Shen Yi fell silent for a moment at Byron's words.
The question seemed to offer him a chance to explain, but it was really a judgment passed from above.
If his explanation fell short, the faint impression his boldness had made might vanish in an instant.
But he had no interest in inventing some grand-sounding excuse, nor did he intend to deny his connection to Feng Qingyao.
That would be pointless in front of Byron.
Aoyue had already made it clear: Shen Yi's connection to Feng Qingyao could not escape the Immortal Sacred Land's surveillance, much less Byron's notice.
So he raised his eyes to Byron again and spoke clearly and steadily.
"I need the Myriad Hearts Stone to determine how to integrate my Authority in the future."
"That is my sole purpose in coming to the Immortal Sacred Land, and the reason Feng Qingyao directed me here."
He admitted it openly. After all, he had come at Feng Qingyao's direction. Without her, he would not have considered integrating a new Authority anytime soon. He had no reason to evade the truth.
"As for what gives me the right..."
Shen Yi paused, his gaze sweeping over the interior of the Hidden Light Hall.
The light here was dim and gentle. Every fluctuation of the rules was exceptionally steady and restrained, as though some invisible force had brought them into perfect harmony.
"That is entirely for the Hall Master to decide. Besides, one purpose of the Hidden Light Hall is to make the Myriad Hearts Stone available for testing."
"That is a rule of the Immortal Sacred Land and part of the Hidden Light Hall's duty. I have come to try it, just like any other Authority Holder."
"And I came prepared to follow the Sacred Land's rules and pay the