In the night, two moons hung high in the sky. Visible to the naked eye, white light rose from the forest lake, ascended to the high heavens, merged with the moonlight, and descended as wisps of azure light rain. This spiritual rain, imbued with the essence of the sun and moon, was absorbed by Gu Xichen, swiftly transforming into both Taiyin and Taiyang energies that circulated throughout his body.

The spiritual energy of this world was truly too dense. Coupled with years of accumulation, perhaps this very Planet Nine harbored numerous hidden masters, untold cultivators of immense power.

Seated in the antique, four-wheeled chariot modeled after a sedan chair, Gu Xichen, clad in a black evening gown, coldly observed the citizens of the Polaris Empire playing under the night sky. A flicker of intense killing intent flashed in his crimson eyes. He extended a hand, about to unleash a palm thunder strike towards the dense woods by the roadside, when the spiritual energy mark clinging to his lapel suddenly emitted a faint, dim glow. Startled, Gu Xichen hastily retracted his hand and frowned, looking out the window.

Valkyris, seated beside him, sat blank-faced, his eyes rolled back as he pondered some unseen thought. After a long while, he suddenly sighed mournfully, "My cruise ship!"

The six thousand Minotaurs had been too overwhelming; Gu Xichen had sent them all aboard Valkyris’s cruise ship. He had already resolved that if he couldn't find a suitable opportunity to cause havoc in the Polaris Empire, he would head to the death zones where these Minotaurs congregated. Since they were there, a path to the Minotaurs' true territory must certainly exist. At worst, he would break away; Gu Xichen would find a way to tear open the void and unleash the countless Minotaurs into the territories of the Polaris Empire.

The dark creatures held a grudge against Gu Xichen, and the Polaris Empire harbored an immense enmity towards him. Letting them destroy each other would be the best possible outcome.

However, sending six thousand Minotaurs onto Valkyris’s cruise ship—that ship must have been trampled into a vegetable patch by now, hadn't it? Gu Xichen looked at Valkyris with a hint of apology. He hadn't intended to destroy Valkyris's ship; he could always pay to get him a brand-new one. After all, he had brought plenty of Starlight Silver with him.

The carriage slowly rounded a circular lake and turned onto a tree-lined path beside it, entering a vast garden. The ground was covered in soft, felt-like green grass barely an inch high. Scattered across the lawn were clusters of exotic flowers, about three feet tall with stems as thick as a little finger, resembling tulips. Each stem bore three or five unopened buds of different colors. At a glance, the round buds swayed gracefully in the night breeze, possessing a serene beauty.

In the very center of the garden stood a magnificent palace constructed of pale blue crystal. Carriage after carriage stopped before the palace's main entrance. Dignitaries, exquisitely dressed and affecting airs of importance, elegant ladies, or spoiled young masters, held their heads high and stepped onto a deep blue woven carpet, slowly entering the palace. A middle-aged man with graying hair and a beaming smile stood at the entrance, warmly greeting the arriving guests. This man seemed to know everyone; he even remembered which vintage wines each guest preferred, constantly murmuring earnest suggestions. He had specifically ordered people to fetch several bottles of their favorite aged wines from certain wineries.

"Who is that man?" Gu Xichen pointed at the exceedingly smooth and well-connected man.

"Doran, the head representative of the Blue Charm Chamber of Commerce in the Polaris Empire. He is also the most trusted confidant of the Blue Charm Sovereign—a slick old fox," Valkyris muttered softly. "I'll handle him. Many noble members of the Polaris Empire will be at this banquet, and you might be interested in them. The commander of the garrison on Planet Nine will also be present, but he is not easy to deal with."

Before the words had even fully registered, a black van-like carriage drawn by six bizarre, lizard-like dragons covered in dense, pitch-black scales scraped past Valkyris’s carriage with a loud clatter. One of the lizard dragons shrieked at the Gulie Beasts pulling Valkyris's carriage, frightening the beasts into bucking wildly, nearly tipping the carriage over entirely. This black carriage aggressively overtook the dozen carriages ahead and pulled up to the palace entrance with a sharp turn.

