She flung away Chang Xi's outstretched hand, murder in her eyes, and charged straight for Heaven's Court. She was determined to demand an explanation face-to-face! She rode in a six-dragon golden chariot, with an immortal consort holding a plain feather fan, the Golden Boy carrying a sandalwood incense burner, and the Jade Maiden lowering a plain silk curtain. Exotic fragrance spread beneath their path, while Celestial Maidens danced alongside the chariot, scattering flowers like rain. The four-wheeled treasure chariot crushed across the sea of clouds, dragging out a blazing golden trail as it pointed straight toward Heaven's Court.
Along the way stood pavilions with soaring eaves, jade palaces and towers, golden bridges and jade railings. Radiant light shimmered everywhere, Rosy Mist billowed, and Spiritual Birds and exotic beasts frolicked excitedly. Xi He, however, moved with icy steps, her lotus feet shifting lightly, her face cold as frost. She treated the Heaven Soldiers and Generals, immortal maidens, and palace officials who bowed in greeting on either side as though they were invisible. In the past, she would have smiled and nodded, but now the pain of losing her children gnawed at her heart and bones. Where could she find even the slightest strength to respond?
At the thought of her nine children whose bones had yet to grow cold—and how she had not even been allowed to see the youngest one for the last time—her nose suddenly stung. Tears surged forth without warning, reddening her eyes. Her steps quickened until she charged straight toward the Demon Emperor's Palace.
When the palace gates opened, two rows of civil and military demon ministers stood solemnly like pines. Upon the throne on the high platform, Di Jun sat in the center, while Eastern Emperor Taiyi occupied the seat beside him. Both wore calm expressions,