Chapter 233

Chapter 233: First, Let’s Discuss Reasoning

The stone chamber contained only a single platform holding a small tray. Upon this tray lay a Black Pearl emitting tendrils of dark Presence. Above the pearl floated a Phantom—a black-clad man with a pockmarked, moon-like face, eyes closed in slumber.

“This… it’s an inner dan!” Xiao Man blurted out.

“What inner dan?” You You asked.

“A demon immortal’s inner dan!” Xiao Man explained. “Unlike ordinary people who shed their mortal forms during Ascension, demon immortals retain their inner dans after attaining immortal bodies. These dans hold their lifelong Cultivation, making demon immortals stronger than ordinary immortals at the same level. But if the dan breaks, the demon immortal dies. That’s why they never remove it.”

“So this demon immortal has fallen?” You You frowned. “But there’s still vitality in this dan!”

“It’s strange—the master of this dan is clearly alive. They must’ve removed it intentionally.” Hiding it here with so many formations meant they wanted to protect it. But why remove it at all?

You You felt she’d grasped a clue but couldn’t piece it together. Suddenly, the chamber shook violently, debris raining down.

“What’s happening?” Xiao Man cried.

“Someone activated all the underwater formations!” You You glanced around. “This place is collapsing!”

“We need to leave!” Xiao Man tugged her toward the exit.

“Wait!” You You waved a hand, storing the pearl in her storage bag. “Let’s go!” Whatever it was, better take it.

They sprinted back through the chambers into the churning pool. The water seethed with activated formations—electric currents and whirlpools lit the depths. Protected by the invincible circle, they ascended. Nearing the Water Surface, You You turned. “Xiao Man, stay inside the circle. Don’t move!”

“But—”

“Trust me.” You You patted her head, then shot upward via sword control.

Xiao Man hovered anxiously in the Kun’s Phantom as formations swarmed.

You You expected Ming Ye’s ambush above. Instead, she breached the surface into an inferno. The sky blazed crimson, red lotuses blooming amidst flames. A fiery figure—Feng Rong—glared at three human gods.

“Feng Rong!” You You called.

The figure streaked down, materializing beside her. “You You!” He scanned her urgently before crushing her in a hug. “Three days—you said three days!”

“I’m fine. Delayed.” She patted his back. “Explain later.”

Feng Rong relaxed slightly, turning as Ming Ye and two others descended.

“You escaped the pond?” Ming Ye sneered.

“Your formations were weak,” You You retorted.

Ming Ye’s glare shifted to Feng Rong, but a shrill voice cut through: “Who disturbs my Seventh Heavenly Layer?”

A woman in resplendent robes descended on auspicious clouds—Heavenly Emperor Hong Fei. Male celestial lords trailed her, followed by bowing fairy maids.

The crowd knelt. “Greetings, Emperor!”

Hong Fei surveyed the scorched Sacred Pond. “Explain this!”

Ming Ye stepped forward. “This newly ascended celestial maiden trespassed into Ye Yang Palace to steal sacred pond water.”

“Invaded your palace?!” Hong Fei fretted. “Are you harmed, Ye Lang?”

“I’m unharmed,” Ming Ye said.

Hong Fei’s gaze snapped to You You, venomous. “A lower realm wretch dares defy us?!”

“Say that again—” Feng Rong lunged, but You You yanked him back.

“Seventh Heavenly Emperor,” You You clasped her hands. “I’m You You, sect master of Zhen Yan Sect. The lower realm’s celestial maidens suffer a Blood Curse—only sacred pond water can cure it. That’s why I’m here.”