Doran, waiting at the entrance, hurried forward, bowing respectfully beside the carriage.

A middle-aged man with a cold expression and a barely suppressed aura of malevolence strode out of the carriage and gave Doran a cool grunt. Two tall women dressed in the Polaris Empire's military uniform emerged from the carriage, carefully draping a blood-red cloak over the man, smoothing out every wrinkle with meticulous care.

"The Garrison Commander? Hmm?" Gu Xichen narrowed his eyes. This fellow's cultivation wasn't particularly high—only Nascent Soul stage—but the two women behind him were Five Tribulation Loose Immortals, just a step away from Celestial Immortal strength. More importantly, all three practiced the orthodox Kunlun Yuqing cultivation technique.

The Ten Heavenly Sovereigns, who had been meditating cross-legged inside the carriage, suddenly opened their eyes. Their ugly faces wore strange smiles. They muttered softly, "The scent of those hypocrites from the Chan Sect—even after all these years, you can still smell it from a distance! Tsk tsk, long time no see!"

Gu Xichen was very pleased that the Heavenly Sovereigns held such sentiments. It was best if they disliked the descendants of the Kunlun lineage. Since they held enmity, they would naturally work harder when dealing with them later. Proactively and diligently troubling the Daoist Mu’s kin was far better than doing so passively under Gu Xichen’s command.

The Garrison Commander of Star Domain Nine, Five-Star Marshal of the Polaris Empire, Sharadortro, followed Doran’s eager escort, walking with arrogant, measured steps up the stairs. The two Five Tribulation Loose Immortals behind him followed with downcast eyes, looking like two timid maids rather than Five Tribulation Loose Immortals with earth-shattering cultivation.

If he struck now, Gu Xichen had a hundred percent certainty of instantly killing the two Five Tribulation Loose Immortals and abducting Sharadortro.

However, the massive divine sense fluctuation overhead dispelled Gu Xichen's impulse to take risks. This damnable divine sense seemed to be specifically guarding Sharadortro. The powerful scan swept across the space for several li around, giving Gu Xichen not the slightest opportunity. Shaking his head in frustration, Gu Xichen could only defiantly give the sky the middle finger.

The enemy situation was unclear; it was truly unwise to act rashly!

By the time Valkyris's carriage pulled up to the palace entrance, Doran had already returned to his post, resuming his welcoming duties. When Doran saw who was descending from the carriage, the smile on his usually cheerful face stiffened, gradually vanishing.

Doran offered Valkyris a lukewarm greeting and then looked coldly at Gu Xichen: "And this must be the captain of guards Valkyris has newly hired? But sir, you have brought far too many people!"

Attending such a banquet with one or two servants was the style of Star Alliance nobility. But Gu Xichen arriving with the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns felt like a prelude to provocation and brawling.

Gu Xichen swept an even colder glance over Doran and hissed coldly, "I am the Evil Dragon Daoist, and these are my subordinates, the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns. Do you have a problem with me?"

Before Doran could reply, none of the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns had a gentle temper. Qin Tianjun, in particular, slammed a palm onto Doran’s chest, muttering, "Good dogs don't block the way." He then bowed to Gu Xichen: "Honored One, conversing with insects like this commoner is beneath your dignity."

Qin Tianjun's palm strike, delivered with an essence of pure Yin energy, made Doran choke, leaving him gasping for breath for a long moment. Doran stumbled backward repeatedly until he hit a pillar, his back slamming heavily against the pale blue crystal archway, which instantly crumbled into powder and fell to the ground.

Valkyris shrugged apologetically at Doran, tugged Gu Xichen's sleeve, and the group entered amid soft laughter, casting no further glance at Doran.

Doran's face flushed with alternating shades of red and white from anger. He gritted his teeth, pondered for a moment, then suddenly beckoned a servant over, whispering urgent instructions, after which he smirked triumphantly.

Once inside the palace, Valkyris moved like a fish in water, mingling smoothly with the dignitaries and chatting amiably. Gu Xichen naturally maintained a stern face by his side, adopting the demeanor of a dutiful captain of the guard.

