Chapter 844: "Awkward"

The scene was on the verge of erupting. Xin Gugu and Liu Changqing had already anticipated the imminent battle. Despite being only Grandmasters, they bravely stepped forward, refusing to retreat even an inch.

“Stand down!” Xu Xiaoshou reprimanded.

He understood their intentions; they wouldn't let him, Young Master Xu, die, even if it meant revealing themselves. However, considering his earlier assertions, if Yu Lingdi dared to challenge a Half-Saint force based on mere "suspicion" and proceeded to apprehend or kill someone in his presence, it would mean completely alienating them.

Xu Xiaoshou was certain Yu Lingdi wouldn't act. Even if Yu Lingdi wished to, there were higher authorities who would restrain him. Of course, at this moment, Xin Gugu and Liu Changqing, as guardians, also couldn't expose their identities.

The two guardians weren't foolish. They held their ground for a moment, clearly intending to protect Young Master Xu, the Half-Saint, but after being sternly reprimanded, they 'reluctantly' retreated several feet. All of these reactions appeared perfectly normal to Yu Lingdi. After all, if the guardians chosen by a Half-Saint successor were cowards, that would be truly suspicious.

Yu Lingdi's gaze never left Xu Xiaoshou. He slowly raised his right hand, pointing into the air.

A soft whooshing sound filled the air as water elements from all directions rapidly converged. In an instant, a torrential downpour surged towards them. Just as Yu Lingdi's finger was about to move, and a single drop of golden water coalesced, the entire torrential rain suspended in the air, as if frozen in time.

“In that case, you may die.” Yu Lingdi's eyes showed no arrogance, as if he were merely stating a plain fact.

Then, he slightly bent his fingertip. At that instant, Xu Xiaoshou's heart pounded wildly. A life-or-death threat sent shivers down his spine, making his pores feel as though they were bursting.

“Locked on, Passive Point, 1. Threatened, Passive Point, 1. Ambushed, Passive Point, 1.”

The attack hadn't even been fully executed yet, but the system had already deemed it an ambush. This alone hinted at the terrifying power contained within Yu Lingdi's golden water attack.

Xin Gugu, who had retreated a short distance, tensed his body completely at that moment. At this range, he could guarantee that the instant Yu Lingdi attacked, he could instantly break his seal and, with near-teleportation speed, intercept the blow for Xu Xiaoshou. Meanwhile, Liu Changqing never imagined that Young Master Xu, after such a brief acquaintance, would go to such lengths for him! With his hands hidden in his sleeves, Liu Changqing secretly prepared the profound Heavenly Mechanism arts. He was confident that the moment Yu Lingdi launched his attack, he could use the Heavenly Mechanism technique to shift Young Master Xu's position.

Just at this crucial moment...

“Stop!” A delicate shout echoed from a great distance.

Simultaneously, the vast expanse of frozen raindrops in the air evaporated into steam on the spot. A soft 'puff, puff—' filled the air, a subtle sound accompanied by a familiar scorching wave. It was the faint rustling that haunted every midnight nightmare, and the white flame that suddenly bloomed in the void... Instantly, Yu Lingdi's soul trembled, as if he had been transported back to the nightmare battle in the Eight Palaces.

“White Flame of Burning Ember?”

He sharply turned his head. Yu Lingdi dared not delay even a fraction of a second to make his move, turning to face the person who had spoken from behind as if confronting a formidable foe. Dressed in black.

“Trial official?” Yu Lingdi was astonished. For a moment, he even thought that Wuxiu of the Saint Servant had returned. However, upon turning, he found that the newcomer was just a young girl, her face filled with anger, carrying a massive cauldron. She possessed immense strength, utterly disproportionate to her slender figure, and a fiery temper identical to that of the White Flame of Burning Ember. The moment she landed, she frowned and began to scold.

“Who are you?” she demanded. “Whose territory are you on? How dare you interfere in my area? This inner section is my responsibility. Who gave you permission to cross the line?”

As the life-or-death crisis dissipated, Xu Xiaoshou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He looked over, a wry smile forming on his face. Hua Ying... Why had this young girl come? And how had she become a trial official?

