The Realm of Eternal Sinking (continued)

Si Ming, "You're not from the same world as them, but you're from the same world as us, right? I'm inviting you to our house for a meal as a classmate. You won't refuse, will you?"

Ying Zhou said with displeasure, "Why did we invite this annoying fellow over!"

He had barely spoken when he felt a numbness in his arm; Murong Wu had struck him with a thin needle. Helpless, he had no choice but to shut up, but his gaze towards Xia Guanxue was filled with even more anger, constantly signaling with his eyes, "Get out of here," "Behave yourself," and "You're not welcome in my house."

If Xia Guanxue had hesitated somewhat before, after noticing Ying Zhou's gaze, he decisively agreed, "Alright, then let's get on with it."

"Does this guy even know how to read...?"

Before he could speak, Ying Zhou was struck by another needle, this time hitting the mute acupoint, rendering him unable to utter a sound.

Seeing this, Si Ming smiled and thought, "It's true that everyone has their match. Back when you were fooling him like a little brother, did you ever think about this day?"

The group returned to the orphanage from the cemetery together. Along the way Si Ming kept bringing up funny stories from their time in class, including how Xia Guanxue kept challenging Murong Qing because she was unwilling to only be the vice class monitor.

Although Xia Guanxue did not respond enthusiastically, only occasionally grunting or echoing with "That did happen back then" or "I don't remember," her attitude had clearly softened.

Murong Qing didn't understand Si Ming's thoughts, but she was happy to see the peace and harmony achieved. Along the way, she and her husband sang together, supplementing Si Ming's memories. Murong Wu was also a perceptive person, and he would ask questions whenever he had the chance to keep the conversation going.

Only Ying Zhou sighed deeply, his face showing a pained expression that said, "You are inviting wolves into the house." Every time he wanted to utter a harsh word, he would be stopped by Murong Wu, leaving him powerless.

When the group returned to the orphanage, Yao Bilian was surprisingly cooking in the kitchen. Murong Qing was worried that she would make a table full of burnt dishes, so she quickly took her place.

Upon arriving in the hall, Yao Bilian, seeing that there were outsiders present, immediately adopted a virtuous and dignified demeanor, exuding an air of authority like that of the head of the household. She was indeed dressed in proper New Year's attire, which even fooled Xia Guanxue. After being greeted, Xia Guanxue hurriedly and solemnly returned the greeting.

"Tch, all pretentious," Ying Zhou muttered, seemingly mocking someone.

Yao Bilian glanced at it and teased, "What's wrong? You look like a wronged little wife."

"Who are you calling a young wife? You're just a menopausal old woman!"

If it were any other time, Yao Bilian might have angrily retorted when mocked as an older woman, "I'm only twelve years older than you. Did your mother give birth to you when she was twelve?" But at this moment, her long-cherished wish had been fulfilled, her mind was clear, and she was riding high. Why would she care about such a harmless sarcasm? She chuckled twice, waved her sleeve, and remained nonchalant.

Feeling even more displeased, Ying Zhou stormed back to his room, determined to avoid seeing the situation altogether.

Si Ming said to Murong Wu, "Go and talk to that brat Ying Zhou, tell him to stop being so childish."

"Okay." Murong Wu was very obedient, understood Si Ming's thoughts, nodded and left the hall.

Even a minor could tell that Si Ming wanted to speak privately with Xia Guanxue, so Yao Bilian naturally wouldn't cause trouble at this time. She said, "I'll go check on Hongdou. I haven't seen her all morning; she's probably still sleeping in."

After everyone else left, only Si Ming and Xia Guanxue remained in the hall. The latter asked bluntly, "What do you want with me?"

Si Ming didn't mince words. "Have you uncovered the truth about the demon tide tragedy from back then?"

Although Xia Guanxue had given up the idea of seeking revenge against Yan Jinghong, Si Ming felt it was safer to find him a more suitable enemy to divert his attention. After all, Yan Jinghong was only forced to deal with the tragedy; the one who triggered the demon tide was the real culprit. If Xia Guanxue knew who the real culprit was, he wouldn't have bothered Yan Jinghong at all. He wasn't the kind of person who couldn't distinguish between what was important and what wasn't.

Moreover, even if it weren't for Xia Guanxue, he would still find the real culprit and seek justice for the sacrificed Murong Zhe, for the sake of the Murong siblings.

Xia Guanxue was taken aback when Si Ming brought up this matter. After a moment of thought, she said, "I have indeed found some clues, but these are all confidential information of the Shadow Hero Guard and cannot be disclosed to outsiders. I'm sorry, but you can ask Yan Jinghong help. He has the authority to inquire on your behalf."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Although I know your master will agree, and it's unnecessary, rules are rules. As a member of the Mohist, I must abide by Mohist School discipline."

