Qi Yu swallowed back a string of curses, her anger choking her.
Si Qing chuckled, a smug look on his face, and pushed Qi Yu off to prepare for battle.
In truth, Qi Yu could have handled much of the pre-battle preparations in bulk using the power of the Yan Zhen Mirror.
For instance, weapons, spirit stones, and other miscellaneous items.
However, considering the sheer quantity required, and her own need to travel to the Thirteenth Heaven, if she were to waste a significant amount of spiritual energy preparing these things and then find herself unable to defend herself in an unexpected situation in the Thirteenth Heaven, it would be a case of misplaced priorities.
Therefore, this round of pre-battle preparations was undertaken by all the races together, and Qi Yu did not shoulder the logistical burden.
The night before they were to depart for the Thirteenth Heaven.
Si Qing, Qi Yu, and the prisoners disguised as artisans from various realms were all ready.
They were to first go to the Ninth Heaven to collect their artisan attire, and then proceed to the Thirteenth Heaven for their assignments.
In this way, they would temporarily be minor artisan immortals of the Thirteenth Heaven.
An Nuo and Shao Feng tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Finally, they gently knocked on Qi Yu and Si Qing's door.
Qi Yu opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw An Nuo and Shao Feng outside. She quickly stepped aside, "Father, Mother, why have you come?"
She had thought they were already asleep.
"We couldn't sleep, so we thought we'd come and give you a few more instructions," An Nuo said as he walked in and sat down, stroking Qi Yu and Si Qing's heads. "The Thirteenth Heaven is quite dangerous. You'll be leaving at first light tomorrow. Remember to be extra careful."
Shao Feng cautioned Si Qing, "You two are always together. Keep an eye out for each other, but don't get hurt because you're too concerned about the other. Remember, our mission is to expose their true faces and make public the fact that the Heavenly Dao has been possessed by the Blood Demon Sha."
Si Qing nodded.
Qi Yu glanced at him, thinking about how this boy was going to accompany her and might even face danger with her, and rolled her eyes in annoyance.
An Nuo saw all this and, with a wry smile, tapped her head. "Si Qing may be your younger brother, but I think you should trust him more. He's really not that weak, nor is he as foolish as you imagine."
"At your age, which young girl isn't concerned with beauty and appearance? Yet you insist on frowning," Shao Feng poked Qi Yu's forehead. "Relax your mindset."
Qi Yu hummed in response.
She nudged his hand away with her nose.
Shao Feng looked at Qi Yu and Si Qing, as if they were precious treasures. He finally sighed and pulled them both into a tight embrace.
...
After that, the next morning.
Qi Yu and Si Qing, along with the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals of the Thirteenth Heaven, led the artisan contingent to the Ninth Heaven.
The immortal attendants of the Ninth Heaven kept turning to look at Qi Yu and Si Qing, who were walking at the very front, whispering amongst themselves in hushed tones:
"Are these the artisans who will be going to the Thirteenth Heaven? The two at the front are the Dragon Prince and Princess, aren't they? They're so handsome and beautiful. As expected of soul-bound twins, they look exactly alike."
"Hey, they're so lucky to be able to serve the Lord of the Heavenly Dao up close. They'll surely become remarkable High Immortals in the future, or perhaps even High Gods."
The other immortal attendants nodded, gathering together and whispering.
Qi Yu and Si Qing, unperturbed, led the artisan team to the end of the Heavenly Palace and collected their attire one by one.
After collecting their attire, just as they were about to leave, a fairy attendant blocked their path.
"It's like this... Your Highnesses, someone is at the Jade Pool and wishes to meet with you."
"He says he has something very important to tell you."