Chapter 48: What Defines a Celestial Being?

Ling Wei didn’t care about him at all. The foul-mouthed brat’s occasional fits of madness no longer fazed her.

“Little Taro, don’t be sad. I really, truly like you the most,” Xuanyuan Hongyu said, surprised that the little girl not only refused to yield to him but again declared she liked someone else best! He was determined to leave an unforgettable impression on this stubborn little thing.

Nanny Wang and Zhao Meng watched the Celestial Lord with curious expressions; they were genuinely eager to see what the Celestial Lord would do to their young mistress.

This time, Xuanyuan Hongyu gave up the useless old trick of spanking. His eyes scanned the surroundings until they landed on a familiar tree nearby. Got it!

He decided to bear with it for now. After dealing with the scoundrels trespassing on the General’s estate, he would teach this little disobedient one a lesson. With a large hand, he gently cradled Ling Wei in his arms and, facing the expectant gazes of Nanny Wang and Zhao Meng, commanded, “Why aren’t you cleaning up yet? What are you waiting for?”

Nanny Wang shuddered and nearly tossed the little Taro in her arms. “Child, are you feeling better?” she asked shyly, peering down at the quiet girl.

The little Taro braced herself as if she were about to be thrown like a punching bag, ready to protect her head. Yet, her usually fiery mother’s rare tender question warmed her heart.

She revealed a few small teeth and said, “Mother, after taking the Celestial Lord’s divine medicine, I’m much better. See? I’m really fine.” Struggling to stand, she smiled brightly, not blaming her mother at all for almost using her as a punching bag earlier.

While this tender scene unfolded, Zhao Meng and the others, upon hearing the Celestial Lord’s orders, suddenly sprang into action like they had been shot with adrenaline. They dragged the wailing Jing Zhaoyin and the others across the ground. Zhao Meng chuckled foolishly, holding one leg of the piggish Jing Zhaoyin, ignoring his pitiful cries. It was no wonder the fat man screamed so miserably—who could endure being dragged over a surface that was either solid rock or smooth cement?

Yes, you read that right: cement! The rough-and-tumble General had personally concocted the recipe. Their household was the only one on the entire continent with cement flooring!

Inspired, others followed suit. Those scoundrels who had just been so fierce and doglike were now reduced to clumsy bears. “You drag legs? I drag too!”

“I’m too small to drag the fat one alone? No problem—two small ones together!” This was the half-grown mischievous duo of the General’s estate: one twelve years old, the other thirteen. Together, they dragged one leg each, pulling the hefty man out of the courtyard.

Everyone in the General’s household delighted in this task—not only because an old grudge was being settled but more importantly because it was the divine will of the Celestial Lord! They worshipped Xuanyuan Hongyu with fervor.

Ling Wei couldn’t understand why all the uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters in the estate were so excited. Glancing around at everyone bustling about, she tugged on Xuanyuan Hongyu’s collar and asked, “Stinky Bag, why do they call you Celestial Lord? Is it because your mask is golden? No way, it’s so ugly.” The last bit was muttered under her breath.

Xuanyuan Hongyu silently made a mental note about this little fool. Just wait, he thought, soon you’ll learn your lesson!

“Because I am a Celestial Lord descended to the mortal world,” the young man replied softly.

Ling Wei eyed him skeptically. “You? The Celestial Lord descended? Ha! That’s so funny! Are you dreaming?” She found it absurd that anyone could still claim to be a Celestial Lord in this day and age. Hmph, no way she’d be fooled.

Xuanyuan Hongyu was undeterred. “If not, why would your Nanny Wang and Uncle Zhao kneel respectfully and shout ‘Celestial Lord’ when they see me?”

Ling Wei tilted her head, considering it. “I guess that does make sense.”

“Are you really the Celestial Lord? Why would a Celestial Lord come to the General’s estate? And why does the Celestial Lord like biting my mouth so much?…” The little girl still wasn’t fully convinced, bombarding him with a stream of questions.