Yu Lingdi's brows furrowed deeply. He sensed the pervasive and unparalleled Sovereign aura filling the air, which faintly possessed eighty to ninety percent of his own power when he was at the Sovereign realm. Observing the White Flame of Burning Ember that scorched the surrounding elements of heaven and earth, he began to form a judgment about the young woman's identity.

“Saint Palace, Burning Ember lineage?”

Yu Lingdi only knew that a special envoy had arrived from the Saint Palace, but he didn't realize that this newcomer possessed abilities identical to those of Wuxiu, the Saint Servant, who had been a nightmare to him.

“My name is Hua Ying,” Hua Ying declared, as if not recognizing her Uncle Xu at all. Without even a glance at him, she stared directly at Yu Lingdi and said, “What's your name? You're quite young. Are you also a trial official? An imposter, perhaps? You don't even know this area is under my jurisdiction? Fiend, show your true form!”

She spoke like a chatterbox, setting down the massive cauldron in her hand as she talked. The ground cracked beneath it.

Yu Lingdi paused, then his expression quickly darkened. He said, “If you are a trial official, then you should know who is qualified to appear freely in the area you are responsible for.”

“Who?” Hua Ying asked, genuinely bewildered for a moment. But then, she quickly reacted: “Oh, oh, you're the Chief Commander of the Trial Officials, the Head of the Spirit Division, Yu Lingdi?”

Yu Lingdi felt a surge of suppressed anger with nowhere to vent it. Yet, he also realized that this girl was truly foolish.

“You're that young?” Hua Ying exclaimed, astonished. She hoisted the massive cauldron and jogged over, examining him curiously from head to toe. “I thought the heads of the Six Divisions were all from the previous era, old geezers. You're actually so young, could it be... uh! I didn't say anything!”

Yu Lingdi's face darkened.

After her initial surprise, Hua Ying didn't linger. Her gaze shifted, briefly glancing at her Uncle Xu, then she tentatively asked, “So, Chief Commander, is there something you need here?”

“Didn't you see?” Yu Lingdi retorted, his tone grim. He was just one step away from completing his test. How could he not be furious, having been interrupted by this foolish girl?

Hua Ying chuckled innocently, “Chief Commander, have you also taken a liking to Young Master Xu? Unfortunately, he's the one this maiden fancied first. Even if you want to test his abilities, he's already been reserved by me!” Her smile was radiant.

After his initial astonishment, Yu Lingdi suddenly realized. This girl wasn't truly foolish; she had discerned his intention to test Young Master Xu's abilities and those of his guardian, and that Young Master Xu might indeed be facing a mortal threat. That's why she had stepped forward to protect him.

With this sudden realization, Yu Lingdi understood many things. The Six Divisions are subordinate organizations of the Holy Divine Palace. Sword Immortal Rao had indeed taken a liking to Young Master Xu, and Yu Lingdi himself had too, both eager to draw him into the Holy Divine Palace's ranks. However, the Saint Palace had also taken a liking to Young Master Xu.

The difference was that the Holy Divine Palace valued Young Master Xu's presence, cultivation, and his ability to handle affairs. The Saint Palace, however, valued Young Master Xu's identity as a Fourth-Grade Alchemist Sovereign!

“He also has a secondary profession as an Alchemist Sovereign...” Yu Lingdi sighed inwardly. He had inadvertently forgotten this crucial detail and only recalled it now, feeling somewhat speechless. This person truly knew too much, didn't he?

In essence, the Saint Palace held a status equal to that of the Holy Divine Palace. This time, Hua Ying's sudden appearance and intentions became perfectly clear. She hadn't just appeared by coincidence; she was competing with the Holy Divine Palace for this person! Given the Holy Divine Palace's previously unfavorable impression, and with her, a representative of the Saint Palace, coming to the rescue, what impression would Young Master Xu form of the two major forces? Undoubtedly, one would be good, and the other bad!

