He swept his sleeve sharply, the gesture filled with resolve and indignation, and strode after Tang San.
Sea Dragon, Tian Hen, Zhou Weiqing, and the others silently followed behind, their heads lowered and lips pressed tight as they swallowed all their grief, anger, and humiliation.
Just as they were about to cross the hall's threshold, the Godess of Kindness's gentle, ethereal voice suddenly rang out.
"Little sister Lie Yan, stay a moment. I have something to say to you alone."
Lie Yan stopped and turned around.
Ji Dong, who was walking beside her, also stopped. He turned his head, a trace of inquiry and concern in his eyes.
Lie Yan gave him a reassuring look and said softly, "Ji Dong, go ahead with the others. I'll join you after a few words with sister Kindness."
Ji Dong merely nodded, then turned and followed Tang San and the others out.
The Godess of Kindness and the God of Life exchanged a glance. With light steps, they each took one of Lie Yan's arms, avoiding the sinister-looking God of Evil as they silently drew her into a shadowed corner deep within the hall.
Here, layer upon layer of restrictions isolated the ripples of divine power, leaving only the three women's faint breathing.
"Little sister Lie Yan." The Godess of Kindness gently smoothed Lie Yan's slightly disheveled hair at her temples. Her normally ethereal voice was very low as she said softly, "You understand better than anyone what is at stake in letting Qinchen accompany you to the future.
"You must protect his life. Nothing can happen to him."
Rare worry also appeared in the God of Life's emerald eyes. She tightened her hold on Lie Yan's hand slightly. "Lie Yan, please."
"Sister Kindness, sister Life, rest assured." Lie Yan clasped their hands