Today's first update!

"These are likely all the previous Jun Moxie's deeds. What about this current Lord of Darkness?"

Miao Xiaomiao asked.

"The present Jun Moxie, although seemingly no longer indulging in pleasure houses... his nature remains wicked,ish and despicably foul-mouthed with none of the noble bearing expected from a cultivated family son..."

Mo Wudao sighed," Yet he is decisive in killing, arrogant beyond measure, brazenly reckless and ruthless..."

Miao Xiaomiao felt as if struck by sudden lightning. Looking at Mo Wudao, she found this reclusive utterly deranged! Could the man yesterday be truly same person today? Was it not someone else's impersonation?

"A foul-mouthedwith no noble bearing yet decisive in killing, arrogant and ruthless - are you dreaming out loud?"

The Hall elders' predecessors could hardly believe these contradictions. Mo Wudao explained:" He embodies paradoxes so extreme that all opposing traits coalesce perfectly within him... Truly an aberration! This is our three realms' only consensus!"

Miao Dao Miao Jian and others exchanged glances, all lost in confusion. Their previous speculations now held no confidence whatsoever.

Could this Jun Moxie really be the gentlemanly, scholarly, diligent, chivalrous, devoted Mo Junye as described? The more they listened, the less alike they seemed - polar opposites!

"Once he merely cursed someone to make ableed blood..."

Xiruocen's face reddened," Thatwas from our Gold City. Such humiliation I'd never dare admit among you all..."

Miao Xiaomiao stared blankly, utterly dumbfounded. What kind of earth-shattering curses could reduce an elderly expert to bleeding? If he ever spoke ill of her...

Though she held arank herself, her mental cultivation paled compared to aged masters... She dared not continue imagining.

"He once deceived the realm's top assassin Chu Qihan into making our three sacred places wrongfully pursue him for half a year with heavy losses..."

Huyan Aobo shook his head. When they finally realized Jun Moxie had tricked them, every face lost its luster.

"My younger brother died in that avalanche when he collapsed the Snowy Sword Peak..."

Mo Wudao exhaled heavily, eyes filled with sorrow...

"He once..."

"..."

Miao Xiaomiao's emotions shifted from shock to fear then numbness. The cumulative impact left her breathless.

A,a pervert, a despicable bastard - this was the current Lord of Darkness? She finally summarized coldly in mind...

What an unscrupulous scoundrel!

Even if talented, his corrupted nature made him unworthy to be compared with my Junye! Miao Xiaomiao scoffed. Suddenly pride swelled: My Junye is perfect!

Loyal and chivalrous, kind-hearted yet scholarly, honest and reliable, with a swordsman's courage and a poet's soul, devoted to his love...

As others discussed the upcoming Lord of Darkness' establishment ceremony, Miao Xiaomiao lost interest. Turning out of her tent toward dawn's golden rays, memories of her Junye surged.

Soft footsteps approached. A white figure gracefully emerged beside her.

A fragrant breeze filled her nostrils.

Miao Xiaomiao turned to see Qiao Ying in flowing white robes, ethereal under the morning light. Yet this celestial beauty bore a mask of unhidden melancholy...

"Ah, Senior Sister Qiao!" Miao Xiaomiao greeted respectfully. To the Illusion Hall, this Qiao Ying was legendary - her fame second only to those like Jiuyou's younsters.

"Hmm..."

Qiao Ying responded indifferently yet regarded Miao Xiaomiao with soft water-like eyes. Gently brushing stray hair from her face...

Miao Xia... felt a wave of serenity. The present Qiao Ying seemed her beloved elder sister caring for her...

"Youth is precious, Miss Miao. Cherish your current happiness,"

Qiao Ying's faint smile held self-reflective sorrow. Her words seemed both to herself and others.

When seeing Miao Xiaomiao, she recalled her own youth - full of anticipation and curiosity...

Immortality was every woman's dream. Yet after countless years...

Was eternal beauty worth it?

The question had never crossed Qiao Ying's mind until now. She felt sudden bitterness while listening to Jun Moxie's tales. Used to solitude, she'd remained silent.

"Thank you for your words," said Miao Xiaomiao sweetly, then curious asked, "Senior Sister... have you met Jun Moxie?"

"If you wish, call me Senior Sister Qiao,"

Qiao Ying smiled at the awkward title. Years of loneliness had left her aching for connection.

"I've seen him several times..."

Qiao Ying's expression darkened as she recalled...

"Is he truly that person?" asked Miao Xiaomiao.

"Perhaps... I'm not sure. From what little encounters, Jun Moxie may seem worldly but is far from evil..."

Here Qiao Ying hesitated.

"What else?"

Miao Xiaomiao pressed.

"...and for women like us, he might be a trustworthy man,"

Qiao Ying smiled as a rare flower blooming, "At least, he dares to stand by his choices..."

"Er?" Miao Xiaomiao froze. Another polar opposite view! Yet again!

"When you see him in Heaven's Punishment Forest, you'll judge for yourself. When meeting his beloveds, perhaps understanding will deepen. Information from third parties rarely proves accurate."

Qiao Ying smiled faintly as she sat on the grass, knees hugged to her chest, gazing at the sky.

Miao Xiaomiao joined her, silent for a long time...

Seven days passed in blink!

It was now June 15th.

Dawn.

As first light crept eastward, sudden tremors erupted from Heaven's Punishment Forest!

Mountains and rivers collapsed simultaneously! Volcanoes and lava erupted all at once!

The world lost its colors!

This earth-shaking roar startled the Three Sacred Lands and Illusion Hall members preparing to depart. All emerged from tents to stare southwest toward the epicenter.

Though only 200 miles remained - easily traversed in an hour.

A colossal mushroom cloud rose from afar, slowly ascending until covering entire skies! The ground beneath shook violently like a sieve, even tossing large rocks skyward!

Thousands of acres of dense forest bent under unseen winds. Thick branches snapped midair with endless "crack" sounds while smaller trees were uprooted entirely!

This was hundreds of miles away!

Such power transcended all human comprehension!

After the tempest passed and calm returned, witnesses exchanged stunned glances before gazing at clear blue skies where dark clouds had lingered for days. The storm had even cleared every last cloud.

An unnatural silence followed.

Miao Zhuan, the most powerful among them, slowly regained focus and ordered:" Depart immediately! Arrive within an hour!"

One hour later, they reached!

Yet what met their eyes defied belief...