Han Qi stopped in his tracks.

The two men stood less than half a zhang apart, malevolent aura swirling around them so intensely that even the falling snowflakes gave them a wide berth, detouring around them.

Their hostile energies remained at a stalemate. After a long while, Yin Changli, with a gloomy expression, spat out a few words: “You’re truly disgusting.”

Han Qi: …?

Why call him disgusting?

In their past conflicts, Yin Changli had hurled insults like “scum” and “worthless trash,” but never once had he used the word “disgusting.”

The last time was on the lotus boat when Xiang Haikui performed sword swallowing—he had called that disgusting.

This was the second time.

Han Qi still couldn’t figure out what was so disgusting about what he’d said.

While he was confused, the enraged Yin Changli had already raised his hand, choking Han Qi’s throat through space.

Caught off guard and overwhelmed by fury, Han Qi’s fifth-rank physical body couldn’t withstand the attack.

Fortunately, Tian Kuang’s sword energy swept in, with Xiang Haikui’s figure arriving shortly after.

She withstood the malevolent aura, leaping between the two men to shield Han Qi. Her sword energy swept outward, forcing Yin Changli back two steps.

Yin Changli appeared momentarily stunned, suddenly looking at her with disbelief in his eyes, followed by increasing anger.

Xiang Haikui felt Tian Kuang’s wild energy surging rapidly.

She was surprised and quickly explained: “Senior, I have no objection to you hitting him, but this is my senior brother’s physical body. When you strike, please look carefully—don’t hit my senior brother!”

The explanation only made things worse, as the wild energy surged even faster.

Xiang Haikui was puzzled. She hadn’t expected that even now, she could still gain wild energy from her former boss.

Even more confusing was why defending herself against him once would yield so much wild energy.

Besides, Tian Kuang, could you be decent for once? Can you stop constantly fleecing the same sheep? You’ll eventually strip him bare.

Lu Xiqiao, unclear about the situation, had just been left behind when Xiang Haikui suddenly tossed aside her sword and ran off.

With his hands bound by spirit shackles, he hurriedly ran forward: “Sister Kui, what’s happening?”

As soon as he approached, he felt the terrifyingly oppressive atmosphere, even worse than standing beneath the Small Jianmu Tree.

Xiang Haikui quickly changed the subject, sheathing her sword and pushing Lu Xiqiao forward: “Seniors, please examine what’s happened to him first. Meng Nanting suddenly abandoned everything, and now the Small Jianmu is empty…”

Yin Changli and Han Qi simultaneously frowned, turning to look at Lu Xiqiao.

These two men, one with a darker face than the other and both emanating murderous intent, made Lu Xiqiao’s hair stand on end as he straightened his back.

Natural spiritual energy radiated from his body, his cultivation still naturally increasing. He had already broken through to the late ninth rank, though his speed had slowed considerably compared to when he was in the tower.

Yin Changli looked at Han Qi: “Did you send the message?”

Han Qi: “I only just learned that Meng Nanting was hiding in Lu Xiqiao’s sea of consciousness.” He hadn’t expected to underestimate this illegitimate son of the Meng family. “Besides, why would I concern myself with the Meng family?”

Yin Changli: “My coming here was a sudden decision, and your following me was also spontaneous. Then who sent the message to Meng Nanting, with enough authority that upon receiving it, he didn’t even attempt to fight but retreated immediately?”

Han Qi frowned: “Di Jun’s agent in the lower realm?”

Yin Changli: “It shouldn’t be that quick.”

“Seniors,” Xiang Haikui interjected, “the most urgent matter now is for you both to determine who he is—is he truly Lu Xiqiao? And if so, is Meng Nanting still hiding in his sea of consciousness?”

Han Qi shook his head: “Unclear. Meng Nanting has hidden in his consciousness for too long. And since he just merged, his energy is unstable, making it impossible to probe.”

After speaking, he looked toward Yin Changli.

Yin Changli also shook his head.

“Then what should we do?” Xiang Haikui was getting a headache.

“Simple.”

