195. Goddess of the Lake

Wu Ziki and Ming Hao stood at the entrance of Pian Ran's estate, exchanging a silent glance before pushing open the gate.

The night was still and heavy, the world cloaked in darkness—yet the estate glowed under the soft, ethereal light of the Night Flowers blooming all around.

Stepping inside, they shut the gate behind them, their movements deliberate.

Another glance.

A silent nod passed between them.

Though neither spoke, their shared unease was palpable—an unspoken understanding that they were being watched.

But by whom?

The feeling coiled around them, yet their searching eyes found no one lurking in the shadows.

They pressed forward, their focus shifting to the back door of Pian Ran's house.

Just as they raised their hands to knock—

The door swung inward on its own.

A woman in flowing white robes stood within, her expression unreadable.

"Come in. The Goddess is expecting you."

Neither Wu Ziki nor Ming Hao hesitated.

They nodded, stepping across the threshold.

The moment they entered, the door closed behind them—soundless, absolute.

Perched upon the roof, Li Wen observed in silence.

He had noticed them the moment they approached the back gate.

At first, he dismissed them—just more humans seeking an audience with Pian Ran.

But then, something caught his attention.

Neither carried even the faintest trace of Pian Ran's demon energy.

Interesting.

His gaze darkened.

Li Wen's gaze sharpened.

These two were not ordinary visitors.

Their auras revealed them to be Innate Realm warriors, but it was their movements—deliberate, disciplined—that gave away their true identities.

Beneath their heavy dark cloaks, he could see it now.

Demon Hunters.

He murmured to himself, "Why are commanders of the Demon Suppressing Palace sneaking into Pian Ran's estate?"

The thought lingered, but his attention suddenly shifted—

A faint disturbance.

His eyes flicked toward the estate wall, where a figure was quietly climbing over.

A woman.

He narrowed his eyes, activating his spirit vision to get a clearer look.

And then, recognition struck.

"Why is she here? I thought she had already left…"

Zhen Li Si.

Moving with stealth through the Night-Flower Garden, she weaved between the glowing blossoms, carefully and precise.

But she had made a miscalculation.

The moment her foot touched the ground, a formation activated.

A whisper of magic pulsed through the garden.

The Night-Flowers reacted instantly—releasing a sweet, cloying scent into the air.

A scent designed to lull intruders into unconsciousness.

A lesser warrior would have collapsed within seconds.

But Zhen Li Si was no ordinary Innate Warrior.

She was Divine Innate—her energy infused with divine essence, far surpassing that of regular Innate warriors.

More than just strength, Zhen Li Si's divine energy granted her resistance to magical interference.

The scent had no effect.

Li Wen, watching from above, noticed the subtle shift in her posture—the moment of realization when she detected the trap.

But he couldn't afford a commotion.

The hidden guards stationed throughout the garden were already closing in, their movements precise, ready to strike.

If they clashed, it would create an unwanted disturbance, and as a member of the Royal Family, the last thing he wanted was to draw attention.

With a flick of his hand, demon energy flowed from his fingertips, weaving like a phantom mist into the surrounding plants.

The Night-Flowers responded instantly—their intoxicating fragrance intensifying.

Li Si's body stiffened. Even her divine energy couldn't fully shield her now.

Her breath hitched.

Her vision blurred.

A heartbeat later, her legs gave out, and she collapsed silently onto the soft grass.

The concealed guards swiftly emerged, surrounding her fallen form.

Recognizing her identity, they hesitated—this was not someone they could handle without permission.

Two guards carefully lifted her and carried her inside.

Moments Earlier…

When Wu Ziki and Ming Hao slipped through the back door, Pian Ran immediately sensed their presence through the formation surrounding the estate.

But minutes later, the formation pulsed again—warning of another intruder in the garden.

This one lacked demon energy.

Pian Ran did not react.

With both the formation active and guards in place, the intruder would be dealt with accordingly.

Seated gracefully upon her throne, Pian Ran cast a bored gaze at the two figures standing before her.

Wu Ziki and Ming Hao.

Her voice was casual, yet laced with meaning.

"You two realize someone followed you into the estate, don't you?"

