Chapter 484

Chapter 484: Enemies Everywhere

This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation

“It won’t take much time.”

“The Spiritual Honey produced on Hundred Flowers Island is a delicacy unparalleled in the Three Realms. Many long to taste it, but few ever get the chance.”

“Besides…” The National Advisor hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Flying is forbidden over the Spirit Sea, and our ship only moves because of the formation engraved beneath it. That formation is incredibly expensive…” The National Advisor’s funds were running low.

If they could take some Spiritual Honey back, they might even make a profit.

Xie Yu Zhou was already eager to visit Hundred Flowers Island and immediately jumped at the opportunity. “Let’s go! We won’t stay long.”

Zhu Mo was less enthusiastic. “I hate flowers! I hate Flower Demons and Flower Immortals alike…”

“Oh? But the Celestial Maiden of Flowers governs all flora of the Three Realms, doesn’t she?”

The National Advisor nodded.

“Alright, alright, we’re going ashore! I want to see how that little Flower Demon plans to escape me!” A sly grin crept onto Zhu Mo’s lips, clearly still holding a grudge against a particular Flower Demon.

With Lu Chao Chao struggling in protest, the group arrived at the shores of Hundred Flowers Island.

The island was a vast sea of blooming flowers, an endless riot of color.

“Who are you? Where do you come from? Where are you going?” A soft, whispery voice echoed around them, though its speaker remained unseen.

Looking down, they saw a pink Peony trembling slightly before transforming into a little girl clad in green, her bright eyes filled with amusement.

“Celestial Maiden Peony, we are travelers from the Mortal Realm, on our way to the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. We merely wish to purchase some Spiritual Honey and would be grateful for your assistance,” said the National Advisor, offering a polite bow.

“Our ship carries rare treasures from the outside world. If the Celestial Maiden finds something of interest, we can trade.”

Hearing this, Celestial Maiden Peony’s eyes gleamed.

Though Hundred Flowers Island was secluded, its residents were always fascinated by rare goods from beyond. However, their Celestial Maiden of Flowers forbade them from leaving the island.

“Follow me,” she said softly.

Yet after only a few steps, she suddenly turned back and asked, “Wait. Is there someone among you called Lu Chao Chao?”

The National Advisor hesitated slightly, his brows lifting ever so subtly.

“Hundred Flowers Island has a rule: Lu Chao Chao and dogs are forbidden from entering.”

“Your dog cannot enter. This rule was decreed by the Celestial Maiden of Flowers herself.” Celestial Maiden Peony pointed toward a large stone in the distance, where an elegant inscription read:

Lu Chao Chao and dogs are forbidden from entering.

“Pretty sister, my name is Lu Zao Zao. Is that okay?” Lu Chao Chao swayed forward on her little feet, gently tugging at Celestial Maiden Peony’s dress, gazing up with innocent, round eyes.

Looking down, Celestial Maiden Peony saw an adorably chubby child clutching her leg.

She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Of course, Zao Zao can enter.”

Xie Yu Zhou: “??”

Zhu Mo: “??”

Being a Celestial Maiden, Peony could tell that Lu Chao Chao was truly only four years old. In the Three Realms, no one would ever suspect such a tiny child of anything malicious.

She even bent down and picked Lu Chao Chao up. “Tie up the dog on the ship and follow me.”

Windchaser bared his fangs and howled in protest.

“What’s its name?” Celestial Maiden Peony frowned slightly.

Windchaser: She is Lu Chao Chao, and she can enter! Why am I, an innocent bystander, banned?!

“Oh, maybe it’s just too happy to see such a beautiful sister…” Lu Chao Chao clung to Celestial Maiden Peony’s neck, her expression all sweetness and light.

Chuckling, Celestial Maiden Peony glanced at Windchaser, sensing deep grievance on his doggy face.

The group proceeded into Hundred Flowers Island, where towering ancient trees and blooming flowers painted an enchanting scene.

In the water, lotus flowers floated, and atop one sat a delicate young girl in pink, her head adorned with a broad lotus leaf.

“That is Celestial Maiden Lotus…” she exuded an air of serene aloofness.

