“Shen Lian still has some secrets; there’s no need to kill him outright. Once I’ve taken everything valuable from him, I’ll slander him, and then execute him in the name of justice. I’ll even gain everyone’s praise. Why wouldn’t I do it?”

Jiang Ye chuckled, his words carrying a hint of mockery, yet subtly revealing a chilling intent.

Upon hearing this, Guan Yunyao’s pretty face was filled with terror, and she couldn’t help but gasp.

She, who usually kept to herself.

Had never witnessed such a heart-killing scheme?

She admitted she wasn’t a kind person.

Because the path of Dao does not concern good or evil; only the Heavenly Dao is merciless.

But Jiang Ye’s methods still sent shivers down her spine.

Guan Yunyao pondered for a moment, then asked with a hint of curiosity, “Is this the Dao Young Master spoke of today?”

Jiang Ye’s smile didn’t falter as he said indifferently, “Dao? What Dao do I have? Since I was little, I’ve simply done whatever I wanted.”

After speaking, he gently brushed away a strand of hair by her temple.

Jiang Ye’s tone was seemingly casual, yet incredibly earnest: “There are thousands of Great Dao in the world, but to me, the most important is—how beautiful Yao’er’s smile can truly be?”

Upon hearing this, Guan Yunyao’s pretty face immediately flushed crimson like the sunset.

Her heart was shy.

But she couldn’t help but feel a slight joy, and she unconsciously revealed a faint smile.

Seeing this, Jiang Ye immediately teased, “That’s right! My Yao’er’s smile is truly beautiful! She is indeed a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms! A peerless beauty on earth!”

Hmph! Bad guy!

Whose are you?

Don’t think that just because of this, this Young Miss will fall for your trick!

Guan Yunyao bit her red lips slightly, her inner monologue constant.

She dared not speak again, fearing Jiang Ye would take the opportunity to tease her once more.

But her gaze accidentally fell upon Jiang Ye’s demonically handsome face.

His lips curled slightly, a carefree smile spreading across them. His features, carved like jade, were so exquisite that they evoked no hint of dislike.

“He certainly has a good appearance, but he’s a bit too flirtatious…”

“If only he could be more devoted…”

“Guan Yunyao, what are you thinking?! How embarrassing! I, who am devoted to the Dao, must not harbor any true feelings, that’s right! That’s how it is…”

Jiang Ye seemed to sense her gaze, and with a slight smile, he met her eyes.

In just a moment, Guan Yunyao was the first to succumb to his gaze, her face flushing, her eyes darting away as she turned her head.

The atmosphere unknowingly grew intimate.

Jiang Ye gave her no chance to react, moving his body and gently pulling her into his embrace.

“Ah~”

Guan Yunyao gasped, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, tinged with a hint of panic.

A warm sensation emanated from Jiang Ye’s embrace, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood and the steady aroma unique to a man, directly assailing her heart.

Layers of ripples involuntarily stirred within her heart.

She uncharacteristically didn’t struggle, as if stunned in Jiang Ye’s arms, with no intention of resisting, and instinctively leaned on Jiang Ye’s shoulder.

Her heart pounded wildly.

Her usual inner monologues ceased, leaving only a silent, obedient stillness.

At this moment, it was as if time had stopped, frozen… The sky gradually darkened, and the sunset glowed like flowing fire, painting a splendid sea of light across the horizon.

Around the Dao Discussion Platform.

The continuous palaces slowly glowed in the night, with vast golden brilliance, surrounded by ancient Immortal Light and ethereal Immortal Qi, as if a Heavenly Palace had descended upon the human world.

The Dao Discussion Assembly was still in full swing.

Cultivators usually did not act alone in such a grand event.

Various forces, Loose Cultivators, and Disciples gathered in groups of three or five.

Some engaged in lofty discussions, others in sparring matches.

Amidst the clash of Daoist Magic, the atmosphere, though lively, possessed a relaxed freedom, unconstrained, like a gentle breeze.

More people sat quietly on the reefs, absorbing the moonlight, closing their eyes in contemplation, their minds immersed in the vast Heavenly Dao of the world.

