Chapter 31: Then look behind you?

Indeed, just moments ago, Luo Jiutian had activated his Chaotic Flower Pupils again.

The mental force seeped into Luo Chen’s mind through his gaze, taking control.

However, the Chaotic Flower Pupils had a flaw—

If the target was on guard, its effect would be greatly diminished or even fail entirely.

Luo Jiutian had held off using it for so long, waiting for this moment.

Now, snapping out of it, Luo Chen staggered back, shouting: “Don’t be fooled by Luo Jiutian! He used an illusion to control me and make me say those things!”

His words brought a brief silence.

Su Zimo’s gaze sharpened, voice lowering: “Controlled? You think we’ll buy that?”

Su Xinyan stared at Luo Chen, her expression complex, unable to speak.

Luo Jiutian feigned outrage: “Young Master, you can’t pin all the blame on me to save yourself. You confessed so readily, and now it’s all my fault?”

Luo Chen cut him off coldly: “Shut up! Stop sowing discord!”

He turned to the Su members, forcing calm: “Think about it. If I really wanted to break ties with the Su family, I’d have acted when we first saw Luo Jiutian. Why wait?”

Luo Jiutian sneered: “Back then, only Su Zimo and Su Xinyan were there. You didn’t act because you wanted to take them all down.”

Luo Chen snapped back: “Nonsense! What do I gain from this? Harming others without benefit—only a lunatic would do that!”

The chamber’s atmosphere grew tense.

The Su members, listening to their exchange, wavered, clearly questioning everything.

Luo Chen saw their doubt and seized the chance: “Brother Su, whatever happened before, we’re allies. Let’s deal with Luo Jiutian first and settle the rest later.”

Su Zimo’s eyes flickered, glancing between Luo Chen and Luo Jiutian.

Indeed, regardless of the truth, eliminating Luo Jiutian would remove a threat to the Su family.

After a moment, he nodded slowly: “Fine, I’ll trust Young Master Luo once more.”

Su Xinyan glanced at Su Zimo, forcing a smile: “I have no objections.”

With that, the Su members aligned.

Luo Chen smirked, looking at Luo Jiutian: “Brother Jiutian, things aren’t looking good for you.”

Luo Jiutian’s face showed shock, then panic: “Su Zimo, you fool! Working with Luo Chen is digging your own grave!”

Su Zimo opened his fan, his usual fake smile returning: “Brother Luo, you worry too much. The Su family has its own considerations.”

Luo Jiutian’s expression darkened.

Luo Chen’s lips curved: “Brother Jiutian, quiet now? Don’t like it? Or do you think you can still turn this around?”

He stepped forward, voice rising with smug confidence: “Time’s up. No one can save you now!”

Before he could revel too long, Luo Jiutian said calmly: “Is that so? Then look behind you.”

Luo Chen froze, spinning around.

A beastly shadow loomed—sunken eyes, protruding bone horns, and dense fangs—staring right at him.

…

Elsewhere, the central region of the secret realm.

The battle between the Li and Xiao families raged on.

But a closer look showed the Li family losing ground.

Xiao Yan parried a heavy punch from Li Daming, smiling: “Brother Li, call it quits. It’s better for both sides. We’ll give you one Tempering Origin Persimmon.”

Li Daming sneered, his fist tearing through the air, slamming down.

His movements were still forceful, but his speed had slowed, slightly sluggish.

“One persimmon?” Li Daming growled. “You’re treating us like beggars?”

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and glared: “There are ten persimmons this time, and you Xiao want them all? Greedy much?”

Li Daming charged, throwing a punch.

Xiao Yan dodged easily, and as Li Daming stumbled, sweat beaded on his forehead.

Xiao Yan’s smile faded, his tone still calm: “Giving you one is already generous. Keep fighting, and your Li family might not keep even that.”

Several Xiao disciples stepped forward, their aura sharp.

The Li members huddled together, the situation growing dire.

“Enough!” Li Daming roared through gritted teeth. “You think we’re scared?”

“Brother Li, open your eyes,” Xiao Yan pointed at the Li members. “How much longer can you hold out?”

Li Daming’s gaze was icy, silent.

He knew continuing was bad for the Li family.

But surrendering? He couldn’t stomach it.

Suddenly, a powerful pressure swept over.

Both Li and Xiao members were pinned in place, barely able to breathe.

Xiao Yan, struggling not to kneel, had sweat on his brow.

His face paled, voice strained: “W-What’s happening? A beast in the realm?”

No one answered.

Most couldn’t even speak, like Li Daming.

Already weakened, the pressure forced him to his knees.

Panic spread.

They tried to resist, but it was futile.

Breathing grew heavy, limbs stiff, even moving a finger was a struggle.

Then, a crimson light appeared in the sky.

They looked up, seeing a figure descend slowly.

A young girl.

Red dress, slender frame, sweet face—but no trace of a smile.

Her expression was calm, chillingly so.

Su Wan’er.

They realized the overwhelming pressure came from her.

No one had calculated that this usually cheerful girl could be so powerful.

“Su… Senior,” Xiao Yan managed, voice trembling. “What brings you here? If… if you want the Persimmons, I’ll fetch them for you.”

He surrendered without hesitation.

Under this life-threatening pressure, resistance was pointless.

Su Wan’er ignored his offer.

She looked at Xiao Yan, expressionless: “Have you seen my Brother Jiutian?”

Xiao Yan blinked, taking a moment to register who she meant.

“…Oh, you mean Brother Jiutian? He went that way.”

He pointed hurriedly toward Luo Jiutian’s escape route.

Su Wan’er glanced over, a flicker in her eyes, and without lingering, she vanished in a streak of light, chasing after him…