Chapter 230

Chapter 230: The Legendary Pool

"You You, my friend…" Xiao Man stopped before an Immortal Palace, her expression conflicted. Panic surged in her eyes as her earlier fervor cooled into regret.

She shouldn’t have acted so rashly. Knowing the dangers of Ye Ming Palace, she’d foolishly agreed to bring You You for sacred pond water. Despite You You’s capabilities, she was just a newly ascended immortal. Ming Ye was a Divine Lord—even the upper heavenly layers held few who could oppose him.

If caught alone, Xiao Man might’ve repaid her life-debt. But dragging her savior into peril? What madness had made her agree to this plan?

“That’s Ye Ming Palace.” Xiao Man pointed ahead, gripping You You’s arm. “Wait outside while I retrieve the water.”

“We’re already here.” You You shrugged. “If trouble comes, distance won’t save me.”

Xiao Man gritted her teeth, thrusting a token into her hand. “Stay behind me. Don’t speak.”

They approached the entrance, guarded by two male immortals who leered at Xiao Man. “Back so late, Celestial Xiao Man?” one sneered, scanning her with vulgar interest.

The other smirked. “Should’ve become my fairy maid. Spared yourself this hardship.” He reached for her face.

Xiao Man stared coldly. “The Divine Lord awaits my report. Dare you delay me?”

The guards exchanged glances and stepped aside, though one spat, “Pride comes before a fall.”

Xiao Man strode past. You You clenched her fists, disgusted—these Seventh Layer males paled next to Old Four’s followers. Swallowing anger, she followed.

Expressionless female immortals hurried past as they reached the palace’s heart, where water echoed.

“The Huanzhe Sacred Pond.” Xiao Man whispered, tense. “Beware formations. Grab the water and flee.”

Nodding, You You advanced. A vast pool appeared, fed by a cascading stream. Pristine energy hung thick, yet the water chilled her fingers—oddly tainted.

“Hurry!” Xiao Man urged.

Bottle filled, You You turned—until a splash erupted. She yanked Xiao Man aside as icy mist froze the ground behind them.

A familiar voice drawled, “Leaving so soon?”

Ming Ye emerged bare-chested from the pond, hair dripping. “To think the celestial maiden infiltrated my palace.” His smile chilled.

“Divine Lord Ming Ye!” Xiao Man paled, stumbling back.

You You steadied her, then dumped the bottle. “Ugh! Bathwater!” She shook it disdainfully. “Wrong pond!”

Ming Ye’s smirk faltered. “Three days here, and you’ve bewitched my fairy maid.” His glare shifted to Xiao Man. “Betrayal over a broken contract spell?”

“You knew?!” Xiao Man trembled.

“All spells here are mine.” Ming Ye sneered. “Each female immortal’s soul lamp binds their original spirit to the Seventh Layer. Escape is impossible.”

“Lies!”

Ming Ye flicked a hand sign. Xiao Man choked blood, celestial energy unraveling as she collapsed.