Grace Is a Bit Disdainful

As they soared higher, the view before them gradually expanded.

It turned out that the courtyard they'd just been in was merely an inconspicuous building behind the massive palace.

The real palace lay ahead—enormous, majestic, and magnificent, yet refined and elegant. Auspicious energy swirled everywhere, making it look as beautiful as a dream...

Grandpa Gene led them away from the palace complex, flying off into the distance.

From high above, they could see water sources of all sizes scattered across the land. The area of land was clearly smaller than the water, and while all the water was connected, the land was not.

Not a single boat could be seen on the water.

Looking back at the Celestial Palace, all the buildings resembled what they'd just seen: each palace was arranged in a courtyard style, with a huge plaza in the center and buildings around it. High walls separated each palace, with no passageways connecting them...

She was starting to understand what Grandpa Gene and Chief Eagle had meant: for two wingless humans like them, moving around in Drake Abyss was nearly impossible.

Clearly, Drake Abyss was only suitable for creatures that could fly or swim.

For humans like them who couldn’t fly, once they entered a palace, there was no way out.

And even if you left the Celestial Palace, it was all water outside—no land routes at all.

This place... it's beautiful, sure.

Even prettier than the fairyland she’d imagined.

But Qingluan was a bit unimpressed...

......

Right now, in the main hall of the Celestial Palace—

Evan Xiao and the Celestial Empress stood at the front hall, watching as the two Red-crested Golden Eagles gradually flew off into the distance, talking as they did.

"Evan, Li Zan said you were injured. How bad is it?"

"It's nothing serious," Evan Xiao replied.

"What exactly were you doing in the Blighted Wilds?" the Celestial Empress asked, frowning.

"We just went to take a look at the Divine Tomb."

"The Divine Tomb? You actually went there!" The Celestial Empress was furious. "That place was set up by ancient demon spirits—it's a formation that can slaughter immortals and gods! Countless gods have died inside. That's why it's called the Divine Tomb!"

"It's just a ruin, Mother. No need to worry so much," Evan Xiao said.

"Even if it's just a ruin, who knows what's hidden inside! Even your father, the Emperor, doesn't dare go deep! What were you three doing there?"

"We just wanted to see what was hidden inside," Evan Xiao replied.

"Just to look? There are still plenty of demonized spirit beasts around the Divine Tomb—some have lived tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years!" the Celestial Empress snapped. "It's a miracle you three made it back alive!"

"Mother, I'm standing right here in front of you, safe and sound. So please, don't be angry anymore," Evan Xiao said.

The Celestial Empress took a deep breath and said, "From now on, you’re not allowed to go anywhere. Stay in Drake Abyss and get ready for the Grand Wedding!"

Evan Xiao said nothing.

"What’s wrong?" the Celestial Empress asked. "Don’t tell me you’re unwilling? This is what the High Priest prophesied! Only if you marry Sophie Shang can the crisis in Drake Abyss be resolved!"

Evan Xiao still said nothing.

"Evan, are you treating your mother like air?"

"Mother, I need to consult the Priest Hall about this," Evan Xiao said.

"If you don’t believe me, go ask! As if I’d ever lie to you!" the Celestial Empress said.

Evan Xiao nodded. "I’ll go right now."

......

Qingluan and Rina Chu followed Grandpa Gene, flying ever forward.

Along the way, they saw countless First Spirit Trees.

They were everywhere—by the water, on the mountains.

Under the First Spirit Trees grew all kinds of magical grasses and flowers, each more breathtaking and extraordinary than the last, making Drake Abyss even more impossibly beautiful.

"Wow! What’s that?" Rina Chu suddenly cried out. "Is that a First Spirit Tree?"