Gemini carefully took the jade token and slipped it into her jacket pocket. "Anyone in the Heavenly Court? Even a gatekeeper?"
Elder Sun nodded. "Even a gatekeeper. Look—there's the gate. Walk straight through."
Gemini followed his finger. A white marble archway stood at the plaza's far end. Through it, vague steps climbed upward. Two ancient characters: Heavenly Ladder.
Looked like the archways she'd seen traveling China. Nothing special at first glance.
Elder Sun led her to the archway. Gemini tilted her head back. Endless steps. Her stomach dropped. Could she fly?
Elder Sun read her mind. "The Heavenly Ladder can only be climbed step by step. No shortcuts. Don't even think about it. Besides, walking it refines your magic, increases mental strength."
Gemini nodded. "I'll walk it."
Elder Sun smiled. "And to prove we're not making excuses, let me demonstrate."
Gemini blinked. Just walk through, right? Special posture needed?
Elder Sun straightened his robes. Glanced back—area cleared. Strode toward the archway.
Gemini didn't blink.
Next second, Elder Sun's foot crossed the threshold. He bent into a U-shape like he'd been hit. Shot backward like a cannonball. Vanished.
Wind gusted across Gemini's face. Elder Sun—gone. The old Daoists scrambled back.
Five minutes later, several returned carrying Elder Sun on a stretcher. He coughed non-stop.
"Cough—see that? Cough—this happens when—cough—cultivation's not enough—cough—and you force through!" He punctuated with blood spurts.
Gemini swallowed. "I see. You really had no choice!"
Elder Sun was carried away. Another official waved his whisk apologetically. "We must trouble Miss Black. Don't worry—we'll wait for your return."
Gemini smiled awkwardly. Turned to the archway. Extended one trembling hand. Elder Sun's fate still fresh.
Her hand passed through safely. Felt like pushing through water. Pulled back—completely dry. Barrier. She checked herself. No problems.
Turned back. "I'm off."
The Daoists bowed in unison. "Immeasurable Heavenly Worthy." Sat cross-legged.
Gemini's smile stiffened. Never seen this before. Like a funeral send-off.
She shook it off. No hesitation. Straightened shoulders, lifted chin, strode through. Climbed the stone steps.
Past the archway, she looked back. Gate vanished. Only endless steps behind. Even if she wanted to retreat—couldn't.
Gemini laughed at herself. Come this far—why retreat? Black family keeps its word.
Walked steadily upward. Time lost meaning. Scenery shifted from lush forest to white clouds.
The path seemed endless. When tired, she'd stop, sit on the steps. Pulled out Tony's cheeseburger. He'd said it'd keep a month. She doubted it. Better eat now.
Walked and rested. Light never changed—perpetually bright. Time spells didn't work. Could only walk until exhausted, rest, continue.
Just when she thought she couldn't go on—steps ended.
Another white marble archway. Southern Heavenly Gate. Gemini nearly cried. Sick of this ladder!
Quickened pace, almost jogging. Breathless, stood beneath the plaque.
Swirling mist everywhere. Barely visible. Palace rooftops peeked through fog, built on clouds.
Stood outside, peering in. Shouldn't there be a gatekeeper?
Searched—spotted no one. Gripped wand, walked forward cautiously.
After a short walk, smacked forehead. Not on the ladder anymore! Pulled out broom. "Up!"
Broom flew to her palm. Sighed with relief. Brooms worked here.
Mounted it, flew toward nearest palace. Constantly scanning below. Ethereal mist everywhere. Without rooftops, she'd worry about falling.
Rooftop looked close. Flew nearly an hour before seeing the full palace.
Massive dragon-wrapped pillars. Dark red columns with golden dragons—almost alive. Golden glazed tiles gleaming. Vermillion doors and windows veiled with gauze.
Circled before finding the entrance. Landed far back, straightened appearance, put away broom, walked forward. Before she could knock—doors creaked open.
Froze. Peered inside. Dimly lit hall. No lamps. No people.