As for the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns, they had long since rushed to the long table laden with food on one side of the palace and began devouring it with gusto. Except for Jin Guang Shengmu, the only female among them, who remained somewhat elegant, the other nine devoured the food on the tables like a whirlwind, sweeping it clean. While eating and drinking, they constantly whispered praises for the flavor of mortal food, lamenting how many years it had been since they tasted such things—they wouldn't stop eating given the chance.

Valkyris guided Gu Xichen around the hall, deliberately maneuvering to congregate near the high officials and nobles of the Polaris Empire. Through these greetings, Gu Xichen quickly memorized the members of powerful aristocratic families like the Dortro and Longkilans clans.

Finally, Valkyris brought Gu Xichen before Sharadortro and respectfully saluted: "Marshal, long time no see. Your complexion seems even better."

Sharadortro offered a stiff handshake to Valkyris and sneered arrogantly, "Not bad. I recently achieved a breakthrough in my cultivation." He paused, then said to Valkyris with clear displeasure, "However, Lord Valkyris, although I am not in charge of local security, I must remind you not to cause trouble in the Polaris Empire. If you need to settle personal scores with the Blue Charm Chamber of Commerce, please go to the Viking Empire... or perhaps the Yanlong Empire."

Before Valkyris could offer a rebuttal, Sharadortro stated bluntly, "The Polaris Empire has been troubled lately. We generals responsible for the security of the capital district have received strict orders: no trouble is permitted. So, if another incident like this occurs, our military will have to intervene."

Gu Xichen's eyebrows arched, and he laughed lightly towards Sharadortro, "That seems unfair, Marshal. It wasn't us who started the trouble first."

Sharadortro's eyes grew cold as he stared intently at Gu Xichen and sneered, "We don't care who started it. If another dispute arises, we will intervene."

As if to emphasize his words, Sharadortro took a step back and slightly nodded toward the two women behind him. One of the women stepped forward, holding a palm thunder strike, unreleased, in her hand. It shot toward Gu Xichen's heart with lightning speed. The power of this palm strike wasn't immense, but it contained thirteen restrictive seals. If struck, it would immobilize him for at least three days and three nights.

This was intended to make Gu Xichen lose face!

With a mocking smile, Gu Xichen stood firm, taking the woman's strike directly on his chest. The palm thunder exploded inside him, and the thirteen seals transformed into wisps of pure energy rushing toward his vital points. However, the Taiyin Profound Flame and the Taiyang Blazing Flame filled Gu Xichen's body. He merely channeled two wisps of fiery energy to wrap around the pure energies, dissolving the thirteen seals instantly.

Retreating a single step slowly, Gu Xichen smiled lightly toward the triumphant Sharadortro, "We have noted the Marshal's warning."

Valkyris turned and walked away with a smile, and Gu Xichen naturally followed him into the crowd.

Sharadortro turned to the woman who struck him in a rage, roaring in a low voice, "Damned fool, were you deliberately trying to make me lose face?" In his fury, Sharadortro even pulled out a palm-sized Soul Restraint Tablet, ready to unleash Samadhi True Fire to burn it.

The two women were terrified. The striking woman hastily explained that she had not held back; although the thunder light of that palm strike wasn't very damaging, the confinement seals within were the most exquisite magical techniques she could deploy. Ordinary Four or Five Tribulation Loose Immortals would be restrained for at least a quarter of an hour by this move, but for some unknown reason, it had no effect on Gu Xichen.

Sharadortro's anger faded as quickly as it came. Upon hearing the woman's explanation, a strange smile touched his lips.

"So, the Silver Mountain Chamber of Commerce has made a big investment this time? But what are they trying to achieve? To crush the Blue Charm Chamber of Commerce's influence in the Polaris Empire? Unlikely; we won't allow them to run wild here. Then what is the purpose of bringing such a master?"

Sharadortro shook his head, letting the issue drop, and turned to squeeze into a small circle formed by several nobles of comparable status and background.

