Chi Lian was like a large doll, letting the Emperor arrange him as he pleased. Right now, he truly felt his brain wasn't functioning; his consciousness had ceased to operate, yet his fingertips faithfully relayed the sensation of touch: the skin was cool and smooth, the bones hard and prominent. The supreme, venerated god of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths was now sitting right beside him, a living, breathing Emperor who could be depicted.

'The Emperor feels so nice to touch... no, the Emperor is such a good person.'

Chi Lian, a formidable person who didn't even flinch when confronting a giant snake face to face, actually found his hands trembling at this moment. The Emperor seemed to notice and asked, “Are you afraid?”

Chi Lian carefully withdrew his hand, pinching his palm with each of his five fingers in turn before the dreadful numbness subsided. As it was inconvenient for him to salute while sitting, he bowed his head deeply to Emperor Cangze and, in the most respectful and meek tone he had ever used in his life, said sincerely, “Having been rescued by the Emperor twice, I can never repay this great kindness. I, Chi Lian, am willing to lay down my life for the Emperor, to go through fire and water, and would not shrink from ten thousand deaths.”

The Emperor gave a noncommittal “En.” He seemed to already know that Chi Lian was that Red Lotus, and said lightly, “Don't think about these things for now. The name Chi Lian, who gave it to you?”

Chi Lian didn't know why he had suddenly asked this and answered honestly, “Because I was late in taking form, when I paid my respects at Bitai Palace, Immortal Venerable Qingyang bestowed upon me the name ‘Chi Lian’.”

After waiting a moment and seeing the Emperor didn't speak, he asked hesitantly, "Is there something wrong with this name?"

The Emperor shook his head, then remembering Chi Lian couldn't see, added, “There is nothing wrong with it.”

He didn't dwell on the topic and started a new one: “The incident at Xuanjian Pavilion has been fully investigated. The one causing trouble was the spirit pet of Ye Xuan, the Continent Lord of Lizhou of the North Sea, a Ran Dragon. It went berserk after mistakenly eating purple berries from the garden and getting drunk. Your two sword strikes were deft and you were lucky to subdue the Ran Dragon, but you didn't truly kill it.”

“I have already retrieved the Ran Dragon's Dragon's Gall and given it to Yixia Palace. In a few days, when the antidote is refined, we can begin treating your eyes.”

Chi Lian breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, 'What a close call. Luckily it didn't die, so I don't have to compensate for it.'

The Emperor glanced at him and continued, "As for Xuanjian Pavilion, Bitai Palace has already sent people to clean up the mess. The other Immortal Attendants were merely frightened. The two who were swallowed by the Ran Dragon were fortunately rescued in time. Their injuries are even lighter than yours, and they are out of danger.”

Chi Lian: “...Oh.”

The Emperor watched as the corners of his mouth turned down in frustration. It was truly as if, because he couldn't see, he thought everyone else was blind too, wearing all his joys and sorrows on his face. Both amused and helpless, he coaxed him, “They were able to keep their lives also because you acted decisively. A heaven-sent prodigy like you, able to fight an ancient mythical beast to a standstill after only half a year of taking form—even I have never seen such a thing. Your future is sure to be limitless.”

Chi Lian was, after all, too young and didn't understand the meaning behind his words. He shook his head and smiled, “I am merely an Immortal Attendant. I don't have to slay demons and exterminate monsters. Serving the Heavenly Court is my duty. If all I do is cause trouble, I'm afraid I won't have much of a future.”

With his muddled and unenlightened appearance, the Emperor wasn't in a hurry to enlighten him. He only instructed, “Everything has been taken care of. No idle people will come to disturb you. You just need to relax and recuperate properly. The medicinal pills you need to take daily have been carefully adjusted to a reduced dosage. You cannot refuse to take them just because you fear bitterness or pain.”

Chi Lian, who had just been fed candy by Immortal Lord Mingshu not long ago, nodded hesitantly. The Emperor's gaze shifted, and he noticed the sword on the brocade mattress on the inner side of the bed. He recalled Chi Lian's highly guarded state when he first entered, and coupling that with what Mingshu had told him—that Chi Lian 'might be frightened and a bit wary of strangers'—he asked, “Isn't it uncomfortable sleeping while hugging a sword? If you're scared, I can have someone find a large stuffed doll for you.”

Chi Lian: “...”

“Thank you for your concern, Emperor... but that won't be necessary.” He really couldn't stand how everyone in Jiangxiao Palace was treating him like a three-year-old child. He explained dryly, “Although I haven't been in my form for long, once an Immortal Attendant gains sentience, they are an adult immortal. The Emperor doesn't need to treat me like an ignorant child.”

