Although Jin Yao chose Chong Zhao as the winner of the Wu Tong Martial Gathering, the Demon Clan still insisted on negotiating control over the 100-li sacred grounds between the two realms for the same reason.
“The good news is that in this recent gathering, the Immortal Clan saw the emergence of a talented rising star…”
“You speak of Immortal Chong Zhao from the Miao Miao Sect? I’ve heard that he has only cultivated for three years yet has already reached the rank of Upper Lord.”
“Precisely.” Jin Yao nodded, clearly pleased. “He has a rare, steady disposition and a unique spiritual foundation—one that appears only once in a millennium. I intend to take him under my wing and personally grant him spiritual guidance.”
Qing Yi raised his brows, surprised to hear how highly Jin Yao valued this Miao Miao disciple. He couldn’t help but smile. “To receive such regard from you, Immortal Jin Yao, I am quite curious about this Chong Zhao.”
“No rush. In two days, at the gathering between the two clans, I’ll personally introduce you,” Jin Yao replied, smiling. “As for the appearance of the moon and star related to the Star-Moon Goddess, it’s a matter of great importance. After the grand feast, I’ll accompany you to the Abyssal Marsh to confirm the authenticity of the divine sign. One other thing—several months ago, you reported to the Celestial Palace about an immortal attempting to assassinate Ziwei Xing in the human imperial capital. Have you identified that immortal?”
Qing Yi hesitated as Bai Shuo’s face flashed through his mind, then shook his head. “No clues as of yet.”
“The chaos in the Three Realms is just beginning. We must locate this person soon to prevent further harm to our Immortal Clan.”
“Yes, Immortal Jin Yao.”
A creak sounded as the hall doors opened, and Fan Yue opened his eyes to see a young attendant with a tray of roasted chicken standing before him.
Fan Yue frowned.
“Upper Lord Tian Huo instructed…” the boy began in a wooden voice before Fan Yue could say anything.
“Out,” Fan Yue interrupted coolly, showing a trace of tolerance for the Phoenix Clan attendant.
“Yes, sir.” The boy turned and quickly left, his movements stiff. A slight breeze lifted his robe, revealing a glimpse of a thin paper talisman underneath.
Fan Yue’s expression tightened, his eyes narrowing.
Out in the corridor, a cool breeze blew past, causing the boy to shiver. His eyes cleared, and he looked down at the tray of roast chicken, realization dawning on him. With wide eyes, he clutched the chicken and took off at a run, fleeing from the hall as fast as he could.
Under a nearby tree, Bai Shuo wiped her nose, accidentally smearing it with soot. She pouted, muttering, “Big Demon, if you’re not going to eat it, at least let Mumu have some.”
She sulked for a moment but then turned around, rolled up her sleeves, and hurried back to the kitchen.
Boiling water and brewing tea, she worked swiftly, and half an incense stick later, a maid in plain attire entered the hall with tea.
This time, Fan Yue was reclining silently on the couch. The fragrant scent of tea filled the air, and when he lifted his eyes, the maid had already quietly arranged the tea set, her head kept respectfully low, revealing only the smooth back of her head.
Fan Yue was accustomed to her usual brash manner, so seeing her acting this submissive was intriguing.
A few flower petals floated in the teacup, the spirit energy of Yaotan’s water wafting up to him. He had brewed this same tea countless times in that rundown shack in South Sea City, eagerly bringing it to her each time just for a smile, a word of praise.
He had sung and danced in the streets to earn spirit pearls for her, while she tossed her wealth around for a few worthless portraits without a second thought.
He had carefully gathered spirit energy for her, only for her to then risk her life entering Foreign City for Chong Zhao.
If she hadn’t nearly died in the end, she might have continued coaxing this demigod into being her spirit tree guardian for life.
And now she dared come to Phoenix Island?
“Do you think you’re that fox with nine lives?” Though Fan Yue’s expression was distant, he suddenly seized the maid’s chin, his gaze dropping coldly.
Abruptly, he froze.
“Big Demon, bleh-bleh-bleh—”
The “maid” had garishly painted lips and cheeks, and she stuck out a long, exaggerated tongue, making a mischievous face. Laughing, she folded her arms and disappeared with a puff of ash in Fan Yue’s hand.
Fan Yue’s extended hand clenched slowly into a fist, inch by inch.
“Bai! Shuo!”
The empty hall echoed with his voice, each word laced with icy fury.
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