In a hidden place, a bamboo pavilion manifested, and the faint fragrance of tea drifted through the air.
"This time, I truly have to thank you. If not for you, I probably would have fallen this time."
Swallowing the bitter tea, True Lord Xuanji savored the faint sweetness that followed the bitterness.
After being plotted against by True Lord Yingling, she had thought herself doomed beyond escape. Yet at the very last moment, Jiang Chen had appeared and saved her life. At this moment, she truly felt fortunate that she had chosen to befriend Jiang Chen in the first place.
Hearing this, Jiang Chen shook his head.
"We belong to the same sect, so watching over and aiding one another is only right. But do you know why True Lord Yingling attacked you?"
Setting down his teacup, Jiang Chen turned his gaze toward True Lord Xuanji.
At those words, True Lord Xuanji's expression shifted repeatedly. This was also the question that had troubled her.
"Most likely because of this spiritual fire essence. But I do not know the root cause. Though this spiritual fire essence is precious, it should not have been worth Ying Ling making such a vicious move. Besides, Ying Ling does not cultivate the fire element."
With a beckoning gesture, True Lord Xuanji took out the Vermilion Bird Ring.
Seeing this, Jiang Chen nodded.
"The immediate cause was indeed this spiritual fire essence. But Ying Ling was not seeking it for himself. He was doing it for Gu Lingxiao. The one who attacked you that day was not only Ying Ling—Gu Lingxiao was there as well..."
In a low voice, Jiang Chen recounted his discoveries one by one, including the clash between Thunder-Taming True Lord and No-Self True Lord, as well as the fact that Azure Firmament