At that moment, the two full moons reached their zenith. The palace roof suddenly peeled open like blooming petals, sinking into the ground along with the palace columns. The banquet hall was instantly exposed nakedly in the garden, giving everyone the illusion of being surrounded by an endless sea of flowers. With the moon at its peak, the moonlight rain was at its densest. Ordinary people could see vast sheets of azure light pouring down from the high heavens, evenly showering the countless flower buds below.

As if commanded by a Flower Goddess, all the buds burst open simultaneously. The attendees clearly saw the petals slowly unfold, revealing slender, crystalline stamens carved like crystal. A faint, elegant, and eternal fragrance drifted out. The night wind happened to blow past, lifting countless pollen grains from the stamens. Illuminated by the moonlight, the crystalline pollen reflected into small, bean-sized clusters of blue halos, floating high into the sky along with the falling spiritual rain, gradually merging into a hazy glow.

"Moon Goddess," Valkyris murmured the name of this strange flower in a tone of intoxication. The Blue Charm Chamber of Commerce had certainly spared no expense for this banquet. Hundreds of thousands of Moon Goddesses blooming in unison required precise timing and enormous cost.

Almost everyone present was mesmerized by the boundless, magnificent sea of flowers, save for Gu Xichen, who remained unmoved. Possessing the memories of the True Monarch of Taiyin, he had witnessed countless immortal realms and cared little for such minor theatrics. He coldly watched the nobles around him, carefully considering whether he could secretly capture the powerful figures of a few key families and slip away in time.

While contemplating this, Gu Xichen noticed a middle-aged man dressed as a servant quietly approach Sharadortro and whisper a few words to him.

Sharadortro turned and looked at Gu Xichen, frowning slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he strode towards Gu Xichen and asked directly, "You bought up all the Minotaurs surrounding Planet Nine? Selecting the young and strongest ones to send to a hundred... If there are no grilled Minotaur ribs tonight, this banquet is truly a failure."

Gu Xichen felt a flash of anger and coldly retorted, "You can eat other things."

Sharadortro's eyes widened. He clenched his fists menacingly, leaning his upper body slightly toward Gu Xichen: "But, without roasted Minotaur ribs, I will be very disappointed. That is my favorite delicacy, understand? Especially their hearts, I am particularly fond of them served cold with a sauce made from Moon Goddess pollen."

Gu Xichen shook his head. "I bought them. They are my people."

Sharadortro raised his voice in fury, shouting angrily, "Then, are you trying to oppose me? Hmm? For a hundred lowly alien Minotaurs, you want to make an enemy of me? Don't you know my origin in the Dortro family? You will bring great trouble to the Silver Mountain Consortium you serve!"

Gu Xichen turned, clasping his hands behind his back, facing the Moon Goddesses vigorously releasing their pollen. He sighed deeply, "What beautiful flowers..."

A dull sound of tearing wind echoed. Sharadortro, his eyes red, summoned a heavy Coiling Dragon Steel chain and hurled it toward the back of Gu Xichen's head. Sharadortro roared viciously, "No one has ever dared to be so insolent to me! Die! No matter who you are, die!"

The Coiling Dragon Steel streaked toward the back of Gu Xichen's head in a red flash. The two Five Tribulation Loose Immortals simultaneously chanted an incantation, forming hand seals and pointing at Gu Xichen, activating a restriction spell similar to a immobilization technique, intending to trap him. Traces of azure light, faintly visible, firmly bound Gu Xichen, and dozens of supple pure energies rushed towards his vital points and meridians.

The banquet guests, mesmerized by the gorgeous and brilliant bloom of the Moon Goddesses, cried out in alarm. They saw Sharadortro attack with his weapon almost simultaneously. Some guests who knew his temperament muttered under their breath—this brute was publicly killing again; who was foolish enough to provoke him? Some bloodthirsty guests widened their eyes in excitement, staring intently at the red light formed by the Coiling Dragon Steel, eagerly waiting to see the Minotaur's brain matter spray out.

