Ye Guan curiously asked, "Are you saying that outsiders willme in early to pick people up?"

Daoist Zhang nodded slightly. "They can't resist the allure of the Nine Continents Destiny. However, the restrictions here aren't broken, so they'll only be able to take a few people outside.

"If this had been earlier, your luck alone would have secured your escape. But now, your luck is too insignificantmpared to the Nine Continents Destiny."

Ye Guan's expression darkened. He wasn't particularly drawn to the Nine Continents Destiny. What puzzled him more was why it had decided not to pick him.

"Maybe youuld try talking to Lady Zuo," Daoist Zhang suggested.

Ye Guan snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. "We just met, so asking her for help feels... awkward."

Daoist Zhang chuckled. "If you're already friends, why overthink it? She helps you now, you help her later—scratch each other's backs, I'd say."

Ye Guan pondered that for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll talk to her when the timemes."

Daoist Zhang's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Did you and Lady Zuo meet anyone unusual today?"

Ye Guan merely stared at Daoist Zhang.

Daoist Zhang waved it off with a laugh. "Just curious!"

Ye Guan smirked. "You're here for a reason, aren't you?"

"

Hahaha!

" Daoist Zhang laughed heartily. "Your frankness leaves me at a loss for words."

"I'm more curious about something else—why did the Nine Continents Master prevent people here from leaving?"

Daoist Zhang grew thoughtful. "Keeping them here is a kindness. They will live peaceful lives without illnesses or hardships. Sure, their lifespans aren't long, but they get to live freely and happily."

Ye Guan nodded thoughtfully.

It's like the Milky Way.

The people here had fate's blessing, so life was simple.

Meanwhile, the people in Milky Way had stressful lives.

Daoist Zhang glanced at Zuo Yan'surtyard and sighed. "That girl's blessings are truly enviable!"

Ye Guan slightly nodded but remained silent.

Daoist Zhang suddenly looked at Ye Guan. "Aren't you envious?"

"Of what?"

"You're sharp—Iuld tell from the moment we met. Don't pretend you haven't figured out the opportunity she's received."

Ye Guan's smile deepened. "I think it's great for her."

Daoist Zhang studied him closely before chuckling. "It seems I've underestimated you."

Changing the subject, Daoist Zhang said, "If I'm not mistaken, tomorrow they'll join forces to break the seal. That's when the outsiders willme in. If you want to leave, you'd better talk to Lady Zuo beforehand."

Ye Guan nodded. "Understood."

After a few more casual remarks, Daoist Zhang took his leave.

Watching him go, Ye Guan frowned in thought before shaking his head. Whatever Daoist Zhang's purpose inming here, it had nothing to do with him.

He headed outside and noticed Zuo Yan perched on a wall, casually munching on a cucumber. When Zuo Yan saw him, she tossed him another cucumber without a word.

Ye Guan caught it, took a bite, and grinned. "Thanks."

Zuo Yan nodded, still silent.

Climbing onto the wall to sit beside her, Ye Guan asked, "Leaving soon?"

Zuo Yan nodded again. "

Mmhmm.

"

After a moment of hesitation, Ye Guan said, "I'd like to leave, too. Any chance you can help me?"

Zuo Yan turned to him, her expression unreadable.

Ye Guan revealed an apologetic smile. "Sorry if that was too forward."

Zuo Yan shrugged. "I can't make any guarantees."

"

Haha.

" Ye Guan laughed. "That's fine. If it doesn't work out,uld you at least deliver a letter to my sister? She'll find a way to get me out of here."

Zuo Yan raised an eyebrow, amused. "You have a sister?"

Ye Guan handed her a letter. She accepted it and gazed at the starry sky. There were no stars or moon tonight, and her voice was soft as she said, "I used to dream about leaving this place. Now that the time to leave hasme, I realize that I've grown fond of this place.

"No scheming, no endless training—just freedom to live as I please. Out there..." Zuo Yan trailed off, and a trace of melancholy appeared on her face.

Ye Guan interrupted her thoughts. "Then bme stronger."

Zuo Yan looked at him in surprise.

Ye Guan smiled. "When you're strong enough, you can live freely no matter where you are."

Zuo Yan chuckled. "You're right. But that kind of strength will take a long, long time to achieve."

"Then take it one step at a time," Ye Guan said.

"We're leaving tomorrow." Zuo Yan sighed softly and pulled out an ancient book that she handed over to Ye Guan.

"It's apy of the manual my master gave me," Zuo Yan explained.

Ye Guan shook his head. "It's too precious. This is your opportunity."

Zuo Yan smiled. "Don't overthink it. Take it."

