Xiao Hei sank into the seabed and swam rapidly, leaving Liu Hui standing by the shore. He quietly monitored Xiao Hei’s physical condition. After half an hour, Xiao Hei finally reached the deep-sea trench Liu Hui had selected for it beforehand, settling in to lie low within its depths.

More than ten minutes later, intense pain began wracking Xiao Hei’s body. Although lacking independent thought, the sheer agony caused it to instinctively writhe and tumble within the trench, as that was the only way to mitigate even a fraction of the suffering.

The moment Liu Hui felt Xiao Hei’s pain, he instantly withdrew his consciousness from monitoring its physical state. He knew the creature was about to begin its evolution, a process accompanied by an agonizing, unbearable metamorphosis he had no desire to endure again.

The commotion Xiao Hei caused in the deep-sea trench was immense, the rumbling so great it sounded like an earthquake. Fortunately, Liu Hui had chosen a trench extremely remote from the “City of Starlight”; otherwise, the scale of the upheaval during the evolution would certainly have alerted the increasingly sensitive monitoring equipment Anqi had deployed.

After being tormented by severe internal pain, Xiao Hei, completely exhausted, slipped into a deep slumber. It was during this unconscious state that Xiao Hei began its miraculous and extraordinary third evolutionary journey.

Liu Hui maintained an exceptionally low profile while Xiao Hei was evolving. The Yan Kong Group didn't release any new products; instead, it adopted an unusually conciliatory stance toward nations worldwide, leaving everyone slightly discomfited.

Without Xiao Hei’s immediate assistance, although Liu Hui was safe from any terrestrial opponent given the overall strength of the Starfall Group, the level of confidence he felt didn't match the invincibility granted by possessing Xiao Hei’s power. Thus, Liu Hui ultimately decided to remain as discreet as possible. Of course, once Xiao Hei successfully evolved, Liu Hui intended to reclaim the spotlight.

“Boss, based on our investigation, the head of the Maoshan Sect not only hasn't returned to Maoshan,” but he hasn’t made contact with anyone from the sect either. Even the senior elders of Maoshan are unaware of his whereabouts; he seems to have vanished completely,” Desheng reported respectfully to Liu Hui.

“So, that means,” Liu Hui mused, “either that Maoshan Sect Master perished in that great battle, or he’s severely wounded and currently hiding in a location we cannot find to recuperate!”

“Boss, that is certainly a possibility. In that case, should we apprehend all those old Daoists from Maoshan now? If the Sect Master returns after healing, having hostages will certainly make him hesitate,” Desheng suggested.

“No need. You haven't reached the heights of a Divine Realm master, so you cannot fathom the mindset of someone at that level. People who ascend to that plane… they care little for worldly ties. Even if we moved the entire Maoshan Sect to the ‘City of Starlight,’ it would be useless. When he decides to confront us, even if we threaten to execute every member of Maoshan in front of him, he won't flinch in the slightest,” Liu Hui stated.

“Oh, right, Boss. I overheard people from Maoshan saying their leader came seeking vengeance for his son, Gu Yuezi, as the Sect Master suspected the Shadow Hero killed Gu Yuezi several years ago,” Desheng added.

“We shouldn't concern ourselves with his objective for coming to the ‘City of Starlight.’ Since he dared to trespass here, it means he holds us in contempt—he is our enemy. Therefore, once his location is confirmed, we must dispatch our strongest force to eliminate him, removing this threat permanently,” Liu Hui said flatly.

When Liu Hui had disposed of Gu Yuezi, he had discovered a natal spirit tablet on him, realizing the matter wouldn't resolve easily. He hadn't expected to provoke such a terrifying Divine Realm master. Fortunately, his own power had recently advanced, leaving him unafraid of any retaliation.

Liu Hui was still unaware that the Maoshan Sect had once attempted a Soul Tracing Spell spanning a thousand miles to locate the murderer of Gu Yuezi. Unfortunately for them, they happened upon Xiao Hei during its agonizing transformation; the Great Elder who possessed the tracking artifact was literally tormented to death by the violent pain.

“Boss, Lady Lu Nong of the Augustus family has returned to Europe. However, after making a single appearance at the Vatican upon her arrival, she vanished completely—no one has seen hide nor hair of her since,” Desheng reported.

“Europe is their territory, so it’s fine if we can’t track her for now. But you must intensify the screening efforts. The moment Lu Nong surfaces, we need to track her every move, even striking her down. We cannot allow her to infiltrate our ‘City of Starlight’ as easily as she did last time,” Liu Hui instructed.

“We will heighten our intelligence gathering on Lu Nong, Boss. Furthermore, the CIA Special Consultant Bynar, whom you ordered us to focus on, remains in the United States, never having left CIA headquarters recently. And according to our latest intel, the tracker from that American ‘SN’ organization, named Zhuihun, didn't die either. He is heavily wounded and currently being treated at the CIA headquarters hospital, though reports suggest his injuries are severe and his recovery is uncertain.”

