Chapter 2513: All Is Predestined

Novel

Upon hearing the name, Yumen Baiqing's expression turned solemn.

"Empress Houtu..." The Mermaid Queen's face first showed confusion, then shock. "Is that the being you encountered in the Underworld?"

Zu An nodded. Previously, he might have doubted whether Empress Houtu could achieve such a feat, but he had recently learned the concept of Sovereign Heaven and Empress Houtu from Yi. Empress Houtu was an entity on par with Sovereign Heaven, her power and status far exceeding what he had imagined. Moreover, she controlled the Six Paths of Reincarnation, making it plausible for her to send someone to another world and dimension.

But why would she do this? Crucially, she had not revealed her identity while doing so. If the Mermaid Queen hadn't been able to perfectly mimic her voice, they would have had no idea she was behind it all. He had promised Empress Houtu he would help her find the Six Paths authority tokens, yet she had not contacted him, instead suddenly sending the Mermaid Queen over. What was the reason for this? And what was the price she mentioned the Mermaid Queen would have to pay? In an instant, too many questions flooded his mind. He felt as if he were caught in a massive conspiracy, with one or even several terrifying pairs of eyes watching him from the shadows. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

"Why would Empress Houtu do such a thing?" The Mermaid Queen evidently shared his confusion.

Yumen Baiqing's eyes flickered; she seemed to have thought of something but wasn't sure.

Zu An asked curiously, "Ling'er, did you think of something?"

Yumen Baiqing shook her head. "There's too little information to deduce anything substantial." She then asked the Mermaid Queen, "What are your plans now?"

The Mermaid Queen parted her lips, unsure how to answer for a moment. Truth be told, this world was too foreign to her, and she subtly sensed hostility from the Demon Clan Saintess. Was it because of Zu An...?

Fortunately, Zu An stepped in to smooth things over. "Just stay with us. I won't let anything happen to you."

The Mermaid Queen hummed in affirmation. With his assurance, nothing else mattered.

Yumen Baiqing hesitated for a moment before saying, "Judging by how quickly Yi eliminated those pursuers, he is incredibly powerful. If he discovers his fiancée is with you, it will likely not end well."

Zu An sighed. "I'll explain it to him when the time comes. If he truly doesn't accept it, then we'll just have to fight. I can't abandon Suyin." Whether out of obligation or affection, he had no reason to abandon the Mermaid Queen.

Hearing Zu An call her by name, the Mermaid Queen's eyes curved into a gentle smile, her brows softening.

Yumen Baiqing had intended to persuade him further, but suddenly her eyes lit up. She thought of another possibility, and this development seemed promising... So she took the Mermaid Queen's hand and said, "Please don't take offense, Queen. My words just now were merely an analysis of our current situation, not directed at you. I hope you understand."

The Mermaid Queen was already in high spirits from reuniting with Zu An, so seeing Yumen Baiqing proactively show goodwill, why would she mind? "Saintess, you worry too much. We should naturally work together."

Yumen Baiqing was a little unaccustomed to such a display of sisterly affection but found it awkward to withdraw her hand. Fortunately, the Mermaid Queen spoke up, "By the way, how did you two end up here?"

Yumen Baiqing then seized the opportunity to withdraw her hand. "We are heading to Kunlun Mountain to save the Heavenly God Baojiang..." She then briefly explained the whole story.

"Baojiang?" The Mermaid Queen's delicate brows furrowed. "That name sounds familiar."

"Where did you hear it?" Zu An was overjoyed. Kunlun Mountain was vast, and finding Baojiang there would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with a clue, things would be much easier.

"I remember now," the Mermaid Queen's eyes suddenly lit up. "He visited the Chang clan a few days ago, seemingly looking for some herbs. The clan elders even pointed him in the right direction. At the time, I was newly arrived in this world and very distressed, so I didn't pay much attention until I heard his name just now."

"Approximately when did he come to the Chang clan?" Yumen Baiqing suddenly asked.

The Mermaid Queen thought for a moment. "About half a month ago."

"What?" Zu An's shock was immense. He had hoped to catch up to Baojiang quickly, perhaps even saving his life, or at least learning the whereabouts of the Glazed Hairpin Flower. But now, learning that Baojiang had passed the Chang clan half a month ago, it became clear they couldn't possibly catch up. The hidden schemers might have already killed Baojiang and perhaps obtained information about the immortal medicine. The thought that all his efforts had been in vain left Zu An feeling utterly dejected.

"Actually, there's no need to be too disheartened. According to popular legend, one day in heaven is one year on earth. Perhaps Baojiang has only just now returned from reporting to the Heavenly Court," Yumen Baiqing said. "Think about it: when would be the best time for the killer to strike? If Baojiang were killed on his way to the Heavenly Court to meet the Heavenly Emperor, then the Heavenly Court would immediately detect an anomaly. But if Baojiang met the Heavenly Emperor, reported back, and then returned, the Heavenly Court wouldn't think to contact him again for a while. If he died on the way back, decades might pass before the Heavenly Court would even notice."

Hearing her analysis, Zu An's eyes lit up. "Ling'er, you're incredibly clever! To think of that!" Her analysis was indeed logical. If he were the killer, he would certainly choose the target's return journey. Furthermore, with his current understanding of spatial changes, he realized that the saying "one day in heaven is one year on earth" was not baseless.

He quickly asked the Mermaid Queen, "Do you remember which direction Baojiang departed from?" Generally, the return route would likely be the same as the outbound one.

The Mermaid Queen thought for a moment. A faint blue glow appeared on her fingertip as she drew a map on the table. "At that time, I was also planning my escape, so I paid close attention to the terrain around the Chang clan. He should have left this way."

Zu An compared it with the map given by the Wushan Goddess and found them generally consistent. The Mermaid Queen's map was more detailed, so he confirmed the direction and quickly steered the crystal boat in pursuit.

They continued flying for several more days without any discoveries. The three of them grew worried, fearing they had chosen the wrong direction.

Suddenly, Yumen Baiqing pointed in one direction. "There seems to be some activity over there!"

Zu An looked in that direction, sensing a slight rustling in the forest. Although there wasn't much obvious movement, he decided to investigate. Not long after flying towards it, Zu An let out a soft "hmm." He sensed an extremely sophisticated formation in the vicinity.

He and Yumen Baiqing exchanged glances and acted in unison. As array flags fluttered, the space quickly shifted, revealing a white-bearded old man leaning against a large tree. His once-white robe was now largely stained crimson with blood; he appeared to have sustained a severe injury to his ribs. The formation had clearly been set up by him to conceal himself. Now that the formation was broken, he showed no reaction whatsoever.

"Baojiang!" Zu An, recalling the Wushan Goddess's description, immediately recognized him as the person they were looking for.

Seeing Baojiang's current state, Yumen Baiqing, who was standing nearby, swayed slightly. Her face turned deathly pale, and her eyes became utterly vacant.

Was everything predetermined, and utterly unchangeable...?

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