Originally, according to Yu Lingdi's plan, even if he played the villain completely, he would never actually harm Young Master Xu. He merely wanted to push him to the brink to observe his reaction. No matter how extreme his methods, as long as he didn't deliver the final blow, he could explain everything after the verification. The minor dispute between the two parties would then be instantly resolved. Yu Lingdi could even capitalize on the situation, expressing the Holy Divine Palace's recognition and admiration for Young Master Xu's composure and spirit in times of crisis. The grand plan would surely succeed! The person would be recruited, his identity verified, and the mission completed!

But... such an ill-intentioned girl had suddenly appeared, solidifying his villainous facade and leaving no room for redemption. Consequently, a potentially good relationship would be twisted into a bitter outcome. To make matters worse, her timing was impeccable, presenting her as a complete hero. In the name of the Saint Palace, she was poaching someone.

For a moment, even with Yu Lingdi's typically composed temperament, Hua Ying's sudden appearance infuriated him to the point of steaming. He genuinely felt like lashing out! But could he kill a Saint Palace special envoy?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Hua Ying asked, feeling a bit unnerved by Yu Lingdi's fierce stare, but she spoke with full confidence, “I also have an identity. I'm just here to have some fun as a trial official. I'm not afraid of you...” Noticing a change in Yu Lingdi's expression, Hua Ying's tone also shifted accordingly: “But Chief Commander, rest assured, there haven't been any mistakes in the area I'm responsible for, apart from your presence here.”

Yu Lingdi was seething with anger. This girl clearly wasn't intimidated by his status; she was purely here to infuriate him! Yet, if he didn't act, he could only endure the anger with nowhere to vent. But if he did, this trial official could instantly transform into a Saint Palace special envoy, whose transcendent status made her inviolable. He was in a lose-lose situation. Yu Lingdi had to swallow this surge of anger, enduring it like breaking his teeth and swallowing blood.

Meanwhile, Xu Xiaoshou also hadn't truly expected little Hua Ying to suddenly appear and resolve the situation. At first, he too speculated like Yu Lingdi, thinking Hua Ying's timing was simply brilliant. A Saint Palace special envoy, directly confronting the Head of the Six Divisions. An interception mid-way, with the Burning Ember lineage claiming him based on his identity as a Fourth-Grade Alchemist Sovereign. It was simply perfect! Impeccable!

But then, a second thought struck him... Perhaps Miss Hua hadn't overthought things at all; she merely saw her Uncle Xu in trouble and instinctively came out with her massive cauldron, shouting a single line. But what a coincidence! Regardless, judging purely by the outcome, Yu Lingdi's momentum was broken, and he couldn't possibly make a move now. If he were to push further, he would be challenging two massive entities: the Saint Palace and the Half-Saint Xu Clan.

The scene suddenly fell silent. The atmosphere, which had been on the verge of a life-or-death confrontation, had now become surprisingly harmonious, leaving Hua Ying bewildered. Seeing everyone silently sulking, she looked left and right. Since she didn't know the reason, she decided to be a peacemaker. “Is it over? No problems... then shall we disperse?” she asked.

Yu Lingdi's mouth twitched imperceptibly, his fist slightly clenched, then loosened.

Xu Xiaoshou secretly chuckled to himself. He was now certain that Hua Ying was truly naive, unable to grasp the complexities of the situation. However, he couldn't completely disregard the dignity of Yu Lingdi, the Head of the Spirit Division. And as for the title of Chief Commander of the Trial Officials, Xu Xiaoshou also couldn't withstand the subsequent waves of thorough investigations.

So, he offered an out.

“Chief Commander of the Trial Officials, is that right?” Xu Xiaoshou chuckled, as if the recent confrontation had never occurred. Calmly, he said, “You couldn't provide evidence and wanted to forcefully verify things, which I can actually understand.”

“However, regarding your suspicion, you never asked me, Young Master, if I could explain!” Xu Xiaoshou stated, subtly raising his head, his demeanor brimming with confidence.

Yu Lingdi's face was grim as he turned his gaze.

Xu Xiaoshou pointed at Liu Changqing and said, “Heavenly Mechanism arts? Does Chief Commander truly believe that only the Dao Division, one of the Six Divisions, can study Heavenly Mechanism arts in this world, and that others can only research the path of Spirit Arrays, without ever dabbling in Heavenly Mechanism arts?”

