Chong Zhao’s face was calm but resolute, and the celestials murmured in shock, while a glimmer of satisfaction appeared in Xi Yun’s eyes. He had long sensed the unyielding nature of this Miao Sect disciple—someone who dared to assassinate the Ziwei Star would never agree to apologize.
“Junior Brother…” Er Yun began anxiously, wanting to say more, but Chong Zhao had already turned to Jin Yao. “This humble one is willing to accept thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip, regardless of life or death. I ask only that the Celestial Lord mete out this punishment.”
Seeing his resolve, Jin Yao could not argue further. His expression hardened as he waved his sleeve. “Tomorrow at noon, Chong Zhao will receive thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip. After the punishment, this seat will discuss the Wu Yan Tournament’s championship title with the other sect masters. Guards, take Chong Zhao to the Feng Hall.”
“Yes, Celestial Lord.” With a sigh, Jin Yao vanished in a flash of celestial light as the guards stepped forward to escort Chong Zhao away.
The celestials dispersed in small groups, and Er Yun, face filled with worry, hurried back into the island.
A green light flashed, and a figure appeared at the edge of Zi Yue Lake. He gazed at the sleeping girl floating above the lake, murmuring softly to himself.
Countless streams of divine essence from Zi Yue surrounded Bai Shuo, transforming into points of starlight that entered her body.
“The power of the demon god’s Zi Yue…” he noted quietly.
Meanwhile, in Bai Shuo’s spiritual consciousness, on that ethereal bridge that seemed to connect heaven and earth, the figure of a purple-robed god slowly turned around. Bai Shuo’s consciousness instinctively leaned forward, and just as she glimpsed his eyes, a flash of red light streaked across the sky, heading straight for Bu Ji City in the demon realm.
On the lake’s surface, Bai Shuo’s eyes flew open, disoriented, and for a moment, a faint moon-like mark glimmered in her pupils. The green-robed figure in the distance felt a pang in his heart, but by the time he focused to see it more clearly, the mark had disappeared.
What was that…? Impossible. Ever since the Star-Moon Goddess had fallen, no one could wield the power of the stars. How could a scattered celestial like Bai Shuo bear a divine mark?
“Aaaah!”
Still stunned, the green-robed man watched as Bai Shuo awoke and found herself suspended above the lake, screaming as she plummeted downwards.
“Careful!” He extended a hand to catch her with celestial energy, but someone moved faster—a flash of red light streaked past as Fan Yue appeared on the lake’s surface, catching Bai Shuo in his arms. With a graceful motion, he carried her to the grassy shore.
Bai Shuo looked up and met the strange gaze of the green-robed man, then glanced up again, meeting the penetrating gaze of the Hao Yue Hall Master. In an instant, the image she had glimpsed in her mind vanished completely.
Oh no… A demon half-god and the prime disciple of Da Ze Mountain, both here together. What terrible luck brought her into this mess?
“Do you two know each other?”
The same question left both men’s mouths at the same time—one curious, the other amused.
Without even glancing at the demon behind her, Bai Shuo leaped over to the green-robed man, waving her hands fervently. “Celestial Lord Qing Yi, it’s not what you think! I have nothing to do with the demon clan!”
Just last night, she had sworn that A-Zhao had no connections with the demon clan. Now here she was, caught in the company of the Hao Yue Hall Master. Who would believe her now?
As expected, Qing Yi observed the two of them in silence.
“No connection?” came a cold voice from behind her. “If there’s no connection, then how did a scattered celestial like you end up in Bu Ji City overnight?”
“You forced me to come!” Bai Shuo blurted out, quickly covering her mouth and casting a nervous look at Qing Yi.
Seeing her unease, Fan Yue frowned and spoke calmly, “What are you afraid of? This Da Ze Mountain disciple means nothing to me.”
Bai Shuo quickly tried to cover Fan Yue’s mouth. I may not be afraid, but I am terrified!
“Celestial Lord Qing Yi, please don’t be upset! He just has a bit of a temper; his words may be harsh, but he has a good heart!”
As Bai Shuo anxiously rambled, Fan Yue initially frowned, but when her warm hand touched his lips, he inexplicably fell silent, letting her continue her wild explanations.
Qing Yi looked at Fan Yue with a gaze as if he had just seen a ghost, then, as if having some sort of revelation, he nodded thoughtfully.
“Yes, I’ve heard that the Hao Yue Hall Master is renowned for his mild temperament.”
What? Bai Shuo stared blankly, realizing she was at a loss for words. Before she could respond, the prime disciple of Da Ze Mountain tactfully interrupted.
“I sensed you had entered the demon realm from Phoenix Island, so I came to check on you. Since you’re safe, I won’t intrude any longer. Tomorrow, Celestial Lord Jin Yao will bestow spiritual power, and as for the past incident with the Chong family…”
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