
Now, it's all about to end...
Chang Gu's face turned ashen, her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor.
"Someone, throw her out of Drake Abyss," ordered Lady Dragon Lord.
Two dragon stewards strode over, grabbing her roughly and dragging her out.
"Snow Yuan! Snow Yuan! Save me! Didn’t you say if I exposed her in front of everyone, you’d let me follow you to the Divine Realm and rise up from now on?"
Lord River Drake shot Snow Yuan a dark, furious look.
Snow Yuan said, "Father, Mother, I had no idea she was lying! I really thought she was telling the truth! That's why I brought her up here."
Lord River Drake barked, "You—"
"Dragon Lord!" Lady Serena stopped him. "Snow Yuan is still young and easily misled. Please, Dragon Lord, Lady Dragon Lord, don't blame her."
"Snow Yuan, apologize to Lady Serena." Lady Dragon Lord said coldly.
Snow Yuan bit her lip, stubbornness written all over her face.
"Are you going to apologize or not?" Lady Dragon Lord was no pushover. Snow Yuan was clearly afraid of her; tears welled up in her eyes as she muttered "Sorry" to Lady Serena and then ran out.
Lily Bai rolled her eyes.
After she left, High Immortal Quinn said, "Lord River Drake, Lady Dragon Lord, this little immortal must also take my leave and return to report. Thank you for your hospitality."
Lord River Drake courteously saw him out.
Unexpectedly, as he passed Lily Bai's table, High Immortal Quinn suddenly stopped, bowed to Lily, and said, "Thank you, High Immortal Bai Xiaoyu, for your cooperation earlier! Your questions were sharp and right on target."
Lily Bai quickly stood and returned the bow. "It's me who should thank High Immortal Quinn! It was all thanks to your Red Truth Pill."
High Immortal Quinn didn’t say anything more, just gave her a gentle smile and turned to leave.
Lily Bai sat back down, thinking to herself that High Immortal Quinn really was a good person.
...
After the banquet ended, everyone who needed to leave had gone.
Clarissa Summers and her two children were asked by Lady Serena to stay a couple more days.
That night, as they gathered to chat, Clarissa said, "I see you get along quite well with Lady Dragon Lord."
Serena said, "I know all too well what it's like to be the favored concubine who destroys the wife. So all these years, I've never overstepped, always given her the utmost respect. Naturally, she gives me some face in return."
Clarissa nodded. "That's the right way."
"Sis, you really have it best. Your husband is totally devoted—he doesn't even keep any consorts in the palace." Serena said. "The marriage I envy most is yours."
Clarissa said, "What nonsense! Every woman in the world envies you. And now you envy me?"
Serena shook her head. "All I want is one true pair for a lifetime, through riches or hardship. If that's missing, it's not a good marriage."
Clarissa and Lily Bai both fell silent.
"But even so, I'm content," Serena said. "How many couples in this world can be like you and your husband?"