Yama froze for a brief moment when he heard Ye Xiang's voice.
His mind moved quickly.
But then he realized something—
The Judgment Book was still concealing him.
His true form.
His killing intent.
Everything was hidden.
To Ye Xiang, it only looked like his eyes had turned red… as if he were about to cry.
Yama exhaled slightly.
Good.
If my wings appeared…
He frowned internally.
He'd probably mistake me for some angel.
That thought alone annoyed him.
His wings had always been pure white.
Only when his killing intent reached terrifying levels would they turn black, making him resemble a true devil.
It was something he had always hated.
The Lord of Hell… with white wings?
It felt like a mockery.
A reminder of the Heavens.
A punishment from his father.
"Why are your eyes red, son?" Ye Xiang asked softly."Are you… crying?"
Yama's expression stiffened.
…Do I really have to pretend to cry now?
I am the Lord of Hell.
He almost scoffed.
But he held it in.
"…It's nothing, Father."
The word came out naturally.
Even Yama paused for a fraction of a second.
Annoying…
But necessary.
If he wanted to escape this situation, he had to play along.
Human emotions.
Human reactions.
Disgusting.
But useful.
Ye Xiang's expression softened instantly.
That single word—
"Father"—
felt heavier than anything he had heard in years.
"Tell me… what's wrong?"
Yama lowered his gaze slightly.
Then he spoke.
"Where were you… these past six years?"
"Why didn't you come to see me… when I was being bullied?"
He already knew the answer.
But he needed to shift the conversation.
And more importantly—
Test him.
Ye Xiang's expression darkened.
"My son…"
"If I had acted differently… you would be dead."
His voice was low.
"I chose to let you suffer… rather than let you be killed."
Yama watched him silently.
No excuses.
No lies.
Just… truth.
"Then why change now?" Yama asked calmly.
"If danger still exists… why call me back?"
Ye Xiang hesitated for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"You don't need to know everything yet."
"But your life… will change now."
"I'm sending you away."
Yama's eyes narrowed slightly.
"To where?"
"The Green Heaven Kingdom."
"You'll stay with a trusted friend of mine. He will take care of you."
Yama stood up slightly.
"Why should I go?"
His tone carried resistance.
But inside—
He was practically celebrating.
Finally.
Freedom.
I can cultivate properly…
No more watching eyes… no more restrictions…
His thoughts shifted further.
Recover my power… then return to Hell…
He paused.
No…
First… the Heavens.
If anyone in the Heaven Hall could hear that thought—
They would probably start reinforcing their defenses immediately.
Yama wasn't just dangerous.
He was a problem that never stayed solved.
The last time he entered Heaven—
It took five thousand celestial beings to stop him.
And even then, it wasn't a victory.
It was survival.
"Son," Ye Xiang said firmly, pulling him back to reality."Don't be stubborn. This is for your protection."
Yama remained silent for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"If I go… Yu Yan comes with me."
Ye Xiang froze.
"This…"
For the first time, he hesitated.
Yama continued calmly.
"She's my only friend."
"She's suffered just like I have."
"If she comes with me… I won't be alone."
Then he added, deliberately pressing the point:
"At least do this… for everything I've endured."
Ye Xiang closed his eyes briefly.
He had no argument.
"…Fine."
"I'll allow it."
Yama nodded slightly.
Inside, his thoughts were cold.
She dies in two months.
If she stays here… that fate won't change.
But if she leaves…
There's a chance.
He wasn't guessing.
He was calculating.
Fate wasn't absolute.
Not to him.
Not to Yama.
"I'll check the Judgment Book again once we reach the Green Heaven Kingdom," he thought.
The Kingdom of Alchemists…
Let's see what kind of place it really is.
Ye Xiang spoke again.
"You will leave after taking the Heaven's Blessing Aptitude Test."
Yama frowned.
"That test?"
"You already know I have no aptitude."
Ye Xiang shook his head.
"This is necessary."
"It's for the spies within the clan."
"They must believe you are still talentless."
"This way… your journey will be safe."
Then his voice lowered slightly.
"And remember… do not call me 'Father' in public."
"It will raise suspicion."
"I've already placed a barrier around this room. No one heard our conversation."
Yama nodded.
"Understood."
"I'll attend the test tomorrow."
He turned and began walking toward the exit.
His steps were calm.
Measured.
Not a trace of hesitation.
He trusted the Judgment Book completely.
Hiding his true ability?
Simple.
As the door closed—
Ye Xiang remained seated.
His gaze lingered on the empty space.
His expression slowly sank into something heavier.
I'm sorry…
But this is the only way.
Even if you're ridiculed tomorrow…
It must happen.
His fists tightened slightly.
Only then… can my plan move forward.