“Who are you?”

Yun Zhan asked, but his expression was far from inquisitive, showing neither surprise nor concern. He continued to smile without even a hint of a frown.

Someone had broken through his formation and barged in suddenly. Yet, not only was he unfazed, but he even seemed more pleased.

The young man’s gaze briefly landed on Bai Fanlu before quickly shifting away. His expression darkened as he glared at Yun Zhan. “Let him go.”

It really is Xiao Liu.

Bai Fanlu felt an inexplicable sense of unease growing stronger within him. He thought that Xiao Liu might have the strength to fight, but when it came to scheming, he was surely no match for Yun Zhan. He had to find a way to save himself and not drag Xiao Liu into this.

Moreover, being seen by Xiao Liu in this state…

Whether it was worry for Xiao Liu’s safety or a sense of shame, neither seemed to touch the true source of his unease.

Bai Fanlu had a pressing thought: he needed to leave this place with Xiao Liu immediately, or else…

Or else what? He couldn’t say, but while Yun Zhan was distracted by Xiao Liu, Bai Fanlu secretly channeled his energy, searching for a method to restore his strength.

There was still one last barrier in the area where Yun Zhan stood; it seemed Xiao Liu couldn’t get through. Bai Fanlu had to find a way out.

“Young man, you must be mistaken.”

Hearing Xiao Liu’s words, Yun Zhan smiled. “My senior brother and I are deeply in love. How could I allow you to interfere?”

Yun Zhan’s hand lingered on Bai Fanlu’s waist. Xiao Liu’s dark eyes tightened, and he coldly replied, “You are not Yun Zhan, and he is not your senior brother.”

Hearing this, Yun Zhan raised an eyebrow slightly, a subtle smile playing at his lips. “Oh? And how do you know that? Could it be… you know Yun Zhan very well?”

Bai Fanlu finally found a trace of lingering spiritual energy within himself. He intended to use it to activate Cang Jin and unlock his pressure points, but Yun Zhan’s soft questioning sent a shiver through him.

Xiao Liu? Knowing Yun Zhan? What does that mean?

Bai Fanlu looked at Xiao Liu, who was glaring furiously at Yun Zhan. At that moment, Xiao Liu seemed to sense his gaze, but like before, he quickly averted his eyes. This time, the avoidance was blatantly obvious.

“…” What’s going on? That strange sense of foreboding returned.

Bai Fanlu suppressed his unease and slightly clenched his fingers. Spiritual energy slowly crept along his fingers to his palm and gradually began to climb toward his dormant Cang Jin.

But then Yun Zhan spoke again, “Oh right, Senior Brother wanted me to show him the Azure Bird. I had nearly forgotten, but now that you mention it… I have indeed seen one… right here in this room.”

Cang Jin flickered briefly before dimming. Bai Fanlu’s breath hitched, and he felt as if something in the air had suddenly been stretched to its limit. He couldn’t help but look at Xiao Liu again.

This time, the young man stood ramrod straight, with a faint current swirling around him.

Yun Zhan lowered his head slightly and smiled leisurely. “Senior Brother, do you want to know who it is?”

“…” Bai Fanlu felt that he didn’t want to know at all, nor did he want to see that Azure Bird.

Cang Jin seemed disobedient—or perhaps it was his own lack of strength. With just a bit of spiritual energy, he still couldn’t control it. Bai Fanlu grew anxious, forcing himself not to dwell on Yun Zhan’s words.

This Yun Zhan was certainly a scoundrel trying to shift the blame onto someone else—he must be mad, completely insane!

He had to be Yun Zhan; only Yun Zhan could be such a jerk! Bai Fanlu repeatedly told himself, refusing to consider that this person might not actually be Yun Zhan, even if there was the slightest chance.

“But it doesn’t matter who it is…” Yun Zhan crossed his arms and stood. “They’ll be here soon…”

The sound of doors being pushed open one after another grew closer, along with voices, until it was clear that everything happening in this room would soon be seen.

Seen by the disciples of the Tianxu Sect—what the interim sect master Yun Zhan and the head disciple Bai Fanlu were up to… The repercussions of such gossip and rumors were bound to be significant.

Wang Chongyu’s eyes reddened with anger, blood dripping from his hands along the blade’s edge. The murderous intent in his gaze toward Yun Zhan was palpable.

