He understood why Qin Tianlin was so angry. ’Meng Shiyu sacrificed his life to save Lan Hao? Only a fool would believe that.’

"You—" Fan Zhao instinctively started to rebuke him, but Lan Yunting was a step ahead, patting Lan Hao on the shoulder.

"Lan Hao, is that what happened?" he asked, his tone detached.

Lan Hao nodded hurriedly. "That’s right. That’s exactly what happened."

Lan Yunting’s gaze flickered. "Are you sure Meng Shiyu is dead and didn’t just escape the Nether Realm?"

All eyes fell on Lan Hao. He sighed inwardly. ’I wish Meng Shiyu had just escaped the Nether Realm too.’

But he had seen it with his own eyes: the monkey that howled like a wolf had devoured all of Meng Shiyu’s Spirit Fragments. His face contorted with grief. "Yes, I saw it clearly. Right before his Spirit Body was torn to shreds, he was still shouting for me to get away."

"Shiyu..." Fan Zhao’s fists tightened. He was his student, after all; he had cared for the boy. His gaze, cold and desolate, fixed on Lan Hao.

Lan Yunting frowned slightly. ’I didn’t expect this to happen, either. There are clearly holes in Lan Hao’s story, but he’s one of my own.’

After a moment’s thought, he turned and sighed. "Master Fan, you taught your student well. It is a true shame. My Lan Family will see to it that his family is compensated, as a gesture of our goodwill."

’As if I need you to handle that.’

Fan Zhao seethed with discontent. He wanted to get to the bottom of this, but it was obvious Lan Yunting wouldn’t allow it right now.

Besides, the man had just helped him drive out the Netherworld Creatures and obtain the Spiritual Fire. He couldn’t possibly turn on him now.

’Damn it!’ he thought, gritting his teeth. A bitter resentment welled up inside him, and it wasn’t directed solely at Lan Yunting and Lan Hao.

There was also Qin Yuezheng, Chu Lingyuan, and even Wei Zhenghong!

If Qin Yuezheng hadn’t been so stubborn about not helping, things wouldn’t have dragged on for so long, and Meng Shiyu wouldn’t be dead.

And Qin Tianlin, insisting that Meng Shiyu investigate Su Chen at a time like this. At the thought, his disgust for Su Chen deepened as well.

"Master Fan, you should go and begin the Melting Holy Profession as soon as possible. Any delay could lead to unforeseen problems," Lan Yunting urged from the side.

Fan Zhao took a deep breath. He could only suppress his grief for now. He would settle this score later. Right now, Melting the Holy Profession was his priority.

He composed himself, and Qin Tianlin said no more.

Each lost in their own thoughts, the group was enveloped by Lan Yunting’s power and carried toward the giant mountain.

’What a total mess,’ Steward Feng thought, fidgeting anxiously amidst the group. All he wanted was to get away from there as quickly as possible.

If he was made the scapegoat for Meng Shiyu’s death, he’d be in huge trouble.

The group landed on the mountaintop. The area was now clear of any Netherworld Creatures. Together, they headed toward a deep, dark cave.

"Once you successfully complete the Melting Holy Profession, Venerable Qin Yun will be very pleased," Lan Yunting said, breaking the silence.

Hearing this, Fan Zhao’s expression softened slightly, but he still said, "The melting process is fraught with danger. I may not succeed."

"That may be true for others, Master Fan, but fortune smiles on a man like you," Lan Yunting said with a laugh. "When the time comes, you are certain to take on a great responsibility within the Sect, perhaps even vying for the Chairman’s seat."

Seeing Lan Yunting adopt such a humble attitude, Fan Zhao’s expression eased somewhat. "Well then, let’s hope—"

Before he could finish, his expression suddenly froze. His pupils constricted as he stared blankly ahead.

A look of shocked disbelief also crossed Lan Yunting’s face.

The others following behind had no idea what was happening; they only felt the surrounding temperature plummet.

Confused, Qin Tianlin shifted to the side to see. When he got a clear view, his face fell as well.

The far end of the cave was completely empty. There was no Spiritual Fire to be seen.

"The Spiritual Fire... where is it!?" A violent Spiritual Power erupted from Fan Zhao, his voice trembling with rage!