Heavenly Punishment

At the Zhiming Marquisate, night had fallen. In the study, candle flames flickered, and the tea on the table had been changed an unknown number of times.

Yu Lian bustled back and forth, still carrying a measure of excitement and nervousness in her heart.

She had heard no small number of tales about the Marquis, but this was the first time she had seen him in person.

Gentle, composed, approachable—entirely unlike the cold and heartless figure described in the world's legends.

At the same time, every faction in the imperial city, and even across the entire Divine Continent, watched the Zhiming Marquisate closely. He had returned. What was his purpose this time?

In the Marquisate study, the flickering candle gradually burned down. Yu Lian entered to replace it with a fresh one, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward her Marquis. A trace of curiosity flashed across her lovely face.

Before the table, the two sat facing each other. White mist rose from the tea, and the atmosphere was strangely tranquil.

"Your purpose?"

The Moonlit Tower Master took a sip of tea, then set down the cup and looked at the man before him. "The Heavenly Tome."

"Oh?"

A strange light flashed through Ning Chen's eyes. "It seems Tower Master knows quite a great deal about the Heavenly Tome."

"You flatter me."

Moonlit Tower Master smiled faintly. "The origins of the Heavenly Tome are exceedingly mysterious. No one would dare claim to know it deeply. I merely know a little."

"Tower Master is too modest."

Ning Chen lifted his teacup and said, "The breaking of the barrier within the realm was originally a secret known to very few. I instructed the venerables of Tianfu Star not to spread word of it. For Tower Master to know this secret already speaks volumes. Furthermore,