This guy has actually become Mohist? I wonder who vouched for him?

It takes a lot of courage and determination to vouch for someone who once murdered Yan Jinghong.

But this was not the time to inquire about this matter. Suppressing his curiosity, Si Ming drew his Dragon Scale Sword and said, "I am now a member of the Heaven's Will Palace, and my code name is 'Dragon.' I think I should also have the authority to obtain information."

"You actually entered the Heaven's Will Palace!"

Xia Guanxue could not hide his surprise. He knew what this identity represented. Although it did not grant him decision-making power, it did grant him the power to supervise all decisions.

"Has the gap between us grown so vast? I thought the only difference was in our martial arts skills..."

Xia Guanxue muttered absentmindedly, but fortunately, having experienced countless setbacks and wavered between frustration and recovery several times, he had already developed a tenacious will and had passed through the stage of youthful impetuosity, so he quickly returned to normal.

"Since you are a member of the Heaven's Will Palace, I have no need to hide anything from you. According to the internal information collected by the Shadow Hero Guard, the seal that suppresses the Demon Race is called the 'Realm of Eternal Sinking.' This seal is said to have appeared at the same time as the Eternal Barrier. One of them sets Principle that prohibit all Technique Method and supernatural abilities, while the other repels alien beings and protects the Human Race from harm. If the Eternal Barrier represents the heavens, then the Realm of Eternal Sinking represents the earth."

Si Ming quickly reasoned, "Therefore, the reason why the number of Demon Beast has increased is because the Realm of Eternal Sinking has been destroyed, just like the Eternal Barrier."

"Yes, theoretically, that's the only possibility. However, the sealing methods of the Realm of Eternal Sinking and the Eternal Barrier are different. Its carrier is not the four pillars, but an alternate dimension. In addition, the Eternal Barrier prevents destruction by hiding the Divine Pillar, while the Realm of Eternal Sinking simply relies on its powerful Law Power to block others. Logically speaking, even Void Returning Great Grandmaster would be helpless against it."

"But it was still damaged nonetheless. Of course, this isn't surprising. Destruction is always easier than construction. If you look hard enough, you can always find a way. For example, the Eternal Barrier hides the Divine Pillar in the Imaginary Number Space and then banishes them to other worlds. Such a safety measure is simply ingenious. Ordinary martial artists would give up just by hearing about it. But in the end, didn't Remote Heaven Society still manage to cut two of them off? So even if the Realm of Eternal Sinking is damaged, it's quite common. After all, it can't evolve on its own."

"However, the number of individuals or organizations capable of accomplishing this is extremely small. The reason why the Mohist School chose Shangqiu as their capital was to protect the Realm of Eternal Sinking. To successfully launch a sneak attack under the protection of so many Mohist School masters is by no means an easy task."

"Could it be the Remote Heaven Society? Since they've already targeted the Eternal Barrier, it wouldn't be surprising if there were another Realm of Eternal Sinking." Si Ming immediately suspected this infamous scapegoat organization.

"Although I also hope it's them, some evidence suggests otherwise." Xia Guanxue paused for a moment, then lowered her voice and said, "The murderer is likely someone within the Mohist School, and of very high status, with a strength of at least the Spirit Transformation."

Si Ming asked suspiciously, "You wouldn't be suspecting me again..., would you?"

Xia Guanxue hurriedly said, "Of course I wouldn't doubt your master. Even if we have a deep-seated hatred, I have to admit that your master would never do such a thing."

"It's good that you understand, but who exactly is the murderer? Why would he do such a thing? Unlike the Eternal Barrier, whose fate is unknown after being destroyed, the Realm of Eternal Sinking is clearly meant to seal away Demon Beast. The result of destroying it is obvious. I don't believe any Mohist would want to see Demon Beast ravaging the people. Could it be that Demon Race disguised himself as a human, infiltrated the Mohist, and is acting stealthily?"

"This is indeed one of the possibilities that Shadow Hero Guard has guessed, but so far no suspicious person has been found. If it really is the work of the Demon Race, then he must have cultivated his disguise skills to the point that he can even deceive himself."

The two looked at each other without saying a word, and fell into silence for a moment.

A moment later, Murong Qing walked into the hall and said, "I've prepared the meal. Would you like to eat now?"

Just as Si Ming was about to invite Xia Guanxue to stay for lunch, he heard him say, "Before that, could you have a match with me?"

Murong Qing asked suspiciously, "You're not here to avenge your defeat last time, are you?"

"Of course not, I'm simply outmatched in skill, and I accept it wholeheartedly."