Inside the Zhen Estate's dungeon.
At the breathtaking woman's words, a torrent of curses sprang into Ding Songyan's mind, converging into a storm that swept through his thoughts:
Fuck, "Ding Qingyan" was Yan Changqing's disciple?
She was Yan Changqing's so-called "old friend"?
No wonder my Falsehood-Piercing couldn't reveal her true appearance. We learned from the same master-I couldn't break through her defenses at all! Especially since her master's current condition and strength might not even measure up to hers...
Who exactly was she?
As his thoughts surged uncontrollably, Ding Songyan saw much of the fear fade from Yan Changqing's face. He forced himself to wear a kindly smile.
"How did that Secret Classic of Mountains and Seas end up in your hands?" Yan Changqing's voice rasped like grains of sand scraping over iron.
At those words, Ding Songyan's heart lurched:
Was Master Yan out of options? Was he rambling through this nonsense to buy time and find inspiration?
Use that superhuman wisdom of yours already!
I admit we're grasshoppers tied to the same string now. If you die, I probably won't survive either!
The woman's gaze shifted, and she spoke with a gentle smile:
"Those old fellows fear you, Master. They covet your position, but worry that you might suddenly return, so they could only have your disciple act in their stead. Naturally, I've been handling all these trifles."
As she spoke, she walked lightly toward Yan Changqing, adding with a smile:
"Everyone else who comes to rescue you wants Kunlun's whereabouts and the Celestial Emperor's secret treasures. Only your disciple is different. You're the only one in my heart, Master. All I want is for you to die."
Yan Changqing's expression grew uglier.
The woman stopped before him, tilted her head slightly, and spoke with a smile at the