The Northern Divine Mountains Sea of Innocence.

When the Hermit Emperor said it might still be possible to save Xue Mo, everyone was visibly shocked.

Zhao Qianhe and Aunt Ling looked the most surprised at all. They started pleadingly at the Hermit Emperor, their eyes expectant and full of hope. Even Xue Yangs eyes contained a complex mix of emotions, and he quivered slightly.

I cant explain it to you now. I have to see the Master of the Stars youre talking about and tell him the method myself.

Ill go drag that kid over. Zhao Qianhe gathered her sleeves and headed to the door, only for Xue Yang to stop her.

What is it this time?

Instead of responding to her question, Xue Yang turned towards the Hermit Emperor. How certain are you that this will work?

I cant make any promises. I saw this method in an ancient text, but testing it requires the Master of the Stars, said the Hermit Emperor flatly.

Everyone fell silent, but although no one spoke, Xue Yang, Xuan Ji, and Bian were busily discussing the matter through divine sense transmissions.

In the blink of an eye, two hours passed.

Qianhe, go fetch Ye Zichen, said Xue Yang. Apparently, theyd reached their conclusion. Zhao Qianhe nodded forcefully, then burst forth and top speed, only to bump into an equally frantic Xue Beibei.

The impact knocked Xue Beibei to the floor. She rubbed her nose, and her eyes welled with unshelled tears.

Ah! Beibei! Zhao Qianhe hurriedly helped Xue Beibei up.

Xue Beibei rubbed her aching nose a few times, then stopped, disregarding the pain, and rushed up to Xue Yang. Dad, Big Sister Murong said the demons Holy Maiden came looking for Ye Zichen.

What! Xuan Ji shouted, while Bian arched his brows. Aunt Ling, who sat directly by Xue Mos bedside clutching her hand, looked up, her pupils furiously constricted. Xue Yang deeply furrowed his brows.

Even Zhao Qianhe stopped in her tracks, pausing instead of rushing directly to Ye Zichen.

Xuan Ji, isnt Heavenly God City under your direct management? How could a demon show up in the middle of the city, much less find Ye Zichen? shouted Xue Yang.

I didnt receive any news of this, said Xuan Ji. She frowned.

The atmosphere instantly tensed up. The sudden appearance of the Holy Maiden, combined with the fact that Xuan Ji had gotten no word of her arrival and the fact that shed gone straight for Ye Zichen didnt bode well.

It was obvious to all of them why the Holy Maiden would seek Ye Zichen out now of all times!

Is Heavenly God City under Xuan Jis jurisdiction? Certainly not entirely, said Bian, still leaning against the window. He laughed flatly, Dont forget; Heavenly God City is still, at the end of the day, Zhou Wus home turf.

Zhou Wu. Xue Yang knit his brows.

Xuan Ji sent out a constant stream of transmissions. Her jade transmission slip flashed non-stop, and each time it lit up, her frown deepened.

Finally, she put it away and turned to the others. It seems my people have been replaced, and the Shen Family is now truly in control of Heavenly God City.

See? Was I right or was I right? snorted Bian.

At a time like this, for the Shen Family to send their people to take over Xuan Jis subordinates positions could only mean...

Everyone tightly furrowed their brows. It seems Zhou Wu already doesnt trust you anymore.

Has he ever trusted you? said Bian. He was usually a man of few words, but this time, he had a lot to say. He only trusts himself. Hes never even trusted the Shen, Bai, and Yuchi families. Hes the selfish type, only out for his own interests.

Dad, Murong Xue asked me what she should do next, pouted Xue Beibei.

Xue Yang grimaced, looked at the others, then cupped his hands at the Hermit Emperor.

Hermit Emperor, I humbly request that you take care of my daughter in my absence. We have to pay a visit to Heavenly God City in person.

.

Jiang Wei stood in the doorway looking at the Holy Maiden and the ashen-faced, explosively furious Ye Zichen. One look and he knew shed let the cat out of the bag already.

Now that he thought about it, it was ridiculous. Hed known from the start that they couldnt keep this under wraps forever.

If they lied well and really committed to the deception, they could delay the inevitable for a while. If they performed badly, things would fall apart quickly, like a paper bag in a fireplace. One way or another, the truth would come out sooner or later.

That was why hed refused to participate in their scheme. His pride couldnt bear lies.

However, Jiang Yong had moved him, so even though Jiang Wei knew this was a bad idea, he decisively plunged in anyway.

Not long ago, even though hed executed the lies Jiang Yong had taught him perfectly, hed been in poor spirits. Rather, hed been actively downcast.

Hed been afraid, afraid that his lies would get exposed.

When he first saw the Holy Maiden, his heart tensed up, and he rushed forward without so much as bothering to inform the others. As he chased after her, his nerves were taut and his heart was on tenterhooks.

But when he actually entered the Upheaval Alliance and saw his fears realized...

He felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

Their lie had been exposed.

It happened a lot faster than theyd anticipated, but now, he no longer needed to worry about how hed feel when the time came. Hed always known they couldnt keep this hidden forever.

But he couldnt help but feel it was ridiculous

Why did he let Jiang Yong brainwash him into participating in this scheme?

But then he recalled why: it was because he, too, wanted to protect Ye Zichen. He didnt want Ye Zichen to throw himself to his death.

From Ye Zichens obvious fury, Jiang Wei could tell that hed learned of Xue Mos injuries. Furthermore, with the Holy Maiden around, it would be difficult for Jiang Wei to prevent Ye Zichen from leaving and doing something stupid.

How long will it take for Xue Yang to get here?

As he wondered this, Jiang Wei silently spread his divine awareness. He had to hold Ye Zichen back with all his might, retaining him until Xue Yang got here.

Brother Ye. At that moment, Jiang Yong and the others came rushing in after Jiang Wei.

When they saw the Holy Maiden standing beside Ye Zichen, their expressions shifted dramatically.

Youre all here. Flames had already started blazing around Ye Zichen, and if you looked closely, you could see silvery streaks of lightning dancing within them. The temperature inside had skyrocketed, and the air crackled with electricity. His towering, terrifying fury was readily apparent.

Sensing his unusual state, Xiao Yumei rushed in from outside. When she saw the Skyspan Academy students in front and the demons Holy Maiden beside Ye Zichen, her eyes flashed. She rushed right up to Ye Zichens side. Seeing this, the Holy Maiden knowingly stepped aside to make room for her.

Zichen. Xiao Yumei, who had gone right up to Ye Zichens side, couldnt help but call out to him. He patted her on the shoulder to indicate that he was alright.

Next, he looked at Jiang Wei and the others, his expression cold and distant...

Did Xue Mo go explore a hidden land? Why is the Holy Maiden telling me something else entirely? He pointed to the robed woman beside him, then faced his friends. Tell me, which of you should I believe?