"Why are you here?" Su Hai sounded like he was trying to control his anger.

"Your Highness! I... I-"

"I invited her to come, Su Hai," I heard a male voice say from among the crowd.

"Cousin Jing Zi?"

"Yes. If she has offended Your Highness then please punish me in her stead for I was the one who asked her to come," Jing Zi requested. Hmm... who was this lady? Su Hai didn't seem to like her, but she was defended by another member of royalty. Ahh... it was like the imperial dramas I used to watch on Earth...

"That won't be necessary," Su Hai let out a sigh, "you may return to your seat," he ordered.

"But, I have yet to place the gift down, Your Highness," she responded.

"No need to."

"B-"

"Go," Su Hai raised her voice and I saw the lady flinch before bowing and returning to her seat. I glanced at the crowd as they looked at her with pity. I only let out a small sigh. I didn't know the problems of the court, nor did I want to know. This was better off left to be a mystery as I didn't want to get tangle too heavily. I felt Su Hai's grip weaken as he looked at me with apologetic eyes. I just shook my head.

"It's fine," I whispered and he gave me a smile before turning his attention back to the people offering gifts.

-

After all the gifts were given, Su Hai waved his hand over them and they disappeared. After that, we walked to another part of Xian Quan Quarters. There was a garden filled with various flowers that someone recommended we go see. Su Hai kept me by his side the whole time as he continued to chat with the guests. He had his arm wrapped around me as his hand held onto my waist. I kept trying to elbow his arm away but he just had this conceited smirk on his face as he side-eyed me. He was lucky he was the Celestial Crown Prince and I didn't want to get into trouble... or else I probably would've slapped him a thousand times already! I eventually gave up as I glared at him from beneath the veil. I could feel people staring but I just tried to ignore them as I fiddled with my sleeve.

"Your Highness is a very excellent example for all the soldiers in the military. Your strength can rival a thousand elite soldiers," the old man, who was speaking earlier, complimented.

"Lord Jin Guan, you praise me too much. I'm not as great as you are saying. I am still lacking in comparison to others," Su Hai bowed his head. Hmm... he was unexpectedly humble toward these kinds of thing... or was he just pretending to be humble?

"Others? Ah..." Jin Guan rubbed his long beard as he nodded his head, "it was a sad incident causing the Celestial Palace to lose such a great general," he commented. Hmm?

"Who?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. Jin Guan got taken by surprise as he jumped back.

"Ahh... just a g-"

"Lord Jin Guan, let's not talk about such things on a day like this," Su Hai cut him off.

"Ohh... I apologize, Your Highness. I'm getting too old that I almost told an ominous tale at this time. Please excuse my behavior," Jin Guan bowed.

"It's alright. Then, please excuse us," Su Hai pulled me away as I watch Jin Guan stroke his beard one more time.

"Yo- S-su Hai!" I said as we stopped in front of an empty pavillion.

"Hmm?" Su Hai looked down at me. Why did you interrupt him? What happened? Why can't you talk about it on a day like this? I had many questions running through my head but I felt like I didn't have any right to ask them. I just stared blankly at his face before letting out a sigh.

"N-nothing..." I shook my head.

"Alright," he gave me a smile.

"Crown Prince!" I heard a voice call out from behind us. We turned around to see a soldier walking up to Su Hai. He looked at me before looking back at Su Hai. Su Hai nodded at him as he turned to face me. He bent down and set his hands on my shoulders.

"Stay here for now. I will be right back, do you understand?" he looked at me carefully and I nodded my head.

"I'm not a little girl. I will be fine," I replied as I nodded to the soldier, "hurry and go. It seems to be urgent," I said and he gave me a smile.

"I will be right back," he patted my shoulder before he and the soldier left behind a puff of glitter. I let out another sigh as I turned and stared at the scenery. Finally, I could have some time alone without him. I could still feel his hand on my waist and I rubbed my hand over it to get the feeling to go away. The flowers were pretty but I never liked to look at such things. I turned around and walked toward the river, leaving behind the crowd. I set my hand on the white railing and let out a sigh. I wanted to escape, but if I was to leave in front of everyone right now then I fear I would be bringing more trouble to myself. I wanted to drink, but I couldn't with this veil over me. I wanted to punch Su Hai for acting like that, but I probably would get my head chopped off if I did. I wanted to do so many things but I couldn't!

