C692 A Crazy Decision!

The mastermind remained unseen, despite everyone's astonishment. The dense purple mist, it turned out, was not the Soul Igniting Nether Fog after all.

Those who breathed in the smoke were consumed by terror, convinced they were doomed, yet they emerged unscathed.

The question that baffled everyone was why the mist, seemingly sentient, specifically targeted those after Yu Yuan.

Shaken, the crowd dispersed around Cloud Lake, with members from the seven lower sects and Dao Houses brooding with grim expressions.

The suspicion that had been directed at Yu Yuan, fueled by Qi Jinghai's actions, began to dissipate significantly.

Even Fung Xiujuan of the Profound Sky Sect, who had been the most vociferous, found herself inexplicably pacified upon learning that the purple mist was not the Soul Igniting Nether Fog.

In the eerie calm that followed, Lau Ying, wielding the Fallen Star Eyes, spoke softly, "Those who left the city have now returned."

Her words drew all eyes to the southern gate of Luan Bird City.

From the vantage point of midair, those at the Soul Wandering Stage could see the sorry figures returning—ashen-faced, bloodied, or utterly disheartened.

Only a quarter of those who had set out made it back.

Even Taoist Qiyu, a mighty Yang God, had perished shortly after departing. The survivors owed their lives to either sheer luck or the intervention of Tan Junshan, who had safeguarded them on their journey.

Without Tan Junshan of the Silver Moon Sect, the fate of those who had ventured out would likely have been total annihilation.

"Since it wasn't the Soul Igniting Nether Fog, and some have returned, perhaps we should hold off on pressing Yu Yuan for now," Chen Langzhi suggested with a deep breath and a solemn tone to Fung Xiujuan. "Our immediate priority should be unity. The Chen family will clarify the origins of the Soul Igniting Nether Fog and identify the culprit. Just give us some time."

Fung Xiujuan, her eyes alternating between flashes of intensity and concealed fear, paused to consider. Then, without a word, she turned and made her way back to the Blue Sky Shrine.

With their leader departing, the rest of the clamorous accusers touched their noses, sensing the futility of their cause, and one by one, they too returned to the Blue Sky Shrine.

"She's scared."

Once Fung Xiujuan had left, Jin Xiaolie of the Chamber of Commerce sneered, "Regardless of who is behind the purple mist, they're clearly allied with Yu Yuan. They can summon and direct the mist with precision to target the accusers. And yet, Fung Xiujuan is oblivious, which only proves that Yu Yuan's secret ally is far more powerful than she is."

He paused briefly before continuing, "Her boldness in dismissing us stems from her belief that we're powerless against her at this level of cultivation. Plus, she draws confidence from her backing—the Profound Sky Sect."

"She's unaware of the identity of the one lurking in the shadows. Even if she were to be killed, she might die not knowing who it was. The fear of an unknown, more powerful adversary, capable of ending her life at any moment, haunts her."

Despite his brusque demeanor, Jin Xiaolie offered a keen analysis of Fung Xiujuan's state of mind.

Chen Langzhi gave a slight nod. "Yu Yuan, for the time being, steer clear of the Blue Sky Shrine. Remain here at the Chamber's branch. I'll leverage the Chen family's resources to uncover the origins of the Soul Igniting Nether Fog that's been released in the city, as well as the identity of the one orchestrating these deceptions from the shadows."

With a whoosh, Chen Langzhi transformed into a streak of light, vanishing into Yun Lake. In the blink of an eye, the light reached the lake's depths, his soul consciousness casting a wide net, meticulously probing for the lakebed's secrets.

"Yu Yuan!"

"Yu Yuan!"

From the seven lower sect Dao Houses, Zhan Tianxiang, Zhao Yafu, and Xie Binn called out, beckoning to him.

Yu Yuan looked at them, his mind racing with the recent confrontation with Fung Xiujuan and the peculiar situation in Luan Bird City, sparking a daring and wild idea.

He took a deep breath, summoned the Evil Cauldron, and stepped inside. Gliding over the lake, he came to a stop before Zhao Yafu and the others.

"Are you okay?" Zhao Yafu asked urgently. "What's the deal with that purple mist? Brother Yu, please be careful!"

"Lau Ying was swayed by Qi Jinghai," Xie Binn said gravely. "It's partly because you assisted me in refining my Heavenly Soul, and also..." He trailed off, casting a glance toward Lau Ying in the distance.

Yu Yuan's mind stirred faintly as he finally recalled that this member of the Thunder Sect had harbored admiration for Lau Ying for many years. Back in the Crimson Desert, Qu Jing of the Spirit Void Sect had leveraged his own life to coerce Lau Ying, aiming to play matchmaker between her and Qi Jinghai. He wouldn't have minded stirring up a scandal if it served his purpose.

Ever since he and Lau Ying had departed the Ember Waters, whispers and gossip had followed them.

"Qi Jinghai is full of schemes. He's the type to stir the pot without showing his face, rallying others to his cause," Zhan Tianxiang railed, his voice laced with contempt. "You need to watch out for these types. They're like vipers lurking in the shadows, ready to strike when you least expect it."

"I'm well aware," Yu Yuan replied with a reassuring smile. After further discussion and urging them to stay vigilant, he advised them to head back to the Blue Sky Shrine.

"What about you?" Xie Binn inquired, puzzled.

"For now, it's best I don't go to the Blue Sky Shrine. I'd rather not be a target for mischief," Yu Yuan said, his smile unwavering. "Don't fret over me. I'll be at the branch office. Without the spread of the Soul Igniting Nether Fog, and as long as Luan Bird City stands, I'll be safe."

Heeding his advice, those who had come for him dispersed back to the Blue Sky Shrine, where they could cultivate in peace, free from the threat of ambush, and prepare for the looming battle in their prime condition.

Having reassured them, Yu Yuan returned to the branch office, accompanied by Lau Ying and Jin Xiaolie.

Before long, Chen Langzhi came back from his fruitless search around Cloud Lake, shaking his head in disappointment. "I found nothing."

Yu Yuan knew that if the assailant was indeed his past-life friend Zu Ann, with his cunning and skill, it would be nearly impossible for Chen Langzhi to uncover any trace.

"I'm planning to leave the city," he announced abruptly, his words dropping like a bombshell.

"Leave the city?!"

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Seriously?"

Jin Xiaolie, Lau Ying, and Chen Langzhi were visibly shaken, their voices echoing their shock.

"Yu Yuan, you haven't been frightened into madness by Fung Xiujuan, have you?" Jin Xiaolie asked, his face a picture of disbelief. "Taoist Qiyu is dead, Hu Chi from the Thunder Sect is dead, and the Yang God and Soul Wandering Stage cultivators have been consumed by demonic entities and the Alien Soul Evil Spirit. Why on earth would you venture outside?"

Lau Ying raised her voice, "With the Ascension Array in place, Alien Soul Evil Spirits can't penetrate our defenses. We're safe here. All we need to do is wait. Once the five great supreme sects are able to intervene, we'll surely break free from this siege. Yu Yuan, please don't act rashly. I forbid you from leaving the city!"

She believed that Yu Yuan had become disillusioned and irrational, his heart grown cold towards many within the city walls.

Chen Langzhi also continued to urge restraint.

"My mind is set," Yu Yuan declared to Chen Langzhi with unwavering conviction, "Please do me the favor of notifying the city guards. I intend to depart from Luan Bird City!"

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