Immortal

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Liyen returns to Tianxia, where she receives a warm welcome from Chengyin, who relinquishes control without hesitation. However, her ministers are less pleased about her return. When asked how her visit to the Immortal Realm went, Liyen lies, claiming everything went as planned but she was forced to leave early when intruders attacked the queen’s palace. She informs her court of the Winged Devils. When the ministers inquire about Liyen’s taking a consort, Liyen suggests they hold a tournament for her hand; anyone who wishes to marry her should fight to the death for her. The ministers are shocked, and Liyen is satisfied that this will slow their persistence on the matter.

Liyen meets with Aunt Shou and Chengyin in private. Liyen asks Aunt Shou if the ministers are plotting against her; Aunt Shou admits there is always plotting at court, but as long as she has the mandate from the Queen of the Golden Desert, her right to rule cannot be challenged. Liyen admits that she does not have the queen’s mandate, contrary to what she told the ministers earlier.