"Hey you," I heard a high pitch voice call out from behind me. I let out another sigh as I turned around to see a lady wearing a jade color robe standing in front of me. I gave her a small bow, however, she didn't give me one back. Hmm... alright, whatever I guess. This world was strict with etiquette and I got used to it, but I guess I shouldn't be too strict.

"Yes?" I wondered what she came to see me for. Usually, in dramas, a woman like this is in love with the Crown Prince and tries to stir up trouble with the Crown Prince's romantic interest... who just so happens to be me right now... great...

"What's your name?" she demanded.

"I-I-I am just a lowly deity. It's not worth mentioning my name. Who might you be, young lady?"

"Me? I am Lin Tian Shu, the youngest princess of the Snake tribe," she bragged. Snake tribe? I remember Master lecturing that among all deities the only original tribes left were the Celestial Tribe which included Celestial Dragons and Phoenixes, the Sea Dragon Tribe, the Wolf Tribe, the Snake Tribe, the Fox Tribe, and the Demon Tribe which changed their name to the Dark Arts Tribe. Among all the Celestial tribes they were fourth in the rankings. I should be careful or else I will really end up causing trouble like what Hua Mi said.

"Greetings, Snake Princess Tian Shu," I gave her another bow out of courtesy. She still didn't bow to me.

"Are you really not going introduce yourself?" she pierced me with her words.

"I-I-I'm sorry... I'm still too shy and not ready to reveal myself to the public. Please forgive me," I bowed my head again.

"Psh... insolence," she said under her breath knowing I could clearly hear her, "Whatever. Anyways, tell me how you and the Crown Prince met?" she demanded. Damn woman! We barely introduced ourselves and you're already interrogating me? Ugh...

"Sorry, Princess, but I... I don't feel really comfortable sharing such meetings with someone I've just encountered. Please forgive me," I bowed again, for the fourth time! She was obviously younger than me yet she was so impolite! Even if my face couldn't be seen, she should still show more courtesy! I guess even though I wouldn't' have minded... this brat was just too irritating with the way she talked and acted like she was superior to me!

"Hmm... that's alright... I can see that you are really shy... unless you don't have a story to share?"

"Huh? Ah... no... I do... but... I fear that it may a bit inappropriate for a young princess like you to hear of," the ends of my lips curled up as I turned my head a bit to make it seem like I was embarrassed.

"I-i-inappropriate?" she seemed taken back. Haha!

"Yes," I continued with my lie, "if you were here the whole time then you must've seen how... how his highness wouldn't let go of me for a moment... hehe... it makes me shy by how affectionate an- ah! Sorry!" I tapped my mouth over the veil, "It seems to be too inappropriate to speak about these kinds of things on a day such as this, especially in front of a princess. Forgive me, Your Highness," I bowed my head again this time, but I felt good doing it. Take that, you brat!

"Y-you!" she pointed at me, "are you trying to get on my nerves?"

"I-I-I? I wouldn't dare! How could a low diety like me try to get on Your Highness's nerves? Your Highness asked and I just answered. I'm sorry if I offended Your Highness," I gave her another bow. I looked up and through my translucent veil. I couldn't make out any features but I could tell she was frustrated as she stomped one foot on the ground.

"Y-y-you!" she seemed to be trying to contain herself from yelling.

"Xiao Shu," a soft feminine voice called out. I looked behind brat to see the lady from earlier walking toward us. She stood behind the brat and the brat turned to look at her.

"Aunty! This... person!" she was too frustrated to make out any words.

"Xiao Shu! Stop acting like this. Look, there are some chrysanthemums over there that you really like. Why don't you go take a look?" the woman suggested. The brat seemed to calm down as she nodded her head.

"Yes, Aunty. I will listen to you," she gave the woman a bow and then left us. I looked at the woman and gave her bow.

"Greetings," I said and she gave me a bow back. At least she was better than that brat!

"Greetings, lady," her voice was very pleasing to the ear. I wouldn't mind it if she did an ASMR for me to listen too, that's how soft and pleasant it was. "I hope you don't mind anything Xiao Shu said. She's still young and a bit brash."

