"Whether we killed Long Qinyang tonight or not, word would have still spread," Yun Xiao said. "At the Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects, you'll have to show yourself. Once you do, nothing stays hidden. And truth be told, given your identity as a representative from the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm, the Southern Divine Dragon Realm will want to see you destroyed anyway."

"Then why'd we risk everything to chase down Long Qinyang?" Feng Yao asked, puzzled.

"Isn't it obvious? A man avenges a beauty's honor," Yun Xiao replied. "I'm helping you vent your anger first."

She was pleased at his words but soon eyed him skeptically. "Isn't it really for that drop of Heavenly Dragon Saliva?"

"Ahem, how could that be?" Yun Xiao chuckled awkwardly, his true intentions exposed.

She had only been suspicious, but now, seeing his expression and knowing him well, she could tell the truth from pretense.

For a moment, she felt a bit exasperated. "So it's true—all men are no good, especially the handsome ones," she sighed.

"Oh, spare me!" Yun Xiao said. He couldn't be bothered to pretend. Pressing a hand on her head, he said sternly, "Don't take advantage and then act coy. Isn't soaring through the skies and diving beneath the earth with me thrilling enough?"

"Alright, alright!" Feng Yao conceded. She wasn't ungrateful; she was just teasing. Deep down, she remembered how good he was to her.

"As for the Southern Divine Dragon Realm, don't worry," Yun Xiao said.

He held the small golden flask, opened the lid, and took a gentle sniff. For a moment, a blissful expression spread across his face. He seemed to float, almost ready to ascend to the heavens.

"Even if it's just for this Heavenly Dragon Saliva, I'll take them down!" Yun Xiao declared with lingering passion.

"Well, well," Feng Yao clicked her tongue, eyeing the little flask. "So my Supreme Yin Cauldron stirs up less trouble than a flask of dragon wine? Is this wine really that amazing? I don't see what's so special."

"It's not about the wine," Yun Xiao said, closing the flask and giving it a gentle shake. With a sly smile, he looked at her and said softly, "It's about who you're with when you savor it. If a beauty shares the moment with tender affection, the wine becomes unforgettable for nine lifetimes."

Hearing this, Feng Yao was momentarily stunned. Then her cheeks flushed as she raised her hand to playfully swat him. "Where did you learn such sweet talk?" she asked, both shy and annoyed.

"Hey, watch it!" Yun Xiao nearly dropped the flask as he dodged her swing. Grabbing her hand, he scolded, "Are you crazy? If you spill this priceless drop of wine, I'll twist your intestines into ten knots!"

"The heck…?!" Feng Yao gawked at him, speechless. Then, she slapped her forehead and shook her head.

"All that talk about how the wine depends on who you're with—it's all lies! In the end, he's nothing but a hopeless drunkard!" She fumed, twisting her waist as she stomped off toward the Extreme Yin Star, her steps quick and indignant.

"I see you're growing quite fond of that Mortal Dust Devil," Blue Star suddenly remarked, clicking his tongue.

"This wine is truly exceptional," Yun Xiao said, gripping the Heavenly Dragon Saliva.

"In truth, the mortal dust stirs the seven emotions and six desires even more. She makes you yearn for more," Blue Star said with a meaningful tone.

"She gave me this drop of wine. I won't drink it yet—I'll keep it safe," Yun Xiao replied, putting away the small flask. He then dashed after that graceful figure. ʀ

▬ι══🪦✧⚰

Before long, Yun Xiao and Feng Yao returned together to the Extreme Yin Star. They moved swiftly and safely.

Still, Yun Xiao reckoned that in their current situation, even if they wanted to make an escape through the Heavenly Divine Stellar Formation, it would still be too late.

He had inquired and now understood the effects of the Supreme Yin Cauldron. He could imagine how furious the Southern Divine Dragon Realm would be.

"Feng Yao!"

As soon as they returned to the Extreme Yin Star, at the place where they were staying, Wan Ji's seven daughters were gathered, seemingly waiting for them.

"Sisters!" Feng Yao called out. Seeing them, she put aside the troubles of the day's outing and went up to greet them warmly. Though she hadn't known them for long, they were kindred spirits and got along well.

Wan Ji's daughters were all well-mannered and graceful.

