Are You Lecturing Me

Damian Black remained silent.

If you're a Rune Master, you can join the Sigil Sect. I know the Sect Leader! Since you helped us fix the array, I can write you a recommendation letter—do you want it?

"I'm not a Rune Master," he replied. "I've only studied spell arrays."

"I see... Then why won't you be my Divine Attendant?" Lucia Lu asked.

Damian Black was silent for a moment, then countered, "Why does the Divine Lady insist on me?"

"Why...?" Lucia Lu propped her chin, thinking. "At first, I just wanted to use you to shut those people up. But now... Didn't you hear me brag in front of everyone? I said I'd definitely make you follow me. When a Divine Lady makes a promise, she has to keep it! Otherwise, where's my pride?"

Hearing this, Damian Black's chill only deepened, even showing a hint of anger. "Then please, Divine Lady, watch your words in the future! Don't speak so deathly, or you'll trap yourself and end up unable to back down."

Lucia Lu stared in surprise, mouth slightly open, and walked up to him. "Did I hear that right? Are you lecturing me?"

"I wouldn't dare!" he said, turning to leave.

"Don't go!" Lucia Lu teleported to block his way. "Can you at least tell me why? What's so bad about following me? I can cure your mother's illness, give you spirit elixirs to boost your cultivation—whatever you want, I can give it to you! So what's your reason for refusing me?"

Damian Black looked at her, but said nothing. He shot into the sky, turning into a streak of light and flying away.

"Eh?" Lucia Lu stared up at the sky, half amused and half exasperated.

In all her years, no one had ever really refused her before.

Especially not just a little immortal.

With the array repaired, Quentin Lian and Ryan Lu came to inspect it. Both praised Adrian Drake's exquisite technique, saying the Spirit-Gathering Array was just as good as before.

Adrian Drake's modest smile was tinged with guilt.

Lucia Lu didn't expose him, simply smiled and teased that once they reached Drake Abyss, she'd have a long talk with him about arrays.

He glared at her secretly, sneaking a look.

Divine Mother packed him a huge jar of Peach Blossom Brew, telling him to bring it back for the Guardian Drake Lord.

Adrian Drake was overjoyed, took the wine, and happily headed home with Damian Black.

Before leaving, Adrian Drake reminded the three siblings over and over to arrive at Drake Abyss a few days early—then he could show them around and play host.

The three agreed and waved goodbye to the pair.

Noticing Lucia Lu watching Damian Black's departing back, Luna Lian teased, "Sis, still haven't given up yet?"

"Honestly, not really," Lucia Lu admitted. "Why do you think he just won't follow me?"

"Didn't Adrian say? He wants to go home and take care of his sick mother."

"If he really had a sick mother to care for, would he be running off to banquets in the Lumina Realm?" Lucia Lu shook her head. "Obviously just an excuse."

"If he doesn't want to, let it go! You're the great Divine Lady Lucia—it's not like you'll run out of Divine Attendants. Want me to lend you my Galaxy?"

"Forget it! Without him, you'd probably have no idea where your clothes are in the morning." Lucia Lu turned and walked away.

...

All three Lu siblings were heading off to join the army in Drake Abyss, and for a whole month, the household was in a frenzy.

High Goddess Vivian Lu personally prepared piles of cloud-brocade quilts, flower-woven sheets, and cypress-fiber mattresses—apparently afraid they'd have nowhere to sleep once they arrived.

She also stocked up on all kinds of dried fairy fruits, pastries, and snacks, worried they'd go hungry and come back skinny.