"Since ancient times, Heaven is the law, and Earth is the constant."
Looking at the pain and struggle in Dongfang Sheng's eyes, Yang Cheng said calmly, "As long as the law of Heaven remains strong enough, even if the dragon beneath the earth turns over, it can only stir small ripples. The difference lies only in how big the waves are."
Dongfang Sheng's bitter smile deepened until it almost dripped from his face. He shook his head repeatedly. "Master Yang, I understand the logic. But how could I compare myself to you? You have the power to hold up the heavens. What's just a small ripple to you is a tidal wave that could destroy my entire world."
Yang Cheng's gaze grew thoughtful. In the end, he simply shook his head slightly.
This matter involved the White Fish Society and the Jiang Clan—two top powers of the Horn Constellation Realm. Even though his own reputation now shook the realm, he couldn't interfere based solely on Dongfang Sheng's words.
Just then—
Ding!
A string of glowing words appeared in the air before him.
[Jiang Li is one of Tang Xingyu's greatest enemies. Though her martial talent is inferior to Tang Xingyu's, her scheming mind and ruthless methods have caused Tang Xingyu immense trouble.]
[Tang Xingyu is now one of the host's most important allies. Jiang Li's existence poses a direct threat to the host.]
[470 years ago, Jiang Li used her cunning and iron-blooded methods to seize control of the White Fish Society. Within a hundred years, she turned the Society's power against the Jiang Clan and became one of the most powerful figures in the Horn Constellation Realm.]
[Afterward, Jiang Li formed alliances of interest with several major powers in the Divine Realm, expanding her influence even further. Because of this, even after Tang Xingyu became a God-Shattering powerhouse, she still feared Jiang Li deeply.]
[Mission: Assist Tang Xingyu in defeating Jiang Li.]
[Reward: One Blood God Guard.]
Blood God Guard?
Yang Cheng's thoughts stirred.
He had already experienced the terrifying strength of the Blood Shadow Guard. Just from the name, this Blood God Guard sounded like a higher-tier existence altogether.
Without hesitation, Yang Cheng turned to Dongfang Sheng. "Go ahead with your plans. If the chance arises, I'll help you."
Dongfang Sheng was visibly moved. "Master Yang, there's no need to push yourself. Your willingness alone already means more to me than I can say."
That night, the north wind howled and the waning moon hid behind thick clouds.
Deep within Snow Moon Manor, in a beautifully decorated yet eerily cold chamber, candlelight flickered gently.
A young girl in a pale violet gown sat gracefully on a soft couch in the center. Her face was delicate and pure, her eyes clear as water, carrying the innocence of a neighbor's gentle daughter untouched by the world.
Beside her was a small tea table, with a steaming cup of tea giving off thin wisps of fragrance.
At first glance, anyone would think she was just an innocent, gentle girl.
At that moment—
The door creaked open. Dongfang Sheng entered with a stiff face, followed by Aunt Liang, whose large frame loomed like a shadow behind him.
Aunt Liang's face was emotionless, her presence like a solid wall—unyielding, but also like an invisible shackle binding him in place.
"Jiang Li!"
Dongfang Sheng's voice carried suppressed anger and disgust. He didn't bother with any polite greetings. "I came to make things clear. I will not agree to this marriage, nor will it ever happen. From this moment on, don't look for me again. The engagement between our families is null and void."
The girl—Jiang Li—lifted her gaze, her long lashes trembling slightly. Then she smiled, pure and untainted, like melting snow in early spring.
"Young Master, you finally came to see me."
Her soft voice carried no hint of having heard his firm rejection. "Young Master, my Jiang Clan has always valued our promises. What's said is said. Since our marriage was sealed in black and white, my Jiang Clan will never break that vow."
She lifted her teacup gracefully, blowing gently across the surface before taking a sip.
Dongfang Sheng's chest heaved with anger. "I already said I don't agree! A forced melon isn't sweet. Does your Jiang Clan really intend to coerce others into submission?"
"Don't agree?"
Jiang Li set down her teacup with a faint clink against the sandalwood table.
She tilted her head slightly, her smile as sweet as ever—but her eyes were empty of warmth. "If you want to break the engagement, it's not impossible. There is a way, actually."
Dongfang Sheng frowned. "What way?"
Her voice was soft, almost floating, but each word stabbed into his heart like a poisoned needle. "Unless... you die."
She paused for a breath, her tone turning sharp as a blade. "Or I die."
"You—vile woman!"
Dongfang Sheng's fury erupted. "Jiang Li, don't try to scare me with your twisted games. It won't work on me! If you've got the guts, then kill me now!"
He gave a cold laugh, straightening his back to face her directly.
Jiang Li's face didn't show even a flicker of fear. Her sweet smile didn't fade—not even a little.
Instead, she seemed amused by his reaction, clapping her hands lightly.
The crisp sound echoed sharply in the quiet warmth of the pavilion.
A hidden door on the side wall slid open without a sound.
Two guards stepped in, their auras deep and cold, eyes sharp as blades. Between them, they dragged a woman bound tightly in a shimmering, rune-etched restraint rope.
Her hair was disheveled, her clothes torn. Tear stains streaked her frightened face.
It was Ma Ruoruo.
The moment her eyes met Dongfang Sheng's, a desperate light of survival flashed in them. She cried out hoarsely, her voice breaking with panic. "Dongfang Sheng! Help me! Please, save me—!"
Her voice trembled with fear and hopelessness.
But before she could finish, one of the guards flicked his finger. A stream of condensed true qi struck her throat.
Ma Ruoruo's scream died instantly. Only a choked "hhoh—hhoh" rasp escaped her lips as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.
Her whole body trembled violently, her wide eyes locked onto Dongfang Sheng with despairing plea.
"Ruoruo!"
Dongfang Sheng's eyes turned bloodshot, veins bulging on his temples as fury overwhelmed him. He roared, "Jiang Li! You're utterly shameless! Let her go, right now!"
The temperature inside the warm pavilion plummeted. Even the air seemed to freeze.
Aunt Liang stood silently one step behind Dongfang Sheng, her posture firm as a mountain, her aura steady as stone. She didn't move, not even as Dongfang Sheng's rage exploded.
The two guards Jiang Li brought remained cold and alert—one holding down the mute Ma Ruoruo, the other with his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, eyes locked on Dongfang Sheng like a hawk.
Behind Jiang Li stood a middle-aged man with a sword strapped to his back. His face was expressionless, but the slight curve of his lips revealed a trace of mockery.
Jiang Li herself seemed completely unfazed by Dongfang Sheng's fury or killing intent. Instead, she leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but dripping with malice as she studied him like a curious experiment.
After a moment, her voice—sweet and soft—cut through the air with a chill colder than ice. "Dongfang Sheng, don't be so worked up. I'm just being kind enough to warn you. Take a good look at your Ma Ruoruo."
"I had her investigated," she continued, a faint giggle slipping out. "Turns out she's quite the cunning little thing—ambitious, opportunistic. Hardly the virtuous woman you think she is. Don't let that pitiful act fool you."
Dongfang Sheng's teeth ground together audibly. The veins on his forehead bulged as he snarled, "I know she's clever, but so what?
At least she cares about me. At least, when she's with me, she knows how to restrain herself—gentle and considerate. That's enough."
"Jiang Li, this is my last warning. Let her go. Now."
"Oh?" Jiang Li's eyes brightened, her smile stretching wider—too wide, too bright. "So you really do care for her that much?"
Her expression grew disturbingly delighted, her gaze glittering with a twisted fascination. "That makes this even more fun."