Fan Qians.h.i.+ was mesmerized by her captivating scent that one could only notice when in close proximity to her. It was as refres.h.i.+ng as the sweet morning dew. Back in the day when Gu Xijiu taught him kung fu, they would get close enough with each other for him to get a whiff of her scent. He missed that.

Gu Xijiu had been pus.h.i.+ng him away for some time now, so he never had the chance to get close to her again. Hence, the proximity this time around stirred his restless heart, making him reluctant to leave.

Gu Xijiu wanted to let go of him but noticed that his body was slanted to one side. Puzzled, she continued to support him.

Fan Qians.h.i.+ was happy to be with her. However, he looked away for a moment and caught Di Fuyi staring at him. With a smirk, Di Fuyi looked at him as if he knew what the boy was thinking.

Defensively, Fan Qians.h.i.+ felt an urge to keep away from the man. "Master, shall we go?"

Gu Xijiu refused to stay any longer, either. "Let's go."

"Divine Lord, I have something to say." Di Fuyi approached Gu Xijiu to speak to her.

"Hmm?"

Di Fuyi gazed at her intently before continuing, "Divine Lord, I would like to thank you for your help. You have misled him to think that your power has been deteriorated, thus luring him one step closer into the trap and exposing his crimes. You have done a great deal for the Monster Kingdom, so I would like to invite you to stay for a feast."

"Divine Lord, I heard that you are the one who came up with the plan, which, in turn, provides me with an opportunity to rebuild my family's legacy. I, Tu Shanying, would like to thank you for your kindness." The Nine-Tailed Fox gracefully approached Gu Xijiu and bowed before her as a token of appreciation. "Divine Lord, would you care to stay for a feast? Your presence will be a blessing for the people of the Monster Kingdom."

With such an invitation, there was no room for rejection. Gu Xijiu thought about their invitations and could immediately understand that it was yet another plan from Di Fuyi to achieve two things in one go. Firstly, the fact about the deterioration of her power should remain a secret. He made it public that they were joint forces so that no one would have any doubts about the condition of her health. Secondly, he was trying to make her choose a side. As the creator of the universe, her recognition was needed to help Tu Shanying become the next ruler of the Monster Kingdom. 

Being the most respected figure on earth, her recommendation would come in handy if Tu Shanying chose to ascend the throne. Hence, Di Fuyi's plan was perfect for both intentions. Her secret would remain a secret, while Tu Shanying would take control of the kingdom.

Nonetheless, Gu Xijiu did not like the plan very much. She did not like it when someone became too calculative about her involvement. She also refused to taste the fruit of someone else's success. 

Moreover, she barely knew Tu Shanying. In fact, she did not know Di Fuyi any better either. She did not even know the man's real name.

All things considered, she gave them a polite smile as she rejected their invitation. "Thank you, but a feast is not something I fancy."

She immediately drew a line between both parties. Clearly, she had no intention to side Tu Shanying. She glanced at Tu Shanying, who now looked slightly pale at the rejection. With a gentle tap on her shoulder, Gu Xijiu politely said, "There is no need for you to feel dejected. I will always help those who are capable and honorable. Perhaps we will get a chance to sit down for a drink, someday."

She did not look at Di Fuyi again before she swiftly teleported away along with Fan Qians.h.i.+.