Chapter One Hundred: The Grand Hall of the Holy Star City Temple

In the dark forest, a group of beasts, neither wolves nor tigers, roamed. Their number exceeded a thousand, and atop the largest beast sat two individuals.

"What are you seeking the Blood-Soaked Qilin for?" one of the beasts dared to ask, addressing the deity directly, indicating a strained relationship between them and the White Jade Tiger Wolf Beasts.

"Why? Do you have conflicts with it?" replied the deity calmly.

"Not long ago, we were planning to migrate to the eastern forest, but we were intercepted by a group of black-clad people. Because of their overwhelming strength, I chose to retreat to protect my people. On my way back, I saw it leading a large number of beasts southward. When I approached to ask why, its response was to mind my own business. I know it's just a coward, letting those humans occupy our territory even though it's a deity," the king of the beasts vented his frustration.

The White Jade Tiger Wolf Beasts were powerful in territorial rights but not foolish.

"Don't worry, I'll make them pay sooner or later," assured the deity. "I trust you, Your Excellency. Back then, you were able to rival three beast kings single-handedly. I admire you," praised one of the beasts.

Yuzixi, astonished, commented, "Mommy, you're amazing!"

Yunchuxue smiled but remained silent.

Meanwhile, in the recently built grand palace of the Holy Star City, Yunziqi summoned leaders of major sects and prominent figures of the empire.

Before Yunziqi appeared, the attendees discussed why the sect leader had called them here today.

Most of these people Yunchuxue knew, including the heads and elders of the five major sects, the emperor of the empire, the holy elders, and even the prime minister. But there were a few unfamiliar faces to her.

A handsome young man stood at the forefront with a firm gaze, exuding confidence.

At that moment, Yunziqi walked in from the side and sat directly on the chair.

The crowd was stunned, wearing expressions of disbelief.

"Yunziqi? What are you doing here?" questioned Nangongli loudly.

"Who do you think I am?" Yunziqi replied calmly.

The handsome young man immediately half-knelt and bowed, saying, "Silent Extinguishment pays respects to the sect leader."

Suddenly, everyone realized that Yunziqi was the leader of the Holy Sect. They all kneeled down in unison.

"Please rise," Yunziqi said.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

"Today, I have two things to discuss. First, all the disciples and soldiers trained by each of you in the past eight years, who are above the realm of Saint King, will be sent to the front line for reinforcement. Of course, this includes all of you. I will send someone to assist you."

Assist? It was probably more like supervision, most of them thought.

"Sect Leader, there are already over four million soldiers on the front line. Won't sending more soldiers and Saint Masters be overkill?" questioned Gusunyuyan.

Yunziqi stared at Gusunyuyan sharply and said, "Are you questioning me?"

"No, no, we just want to know the reason," Gusunyuyan replied hastily.

"Alright, then I'll tell you. It's because Yunchuxue has returned," Yunziqi announced.

The crowd sweated at the thought of Yunchuxue's revenge.

Meanwhile, Silent Extinguishment looked down on them disdainfully, acting aloof.

"What are you laughing at?" asked Yuwenzhanhua.

"Just a mere woman makes you all so scared. Yet you call yourselves lords of the land," Silent Extinguishment sneered.

"You..."

"Enough," commanded Yunziqi, silencing the room. "Let's move on to the second matter." Then, he said softly to someone by the side door, "Yueru, come in."

Shen Yueru walked out and sat beside Yunziqi, who embraced her affectionately.

"You should know our identities. Therefore, the second matter is this," Yunziqi pointed at Silent Extinguishment. "From now on, you will be my wife's personal guard. If any harm befalls her, you will be quartered."

"Yes, I will not fail your trust," Silent Extinguishment replied.

Shen Yueru recognized Silent Extinguishment because they had once killed Tang Mingyuan together.

"Now that Luoyang is dead and the Western Yun Empire was supposed to have collapsed according to plan, but because of Yunchuxue, it has managed to hold on until now. From now on, I will be in seclusion in the Holy Star City. Unless it's something related to my wife's safety, handle everything else yourselves. Eight years, I'll give you eight years. If you can't settle things within that time, you'll accompany the Western Yun Empire in its burial," Yunziqi concluded with gravity.

The room fell into silence as everyone knelt tremblingly.

"Go and prepare," commanded Yunziqi.

"Yes."

After everyone withdrew, Silent Extinguishment remained motionless. Yunziqi asked, "Silent Extinguishment, why aren't you leaving?"

"Master, I am currently my lady's personal guard. Since she hasn't left yet, I cannot leave," he replied.

"Hahaha, you're quite amusing. It was a good decision for Father to leave you to me," Yunziqi chuckled.

Later, Yunziqi went into seclusion, while Shen Yueru walked the streets of the Holy Star City. Silent Extinguishment followed behind. Soldiers and disciples of the demonic cult were everywhere. As they walked, Shen Yueru said, "Your name is Silent Extinguishment, right?"

"Yes, my lady."

"When we dealt with Tang Mingyuan together, you weren't this restrained," Shen Yueru said with a smile.

"Forgive me, my lady. At that time, the master had not acknowledged his identity, so I spoke more freely. Please forgive my current demeanor," Silent Extinguishment explained.

It seemed Silent Extinguishment understood Yunziqi's identity and acted accordingly, adapting to the situation.

"Speak more freely with me. Your current manner makes me uncomfortable," Shen Yueru said.

"Understood."

"Do you know his plans?" Shen Yueru asked.

Silent Extinguishment shook his head. "I'm not sure of the master's plans. He once told me that after completing his task, if he survives, he will spend the rest of his life in a quiet place without disturbance. As for what that task is, the master has never told me."

"I see. How long have you been with him?"

"Over a century."

"A century? But he's not that old," Shen Yueru was puzzled, but Silent Extinguishment didn't elaborate, only saying, "The master will explain to you later."

"Alright."

They walked until they reached a teahouse. Inside, there were disciples of the demonic cult. Upon seeing Shen Yueru, they immediately knelt and greeted, "Greetings to the Lady of the Sect."

"Please rise," Shen Yueru said.

One of the disciples respectfully asked, "What tea would the lady like to drink? We have various types here."

"Spring Thoughts."

"Yes, I'll arrange it right away."

Shen Yueru found a seat by the window and gestured for Silent Extinguishment to sit opposite her. Watching the soldiers coming and going outside, she asked, "Silent Extinguishment, how loyal are you to Yunziqi?"

"I would go through fire and water for him. If my lady is in danger, I will stand in front of her," Silent Extinguishment replied firmly and eloquently.

"You are a loyal subordinate," Shen Yueru said with a faint smile.

"Decades ago, when my sister was alive, she often taught me that one should not forget their roots. I entered the Spiritual Master Pavilion at a very young age based on talent alone, but talent is fleeting. As I grew older, I realized that what I cared about was not strength, but the people I wanted to protect. Since the day my sister passed away, I swore to become the best in the world, but things didn't go as planned. When I was about to break through to the Saint God realm, I injured my foundation, which has prevented me from advancing to the Spiritual God realm until now," Silent Extinguishment explained.

Then Shen Yueru turned her head and asked, "Do you know about the relationship between my sister and Yunchuxue?"

"I've heard a bit, my lady."

"In fact, I don't blame her for harming my sister. My sister said at the time, 'Don't blame her,' not wanting us to become enemies. When I asked Yunziqi to help me kill Yunchuxue, I regretted it. I was afraid she would die. She was my sister's best friend. I just wanted her to leave, to leave my world forever. Yet she came back. That day when she called me, I wanted to go with her, but I have done too much evil, and I cannot repay it."