CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The first thing Chen Li Sha did was call Er Lang Shen. As much as she loved to bug her Jiaofu, important matters should be taken seriously. Normally, he was the least busy in the morning while no one could find him in the evening. Some rumors even spread that he had a 'nightlife'.

She had no idea what he was doing but it was definitely not that. Actually, it would be better for it to be true than for him to pine for a woman who he didn't have a chance with. She scrolled past the messages he had sent over the days she was unconscious before dialing his number.

The call was finally picked up on the other side and she greeted the other side right away.

"Shouxi."

A few seconds of silence passed. "Tell me what atrociousness you did this time as if going on a suicidal mission is not enough? You're not even calling me your godfather."

"Really, Shouxi. Do you just see me as a huge trouble?" Sulkiness dripped from her voice, making sure he was aware of it.

"You? A trouble? Who would think of such an accusation? You were half-dead, I suppose? No one even informed me you are awake already. Do I have the right to complain that you are a 'trouble'? Of course not. How bold of me!"  

 She tried to stop the giggle at the heavy drip of sarcasm in his tone. 

"How are you, Jiaofu? If you're worrying too much, why not visit me?"

An exasperated sigh broke on the other line. "You're mother wreaked havoc the moment we learned about your situation and who is cleaning up? Certainly none other than me. How is she? Thankfully, she'll be back tomorrow and with her rationality intact, I hope."

At first listen, one would think it was a pure rant but the hint of indulgence could not escape her ears when she heard that tone every time her father talked about her mother. She ignored the urge to console him and cheered up her words.

"Xiexie, Jiaofu! You are always the best!"

"Don't think you're sweet talking always works."

So he said but he was apparently giving in and it was confirmed by his following words.

"What do you want?"

"Shu Xin is alive."

There was a dead pause for a couple of seconds.

"Jiaofu?" she called when there was still no reply.

"I see."

"That's it? Are you not surprised? Do you believe me?"

"For one, I believe you. As for the surprise, I already have my suspicions but even I cannot see what went wrong. It's not farfetched to assume she was alive."

"But how come? Why was I framed? Because we're roommates?"

As much as Chen Li Sha racked her head, she could not fathom why Shu Xin would frame her.

"That'll be the most foolish reason. Remember whose child you are. You are the only demigod who has the blood of the Queen of the West, the most powerful woman in the Chinese pantheon."

His words sunk in her. It was true. Her mother had endless enemies which did not limit to their country only. But those were a long-time grudge long forgotten. Even the Monkey King had acquiesced as the years passed. 'But still...'

"That does not add up, Jiaofu."

"Indeed. Shu Xin has no malicious motives but the one behind her might."

"Any idea who is it?"

"That's where you should find out because I cannot even see the one covering her for there are entities I dare not even disturb."

‧ 🀦 ‧

Chen Li Sha tried her best to think who could have a connection with Shu Xin. A powerful god to be specific. However, she had no clue even after trying to recall her memories.

She was shopping with Shu Xin when Guo Feng appeared. She was having lunch with her and he was there. She went to training with her but ended up in a spar with him.

'Why the hell is Guo Feng everywhere?'

The thought quickly riled up her temper but she managed to soothe herself to focus on her goal.

She recollected memories with Shu Xin once again. Yet she did not seem to care much about her and there was nothing too distinct about her.

Shu Xin's godparent was a mere Celestial God. Though it was only a rank below the Cosmic God, the difference of power was as vast as the distance of heaven and earth. It was no wonder the Chinese pantheon was malleable compared to others.

They had their fair share of chaos but under the absolute rule of the Jade Emperor, only a brainless deity would challenge his authority when no one had ever succeeded in usurping his throne.

Chen Li Sha did not even notice how the time flew so fast until she was called outside her room.

Everyone was gathered in the living area but instead of Carlos who had been gathering the team all this time, a familiar woman sat with her back turned from her.

Feeling everyone's gaze, the woman also twisted to greet her.

"Hi, how are you? Are you doing well now?" she spoke.

'Laya? Leah?' She struggled to remember her name as she mouthed her reply. "Yes, I'm all good..."

"Laeya," she completed.

"Oh, right. My bad. We met at the headquarters before, right?"

"Yep, that's me. Anyway, have a seat. I won't take a while to be honest. I'm just here as a messenger since Carlos is still under probation."

Chen Li Sha nodded as she sat down. She really did not care if Carlos was arrested. What she wanted was how Shu Xin managed to be in cahoots with him. What was their connection?

Carlos was not even a well-known Associate. He was one of the lucky mortals to have the ability to see the Veil but that was it. 'Just how come?'

One scenario why he was chosen was somebody knew he would be assigned to them but that meant there was someone with power manipulating behind the scenes.

"As it was announced with the previous mission, the one who will defeat will have any of their wish granted by the Hinirang. However, only one is allowed to."

"What!?"

"What the fvck?"

"Wait! How come?"

"No way!"

Their reactions collided with the same degree of shock.

Laeya grimaced as if expecting their reaction. "Aadesh did mention that the team who wins can be granted a wish and it was stated on the contract. However, it was either a collective wish or only one could use it."

Zhu Mu Yang clicked his tongue. "I knew it was too good to be true."

"Damn it. We risk all that for a single wish?" Guo Feng's glare could practically shrink Laeya into the corner.

