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"Alright then, speak up. Who exactly is this so-called Celestial Master?"

Under the shade of a dimly lit tree, Yino casually chatted with the white-fox girl beside him while his sharp gaze flicked toward the distance. He was observing Ruoning and the others escorting back a black-clad woman they had just captured.

Ever since inheriting the Innate Sword Dao Holy Physique at the Mountain Temple, Yino had this recurring feeling. Whenever he left Ranmo Peak, he could sense someone quietly tailing him, though the presence always felt faint and elusive.

Over time, his suspicion grew, but with no solid evidence and his cultivation not high enough for a direct confrontation, he temporarily shelved the matter.

It wasn’t until he entered the Azure Forest that Yino finally confirmed the stalker’s identity.

First of all, any cultivator above the Nascent Soul stage couldn’t enter the Azure Forest, instantly ruling out many late-stage characters from the original story whom Yino had suspected.

Secondly, with figures like Jinyue and Liuli clearly in his field of view, many early-stage suspects were eliminated as well.

Finally, it was during the chaotic pursuit when Liuli had captured him that Yino glimpsed a fleeting shadow flitting through the forest: a woman in black.

That moment was all he needed. He immediately pieced it together.

Back in Western Province City, outside the Hundred Spirits Pavilion, he had briefly encountered a seductive woman in a tight black outfit. Her presence had been unforgettable.

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He couldn’t recall her exact role in the original storyline, but it was clear she had been sent by the Pavilion Master of the Hundred Spirits Pavilion.

Now, with the Azure Forest serving as a barrier to the outside world, Yino seized the chance and decisively ordered Ruoning and her group to capture the woman.

He didn’t expect Ruoning to deliver so swiftly. Despite her shaky appearance when she first appeared in the Azure Forest and how Liuli had quickly subdued her, Ruoning’s unique Mystical Sound Sword was still highly effective against opponents of the same cultivation stage.

"Yino, what should we do with this woman?"

Before Yino could respond, a green-haired girl arrived, dragging the bound black-clad woman to the prearranged meeting spot.

Behind Ruoning stood not only the seemingly harmless Yunjin but also two young natural experts, both with quirky little cowlicks sticking up on their heads.

With Yunjin, Wangxue, and Lily in the group, their combined tracking abilities left no room for escape. Forget the black-clad woman, who was merely at the Core Formation stage—even if she could turn into a shadow and burrow underground, she was no match for these three.

As long as a single blade of grass or petal existed in the Azure Forest, these experts could pinpoint their target’s exact location with ease.

"Hang her up on the tree for now. No rush to deal with her—I still have a little fox here who’s warming up to the idea of confession."

Yino chuckled faintly, his hand gently brushing the soft fur of the white-fox girl beside him. There was a teasing glint in his eyes as he spoke.

During this interaction, he locked eyes with the black-clad woman.

Her mouth was sealed shut with talismans, but even so, she looked visibly agitated upon seeing him. Muffled sounds escaped her lips, and though she couldn’t form coherent words, her frustration was written all over her face. Her delicately beautiful, mature face flushed red with suppressed emotions as she struggled against the bindings.

It was obvious she had plenty to say to him. Though her hostility hadn’t faded, her current predicament left her with no choice but to simmer in silence.

If it were any other time, Yino might have indulged in a playful back-and-forth with her. But his focus now was solely on Yuebai. A mere night guard like this black-clad woman couldn’t pique his interest—not unless someone on the level of the Hundred Spirits Pavilion Master herself were captured. Now that would make a compelling diversion.

Besides, Yino bore no grudge against the Pavilion Master. If she had sent someone to monitor him, it was likely out of caution or curiosity. Yino had every reason to keep things civil with her for potential future collaborations.

Still… For Yuebai, who was hesitating as usual, using the black-clad woman as an example wouldn’t hurt.

"Yuebai," Yino said with an unmistakable grin, his tone became leisurely as he gestured toward the woman now hanging from blood-red vines that climbed the tree. Her face was flushed with a mix of anger and shame, her body trembling as she tried in vain to free herself.

"I’ve made time for you. So, will you speak up now?" He paused meaningfully. "Or shall I finish training this one first and come back to you later?"

Hearing this, Yuebai’s expression shifted. Her gaze lingered on the black-clad woman’s sorry state, and for a fleeting moment, memories of her own experience in the ancient palace resurfaced.

For a split second, she saw herself in the black-clad woman—prideful, unyielding, cornered. And yet, Yuebai knew better than anyone the cost of resisting.

"I… I’ll speak. There’s no need to scare me anymore," she finally sighed, tugging at his sleeve in resignation.

Her actions carried a subtle dependence, both instinctual and deliberate. Whether it was her body’s natural reliance on a dominant presence or the growing attachment she felt toward him, Yuebai was gradually yielding to Yino—both in spirit and in gesture.

"My Soul Origin Pill is already fused with your spiritual energy," she admitted softly, leaning closer. "And with this secret realm of the Azure Forest cutting me off from everything else... I’ll tell you what I know about this Celestial Master."

"But—" She hesitated, her gaze darting around the group. "The others must leave. Only you and Jinyue can hear this."

Her voice was firm despite her lingering shyness. She glanced meaningfully at the others.

Jinyue remained indifferent, giving no reaction, while Yino gestured for the others to back away. After instructing them to leave, he led Yuebai to a quieter, more private area. With a single command, he set up a soundproof barrier around them.

Before leaving, Yino made sure to give Liuli a specific task: ensure the black-clad woman received the "necessary treatments." It was a basic routine—like preparing a dish. As his assistant, Liuli already knew how to begin the "marination." By the time he was done with Yuebai, the next step would be to take this woman and finish what was started.

"Yino…"

Yuebai broke the silence within the barrier, her voice soft yet tinged with melancholy. "What I’m about to tell you about the Celestial Master… Once you leave the Azure Forest, you may never see me again."

She paused, lowering her gaze. Her lashes quivered slightly, shadowing her beautiful eyes. "Which is why… if I don’t make it… take this Soul Origin Pill. Whether you pass it on to the next Holy Maiden of the fox clan or use it yourself, at least it won’t be lost forever."

There was a subtle sadness in her tone, as if she were preparing for their final goodbye.

Yino narrowed his eyes, skeptical. Was this another one of her ploys?

But as her delicate fingers hovered over her abdomen, activating the platinum-colored Soul Origin Pill sealed within, she really did seem ready to remove it and hand it over.

"Enough," Yino interrupted, raising a hand to stop her. "Explain everything clearly first—let me figure out what’s going on. Then we can discuss the pill."

Yuebai hesitated but obediently nodded, preparing to reveal the full truth.

Yuebai stared at Yino with a mess of conflicting feelings.

She no longer felt any hesitation, so after a brief silence, her thoughts drifted back to the distant memories of her childhood—those long, hazy years.

"Yino, do you believe that the so-called fates and fortunes of this world are all orchestrated by someone behind the scenes?"