The two men almost simultaneously reached out, touching Lu Xiqiao’s temples on both sides.

Lu Xiqiao rolled his eyes back and collapsed to the ground, curling up like a “red apple.”

“Take him to the Underworld; one test with the Soul Observation Mirror will reveal everything,” said Han Qi. “Wait for me; I’ll return to the upper realm immediately and use my original body to take you to the Underworld.”

While he was still discussing this with Xiang Haikui, Yin Changli had already absorbed the “apple” into his palm, placed it in a jade box, and put it away: “I happen to be going to the Underworld anyway, so it’s on my way.”

Han Qi laughed lightly: “You may be accustomed to entering and exiting the Underworld, but the Soul Mirror is in the Farshore City. Do you dare go to Farshore City now?”

Yin Changli ignored him and addressed Xiang Haikui: “Didn’t you want compensation? Name your terms.”

Xiang Haikui was stunned for a moment before responding: “But Senior, didn’t you say…”

Yin Changli: “I’ve changed my mind.”

When Xiang Haikui had struck out at him earlier, he felt a twinge of heartache, like the kitten he had raised had suddenly bitten him.

He couldn’t bear to imagine the scenario where she might truly be swayed by that shameless Han Qi and turn against him.

Yin Changli: “If you won’t speak, I’ll make an offer.”

“From now on, you’ll follow me. I’ll give you one thousand spirit pearls daily, and you can freely use any treasures in my palace, including those tens of thousands of rare feathers.”

“Senior Han Qi offered to let you bear his name, giving you protection. His title as Grand Astrologer is indeed prestigious. But I will nurture you with all my might, just as I did in the Ten Thousand Bones Valley. I rebuilt your foundation, and I know everything about you.”

“In just ten years, you will transcend tribulation and merge with the Dao. The name of Tian Kuang’s Sword Master will resound throughout the Three Realms, and you’ll never need to rely on anyone else in this lifetime.”

Holy crap, the dog-ass boss is bleeding money!

Why even think about it? Xiang Haikui nodded repeatedly, already moving to stand beside Yin Changli.

Han Qi, seemingly unsurprised, maintained his composure and looked at Xiang Haikui: “Young lady, his next step will be to release those imprisoned Mountain Sea Tribe members. Do you know what kind of people they are…?”

Xiang Haikui thought of Ba Ying and Wu Xiang and replied, “A bunch of idiots.”

Han Qi: …?

“They’re a group of brainless brutes, warmongers who cause rivers of blood to flow,” Han Qi said solemnly. “Even though killing Yin Changli would cost me leverage in dealing with Di Jun, I must stop him. If the Mountain Sea Tribe and the Heavenly Race fight, it’s our human race that will suffer!”

Yin Changli smiled slightly: “Miss Xiang, do you consider your master dangerous? Moreover, you are bellicose and… someone who doesn’t understand grand principles. Do you consider yourself dangerous?”

Xiang Haikui didn’t answer, only asking: “Are we going to the Underworld now?”

The answer was obvious.

She now had two paths to choose from, and compared to Han Qi, she found Yin Changli’s character and worldview more acceptable.

Besides, her master might be combative, but he was not a warmonger.

Her master deeply cherished even a human disciple he had only known for eighty days—how could he possibly cause rivers of blood to flow and turn the mortal realm into purgatory?

Having cultivated her master’s sword path, Xiang Haikui was certain of this.

Han Qi pinched the bridge of his nose.

Yin Changli smiled faintly, holding his umbrella as he walked past Han Qi. When they were shoulder to shoulder, he paused briefly and transmitted: “Ah, Han Qi, a young woman whom you once harmed, whom I saved, and whom I cultivated—what can you possibly use to compete with me for her?”

Han Qi composed himself, planted the tip of his scabbard on the ground, folded both hands over the hilt, and smiled gently: “So Brother Changli has accepted his weakness?”

