Chapter 2323: Visitors

"The adaptations must be based on what actually happened," Zu An mused, reflecting on his recent ordeal. He realized that if this were the case, the situation wouldn't be entirely without a solution.

Sensing his thoughts, Mi Li warned, "Don't be careless. Theoretically, Chroniclers of Time cannot create something out of nothing, but their abilities are still incredibly hard to guard against. Many powerful beings have fallen because of them."

"Of course, I'll be careful," Zu An replied. This time, had it not been for the Lord of Slaughter's law-breaking teeth, he would surely have been led astray.

"Queen Sister, you mentioned earlier that few in this world know about the Chroniclers of Time. Do you think the Demon Lord knows about them?"

Mi Li frowned slightly. "Theoretically, it's unlikely he knows, but his previous reaction seemed to indicate awareness of their existence, which is rather peculiar."

Zu An's heart stirred. From her tone, she seemed to hold the Demon Lord in low regard. The fact that she knew things the Demon Lord didn't, and took it for granted, spoke volumes.

However, he didn't press the matter. After their various exchanges, he understood that she withheld certain information for his own benefit, and there was no need to invite unnecessary trouble.

After answering his questions, Mi Li returned to her slumber. Zu An knew she needed sleep to recover, and it also seemed to unlock some of her memories. Although he didn't know how she accomplished this, it was ultimately a good thing, so he naturally refrained from disturbing her further.

Shortly thereafter, Zu An and the Palace Devil Envoy returned to the True Devil Tribe. The envoy arranged a handover with the local guards, took most of the soldiers, and then departed.

When the Great Elder learned that the True Devil Tribe had escaped harm, he was both surprised and overjoyed. "Donal, how did you manage it?" he asked.

Zu An smiled faintly. "His Lordship is quite reasonable. I explained everything that had happened in detail, and he wisely concluded that I was innocent."

The Great Elder slapped his thigh, a touch of remorse in his voice. "Truth be told, I'm truly sorry. I even mistakenly believed you had killed Steward Pi, and many in the True Devil Tribe provided testimony against you."

"There's no need to worry, Great Elder," Zu An reassured him. "It wasn't your fault; the hidden enemy was simply too cunning."

The masked, mysterious figure flashed in Zu An's mind. He wondered how a Chronicler of Time could exist in this world on the verge of destruction, where he was hiding, and why he had suddenly appeared.

The Great Elder's expression softened slightly. "Although this was a misunderstanding," he couldn't help but say, "His Lordship didn't immediately kill you in a fit of rage; he patiently listened to your explanation. He truly values you highly. I recall he didn't regard you with such importance before."

"I don't know why either," Zu An replied, surmising that his relationship with Salome likely made the Demon Lord believe he still had some utility.

"You... do things..." The Great Elder's expression was peculiar. While the young master wasn't exactly a dissolute rake, he wasn't far from it either. What could the Demon Lord possibly see in him?

Wait!

The Great Elder suddenly scrutinized Zu An. He saw a handsome and dashing man, truly renowned as a beauty among the True Devil Tribe. Furthermore, this journey into the cultivation world seemed to have refined him; his former slightly effeminate aura was gone, replaced by a unique, vibrant, and heroic charm.

Now that Steward Pi was dead, His Lordship would certainly need a replacement, and the young master was so exceptionally handsome...

A flicker of sympathy crossed his eyes at this thought, and he bowed to Zu An. "Young Master, you have made too great a sacrifice for our True Devil Tribe."

"Sacrifice? What sacrifice did I make?" Zu An asked, completely bewildered.

"I understand," the Great Elder said, his gaze falling upon Zu An's backside with an expression of knowing comprehension. "I will never speak of this matter again, and I will ensure our tribesmen refrain from gossiping. Everyone will remember the sacrifice you have made for our tribe."

After speaking, he bowed solemnly once more before finally departing.

Zu An stared at him in confusion, wondering if he had missed some crucial information and why the elder was speaking so oddly.

After a moment, understanding dawned on him. "What the hell!"

His face instantly flushed crimson. How outrageous! A dignified Great Elder, yet with such filthy thoughts.

"Ah Zu!" At that moment, the women, having received the news, rushed out to greet him, their eyes welling with tears upon seeing him.

They had been worried about being separated forever, so it was unexpected that he had returned safely so quickly.

Pei Mianman excitedly wanted to rush into Zu An's embrace, but then she noticed Yun Yuqing also stirring beside her.

Yun Yuqing also noticed Pei Mianman's movement, and an awkward silence fell between them.

Pei Mianman also realized this was inappropriate and froze in place.

Among the others, Princess Sorena's relationship with Zu An was more distant. Though she harbored affections for him, she dared not express them overtly in front of everyone else.

Xie Daoyun was similar; she was naturally quiet and introverted. Despite her excitement in this situation, she remembered Pei Mianman was standing nearby.

As for Jiang Luofu, it was even less likely. Only Ji Xiaoxi, with her purest heart, disregarded everything else. She had cried several times already, and now, suddenly learning of Zu An's safe return, her heart swelled with emotion. Unable to hold back any longer, she directly rushed into his arms, embracing him tightly, and choked out, "Brother Zu!"

Feeling her trembling body, Zu An sensed her earlier fear and anxiety. A wave of tenderness washed over him, and he gently patted her shoulder. "I'm fine, Xiaoxi, don't cry anymore."

At that moment, the other women harbored their own regrets, yet paradoxically, they also felt a sense of relief. Xiaoxi was simply too adorable and good-natured; everyone regarded her as a younger sister. Her embrace with Zu An looked precisely like a sister hugging her brother, radiating pure sibling affection, which prevented any other implications.

These thoughts were fleeting, as everyone was overwhelmed with joy at Zu An's safe return. Their faces lit up as they eagerly questioned him about what had happened.

"Let's talk inside..." Since the matter was serious, Zu An led the women back into the cave dwelling. After setting up several isolation formations, he recounted the entire story. Many details had to be kept from the Great Elder, but there was no need to hide them from the women.

"We mistakenly believed you had truly killed Steward Pi; that was absolutely wrong of us," Pei Mianman said, biting her lip tightly. Her breathing was quick and shallow, her chest heaving, overcome with self-reproach. She couldn't understand why she had doubted her beloved.

"Don't blame yourselves. This had nothing to do with you; it was the Chroniclers of Time at work..." Zu An explained.

"Chroniclers of Time?" The women were utterly stunned, never having imagined such a miraculous ability existed in the world.

"Then our own memories won't be reliable anymore, will they?" Jiang Luofu asked, a worried expression on her face and a hint of fear in her eyes. It was truly terrifying; she wouldn't even know what was real or fake in her own mind anymore.

"While the abilities of Chroniclers of Time are miraculous, they are not without flaws," Zu An said, then proceeded to outline their weaknesses.

Only then did the group feel somewhat more at ease.

"Brother Zu, you know about professions and abilities we've never even heard of. Is there anything in this world you *don't* know?" Princess Sorena couldn't help but exclaim, her eyes filled with admiration.

The others nodded in agreement, and even Jiang Luofu's gaze towards Zu An was filled with admiration.

Back in Mingyue City, he had been a mere young man who needed her care. Now, unexpectedly, his presence seemed so tall and imposing.

"There's a lot I don't know..." Zu An sighed, thinking of Mi Li's constant hesitations and the words of Emperor Fengdu from before. The path ahead was truly shrouded in mystery.

The group was curious and wanted to ask more, when a voice suddenly called from outside the cave dwelling: "I was worried about Young Master's safety, but it seems he's now accompanied by beautiful women. How pleasant this must be."