Ying Xiangxue's whole body shuddered, her face filled with disbelief. At that moment, she looked at the veil covering Yuan Muying's cheeks and asked in surprise, "Junior Sister Yuan, could it really be as Big Brother Xia said? Your face..."
Yuan Muying shook her head and said, "It's true that I cultivated the Spirit-Assimilation Art, but Master did his utmost to limit its side effects for me. Now, I wish to ask Martial Uncle for help, but not because I'm seeking to survive—it's simply a desperate measure. I originally didn't want to come ask, but Master said that if Martial Uncle heard my story, he would certainly lend me a hand..."
I froze for a moment, because Ying Xiangxue had already tugged at my sleeve and said, "Junior Sister Yuan may have circumstances she cannot speak of to others. Why don't you hear her out, Big Brother Xia?"
I didn't need to look at Xia Ruize's expression. What happened to his disciple was his business. But Ying Xiangxue was a close friend of mine, so no matter what, I had to give her some face.
"Junior Sister Yuan, you were born into the orthodox path, and the cultivation art you practice should be upright and righteous. Your conduct should also be beyond reproach. Yet you abandoned what was near to seek what was far away, choosing to learn the demonic path's supreme tome instead? Why? Don't forget, your father is the revered leader of the Sacred Dao Sect. He is cautious in word and deed—could he truly be unable to restrain you?" Ying Xiangxue was also extremely curious, and couldn't help questioning her.
"Your father is Yuan Jinghong, the leader of the Sacred Dao Sect?" I asked, astonished, as I looked at Yuan Muying.
"Answering Martial Uncle, he is," Yuan