Chapter 2601: Questioning

Pei Mianman wanted to go with him. Originally, Zu An intended to refuse, as the place was dense with death energy and extremely dangerous for the living.

However, a thought occurred to him, and he eventually agreed.

He led Pei Mianman to the Eye of the Sea. Upon seeing the massive, dark abyss at the bottom of the ocean, even the well-traveled Pei Mianman felt a chill.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here," Zu An said, wrapping an arm around her slender waist before leaping directly into the abyss.

Hearing his words, Pei Mianman's somewhat chaotic heart instantly calmed.

Indeed, as long as he was by her side, even a mountain of knives or a sea of fire would be nothing to fear.

As they entered, greyish-white death energy permeated the surroundings.

A light emanated from Zu An, enveloping Pei Mianman. With his current strength, he could naturally ensure the safety of those beside him in this place.

Upon entering the Underworld, an army riding elephants approached them. The men were incredibly ugly, while the women were exceptionally beautiful.

"Who goes there, fellow Daoist..." The army, initially fierce and menacing, became overjoyed upon seeing Zu An.

In particular, the graceful figure of a woman flew from the back of a giant elephant, quickly landing in front of Zu An. "Brother Fengdu, you're finally back! Oh, who is she?"

The newcomer was, of course, Princess Ni Huang of the Asura clan. She had been longing for his return day and night, and now he was back, but with another woman by his side.

She subconsciously glanced at the other woman's chest, her breath catching for a few seconds.

"How did that person grow such a pair of indecent breasts?" she scoffed. "Such a size clearly isn't suitable for combat; it's a huge hindrance in a fight."

As Princess Ni Huang scrutinized Pei Mianman, Pei Mianman was also observing her.

The woman before her was truly exceptionally beautiful, especially contrasted against the other ugly Asura men.

Furthermore, her healthy, vibrant, wheat-colored skin was striking. Every inch of her seemed to radiate the beauty of life.

"A'Zu, doesn't she look a bit like Qinghe...?" Pei Mianman secretly transmitted a message. Although she resembled Murong Qinghe, this woman was more enchanting and mature, unlike Murong Qinghe's youthful innocence.

Besides Murong Qinghe, she also seemed to bear a resemblance to Mei Xi.

From her fervent gaze towards Zu An and her hostility towards herself, Pei Mianman could fully sense her affection for Zu An.

This A'Zu really is something; he attracts admirers wherever he goes!

Having just dealt with jealousy over sisters Chang'e and the Wushan Goddess, now there's Princess Ni Huang?

Zu An was also somewhat lost in thought at this moment. Ever since the incident with the Wushan Goddess, he had realized that reincarnation might truly exist in this world.

Perhaps Murong Qinghe was the reincarnation of Princess Ni Huang. So, could the current Princess Ni Huang be Mei Xi's reincarnation?

He had left Mei Xi in Guanghan Palace, hoping that one day she would grow strong enough to sever the contract between Gong Suyin and Guanghan Palace.

If she had already reincarnated, did that mean something had happened at Guanghan Palace, that Mei Xi had died, and by extension, Gong Suyin was also in danger?

Princess Ni Huang had initially been angry, but seeing him staring blankly, her fury instantly vanished, replaced by a sweet feeling in her heart. It seemed he still liked her after all.

"Oh, he's looking at me like this in front of so many people; it's a bit embarrassing."

At that moment, a light cough sounded, and the Asura King flew over. "Brother Fengdu, was your journey successful?" Even though his sister was beautiful, Zu An already had such a beautiful woman by his side, and staring at her like that made the Asura royal family seem a bit awkward.

Zu An finally snapped out of his daze. "Oh, it was fairly successful, I suppose."

A ground-shaking commotion arrived; it turned out to be Ox-Head and Horse-Face, who had rushed over after hearing the commotion.

Upon seeing Zu An, their colossal forms quickly shrank, and they rushed over to give him a big hug. "My brother, you're truly capable!"

They had already received news that the demons had been driven out, and they were filled with admiration.

Feeling their enthusiasm, a smile touched Zu An's face. "Greetings, everyone. I trust you are all well."

"There's no way we old fellows would be anything but well after hundreds or thousands of years," Ox-Head and Horse-Face chuckled heartily. Suddenly, Ox-Head noticed Pei Mianman beside them and exclaimed, "Huh, the young lady looks different! Where's that Mermaid Queen who came with you last time?"

Horse-Face discreetly kicked him. Clearly, this Brother Fengdu was quite the ladies' man; how could one mention another woman in front of the current one?

Ox-Head also realized his mistake, his expression instantly becoming awkward. He wanted to say something to fix it but was at a loss for words.

Zu An held Pei Mianman's hand and said gently, "Her name is Pei Mianman, and she is my wife..."

Pei Mianman had not expected him to introduce her in public like that. Upon hearing the word "wife," her heart instantly swelled with happiness.

She noticed Princess Ni Huang's face instantly turn pale, her entire demeanor seeming a little dazed. Pei Mianman sighed inwardly, then a smile appeared on her face as she went over and took the princess's hand. "Are you Princess Ni Huang? He often mentions you. You really do resemble one of my sisters."

"Sister?" Princess Ni Huang's discomfort was indeed somewhat diluted by curiosity. "I think I heard them mention it before. Who is it that resembles me so much?"

Pei Mianman patiently recounted the stories of Murong Qinghe and Mei Xi to her, though naturally, she omitted some details.

In the eyes of others, seeing Pei Mianman not only unbothered but also so magnanimous, showing "sisterly affection" to Princess Ni Huang, they were all utterly impressed with Zu An. It was one thing for him to have so many confidantes, but for each of them to be so understanding was truly astonishing.

Zu An, meanwhile, took the opportunity to tell them that the Mermaid Queen would not be returning, which drew sighs of regret from everyone.

He hadn't forgotten the purpose of his visit. After a brief explanation, he went to seek out Empress Houtu.

Soon, he arrived at the Reincarnation Platform, where Ox-Head, Horse-Face, and other great shamans knelt in homage. "Empress, Brother Fengdu has returned after completing his mission."

A moment later, a female phantom appeared above the Reincarnation Platform, and a powerful aura emanated outwards.

Pei Mianman's expression flickered slightly as she looked worriedly at Zu An. How could there be a powerhouse here, no less formidable than the Heavenly Emperor she had encountered before?

Zu An gently patted her hand, signaling her not to worry.

"Have you found the authority of each of the Six Paths of the World?" the female phantom asked, nodding slightly towards Zu An.

"I suppose so," Zu An replied, then changed the subject. "However, there are a few things I'd like to ask you about, Empress."

The female phantom gestured to those nearby. "I have some words to speak with him. You may all withdraw for now."

Ox-Head and Horse-Face naturally had no objections and respectfully departed.

The Asura King and his sister, however, frowned slightly. "Houtu, we are not your subordinates."

The female phantom showed no displeasure, merely stating calmly, "Asura King, you should know that many secrets are dangerous. Knowing them would bring you no benefit."

The Asura King's expression shifted slightly, as if something occurred to him. He snorted, then pulled his sister away, saying to Zu An as they left, "Fengdu, if there's any danger, make a big commotion later, and we'll come to help."

"Thank you!" Zu An said, somewhat grateful. Although the Asuras were fierce, they were indeed very loyal.

Once they had departed, the female phantom turned to Zu An. "What do you wish to ask?"

"Was it you who sent the Mermaid Queen and the others into the Heavenly World?" Zu An asked, his voice cold.