When Ye Guan hesitated again, Zuo Yan sternly added, "Refuse again, and I'll be upset."

Ye Guan laughed, finally accepting the book. Then, he asked, "Do you know your master's true identity?"

Zuo Yan nodded. "The Nine Continents Master."

Ye Guan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You knew?"

Zuo Yan grinned. "I guessed the moment I saw him."

"How?"

Zuo Yan took another bite of her cucumber and casually replied, "Just a feeling. Kind of like the first time I saw you—I knew we'd be friends."

Ye Guan said nothing, but a faint smile played on his lips.

Little Pagoda suddenly chimed in,

"I believe her."

Connections matter! Sometimes, having the rightnnections can be downright terrifying.

Zuo Yan suddenly smiled and said, "Let me share a little secret with you."

Ye Guan turned to her with curiosity. Zuo Yan grinned mischievously andntinued, "Since I was young, I've always had a unique ability. I can sense whether someone is good or bad."

"Really? That's amazing," Ye Guan replied with a chuckle.

Zuo Yan nodded seriously. "My father always told me that it's a gift from the heavens."

"Then cherish it," Ye Guan said, his tone thoughtful.

Stretching lazily, Zuo Yan changed the subject, asking, "What's your relationship with that Daoist?"

Ye Guan glanced at her, puzzled. "Why do you ask?"

Zuo Yan gave a sly smile. "That Daoist? He's a mix of good and bad. You should keep your guard up."

Ye Guan nodded. "Noted."

Standing up, Zuo Yan said, "My father'sming tomorrow. I'll have a chat with him then. For now, I'm off to sleep."

With that, she leaped down from the wall and disappeared into her room.

Ye Guan reclined on the wall, closing his eyes slowly. No matter what, he had to leave this place as soon as possible. Once outside, he'd see if heuld help Zang Gang rver her memories. Then, his mission would bemplete.

I can't wait to have my strength back and have the last square light up.

The mere thought of it filled him with anticipation.

***

The next morning, Ye Guan rose from bed and stepped outside.

The small town remained as quiet as ever.

Suddenly remembering something, he headed to the room next door. He knocked on Zuo Yan's door but received no response. Pushing the door open, he found the room empty.

On the table was a piece of paper with words that said, "I'm sorry…"

Ye Guan frowned. Clearly, Zuo Yan was forcibly taken away.

Whoever had done it had moved swiftly.

Leaving the room, Ye Guan roamed the streets of the little town. Everything looked the same as ever. He arrived at the Daoist's usual spot, only to find it vacant as well.

Ye Guan's face darkened. Returning to hisurtyard, he paused just before entering, sensing movement nearby. Turning around, he saw a man and a lady speaking intently outside a neighboring house.

A black-robed elder was standing close to them.

The man and lady were none other than Zong Na and Yue Liu.

Zong Na clutched Yue Liu's hand, his voice rising with urgency.

Ye Guan hesitated before approaching.

The black-robed elder glanced at him briefly, then dismissed him without another thought.

Zong Na held tightly onto Yue Liu's hand, his eyes glistening with tears. "Little Liu… can't you stay? Please?"

Yue Liu lowered her gaze, remaining silent for a moment before shaking her head.

Zong Na's face went pale.

Looking at him, Yue Liu spoke softly but firmly, "I don't want an ordinary life. I don't want to spend my days as a housewife tied to this town. I want more than a life I can predict from start to finish. I want to see the world."

Desperation seized Zong Na. He turned to the black-robed elder, dropping to his knees. "Master! Please… take me with you. I'll do anything you ask!"

The elder regarded Zong Na with a calm, detached gaze. In his eyes, this man was like many others in the town—they had decent luck, but it was utterly unremarkable whenmpared to Yue Liu's strand of Nine Continents Destiny.

He wouldn't waste aveted spot on someone without a strand of Nine Continents Destiny.

The elder's indifference made Zong Na's face turn ashen. Desperation mounting, Zong Na bowed again and again, smashing his forehead on the ground.

Unmoved, the elder turned to Yue Liu and said, "Let's go."

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Yue Liu nodded slightly and walked toward him.

Without a word, the elder took her away.

Left behind, Zong Nantinued to kowtow, his bloody forehead failing to elicit even a glance from the elder.

On a nearby street, Yue Liu's steps faltered. She cast a hesitant look back at Zong Na.

Sensing her hesitation, the elder spokeldly, "Do not waver. From this moment onward, your life and his are worlds apart. Ahead of you lies a path filled with true elites of the world, while he—remember, relationships across such divides bring only endless suffering."

Yue Liu looked back one last time at Zong Na, who was still kneeling on the ground in despair. After a brief pause, she turned away, her resolve hardening with every step.