As they traveled further, they encountered Celestial Maiden Lily, Celestial Maiden Peach Blossom, and many others, each leaving the group in awe.

Deep within the flower fields, they finally spotted a grand palace shaped like a colossal bloom.

Inside, numerous maids stood in rows, each radiant in their unique elegance.

Since Peonies bow to Peony Queens, at the very top sat the regal and majestic Celestial Maiden of Flowers.

One by one, the group stepped forward to pay their respects.

Lu Chao Chao kept her head lowered, appearing bashful and well-behaved.

“Flower Goddess, some outsiders seek to trade for Spiritual Honey,” reported the National Advisor.

After some discussion, a trade was agreed upon. However, the Flower Goddess’ gaze lingered on Lu Chao Chao, a strange sense of familiarity washing over her.

But this child was merely four years old. Surely, there was no connection.

“A-Yu, take them to retrieve the Spiritual Honey,” the Flower Goddess said, waving her hand with little interest.

At that moment, Zhu Mo stepped forward and respectfully bowed.

“Forgive my intrusion, Celestial Maiden of Flowers, but I have a request.”

“Half a year ago, I encountered a Flower Demon. That wretched thing deceived me and stole my family’s fortune! Please, would you help me find her and reveal her true nature?”

Sitting upright, the Celestial Maiden of Flowers asked, “Do you have anything she left behind?”

After some thought, Zhu Mo pulled out a green leaf from a jade box.

The veins of the leaf were sharp and clear, still vibrant after all this time.

“Strange, I sense no kinship with it,” muttered Celestial Maiden Peony, passing the leaf forward.

With just one glance, the Celestial Maiden of Flowers declared:

“She is no Flower Demon.”

“This leaf carries no trace of the Hundred Flowers.”

Zhu Mo’s face darkened. His eyes widened.

“Impossible!!”

“You ignorant dragon! Do you think anyone can fool the Celestial Maiden of Flowers? All flowers in the Three Realms fall under her domain—there is no mistake!”

“You were deceived by some cunning little trickster,” someone sneered.

Zhu Mo turned an ashen shade, unable to form a single retort.

The Flower Goddess tossed the leaf aside. As soon as it touched the ground, it transformed into a streak of light and vanished.

Reality crashed down upon Zhu Mo.

Not only had he been deceived, but even the identity of his so-called Flower Demon had been a lie!

Lost in thought, he trailed behind the group, his expression as dark as a storm.

As they prepared to leave, Xie Yu Zhou finally asked hesitantly, “Why are Lu Chao Chao and dogs forbidden from entering?”

Celestial Maiden Peony scowled, then glanced toward the Hundred Flowers Palace before lowering her voice.

“Did you know that we once lived in the Divine Realm’s Hundred Flowers Palace? That place was nothing like this small island.”

“Every year, the Hundred Flowers Festival was a grand spectacle, unmatched in splendor.”

“But then…” Celestial Maiden Peony gritted her teeth.

“One year, the Sword Sovereign Sunshine had a young disciple named Gan Tang, who ventured out for training.”

“She encountered a young Flower Immortal from our tribe, stole her opportunity, and injured her right arm.”

“The Sword Sovereign Sunshine came seeking justice and razed our entire palace to the ground! Every single flower was uprooted—not a single one remained.”

“Later, High God Han Chuan scolded the Flower Goddess for failing to protect her domain and banished her from the Divine Realm.”

And so, they settled in the Spirit Realm.

Everyone glanced at Lu Chao Chao.

“Why are you all looking at me?” asked Celestial Maiden Peony, puzzled.

Xie Yu Zhou covered his face. “Nothing. Just some sand in my eyes.”

Damn it! Everyone here was an enemy!

Lu Chao Chao: [Hehe, all the flowers are tucked away in my dimensional space.]

“Would you not strike her down if you met her?” Xie Yu Zhou asked cautiously.

Celestial Maiden Peony smiled.

“Stealing our flowers was a personal grudge.”

“But in the grand scheme of things, the Hundred Flowers Palace still holds great respect for her.”

When she sacrificed herself to save the world…

All the flowers withered.

All life faded.

But still, Lu Chao Chao and dogs remain banned!