Chapter 964

Gu Qing'er committed suicide by jumping off a cliff? Xu Xiaoshou, still in his vanished state, nearly had his jaw drop at the absurd scene unfolding before him.

He could discern that the golden sword intent which had just permeated his and Rao Yaoyao's battle was indeed unleashed by Gu Qing'er. But why did this person appear? Why had he become so powerful, then saved him, only to commit suicide in shame and indignation immediately afterward? Xu Xiaoshou had no answers to these questions.

After all, he was utterly unaware of external events, able to glean only a sense of "social humiliation" from Gu Qing'er's recent expression. Yet, he didn't have much time to ponder the stress reaction that had prompted Gu Qing'er's actions. Lei Xi'er's condition was dire.

Having forcibly controlled Rao Yaoyao and Wang Dachui with her King's Dao Realm cultivation, she had expended an immense amount of power. After discerning the widespread chaos on the battlefield, Xu Xiaoshou immediately moved to Lei Xi'er's side. Before anyone could react to Gu Qing'er's bizarre actions, he swiftly drew Lei Xi'er into his Yuanfu World. As the Ultimate Life Demonic Body, unlocked after the seal on her Life-Devouring Wood Body was lifted, Lei Xi'er would likely recover her combat strength quickly by resting under the Life Spirit Seal in the Yuanfu World. Xu Xiaoshou had truly witnessed the power of the Divine-Demonic Eye firsthand. Caught between a rock and a hard place, he thought he might genuinely need to release Lei Xi'er again to assist him.

As for Greedy God, the little white cat had been secretly stowed away when Xu Xiaoshou transformed into the anomaly. Xu Xiaoshou wasn't sure if Rao Yaoyao had realized Greedy God was a true ghost beast. He suspected she had, but simply didn't care. After all, what concern was it of Holy Slave Xu Xiaoshou if King Yama of the Underworld had ties with ghost beasts?

"Dean, we should find a chance to leave." After putting away Lei Xi'er, Xu Xiaoshou, whose manifestation barely covered his mouth, leaned in and whispered to Ye Xiaotian. He had no intention of drawing the Dean into his Yuanfu either, as that would require the latter to completely lower his guard and fully accept Xu Xiaoshou's presence. However, given his highly successful portrayal of "Huangquan" during the recent battle, the Dean remained somewhat wary of him. How could he possibly relax easily? Furthermore, Xu Xiaoshou believed that with the Dean's cultivation at the King's Dao Realm and mastery of spatial profoundness, now free from the constraints of the storyteller's ancient book spatial world, he could go anywhere in this vast world.

Ye Xiaotian stiffened at the sound, then slightly relaxed, yet his mind remained riddled with doubt. "'Xu Xiaoshou... he's still Xu Xiaoshou! He really did transform into Huangquan and pulled off a massive deception... No, perhaps this is still just Huangquan's ploy, and he intends to seize me?'" Ye Xiaotian had long since sensed the fleeting power of the spatial tunnel. Lei Xi'er's figure had vanished instantly because she was enveloped by this spatial energy. His sole relief was that this individual — whether Huangquan or Xu Xiaoshou — had not employed such a method of confinement on him. Rather than pinning his hopes of escaping the battle on someone who might be his top outer-court disciple, Ye Xiaotian was more inclined to rely on self-preservation. Moreover, the true Xu Xiaoshou's fate — whether he was alive or dead, or if Huangquan had replaced him long ago — remained an unanswerable question.

"'Take care.'" Ye Xiaotian whispered to the 'Xu Xiaoshou/Huangquan' entity, whose exact location was unknown, as spatial energy coalesced around him, preparing for escape. "'Trying to escape?!'" Just then, Rao Yaoyao's cold gaze swept over. A single burst of sword qi tore through the cliffside terrain, disrupting Ye Xiaotian's movements and nearly blasting him into the chasm below.

To her, the most abhorrent individual who had disrupted the internal world of the Heavenly Secret World had already jumped from the cliff, their whereabouts unknown. Therefore, despite the lingering chaos and the presence of various rogue cultivators, the priority was to resume the prior conflict. The crucial figure of Huangquan had already vanished without a trace amidst the preceding turmoil. However, the silver-haired woman with the Divine-Demonic Eye had also disappeared in the next instant, suggesting Huangquan remained nearby. And since the white-haired boy, Ye Xiaotian, had been with Huangquan earlier, capturing him might genuinely force Huangquan to reveal himself. With this realization, Rao Yaoyao wasted no time, raising her sword and charging towards Ye Xiaotian.

Simultaneously, everyone on Solitary Sound Cliff reacted. The only remaining rogue cultivator whose true form was exposed was the white-haired boy. Instantly, hundreds of gazes converged on Ye Xiaotian. They quickly followed Rao Yaoyao, rushing forward. The Thirteen Grand Void under Teng Shanhai's command remained still. This was not a pre-assigned task for them, and forceful intervention risked unforeseen complications; if the target escaped, they could be accused of 'partiality.' Bai Lian and Mu Lin also remained impassive, their gazes shifting as they continued their search. Finding nothing, they, too, were disinclined to interfere with the internal affairs of the Holy Divine Palace.