Liu Hui felt a rush of emotion hearing that Zhuihun was still alive. The tenacity of Divine Realm masters was indeed astonishing. For Zhuihun to survive a fall from such a height while sustaining grievous injuries was remarkable enough to surprise Liu Hui.

He paused, then said, “Alright. I have the necessary information on these individuals… I will devise a way to deal with them. You must also investigate cautiously; if any trace of a suspected Divine Realm master appears anywhere in the world, report it immediately. I don’t wish to be caught off guard again.”

“We will, Boss,” Desheng replied.

Thanks to the efforts of Desheng’s Starfall Eye, Liu Hui now possessed clear intelligence regarding the Divine Realm enemies threatening the “City of Starlight.” Based on the current data, these individuals posed no immediate threat to him.

Moreover, the international situation remained stable. Although nations expressed minor grievances over the Starfall Group monopolizing such vast profits, given the City of Starlight’s few forceful displays and demonstrated might, these complaints remained merely verbal, lacking any concrete action. Overall, the “City of Starlight,” despite lacking Xiao Hei’s immediate protection, was secure for the time being.

When Liu Hui shifted his focus away from the City of Starlight’s security, he encountered an imminent issue that could no longer be postponed: Anqi’s legal status. If this problem wasn't resolved perfectly, it would create a crisis not only for his personal life but also severely impact the entire development of the Starfall Group.

After agonizing over the dilemma for several consecutive nights, Liu Hui finally resolved to speak openly and frankly with Hu Xian’er. He decided to confess everything about Anqi, hoping to find a perfect resolution. However, knowing the nature of his relationship with Hu Xian’er, he suspected this hope might be mere fantasy.

That evening, Liu Hui returned home unusually early. Hu Xian’er was, as usual, preparing dinner.

“Xian’er, I got off work early today. Let me help you make dinner!” Liu Hui said with an unnatural smile.

Hu Xian’er glanced at him, noticing the tension in his expression. After a brief pause, she smiled. “That sounds wonderful, Shuiniu. It’s been too long since we cooked together.”

So, Liu Hui tied on an apron and began preparing the meal alongside Hu Xian’er. With their tasks clearly divided, the dinner progressed quickly. Cooking with Hu Xian’er after such a long time stirred a sense of simple, joyful contentment within Liu Hui.

Though he deeply wished to preserve this feeling of happiness, Liu Hui understood the principle of better a quick pain than a long one. Mustering his courage, after several hesitations, he finally managed, “Xian’er, there’s something I need to discuss with you…”

Hu Xian’er laughed nervously. “Shuiniu, let’s save serious talks for after we eat. I don’t want anything to spoil this good feeling we have right now.”

Hearing her words, Liu Hui retracted the confession hovering on his tongue. They continued cooking and soon set the finished meal on the table. They sat opposite each other and began eating. Strangely, they shared a profound, unspoken understanding; not a word was exchanged throughout the meal, though their eyes would briefly meet before quickly darting away.

Finally, the suffocating dinner concluded. Hu Xian’er cleared the dishes, changed her clothes, and sat before Liu Hui. “Shuiniu, now that we finally have time, you can continue with what you were saying earlier.”

Liu Hui coughed, clearing his throat before nervously saying, “Xian’er, there is something I must tell you. This matter is extremely important to us. But you must promise me you will listen to everything I say without interrupting or leaving midway, alright?”

Hu Xian’er nodded. “Shuiniu, speak. I will listen to every word. It has been a long time since we truly opened our hearts to each other. I want to know what is truly troubling you.”

And so, Liu Hui began: “Xian’er, this story starts back in 2007. That year, just after I graduated, I traveled to Chuzhou. While visiting the ancient city walls there, I inadvertently met a girl…”

Liu Hui proceeded to recount everything that happened between him and Shu Yan in Chuzhou, omitting no detail, right up until the moment Master Zhiguang sealed his memories, causing him to completely forget Shu Yan. Then, he told her about meeting Anqi, the extraordinary things that transpired between them, and how he later realized Anqi might, in fact, be Shu Yan.

Liu Hui honestly laid out the entire sequence of events for Hu Xian’er, concluding with the admission that he was now involved with Anqi.

Hu Xian’er listened silently throughout his narrative, interjecting neither comment nor the explosive anger Liu Hui had anticipated. Only when he finished detailing his relationship with Anqi did she ask, “Is that all? Are you truly finished?”

Liu Hui nodded. “Yes, I’ve told you everything.”

Hu Xian’er retorted, “So, what do you expect me to do? Should I accept Anqi’s existence and invite her to live here with us? Or do you want a divorce so you can marry this other woman?”

