But shortly after Yun Jianyue flew off, her surroundings suddenly retreated in the opposite direction. Before she knew it, she had returned to her original position. It went without saying that Zu An had dragged her back.
Yun Jianyue was speechless. Well, this is awkward.
She glanced at the ice sculpture, followed by the pairs of eyes hiding behind the door, and anger suddenly surged within her. “Bastard Zu, don’t think you can humiliate me like that just because you’re stronger than me!”
She raised her hand to end her own life.
Zu An hadn’t expected her to react so explosively. Horrified, he flashed to her side and grabbed her hand. “That’s not what I mean, but we should at least properly talk things out before you leave.”
“Didn’t you already choose the ice sculpture? I have no reason to remain here.” Yun Jianyue’s heart quivered as she spoke. Tears would have streamed down her face if not for her pride.
“That wasn't picking between you two.” Zu An was also at a loss. How was he supposed to know that consoling one side would only hurt the other side?
Yan Xuehen’s heart shook. She wasn't so dense as to think that Zu An was choosing her by grabbing her hand, but hearing him speak it aloud still hurt her.
The three women in the main hall were thoroughly immersed in the drama.
Snow uttered jealously, “He’s holding Sect Master Yan in one hand while embracing Sect Master Yun with the other. I reckon Ah Zu is the only one capable of that in the entire world.”
The little Fiend Empress snorted, “It doesn’t look like he’s going to get his way this time. Who knows? He might even lose the two of them for good!”
“Surely not?” Snow remarked. “Who do you think Ah Zu will choose?”
Even the usually quiet Yu Yanluo couldn’t resist the urge to speculate, “It could be Sect Master Yan. Her transcendent aura poses a fatal allure to men.”
“My bet is on Sect Master Yun. Not only is she the valiant master of the Devil Sect, but she’s also passionate beyond measure. No man can resist the immense satisfaction of conquering a woman like her.” The little Fiend Empress was more fond of Yun Jianyue, who walked the same path as her.
Snow frowned. “I don’t think Ah Zu is capable of choosing one at the other’s expense.”
...
“Then what’s your answer?” Neither Yan Xuehen nor Yun Jianyue wanted this ambiguous relationship to drag on. They wanted a conclusion and to settle things once and for all.
Zu An was frustrated. He'd been so focused on resolving the problem of public opinion that he'd neglected their own will. He'd thought that he could slowly coax them one by one, but little had he expected the two of them to confront him at once, and three more women were watching the drama on top of that. There was no way to resolve this privately.
Yan Xuehen sighed. “Since you’re incapable of making a decision, let's just end this. We should never have been together in the first place.”
Yun Jianyue shared the same thought. She also found it shameful to snatch her disciple’s man. Perhaps this was a good opportunity to take a step back and just remain friends.
Zu An was about to speak when he sensed something and looked at the sky.
Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue initially thought he was trying to change the subject, but they quickly sensed something and looked up as well. They could sense a ship coming from outer space.
Zu An reached into his robe to retrieve Dreamland’s invitation letter. It was emitting a faint glow—a sign that it had been activated.
Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue knew about Dreamland and were taken aback. Could that be...
A man who was dressed in a way reminiscent of a dignified Victorian butler appeared not too far away from Zu An. He was momentarily mesmerized by the two women beside Zu An, but shame soon flickered through his eyes. He bowed to Zu An and said, “Pardon my breach of etiquette, esteemed guest. Your female companions are so beautiful that I lost myself for a moment despite my strict training.”
Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue’s faces heated up. It felt good to be complimented. They wanted to clarify that they weren’t Zu An’s companions, but they didn’t want to embarrass him in front of an outsider. In the end, they chose to hold their silence.
“You are?” Zu An asked despite having guessed the answer.
“I am Employee Number 9527 from the Universal Conglomerate. We have received a request from Dreamland to fetch invited guests, and I am responsible for fetching you.” The butler-like employee glanced at Zu An’s invitation letter with a smile.
Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue’s hearts quivered. They hadn’t expected their day of separation to come so quickly. They were no longer in a mood to compete with each other.
The three women in the main hall also lost interest in the drama and ran out. “Ah Zu!”
They looked worried.
Yun Jianyue asked, “Can he bring others with him?”
Yan Xuehen’s eyes lit up too. She was worried about letting Zu An go alone.
Employee 9527 shook his head. “I’m sorry, but Dreamland strictly permits entry only to invitation holders.”
All the women looked disappointed.
Zu An asked, “Can you give me some time? There are some matters I still have to attend to.”
Employee 9527 looked troubled. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. I wouldn’t have minded waiting days or even half a month for you, but there are other esteemed guests onboard too.”
Zu An nodded. There are other guests onboard? This works too, since I can gather information about the myriad worlds from them. I’m practically venturing into the unknown now. “It won’t take that long. Just two hours or so.”
“That should be fine. I’ll inform the other esteemed guests. Please activate the invitation letter once you’re ready.” Employee 9527 bowed before disappearing into thin air.
“Ah Zu...” Snow couldn’t conceal her worry. She hugged Zu An tightly, fearing that he would disappear forever if she let go.
Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue were left in an awkward position. They released Zu An’s hands, thinking that it was inappropriate for the four of them to be hugging together.
“Don’t worry, this is a fortuitous encounter too. I’ll be careful.” Zu An gently patted Snow’s shoulder. He also felt reluctant to part ways with her.
“I’d rather you be safe here thanrisk your life outside,” Snow said with a hoarse voice.
Yu Yanluo and the little Fiend Empress nodded as well, agreeing with Snow’s words.
Zu An sighed. “We can’t hole ourselves up like ostriches. It’ll be too late for regrets if greater danger strikes in the future and we’re incapable of protecting ourselves. Besides, there are still people here who need saving. I might find solutions at Dreamland.”
Be it Mi Li’s body, Chu Chuyan, the Goddess of Wu Mountain, or Chang’e, there were too many things he needed to do.
The others knew he was determined to make the trip, so they didn’t try to further dissuade him. Instead, they reluctantly bade him farewell.
Zu An made his way up to Yun Jianyue and Yan Xuehen. Despite their imminent separation, he still didn’t know what to say.
Yan Xuehen quietly spoke up. “Now that we’re about to part ways, none of those things are important anymore...”
She was no longer in the mood to force him to choose between them. There were many words at the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t know how to voice them.
Yun Jianyue suddenly spoke up. “You little brat! Take care of yourself. If you return safely...”
She briefly paused here as she squirmed awkwardly, though her gaze remained firmly on Zu An. “As long as you return safely, I’ll even accept sharing a husband with this ice sculpture.”