"What do you mean, 'kidnapped by a future wife'?" Jing Feng blinked blankly, his face etched with confusion.
"It's a long story..." Zhu Que lowered her gaze and began to recount the events of the past few months, her voice tinged with grievance.
...
Five months ago—
"You're really going to become the Holy Lord?" Jiang Ye stared intently at Bai Hu, his brows furrowed.
Bai Hu, disguised, nodded slightly, "Once I ascend to the position of Holy Lord, I'll be able to gather a lot of information, making it easier to support the Master."
With Baili Xiao having left the Divine Realm, the Holy Lord was now the highest authority beneath Mo Ze.
By successfully securing the position of Holy Lord, they could get close to Mo Ze and control nearly half of the Divine Realm's military forces.
"What if you're discovered? You'll be deep in enemy territory all by yourself; we won't be able to help you if you encounter danger."
Zhu Que also inquired, her face showing a hint of distress.
If this plan succeeded, the rewards would be immeasurable. But if it failed, Bai Hu might very well die.
Zhu Que rubbed her temples, "If it's absolutely necessary, why doesn't Jiang Ye go for you? He was, after all, once from the Divine Realm. He should understand the Divine Realm's system better than you."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Ye shook his head helplessly, "No, fallen celestials who have committed crimes, regardless of their appearance, aura, or cultivation, are recorded in the scrolls of the library.
This record is very detailed, even noting the size and measurement of their feet, all to prevent fallen celestials who have committed crimes from disguising themselves and approaching the Divine Emperor.
"Then Bai Hu should go," Qing Long slowly stood up and looked at Bai Hu, "His ability to heal others is highly respected in the Divine Realm."
As long as the news of Bai Hu's healing ability spread, it was highly probable that the position of Holy Lord would be his.
"Then it's settled," Bai Hu clenched his fist, his eyes filled with determination.
...
Zhu Que sighed and looked at Bai Ran, continuing, "So, the next day, Bai Hu revealed his ability to heal others."
The news spread like wildfire, and Mo Ze became curious about Bai Hu, summoning him.
"And then he became the Holy Lord?" Jing Feng couldn't help but ask.
Hearing this, Zhu Que slowly nodded and lowered her head, "After undergoing cultivation tests, Mo Ze ordered that Bai Hu would replace the deceased Holy Lord and become the new Holy Lord."
Xiao Zi stroked his chin, his brow furrowed, "How could it be so smooth? Could it be that Mo Ze had already discovered his true identity?"
Zhu Que pursed her lips. She also found it too smooth; Bai Hu's unobstructed ascension to the position of new Holy Lord was too suspicious.
"What happened next?" Xiao Zi continued to ask.
"Afterward, Bai Hu was bound by this position. Mo Ze did not summon him again, nor did he grant him the promised military forces.
It could be said that besides an imaginary title, Bai Hu had not gained any power or status.
"And he was trapped in the Divine Realm, unable to extricate himself."
Qing Long sighed softly, "After that, it was Mo Ze's decree of marriage for Bai Hu."
Bai Ran looked up, recalling the earlier discussions among the common people, "What was that woman's identity?"
Zhu Que and Qing Long exchanged a glance and then said in unison, "The daughter of the Lord of the Shifang Temple."
"Her name is Miao Yuan, and she is of concubine birth."
Jing Feng was stunned, his brow deeply furrowed, "Still of concubine birth? Isn't that a clear indication that the Divine Realm has its eyes on Bai Hu's abilities and is merely using this method to imprison him?"
Zhu Que put her hand to her forehead. Speaking of Miao Yuan, she felt a headache coming on. "Did you all see Fu Zhu just now?"
Everyone nodded, and then they heard her continue, "Miao Yuan is skilled in alchemy and is also Mo Ze's personal alchemist. She and Fu Zhu grew up together; they are equally troublesome.
Skilled in alchemy and grew up with Fu Zhu?
Bai Ran's expression turned grave. Bai Hu's identity had likely been exposed long ago, but his abilities were so unique that killing him might be a pity for Mo Ze.
This arranged marriage was essentially a form of imprisonment for Bai Hu, and perhaps a way to lure her out...
"Then what do you mean by Bai Hu being kidnapped by Miao Yuan?" Xiao Zi propped up his chin and asked Zhu Que.
He had heard of bride-snatching, but never of a wife snatching her own husband!
Unexpectedly, upon mentioning Miao Yuan kidnapping Bai Hu, Zhu Que appeared uncomfortable and sighed deeply.
"I'll explain," Qing Long walked out helplessly, his thin lips parting as he slowly recounted the entire story.
"Mo Ze decreed the marriage, and Bai Hu naturally refused. But who would have thought that Miao Yuan would fall in love with Bai Hu at first sight?"
"Ever since the marriage decree came down, Miao Yuan has been chasing after Bai Hu, unable to shake him off."
Even when they contacted each other, Bai Hu was as cautious as a thief, always wary that Miao Yuan might appear out of nowhere and capture them all.
Zhu Que slumped onto the chair, her body limp and weak, "That woman is terrifying. She'd appear behind Bai Hu the next moment, gazing at him with an eager smile."
Several times, when they used communication jade pendants, they were almost discovered by Miao Yuan, who appeared out of nowhere.
Because of her, they had to reduce their contact significantly, with exchanges only occurring every few weeks.
"So, a few days ago, that Miao Yuan, dressed in a red embroidered wedding dress, directly stormed into Bai Hu's courtyard and had her subordinates escort him back to her mansion."
At the time, Bai Hu had secretly sent messages to Zhu Que and the others, saying he was being forced into marriage and that this woman was terrifying.
In an instant, the scene fell silent. Everyone was unsure whether the current situation was good or bad.
If it was bad, Bai Hu was fine, and he even got a wife who cherished him.
If it was good, Mo Ze seemed to have discovered Bai Hu's identity and intended to imprison him permanently in the Divine Realm.
"How about we just leave him here?" Xiao Zi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Let him enjoy the bliss of married life."
Hearing this, Zhu Que almost rolled her eyes to the heavens, "You shouldn't have been called here; you only come up with terrible ideas."
Bai Ran pondered, then raised her head to look at Zhu Que, "What is the strength of the Shifang Temple?"
"Among the five Holy Palaces, it ranks third. I heard the temple lord's cultivation is at the second stage of the Golden Immortal realm."
Second stage, that was still weaker than Zhong Zi and the others... Bai Ran lowered her gaze, contemplating.
But the next moment, Fu Zhu, who had come to cause trouble earlier, reappeared before them for some unknown reason.
"Hey, you look kind of familiar to me?"
Everyone looked up, following Fu Zhu's gaze, which landed on Zhu Que.
Zhu Que frowned suspiciously, genuinely amused, "Madam, we've never met before."
A burst of stifled laughter came from Xiao Zi, who was covering his mouth, clearly holding back his laughter.
Madam? Big sister? Fu Zhu's eyes widened in disbelief, staring directly at Zhu Que, "Who are you calling big sister?"