Yu Lingdi sneered, “That's not the point. The timing, the individual, and the location and abilities of this guardian beside you—none of these can be explained! As long as there's suspicion, we have the responsibility and obligation to resolve it immediately. As for you, what else can you possibly explain?”

Xu Xiaoshou sighed and shook his head, indicating he still couldn't agree with Yu Lingdi's statements. He opened his hand, palm facing upwards, his nimble fingertips dancing gracefully.

“What about this then? Can this explain it?”

Heavenly Mechanism array patterns emerged as a clever, small Heavenly Mechanism array formed in Xu Xiaoshou's hand. The surrounding space was altered, and his face directly transformed into Yu Lingdi's appearance.

Yu Lingdi was stunned. Hua Ying was stunned. Even Liu Changqing was stunned.

“Suspected, Passive Point, 3.”

Only Xin Gugu among those present looked at Xu Xiaoshou's small trick with overflowing admiration. To reveal the Heavenly Mechanism arts at this very moment was truly brilliant! Even he, whose mind wasn't very agile, could see that with this move, the Half-Saint Xu Clan having a guardian who was a Heavenly Mechanism practitioner was no longer an issue. How could Yu Lingdi possibly remain suspicious?

But the crucial point was... if it were anyone else, this situation would be an unfixable mess! Yet, how could Xu Xiaoshou know so much? Xin Gugu silently exhaled, once again marveling at Xu Xiaoshou's methods. This guy knew too much; time and again, he could make false things sound true, and portray black as pure white!

“Heavenly Mechanism arts...”

“How is that possible?”

Yu Lingdi was truly bewildered now. He looked at the 'himself' in front of him, then at the Heavenly Mechanism patterns on his own hand, realizing this was undoubtedly the Heavenly Mechanism art of the Dao Division.

“The Half-Saint Xu Clan still has Heavenly Mechanism art inheritance?” Yu Lingdi asked in astonishment.

Xu Xiaoshou rolled his eyes and flatly stated, “No, these Heavenly Mechanism arts were independently developed by me. I call them the 'Weaving Art.'”

Yu Lingdi was speechless. His composure was beginning to crack. He had never expected that his only evidence for suspicion could be directly refuted by the other party with a counter-demonstration, right on the spot.

“You should have said so earlier...” Yu Lingdi stopped mid-sentence.

Xu Xiaoshou had a sharp tongue. Seeing the atmosphere had now become peaceful, he couldn't resist a jab. “Did you even give me a chance to speak? You were so aggressive, as if you were rushing to be reincarnated!” he retorted with a pout.

Yu Lingdi: ???

Xu Xiaoshou ignored Yu Lingdi's dumbfounded expression and continued, “Furthermore, if she hadn't arrived, and I revealed the Heavenly Mechanism arts, how would I know you wouldn't concoct another excuse, claiming that two ghost beasts proficient in Heavenly Mechanism arts had emerged from Sky City, and that one of them coincidentally possessed abilities matching mine?” He pointed at Hua Ying.

Hua Ying smiled brilliantly, thinking, “I really am useful. Uncle Xu affirmed me; my presence was indeed justified.”

Yu Lingdi: ...

This time, he was genuinely embarrassed. Heavenly Mechanism arts were indeed not exclusive to the Dao Division; it was merely their specialization. Scattered Heavenly Mechanism art inheritances outside were fragmented, lacking systematic cultivation methods. Most wild Heavenly Mechanism practitioners were unskilled, hardly deserving the title 'practitioner'; being called a 'Heavenly Mechanism Master' was already a compliment. However, Half-Saint noble families were different! If they desired to learn, they were indeed qualified to enter the Dao Division. While crucial parts of the Dao Division's Heavenly Mechanism arts couldn't be externally transmitted, over several generations, a select few who received true inheritance would bring certain abilities back to their clans, secretly cultivating talented individuals within their families capable of resisting Heavenly Mechanism practitioners. It was simply an unspoken understanding, a practice not revealed until a critical moment.

Yu Lingdi finally felt relieved. After all that struggle, almost coming to a life-or-death confrontation, it turned out he had been truly mistaken all along.