Xu Xiaoshou, in his vanished state, grew anxious. He was both relieved he had stopped early, not having been greedy enough to open a spatial tunnel for the Dean to enter his Yuanfu. Because if the Dean had hesitated, Rao Yaoyao's swift reactions could have detected the spatial traces, exposing everything. At the same time, however, Xu Xiaoshou worried for the Dean's safety. While in his vanished state, he could easily escape. Yet, he had entered this predicament precisely to rescue the Dean. To flee now would be akin to a homeless dog, or a fence-sitter content with temporary peace. Moreover, Xu Xiaoshou's principles prevented him from abandoning an ally.

"'You go first; I'll handle the rest,' Ye Xiaotian said calmly to the air. He wasn't sure if 'Xu Xiaoshou/Huangquan' was still present, but given the benevolent, non-coercive gesture, Ye Xiaotian concluded it was highly probable the person was indeed Xu Xiaoshou. If that were the case, how could the dignified former Dean of the Tiansang Spirit Palace allow a former disciple to sacrifice everything to protect him? The other party had already done more than enough!

Therefore, facing the hundreds of charging trial officials, Ye Xiaotian took a light step forward, gently extended his hands, and a spatial profoundness array pattern unfurled beneath his feet, instantly enveloping the entirety of Solitary Sound Cliff. "'Heaven's Edge at Hand!'" he murmured softly. At that moment, he exuded the imposing aura of a lone warrior holding off a thousand foes. Following his utterance, spiritual energy erupted from his Qi Sea, causing the surrounding space to intertwine and fold. Though the distance was merely a dozen zhang, as Rao Yaoyao and the others charged, it seemed as if countless dimensional spaces lay between them. They saw Ye Xiaotian, a veritable 'mountain,' seemingly within reach. Yet, like a mirage, they ran for dozens of breaths, and to outside observers, the trial officials appeared to be running in place, having advanced mere inches!

"'Spatial profoundness...'" The Thirteen Grand Void, observing from the rear, watched with envy. Indeed, any adversary capable of being drawn into the Heavenly Secret World's inner realm was undeniably formidable! Nearby, Mu Lin and Bai Lian, master and disciple, still searching for any trace of Xu Xiaoshou, paid no heed to the warring factions, concerned only with their own objective. However, their attention was now drawn to the spatial profoundness array pattern unfurling beneath the white-haired boy's feet.

Mu Lin's gaze shifted back, settling on the white-haired boy whose single spiritual technique had ensnared hundreds of trial officials, including Rao Yaoyao and Wang Dachui, both King's Dao Realm cultivators. One breath, two breaths... Suddenly, his brow furrowed, yet his eyelids drooped. Beneath the concealment of these subtle movements, his eyes appeared more profound, simultaneously masking his surprise. "'Ye... Xiao... Tian?'" Mu Lin murmured soundlessly. He had presumed that on this expedition, no one besides the unpredictable Xu Xiaoshou would manage to surprise him. To his surprise, instead of Xu Xiaoshou, he encountered a highly unexpected acquaintance from the past: Ye Xiaotian, one of the Four Sons of the Holy Palace, and a master of spatial attributes!

Images from his youth instantly surfaced in Mu Lin's mind. During that era, the Four Sons of the Holy Palace were inseparable. As Sang Qiye's junior brother — the senior disciple of the Jinzhao lineage — Mu Lin had naturally come to know Ye Xiaotian. Mu Lin had limited interaction with the Four Sons of the Holy Palace. Disapproving of his senior brother Sang Qiye's temperament, he naturally held little affection for his companions. However, the Holy Palace had missions. On multiple missions, Mu Lin had fought alongside Ye Xiaotian. A bond forged in life-and-death combat meant that while they weren't exactly 'closest friends,' the term 'friends' certainly applied to their relationship. "'Prepare to intervene.'" Mu Lin made his decision without hesitation, transmitting a message to Bai Lian. As he spoke, a comprehensive plan formed in his mind.

Ye Xiaotian had not directly defected from the Holy Palace to join the Holy Slaves, unlike Sang Qiye. Therefore, nominally, he had merely left the Holy Palace to cultivate independently, still considered a member of the Holy Palace. Mu Lin vaguely recalled that Ye Xiaotian had not committed any significant wrongdoings in the past. Thus, at present, any issues concerning a Holy Palace member should be handled internally by the Holy Palace, rather than allowing someone of Rao Yaoyao's status from the Holy Divine Palace to apprehend and prosecute them.

Bai Lian paused, stunned. Upon looking at the spatial profoundness array pattern, he, too, grasped the situation and understood his master Mu Lin's intentions. "'Uncle Ye...?'" A headache seized him. He knew that given his master Mu Lin's status, it would be inappropriate to directly seize someone from Rao Yaoyao's blade. However, for him, Bai Lian, an 'unworthy disciple' to 'act out of momentary excitement, recognizing Ye Xiaotian as a senior from the Holy Palace' — Rao Yaoyao, regardless of her disbelief, would have to grant him some face and accept such an explanation. "'Still, my responsibility will be immense...'" Bai Lian sighed, then ceased pondering the repercussions. With a flick of his wrist, the Jinzhao White Flame ignited in his palm. Just then, both of them simultaneously witnessed Ye Xiaotian, who had temporarily trapped Rao Yaoyao and other trial officials with his 'Heaven's Edge at Hand' technique, suddenly raise his gaze and subtly shake his head at them.

