Chapter 480: Confession Brings Leniency

"Stop right there!"

Hao Liancheng let out a loud shout, releasing the fourth layer of Tian Gang aura, pressing down on Ye Liuyun and Liang Xue.

Ye Liuyun immediately tightened his hold on Liang Xue, intending to unleash his aura to also shield her.

Unexpectedly, Liang Xue herself turned her True Essence outward, blocking Hao Liancheng's oppressive aura. Moreover, Ye Liuyun sensed that the spiritual energy around Liang Xue was especially abundant, as if she herself was uniquely attuned to spirit energy, capable of gathering it all.

Seeing that Liang Xue could protect him, Ye Liuyun did not reveal his own aura. This level of pressure, for him, his Physical Body alone could withstand.

Hao Liancheng, aware of Liang Xue's skill, assumed she was shielding Ye Liuyun. He immediately taunted, "You kid only know how to hide behind a woman, huh? If you have the guts, come duel me one‑on‑one."

Before Ye Liuyun could speak, Liang Xue cut in: "Hao Liancheng, on what grounds do you meddle in my affairs? If you make another move, don't blame me for being unkind."

As she said, Liang Xue drew her treasured sword, ready to clash with He Liancheng.

He Liancheng thought for a moment, his eyes flashing, then withdrew his pressure. Smiling, he explained to Liang Xue, "Junior sister, I was only trying his skill. No need to be angry."

"Using you to test? From now on, stay out of my affairs!" After that, Liang Xue grabbed Ye Liuyun, turned, and left, ignoring He Liancheng.

He Liancheng's expression didn't escape Ye Liuyun's gaze. He seemed to be harboring some foul intent. Ye Liuyun used his Divine Sense to warn Liang Xue: "I don't think this guy will give up so easily!"

"Ignore him! Every time we meet, there's always such an annoying fly, sorry about that!" Liang Xue valued the time spent with Ye Liuyun and didn't want to be disturbed.

He Liancheng watched the two rush toward the county town, a sly glint flashing in his eyes, then turned and sprinted toward Lingxi Palace.

Lei Ming and the others arrived at that moment, joining Ye Liuyun's group, and under Liang Xue's lead, all hurried toward the Wanbaoge outpost in the county town.

The foundation of Wanbaoge here wasn't very strong; the outpost was merely a rear house of the Tonghui Chamber of Commerce. Though small, it was relatively quiet.

After arriving, they hurried to discuss the state of the Five Realms and the incidents each had faced since parting.

"I didn't expect, Xue'er, your cultivation level to rise so fast, already reaching the first tier of Tian Gang!" Ye Liuyun was also amazed at Liang Xue's realm.

Liang Xue nestled beside Ye Liuyun, smiling as she explained: "It's largely thanks to your cultivation resources that my Bloodline Power has risen. After arriving here, my master discovered my bloodline to be extremely rare, containing dual powers. One is a bewitching art with hallucinogenic effects, the other gathers spirit energy. Moreover, the two Bloodline Powers influence each other. So, with his help, I began to focus on the spirit‑gathering bloodline, gradually converting the bewitching power. As the bloodline strengthened, my cultivation speed increased considerably."

"Show me how strong your Bloodline Power is," Ye Liuyun said, curious.

"Alright, I hope I don't scare you!" Liang Xue smiled, releasing her Bloodline Power. She didn't unleash it all at once, fearing it might hurt Ye Liuyun and the others.

She increased her Bloodline Power gradually, bit by bit. As she activated it, Ye Liuyun used his Golden Pupil to see through illusion and reality. Liang Xue's Bloodline Power turned out to be the strongest he had ever seen, already exceeding 70% of his own Bloodline Power.

"That's enough, I understand now," Ye Liuyun gently stroked Liang Xue's hair and said softly.

Liang Xue immediately ceased her bloodline, but then glared at him. "You're spying on me again!"

"I… didn't mean that, I was just looking at your Bloodline Power," Ye Liuyun hurriedly explained.

"Pfft!" Liang Xue burst into laughter at his nervousness. "Got it! I don't mind you looking!" After saying that, she blushed herself.

Ye Liuyun also turned a deep red. The others all got up voluntarily, saying they'd go rest. No one could stand watching the two flaunt their affection.

Thus, the room soon contained only Ye Liuyun and Liang Xue, and for a moment the atmosphere grew awkward.

"What will you do next?" Liang Xue broke the silence, asking him softly.

"I'm going to join the Cangyun Martial Tournament! Then I'll check the inheritance situation, and after that I'll prepare to go beyond the realms." Ye Liuyun said, also yearning for the outside realms. He didn't expect to leave so soon. Suddenly he added, "Before departing, I need to return to the Five Realms once to deal with the Dark Night Demon Hall there."

Liang Xue hurriedly shared the information she knew with Ye Liuyun: "After I arrived here, I learned that the Dark Night Demon Hall isn't easy to deal with. It's an old Demon Cultivator sect, its influence spreads across the Cangyun Continent. In fact, it's stronger than any Sect, and on several occasions almost dominated the entire Cangyun Continent."

Ye Liuyun was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected the Dark Night Demon Hall to be even stronger than he knew. "We'll see then, at least we need to eliminate some dangers first."

He originally intended to resolve the Dark Night Demon Hall's control over the Five Realms. But after Liang Xue's words, Ye Liuyun felt his chances were slim. He was alone, truly outmatched, and for now could not contend with such a colossal entity.

Liang Xue also comforted him: "Don't rush. With your cultivation speed, you'll soon surpass them. My father's news says the Five Realms are still relatively safe; the Dark Night Demon Hall hasn't been slaughtering indiscriminately. Your family, the Tianyun Dynasty, and the Holy Martial Academy are all safe now. So you needn't be anxious."

"Alright! I won't act without certainty, you can rest assured!" Ye Liuyun assured Liang Xue.

As the two talked, Ye Liuyun suddenly recalled Su Miaoyin.

He was pondering how to explain to Liang Xue. Liang Xue noticed his change and asked, "What's wrong? Do you have something on your mind?"

Ye Liuyun clenched his teeth and laid out everything about Su Miaoyin. He didn't want to hide or deceive Liang Xue, lest a bigger misunderstanding arise later. By confessing early, he could hope for leniency. It was better than Liang Xue learning it from someone else later.

Liang Xue listened silently, without interjecting. After Ye Liuyun finished, Liang Xue stood dumbfounded for a moment, then her eyes showed loss, grievance and various emotions, yet she said nothing.

Liang Xue's silence made Ye Liuyun feel very uneasy. He didn't know what to say to comfort her, so he used his Divine Sense to summon Wu Qingcheng, asking her to plead on his behalf.

"Ah, you fool! Why spill it so early! There'll be plenty of chances to explain later!"

Wu Qingcheng scolded him once, but still went over to help him.

She also ushered Ye Liuyun out first, then whispered with Liang Xue. After all, communication between women is far more convenient than with Ye Liuyun.

Ye Liuyun stood dejected in the courtyard, not daring to eavesdrop. Lei Ming, Yu Er and the others, seeing his demeanor, all came out to comfort him.