Xue Ye's silence

A soft knock came from outside the door.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report." It was Gui Mei's voice.

"Come in."

Gui Mei drifted silently into the bedchamber and bowed. "Your Majesty, I have strengthened security in Spirit City as you ordered. Everyone entering or leaving the city must undergo strict questioning. Also, the men sent to track Shrek Academy have departed. Judging by their route, they will likely pass through Star Dou Great Forest."

"Star Dou Great Forest..." Bibi Dong pondered for a moment, then curled her lips into a cold smile. "There are others of their 'kind' in there. Very well, let them go. Remember, focus on tracking that Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. As for Tang Hao's son... capture him as well if the opportunity arises."

"Yes!" Gui Mei replied, but did not immediately withdraw.

"Anything else?"

Gui Mei hesitated, then said quietly, "Your Majesty, word of Tang Hao's death has already spread everywhere. All the major powers know that Dragon Subduing Worship killed him. Reportedly, there has been... some movement from the Clear Sky Sect."

A flicker of amusement crossed Bibi Dong's eyes. "Oh? That old fool finally couldn't sit still?"

"We cannot be certain yet. But there are indeed signs of activity around the Clear Sky Sect's perimeter."

Bibi Dong rose and walked to the window, gazing at the imposing outline of Worship Hall in the darkness. That old fox Qian Daoliu must have received the same news, hasn't he? What will he do?

"Send word to keep spreading the news that Spirit Hall killed Tang Hao." Bibi Dong's voice was cold and decisive. "The more people who know, the better. As for the truth... heh, sometimes the truth doesn't matter."

"Yes!" Gui Mei bowed and withdrew.

Silence settled over the bedchamber once more.

Looking out