"No need to apologize. I didn't take any offense at all. Lady, you are?"

"Ah! How rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Fei Hui Xing, a princess of the Wolf tribe," she introduced herself. Woah! The Wolf tribe is the third most powerful in the rankings. I have to be even more careful here!

"Greetings, Wolf Princess Hui Xing," I gave her another bow.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"No need to be so formal, lady. This may be the Celestial Palace, but only you and I are talking to each other right now," she said. I shook my head.

"No. Whether or not this is the Celestial Palace, it's only right that I address Your Highness as Your Highness should be addressed."

"Hmm... you are very polite. Su Hai definitely found a good woman," she chuckled. Hmm... she called him by his first name so casually... what did this mean? Do they have a past together? Was that why Su Hai was so angry earlier?

"Ah... you give me too much praise for basic etiquette. I don't deserve all of this."

"No... by paying this much attention to etiquette I can tell... lady, you are older than Su Hai, right?"

"I?" I furrowed my brows. Where was she going with this? I mean technically I am older so, "yes... I am older."

"Ahh... I see. I guess Su Hai has changed," there she goes again calling him by his name, "do you guys get along well?"

"Uh... yes... we get along quite well," I made up. I barely knew the man.

"I see... ah, lady you have something on your hat," I saw her reach up and remove something before I could back away, "it's gone now," she moved her hand back and I felt the hat and veil moving along with her hand. Oh no! I looked behind her to see Hua Mi talking to someone by the flowers as I reached up to grab the hat, but before I could do anything I felt a pressure hit my shoulder. It took me by surprise as I stumbled backward. The hat was now off of me and my hands rushed to cover my face as my back hit the water.

I held my breath as I waved my hands back so I could reach the surface. I felt something pulling onto the robe of my sleeve and I turned my head to see a big fish with tall teeth biting on my long sleeve. Ugh! Let go! I tried to use magic but it seemed like my magic wouldn't activate! What was happening?! I pulled on my sleeve but the fish was stronger as it pulled me deeper into the water. No! I'm going to run out of air soon! Let go you stupid fish! I tried to shake and my hands fumbled to untie my robes but I was moving too slow in the water. Oh no! I should've just listened to Hua Mi if I knew I was going to come here and encounter this situation! My lungs were burning as I felt all the oxygen being used up. I couldn't even use my magic to save myself! It was getting harder to stay conscious. I thought I heard something and I looked up to see someone swimming toward me. It was dark in the river and I couldn't tell who it was until he was right in front of me.

His light brown eyes locked onto mine as I scrunched up my face. It was too painful. I felt his warm hand grab onto my face and then I felt his lips press against mine. His hand grabbed onto my chin as he lowered my mouth and he breathed life back into me again. My face muscles relaxed as I wrapped my arms around him. Mmm... this felt kind of nice... ah! Get your act together, Que Hei Bin! He's a playboy! I backed away from him and I nodded toward the fish. He looked behind me and then I felt his arm wrap around me. I felt him pull the robe and after a moment I felt he ripped the robe away. He continued to hold onto me with one arm as he began to swim up. When we reached the surface, he buried my face into his chest as he used magic to get us back behind the railings.

"Crown Prince!" I heard the crowd yell and I looked up to see him pull off his outer robe as he wrapped it around me. They surrounded us as I kept my head down to avoid showing my face.

"Lady!" I heard Hui Xing call out and I peered up to see her holding onto the veil. Woah... she was really pretty with her soft feminine features caused me to be stunned, "I'm sorry. I was just trying to get something off your hat but the fabric got caught on my ring. I didn't mean to startle you like that!" she explained, "I'm sorr-"

"Silence!" Su Hai roared and I saw the crowd freeze. I also snapped out of being stunned by her as I glanced up. Oh no...

"Lady!" Hui Xing walked closer and I turned my head away so she wouldn't see my face.

"Inso-" I pulled onto Su Hai's robe before he could finish. I didn't know the relationship between all the clans but I didn't want a problem to arise because of me. I looked up to see Su Hai looking down at me.