Yun Xiao had become acquainted with them too.

Among them, the youngest was Hai Ying, with short hair and a round face—adorably lively.

And the eldest was a woman whose temperament was very similar to Wan Ji's, named Hai Qing—a gentle and patient elder sister with a delightful disposition.

Hai Yu, Hai Xin, and Hai Mo stood beside Hai Qing—all sisters with dark green hair. They were Martial Immortals. Years of training had given them graceful figures, their long legs strong and shapely.

They looked like a set of septuplets, and when they gathered, they were a sight to behold.

The Extreme Yin Celestial Realm was famous for its beauties. Many were eagerly awaiting their appearance.

Hai Qing, Wan Ji's eldest daughter on this journey, called out to Feng Yao.

"Why weren't you here?" she asked.

"Well..." Feng Yao hesitated, at a loss for words.

"You slipped off to Heavenly Deity Star Street, didn't you?" Hai Qing shook her head. "You're being reckless. With your current identity, if someone recognizes you—even though fighting is forbidden there—you could still be targeted for assassination. It's dangerous."

"I understand. I won't sneak off again," Feng Yao replied meekly. She'd gone once, bought nothing, and stirred up trouble. She certainly didn't want to return.

"Alright then. In that case, I won't tell mother about your wandering this time," Hai Qing said.

"Thank you, Sister Hai Qing!" Feng Yao's face lit up.

"But don't go again. If something happens, we'd be heartbroken," another sister, Hai Mo, added.

"Don't worry. A gentleman's word is his bond," Feng Yao said, patting her chest.

The seven sisters all laughed.

"Feng Yao, you're no gentleman, so it doesn't count," Hai Ying teased.

Feng Yao pointed at Yun Xiao. "He's a gentleman. Let him make the promise."

Hai Qing shook her head, glanced at Yun Xiao, and said, "He's not a gentleman either."

"Right!" Feng Yao had forgotten. Remembering, she bit her lip and glared at Yun Xiao. "You're just Lil Yun!"

Yun Xiao ignored her smug expression.

"By the way, sisters, why were you looking for me?" Feng Yao decided to ignore him and joined the circle of Wan Ji's daughters.

"The Grand Assembly Arena competition is about to begin," Hai Qing said. "We need to discuss how to defend our star together. We plan to make you the core and focus on defense in the early stages, so we'd like to practice tactics with you."

𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Let's start now! You are Martial Immortals; you can hold the front with the power of the vast sea. I'm an archer—I'll pick off enemies from behind. Ha! Slaying foes!" Feng Yao laughed.

The seven sisters exchanged glances and smiled helplessly.

Though devils possessed stronger flesh and blood, and while Martial Immortals tread the path of defying fate, they still couldn't match devils in close combat. Yet here was this peerless Immortal talent, utterly passionate about archery!

Of course, they felt it was their unshakable duty to protect Feng Yao.

So they earnestly began to study battle tactics.

As their camaraderie deepened, they whispered among themselves.

"Yao Yao," Hai Ying whispered, gently touching the armor over Feng Yao's chest. "With such a... prominence here, isn't it troublesome to use a bow and arrow? Even being flat, the recoil already hurts me."

Feng Yao blushed and could only say, "Skill prevails, skill prevails."

"You're truly remarkable," Hai Ying said innocently. "Making up for natural disadvantages through sheer effort."

The sisters all gazed at Feng Yao with sympathy, as if she had endured great hardship.

There was no helping it; they were accustomed to the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm and never saw things from a man's perspective. In this regard, Feng Yao was at a natural disadvantage, too burdened!

Yun Xiao could only turn away to stifle his laughter. They were no more than a group of innocent girls…

Thinking that they might be coveted, scrutinized, or even fall on the battlefield, he felt a twinge of unease.

He knew as well that throughout the Grand Assembly Arena, as the time of battle drew near… undercurrents were already surging!

Just then, Hai Qing suddenly received a flying talisman. She stood up solemnly. "Mother says two celestial sects have come to form an alliance with us and wants us to join her."

"Which two celestial sects?" Feng Yao asked.

"They have quite the reputation," Hai Qing replied. "Like us, they are members of the Heavenly Deity Alliances. One is called the Ancestral Land, the other, Nine Yin Soul Sea."