335 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 335: One After Another While Ye Ling Long was still trying to sort things out in her mind, Mo Lao suddenly dropped another bombshell, leaving her at a loss. "What... what did you say?" she stammered. Mo Lao spoke once more, "So, all evidence suggests that you are the one destined to break the prophecy." Ye Ling Long had suspected this herself. It was the typical protagonist set-up—dangerous and thankless—and not something she was keen on. Even if it were true, she couldn't just admit it. "While what you're saying does make some sense, Mo Lao, don't forget the prophecy says the one to break it is from another world. I clearly don't fit that part," she said with forced laughter. But Mo Lao's eyes were filled with amusement as he looked at her, as if seeing through everything she was trying to hide. It sent a shiver down her spine. "Mo Lao, why are you looking at me like that?" He waved his hand, and a restriction formed over the closed door before he spoke again, "I am the last high priest of the Phoenix Clan. Our clan's gift is a natural sensitivity to souls, and yours is different from ours." Ye Ling Long was speechless. Could he really tell? She had doubts about whether the old man was pulling a fast one, but she had no proof. Silence filled the room as the atmosphere grew tense. Sensing Ye Ling Long's apprehension, Mo Lao reassured her, "In truth, I noticed it back in Phoenix Valley. Otherwise, why else do you think the valley allowed the young clan leader to be taken away so easily? Moreover..." He paused before continuing, "Back in the forbidden area, it was you who tampered with the ancestral phoenix's essence blood, wasn't it?" Mo Lao's tone was firm. But Ye Ling Long could never admit to that and instantly feigned ignorance, "Huh? That’s impossible, how could I do such a thing? You must be mistaken. I'm not like that!" If the little ginseng sprite were present, it'd surely be pointing at her nose, calling her a liar. "There was only you, an outsider in the forbidden area at the time. No one else could have done it under my watch. Since I didn't confront you then, I don't intend to pursue it now." With his words laid out so plainly, Ye Ling Long awkwardly rubbed her nose, offering an apologetic grin. Though she hadn’t done it, she was still genuinely delighted by the benefits she had gained. It seemed reasonable to shoulder the blame. After the conversation wrapped up, Ye Ling Long stood to take her leave. Mo Lao didn't attempt to keep her; he merely informed her that once the demon clan's seal was reinforced, the clan leader would return, and several other elders from different clans would also return. They might want to meet her then. Nodding to show her understanding, Ye Ling Long left Mo Lao's room. Outside, the sky had turned pitch black. She gazed up at the vast, starry sky, so dazzlingly beautiful. Such a sight had long disappeared from the world she came from, with worsening pollution and the constant bustle of daily life. It had been ages since she’d last admired the night sky. Yet, she wondered how anyone could use the stars for fortune-telling, as it all seemed inscrutable to her. After a few mental complaints, she made her way back to her room. Silence enveloped her surroundings, aside from the faint energies of a few patrolling figures; everyone else seemed to be resting inside. Reaching her door, she found a tall figure standing as though he’d been there for quite some time. "Brother Huang?" Ye Ling Long recognized him and was puzzled as to why he’d be at her door. The figure flinched at her voice, turning to face her with a bright smile. While his smile seemed as radiant as always, she sensed his low spirits. "Why are you here, Brother Huang? Is something the matter? I was too busy during the day to properly greet you—thanks for coming to help me." As she spoke, she moved to invite him into her room, but Huang Bu Fan declined. He stood firmly in place, "No need, Ling Long. I... I'm here to apologize." His voice lacked the usual cheer and confidence, replaced with dejection and guilt. Ye Ling Long was baffled, "Why apologize to me, Brother Huang? There’s no misunderstanding, right?" "When I promised to help protect the sect, yet this time..." Huang Bu Fan was filled with remorse and guilt. The promise he'd made to the person he cared for was one he couldn’t fulfill. If the Huangji Sect had intervened, the casualties at the Liuli Sword Sect might have been avoided. Currently, the sect had less than a third of its previous disciples left. Ye Ling Long sighed, understanding the complexities after her conversation with Mo Lao. The Demon Sect bet on Shen Meng Jie, or Yan Ke as she's now known, based on the prophecy. Phoenix Valley placed its hopes on her. Meanwhile, the Huang family’s stance was still unknown, and the other top sects and families aware of the situation seemed to be watching and waiting. For the Huangji Sect, choosing neutrality was undoubtedly the right choice, though it left Ye Ling Long somewhat disheartened. But she held no grudge against Huang Bu Fan. As the young sect master, not the sect’s actual leader, he couldn’t influence the entire sect’s decisions. His presence alone was enough for her. She patted Huang Bu Fan's shoulder reassuringly, "Brother Huang, your presence is the greatest help to me. I understand the sect's position, so don't blame yourself. There's much more to all this—it's too complex." Huang Bu Fan pressed his lips together, looking at her earnest face, his heartbeat quickened, as if ready to leap from his chest. Though he wished to confess his feelings, he couldn't when he couldn't even offer the simplest protection yet. He was still too weak, he thought. He needed to become stronger. With renewed determination, Huang Bu Fan declared, "Ling Long, I'm going back to train in seclusion and break through. Rest assured, next time, I will return stronger to protect you!" Ye Ling Long was left speechless. What was this sudden burst of enthusiasm? Yet since he was determined to close himself off for breakthrough, she had no reason to stop him. As his best friend, Ye Ling Long selected various herbs suitable for breakthroughs from her spatial storage, along with some tools for him. She even shared some of her remaining millennium spirit water, as the Huangji Sect focused on body refinement and neglected the strengthening of one's spirit. At first, Huang Bu Fan refused, but she insisted, eventually leaving him no choice. After bidding farewell, Ye Ling Long entered her room. Just as she closed the door, she noticed a shadowy figure within. Ye Ling Long muttered to herself, bewildered, "What's with today? Are they all coming in droves?"