Finally, as the door was about to be smashed open, Xiao Liu clenched his fists, and the current swirling around him suddenly burst out, sweeping across the room with a sharp whoosh.

Bang! The door slammed shut, and the noisy space instantly fell into dead silence, as if it had been completely isolated from the outside world.

It was an immortal barrier.

To counter the hidden formation’s suppression, this barrier would have cost its caster significant energy to form.

There was no room left for holding back.

The blue light on the young man’s body had not yet faded, and the blue flames at his waist flickered and danced, impossible to ignore.

Yun Zhan chuckled lightly. “Not bad, you’ve got some skill.”

“…” Xiao Liu remained silent.

Yun Zhan sneered. “If you have something to say, now’s your chance. Otherwise…”

He was speaking to Xiao Liu.

But Bai Fanlu felt as if it was directed at him. He also wanted to say something, but he feared it was too late. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Xiao Liu was staring intently at him. Through the thin veil of purple gauze, his expression was unclear, but the emotions in his eyes seemed to pierce straight into Bai Fanlu’s heart.

Finally, Xiao Liu slowly spoke. “I am Yun Zhan.”

In the end, no matter how much he tried to avoid it, he couldn’t deny it any longer.

By the restrictive barrier at the door, Wang Chongyu was so shocked he forgot to struggle.

“Yun Zhan” laughed instead of getting angry. “And who do you say you are?”

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Liu raised his voice, “I am Yun Zhan!”

From the bed came the faint sound of a suppressed, pained gasp. Bai Fanlu forced himself to break free from his pressure points, shakily sitting up. His chest heaved violently as he reached up and tore off the purple gauze from his head.

“Xiao Liu…!”

Is this some kind of joke?

Ling Qingzi only told him that someone in the demon realm might be impersonating Yun Zhan, but never mentioned that the Yun Zhan from the immortal realm might disguise himself as someone else.

And so vividly, so lifelike…

No, these are two entirely different people with nothing in common.

It’s impossible for them to be the same person.

Xiao Liu and Yun Zhan…

It’s absolutely impossible!

“Yun Zhan” also asked, “You keep saying you’re Yun Zhan, so why don’t you change back and show me?”

Yes! If he really were Yun Zhan, why would he appear as Xiao Liu? He’s not stupid!

A glimmer of hope suddenly rose in Bai Fanlu’s eyes.

But Xiao Liu remained still, saying nothing.

Bai Fanlu’s heart began to sink little by little.

With the oppressive silence that followed, the last spark of hope in his eyes seemed close to being snuffed out.

“Yun Zhan” snorted, his lips curling into a mocking smile. “Can’t change back, can you?”

Finally, Xiao Liu raised his hand, and a bright light flared.

Bai Fanlu stared blankly at the light, his pupils reflecting the flickering rings of light, giving his pallid face a fleeting glimpse of life.

But as the light dimmed, he felt himself plunge into utter despair.

In Xiao Liu’s palm, a small bird with azure feathers and a red beak appeared, chirping as it fluttered its wings. It ignored any barriers and flew directly toward Bai Fanlu, gently landing on his shoulder.

The moment the Azure Bird touched him, Bai Fanlu’s whole body trembled. He gripped the bedside tightly, and the bird dispersed into countless points of light before vanishing instantly.

“…”

Bai Fanlu opened his mouth, trying to say something, but abruptly closed it. His lips quivered, and a trickle of bright red blood slowly seeped from the corner of his mouth.

Xiao Liu’s heart ached deeply. He wanted to rush forward, but as his eyes met Bai Fanlu’s intense gaze, his feet felt rooted to the spot, unable to move an inch.

Even the name he was about to call out stuck in his throat.

“Yun Zhan” clapped his hands. “Marvelous! Truly marvelous!”

Bai Fanlu closed his eyes, and after a moment, he reopened them. He gritted his teeth, trying to suppress the bitterness in his throat that only seemed to intensify the more he swallowed.

His breath became erratic, and he had to muster all his strength just to maintain his breathing.

Yet even breathing was bitter. It felt like something was hammering away at his chest, making him want to both cry out in grief and laugh hysterically until he could laugh no more.

All the inexplicable instincts now had an answer.

All the seemingly baseless doubts were confirmed.

All the deep, heartfelt bonds forged through life and death had turned into a ridiculous farce.

I thought he was a fool, but it turns out I was the real fool all along—a complete fool!

