When Qian Gu Yunying learned from Yin Zhang that he had discovered two hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beasts at the small Nuoding Academy, her lips parted slightly in astonishment.
"Xiao Zhang… your luck really is incredible."
Yin Zhang smiled softly. "Perhaps. Ever since I arrived in Spirit City and became my teacher's disciple, things have gone smoothly. But among everything I've gained, the greatest fortune of all was meeting you, Sister Yunying. Without you, I wouldn't have what I have today."
Qian Gu Yunying had never heard such sincere words spoken so directly—especially from the person she cared for most, looking at her with such steady affection.
"…Meeting you is also my greatest fortune," she replied quietly.
She remembered herself before meeting Yin Zhang—reckless, spear in hand, caring little for anything beyond cultivation and battle. It was only after meeting him that she began to change, to think about family, the future, and life beyond combat.
They leaned close, foreheads touching, sharing a quiet moment of warmth and trust.
"Sister Yunying," Yin Zhang said gently after a pause, "you've just returned. Rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll ask the High Priest to help you cleanse the lingering killing aura. After that… we'll plan everything else together."
Qian Gu Yunying nodded, her expression soft.
That afternoon and evening passed in rare peace. After months of separation and hardship, the two finally had time to rest together, sharing warmth, conversation, and unspoken understanding. By nightfall, exhaustion claimed them both, and they fell asleep side by side.
---
Late that night, Yin Zhang awoke.
His strength had already fully recovered, but beside him, Qian Gu Yunying was still sleeping soundly. He carefully covered her with the blanket before quietly leaving the room.
Yun Shan had arrived earlier and was waiting outside.
"Young Lord," Yun Shan said respectfully, bowing slightly.
Yin Zhang nodded. "How have these days been in the Hall of Worship?"
Yun Shan had officially taken the position of Third Priest, greatly strengthening Spirit Hall. Since Yin Zhang was now in Spirit City, Yun Shan no longer followed him closely and instead cultivated alongside the other priests.
"It has been smooth," Yun Shan replied. "At first, the other priests questioned my origins. I told them I cultivated on an overseas island and later in the forests after coming to the continent. After being injured by a spirit beast and saved by you, I joined Spirit Hall."
Yin Zhang nodded in approval. That explanation was sufficient—and difficult to investigate further. Once Yun Shan had passed the assessment and joined the Hall of Worship, his past no longer mattered.
Yun Shan continued, his tone turning serious. "However, during my time there, I've noticed something. Bibi Dong's influence runs deep. Although much of it has already been dismantled, if she isn't handled carefully after being removed from power, she may rally her remaining subordinates. That could cause serious trouble."
Yin Zhang had already considered this.
Bibi Dong could not simply be eliminated—too many ties and consequences were involved. Yet confining her alone would not guarantee peace either. If she escaped, the backlash could be even more dangerous.
Her past trauma and twisted psyche had never truly healed. The Soul Hunting Operation had been her first step toward dominating the continent—and now, that plan was already collapsing before it could fully begin.
Heaven Dou was firmly under Xue Qinghe's control.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had also aligned itself with Spirit Hall—or more precisely, with Yin Zhang.
"Keep observing," Yin Zhang said calmly. "We'll act when the time is right."
Yun Shan nodded. "Understood."
As the night deepened over Spirit City, Yin Zhang looked toward the Hall of Worship in the distance. The stage was nearly set—and soon, even Bibi Dong's fate would be decided.