A warm, steady touch suddenly landed on his forehead. The Emperor had reached out to pat his head, like stroking a stubborn little kitten, ruffling his hair until his eyes squinted. Only then did he say, with a hint of admonishment, “According to the rules of the Ten Continents, regardless of whether one is an immortal or a spirit, anyone under one hundred years of age is considered a youth. They are not allowed to leave their fiefdoms alone, for fear they might encounter a powerful enemy and die an untimely death. The Celestial Realm's rules are not as strict because the White Jade Capital is guarded by numerous celestial gods, making entry and exit difficult for outsiders. However, it is also customary for immortals under one hundred years of age not to hold official positions. They first follow the Immortal Venerables of various palaces to cultivate, and only gradually take on duties after they have achieved a certain level of cultivation.”

“This has nothing to do with sentience. Rather, your cultivation time is too short, and your state of mind and spiritual power are still weak. Getting injured is a minor matter; the real danger is easily attracting a Heart Demon. If it reaches the point of deviating in your cultivation, then no one can save you.”

“If you had been born in Jiangxiao Palace, at your age, forget about bravely fighting a Ran Dragon, I would be afraid of you getting lost just going down to the next layer of heaven.” The Emperor recalled his miserable, blood-soaked state that day and still felt it was a sin. His tone couldn't help but soften further: “There is no need to hide your discomfort when you are sick, nor is it shameful to be worried or afraid. Don't force yourself to endure it. In my presence, you don't need to worry about the decorum of an adult immortal.”

An inexplicable warmth flooded Chi Lian's eyes, and he quickly lowered his head, trying to quell the rising tears.

From the day he was given form and a name, he had taken Immortal Venerable Qingyang's words to heart. The path of cultivation was fraught with difficulties, and he could rely on no one but himself. Even immortals of ordinary birth had to depend on the Immortal Venerables of their respective palaces, let alone an Immortal Attendant like him, born with a humble status and inferior talent and aptitude.

The Immortal Attendants who had met Chi Lian all said he was as unyielding as a rock, not at all like a Flower Immortal. His personality had nothing to do with gentleness. He didn't like to fight, but he practiced his swordsmanship as if it were self-torture. Even when faced with difficulties, he never showed weakness or gave in. The only way to make him shed tears was with smoke and fire... Chi Lian used to think he simply wasn't built that way, but today he learned that there was someone who would earnestly and solemnly tell him that it was okay to be afraid, okay to be weak; that even if he fell, someone would be there to catch him and treat him like a fragile treasure.

He had been able to smile even when gravely injured and on the verge of death, yet now he looked as if he had suffered a great grievance. Lowering his head couldn't hide the redness at the corners of his eyes. His picturesque features were shrouded in a layer of mist, which actually startled the Emperor.

He had never expected this heaven-sent prodigy to be one who yielded to soft persuasion but not to force. He suspected that if he said one more word, Chi Lian would burst into tears.

“You're still ill, it's not good to tire your mind. Don't think about other things for now.” The Emperor pulled the thin quilt up to Chi Lian's chin, turning the page on the topic lightly. “It must be boring to sit quietly all day. What hobbies do you usually have? You can indulge in them a little while you recuperate.”

Chi Lian shrank into his little quilt and answered in a muffled voice, “Practicing the sword.”

Emperor: “...”

Emperor: “Anything else?”

Chi Lian fell silent. It was clear he was thinking hard, but his life was simply too unremarkable for him to come up with anything. Seeing this, the Emperor sighed, “If you liked playing instruments, singing, dancing, or even listening to storytellers, it would be easy to arrange. Only martial practice is out of the question. A single careless move could trigger your internal injuries, and you would be the one to suffer.”

He pondered for a moment before making a decision. “How about this? I'll have someone bring a set of the Complete History of the Heavenly Court. You can enter your sea of consciousness just by holding the jade slip, which won't strain your eyes and will even let you learn something.”

Chi Lian: “...”

He might as well be dead.

He had heard countless immortals wail about it. The Complete History was over thirty thousand pages long, chronicling the history of the Heavenly Court from its founding to the present. All put together, it could literally crush an immortal to death. It was said that not even dogs would study that thing, yet the Emperor wanted to give it to him as recreational reading—did he even know who was making fun of whom?

