Published: February 24, 2025
“Hmm, I understand.” Ru Yan Chen raised her hand to rub her brows, then asked, “Is Nangong Yuqin back yet?”
“I just went to ask, she hasn't returned yet,” Li Miaoxin replied honestly. “The people from the divine soul celestial palace are also very anxious.”
Ru Yan Chen felt displeased and said, “It seems that we can only wait a little longer. I hope nothing has happened to her.”
Li Miaoxin nodded in agreement, sensing the tension in the air. The delay was unsettling, especially considering the mission they had embarked on.
After a moment of silence, Ru Yan Chen continued, “We must remain vigilant. The situation is unpredictable, and we cannot afford any mistakes.”
“You're right,” Li Miaoxin responded. “We need to prepare ourselves for any possible outcome.”
The two of them exchanged determined glances, knowing that they had to stand together during this critical time.
…
As the sun and moon exchanged places, three days later, the sun rose in the east.
A spirit vessel flew down into the valley, and Nangong Yuqin gracefully stepped off the vessel and walked towards the cave dwelling.
During this time, she had been quietly staying by the waterfall. It seemed she had come to some realization, and at this moment, she was like a breath of spring, full of vitality. The cold and aloof beauty that kept people at a distance had less melancholy and more innocence.
“Saintess, you’re back! We were so worried!” Zhao Shiguang, Liu Danwen, Gao Xiong, and Jiang Rou, who had been waiting outside Nangong Yuqin's cave dwelling, welcomed her with relieved expressions.
Nangong Yuqin smiled and said, “There’s no need to worry. I’m back safe and sound, aren’t I? I just went out to get some fresh air, look how scared you all were.”
The four of them were slightly stunned as they looked at Nangong Yuqin. In their memories, this was the first time she had smiled in years!
As they gazed at the cheerful Nangong Yuqin, they hesitated, not wanting to ruin her good mood by mentioning the current trial situation of the disciples from the divine soul celestial palace.
Nangong Yuqin noticed the change in their expressions and raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? If you have something to say, just say it.”
“Reporting to the saintess, there’s some bad news,” Jiang Rou said in a low voice.
“What news is it?” Nangong Yuqin asked as she stepped into the cave dwelling.
After entering the dwelling, Jiang Rou's beautiful eyes glistened with tears as she choked up, “Reporting to the saintess, in the half month you were away, I discovered that 890 identity tokens of our palace's disciples were shattered. 890 fellow disciples have encountered misfortune.”
“What did you say? So many people died!” Nangong Yuqin’s smile vanished, and a murderous intent burst forth from her beautiful eyes without concealment. “Tell me, what happened!”
Jiang Rou said truthfully, “Reporting to the saintess, twelve days ago, Yuan Shilang, Jia Kuang, and 423 others ambushed at the Entrance to the Abyss of the Buried Gods, and over four hundred people from the eternal immortal sect guarding the gorge of the buried gods, nearly all died in a short period. The cause of death is unknown.”
“And then, another 467 people also died one after another.”
“Twelve days ago, Ru Yan Chen came to find you, saying that after you returned, he wanted you to visit him.”
Upon hearing this, Nangong Yuqin’s anger was evident. She never expected that in just three months since the trial began, so many people would perish!
“Alright, I understand,” Nangong Yuqin took a deep breath and looked at Gao Xiong, commanding, “Go tell Ru Yan Chen to come see me.”
“Yes, saintess.” Gao Xiong bowed and stepped out of the cave, returning shortly with Ru Yan Chen.
“Saintess, it’s been half a month, and I was very worried about your safety. Now that I see you are safe and sound, I can relax,” Ru Yan Chen said, maintaining a polite demeanor in front of Nangong Yuqin.