“Even if I have a weakness, can you catch it?” Yin Changli leisurely raised his hand, drawing a vertical line with his fingertip over his heart, his tone suddenly turning cold and severe. “Listen, I will cut an opening here, hide it inside, and sew it back up. As long as I don’t die, no one can dig it out!”

“So why are you all exhausting yourselves creating weaknesses for me? What’s the point?”

“You’ve got too much time on your hands!”

With these words, he swept his sleeve and strode away, his steps stirring the air, every feather on his great cloak trembling.

Xiang Haikui tried to follow him.

Han Qi blocked her, looking at her with some resignation: “Young lady, you do indeed have value to be used, but I also genuinely find you interesting. At the very least, you’re the first woman to change my perspective—this has nothing to do with Brother Changli.”

He sheathed his sword on his back and smiled apologetically at her. “Some words were spoken only to anger him, with no intention of offending you.”

Han Qi also walked away: “I’m returning to the upper realm now. Since you’re following him, you and I will have many more opportunities to meet. A young lady with such strong convictions—it doesn’t matter which of us you follow. You’ll soon understand that all I’ve done in my life, though forced by circumstances, leaves me with a clear conscience.”

…

Originally, Yin Changli could have activated a boundary gate or used the passage beneath the Small Jianmu Tree to go to the Underworld.

But that wouldn’t work with Xiang Haikui in tow.

They needed to first leave the city and reach an area unaffected by Jin Ling’s city-sealing formation.

Although Meng Nanting had withdrawn completely, the city was still covered with tree roots, evil spirits roamed everywhere, and sounds of fighting could be heard from all directions.

The Small Jianmu Tree’s vortex continued to strengthen gradually, the passage slowly expanding. Resolving this would require Pangu’s axe and some high-grade karmic fire—matters beyond Xiang Haikui’s concern.

She had already passed on the news about the Small Jianmu at the Lu family residence. What happened next was none of her business.

Walking with Yin Changli along the empty street, she asked: “Why did you suddenly change your mind, Senior?”

Yin Changli’s umbrella was large enough to shelter both of them: “Because…”

Originally, he had drawn a clear line with Xiang Haikui, hoping she could extricate herself from this affair.

But now it was clear she couldn’t withdraw, and that was his responsibility.

“The reason I urged you to accept his proposal was because I know that Han Qi always has principles in his actions.”

Though his methods were cruel, he had indeed seized the right opportunity to win a chance for humanity.

“In the past, humans were oppressed by the Heavenly Race above and coexisted with my Mountain Sea Tribe below, with very limited living space. Han Qi’s rise was covered in wounds and hardships. After gaining power, he wanted to change humanity’s situation, which is understandable.”

“Following him, you could learn things.”

Yin Changli’s words seemed fragmented, as if parts were missing: “But now… he’s becoming increasingly fanatical.”

And disgustingly so.

“Oh.” Xiang Haikui glanced up at him.

“Something wrong?”

Xiang Haikui preferred not to keep questions bottled up: “I accidentally overheard Senior Han Qi saying that you were flayed over eight thousand times by your tribe?”

Yin Changli replied coolly: “Mm.”

He had planned to brush it off with just that “mm,” but from the corner of his eye, he noticed Xiang Haikui’s curious expression.

After a slight hesitation, he continued: “My Torch Dragon Tribe has two forms. In childhood and adolescence, we have a serpent form. After reaching adulthood, the stronger ones can transform into dragon form. When our tribe was suppressed, I had just entered adolescence. When I escaped from the Heavenly Race, I had just reached adulthood…”

It was precisely because he had developed the second form that he had the opportunity to escape.

When he found the nearest tribe, not only did they refuse to accept him, but they believed he had disgraced the Mountain Sea Tribe. They removed his name and, with spirit blades, each person cut off one of his scales.

This was the Mountain Sea Tribe’s cruelest punishment.

With his white scales completely stripped off, revealing the black skin underneath, he permanently lost the ability to transform into a dragon form, forever remaining in his black serpent form.

Even as a serpent without protective scales, crawling was painful, so he took human form.