Emperor Cangze saw him trembling with fear, wishing he could wrap himself in the quilt and vanish from under his nose. Although his face was still pale with illness, he looked much more lively and animated than before. The Emperor couldn't help but smile. After laughing, he reassured him, “What are you panicking for? No one is going to test you. If you can't read it, it can serve as a sleep aid. If you can get a few more naps and recuperate your spirit, then this reading session won't have been in vain.”

This couldn't even be called tolerance; it was pure, undisguised indulgence. Chi Lian's heart settled slightly, and only then did he dare to peek out from the quilt. Lowering his gaze in a pretense of obedience, he said, “I will follow the Emperor's arrangements.”

The room where Chi Lian was recuperating in Jiangxiao Palace was a small side chamber within the Emperor's main hall. It was very quiet; even the Immortal Lords of Jiangxiao Palace could not set foot inside without the Emperor's permission. He spent two days like this, drifting in and out of sleep, and finally, the antidote from Yixia Palace arrived.

He was deeply poisoned, and the injury was to a crucial place like his eyes. For the first application of the medicine, the Emperor even handled it personally, not letting any other Immortal Lord interfere. Chi Lian was nearly scared to death, almost diving into the crack of the bed on the spot. “Emperor, you absolutely mustn't! How could I let you do such a thing... No, no, I'm not afraid of the pain, I'm afraid it'll shorten my life! Just leave it there, I can do it myself...”

Emperor Cangze picked him up with one hand and settled him back down, saying lightly, “What's with all the fuss? Lie down properly. The strength of the medicine's effect is still unknown, and it's hard to say what reaction you'll have later. You'd better save your strength for now. It won't be too late to raise the roof after you've fully recovered.”

Chi Lian: “...”

He lay on his back amidst a pile of light, soft, and warm brocade. He felt the heavy weight of the Emperor's sleeve pressing on his chest, and his breath, carrying the clear, bitter scent of medicine, gently stirred the hair at his temples. A soft cotton ball soaked in medicinal liquid was applied to his eyes. At first, there was only a cool sensation. A moment later, the medicine finally took effect. The tyrannical properties of the Dragon's Gall were more ferocious than any poison, and a searing pain burned from his eyeballs deep into his brain. Chi Lian's hands, resting on the quilt, tightened abruptly, and a pained groan escaped his throat without warning.

The Emperor watched as beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead, and blue veins bulged on the back of his hands and his temples. His heart immediately leaped into his throat. “Does it hurt a lot?”

It was as if two armies were battling inside Chi Lian's head. Every slash of a saber and thrust of a spear struck his meridians and marrow, while he simultaneously endured the dull ache of being trampled by ten thousand horses and the searing agony of his heart being consumed by fire. The pain was so intense he wanted to bash his head against the wall. He couldn't hear what the person beside him was saying at all. The last shred of his consciousness was just enough to control himself from suddenly lashing out and actually slamming his head into the wall.

The long, drawn-out pain seemed endless, offering no escape. At first, Chi Lian could barely endure it, but he soon found that he couldn't hear, couldn't feel his limbs, and even breathing had become a burden. The excessive pain had stripped away his other senses, turning into a one-sided execution by a thousand cuts upon his consciousness.

At this point, he didn't even have the strength to be afraid, let alone know how pathetic he looked. He just thought blankly: 'It hurts too much... If I had just died back then, I wouldn't have to suffer like this.'

A cool stream of spiritual energy suddenly surged in from his palm, like a sweet spring flowing through his dry and scorched meridians. It swept through the raging wildfire within him, and with an unrivaled dominance, it instantly suppressed the heart-devouring, bone-gnawing pain to a barely tolerable level, pulling Chi Lian's crumbling consciousness back from the brink of a cliff just in time.

He choked and coughed violently, curling up into a ball. As if he had just been pulled out of water, his entire body was soaked in cold sweat, his clothes so wet that the color of his skin was visible. Only his face was held firmly by one of the Emperor's hands, preventing him from moving and smudging the medicine.

One of his hands gripped the Emperor's sleeve tightly, refusing to let go, while his other hand was held in the Emperor's palm, which was continuously channeling spiritual power into him to alleviate the pain that was worse than death.

Chi Lian's fingers twitched slightly. He gathered what little strength he had left into his fingertips, just enough to weakly rest them on the back of the Emperor's hand.

He heard that eternally calm and composed voice, a voice that would not waver even if the heavens fell, ask by his ear, “Does it still hurt?”

Chi Lian had never thought that one day he could perceive the meaning of the words "cherished and pitied" through touch alone. For plants, hiding their soft side was a natural instinct, but after he had died once and come back to life, the moment he opened his mouth, he let out all the weakness he had held in his entire life.

“Emperor...”