Mu Lin and Bai Lian had recognized Ye Xiaotian. How could Ye Xiaotian not have recognized them in return? To him, the moment he broke through the Heavenly Secret World's inner realm, the sudden appearance of 'browless Mu Lin' had been too abrupt, too striking not to warrant a second glance. And precisely because they were genuine disciples of the Holy Palace, while he himself now bore the ignominious titles of 'rogue cultivator' and 'suspected accomplice of Huangquan.' Thus, Ye Xiaotian would never sacrifice the future of Teacher Sang's junior brother or his descendants to save himself. Mu Lin could overlook some of his disciple Bai Lian's interests to allow him to intervene and save someone; to him, there was nothing wrong with that. Ye Xiaotian, however, thought differently. Bai Lian was now one of the Holy Palace's five great authorities. A position so elevated, akin to a Dao Hall Master of the Holy Divine Palace, involved too many intricate and interconnected factors, sometimes leaving one with no choice but to act against their will. "'I only acted for Teacher Sang; why involve anyone else?'" With this thought, Ye Xiaotian immediately conveyed his refusal to Mu Lin and Bai Lian with a subtle glance.

At this moment, Rao Yaoyao and Wang Dachui, struggling through the resistance, had broken through 'Heaven's Edge at Hand' and surged forward. "'Fight?'" Ye Xiaotian ceased his movements, facing a difficult decision. Suddenly, he no longer wished to fight. He knew that even if he unleashed his full combat power and adopted a 'rather be shattered jade than whole tile' stance, at best he would suffer mutual destruction with Rao Yaoyao, Wang Dachui, and the others. But to what end? And why go to such lengths?

"'I'm merely a rogue cultivator who came for the 'Holy Origin Crystal,' and now that's gone. I only have A-Jie on me. If I hide, they won't find me. Truthfully, apart from the stain of being a rogue cultivator, I have no actual connection to Huangquan. Rao Yaoyao can investigate that as much as she pleases. So, why not simply surrender?'" Ye Xiaotian felt his conscience was clear; there was nothing to fear. While a rogue cultivator might typically face execution, Ye Xiaotian still nominally held the identity of a former Holy Palace disciple, a fact Rao Yaoyao surely couldn't easily dismiss. As for fleeing... Ye Xiaotian wanted to flee, but he knew Rao Yaoyao and Wang Dachui were completely focused on him. He could escape, but what then? Wouldn't that be tantamount to admitting guilt? If the Holy Divine Palace were to brand him an 'Underworld King accomplice' or 'Holy Slave associate,' wouldn't that be an even greater loss? Contemplating this, Ye Xiaotian immediately raised his hands, offering a wry smile. "'I surr—'" Before the word 'render' could leave his lips, he abruptly froze. For he had seen the absolute ruthlessness in Rao Yaoyao's eyes across from him! She had completely seen through his intentions, and the instant he spoke, she raised the Profound Azure Divine Sword high...

"'Red Dust Sword!'" The fierce cry completely drowned out Ye Xiaotian's attempt to surrender, making him realize that his opponent had no intention of letting him go! "'I could undergo the standard Red and White Robe interrogation procedures, but Rao Yaoyao won't grant me that opportunity. She knows I have secrets. Through the 'Red Dust Refining Heart,' at worst she could inquire about Huangquan... no, about Xu Xiaoshou's affairs. Those details wouldn't matter, as I genuinely don't know where Xu Xiaoshou went. However, I absolutely cannot submit to the 'Red Dust Refining Heart'! Because I still have A-Jie, and Qiao Qiaozhi is still researching the secrets of the Heavenly Machine Puppets. What if those are revealed?'" Ye Xiaotian's thoughts raced like lightning, grasping Rao Yaoyao's true intention. When sharp minds anticipate each other's every move from opposing stances, how can any opportunity be granted? "'I'll fight!'" Ye Xiaotian's raised hands suddenly clenched tightly and slammed downwards. The spatial profoundness array pattern beneath his feet burst into brilliant light, and the surrounding space of heaven and earth abruptly fractured with a cracking sound.

Just then, at this critical juncture, as Ye Xiaotian was about to forcefully block Rao Yaoyao's 'Red Dust Sword,' a girl of extraordinary strength, carrying a massive cauldron on her shoulder, suddenly flew down from the sky. Dressed in a trial officer's black robe, she seemed to have simply happened upon the scene and then glanced down. "'Huh? Isn't that my Senior Uncle... Grand-Uncle Master Ye?'" She appeared to have just barely noticed the imminent clash between the two combatants, then abruptly plunged downwards, flipping her hand to hoist her massive cauldron and place it between Rao Yaoyao and Ye Xiaotian. "'Sword Immortal Rao, halt! This is my Senior Ye; he's from the Holy Palace!'"