But in human form, his skin was still covered in festering wounds, making it impossible to wear clothes. Ashamed to go out, he hid in a dark cave for more than a decade.

After recovering, he was left with an incurable affliction—his skin would burn with pain upon exposure to light.

In the past, he had always stayed in the Underworld. After leaving the Underworld, he hid in his small black sphere palace, rarely exposing himself to sunlight.

This old injury had tormented him for most of his life. That’s why, when caught in his dilemma last night, he didn’t want Xiang Haikui to suffer the same irreparable pain.

Xiang Haikui looked up at the umbrella ribs, realizing why he carried an umbrella in sunny weather, rainy days, and even when it snowed.

Even when the puppy boss possessed Dao Chen, he never let go of his umbrella.

It seemed this old injury had penetrated deep into his soul. She was puzzled: “Those tribesmen of yours, do you still…”

Yin Changli laughed: “What about me? Why didn’t I harbor hatred and still help them? The Mountain Sea Tribe numbers in the tens of millions—what do eight thousand represent? Could I possibly betray my tribe over this? Besides, my tribe has always been hard-boned and cannot tolerate cowards—I’m the anomaly.”

While that was technically true, Xiang Haikui said: “But…”

Yin Changli replied coldly: “After I recovered, I went back and extracted their spirit cores to enhance my cultivation. Then I ground their bones to dust, leaving none alive.”

Damn! Xiang Haikui touched her neck, recalling last night—it was a miracle her head was still attached.

At that moment, Yin Changli frowned.

After stopping, he reached out to grab Xiang Haikui’s sleeve.

Xiang Haikui, who was mid-step, stumbled when he pulled her. She turned to look at him: “What’s wrong?”

“I suddenly remembered…” Yin Changli felt a strong sense of familiarity with their surroundings, despite them being covered with the Small Jianmu’s roots.

Xiang Haikui also looked around, remembering that the puppy boss had warmed her hands here before.

It was snowing then, too, and he had held the umbrella for her.

Just as she was feeling nostalgic about how things had changed, she heard Yin Changli say: “I suddenly remembered—I’m paying you so much money, but am I employing you to be the master?”

Xiang Haikui:?

Yin Changli put the umbrella handle in her hand, indicating she should hold it for him: “Be more conscientious from now on, or I’ll dock your pay.”

With his hands free, he leisurely clasped them behind his back and continued walking forward.

Xiang Haikui was fuming, desperately wanting to fold the umbrella, use it as a sword, and rush forward to smash this dog-ass’s dog head!

Yin Changli had walked far ahead, but she hadn’t followed.

He slightly turned his head, glancing at his shoulder: “If a single snowflake lands on me, I’ll dock one hundred spirit pearls from your pay. Hmm, let me count…”

“No!” Xiang Haikui quickly ran forward, and as she started moving, she puffed out her cheeks and blew a burst of spiritual energy at his shoulder.

The snowflakes were indeed blown away, but so was Yin Changli’s loose, long hair, which flew up, mixed with a bit of saliva and melted snow, plastering his face with a black mass.

Xiang Haikui took a deep breath and quickly reached out to brush the hair from his face, but he pushed her wrist away.

“Step back.”

“Oh.”

Yin Changli glumly tidied his hair and took out a handkerchief to wipe his face.

As he wiped, his hand froze.

What had happened to his beloved handkerchief?

Originally plain, it now had embroidery—sunflowers on the back, and the side he was using to wipe his face was covered with hyena heads.

The palm-sized handkerchief had more than a dozen dog heads embroidered on it, and he scratched his face painfully.

And somehow, all those dog heads seemed to be mocking him.

Yin Changli’s hand trembled slightly. He inconspicuously finished wiping and quickly put the handkerchief away.

With a smile at the corners of his mouth, trying to maintain his dignity: “Xiang Haikui, your pay for today…”

“Today’s pay is gone,” Xiang Haikui understood. She grabbed his hand and forcefully returned the umbrella handle. “Since that’s the case, hold your umbrella.”

Hmph, a day’s work for a day’s pay—she’d only do what she was paid for.