This was quite consistent with Cloud Top Academy’s usual ethos.

Everyone knew in their hearts.

The most important thing.

Was the Ascension Road that would soon open.

Meanwhile, Wang Chongming, with a sullen face, hid in the crowd, his gaze filled with jealous hatred as he looked at Guan Yunyao’s pavilion.

In fact.

He had noticed Jiang Ye when he first appeared.

But regrettably.

A few days ago, his family had repeatedly warned him not to provoke the Divine Son of the Jiang Clan.

So he had found someone at the time to leak this news to Shen Lian.

He hadn’t expected that blockhead to actually go and court disaster!

Initially, Wang Chongming had hoped the two would fight to the death, but unexpectedly, Shen Lian was directly crippled.

Recalling that tragic scene.

Wang Chongming felt a chill down his spine, and fear rose in his heart.

Now, he watched helplessly as Guan Yunyao was embraced by Jiang Ye, yet he could only suppress his anger, not daring to make any move.

This almost drove him mad.

Finally.

He could no longer hold back.

Wang Chongming, leveraging his connections within the Academy, gathered several elite Disciples and together they ascended to the pavilion viewing platform where Guan Yunyao was.

Seeing several Academy Disciples approach.

Guan Yunyao, who had been embraced for a long time, finally came to her senses.

Her pretty face flushed, and she abruptly broke free from Jiang Ye, reseating herself to the side, a hint of resentment in her eyes.

She also couldn’t help but grumble a few words in her heart.

“That scoundrel almost succeeded~”

“If he really wants to… tonight, should I refuse? Hmph! Jiang Ye, you wish~”

Jiang Ye’s lips curled, his objective achieved, and he was in no hurry.

His golden eyes calmly looked at the newcomers.

Wang Chongming desperately wanted to kill, but he dared not show any anger on his face, forcing a smile and saying, “I’ve long admired Divine Son Jiang’s great name. Today, I’ve specially come to pay my respects, simply to catch a glimpse of his demeanor. He truly possesses the potential of a Heavenly Emperor!”

“Do you have something to say?”

Jiang Ye said indifferently, his gaze sweeping over them, and he unexpectedly spotted Chu Nan trailing behind the others.

His heart immediately rejoiced.

He had just reaped a harvest from Shen Lian, and now new prey had delivered himself.

However, he could also tell.

Chu Nan was disguised at the moment, likely fearing that his identity as a Heavenly Dao Academy True Disciple would cause trouble, and his identity was most likely fake.

A little clever, but not much.

Jiang Ye didn’t outwardly recognize Chu Nan, so he couldn’t be bothered to expose him.

Wang Chongming pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “My humble self, Wang Chongming, is one of the five Chief Disciples of Cloud Top Academy. I wish to discuss the path of Dao with Divine Son Jiang, and exchange poetry and prose to cultivate virtue.”

Upon hearing this, Guan Yunyao frowned slightly.

She had been annoyed by this Wang Chongming for a long time; he had just interrupted… and now he was bothering her again!

She was about to speak.

A voice suddenly rang out.

A young man in a green robe walked in, saying in a calm tone:

“I, Chu Hao, greet Divine Son Jiang. I am a Loose Cultivator. I have long heard of Divine Son Jiang’s peerless talent, deeply respected by Cultivators like myself. Upon seeing his demeanor today, I wish to discuss Dao and compose poetry with you, Fellow Daoists, to cultivate our sentiments.”

“Although I am not a great power, I do possess some poetic talent.”

“Tonight, the Heavenly Palace is resplendent with divine light, and the scenery is pleasant. Feeling inspired, I boldly wish to improvise a poem with the Divine Son and compete in skill. I wonder if the Divine Son would be willing to enlighten me?”

Wang Chongming and the other Academy Disciples stiffened, their lips twitching slightly.

Where did this idiot come from?

Although his initial goal was indeed this, he intended to proceed slowly!

So direct?

Afraid others wouldn’t know you were here to cause trouble?