After the deal was struck.
Dai Youheng and his companions did not linger. Politely declining Shangguan Wei'er's offer of further hospitality, they rose to take their leave and retraced their steps out of the VIP area.
When they returned to the underground arena, the hall was already deserted. Most of the contestants and staff had left, and only the Soul Guidance Lamps still cast their cold, lonely light.
Yet at a workbench in one corner, a figure was still busily working. It was the girl in the pale yellow dress, Ye Guyi.
She seemed completely immersed in her world of Soul Tools, making minute adjustments to the Core Array of a half-finished piece. Her expression was intent, carrying a stubbornness that brooked no interruption. Apparently, her partnership with Shangguan Wei'er had given her the convenience of staying here to practice.
Hearing footsteps, Ye Guyi looked up just in time to see Dai Youheng and the others coming down from the upper level.
Her gaze instantly locked onto Dai Youheng. Her delicate brows drew together, and a flicker of wariness and confusion passed through eyes that remained clear and bright behind her lenses. Setting down her tools, she walked straight toward them.
"You, please wait!" Ye Guyi raised a hand and pointed at Dai Youheng, her clear voice carrying a challenging edge.
Dai Youheng stopped and looked at her calmly. "Miss, is something the matter?"
He already understood what was happening. The Holy Angel Martial Soul was extraordinarily sensitive to dark and evil auras.
"You-" Ye Guyi drew a deep breath, her fists unconsciously tightening. The pure Angel Soul Power within her had already begun circulating, and a faint pressure radiated from her body. "Are you an Evil Soul Master?"
Her tone was far from friendly. The blood-deep hatred born of