Two factions had come to visit. The first was a group of Shen Wanshang’s subordinates, and they were looking for Xiyue. Their purpose was quite clear: Shen Wanshang wished to speak with her.

After explaining the reason for their visit, the Cultivator delivering the message looked rather displeased, but he still addressed Zhong Ming and Ji Qingyue with the proper decorum. "Young Master Zhong Ming, Princess Qingyue, before I came, my Princess said that a fine bird chooses its tree to roost. For a subordinate to choose another master simply means that we were inept at managing our own. My Princess has no complaints."

"We are summoning Xiyue only to ask her some questions, not to pursue blame or mete out punishment."

"As fellow royal Commandery Princesses, my lady hopes that you, Princess Qingyue, can grant her this small favor."

Upon hearing this, both Zhong Ming and Ji Qingyue understood instantly. Shen Wanshang was resentful of Xiyue’s betrayal, but more than that, she was utterly bewildered.

She simply couldn’t fathom why Xiyue would betray her, especially for such an absurd reason.

The matter was so absurd that Shen Wanshang’s first impulse wasn’t revenge. Instead, she wanted to find Xiyue and speak with her to understand the precise reason she had defected to Zhong Ming.

Upon learning of Shen Wanshang’s intentions, Zhong Ming and Ji Qingyue didn’t make an immediate decision. They exchanged a glance, then turned their gazes to Xiyue at their side to ask for her opinion.

"What do you think? If this puts you in a difficult position, we can refuse on your behalf."

"There’s no need." Xiyue looked up, her gaze clear and resolute. "I have to face Princess Wanshang sooner or later. And don’t worry about my safety. Princess Wanshang is an incredibly proud person. Even if she bears a grudge against me, she would make her move openly and honorably, not resort to a despicable tactic like luring me into a trap."

Seeing her mind was made up, Zhong Ming shrugged and didn’t try to stop her.

"Be careful. If we’ve misjudged the situation, make your survival the priority. We’ll come to your aid."

"Thank you for your concern, Young Master."

With a nod, Xiyue’s elegant figure departed gracefully.

Once her figure had vanished from sight, the gazes of Zhong Ming, Ji Qingyue, Luo Zhiwei, and the others all fell upon the doorway—the second group of visitors had arrived.

Zhong Ming was quite surprised by this visit. The reason being, this second group of visitors was very special: they were the Demon Race!

’I don’t recall us having any dealings with the Demon Race. Why would they come here?’

Doubts surged through his mind, but since he couldn’t figure it out, Zhong Ming... simply stopped trying.

’Whatever. Regardless of their intentions, I’ll find out once I meet them and ask.’

With the decision made, Zhong Ming, Luo Zhiwei, and Ji Qingyue nodded, signaling their subordinates to lead the members of the Demon Race in.

SWOOSH...

The moment the figures of the demon guests crossed the threshold, Zhong Ming’s eyebrows shot up.

Though they were demons, the newcomers had all taken on human form, retaining only a few beast-like features that distinguished them from humans.

At the same time, Zhong Ming noticed the group was led by three individuals. One was a middle-aged man in a simple Daoist robe with powerful antlers sprouting from his head. A misty, verdant aura clung to him, like that of an ancient immortal who had cultivated for a thousand years among mountains and marshes. Zhong Ming sensed that this demon’s cultivation was even higher than Xiyue’s.

’A Cultivator in the Wind Fiend Unity realm? Judging by his appearance and aura, he must be a Deer Demon.’

The other two were women. One was alluring, her body wrapped in a black robe, exuding a natural seductiveness. The other was petite and delicate, her eyes bright and lively, like a fledgling sparrow in the woods.

When Zhong Ming’s gaze fell upon her, the delicate girl’s face filled with apprehension. She shrank back like a startled bird, quickly hiding behind the Deer Demon. Daring only to peek out with half her face, she shyly stole glances at him.

The alluring woman in the black robe, however, met Zhong Ming’s inspection without a hint of fear. Instead, her eyes glinted, and the corners of her lips curled into a bewitching, provocative smile.

Yet, before the smile could fully form, her heart jolted. A complex, indescribable emotion surged through her—the fear of facing a superior, an instinctual awe, and beneath it all, a strange, inexplicable impulse to bow her head and follow.

?!

’He really does have a special ability!’

Zhong Ming faintly sensed the alluring cultivator’s inner turmoil, but he quickly masked his own reaction, his expression returning to placid calm.

Meanwhile, Ji Qingyue stepped forward. With the poise and dignity befitting a Commandery Princess, she spoke in a measured tone, "Fellow Daoists of the Demon Race, what business brings you to my Prince Qinghe’s Mansion?"

"In response to Princess Qingyue," Lu Ce stepped forward and bowed, his voice aged but steady. "I am Lu Ce. I have come with my two young friends, Wuya and Caiyan, specifically to pledge our allegiance to you, Princess."

"Oh?"

The answer was completely unexpected. After Zhong Ming, Ji Qingyue, and Luo Zhiwei exchanged a look, Luo Zhiwei spoke first, her gaze sharp as she cut right to the heart of the matter. "Why pledge allegiance? And why choose our Prince Qinghe’s Mansion?"

Luo Zhiwei’s question was brief, but Lu Ce understood its deeper implications. Stroking his beard, he quickly provided an answer.

"We come seeking only to survive... The second impact is near, and a small clan like ours cannot possibly withstand it alone. This is a calamity that will engulf the entire world. Anyone with the slightest foresight knows that cooperation among all beings to weather this crisis is the only way forward."

"The White Tiger Royal Court has dispatched a delegation to Immortal Martial City for this very reason, with the intent to ally with you humans."

"We are simply following the turn of the tide, seeking a path to survival for our clan."

After a brief pause, Lu Ce addressed Luo Zhiwei’s second question.