With a cold snort, Gu Xichen shifted his left sleeve backward. A black light, carrying a terrifying wave of heat, shot out from his sleeve in a fan shape. The black light struck the Coiling Dragon Steel, twisting it instantly into powder. Immediately following, the heat melted the remnants of the Coiling Dragon Steel, scattering them back as droplets of scorching iron water. Countless specks of high-temperature molten iron splashed onto Sharadortro's body and face, severely scalding the flesh on the front of his upper body until it was charred black, especially his chest, where the flesh was completely burned away, exposing white bone.

The two Five Tribulation Loose Immortals both groaned, their confinement spells shattered effortlessly by Gu Xichen. Due to the backlash of energy, both spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered back several steps. Then, the black light flying from Gu Xichen's large sleeve struck them hard on the chest, sending them flying dozens of meters away.

Rolling waves of heat surged into the bodies of the two Loose Immortals with that strike, the terrifying heat making their immortal bodies feel like jelly in hot water, nearly melting them. Wisps of black light spewed out from within them as the ambient temperature rapidly climbed. The two women writhed on the ground, screaming in agony, but the Taiyang Blazing Flame within their bodies was not so easily dispelled! The immortal spiritual energy they had painstakingly accumulated was rapidly devoured and dissolved, then the magnified Taiyang Blazing Flame reformed into a black stream of light, as thick as a bowl, which flew back into Gu Xichen's sleeve.

This was the 'Flying Waterfall Sleeve' technique executed using Taiyang energy. Although the method of force application was identical to the version using Taiyin energy, the sleeve's gust possessed an imposing, intensely hot attribute, utterly different from the Yin and pliant, bone-chillingly cold nature of the Taiyin-based Flying Waterfall Sleeve.

Sharadortro convulsed on the ground, roaring hoarsely, "Evil Dragon Daoist, you are dead!"

The colossal divine sense in the void promptly detected the disturbance. The divine sense scattered across the planet's surface converged from all directions. The massive influx of energy triggered celestial changes, and countless winds and clouds churned, sweeping toward this location. Gradually, a third moon appeared in the sky. The giant divine sense condensed into a purple sphere of light nearly a thousand meters in diameter, suspended in the void, staring fixedly at the attacking Gu Xichen like a gigantic eye.

The next instant, a flash of purple light erupted from the sphere of energy, coalescing into a sword aura stretching a hundred zhang long, aimed directly at the crown of Gu Xiechen's head.

Gu Xiechen’s eyes chilled as he prepared to retaliate, but suddenly a slender figure burst forth from among the assembled guests. She raised a beautifully carved token made of azure wood high above her head and shouted fiercely, “Go back!”

The sword aura, just on the verge of slamming into the ground, circled rapidly in the void with a whirring sound before swiftly retreating. The massive, condensed divine sense then spread out in all directions, once again enveloping the entire planet. The clouds banked in the sky gradually dispersed as the divine sense withdrew, and the moonlight and spiritual rain once again descended gently, as if everything that had just occurred was merely an illusion.

Only the withered Moonlight Goddesses scattered across the garden proved that the preceding events were not phantoms. The moment the sword aura fell with a crash, the delicate Moonlight Goddesses simultaneously shattered. Countless petal fragments sprayed skyward on the wind, only to be cleaved into infinitesimally tiny dust by the sword qi, drifting on the breeze. Moonlight illuminated this fine particulate matter, and the dust that blanketed the heavens resembled a silver river spanning the sky—exquisitely beautiful, and utterly bewitching.

The slender figure holding the token and confronting the sky’s immense divine sense was enchanting yet eerie. Dressed in a purple robe, she possessed hair of extraordinary length, the same deep purple shade. Her violet eyes occasionally shot out slivers of golden light, instilling immediate dread.

Gu Xiechen gazed deeply at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in resignation.

This purple-haired Shu—how was her figure still so utterly flat? Yet, it was clear she had recognized Gu Xiechen.

Clutching the exquisite blue-wood token that drove back the colossal divine consciousness above, Jin walked forward with a grim expression toward Shaluo Duolter, who was heavily wounded and whose face had been horribly scorched. With vicious force, she repeatedly stomped on Shaluo Duolter’s face. Jin stomped with such vigor that Shaluo Duolter’s head slammed repeatedly against the floorboards, emitting dull, heavy thuds.