Bai Fanlu coughed up a mouthful of blood. Then his entire body collapsed weakly beside the bed like a withered leaf.

“Senior Brother!”

Wang Chongyu and Xiao Liu exclaimed simultaneously. Xiao Liu’s aura of killing intent surged but was suddenly restrained.

“Yun Zhan” held Bai Fanlu in his arms, one hand clutching his waist and the other resting atop his head. His four fingers spread slightly, as if applying pressure.

“What are you trying to do?” Xiao Liu asked sharply, his eyes fixed on the hand, terrified that it might crush down at any moment.

“Yun Zhan” idly brushed aside the stray hairs on Bai Fanlu’s forehead, revealing a bright red cinnabar mark.

Xiao Liu’s heart pounded as he whispered a warning, “Don’t do anything reckless.”

“Yun Zhan” retorted, “And how do you know what I’m planning to do?”

He glanced mockingly at the young man and said, “But I must say, I wasn’t wrong. Your influence on him is indeed extraordinary.”

“Bai Junming! If you want something, take it out on me, but don’t hurt him.”

Bai Junming? Wang Chongyu was stunned.

“Yun Zhan”—or rather Bai Junming—raised an eyebrow slightly when he heard Xiao Liu address him directly by name. “So you figured it out? That battle in Yingzhou wasn’t for nothing, it seems…”

“But what a pity!” Bai Junming sighed softly. “Some people won’t tell the truth until it’s too late, making him suffer needlessly.”

With that, Bai Junming tightened his grip on Bai Fanlu’s head. Bai Fanlu’s lashes quivered, and his brows furrowed, as if enduring intense pain.

Bai Junming’s smile grew more wicked. “In fact, you should be thanking me. Without me, would you have seen this sight you’ve always dreamed of?”

He looked at Xiao Liu. “This isn’t a dream. The face of your beloved senior brother, now so pained and helpless, the expression you can barely resist—dare you say you never imagined it?”

“…” Xiao Liu clenched his fists.

Bai Junming soon released his grip and sighed. “In my dream world, what did you do? Everything you could do, and more. Compared to the performance I put on as you, your real self likely did it even better. Shall I recount it for you, one by one?”

“You!” Xiao Liu’s face turned alternately pale and flushed.

Bai Junming suddenly feigned a look of realization. “Oh right, I should wake him up and tell him directly!”

“Bai Junming!” Xiao Liu shouted, but this confrontation left him too afraid to act rashly.

Bai Junming’s fingers continued to toy with Bai Fanlu’s forehead, seemingly intent on chipping away at his resolve.

“Look at him. Because of you, he’s completely disheartened. He has no will left to resist,” Bai Junming lamented, shaking his head. “Pitiful, after being deceived by you for so long, it’s no wonder…”

Xiao Liu’s heart surged with panic, but no matter how desperate he was, Bai Fanlu’s life was still in this man’s hands. He had no choice but to endure.

Bai Junming finally seemed to tire of his game. “Since that’s the case, I’ll be kind and help him find some relief.”

A cloud of black mist erupted from his palm, encircling Bai Fanlu’s head.

Sensing the danger, Xiao Liu lunged forward, but he still couldn’t break through the innermost barrier. Though separated by only a few steps, he couldn’t get any closer.

Bai Fanlu’s head tilted back as his body convulsed violently. Amidst the swirling black mist above his head, a faint purple light wheel emerged.

Bai Junming seized it in his hand and released his grip with the other, letting Bai Fanlu collapse.

“See? Isn’t it beautiful, just like him…”

Bai Junming stared intently at the light in his hand, as if gazing at something that filled him with longing—or someone.

Wang Chongyu finally broke free from the restriction and was about to act, but Bai Junming’s eyes gleamed as he squeezed the light wheel in his grasp.

“Don’t go.” Xiao Liu blocked Wang Chongyu and shook his head.

Wang Chongyu turned to look at him, his eyes full of undisguised hatred.

Xiao Liu knew what he was thinking—that he blamed him for deceiving Bai Fanlu, and for everything Bai Junming had said earlier. But any explanation now would be futile.

Whatever Bai Junming had taken from Bai Fanlu seemed to have come directly from within him. Since it appeared, Bai Fanlu’s condition had become eerily strange.

“This is his human soul, and I took it so easily.”

Bai Junming smiled with infatuation, utterly satisfied.

