CHAPTER 488: CHAPTER 488: THERE ARE TWO SOUNDS

This expression, this emotion, the sorrow in his every movement and stillness, the coherence in his words, and the defiance and rage that were inadvertently revealed—all of it spoke of a young man’s tragic experiences.

He was so young, yet he had borne so much humiliation...

At this moment, everyone was moved by him, having forgotten all the details. They were even willing to believe that the Wuji Sect was just a conspiracy. How could someone from a Prison World belong to a powerful sect?

Absolutely impossible.

Therefore, whatever happened concerning the Wuji Sect must also be false.

"You’ve had a hard time," Yang Wuzong said softly.

"To be able to follow Elder Yang, I, Chen Pingping, would die without regrets," Chen Pingping declared solemnly.

Chen Shixian coughed up blood.

The Great Elder calmed down. Much of his suspicion had dissipated as he looked at Chen Pingping. "You made such a grand entrance into the Dragon Soul Secret Realm; what exactly are you looking for?"

The Great Elder had his reasons for agreeing to let Chen Pingping into the Star Sea. First, had Chen Pingping obtained anything from the depths of the Secret Realm? Second, he had long heard that Chen Pingping’s few small pets were extraordinary demons. If Chen Pingping truly intended to join the Star Sea, the Great Elder would, of course, be very welcoming.

SWISH, SWISH, SWISH!

All eyes turned to him again; even Chen Shixian was puzzled.

She and the monkey had once wanted to enter to search for fortuitous encounters, but after seeing the first major restriction, she had wisely retreated. Seeking opportunities was fine, but not if it cost her life!

Chen Pingping said, "I wished to find a legendary Emperor of Medicine, but alas... the depths of the Secret Realm were too terrifying, and I had no choice but to withdraw."

"You didn’t find it?" The Great Elder asked, somewhat disappointed.

"I did not," Chen Pingping replied, also expressing regret.

"Was it true that you were previously proclaiming you would forge a Heaven Tao Divine Weapon?"

"False," Chen Pingping explained. "The Wuji Sect Master forced me to spread that rumor. She said she wanted everyone to know that the Wuji Sect was very powerful, so she had me create a false impression. As everyone knows, how could one forge a Heaven Tao Divine Weapon without reaching the Emperor Realm?"

His logic was sound.

They all nodded, believing him a bit more.

Yang Wuzong, standing to the side, smiled brilliantly; the more he looked at Chen Pingping, the more likable he found the young man.

But at that very moment, a man rushed in, flustered, bringing news.

Wen Qingshan had sent a message via Soul Stone: they were still alive but trapped deep within the Secret Realm and requested the Sect to dispatch experts for their rescue.

Everyone was shocked and quickly hurried out.

Chen Pingping’s expression changed slightly.

"They’ve gone," Earth Chicken said. "That girl is probably still alive and has now contacted the Star Sea’s higher-ups. Kid, we need to act now!"

Chen Pingping was speechless.

Dammit! Act with what? They had just infiltrated this place and earned the trust of the Star Sea’s higher-ups; everything was progressing smoothly. If he had a little more time, he could have figured out the Star Sea’s layout and devised an effective plan. Then, he could have acquired the remains of the Ancient Phoenix and escaped safely. But now, he was on the verge of being exposed and would soon become the target of pursuit for the entire Star Sea.

Chen Pingping’s scalp tingled.

"Heh heh." Not far away, Chen Shixian saw their anxious state and suddenly laughed.

"What are you laughing at?" Chen Pingping asked, his expression displeased. "Have you broken through to the King Tao realm?"

Chen Shixian’s smile froze. Years of resentment erupted as she immediately drew her sword and shouted, "Chen Pingping, right here and now, we fight to the death!"

Being unable to break through to the King Tao realm had become a knot in Chen Shixian’s heart, a source of pain... Despite embarking on the so-called ’single realm cultivation’ and unlocking her Human Body Treasure, a realm was still a realm. She possessed an Ancient Divine Body, after all! Yet she couldn’t even break through to the King Tao realm! Dammit...

The monkey glanced askance at her. "Do you really have the heart to strike him?"

Chen Shixian’s face flushed. "What nonsense are you spouting? If he dares to accept the challenge, I’ll cut him down in minutes!"

"And who was it that was crying and shouting about wanting to come back and save..." The monkey didn’t finish its sentence before Chen Shixian swung her sword, forcing it to shut up immediately.

But the monkey’s eyes were still darting about, as if mocking her.

Chen Shixian snorted coldly. "Quickly now, go and bring that item back for me."

The moment the monkey heard this, its expression turned exhilarated. It stopped teasing her and, after making an affirmative sound, scurried off eagerly.

"What did you ask it to fetch?" Chen Pingping inquired.

"What’s it to you?" Chen Shixian retorted indignantly. "Certain people had better think about how to clean up this mess! Your lies are about to be exposed, and this is the heart of the Star Sea! Saint Realm experts are guarding all around, there are Heaven Tao Divine Weapons in the surrounding sea regions, and a Saint King might even be watching!"

She seemed to have found Chen Pingping’s weakness and added, "Dare to provoke me again, and even if you aren’t exposed now, I’ll personally reveal your lies later!"

"Heh."

Chen Pingping remained unfazed and looked at Earth Chicken. "Take Mao Qiu and follow that monkey. Whatever it’s trying to get, just snatch it."

Chen Shixian’s eyes widened, her body trembling with rage. "You... you, Chen Pingping! You’re shameless! Despicable!"

"Who was it that said they were going to expose my lies?" Chen Pingping looked at her.

"I was just talking! I haven’t done anything! Besides, if I were going to expose your lies, I would have spoken up earlier," Chen Shixian replied anxiously.

She knew all too well the capabilities of Chen Pingping’s little pets; each one was more bizarre than the last. The little monkey wouldn’t stand a chance against them. Huh? Wait, something’s not right! Lao Huang isn’t here, Hei hasn’t gone out either, that Earth Chicken seems to have no combat prowess, and the little one that always sleeps hasn’t even opened its eyes. With the little monkey’s strength, dealing with those two should be no problem. Besides, the little monkey has a Divine Weapon!

At this thought, Chen Shixian’s earlier anxiety vanished instantly. She beamed, looking dazzlingly triumphant, and said quite smugly, "Chen Pingping, you’re finished!"

She was like a little girl who had gained the upper hand, brimming with pride.

Chen Pingping sneered. "A worthless monkey, daring to rebel?" He then strode forward. "If I get exposed later, I’ll drag you down with me. We’ll die together."

"You’re shameless!" Chen Shixian cursed.

Chen Pingping didn’t reply, merely continuing to walk closer, a faint, rather sleazy smile on his face.

And he was getting closer, ever closer.

CLANG!

The Longsword slipped from her grip.

Chen Shixian felt a surge of panic. Her face flushed, her heart raced. She didn’t know why, but she suddenly lost her composure—or rather, she lost her sense of measure. Normally, if anyone dared to tease her, she would retaliate with a sword thrust, killing them instantly. But facing Chen Pingping, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Her thoughts were a jumble, like a startled deer—nervous, afraid, clueless, and yet, there was even a hint of anticipation. How infuriating! Anticipate, my foot!

Chen Shixian glared wide-eyed, holding her breath. Two voices argued in her mind. One urged, You’re a Divine Body! Pick up your sword and stab him! What are you hesitating for?

The other cried, Don’t!