I Will Persuade Her

But the gods of Drake Abyss have no idea what's really going on—they all think the King Tree is withering because the Nine Waters of Drake Abyss are drying up...

And that thing possessing the King Tree? The King Tree can't tell her what it is.

But it does let Grace sense its evil and greed.

It's seeped into every bit of bark, every branch and leaf of the King's Spirit Tree.

Grace has no idea how to get rid of it...

Celestial Palace, Cloud Brocade Palace—Vivian Xiao's residence.

“Even with the Imperial Marriage Grant, he still refuses to marry me.” Sophie Shang looked utterly disappointed. “Vivian, am I really not as good as Grace?”

“No way! In my eyes, you're the strongest, the most capable, the absolute best!” Vivian Xiao rattled off three superlatives. “No one can compare to you!”

Sophie Shang smiled, touched and comforted, then asked, “What does the Celestial Empress think of her? Does she like her?”

Vivian Xiao looked troubled, but she answered honestly: “Mother doesn't know she's the daughter of the Phoenix Goddess, so... she actually likes her quite a bit. She even gave her the Floating Radiance Celestial Parasol.”

Sophie Shang's eyes flickered. “The Floating Radiance Celestial Parasol? The Second Prince once asked her for it, but she wouldn't give it. Now she's given it to Grace?”

Vivian Xiao nodded. “Mainly... she's a brilliant Spiritual Alchemist. Mother thinks she can take care of my brother. You know, whenever there's trouble in the Three Realms, my brother always goes out to fight himself, and getting hurt is just part of the job.”

“Vivian.” Sophie called out. “I'm the one who told the Celestial Empress about Grace and the Crown Prince—but I just couldn't bring myself to reveal her real identity. Keeping secrets from the Empress makes me feel so guilty...”

As she spoke, she grabbed Vivian Xiao's hand, looking troubled. “Vivian, after thinking it over, I really believe the Celestial Empress will find out sooner or later. Why don't you be the one to tell her? You're the best person for it, and maybe you can help calm her down, too.”

Ever since Sophie saved Vivian Xiao's life, Vivian has never refused her anything.

Of course, all these years, Sophie Shang has never really asked Vivian Xiao for much—in fact, she's always gone out of her way to be good to her.

She figured Vivian Xiao would definitely agree.

Just like last time, when Vivian agreed to pretend to be Evan Xiao's wife, so Grace could leave on her own.

But this time, Vivian Xiao shook her head. “No way! You can't tell her yet!”

“Why not?” Sophie Shang asked.

Grace is a master at finding opportunities. She figured out that my mother is afraid of thunder and said she could cure it.

And my brother says, in this world, she's probably the only one who can cure Mother's illness.

So... I can't tell Mother the truth right now, or she might refuse treatment, and things could get messy again."

Vivian Xiao apologized, "It's not that I don't want to help you. We all know the one person Mother fears and hates most is the previous Phoenix Matriarch.

And that person... is Grace's own grandmother.

If Mother finds out, she'll definitely fly into a rage and kick her out. Then what happens to her illness?

The Empress's illness has lasted for centuries. She should've ascended by now, but nothing's changed—Vivian's been worried for ages.

Sophie Shang narrowed her eyes. "Grace can really cure the Empress? Her medical skills are that good now?"

"That's right!"

"No wonder the Empress treats her so differently. I didn't expect her to have this kind of talent..."

"How about this!" Vivian Xiao said. "I'll go talk to Grace, and try to persuade her to speak with my brother. If she does, maybe he won't be so stubborn anymore."