“Shaluo, you’ve got some nerve now! Attacking a family guest in broad daylight—you’re quite something!” Jin shrieked furiously while relentlessly stamping on Shaluo Duolter’s head. “It’s one thing to dare cause trouble, but to actually lose to him? You’ve disgraced yourself utterly! You’ve brought shame upon the entire Duolter family! You damned wretch, why don’t you just die?” Amidst the complex gazes of the onlookers—some surprised, some stunned, some gloating, some overjoyed—Jin seemingly felt that stomping his head wasn't satisfying enough. She suddenly leaped three meters into the air and brought her heel down savagely onto Shaluo Duolter’s lower body, grinding her sole viciously for several rotations.

A sharp gasp escaped Shaluo Duolter’s lips. Then, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted clean away. Even a Nascent Soul expert couldn't withstand Jin’s merciless assault.

Clapping her hands with satisfaction, Jin tucked the token at her waist and strutted up to Gu Xiechen. She bowed gracefully with a smile. “My apologies, esteemed Sir. I am Jin of the Duolter family, and we have been utterly rude. By seniority, I am the aunt-in-law to that boy, Shaluo. I deeply regret that he dared to harass you.”

Gu Xiechen frowned, looking at Jin, his peripheral vision flicking toward the group behind her.

Several white-haired, long-bearded elders with the bearing of pines and the constitution of cranes followed Jin out. They warily sized up Gu Xiechen from head to toe, then stood in a straight line behind Jin.

All five elders were Loose Immortals, and moreover, each was at the peak of the Fifth Tribulation. What truly startled Gu Xiechen was that the cultivation methods of these five elders corresponded to the Five Elements—Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Observing their positioning, it was clear they were masters of formations. Though standing in a line, their vital energies already formed a small, acquired Reverse Five Elements protective array around Jin.

Furthermore, five sharp threads of divine sense locked onto Gu Xiechen’s every movement. Should he shift even slightly, the five elders would launch a concerted attack instantly. Five Loose Immortals at the peak of the Fifth Tribulation were more than enough to threaten the life of an ordinary Heavenly Immortal.

After a moment of silence, Gu Xiechen returned the courtesy to Jin. “Miss Jin, it has been several years since we parted ways at Davirmus, hasn’t it? How did things turn out when that Princess was chasing you last time?”

Jin’s ten fingers intertwined tightly as she glanced back at the five elders with a worried frown, sighing helplessly. “Ah, what else could happen? I nearly got captured by her. But thankfully, a good friend provided assistance, so I managed to escape by a hair’s breadth. How is your body lately?” She had personally witnessed Mu Daoist strike through Gu Xiechen’s body with a venomous artifact that day. Even knowing that Lili possessed the Innate Green Wood Body, Jin still worried for the safety of Gu Xiechen and the others.

Gu Xiechen smiled, his face, scarred with white and black streaks, contorting into an even uglier expression. He said softly, “Not bad, but I’m a bit short on funds lately, so I sought out Lord Vaskiris of the Silver Mountain Conglomerate to work as his bodyguard for a while. Just earning some living expenses.”

“Is that so?” Jin frowned. Then, her face suddenly brightened into a joyful smile. “In that case, break your contract with this fellow Vaskiris. I’ll hire you as my ‘Personal Guardian’!”

The moment the words left her mouth, the entire venue gasped. The five elders behind Jin all frowned and let out a soft cry of admonishment: “Miss!”

Jin didn't spare the five elders a glance, chirping happily, “Being my Personal Guardian pays exceptionally well, and you have great freedom. I practically won’t bother you at all, and if anything happens, you’ll have me backing you up. Not bad, right?”

As she said “backing you up,” Jin leaped again and stomped down savagely on Shaluo Duolter’s lower body with one foot.

A piercing shriek erupted from Shaluo Duolter’s mouth. The wretched man’s eyes rolled back, and he woke up, gasping for air. He looked at Jin with a complicated expression and wailed helplessly, “Great-Aunt Jin, I apologize! I didn’t know he was your friend—Heavens!” Shaluo Duolter desperately wanted to smash his head against the floor. He had utterly humiliated himself in front of all the dignitaries on Planet Nine today. He had no face left to remain on Planet Nine.

