“Hehehehe…” Lan Xin lowered her head and suddenly let out a sinister laugh. She turned to Mo Changxing and asked, “You’re so protective of Yun Qingxue—do you love her?!”
“Don’t talk nonsense!” A flicker of panic flashed through Mo Changxing’s icy gaze.
He still remembered vividly how, a thousand years ago, his lord father and lady mother had saved him from the jaws of a beast. The memory was as clear as if it had happened yesterday.
That life-saving grace, coupled with the years of nurturing, was a debt he could never repay in this lifetime…
And as for Yun Qingxue—yes, he did love her…
He recalled once when his lord father had casually mentioned that once Lady Mother returned with Qingxue’s reincarnated soul and their family was reunited, they would marry Qingxue to him.
Because Mo Changxing had grown up under their watchful eyes. Entrusting their daughter to him, his lord father had said, would put their hearts at ease…
Those words had been etched into his heart. He had sworn to protect her with his life…
Yet he knew he had no right to be with Yun Qingxue. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her—he simply wasn’t worthy!
Because he was the son of that man! No matter how much he denied it, half of his bloodline belonged to that person!
That tainted bloodline robbed him of any right to pursue a future with Yun Qingxue. But he would silently guard her, watching as she found her own happiness.
“Hmph! Nonsense? What nonsense am I spouting?” Lan Xin raised her head, her face twisted with agitation, a far cry from her usual gentle and composed demeanor.
Her eyes fixed obsessively on Yun Ye as she lamented, “Maybe it’s better that you found out! Do you know how painful it’s been for me to pretend all these years?
I despise—no, I loathe—Lan Xuechen and Yun Qingxue, that wretched mother-daughter pair! Yet I had to act loyal to them in front of you!
I’ve long been sick of it! Do you have any idea how much I hate them, how much I detest them?!
Everyone in the Xuanling Continent praises the Flower King’s unparalleled beauty, her peerless grace…
But who knows what a disgusting core lies beneath that beautiful facade?!
That mother and daughter, using their stunning looks to seduce men, have nearly every man in the Xuanling Continent groveling at their feet—even the lofty, untouchable Divine King couldn’t resist!
They’re nothing but empty shells! Why do so many adore them?! I’ve long been furious!
Back then, it was Lan Xuechen and I who met you together. But you… you were drawn to her pretty face, barely sparing me a glance!
Next to Lan Xuechen’s radiance, I was like a green leaf overshadowed by a red flower—naturally, effortlessly ignored by you!
My feelings, my devotion and love for you—all of it was so easily dismissed by you!
Hahaha…
Yun Ye, do you know how ecstatic I was when the Divine King struck Lan Xuechen dead with his thunder tribulation?!
The only regret I have is that the Divine King didn’t strike Yun Qingxue, that bastard child, dead too… Ah—!”
A gust of violent wind sent Lan Xin crashing into the wall.
“Lan Xin! Do you know why I’ve never liked you?” Yun Ye’s eyes turned blood-red as he spat out each word deliberately: “Because—you—aren’t—even—worthy—of—a—single—strand—of—Xue—Chen’s—hair!
Look at yourself now! Look at the things you’ve done—every single one of them fills me with utter disgust!”
“I only regret… not killing Yun Qingxue, that bas— Ah!” A surge of black energy struck Lan Xin, leaving her gasping in pain.
“What a foul-mouthed old hag! In the end, all of this is just because you harbored an unrequited love for my lord father! Love turned to hatred when you couldn’t have him!
You’ve repeatedly insulted my Demon Clan’s queen and princess. Have you forgotten that you’re a member of the Flower and Wood Clan, while they are its supreme rulers?! Everything you’ve done is treason! You’ll be condemned by thousands, spat upon by all!
Hmph! I suggest you take a good look in the mirror at what you’ve become! Someone like you isn’t even fit to be the lowest-ranking servant in my Demon Clan, let alone its queen!”
With a cold sneer, Mo Changxing turned and ordered, “Guards! Throw this old witch into the Demonfire Purgatory until her soul scatters!”
At his command, two demonic guards entered and dragged the collapsed Lan Xin to her feet.
Two more tendrils of black energy struck her body. She coughed up blood, her past suddenly feeling like a distant haze…
She had spent her entire life obsessively loving a man who didn’t love her back. She had spent her entire life envying and hating the woman who had won his heart. She had spent her entire life scheming against their daughter…
And in the end… she had gained nothing. Even if she had, it would only have been the scorn and curses of everyone.
Yesterday, she had been the exalted Second Elder of the Flower and Wood Clan. Today, she was a powerless prisoner.
“Yun Ye…” As she was dragged away, Lan Xin mustered the last of her strength, her gaze softening as she looked at the man she had devoted her life to, the man she had schemed so desperately to possess. Weakly, she asked, “In all these thousand years… was there ever even a single moment when you liked me?”
“Never!” Yun Ye answered without hesitation.
“Hahahaha…” Lan Xin burst into mad laughter.
Only now did she realize that her lifelong scheming had been for nothing!
After a long pause, her laughter faded, her eyes empty. “A dying man speaks the truth…
I’ve already told Tong Yun about Yun Qingxue’s origins…
The reason we used the Soul-Locking Curse on her instead of killing her outright was twofold: first, to use her to find the Flower King’s Token.
Second, to cripple her and torment her slowly!
Now that I’ve been exposed and captured, if I don’t return soon, Tong Yun will grow suspicious…
And then… she might find a way to reveal Yun Qingxue’s true identity to the Divine King!
The Divine King’s hatred for you is no less than mine for Lan Xuechen! If he learns of Yun Qingxue’s origins…
Hahaha…”
Her laughter turned desolate before she collapsed, unconscious.
Mo Changxing waved his hand, and the two demonic guards carried Lan Xin out without delay.
“Send capable men to keep watch on the Violet Palace of the Flower and Wood Clan day and night. Find a way… to make Tong Yun disappear without a trace!” Yun Ye commanded coldly.
“I’ll see to it at once!” Mo Changxing nodded, then reported, “Master has also obtained a Fire Orchid. He’s taken it straight to the Netherworld to gather the other ingredient, the Green Pearl, by the Naihe Bridge.”
“Good.” Yun Ye nodded. “Take the three herbs we have back to Luoyun Mountain. Be careful on the way!”
“Yes, Lord Father.” Mo Changxing secured the herbs and departed swiftly on the wind.
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