Gripped wand. Cast protective charms. Slowly entered.
Vast palace echoed only with footsteps. Soft creak. Spun around. Door closed itself!
"Who's there! Show yourself!" Layered shields around herself.
"How interesting! Completely different system!" Androgynous voice echoed.
Pressed lips together. Scanned surroundings. Voice reverberated—impossible to pinpoint.
"Who are you? Why come via the Ladder? Why no Chinese cultivation? Has China fallen?" Voice turned authoritative, growing louder like thunder.
Cast silencing charm, blocking the sound.
No time to explain. Yanked jade token from pocket, held it high. "I was commissioned by the Daoist Sect to deliver a message! Please, seniors, see for yourselves!"
"Hm?"
"Seems real?"
"Someone turn up the lights!"
"Can you see?"
"No mistake! Real!"
Various voices erupted. Cold sweat formed. Didn't dare move.
Light suddenly brightened. Hall shed a veil. Clouds swirled, celestial music played. Stood in center, surrounded by two rows of people staring curiously. Looking back—armored soldiers along her path. Under observation since entering?
Gaped. Hadn't sensed anyone. If they'd meant harm—dead already.
"Ahem, stop staring! Receive the message!" The leader gestured. White-haired Daoist in white stepped forward.
Vision blurred. He appeared right in front. Her shields useless.
"Little miss, give it here!" Smiled, extended hand.
Placed token in his palm. Next instant—appeared beside leader, handing it over.
Leader held token, immersed consciousness. Soon finished, looked at her warmly. "I see. Thank you. Our reception was lacking—forgive us!"
Slowly relaxed. Curtsied. "May I ask—how do I return?"
"No rush. We don't send guests away immediately! Taibai, escort her to the Jade Pool. Ask the Queen Mother to arrange accommodations."
Tone brooked no argument. Could only smile politely, follow Taibai out.
Outside, Taibai waved his sleeve. White cloud formed beneath their feet. Lifted them, flew rapidly.
Eyes lit up. Cloud-riding! Way cooler than sword-flying!
Cloud moved quickly. Stopped at garden entrance. Taibai stepped forward, bowing, murmuring.
Young immortal maidens emerged, chattering, swept her into the garden. No time to say goodbye.
Brought to elegant two-story building. Met the Queen Mother.
Expected mature lady. Found young woman her age. Yellow robe embroidered with phoenixes, pink gauze skirt, green silk draped. Hair in elaborate updo with peony. Exquisite features, sparkling eyes. Nothing like stern legend.
Stood speechless. Queen Mother laughed, gestured to chair. Snapped out, sat awkwardly. Servants brought tea.
"You're not from our world. Call me Yaochi." Smiled. "You must be exhausted. I'll arrange a residence. Rest properly. Once recovered, we'll talk. I'm curious about the mortal world!"
No objections. Stiff-looking servants approached. Yaochi explained—crafted puppets for daily chores. Immortals fought demons—couldn't do laundry after battle.
Nodded. Simplified house-elves? Better looking!
Followed servants to residence near Yaochi's building. Standard courtyard—main hall, east and west wings. Main hall had side rooms. Since alone, led to east wing. Main hall for reception and study.
Nodded, entered east wing. Canopy bed inside. Behind it, partitioned bath chamber with large wooden tub. Glanced at it. Hadn't had proper bath in ages. Felt a bit ripe. Eagerly dismissed servants—wanted to bathe.
After servants left, pulled out change of clothes. Headed toward bath chamber. Servants filed back in. Waved hands over tub—perfect temperature water filled instantly. Another scattered flower petals, added herbs. Within moments, hot bath filled with fragrance appeared. Servants bowed, withdrew. Tested temperature. These servants slightly better than house-elves. Thinking of Coby—insincerely amended: only slightly!
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📚 BOOK COMPLETED ON PATREON!📚
This story has reached its conclusion on my Patreon!
🔥 Full story available now
💎 Exclusive bonus content & early access to new books
👉 Join my Patreon community today!
[✨patreon.com/DarkGolds]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━