But what could he say? Mu Daoist held considerable sway in the Duolter family, wielding almost all the clan's power. Jin was the daughter he valued most. Which member of the Duolter family dared touch a single hair on this willful young mistress? He had to accept this loss.

Mulling over Jin’s proposal for a moment, Gu Xiechen glanced over at Vaskiris.

Vaskiris nodded indifferently. He was merely there to cooperate with Gu Xiechen; he didn't care what Gu Xiechen chose to do, as long as Gu Xiechen remembered to notify Vaskiris to flee before blowing up some administrative planet. Vaskiris knew perfectly well that he had no standing to interfere in matters concerning a peak Planetary-level expert.

“In that case, I graciously accept, Miss Jin. My salary requirements are quite high,” Gu Xiechen said with a sinister, slow drawl. “Higher than you can possibly imagine!”

Jin pouted, letting out a dismissive, cold laugh. “How high can it be? I could give you the entire Duolter family as payment!” She thrust out her flat chest forcefully and declared proudly, “It doesn’t matter to me anyway.” This was Jin’s genuine sentiment; she wouldn't care in the slightest if the entire Duolter family was destroyed.

Such earth-shattering words caused the surrounding guests to exchange bewildered glances, unable to speak. Who was this purple-haired woman? How could she utter such things? It was too sensational.

“Jin, those words are excessive. Uncle Musha will be displeased.”

A young man, exceptional in physique, appearance, demeanor, and grace, stepped out from the crowd. He stood beside Jin, whose expression had abruptly turned ugly, and regarded Gu Xiechen with distinct unfriendliness.

“Sir, I personally find your identity highly suspect. In the name of the First Bureau of the Stellar Rank of the Polaris Empire, I request your cooperation with my investigation.”

The First Bureau of the Stellar Rank of the Polaris Empire was known internally as the Death Investigation Bureau—the violent enforcement agency the Polaris Empire used for internal and external investigations and reconnaissance. Their specialty was making a person vanish silently from all Star Alliance archives.

Gu Xiechen frowned, tilting his head back with a mocking smile. “Apologies, I have no interest in playing these petty games of rich young masters chasing women. How old are you, yet still so immature? Do you honestly believe the meager authority you hold poses any threat to someone like me? Hm?”

As Gu Xiechen let out his final, soft snort, Jin raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across the young man’s face.

“Enlulong Kilans, it’s none of your damn business who I hire as my guard!”

Jin’s phrasing was so brutally coarse that it shocked the entire assembly. A few delicate young ladies let out surprised squeals, rolled their eyes, and fainted onto the ground.

Enlulong Kilans staggered, his eyes rolling back, completely stunned by the blow.

After a long moment, Enlulong Kilans suddenly snapped back to reality. He rubbed his reddened, throbbing cheek hard, shot Gu Xiechen a cold glare, and then turned to leave without a word.

From the crowd, several waves of chilling killing intent instantly enveloped Gu Xiechen.

Gu Xiechen glanced at Jin, shook his head, and took her small hand, turning to walk back the way they came.

After taking a few steps, he looked back at those hidden in the crowd harboring murderous intent toward him and sneered coldly, “Want to kill someone? Have the guts to follow!”

Instantly, over thirty men and women of various types emerged, lining up in an orderly formation, closely following behind Gu Xiechen.

Enlulong Kilans gave a cold smile, paused to consider for a moment, and then followed as well.

As he walked, he pulled out his communicator, ceaselessly dispatching troops and generals.

Shaluo Duolter, still twitching and struggling on the ground, managed to swallow hard and painfully pull himself to his feet. Without a word, he led two severely weakened female Loose Immortals out of the venue and hurried into the carriage he had arrived in.

“Mobilize every person under my command that I can reach. Find that guy, and kill him.”

“Let Enlulong Kilans take all the responsibility!” (To be continued) To find out what happens next, please log in to read the next chapter and support the author and genuine releases.

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