C692 Crazy Decision!

The mastermind remained unseen, despite the crowd's astonishment. The dense purple mist that enveloped them was, in fact, not the Soul-Igniting Mist.

Everyone who had breathed in the mist was gripped by panic, convinced they were facing certain death, yet they all emerged unscathed.

The question that baffled everyone was why the Soul-Igniting Mist seemed to have a will of its own, targeting those who were after Yu Yuan.

The shaken crowd dispersed around Cloud Lake, with members of the seven lower sects' training halls and streets wearing grave expressions as they pondered the situation.

The suspicion that had been directed at Yu Yuan, fueled by Qi Jinghai's actions, suddenly seemed less pressing.

Even Fung Xiujuan of the Ebon Star Sect, who had been among the most agitated, miraculously calmed down upon learning that the purple mist was not the Soul-Igniting Mist.

In the eerie silence that followed, Liu Ying, the wielder of the Fallen Star Eyes, spoke up softly: "Those who left the city have now returned."

At her words, all eyes turned toward the southern gate of Afnetalos.

Those with the ability of Spirit Walk ascended to get a better view and saw the sorry state of the returnees – some ashen-faced, others bloodied, and many with spirits crushed.

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

Even a Solar Spirit powerhouse like Ditdite had perished shortly after departing. The survivors owed their lives either to sheer luck or to Tan Junshan, who had emerged to escort them part of the way.

Without Tan Junshan's intervention, it's likely that none of the adventurers would have survived.

"Since it's not the Soul-Igniting Mist, and since some have returned, let's put aside the issue with Yu Yuan for now," Chen Langzhi said to Fung Xiujuan, his voice steady and serious. "Our immediate priority should be unity. The Chen family will investigate the origins of the Soul-Igniting Mist and identify who released it. Just give us some time."

Fung Xiujuan, her eyes alternating between flashes of intensity and concealed fear, paused to consider before turning silently and making her way back to the Azure Vault.

With their leader gone, the rest of the accusers, who had been clamoring for justice, lost their zeal and, one by one, returned to the Azure Vault.

"She's afraid."

Once Fung Xiujuan had departed, Jin Xiaolie of the Chamber of Commerce sneered. "Regardless of who unleashed the purple mist in secret, they're clearly allied with Yu Yuan. They managed to summon the mist and target the accusers with precision. Yet Fung Xiujuan was oblivious to it all, which only proves that Yu Yuan's clandestine ally is much more powerful than she is."

He paused briefly.

Jin Xiaolie added, "Her boldness in disregarding us stems from her belief that we are at the same level of cultivation and thus unable to touch her. Moreover, she draws confidence from her backing—the Ebon Star Sect."

"She's unaware of the identity of the one lurking in the shadows. Even if she were killed, she might die without knowing who it was. The fear of an unknown, more powerful figure who could end her life at any moment is real to her."

Despite his rough and impulsive demeanor, Jin Xiaolie offered a sharp and clear analysis of Fung Xiujuan's state of mind.

Chen Langzhi gave a slight nod in agreement. "Yu Yuan, for now... stay away from the Azure Vault. Remain here at the Chamber's branch office. I'll leverage the Chen family's resources to uncover the origins of the Soul-Igniting Mist within 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 and shot into Cloud Lake.

In a flash, the light reached the lake's depths, and his remnant soul unfurled like a web, meticulously probing for the secrets hidden beneath.

"Yu Yuan!"

"Yu Yuan!"

From the seven lower sect training halls, Zhan Tianxiang, Zhao Yafu, Xie Bin, and others beckoned and called out.

As Yu Yuan looked at them, reflecting on Fung Xiujuan's earlier confrontation and the strange situation in Afnetalos, a daring and wild idea took root in his mind.

He took a deep breath, summoned the Crucible of Evil, and stepped inside. Gliding over Cloud Lake, he approached Zhao Yafu and the rest.

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

"Fung Xiujuan was convinced by Qi Jinghai," Xie Bin said with a stern face. "Partly because you assisted me in refining my heaven soul, and partly..." He trailed off, casting a glance at Liu Ying in the distance.

Yu Yuan felt a stir in his heart as he finally recalled that this member of the Thunder Sect had harbored admiration for Liu Ying for many years.

Back in the Scarlet Dunes, Qu Jing from the Ethereal Void Sect had used his own life as leverage to coerce Liu Ying, hoping to play matchmaker between her and Qi Jinghai. He wouldn't have minded stirring up a scandal if it served his purpose.

And there had been whispers and gossip about Yu Yuan and Liu Ying ever since their time in the Embers Sea.

"Qi Jinghai is full of devious schemes. He doesn't show his face, just stirs the pot from behind the scenes, rallying many to his cause," Zhan Tianxiang ranted. "You've got to watch out for the likes of him. They're like venomous snakes 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 cautioning them to stay vigilant, he encouraged them to head back to the Azure Vault.

"And what about you?" Xie Bin inquired, puzzled.

"I'm not fit to go to the Azure Vault just now. I'd rather not be a target for mischief," Yu Yuan said with a radiant smile. "Don't worry about me. I'll be staying at the Chamber of Commerce branch. Without the spread of the Soul-Igniting Mist, and as long as Afnetalos stands, I'll be safe."

Heeding his advice, the group that had come because of him dispersed, each returning to the Azure Vault.

There, they could cultivate in peace within the training rooms, free from the threat of surprise attacks, and prepare for the looming battle in top form.

Having settled their concerns, Yu Yuan made his way back to the Chamber of Commerce branch, accompanied by Liu Ying and Jin Xiaolie.

Soon after, Chen Langzhi returned from his fruitless search around Cloud Lake, shaking his head in disappointment. "I found nothing," he reported.

Yu Yuan mused that if the one who had attacked him in secret was indeed his past life's dear friend Zu Ann, given Zu Ann's cunning and skill, it would indeed be impossible for Chen Langzhi to uncover any trace.

"I'm planning to leave the city."

Out of nowhere, Yu Yuan dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the room!

"Leave the city?!"

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Can't be serious?"

Jin Xiaolie, Liu Ying, and Chen Langzhi's faces turned ashen as they gasped in disbelief.

"Yu Yuan, has Fung Xiujuan frightened you out of your wits?" Jin Xiaolie couldn't hide his incredulity, shaking his head repeatedly. "Sage Ditdite is dead, Hu Qian from the Thunder Sect is dead, and both the Solar Spirit and the Spirit Walk cultivators are gone. The Ashen Shadowmist outside is being consumed by evil spirits and alien souls. What reason could you possibly have for going out there?"

Liu Ying also raised her voice, "With the Phoenix Skybreak Array in place, no foreign alien souls or goasts can get in. We're safe here. All we need to do is wait until the five great supreme sects can spare the time, and we'll surely be freed. Yu Yuan, don't act rashly. I forbid you from leaving the city!"

She was convinced that Yu Yuan had become disillusioned with the people inside the city, losing his reason, which was why he chose to leave now.

Chen Langzhi also continued to urge him to reconsider.

"My mind is made up," Yu Yuan declared to Chen Langzhi with unwavering conviction. "Please inform the city guards for me; I intend to leave Afnetalos."

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