Wu Ziki and Ming Hao stiffened, exchanging a glance. They had been exceptionally careful—how could anyone have followed them undetected?

Both spoke at once. "Who?"

Pian Ran leaned back lazily. "Wait. My guards are bringing the intruder in."

Minutes later, the heavy doors swung open, and the guards dragged in the intruder.

Everyone froze.

Wu Ziki turned to Ming Hao, his voice low and sharp. "Did you not see her leave with the Demon Hunters?"

Ming Hao frowned. "I did. She must have returned, concealed her identity, and slipped back into the city."

Wu Ziki nodded, accepting his reasoning. "But why did she follow us?"

Pian Ran smirked. "Let's ask her." Then, her gaze fell on the captive. "I know you're awake, Zhen Li Si."

At those words, Zhen Li Si's eyes snapped open.

With a swift, fluid motion, she stood, her cold stare locking onto Wu Ziki.

"I'm disappointed in you, Wu Ziki." Her voice carried an edge of restrained fury. "You, the commander of the Demon Hunters, colluding with demons?"

Wu Ziki's expression darkened. "Colluding?" He scoffed. "Is it not because of your noble families blocking our path forward?"

Zhen Li Si frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Wu Ziki let out a bitter laugh. "I gave the Demon-Suppressing Palace twenty-five years of my life. I reached the peak of the Innate Warrior Realm, yet no one ever mentioned there was a higher realm."

Zhen Li Si fell silent.

Because she knew he was right.

The noble families deliberately suppressed common warriors—ensuring only those of noble blood could ascend.

Wu Ziki's voice hardened. "And when I finally discovered the truth and asked for the method to break through, do you know what they told me?"

Zhen Li Si didn't answer.

From her throne, Pian Ran watched the unfolding drama with amusement.

Wu Ziki's fists clenched. "They told me my 'merit' wasn't enough. When I asked how much more I needed, they refused to tell me. Just said they'd decide when I was 'worthy.'"

Zhen Li Si exhaled sharply. "That does not justify joining hands with a demon."

Wu Ziki snorted. "I allied with Pian Ran because I sensed no bloodlust in her. She does not feed on humans. And tell me, Zhen Li Si—how many humans have we killed in our so-called 'righteous' battles? Some people have taken more lives than any demon ever could."

Zhen Li Si opened her mouth to retort—but stopped.

Pian Ran sighed, stretching. "Enough of your arguments. Zhen Li Si, tell me—why did you follow them?"

Zhen Li Si's eyes narrowed. "I have nothing to say to you, demon." Her voice turned sharp. "Prepare yourself. Soon, the gods and Demon Hunters will raid this place."

Pian Ran's smirk deepened.

"Are you sure?"

Before Zhen Li Si could react, demon energy surged from Pian Ran's body—a dark tide swallowing the chamber. The tendrils of energy lashed forward, coiling around Zhen Li Si and lifting her off the ground.

Zhen Li Si struggled but found herself caught in an iron grip of pure demonic force.

Pian Ran tightened her hold. "What about now?"

Zhen Li Si bit her lip, refusing to make a sound even as pain wracked her body.

Ming Hao quickly stepped forward. "Lady Pian Ran, we cannot kill her here. If we do, the Goddess of the Lake will take notice."

Pian Ran did not stop. The demon's energy constricted further.

Then—

A voice cut through the tension.

"Stop it."

The oppressive energy vanished instantly.

Zhen Li Si's body dropped, landing hard on the floor, bloodied but conscious.

Pian Ran pouted playfully. "Lord, I wasn't going to kill her. Just teach her a lesson."

Wu Ziki and Ming Hao turned, eyes widening in shock.

They hadn't sensed him arrive.

Demon Lord Li Wen.

Didn't he leave to enter the Ancient Mountain Range? When did he return?

But Li Wen paid no attention to their reactions.

His sharp gaze remained locked on Zhen Li Si.

He had sensed something.

When Pian Ran was crushing her, he had felt it—a power opposite to demonic energy.

His voice was calm but carried a weight that made the air in the room heavy.

"Goddess, are you not coming out?"