After all, even if the Profound Heaven Continent were willing to reconcile and coexist peacefully, those extraterrestrial demons would never agree to treat as equals a group they once regarded as inferiors, slaves, or even livestock.
Yet, despite the enmity between the two sides, a small fraction of deranged individuals on the Profound Heaven Continent still idolize those self-proclaimed superior demons. While Huangfu Yichen and others at the pinnacle of the continent have never personally encountered such people, they’ve certainly heard rumors. They may not understand why anyone would worship the demons, but they know such fanatics exist.
Thus, it’s impossible to outright dismiss any connection between the cult Chun Tao belongs to and the demons. However, if the demons have indeed struck a deal with Rong Nianxin, then the root of the problem likely lies with Chun Tao.
The Rong family had been investigated—they were just an ordinary family, albeit wealthier and slightly more influential than most. And Rong Nianxin’s previous actions had nearly wiped out the entire Rong lineage. If not for the timely intervention of the Flowing Cloud Merchant Guild, which had been monitoring the situation, the Rong family would have been left with no one but Rong Nianxin.
So, the suspicion still falls heavily on Chun Tao and her cult.
Based on Rong Nianxin’s movements and timeline, the group deduced she would likely attend the imperial capital’s grand celebration. Security measures had to be tightened to prevent innocent bystanders from being dragged into danger. Meanwhile, the remaining Rong family members had been placed under house arrest for further investigation.
Though the Rong family’s involvement seemed unlikely, they couldn’t be ignored. The truth often lay hidden in the most overlooked details.
Ying Qiyun, Fu Yuming, and Fu Yuanjing were dispatched to probe Rong Nianxin, while Yin Jiu remained hidden in the capital, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As for why Ying Qiyun, Fu Yuming, and Fu Yuanjing were chosen—that had everything to do with who Rong Nianxin had attached herself to on her way to the capital.
Fu Yuming was the third young master of the Flowing Cloud Merchant Guild, with two elder brothers and an elder sister. The man Rong Nianxin had ensnared was none other than Fu Yuming’s second brother.
Among the three Fu brothers, the eldest, Fu Yuqiong, was steady, shrewd, and accomplished in cultivation, commerce, and diplomacy—an exemplary heir. The third, Fu Yuming, was aloof and elegant, with a sharp business mind but little interest in socializing, often delegating such matters to his personal steward.
The second brother, Fu Yuge, however, was the complete opposite—a carefree, unrestrained libertine who prided himself on being a connoisseur of beauty, flitting from one romantic entanglement to another. He despised constraints and had no interest in inheriting the family business, preferring to roam freely on his share of the profits.
Since Fu Yuge loathed responsibility and Fu Yuming preferred running small ventures over social obligations, neither posed a threat to the eldest brother’s succession. Thanks to the Fu family’s strong upbringing, the brothers shared a deep bond.
And the man Rong Nianxin had entangled herself with? That very same second brother, Fu Yuge.
Fu Yuming: *Not surprised in the slightest.*
Thus, Ying Qiyun disguised himself as one of Fu Yuming’s attendants while Fu Yuming took the lead in probing Rong Nianxin. Since Fu Yuming and Fu Yuge were brothers, their interaction wouldn’t arouse suspicion.
When Fu Yuming had informed his family about the demons, Fu Yuge had been off gallivanting somewhere, completely unaware of Rong Nianxin’s true nature. Given her beauty, it was no wonder the unsuspecting second brother had fallen into her trap.
Meanwhile, Fu Yuge was escorting Rong Nianxin toward the capital.
Rong Nianxin had always been striking—a mature soul in a youthful body, exuding an alluring blend of innocence and sophistication. Now, with her newfound cultivation, she radiated an even more bewitching charm.
Their meeting had been pure chance—a roadside bandit encounter where Fu Yuge played the gallant hero. Discovering they shared the same destination, they continued their journey together.
Fu Yuge didn’t mind. He’d been rushing to the capital under his father’s orders, leaving his usual entourage of beauties behind. Having a lovely companion like Rong Nianxin was a pleasant diversion.
Though a flirt, Fu Yuge had been raised with respect for women. He treated Rong Nianxin as nothing more than an exquisite ornament—admired but never forced.
As Fu Yuming traveled outward from the capital and Fu Yuge inward, the two parties eventually met at an inn in a small town.
Spotting his beloved younger brother, Fu Yuge waved cheerfully. “Ah, has my dearest third brother come to greet me in person? I’m moved to tears!”
Used to his brother’s theatrics, Fu Yuming didn’t even blink as he took a seat beside him, while Fu Yuanjing and Ying Qiyun stood behind him.
Accepting a cup of tea from Fu Yuge, Fu Yuming glanced at Rong Nianxin. “With such beauty by your side, Second Brother, I doubt you’d spare a thought for who greets you.”
Fu Yuge slung an arm around his shoulder. “Now, now, don’t be unfair! Though beauty is precious and freedom priceless, for family, I’d forsake both! How could I not be overjoyed to see you?”
The brothers then launched into lively conversation. Fu Yuge, well-traveled and charismatic, had endless tales to share, while Fu Yuming, though reserved, was an attentive listener. Their exchange flowed effortlessly.
Initially, Fu Yuge tried to include Rong Nianxin, not wanting her to feel excluded. But under Fu Yuming’s subtle guidance—and given her limited worldly experience—she struggled to keep up.
Behind her sweet, composed smile, Rong Nianxin’s hands clenched tighter, her humiliation and resentment growing. The goodwill she’d felt toward Fu Yuge for his kindness swiftly soured into indignation at being sidelined.
Unseen by her, Ying Qiyun and Fu Yuanjing exchanged a knowing glance before lowering their heads again. The table’s atmosphere remained cordial, but beneath the surface, tension simmered—everyone but Fu Yuge had ulterior motives.
When the meal ended, Rong Nianxin retired to her own room, while the others dispersed to theirs. True to his generous nature, Fu Yuge had arranged comfortable lodgings for all. He and Fu Yuming shared a room, settling in for a brotherly chat.
Though pampered heirs, neither was unaccustomed to hardship. If needed, they could endure rough conditions without complaint.
Once inside, Fu Yuge leaned in conspiratorially. “Third Brother, something feels off today. Are you hiding something from me?”
Fu Yuming had expected his brother’s sharp instincts. Despite his playboy persona, Fu Yuge was no fool.
Feigning nonchalance, Fu Yuming replied, “You’re overthinking it. Everything’s perfectly normal.”
Fu Yuge stared at him dubiously. *Really now?*
Not wanting to risk a slip-up, Fu Yuming deftly changed the subject. Though puzzled, Fu Yuge played along while Fu Yuming resorted to writing notes to explain the situation.
As the truth unfolded, Fu Yuge’s shock grew. He’d only been away briefly, yet so much had happened.
*The world moves too fast for me.*
Now understanding Fu Yuming’s caution—avoiding detection by Rong Nianxin, even eschewing protective barriers—Fu Yuge matched his brother’s discretion. Their conversation continued aloud about trivial matters while their hands conveyed graver truths.
Once fully briefed, Fu Yuge’s attraction to Rong Nianxin evaporated. Were it not for the need to avoid alerting her, he’d have thrown her out immediately.
But this concerned the fate of the Profound Heaven Continent and the extraterrestrial demons. For all his recklessness, Fu Yuge knew when to prioritize duty. As the second heir of the Flowing Cloud Merchant Guild, he understood restraint and deception—and could execute both flawlessly.
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