Xiao Liu was horrified. He said, “Human soul”? He used a soul-capturing technique!

With Bai Fanlu’s “human soul” in Bai Junming’s hands, Xiao Liu was even more unable to approach, helplessly watching as Bai Junming’s fingers curled around the trembling light orb like gripping a fragile rabbit.

“Tell me, wouldn’t it be a breeze for me to destroy this right now?”

As he said this, his hand really started to clench. Xiao Liu hurriedly shouted, “Stop!”

Bai Junming paused, an amused expression on his face, seemingly eager to hear Xiao Liu’s final plea.

“I’ll give you anything you want, even my soul. Just let him go.”

Bai Junming narrowed his eyes and smiled. “Such a devoted fool—how touching.”

But that smile quickly vanished as Bai Junming’s true, vicious nature emerged. “Then to show your sincerity, start by stripping away your cultivation.”

“…Alright.” Xiao Liu slowly summoned Bilu.

Wang Chongyu couldn’t believe he would agree to such a condition. Though he harbored deep resentment toward Yun Zhan, this was clearly an irrational act. He was about to intervene when he noticed something strange around them.

The teacup on the table seemed to be trembling, starting with a faint quiver and soon becoming a noticeable shake.

Xiao Liu noticed it too and stopped his actions.

Suddenly, there was a loud crack, and the bronze mirror by the bed split in half.

The crack extended down to the floor…

Xiao Liu abruptly raised his head and looked toward Bai Fanlu.

Bai Junming was just about to touch him when an inexplicable force knocked him back. Instead of being angered, his eyes shone with a sinister light as he stared at Bai Fanlu and smiled eerily before disappearing without a sound.

Bai Fanlu’s shoulders twitched as he slowly sat up from the bed, silent.

A heavy layer of black mist encircled him. His disheveled robes fluttered despite the absence of wind, and a piercing cold light gradually faded from between his brows, revealing a faint purple leaf-shaped mark where the cinnabar once was, like a decorative flower pattern perfectly placed in the center.

His eyes, though half-closed, were empty, reflecting the mark on his forehead. His originally black pupils now seemed tinged with deep purple, giving him a demonic appearance as if he had fallen into madness.

“Senior Brother…?” Wang Chongyu hesitantly called out.

Bai Fanlu’s eyes suddenly snapped open, and in an instant, it felt as if the world was collapsing. The entire Hundred Flowers Pavilion trembled violently, with everything around them being lifted into the air and disintegrating before their eyes.

After a moment of eerie stillness, a surge of even more powerful spiritual energy erupted. Without even seeing Bai Fanlu’s movements, everything surrounding him was reduced to nothingness.

In the blink of an eye, the Hundred Flowers Pavilion was razed to the ground.

Bai Fanlu floated above the ruins, his hair whipping wildly, silently overlooking the scene below.

The turbulent spiritual energy radiating from him surged like a tempest, nearly distorting the space around him.

In Yufang City, where peach blossoms and pear flowers once bloomed, the petals began to fall under the overwhelming pressure. But in an instant, nourished by the spiritual energy, new buds sprouted rapidly, filling the sky with green leaves and red blossoms. The flowers swirled in the air, spiraling toward Bai Fanlu at the center.

It was as if creation and destruction were happening simultaneously. Those caught within the ruins were gently lifted by the swirling purple mist and floated up, unharmed.

Time seemed to stand still as everyone watched this scene in stunned silence.

Until the wind suddenly ceased, the swirling petals disintegrated into ashes, and Bai Fanlu tilted backward, plummeting straight down from the sky.

Among the gathered disciples, someone cried out in shock, “Senior Brother… Isn’t that Senior Brother? How could he…”

As Bai Fanlu fell, the intense spiritual energy surrounding him clearly carried an overwhelming demonic aura!

Xiao Liu cursed under his breath, flew up, and caught Bai Fanlu as he fell, concealing his face and using immortal arts to suppress the demonic energy emanating from him.

Wang Chongyu tried to keep up, but the two figures had already vanished into the sky. It was only then that he remembered Bai Junming and Wu Yueshuang, but they were long gone.

“Senior Brother Chongyu…”

Hearing a voice, Wang Chongyu turned around to see Yun Yi, who should have been at the Immortal Sect.

Yun Yi looked terrified, her eyes red with tears as she trembled and asked, “They’re saying… that Senior Brother might be… might be… a demon?”