The bloody light faded.
The figure conjured from the Straw Effigy became completely solid.
A robe as scarlet as blood made his face look even paler, almost translucent.
There were traces of Fairy Mei in his features, but his face held a more effeminate cast and a deathly stillness.
Most chilling were his eyes—hollow and indifferent, like two bottomless ancient wells. They reflected no emotion, only a pool of lifeless water.
Though he looked much younger, Ji Yuan recognized him instantly from his features and aura—
Tian Wenjing.
It was him!
Ji Yuan's pupils contracted, and stormy waves surged through his heart.
Tian Wenjing had fled with him to the Barbarian God Continent and stirred up a storm in the City of the Celestial God. Now they had met again in the Nine Nether Rift.
What threw Ji Yuan's thoughts into even greater disarray was that Tian Wenjing bowed slightly to Fairy Mei.
"Mother."
Mo—mother?!
Ji Yuan could barely keep up.
Tian Wenjing was Fairy Mei's son?!
That scheming Old Devil with countless clones beneath the City of the Celestial God was the son of this enchanting Fairy Mei, who cultivated the Six Desires Heavenly Charm Art?!
And not long ago, Fairy Mei had lain bare in the Six Desires Immortal Pool, her breath fragrant as orchids, inviting him to become her fleeting Dao companion—
Ji Yuan's mouth twitched.
So I nearly became Tian Wenjing's... stepfather?!
This family tree was a tangled mess!
Tian Wenjing straightened after his bow, his hollow eyes sweeping across the battlefield.
His gaze paused when it fell on Ji Yuan, still wearing Demon Venerable Black Baleful's form.
There was none of the rage or killing intent Ji Yuan had expected.
Instead, a faint smile appeared on his handsome, pallid face.
He nodded to Ji Yuan.