Greetings, Commanders

"I've seen her." Luna Lian's expression dimmed. "Father said she just wanted some peace these years, so he sealed the barrier. And then Father said..."

"Said what?"

"She might... not have much time left. Maybe just a few years, or a decade at most..."

Lily Bai's eyes filled with pain, but she said nothing.

"I think the Celestial Empress issued the order for you to kill her partly to test if you're really Lucia, and also... they're sure Fifth Highness will absolutely try to stop you, so he'll intervene. I bet they've already set up a full Heavenly Net Array over there."

Lily Bai smiled faintly.

"So, what are you planning to do? How will you explain all this?" Luna Lian asked.

"The Celestial Empress's divine decree—how could us lowly immortals possibly defy it?" Lily Bai said. "Of course I'll do exactly what they've instructed me to do."

"Huh?" Luna Lian looked puzzled.

"To do my job properly, I'll need you to fetch me some supplies," Lily Bai said.

"What kind of supplies?"

"Demonic Poison," Lily Bai whispered, sending a voice transmission. "I want the colorless, odorless gaseous type—the kind that infects with just a touch!"

The Spirit Alliance keeps all sorts of Demonic Poison samples in storage.

"What do you need it for?" Luna Lian frowned. "Father only has one Fiendbloom left."

Lily Bai took out the porcelain bottle and said, "Relax! I've already got the antidote."

Luna Lian nodded and went back to fetch it for her.

After Luna delivered it, Lily Bai told her to head home. As Luna was leaving, Lily said, "Lian-Lian, tell Father and Mother I'll be home for dinner tonight."

Luna Lian smiled, bowed from afar to Sean Shaw, and turned to leave.

Lily Bai strolled over to Sean Shaw and said, "I bet they've set a trap over there to catch you! Just wait for me here, don't go over."

"I'll follow you in stealth."

"No!" Lucia stopped him. "They've definitely set up Illumination Rays at the barrier entrance. They'll see you if you try! Just wait here like a good boy—I promise I'll come back for you."

Sean Shaw frowned.

"With my mom inside, what are you scared of? You think they're tougher than my mom?" Lily Bai waved at him and turned to leave.

On the surface, the barrier entrance looked perfectly normal—just two Palace Guards standing around, chatting casually.

But in reality, there were hidden arrays all around; they'd set up formations here, and no doubt plenty of ambushers were lying in wait.

Lily Bai glanced around, putting on a curious face as she walked up and bowed to the two guards. "Greetings, commanders!"

The two exchanged a look. "What are you up to?"

"By order of the Celestial Empress, I'm just going in for a bit." Lily Bai showed them the divine decree and the Teleport Talisman in her hand.

They checked her documents and let her pass.

Inside, it was just as cold as ever. Before, she never found it so bone-chilling, but now, even with her Warden-level body, she could barely stand it.

She hurried over in a few quick steps and looked at her mother, Bianca Whitefan.

Bianca Whitefan suddenly opened her eyes, looked at her, and smiled. "How lovely! A hundred years have passed and you look even more childlike!"

Lily Bai rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

Bianca Whitefan froze for a moment, then slowly placed her hands on Lily's back, gently patting her.

"Do you know what I regretted most when I died in my past life?" Lily Bai asked.

"What was it?"

"Not being able to hug you properly," Lily Bai said. "Mom, I swear I'll save you. Just wait for me."