"Slay Heaven..."
Hearing Shi Lan's answer, the God King asked no more. He only let out a soft sigh.
"I can't guide you along the path you've chosen, but you can come by whenever you like from now on. I'll help you as best I can."
"Thank you, God King."
Shi Lan thanked him sincerely. The God King had no reason to help her, and guidance from someone of his stature was a rare, precious opportunity—a tremendous kindness.
Her cultivation had already reached this point. It was hardly realistic to sever her Dao and start over, so for now, she could only say she had a rough sense of direction.
Watching Shi Lan leave, the God King fell into a daze.
After a long while, he seemed to make some sort of decision. A sense of relief softened his brow.
The setting sun was gradually swallowed by twilight. The bright moon emerged, and stars hung in the firmament, glimmering faintly.
Shi Lan rode the evening breeze back to the secluded valley. As soon as she stopped, she heard a commotion coming from the training grounds deep within the valley.
The training grounds, paved with blue stone slabs, were crowded with half-grown youths, all whispering among themselves.
At the center of the grounds, Ye was bound by bands of condensed blood energy and suspended in midair. His body was streaked with whip marks, his flesh torn and bleeding. Though his expression was blank, the defiance in his eyes was unmistakable.
"Kid, have you been slacking off in your training lately? You're getting taller, but your cultivation hasn't improved at all."
Yao clutched a long, blood-red whip and circled Ye, wearing a mischievous grin. When she noticed his defiance, her smile grew even wider.
Shi Lan wasn't surprised by the