A violent, churning pain erupted in Jun Moxie’s chest. Even with his formidable self-control, he couldn't help clutching his sternum, staggering as he sank into a chair.

Miao Xiaomiao’s words were like an irresistible, razor-sharp bolt of lightning; the instant they left her lips, they wedged deep into his core! As if carrying the unbearable might of thunder, they seemed to burn his very viscera!

Jun Moxie sat frozen in the chair, utterly motionless.

Miao Xiaomiao—the devoted woman he had initially refused, the one he was eventually forced to accept through sheer happenstance, the one he had finally opened his heart to—at this moment, profoundly shook him!

The reckless self-sacrifice in the Illusion Mansion, the crushing despair when rejected, the desolate chill of her descent into eternal slumber; the scene during the Heavenly Tribulation where she sliced her own flesh to shield him from harm...

The woman who had given herself wholly to him, beneath him, to ease his suffering.....

Facing the Evil Monarch, the sovereign who dominated the world, she had still fiercely defended her beloved. Even if others were superior to her lover, she would never speak a single ill word about him, never harbor a doubt, never waver in her conviction!

It seemed that for her entire life, there was only one person: Mo Junye!

That was all!

This devotion was undoubtedly extreme, yet that very extremity was equally and breathtakingly soul-stirring!

Jun Moxie, a man who had lived two lifetimes, traversing to the Xuanxuan Continent, had always managed things smoothly. Even when encountering sudden difficulties, he could overcome them with his own wisdom and power. But the dilemma today was one that neither intellect nor overwhelming Xuan power could resolve. The usually resourceful Evil Monarch was utterly helpless, completely at a loss.

Although Mei Xueyan had offered a relatively viable direction, for Jun Moxie, it was far easier said than done. Even the most perfect plan remained mere armchair speculation, likely nothing more than his own wistful desire.....

Before this, hadn’t he also imagined that if he revealed the truth to Miao Xiaomiao, she might be momentarily displeased, but their genuine affection would still lead her to forgive and accept him!

Yet, he had consistently overlooked the fact that her true beloved was Mo Junye, not Jun Moxie!

With the truth laid bare, to Miao Xiaomiao, Jun Moxie was absolutely not a lover; he was merely the destroyer of her love, the murderer who had slain the one she cherished most—the deepest hatred of her life.

Perhaps this phrasing was overly harsh, but the sentiment was close enough.

Jun Moxie let out a helpless, long sigh. He watched silently as Mei Xueyan carried Miao Xiaomiao out. Standing by the window, he remained silent for a long time, then suddenly commanded in a deep voice, "See where the banquet below has progressed. If it is nearly concluded, summon the three seniors from the Ethereal Illusion Mansion—Miao Zhan, Miao Dao, and Miao Jian!"

Clearly, Jun Moxie intended to absorb all the subsequent fallout of this incident within the Evil Monarch’s Estate.

Before the words fully faded, someone outside reported, "Reporting to Young Master, the three Sect Masters from the Three Great Sacred Lands—Mo Wudao and the others—are in the reception hall, wishing to meet with the Estate Master to discuss urgent matters."

Jun Moxie knitted his brows, pondered for a moment, and then said, "In that case, inform them I will be there presently."

Although Jun Moxie currently desired to settle matters with Miao Zhan and the others first, a brief moment of consideration had calmed him somewhat. The current situation was extremely volatile. If he had engaged with the three Miao elders immediately, those elders, despite being displeased by his disguise and infiltration of the Illusion Mansion, would likely have relented if he showed sufficient sincerity and promised Miao Xiaomiao a sufficient status and standing.

Never mind that in Miao Xiaomiao’s eyes, Mo Junye had vanished forever because of Jun Moxie. To the Miao family, and indeed to the entire Illusion Mansion, Mo Junye and Jun Moxie were merely two different names.

As long as the person remained the same, there was no issue. This was the reality of super-powers, noble clans, and established families!

If Jun Moxie had proceeded with that approach, the matter would undoubtedly have developed far more smoothly than the current trajectory, perhaps without any turbulence whatsoever. Following that path, the only person to suffer would have been Miao Xiaomiao—she would have borne the dual blow of being deceived by the one she loved most and betrayed by her own clan!

But for a powerful clan, even if Miao Xiaomiao was their most cherished daughter, she could never outweigh the value of an alliance with the Evil Monarch’s Estate.

Alas, Jun Moxie’s feelings for Miao Xiaomiao were genuine; he could not face his woman with calculated utility, and thus, he chose to tell her the difficult truth first.

It was true affection that had created this tragic predicament!

If the three Miao elders were to learn of Miao Xiaomiao’s current state right now, they would certainly not treat him kindly, and his own mood was already agitated, his inner frustration boiling over. If a conflict were to erupt between them, it would only worsen the situation.

It was better to meet with the Three Great Sacred Lands first; perhaps using the opportunity to vent some of his fiery temper would be beneficial.

