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After Liu Xingyun finished speaking, he excused himself and left. He didn’t have the authority to make that decision; the matter would ultimately require the approval of those behind him.

Xu Zimo continued drinking quietly. Suddenly, he sensed someone’s gaze fixed on him. Looking up, he saw a young man seated among the upper ranks staring his way.

The youth was handsome, dressed in a long robe embroidered with floral patterns, his black hair tied tightly in a high knot. There was a trace of gloom between his brows.

“Who’s that guy?” Xu Zimo asked Bian Yue beside him.

“Mu Zhuo,” Bian Yue replied, clearly displeased.

The Black Crow Dao Court had originally wanted her to marry Mu Zhuo, the second son of the Mu Imperial Clan. His elder brother was none other than Mu Qingyun, the most renowned general in all of Fire Bane City.

A marriage between their two houses would have been a perfect political alliance. But Bian Yue didn’t like Mu Zhuo.

She’d rather pick someone like Xu Zimo from outside and stage a fake marriage. Once the time was right, she could simply issue a divorce letter and end things cleanly.

“Don’t act impulsively,” she whispered. “Without solid proof, you can’t touch him.”

Back at the city wall earlier, someone had tried to push Xu Zimo off. The one behind that scheme had been Mu Zhuo.

Xu Zimo didn’t care. Mu Zhuo wasn’t worth his attention.

“After dinner, can I visit the Black Crow Dao Court’s library?” Xu Zimo asked.

“As long as you don’t go to the third floor, no one will stop you if you’re with me,” Bian Yue promised.

The third floor was the Dao Court’s restricted zone, its true core. Even she wasn’t allowed to enter freely, let alone Xu Zimo.

“It’s fine. I just want to browse some general records,” Xu Zimo said with a shake of his head.

He wasn’t interested in the Black Crow Dao Court’s martial arts or cultivation techniques. What he wanted was information about the Inferno Crucible Heaven, the legacy of the Ancient Gods, and the mysterious figure who had created the Water Beasts.

When the banquet ended, the guests gradually dispersed. The Grand Emperor of the Black Crow Dao Court, Bian Wenzhou, remained seated at the head of the hall.

He cleared his throat and said, “Yue’er, it’s time we talked about your situation.”

“Father, we already agreed on this,” Bian Yue said, stepping forward. “I don’t want to marry Mu Zhuo. I already have someone I care about. You should respect that.”

“Nonsense,” the second elder barked immediately. “How can someone from the Black Crow Dao Court marry a man of unknown origin?”

“So what are you saying?” Bian Yue retorted. “That I must marry Mu Zhuo?”

“I have a suggestion,” Bian Wenzhou interjected calmly. “Let’s test the young man. If he passes, we’ll permit the marriage. If he fails, he’ll be expelled from Fire Bane City.”

At his words, the room fell into thoughtful silence. The proposal was reasonable, and since it came from the mansion lord himself, no one could oppose it.

“I agree,” said the first elder.

“I agree as well,” others echoed one after another.

Bian Yue hesitated, glancing at Xu Zimo, who looked utterly unconcerned.

“How do you plan to test him?” she asked.

“Simple,” Bian Wenzhou said with a smile. “He’ll face one of the younger generation from our mansion in combat. The result will speak for itself.”

The others exchanged approving looks and nodded in agreement.

“Yue’er, make the arrangements,” Bian Wenzhou said, waving his hand. “Bring him to the martial arena tomorrow at noon.”

Bian Yue led Xu Zimo out of the hall, while the elders slowly dispersed.

Only Bian Wenzhou remained seated, motionless. When everyone was gone, Liu Xingyun stepped out of the shadows and approached.

“The path is set,” Bian Wenzhou said quietly. “Are you sure your information is accurate?”

“Trust me,” Liu Xingyun replied with a nod. “That man is definitely a Grand Emperor. None of the young ones in our mansion can stand against him.”

Bian Wenzhou tapped the table thoughtfully. “Seems the Mu Imperial Clan needs to be reminded of their place. But with Mu Qingyun around, we can’t push them too far.”

After chatting briefly, Xu Zimo and Bian Yue went their separate ways. She went to rest, while he returned to continue studying the blue-eyed Water Beast.

This creature was crucial to his path toward the Saint Sovereign realm. Once he fully comprehended it, he would be able to make that breakthrough.

Night deepened.

As Xu Zimo emerged from his meditative state, he realized there was someone else in his room, so silent that he hadn’t noticed until he was forced to awaken.

It was a woman in a flowing white robe, standing by the window with her back to him.

A light ribbon drifted around her in the breeze, and her long black hair shimmered under the moonlight, turning silver-white.

“Who are you?” Xu Zimo asked.

“Bian Shishi,” the woman replied softly. “Bian Yue’s elder sister.”

Xu Zimo frowned. He didn’t know her.

“What the hell do you want?”

“I just came to take a look at you,” she said with a faint smile.

Her face was hidden from view, but even her silhouette was stunning.

“Look at me?” Xu Zimo asked, puzzled.

“It’s been a long time, Infernal Lord,” Bian Shishi said suddenly.

Her words made Xu Zimo’s eyes narrow. She knew who he was, or at least something about him, while he knew nothing about her.

He hated that feeling of being at a disadvantage.

“Who exactly are you?” he asked again.

“I already told you. I’m the eldest daughter of the Black Crow Dao Court, Bian Shishi,” she answered calmly.

“Do we know each other?” Xu Zimo pressed.

“Yes and no,” she replied after a pause. “I know you, but you may not remember me.”

Xu Zimo stayed silent. She, too, said nothing for a while.

The night outside was beautiful, the moon bright and round, though the heat of the Inferno Crucible Heaven made the air almost stifling.

“Infernal Lord,” Bian Shishi said at last, “I heard you’re searching for traces of the Ancient Gods. You must be trying to end the exile of the Primordial Demon Cave.”

“You know about the Ancient Gods?” Xu Zimo asked.

“I recognized you only after hearing that you were searching for them,” she admitted. “I don’t know the Ancient Gods myself, but I know someone who does.”

“Who?” Xu Zimo asked quickly.

Bian Shishi extended a slender hand and pointed at the blue-eyed Water Beast beside him.

Xu Zimo’s expression shifted as realization dawned, but he wasn’t yet certain.

“Where can I find him?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said. “But next time the Water Beasts attack the city, try following them. You may find what you’re looking for. That’s all I came to say,” she added softly. “I’ve seen an old acquaintance, it’s time for me to go.”

As her final words faded, her figure vanished into the moonlight.