Exposed?

Chapter 40: Exposed?

The innate gossip talent within the woman's heart ultimately triumphed over reason.

Golden Phoenix stealthily crept up to Qing Luan and whispered, "Sister Qing'er, what's going on here?"

However, no matter how careful Golden Phoenix was, how could she hide it from Nuwa?

So, before Qing'er could even speak, Golden Phoenix heard Nuwa exclaim, "No talking!"

Honestly, it was one thing for Qing'er to know about that incident, but if Little Jin found out as well, wouldn't Nuwa lose face?

Nuwa's sharp reprimand made Shen Gui, who didn't know how to respond, feel a stir.

"What does Empress mean? Please clarify. I've been in seclusion for so long, I've forgotten many things."

As expected, hearing Shen Gui say this, Nuwa didn't press further. She merely let out a soft snort and said, "You'd better have truly forgotten."

Upon hearing this, Shen Gui's heart settled.

However, before he could feel relieved for even a few seconds, he heard Nuwa continue, "Then let's talk about the matter of evil arts. What kind of evil arts are you cultivating? Is it fun?"

Shen Gui was stunned—Is it fun?

Then he saw Golden Phoenix stomp her foot, "Empress!"

"Ahem." Nuwa gave an awkward smile and coughed twice, "I mean, why are you cultivating evil arts?"

The topic finally returned to the main point. However, facing Nuwa's questioning gaze, Shen Gui shrugged helplessly, "To be honest, Empress, I don't even know what evil arts I'm cultivating."

"Hmm?" Nuwa's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and she turned to look at Qing Luan and Golden Phoenix—What's going on?

Seeing this, Qing Luan glared at Shen Gui before explaining, "Empress, look at his cultivation. He's already in the late stage of Golden Immortal. When I brought him here, he was only in the early stage. Such a short time has passed, and he's already in the late stage. His progress is so rapid, which is why I was worried he might be cultivating some evil arts without realizing it, and I wanted Empress to take a look."

"Oh?" Hearing Qing Luan say this, Nuwa finally noticed Shen Gui's cultivation.

Honestly, whether it was early or late stage Golden Immortal, they were both weaklings to her, so she hadn't paid much attention before. But now that Qing Luan mentioned it, she recalled that it did seem to be the case.

"The speed of this cultivation progress is indeed quite fast, but it doesn't necessarily mean he's cultivating some evil arts. However, since Qing'er has spoken, this Palace will take a look for you, lest any hidden dangers truly remain."

Seeing this, Shen Gui also cupped his hands, "Thank you for your concern, Empress."

At this moment, Nuwa, having snapped out of her playful mood and returned to her normal state, waved her hand gently and said, "If you want to thank someone, you should thank Qing'er."

As she spoke, a vast divine sense emanated from Nuwa and swept towards Shen Gui.

Under the immense divine sense of Nuwa, a Quasi-Saint, Shen Gui felt as if he were naked, completely exposed inside and out.

Instinctively, Shen Gui wanted to cover certain vital parts of his body, but he ultimately held back.

He would definitely be beaten if he did that.

Then he heard Nuwa let out a soft sound of surprise.

"Hmm, interesting."

A faint yellow light emanated from Shen Gui, blocking Nuwa's divine sense.

Shen Gui was stunned at first, then secretly cursed his misfortune.

He had forgotten about the restriction Houtu had placed on him.

If an ordinary person used their divine sense to probe his body, with Houtu's restriction, they probably wouldn't find anything. But now, he was facing Nuwa!

Even with Houtu's restriction, trying to prevent Nuwa's probing without being exposed was wishful thinking.

However, after her soft exclamation, Nuwa withdrew her divine sense.

She glanced at Shen Gui and said, "It seems your little turtle shell has quite a few secrets. I won't say anything else, but the person who placed this restriction on you has a cultivation no less than my own."

Seeing that Nuwa had actually stopped, Shen Gui was surprised and relieved.

However, when he heard Nuwa say that Houtu's cultivation was no less than hers, Shen Gui was not surprised.

After all, that was Houtu.

If one were to look across the Great Desolation for a female cultivator comparable to Nuwa, the only female Saint among the Six Saints, Houtu would undoubtedly be the prime candidate.

"Since someone has placed a restriction on you, I won't meddle further. If there truly is any hidden danger within you, the person who placed the restriction will likely discover it. However, I don't care who left the restriction on you, but now that you are one of my people, you must remember your identity, or I will be angry."

Looking at Nuwa's half-smiling expression, Shen Gui couldn't quite tell if she was serious or joking.

However, he still explained, "Replying to Empress, the restriction on me was merely placed by a mighty being out of certain considerations. Other than that, I have no other connection with that mighty being, so please rest assured, Empress."

"That is good." Nuwa said faintly.

It was unclear whether she believed Shen Gui's words or not.

However, listening to Shen Gui and Nuwa's conversation, Qing Luan couldn't help but ask Shen Gui, "So, you weren't cultivating any evil arts at all?"

Shen Gui shrugged innocently, "I never said I was cultivating any evil arts!"

Looking at Shen Gui's innocent expression, Qing Luan couldn't help but grit her teeth.

You didn't explicitly say you weren't cultivating evil arts when I asked you either!

You made me worry for nothing!

Hmph!