Chapter 217

Chapter 217: Unexplained Hostility

Qin Hong’s face turned paler as she stared at the furious Feng Rong, struggling to speak. "I did enter that space… but I didn’t go willingly. I was summoned there!"

"What?!" Feng Rong froze, then his rage flared hotter. "Lies! My entire clan sleeps deeply. Who could summon you? And that Lightning Feather—your injuries clearly show you stole it and suffered backlash!" The dormant Feng Clan couldn’t resist, but their divine phoenix bodies tempted even immortals, let alone mortals.

"I didn’t! I don’t understand…" Blood trickled faster from Qin Hong’s lips. "But… I speak truth!"

"Still lying? You court death—" Red light sparked in Feng Rong’s palms as if to burn her alive.

"Feng Rong!" You You grabbed his arm firmly. "Let her finish!"

Feng Rong glanced at You You, grip tightening before releasing.

Qin Hong crumpled to the ground, coughing violently. Elder Hang Ye and others rushed to support her, channeling spiritual energy while glaring at Feng Rong.

Ignoring them, You You fixed her gaze on Qin Hong. "Celestial Maiden Qin. You owe us answers."

Qin Hong fought down bloody coughs, meeting Feng Rong’s glare. "I… went to Wushan. But I did nothing wrong!"

"Hah!" Feng Rong scoffed. "Your sudden cultivation boost and that Lightning Feather prove otherwise! The Thunder Phoenix’s feather couldn’t leave our Sacred Tree space unless stolen. How else did you get it?!"

"You claim it’s the Feng Clan’s Sacred Tree. How could a mortal enter divine territory?" Qin Hong retorted before coughing blood again.

Feng Rong hesitated. The Sacred Tree space required Feng Clan guidance to enter. After Qiu Yao’s betrayal, he’d layered the entrance with powerful seals—unbreakable even by gods.

When Feng Rong stayed silent, Qin Hong turned to You You, bitterness in her eyes. "I admit I dislike you. Qin Yan fell because of you! She was my only friend… Qiu Yao deserved death, but not her!"

"I never believed your story about Qiu Yao’s defiance causing her fall. When I last saw her, she had years left! I’ve investigated her death ever since… That’s why I went to Wushan."

Qin Hong’s eyes reddened. "I sought truth, nothing more! Now that you’ve caught me, kill me if you must—but first tell me: How did Qin Yan truly die? You became immortal sect leader after defeating Qiu Yao. Can you swear you’ve hidden nothing?"

"Nonsense!" Feng Rong snapped. "You think You You murdered Qin Yan?!"

"I said no such thing!" Qin Hong shot back. "But the Zhen Yan Sect gained most from this. Shouldn’t I question it?"

"Enough." You You pulled Feng Rong back, studying Qin Hong’s hostile gaze. "I did conceal parts of Qin Yan’s story."

Qin Hong’s eyes flashed vindication.

"You want truth?" You You stepped closer, irritation rising. "Then hear it. But words alone won’t convince you." She turned to Yuan Qi. "Yuan Papa, isn’t there a memory-sharing spell?"

"Mind Transmission," Yuan Qi nodded. "I’ll handle it."

He touched Qin Hong’s forehead, flooding her mind with memories of Qiu Yao and Qin Yan’s final day.

Qin Hong’s face shifted—anger, confusion, shock, then numb despair. "This…?"

"I omitted most truths from my official account," You You stated. "Not just details—the three forced resets of our world."

Qin Hong gaped, reeling.

Qiu Yao’s madness… countless deaths… She finally understood why You You told sects only of Qiu Yao’s failed resurrection attempt.

She’d blamed You You for smearing Qin Yan’s name posthumously. But the horrific truth made this cover-up merciful. Though innocent, Qin Yan’s role in granting Qiu Yao destructive power through her Merits would’ve made her reviled alongside him.

Qin Hong shuddered. Her friend—who’d cherished the Immortal Realm, gentle even to mortals—nearly became history’s villain.