God Emperor Zhou Wu and the Divine Arbiter discussed various matters in front of the thatched hut.

When the God Emperor returned to his hut, the Divine Arbiter bowed and said, Leave it all to me.

With that, she split, forming an avatar. One of the two Divine Arbiters sat cross-legged before the hut, while the other melted into the sky. It was unclear by now which was the avatar and which was her true body.

Ye Zichen and his party, meanwhile, were currently in a patch of forest.

Barrier. Xuan Jis red lips parted, and her voice shook the surrounding air. As the skies shook, a barrier formed, encapsulating everything within one hundred square meters.

The barrier looked insubstantial, but if you reached out to touch it, you could clearly sense the space rippling around your hand.

Do you have any idea what you said just now? Xuan Ji spoke for the first time since leaving the thatched hut. Her gaze was grave and full of blame and deep confusion. Back in the hut, just listening to his explanation had set her heart racing, and despite her self-control, she only barely resisted the urge to interrupt him.

Ye Zichen had just reached out to poke the barrier, but when he saw Xuan Jis grave expression, he lowered his hand and smiled. The God Emperor wanted to know, so I told him. Its that simple.

Is there something wrong with your brain? Xuan Ji glared and whapped him on the head, then shouted, Did you have to say just because he asked you? On our way here, didnt I tell you to present yourself accordingly when you faced Zhou Wu, neither too arrogant nor too humble? What was that, just now? You acted as pathetic as. Youve really embarrassed me.

She turned her head away and refused to look at him.

She was truly furious. She naturally knew just how intimidating Zhou Wus presence was. When the God Emperors expression shifted, it set even her heart on edge. But how had Ye Zichen comported himself? He was a quivering, pathetic disgrace, and he answered all of Zhou Wus questions without reservation. This went against Xuan Jis impression of Ye Zichen. He shouldnt be this type of person, right?

Ye Zichen hadnt anticipated her to be so furious, but he didnt dare interrupt.

Finally, she turned back to look at him. Was what you told Zhou Wu the truth?

Of course it was. Not a word of it was fake. If you dont believe me, you can ask Jingwan. When Han Nan told me about transcendence, she was there too, said Ye Zichen flatly.

You mean you told him the real method of transcendence? Xuan Ji pressed him again.

Of course. Ye Zichen nodded.

You.

His flat response set Xuan Jis hands trembling. A long time passed before she could speak. She stared intently at Ye Zichen, walked up to him, and grabbed him by the head. Were you scared out of your wits? Is there nothing but mush between your ears? You even dared tell him that?

Zhou Wu is our God Emperor, and the hope of our god race. If he wants to know something, why shouldnt I tell him? Auntie, arent you his subordinate? Why are you reacting so strongly. Could it be that you and the Xiao Family.

Scram! Xuan Ji shoved Ye Zichen back, then shouted, Im nothing like that spineless coward Xiao Ting. They want to usurp the throne. I would never sink so low.

Xuan Jis tone was grave and serious. Ye Zichen had never really suspected her of consorting with demons. Hed only said that as a joke, and hadnt expected her to react so intensely.

Xuan Ji paused to consider whether to explain more, then continued, My relationship with Zhou Wu isnt as close or heartfelt as people on the outside think. My true form is a fox, an ordinary fox. This, at least, the people of the Upper Three Realms all know. I work in the God Realm, serving Zhou Wu, but thats only because many years ago, he helped me. In order to repay him, I agreed to stay in god race territory for a thousand years and serve him. That thousand years has long since passed, and we no longer owe each other anything. I stay here now for no other reason than Id hate to part with my subordinates.

A gentle breeze blew through the forest, rattling the vegetation. Xuan Ji sighed, then turned to Ye Zichen, her gaze melancholy. You really shouldnt have said all that. What if Zhou Wu really transcends? If that happens, do you think youll survive?

Why wouldnt I? Ye Zichen didnt understand. He arched his brows at Xuan Ji inquisitively. The Yao-Sealing Pagoda? Right, why didnt he ask about it? He didnt ask even a single question while I was there.

He didnt need to. The Divine Arbiter already asked for him, chuckled Xuan Ji. Why do you think Zhou Wu didnt appear right away, and instead sent the Divine Arbiter to greet us? The Divine Arbiter is truly Zhou Wus trusted confidante, and in truth, shes also his woman. She is absolutely loyal to him, which is why he sent her to welcome us. Her asking questions and him asking questions are essentially the same thing, and there are some questions its more convenient to have her ask.

So thats how it is. Ye Zichen nodded.

In her probing, she already learned everything she wanted to know. That is to say, they already know you inherited the Five Elements Great Emperors legacy. Given all that, when Zhou Wu transcends, do you really think youll survive? When that time comes, dont come looking for me! Not even your mom and the entire Saints Palace can save you!

But. he cant possibly transcend! In response to Xuan Jis muttering as sighs, Ye Zichen shrugged and laughed bitterly.

Xuan Ji froze, and her eyes brightened somewhat, but she seemed somewhat suspicious. You know he has the Emperor Stars celestial fate, right? So he should be able to transcend. Why cant he? Or did you leave something out? Is that it?

Ye Zichen grinned, but didnt deny it. Then he hurriedly explained the details of what Han Nan had told him. Xuan Ji nodded throughout his explanation, and by the end of it, her eyes were as wide as dinner plates.

In short, he wants to transcend. But hes not destined to succeed! snorted Ye Zichen. His expression was deeply reminiscent of Han Nan.

Ye Zichen wasnt stupid. He knew that Zhou Wu was destined to be his enemy. Given that, hed have to be really dumb to tell Zhou Wu how to transcend.

Yes, everything hed told Zhou Wu was true, at least, when it came to transcendence and the Outsides situation.

The Master of the Stars really had fallen. The Outside really was on the brink of destruction. The method of transcendence hed taught Zhou Wu wasnt fake, either. Hed just left out the very last little tidbit of information: yes, you needed the Emperor Stars celestial fate, but you also needed to have been chosen directly by the star itself.

Both were necessary preconditions, but Zhou Wu could only satisfy the first.

He could try and breakthrough according to Ye Zichens instructions, but as someone whod usurped anothers celestial fate, he lacked the body of the Emperor Star. He could never take that final step towards transcendence.

The path to transcendence was right in front of him, yet he couldnt take it. To Zhou Wu, this was

True despair!