Zhou Yeqiu's son's life was in Yunxi's hands, leaving her afraid to act rashly. Especially that layer of transparent flame coiled around her son's Dantian and heart—unless one deliberately probed with divine sense, it was impossible to detect.
Even if she wanted to forcibly drive out that flame, she feared that angering Yunxi would lead her to directly destroy her son's foundation. She did not merely want her son alive; she also wanted to ensure that he could cultivate and ascend. For that, she was willing to bear every sin.
When Yunxi saw Zhou Yeqiu yield, she knew she had made the right move. With a flip of her hand, she recalled the Void Heaven Ice Flame, then said indifferently:
"You will answer a few questions. If your answers satisfy me, I'll consider sparing your son. But if you conceal anything, don't blame me for being merciless."
Zhou Yeqiu turned the longsword in her hand back into a blue ribbon, tucked it into her sleeve, and said in a low voice:
"Ask."
Yunxi held the Nine Nether Sword and did not lower her guard simply because the other party had yielded. The Nether Dragon Umbrella also hovered above her head, ready to defend.
"Was this Secret Realm specifically set up to prolong your son's life?"
Zhou Yeqiu shook her head.
"Not entirely. They told me to send my son here and seal him within the roots of this Life and Death Vine to recuperate. Once my son's divine soul has been fully repaired, he will be able to leave this place completely."
"Life and Death Vine?"
Yunxi raised a brow. This was an evil vine that had long since gone extinct. She had seen it in the appendix of the Compendium of Immortal Plants, though the one before her had