"I want to leave here," my voice was muffled from pressing my face against his robe. He looked at me and nodded.

"Please excuse us," he announced. He suddenly bent down as he placed an arm under my knee and one on my back. I let out a small gasp as I grabbed onto him and buried my face into his shoulder. Ahh! I wasn't expected to be carried princess style. After a moment I heard him walking up some stairs and I peered up to see we were back in Tian Yue Palace. I heard wind pass by and I turned to see the doors open as he walked inside.

"S-su Hai! You can put me down now!" I tapped on his shoulder but he continued to carry me into the room. My eyes widened as I saw the delicate designs inside as Su Hai set me down on a bed. His hands wrap gently around my arms as he looked me in the eye.

"Are you hurt?" he looked me up and down and I shook my head.

"I'm not hurt. What about you?" I reached my hand out and cupped his cheek. He looked at my hand, surprised for a moment before he looked back at me and smiled. I felt a bit embarrassed as I retrieved my hand back.

"I'm fine," he stood up and sat next to me. He pulled me into his embrace and he started rubbing my back. I was too shocked as I just froze. "I'm glad you're not hurt," his voice was comforting.

"Thank you... Su Hai," I said in a quiet voice, "and... I'm sorry."

"Sorry?"

"If I could've used my magic back there then I could've got myself out without having to drag you in to save me. I need to practice my cultivation more."

"Oh... don't worry. It's not that you need to practice more. The river makes it hard for Immortals and Celestial beings to use magic, or else I would've just pulled you up with my magic."

"Ahh... I see..." I fiddled with his wet robe. Why would the river in the Celestial Palace be like that? Isn't that a hazard? I felt like asking but no words left my lips. There was a moment of silence as he continued to embrace me. I didn't know what to do so I just accepted his affection.

"Y-you... you're not angry?" he asked carefully. I moved back and looked up at him.

"Angry?" I frowned.

"That I made you go through all this?"

"Ah... I..." what was the best answer to give here? "I was a bit frustrated... but you saved me so... it's alright... I couldn't breathe in the water so when you ca-" I stopped as I remember his lips on mine and my cheeks heat up again. Gosh this man, he's turning me into a teenage girl! He looked at me and one side of his mouth went up to form a smirk.

"Are you blushing?" he leaned in and I moved back. I shook my head.

"No! I-I'm not blushing!" I held my hands up and shook them too. The playfulness returned in his eyes as he pushed my hands down and moved closer to me. He pressed his forehead against mine as his hand went back to the curve of my back. I felt water droplets fall from his skin onto mine.

"Why are you acting so shy?" he rubbed his nose against mine, "you were the one who kissed me the first two times we met."

"What?! I kissed you?" I moved back as I set my hand on his shoulder and pushed him back. He smiled and nodded.

"Yes. You kissed me, twice."

"T-t-twice? When?" was he fooling around with me? Or was he being serious?

"The night before yesterday and yesterday night."

"Hah?! We've met? Don't lie to me!"

"Hmm... judging by your face, you really don't remember... but it was done. We met yesterday and that ring right there is proof," he pointed to the ring on my pointer finger. I looked at the ring and bit my lip as I had nothing else to say. I heard a chuckle and I looked at him to see him laughing. I glared at him and he stopped as he cleared his throat.

"Sorry. I ended up dragging you into all his trouble," he said. I let out a sigh and shrugged as I pulled his robe off of me and handed it back to him.

"Don't wo- wait," I almost forgot the reason why I came to the Celestial Palace, "are you really sorry?" I asked as he took the robe and pulled it back on. He waved his hand over us and our clothes and hair went back to being dry. I appreciated his magic as I touched my dry hair.

"Yes. I'm really sorry."

"Hmm... then can I ask for a favor?" I smiled and he gave me a confused look.

"Favor?"

"Mhmm!"

"What is it?"

"You know the root wine you received earlier?"

"Yes."

"Can you give me that?"

"Give it to you?"

"Un! I... really like it!" I grinned at the thought of finishing that delicious wine. He cocked his head as he looked at me with puzzled eyes.

"You like to drink?" he asked and I nodded my head.

