When the dust settled, Han Yuexi dropped to one knee, golden blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
She looked at Ye Yu and asked, “You’re not ready yet?”
“I’m not ready for anything! That wasn’t time reversal or resurrection at all, but something far more complicated. I can’t explain it quickly. Let’s get out of here before everything’s gone!” Ye Yu transmitted the words into her mind at once.
Han Yuexi’s eyes widened. Had she been too arrogant in thinking this would be simple?
A gray-robed Daoist, Lu Yuan, stepped forward and spoke softly to Han Yuexi, “Tell me where your brother is hiding, and I’ll make your death less painful. How about that?”
His words were aimed only at Han Yuexi; Ye Yu scarcely registered on his radar. What was there to care about a fledgling New God Realm newcomer? Any confidence or courage she claimed was ridiculous—no matter how powerful, a mere ant remained an ant.
Han Yuexi frowned. She had introduced Ye Yu’s identity to bind them together, hoping he would fight alongside her. Now he insisted this wasn’t time reversal or resurrection. Although she did not know the details, she blamed her own pride and rashness. If only she had waited to hear him out before acting.
But there was no remedy for regret. Her mistake was hers alone to bear. Pulling out the Hearty Jade, she pressed it into Ye Yu’s hand. “Go find my brother Han Qianzhang and tell him to locate the one we need. He must [N O V E L I G H T] never return! I’ll fight to buy you time. And next time, clear everything with me first!”
Ye Yu blinked. At this moment, her conscience awakened? She really wanted to send him off? And it wasn’t that he’d refused to explain—she hadn’t even given him the chance!
Lu Yuan sneered, “Stop delaying. I have no interest in listening. I’ll kill you and extract your soul’s memories to track your brother. Don’t worry—I’m in a good mood today. You and your Dao companion may die together if you like!” With that, he raised his right hand, aiming to end them both.
Han Yuexi’s brow furrowed in thought, but before she could act, a voice rang out behind her: “I’ll freeze him in a moment of time—use that opening to take him down! Don’t hesitate, strike now!”
Those words carried a strange power. In an instant, Han Yuexi sprang into action—after all, she knew this could be their last chance. Though she had no idea what confidence Ye Yu possessed to say such things, he would not speak without cause.
Lu Yuan, who had cultivation in the Ancient God Realm, heard everything clearly and laughed scornfully. Look at today’s fools—thinking a New God newcomer could control someone of his realm! Ludicrous!
As Lu Yuan prepared to wipe them out, he suddenly felt his body freeze, bound in place as though he’d lost control of his own will and his divine power stalled. He stared in shock at Ye Yu’s odd gesture.
In that instant, Han Yuexi lunged forward, hand like a blade, and cut Lu Yuan in two.
Has it worked? she thought with wild joy. But Lu Yuan’s body withered into a spirit projection and dissipated entirely.
Han Yuexi was stunned. This wasn’t his true body—only a ghostly projection. Where, then, was the real Lu Yuan?
“Don’t stand there—let’s go!” Ye Yu’s weak voice called from behind. Han Yuexi turned to see him pale and gasping as if all his strength had been drained.
In fact, it had: his divine power had been completely exhausted. The Time Anchor technique, centered on the user, was undeniably powerful against higher-realm foes. Though the effect lasted only an instant because of the realm gap, it was enough—but at the cost of draining him utterly. Such weakness was no small price.
Han Yuexi hurried to his side and helped him to his feet, then they fled the canyon.
Some time later, Lu Yuan reappeared, draped in gray robes and swarmed by ghostly apparitions. He seemed far stronger than before. Closing his eyes, he replayed the projection’s combat in his mind with astonishment.
Though the projection was only a tenth as powerful as his true self, ordinary gods could not have resisted it. A mere early-stage New God had frozen him even briefly—what technique was that? He had never heard of it.
So you’re Ye Yu, he thought with a bloodthirsty smile. I’ll remember you—you’ll be an intriguing spirit to capture.
The next morning, Han Yuexi awoke slowly in an unfamiliar chamber, confusion in her eyes.
“You’re awake?” Ye Yu emerged, holding a cup of divine tea. Han Yuexi sat up and reached for it, but he drank it himself without offering.
A rouged flush crept over her cheeks. The misunderstanding stung.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“Good question. I’ll explain what happened yesterday. But first, you’re really heavy.” Ye Yu grumbled, then began recounting their escape from the canyon.
Han Yuexi’s face warmed, and she quickly changed the subject. “About yesterday—what exactly was that, if it wasn’t time reversal or resurrection?”
