“Is that so?”
“That’s truly tragic.”
Jiang Ye smiled, his tone devoid of pity, instead carrying a hint of playfulness.
His gaze fell upon Shen Luowan’s face, a look of scrutiny flashing in his eyes.
“However…”
“This Divine Son heard that Second Princess also entered the Dragon Vein Secret Realm earlier, so why did she withdraw midway?”
His tone was unhurried, as if he were merely asking casually, yet a subtle sharpness flickered in his eyes.
Shen Luowan smiled Keep calm, the warmth of her smile still gentle.
“A few days ago, I felt a bit unwell and was worried about delaying the journey, so I left early.”
“Consider it a narrow escape, having barely clung to life.”
She explained it lightly, her voice soft and reserved, without the slightest hint of ostentation.
But upon hearing this, Jiang Ye merely smiled faintly, not pressing further.
The Various Great Dao Lineages of the Heavens had suffered significant losses of top Prodigies in the Dragon Vein Secret Realm this time.
Zhong Tianyi had set up a killing formation in the Netherworld, trapping a group of arrogant Prodigies to their deaths.
Even Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty’s First Prince, Shen Gaomin, had perished as a result, his bones nowhere to be found.
Yet, Shen Luowan had managed to escape unharmed.
This woman was indeed far more astute than her elder brother.
The two continued to chat idly, their tones relaxed.
Shen Luowan had clearly become much gentler than before, her words carrying less of her former arrogance and probing, and more humility and intimacy.
Jiang Ye naturally noticed this.
But he did not show it, merely leaning back lazily with a faint smile on his face.
He knew very well.
This time, Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty was probably also feeling restless.
The lessons of the past were still fresh.
When the Ancient Immortal Court discovered the location of the Dragon Vein Secret Realm, they thought they had grasped a great Opportunity, secretly laying out plans, attempting a forceful rise.
But their strength was simply no match for the Various Great Dao Lineages of the Heavens.
Under a single encirclement, the Ancient Immortal Court, along with its Foundation, was annihilated.
Only ashes and cold shadows remained, becoming a laughingstock.
Although Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty was strong now, with a profound Foundation, governing dozens of states, and having several Old Ancestor-level figures in charge.
But it could not withstand a joint siege from the Various Great Dao Lineages of the Heavens.
Moreover, not long ago.
Su Hongye personally took action, joining forces with the two Great Emperors Xuanhuang and Po Xu, to forcefully suppress and kill the Great Emperor Tianji.
This battle shook the entire Heavens.
It was precisely because of this that Shen Luowan came today, no longer probing and provoking as in the past, but actively showing goodwill, even lowering her stance.
Jiang Ye, of course, understood her calculations and was happy to watch her continue the act.
He smiled, raising his teacup, his tone calm as water, yet carrying a thought-provoking implication: “Since First Prince Shen Gaomin is dead, then I shall offer my congratulations to Second Princess in advance. This position of Divine Lord…”
Before he could finish speaking, Shen Luowan chuckled softly, shook her head, and interrupted with a hint of helplessness in her voice:
“Actually, my younger siblings are not to be underestimated.”
“Especially Seventh Princess Shen Baiyun; she appears delicate on the outside, but her mind is the deepest. If it truly comes to that, she might be the greatest variable.”
At this point, Shen Luowan’s expression subtly sobered, her gaze becoming a few shades calmer.
Jiang Ye’s eyes flickered, and he thought to himself, ‘What a coincidence.’
He paused for a moment, then said with a half-smile, “From Second Princess’s words, are you planning to contend for it yourself?”
Shen Luowan smiled gently, nodding somewhat reservedly: “The situation has changed. If I don’t contend, I fear I won’t even have the right to speak in the future.”
Her tone was gentle, but a hint of sharpness flashed in her eyes.
Jiang Ye leaned back in his chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, not responding, just watching her calmly.
The atmosphere between them fell into a brief silence.
After a moment, Shen Luowan seemed to have made some decision and said softly, “In about half a year, the Immortal Ancient Ruins will open.”