"I love to drink," I blatantly answered. He looked away as he seemed to be thinking about something. Why was he acting like this? I just asked for the wine after going through so many hardships and he won't even give it to me?! "Do you like to drink too?" my question brought him back from his thoughts and he looked at me, "if you do then let's trade. You already took the wine I gave you so this can be a fair exchange. Alright?" I looked at him with puppy eyes and he smiled before nodding.

"Alright," he stroked my head.

"Then give it to me!" I held my hands out. He squinted his eyes at me before grabbing my hands.

"No. If I give it to you right now... I have a feeling you are going to run away," he gave me a suspciousios look and I looked away.

"No! I'm not that type of person!" I lied. He grabbed onto my cheeks and pushed them together gently and shook his head.

"Wait for me. When I come back I will give them to you," he placed a kiss on my forehead, which stunned me, as his hands left my face. I touched my forehead and my cheeks were hot again. He smirked victoriously as he waved his hand and a pair of new robes appeared on the bed. "In the meantime, change into this. I will try to deal with the celebration quickly and come back. You don't need to come. I will just tell them that you are feeling unwell after falling into the pond and you're resting now. Is this fine with you?," he caressed my cheek. I tried to take in deep breaths to calm myself and he leaned his head to one side, "hmm... are not answering because you need help changing?" he asked. My jaw dropped as I pushed him away.

"I-I-I don't need your help! Quick, go, before they get worried about you being gone for so long," I rushed him and he grinned before surprising me with another kiss on my cheek.

"I'll be back soon," he whispered and I felt goosebumps rise. He disappeared as he left behind a trail of glitter and I hit my chest to calm myself down. Focus, Que Hei Bin! It's not like we've never been hit on before... it's just that this man is a bit too blunt! He's a playboy! We can't let the playboy play us! I slapped my cheeks together and let out a sigh of relief. I looked down at the robe he left me. It was only an outer robe as thankfully my first and second layer of clothes did not take any damage. This time the robe was also a turquoise color but they didn't have flower designs. Instead, they had simple line stitchings on the sleeves. Did this man like this color? Why did everything he give me was a shade of blue? Not that I mind because I do like the color blue... ah, whatever!

I changed into the robes he left me and set the torn up robes at the end of the bed. Afterward, I sat down and thought about what he said. Did we really meet? But if we did, why don't I remember anything? But... I do have the ring he gave me... ah!

"Status menu!" I said.

Name: Que Hei Bin Skills Title: Fifteenth Disciple of Guang Yuan Inventory Status: High Immortal Notes Level: 989 Memory Data Time Played: (Years: Days: Hours: Minutes: Seconds) 190,100:16:14:38:22 Messages

I clicked on the Memory Data tab and scrolled all the way down. Hmm... huh? The last thing I saw was the battle against the Dark Arts Tribe... hmm... that's weird. It should also have my meeting with my Master and Hua Mi too because it always took memories that were impactful to my storyline... could it be? I continued to scroll down and after a while of scrolling, I reached the memory where I woke up. Huh? What about all those empty slots? I clicked on one of the slots that seemed to be empty.

Error!

Lost Data!

Memory can't be replayed!

More Information

Hmm? So these empty slots were all the slots the old me deleted from the trial? Hmm... I clicked more information.

Error!

Lost Data!

Memory can't be replayed!

Summary: ???

Location: Celestial Palace

Hmm? There was no time and summary available but there was a location. This means I can trace where my memories are and get them! This will make it easier to complete the quest! Yes! I continued to scroll back up and then I saw a square that kept spotting in and out. It was like a broken television and I clicked on it.

Error!

Corrupted Data!

Data not correctly restored!

Memory can't be replayed!

Summary: aioerji13@$2305nsmoiar*##ajgvo#590afmo320ajno_laqi34o=q24vAe+j20gt1~340gvmap3--

Location: Celestial Palace

"Ah... this must be the data that I tried to restore earlier but ended up failing," I murmured as I exit out of it. I scrolled back up to the Dark Arts battle memory square and pressed the empty one next to it.

Error!

Lost Data!

Memory can't be replayed!

Summary: ???

Location: Northern Sea Palace

"Northern Sea Palace?" why would the next memory be located in Northern Sea Palace? I've never even been there... just what exactly happened to me?!