She Really Doesn’t Want to Eat Bugs Anymore

"Is it really just that she looks exactly the same?"

"Do you suspect she's Lu Xianyu reborn as well?" Ethan Lu asked.

"Is she or isn't she?" Soren Lann looked at him.

"We hope so too," Ethan Lu said. "But back then, they planted a Hellfire Talisman in Lu Xianyu's body. Her soul was probably already scattered."

Because Lily Bai's safety was at stake, even as a High God, Ethan Lu didn't reveal everything.

Soren Lann paused, looked at Ethan Lu, and said, "I want to ask you for a favor."

"What kind of favor?" Ethan Lu asked.

"Go to Eastlore and propose marriage for me. I want her as my Empress."

Ethan Lu frowned and said, "You're the Divine Lord—why would you marry an immortal from the lower realm? The Lumina gods will never agree, and the Queen Dowager—"

"Who I marry is none of their business," Soren Lann interrupted, his tone firm and commanding.

"That's not what I meant..."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I know you've made this decision because of Lu Xianyu, but... Lily Bai might not—"

"Whether she is or isn't, I'm marrying her," Soren Lann said decisively. "Not being able to protect her before is my life's greatest regret. Now, I can! As long as she comes to the Radiant Palace, I can shield her and her family. I won't let her suffer at the hands of the Celestial Empress ever again."

"But..." Ethan Lu hesitated, wanting to say more but stopping himself.

"Do you think she should be with Sean Shaw instead?"

Ethan Lu lowered his eyes and said, "I don't know how Fifth Highness really feels about her. I just think... if you propose to Lily Bai, first, the gods will oppose you, and second, it'll put her in the spotlight. The Celestial Empress will only get more suspicious of her."

"You think if I keep quiet, the Celestial Empress will leave her alone?" Soren Lann shook his head. "No way! That woman would rather kill a thousand by mistake than let one threat slip by."

Ethan Lu said, "Ever since she became friends with Luna Lian, I've kept an eye on her. Lily Bai has a mind of her own—if she doesn't feel that way about you, it probably won't work."

"Just go propose! I've already prepared the bride price." Soren Lann handed him a storage pouch.

Seeing Ethan Lu hesitate, Soren Lann's tone hardened: "That's an order."

Ethan Lu had no choice but to take it, then excused himself and left.

As he walked out, he noticed a Golden Swallow under the eaves, staring at him with sharp, bright eyes.

He'd noticed before that the Divine Lord kept a Golden Swallow here, but he'd never paid it much attention.

Now, taking a closer look, he realized how much spiritual energy it radiated.

He couldn't help but take a second look.

Soren Lann noticed, and after Ethan Lu left, he smiled and called out, "Come here."

The Golden Swallow flew over and landed on his desk.

Soren Lann reached out his hand. "Come up."

The Golden Swallow glanced at him but didn't move.

Its look was almost disdainful and cold.

"You little thing." Soren Lann reached out and caught her, gently stroking her feathers. "You've become more spirited—enough to catch High God Ethan Lu's attention."

The Golden Swallow struggled, flapping its wings, trying to escape.

"Still angry?" Soren Lann laughed and let it go, offering her a worm—the bird's favorite treat. "Eat up!"

Azure Flame looked at the fat, wriggling worm on the table, suppressed her disgust, and ate it.

She had no choice—if her habits changed too much, it would arouse suspicion.

But she really didn't want to eat worms anymore.

She rolled her eyes, spread her wings, and flew out.