Che Li Sha felt a bit sorry for her as she was chosen to bear the brunt but that dam contract should better be torn to pieces.

"The better question is are we doing a collective wish or choosing who will have the reward?" Liu Hui said.

She raised her hand. "Isn't that easy? Me."

"You?" Guo Feng snickered.

"Yes, me. I'm the one who defeated it and I saved your life. As a matter of fact, everyone's, right?" A glint of determination flashed on her irises. There was only one reason she wanted the reward. This could be the answer to her dilemma.

"She does have a point," Zhu Mu Yang agreed. "Li-er has the highest contribution. It is fair enough."

"Okay, fine." Liu Hui dragged his words and then shrugged. "What else can I do but respect the elders."

He was quickly bonked by Chen Li Sha. "I thought I could finally ask the Hinirang his identity," Liu Hui muttered in surrender

"There is a better use of that favor, Xiao Hui," Zhu Mu Yang said turning to Guo Feng. "What do you say?"

"It's the majority's vote so do I have a choice?" He rolled his eyes. "What are you gonna wish for anyway? You're so eager like I can already see your saliva drooling for it."

Laeya their throat before she could respond. "Very well, if you have made a decision. We can proceed to the Hinirang's office."

‧ 🀦 ‧

Upon Chen Li Sha's arrival at the office, she was greeted with the same unfathomable fog of darkness. Her footfalls were absorbed by the thick carpets as she aimed senselessly.

"Welcome," a mouth floated right in front of her but maybe due to her previous injury, she was not able to balance herself and her butt landed on the floor.

"Ow."

"Careful," the Hinirang said, his magnetic voice layered with both warmth and chill at the same time.

The mist seemed to help her back to her feet.

"Now child, what it is that you desire?"

"I want to talk to the Jade Emperor," she said right away.

A rumble resonated within the room. "That is an unforeseen choice for your predicament. May I ask why? You know the rumors, you could have asked me, or better yet the Fates for they know everything."

Her head snapped back to where his voice came from. "What do you mean? You really know about it?"

"Perhaps yes, perhaps no. But do tell me, child, what made you think talking to the emperor will give you answers. Have you forgotten the sour relationship between him and your mother?"

She lifted her chin. "We are still in the same pantheon. I believe the Jade Emperor will not be so trifled to abandon his people. He is wise and this is a problem within our pantheon. Why should we be involving the other gods and air our dirty laundry?"

"Did you hear that, Yu Huang?"

"Indeed."

Chen Li Sha stiffened at the mention of the Jade Emperor. A single word from the sovereign god was enough to overwhelm her. His figure was not even seen but it was as if his presence already enveloped the room.

"Pray tell, nu shi, why have you sought my presence?"

"I have been accused of the murder of a fellow demigod, Shu Xin, daughter of Lei Gong, but it appears she is alive. I want to know if there is a god involved with this and how can I clean my name, Bi Xia?"

"Come on. Tell the child her answer, Yu Huang. What did she say again? Don't let your dirty laundry air in public?" A misplaced glee laced Hinirang's tone.

She could not understand why he was goading the other god, almost as if mocking him. Thankfully, the Jade Emperor's reputation of long patience was true and he simply ignored the Hinirang.

"Your speculation is correct. However, I will not be able to intervene unless evidence is procured where my jurisdiction will be needed."

It was as if a frigid icicle poked her gut with his answer. How could she even find proof when finding the culprit who might collaborate with Shu Xin was similar to finding a needle in a haystack? She was not even sure if the god was within her pantheon, although there was a higher chance that was the case.

Frustration bubbled inside her as he heard the Jade Emperor speak once more.

"Consequently as I am not much of help, you can ask me another question or a favor."

"Magnanimous in the face of contrition, I suppose," the Hinirang quipped back. His full white teeth were almost too dazzling as the only source of light in the room.

Chen Li Sha did not think much about the Hinirang's words and said her reply, "I will settle with a favor."

'Who knows when I will need it?' Understanding that a god was behind her problem, it is always safe to have a supreme god as your ace.

"In that case, I will owe you a favor. Your name is at your bidding whatever it may be as long as it can be accomplished by my power. Until then, may your blessings bring you to great heights, nu shi."

There was a sizzle in the air for a second before she was truly alone with the Hinirang and his 'pet'.

"Aren't you glad you are drawing near to your answers?"

Her brows immediately knotted. She gained no clues so how could he say that? "What do you mean?"

"Your culture places great importance on family. A child will have filial piety and a parent will always put their children first. You are caught in between. The threads woven are far from being untangled but once you see it was a mere web, how easy it is to untangle. Think about it, child."

U n S c e n e s

Guo Feng: Is there even any way I can ask a favor to Yue Lao?

Zhu Mu Yang: What for?

Guo Feng: Marriage, what else?

Liu Hui: You can't even talk without fighting and you're thinking of marriage. Ge, please spare the world from another divorce—

Guo Feng: *seals Liu Hui's mouth*

Translation:
Nu Shi ‧ lady
Bi Xia ‧ your majesty

Pronunciation:
Nu Shi ‧ ni shew
Bi Xia ‧ pi sya

Note:
An update after procrastinating and contemplating revising this from the start TT

See you.

Hopefully TT