The Jade Emperor took a deep breath. He knew that now was not the time to think about such things.
The Jade Emperor gave one of his subordinates a look, then turned his attention back to everyone present.
The man nodded and immediately turned to leave.
The Jade Emperor smiled and said, "Since Marshal Tian Peng is feeling unwell today, it's fine if he doesn't drink. Why not return to your residence and get some rest?"
Tian Peng was somewhat surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected the Jade Emperor to say such a thing.
He was suspicious, unsure what the Jade Emperor was really up to.
But whatever the case, he could only go along with it and accept.
Otherwise, who knew what might happen at the banquet?
Tian Peng readily agreed. "Thank you, Jade Emperor. I'll take my leave."
After saying this, Tian Peng left at once, glancing at everyone present as he went.
Their expressions varied, yet none of them seemed surprised.
Tian Peng's heart sank. He didn't know why, but he had a persistent sense that something was wrong.
He walked quickly and soon left the Peach Banquet.
"Guanghan Fairy has arrived!"
The announcement immediately stopped all the officials in their tracks.
The atmosphere suddenly reached a fever pitch.
"Guanghan Fairy?!"
"I never thought I'd be so fortunate as to see her beauty today."
"Indeed. It's truly our honor."
The crowd's chatter rose up around them.
Without exception, they were all fervent in their admiration of Guanghan Fairy.
Marshal Tian Peng, who was some distance away, sighed. His gaze was troubled.
But deep down, he knew that the two of them could never be together.
He was just about to turn and leave when a voice suddenly rang out behind him.
"Tian Peng, didn't the Jade Emperor tell you to go back? Why are you still here?"
Tian Peng's expression darkened at once.
He looked toward the crowd and saw someone whose appearance was exactly identical to his.
"Let go of Guanghan Fairy!"
"How dare you disrespect Guanghan Fairy!"
The crowd was instantly incensed.
Marshal Tian Peng was about to speak and head back, but suddenly he found that a barrier had appeared in front of him.
Not only could Tian Peng not break through it, but his senses had also been sealed.
He could only watch helplessly as the man who looked exactly like him grabbed Guanghan Fairy's hand.
"Guanghan Fairy, I've liked you for a long time, but I never had the courage to confess."
Guanghan Fairy's usually cool expression was now filled with shock.
"Tian Peng, what are you doing? There can be no happy ending for us. Why do you keep pestering me?"
Guanghan Fairy tried to pull her hand free from Tian Peng's grasp.
"Tian Peng" said, "Guanghan Fairy, my feelings for you are genuine. Why can't you give me a chance?"
"Tian Peng's" face was flushed, as though he had been drinking.
"Tian Peng, stop making a scene! Let go of Guanghan Fairy right now, or don't blame us for stepping in."
Wugu Star spoke up at once.
"Tian Peng" glared at them. "You don't understand. My whole heart belongs to Guanghan Fairy."
Guanghan Fairy replied, "Tian Peng, you've had too much to drink. Go sober up."
"Tian Peng" shook his head. "I haven't had too much to drink. I know everyone in the Heavenly Court knows that I like you."
"I'm telling you how I feel today because I want to make myself clear to you, openly and honestly."
Guanghan Fairy's expression darkened. "Tian Peng, stop deluding yourself."
Watching all this unfold, Tian Peng was unable to defend himself. He tried to struggle, but he was powerless. The feeling was unbearable.
Tian Peng brought out the Nine-toothed Rake and repeatedly attacked the barrier, but he simply couldn't break through.
He hadn't drunk anything. That man wasn't him.
Even though Golden Boy and the others knew it, they didn't step forward to explain. Instead, they were preparing to act.
Tian Peng's heart sank. He knew this was a trap, and that no matter what he did, he would be framed.
It seemed that none of this had ever been beyond their control.
Tian Peng gave a bitter smile. Even though his benefactor's notebook had warned him beforehand, he still couldn't stop any of this from happening.
Tian Peng tightened his grip on the rake.
The Jade Emperor shouted, "What are you all standing around for? The Peach Banquet is in full swing today. How can we allow Tian Peng to run wild?"
"Seize Tian Peng at once!"
"Tian Peng" spoke with righteous conviction. "Our love is true. I believe Guanghan Fairy loves me too. Come with me, Guanghan Fairy. We'll go down to the mortal world together."
"Tian Peng, why put yourself through this? Unrequited love never ends well. You can still turn back. Let go, quickly."
"That's right, Tian Peng. Don't ruin your future."
"Tian Peng, don't be stubborn!"
Many Celestial Officials tried to reason with him.
But Tian Peng found them all utterly hypocritical. It was all just an act.
The act wasn't meant for him, but for the other immortals invited to the Peach Banquet.
"Why? Why are you all trying to keep us apart?"
"It's all right, Guanghan Fairy. We can go down to the mortal world and live a good life together."
A smile appeared on "Tian Peng's" face.
The Jade Emperor gave Golden Boy and the others a look. The officials immediately stepped forward.
"Tian Peng, since you insist on this, don't blame us for being ruthless."
"Tian Peng" suddenly pulled Guanghan Fairy along and headed toward the real Tian Peng.
Guanghan Fairy could only follow "Tian Peng" against her will.
When "Tian Peng" reached the spot where Tian Peng stood, he vanished in an instant.
At that moment, Tian Peng's senses suddenly returned, and the barrier disappeared as well.
Guanghan Fairy broke free and slapped Tian Peng across the face.
"I can't believe it. You're a wolf in sheep's clothing. I always thought you treated me with courtesy, but I never imagined you were such a lecher. I was wrong about you."
Tian Peng hurriedly explained, "Guanghan Fairy, you've misunderstood. That wasn't me just now."
Guanghan Fairy laughed instead of getting angry. "What, everyone saw it clearly in front of the whole crowd, and now you're saying that?"
"Do you really think we're all blind?"