Although Liu Hui had resolved to tell Hu Xian’er about Anqi, he was utterly unprepared for how to manage the resulting crisis. When she asked what he wanted her to do, he found himself speechless.

Hu Xian’er gave a cold laugh. “Shuifeng, are you truly this greedy? You can’t bear to let go of one, nor the other; you want everything. Have you considered that the most likely outcome of this path is that you will end up with nothing?”

Liu Hui whispered, “Xian’er, I have wronged you.”

Hu Xian’er’s voice rose sharply. “Shuiniu, you have indeed wronged me, and you have wronged yourself. You have ruined this perfect love between us, a love spanning millennia! Did you think I didn't know about Anqi? You were wrong. I knew about Anqi long ago, but I waited for you to bring her up yourself, hoping you would tell me that everything I saw was a misunderstanding. I trusted you so deeply, and this is how you repay that trust?”

Liu Hui countered, “Xian’er, I know this is a terrible wrong against you. But Anqi has reappeared, and all my feelings for her have resurfaced. Must I pretend her appearance never happened?”

Hu Xian’er sneered, “If you have feelings, you must be together? Then, if Liang Jingyue suddenly appeared that day, would you have to be with her too? Speaking of feelings, what about your mother and that Chen Shaokang from America? Wouldn't their connection be even stronger? Yet, why did your mother choose your father and not go with Chen Shaokang?”

“Xian’er, but…”

Tears suddenly streamed down Hu Xian’er’s face, interrupting him. She exclaimed loudly, “Shuiniu, there is no ‘but.’ You must understand how precious love is—it demands exclusivity. Now you have me, and you have Anqi. Do you still dare to say you love me?”

“How can I not love you? I would go to my death for you,” Liu Hui insisted.

Hu Xian’er wept, “But you’ve forgotten to name one more person! That is Anqi. You would die for Anqi too, wouldn’t you?”

Hearing this, Liu Hui responded sadly, “Xian’er, can you not find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Hu Xian’er managed a bitter laugh. “How am I supposed to forgive you? Have you decided never to see Anqi again? Or will you continue seeing her and expect me to forgive you then? Shuiniu, though I have regained my ancient memories, it doesn't mean I embrace the ancient custom of three wives and four concubines. Could you accept me having other men besides you? That’s likely impossible, isn't it? So, if you expect me to accept Anqi and live alongside her, that is absolutely out of the question.”

Faced with Hu Xian’er’s resolute declaration, Liu Hui felt as if he’d been plunged into an ice cavern. Just as he prepared to speak again, he saw Anqi rise, walk into the next room, and quickly return with a small bag. She opened the door, ready to leave.

Alarmed, Liu Hui called out quickly, “Xian’er, where are you going?”

Standing at the doorway, her back to him, Hu Xian’er replied, “I’m going back to my father’s house. My mind is a mess right now, and I need a place to find some quiet. Don't look for me.” Then she pushed the door open and walked out.

“Xian’er, don’t go!” Liu Hui rushed to the doorway, only to see Hu Xian’er step into the elevator that had just stopped below without hesitation. The elevator began its descent.

Because Hu Xian’er faced away from Liu Hui, he only saw her determined entry into the lift, missing the sight of her face streaming with tears. Moreover, when she heard Liu Hui call out, her body had paused momentarily, but she ultimately stepped into the elevator. In his agitated state, Liu Hui failed to notice Anqi’s subtle reaction.

Seeing Hu Xian’er truly leave the house, Liu Hui collapsed onto the sofa like a deflated balloon, immediately falling into intense self-reflection. Her words struck him like a blow: perhaps he was just as greedy as she claimed, wanting to keep everyone with whom he shared emotional bonds. But this invariably resulted in hurting the women involved, causing pain all around.

However, Liu Hui was already committed to Anqi; abandoning her was out of the question. Not only because of Anqi’s vital importance to the entire Starfall Group, but because his feelings for Shu Yan had naturally transferred to Anqi, making it impossible for him to let her go.

Still, pushing Hu Xian’er to the point of returning to her family home left Liu Hui deeply remorseful. He clearly remembered when Hu Qingyang agreed to his marriage with Hu Xian’er, he had said just one thing: treat Hu Xian’er well. Now, he had driven her away, completely violating the promise he had made.

Hu Xian’er arrived at her father’s door, taking a moment to calm herself before ringing the bell. Hu Qingyang opened the door and was overjoyed to see her. “Xian’er! How surprising! You haven't been home much lately; I’ve missed you terribly.”

Hu Xian’er forced a smile. “Dad, I think I’ll come home for a while.”

Hu Qingyang paused, immediately asking, “Xian’er, did something happen between you and Liu Hui? Why are you suddenly thinking of moving back home?”

Hu Xian’er laughed lightly. “Nothing much, just that Liu Hui has been intensely focused on the company’s development strategy lately and can’t be disturbed. So, I decided to move back here temporarily. What? You don't want me home?”