Young Master Jun arrived at the smaller reception room, finding only three seated within: Mo Wudao, Xi Ruochen, and Hu Yan Aobo.

In Jun Moxie’s current estimation, the cultivation of any one of these three Sect Masters was not particularly high. Even if they joined forces, Jun Moxie was confident he could strike them down swiftly! However, the sheer audacity to dispatch only the three of them, sitting here alone, demonstrated a massive degree of sincerity. This was undoubtedly a calculated gesture!

This was the Evil Monarch’s Estate, and moreover, the dawn of its establishment. They were certain that Jun Moxie, the Evil Monarch, would not dare to harm the three of them. Had the meeting been held within the territories of the Three Great Sacred Lands, or at their headquarters, they might not have been so confident.

Daring to act boldly on his turf while lacking confidence on their own turf—this was a curious phenomenon.

"Estate Master Jun is truly a man of great talent and foresight, achieving so much at such a young age. In just a short year, you have transformed from an ordinary noble house in the secular world, where one had to tread carefully for self-preservation, into a super-power whose slightest movement shakes the world! Though we belong to opposing factions, I cannot help but express my admiration!" Mo Wudao chuckled, adding, "Because if it were I, I confess I could never achieve such a feat."

While his words held genuine praise, they were merely an opener. Given his status, such flattery signaled that the conversation was off to a good start!

Unfortunately, the timing of his compliment was terrible. Young Master Jun was currently brimming with unvented fury. Hearing this, his eyelids rolled back, and he sneered coldly, "Of course, you couldn't! Because you are Mo Wudao, and I am Jun Moxie! It is wise of you not to compare yourself to me; you show a decent measure of self-awareness!"

This intensely barbed remark nearly caused Mo Wudao to spit blood on the spot!

Mo Wudao had been smiling, anticipating Jun Moxie’s polite response.

It was supposed to be "give a plum, receive a peach." Mo Wudao felt he had already adopted a sufficiently humble posture, fully expecting Jun Moxie to respond with modesty before he smoothly steered the conversation to the main topic.

He had never expected such a malicious response! It felt as though Mo Wudao’s attempt at flattery had instead landed him squarely on the horse's leg, only to be kicked hard in return.

This frustration was utterly inexpressible!

"Estate Master Jun! The three of us traveled a great distance not merely to congratulate the Evil Monarch on establishing his estate!" Xi Ruochen frowned slightly and spoke slowly. The implication was clear: if it were only for congratulating the opening of the Evil Monarch’s Estate, they could easily have sent others; the presence of the three Sect Masters was unnecessary.

And indeed, that was the case.

"Oh? So your trip was not specifically to offer congratulations on the establishment of the Evil Monarch's Estate? My apologies, I was presumptuous! May I ask what brings the three of you here? Perhaps you are looking for wives?"

Jun Moxie’s retort this time was even more aggressive—scathing sarcasm was deployed without restraint! They were enemies with no possibility of reconciliation; how could Jun Moxie let them have an easy time? Forget the torrent of anger he was already feeling; even without it, he would show no courtesy whatsoever.

"This is the Heavenly Punishment Forest. Have you taken a liking to any beasts under the Monkey King or the Bear King? If the three of you are too embarrassed to ask, or lack a suitable matchmaker, I, Jun Moxie, would be willing to mediate and act as your go-between. Consider it repayment for your journey to congratulate my Evil Monarch’s Estate on its founding. Though I know this is beneath my station, you need not be overly flattered; I am a very reasonable person!"

Seeing him behave like a rabid dog, spitting senseless nonsense that sounded eerily plausible, the three felt indignant. They had truly never encountered a Sect Master so devoid of leadership bearing! He behaved no better than a common hoodlum!

While lamenting this, they also felt a strange sense of relief that only the four of them were present. Had the conversation taken place in the main hall just moments ago, how could the three of them have maintained their dignity? And who knew how the remark about "finding wives" might have been twisted and embellished!

The three realized that if they dragged the argument out further, a massive battle was imminent. Hu Yan Aobo, his face grim, finally spoke, "Estate Master Jun! You must understand that the main purpose of our visit is the peace of the Xuanxuan Continent and the tranquility of all living beings! The impending Battle of Seizing Heaven, which will determine the world's fate, requires us to unite to overcome this crisis! As for the grievances between our four families, perhaps it is not too late to discuss them after the Battle of Seizing Heaven! The world comes first; what are some minor personal grudges!"

"The Xuanxuan Continent?! All living beings?! What do they have to do with me?" Jun Moxie rolled his eyes, his eyebrows shooting up, and retorted without reservation, "Am I not one of the living beings of this world? But when I was humiliated, hunted, and my family was ruined back then, where were all you so-called righteous folk who claim to protect the world’s beings? Now that my power has grown, now that my wings are hard, you demand that I save the world and bring peace to the continent? Do I have such an obligation? 'The World'?!

"'The World' has given me nothing; why should I give anything to 'The World'!"