“I am willing to concede many benefits here. If Young Master Jiang is willing to lend me a hand, you may have priority in choosing the Opportunities within the Ruins.”
“Furthermore… if Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty truly falls under my control in the future, I can promise that whatever you seek, as long as it does not go against my Dao Heart, I will fulfill it.”
She spoke sincerely, her eyes clear, without the slightest hint of jest.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ye’s lips curved slightly, but he merely shook his head gently.
“Those words do sound appealing, and I appreciate Second Princess’s kind intentions, but it’s truly difficult for me to promise anything.”
His words were gentle, his attitude neither warm nor cold, seemingly a refusal but in fact watertight, neither agreeing nor completely rejecting, perfectly handled.
Shen Luowan’s eyes flickered, but her tone did not press, merely asking with a hint of a probe: “Does Young Master Jiang truly not intend to participate in the contention for the Immortal Ancient Ruins? That is a rare land of creation.”
Jiang Ye raised his eyes, his gaze deep, his tone indifferent: “I will definitely go.”
But as soon as his words fell, he said no more.
Shen Luowan paused slightly, then nodded as if enlightened, a smile of unclear meaning appearing on her face.
“I understand.”
The two fell silent again, as if the preceding few sentences were just casual small talk, without any emotional fluctuations.
Tea was on the table, mist swirling.
In the silence, Jiang Ye suddenly spoke, his tone seemingly light yet not.
“You’ve heard of Shen Lian, haven’t you?”
Shen Luowan raised an eyebrow slightly, pondered for a moment, then nodded and replied, “I’ve heard a bit; this person is the successor of the Bloodthirsty Demon Emperor, extremely dangerous…”
“And, it is said that he is being hunted by Young Master Jiang?”
“Indeed.” Jiang Ye’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone deepening, “There is a score between him and me that has yet to be settled.”
Shen Luowan listened quietly, not interrupting, her expression serious, but a sharp glint flashed imperceptibly in her eyes.
Jiang Ye continued: “Recently, there have been rumors that he appeared in the Taicang Dao Domain.”
His pace of speech was not fast, each word seemed deliberately spoken, like casual conversation, yet also like a probing question.
Shen Luowan’s eyebrows subtly raised, as if realizing that these words were not simple.
As expected, Jiang Ye continued, “And as far as I know, Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty’s Seventh Princess, Shen Baiyun, seems to have had contact with him.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Luowan’s expression paused slightly, then she smiled gently: “Really? A dignified Immortal Dynasty Princess secretly colluding with someone from the Demonic Path… If this news is true, it would likely shake the entire court.”
Jiang Ye did not answer directly, but instead took a sip of tea, saying calmly: “I don’t care who Shen Lian associates with; I only care about the outcome.”
“Moreover…”
“If this matter gets out, it might be an Opportunity for you.”
“An Opportunity to eliminate potential threats and solidify your prestige.”
Shen Luowan’s eyes narrowed slightly, her slender hand gently caressing the rim of the cup, and after a long while, she spoke softly: “Young Master wants me to investigate her?”
“Precisely.”
Jiang Ye nodded.
“Your Foundation in Divine Firmament Immortal Dynasty is not shallow. Many things I cannot investigate, but you can.”
“Shen Lian has disappeared. If we can find clues from Shen Baiyun, it would be a great help to me.”
“And for you…”
“You can find an Opportunity to purge political rivals.”
“I can also see how much ambition Second Princess possesses.”
This was Jiang Ye sending her a message.
It was also a test of her attitude.
Shen Luowan’s eyes flickered, a smile on her lips, no longer concealing her inner ambition.
He was giving her an Opportunity.
Shen Luowan closed her eyes slightly, then opened them, her expression becoming solemn: “Alright, I will personally investigate Shen Baiyun’s side.”
Jiang Ye nodded in satisfaction, picking up his teacup and taking a light sip.
This woman was intelligent, ambitious, and resourceful.
If he could indeed use her to draw out Shen Lian, Jiang Ye could save some effort.
