Chapter 417: Let Us Congratulate the President!

Chapter 417: Let Us Congratulate the President!

As dawn broke, the sun climbed high, turning the dense fog over the Primordial Ruins into a blanket of gold.

The streets buzzed with the day's first prayers. Crowds surged through the marketplaces, heads bowed in devotion, united in their quest for ascension. The world inside the divine vessel was a sight of prosperity, as far as the eye could see.

Yun Xiao seized the morning prayers—a time when everyone was too busy bowing to notice—to slip away from the Primordial Ruins and head back to the outskirts of the Nine Hells.

It was then that Pale Revenant and the War Princess, just stepping out from the Nine Hells, stumbled upon him through the mist. Escaping had been easy for them, with the Three Immortals locked away in the Immortal Asylum.

"This is for you." Yun Xiao handed a map to Pale Revenant, who accepted it with solemn care, folding it neatly before thanking him with a deep bow.

"Off you go. Stay safe," Yun Xiao said with a smile.

"Mhm." Pale Revenant nodded, her eyes carrying a newfound belief after one last glance at Yun Xiao. She then turned, drifting into the fog as light as a cloud.

"Pretty slick, letting the fish swim free," the War Princess commented, arms crossed, lips bitten.

"Your turn now," Yun Xiao said, tossing another map her way.

"I don't worship you," the War Princess retorted, tucking the map away.

"Seems like you've gotten out of line again in just two days," Yun Xiao said, stern-faced.

The War Princess instinctively stepped back, then glared at him. "You're such a scarecrow, always frightening people."

A brief silence fell.

"Aren't you worried, letting me go to that dangerous place alone?" The War Princess pouted.

"I'm always with you, aren't I? Stop making a fuss," Yun Xiao replied.

"Alright then." The War Princess shot him a look, her beautiful eyes flashing. "Heartless man, lounging in paradise with beauties while I'm out in the wilderness, roughing it!"VIssiT n0(v)eL/b(i)(n).com for the best novel reading experience

Yun Xiao was taken aback. "Where did you get the idea I have beauties in my arms?"

"Don't play dumb. You've got the smell of a woman on you, and from the looks of it, she's fairly young." The War Princess chuckled.

"Jealous?" Yun Xiao didn't deny it but shot back with a question.

"What are you on about? We're on different sides of the divide, you and I. Human and devil... Even if you win over my body with the Blood Base, you'll never have my heart." The War Princess bit her lip.

"I live in your heart, and I've never aimed to win it over," Yun Xiao said, amused.

"Jerk..." The War Princess glared at him. "I'm leaving! May your indulgences bleed you dry!"

With that, she turned into a streak of blood and disappeared into the mist.

"In such a hurry? I hadn't finished talking," the voice in her heart said.

"I can listen now," the War Princess replied.

"Are you avoiding me because you're afraid?" Yun Xiao asked.

"Avoiding, my foot. I just didn't want to interrupt your fun," the War Princess said disdainfully.

"That's what makes it better!" he laughed, clearly finding the situation amusing.

Qin Ziyue and the black-robed youth, Can Nian, served as the vice presidents of the Pathseeker Society. The former held the reins over many aspects of life for the female students. So, no female students dared to cross her. It wasn't the fact that she could easily end a regular student's life, but rather she would make the experience leading up to it a living hell.

"Ziyue!" Can Nian's eyes sparkled as he pointed at a petite girl among the performers. "How about her? I'll have someone send her to my room later, yeah?"

Qin Ziyue rolled her eyes. "What, you're picking lovers now?"

"If she's willing, it's all good. Whether she's lover material doesn't matter," Can Nian grinned.

"She's got a fiery spirit. Might not be so keen," Qin Ziyue mentioned off-handedly.

"And her dad?" Can Nian raised an eyebrow.

"A Hundred-Man Commander of the Primordial Guards. Comes from a decent background," Qin Ziyue informed.

"Easy. I'll bump her dad up to a Thousand-Man Commander," Can Nian said with a sly smile.

"Oh?" Qin Ziyue glanced at him. "You've changed. Used to be you'd coerce them into compliance."

"I'm over the teary, sobbing messes. I prefer the agreeable sort," Can Nian mused, taking a swig. "These days, it's all about enticing them. Love to see these young ones, full of dreams, getting caught up in the allure of fame and fortune. Heh."

"Can Nian." Tian Zhixiu, sitting between them, suddenly looked up, a slight frown creasing his brow.

"Uh..." Can Nian quickly put his feet down, flashing a grin at Tian Zhixiu. "You like her? Then I'll have her sent to your room."

"Just a heads-up," Tian Zhixiu's voice came through with a gravity that could sink a ship. "Fun's fun, but clean up after yourself. The birth celebration of the Three Immortals is upon us, and we can't afford any scandals."

"Got it. I'm on it," Can Nian replied, his usual grin giving way to a nod of serious agreement.

But inside, he couldn't help but grumble, "All because Dharma Crown Qin is no more, and you're left with nowhere to stick your silver lance. Why take it out on me?"

Thoughts stayed thoughts, for he wasn't about to voice them. Instead, he raised his glass with a smile and toasted, "Brothers and sisters, those lapdogs at the Academy Faction didn't even dare to sign up, absolutely hilarious. Let's toast to our president, soon to be the youngest Crown in the history of the Mystic Zenith Temple. Cheers to you!"

"Cheers!"

Inside the Pathseeker Palace, the music and dance soared, a picture of harmony and joy.

A dozen girls, who came to the academy full of dreams, danced tirelessly, one routine after another, their cultivation forgotten. They dared not stop.

The powerful, the elite, and the nobility watched with a mix of amusement and condescension, critiquing their eyes, smiles, figures, legs, feet, and fingers, their laughter burning through the air.

▬ι══????✧⚰️✧????══ι▬

Outside the Pathseeker Palace, a jade platform stood at the entrance, with a girl in a blue dress seated beside it. Her skirt shimmered like ice and snow, sparkling with starlight.

She sat upright, a picture of grace, her eyes a pure white.

Looking at her, one could see the resemblance to Tian Zhixiu. If he was considered handsome and heroic, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Perhaps that was why a group of men, members of the Pathseeker Society, surrounded her. They spoke eloquently, with an air of elegance...

But no matter how well they behaved, it was clear as day: they were all vying for the favor of the girl beside the jade platform.