"Fwoosh!"
After finishing reading the information, Zhang Peng raised his hand, a wisp of dark flame blooming in his palm. The envelope bearing Ye Guyi's image was quickly reduced to ashes within the fire.
"If it weren't for the Young Master's arrangements, you wouldn't be alive."
With a casual wave of his hand, the ashes scattered.
Ever since the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament ended, he had begun searching for the soul master Jiang Jue mentioned—the one who possessed an Angel martial soul.
But over the past year or so, he had searched all of Mingdu and found no trace of any Angel martial soul user.
Only recently had one of his trusted subordinates accidentally noticed some under-the-table movements by the Pingfan Alliance. Following those clues, they finally uncovered Ye Guyi.
"Still, what use does the Young Master have for a soul master with an Angel martial soul? For us evil soul masters, isn't this the greatest hidden danger?"
Zhang Peng pondered silently, puzzled.
The Angel martial soul possessed both light and holy attributes—truly the greatest nemesis of evil soul masters.
Ten thousand years ago, the most powerful force on the Douluo Continent, the Spirit Hall, had inherited the Angel martial soul. In that era, there weren't nearly as many evil soul masters.
"Then again, back then there wasn't even such a thing as 'evil soul masters'… Sigh, this old man was born in the wrong era."
As his thoughts drifted, Zhang Peng recalled Mu En, who had labeled him an evil soul master without distinguishing right from wrong and beaten him severely.
If it were ten thousand years ago, with his martial soul and talent, he might have even become an elder of Spirit Hall. Unfortunately, Spirit Hall had long since been destroyed by the so-called 'righteous' Sea God.
"Still, this is fine. Otherwise, how would I have ever met the Young Master? Oh right—if I remember correctly, in that world-shaking battle ten thousand years ago, the Angel God's divine position was shattered by the Sea God."
"Then what exactly is the meaning behind the Young Master doing this? I can't figure it out… truly can't figure it out…"
"Forget it. This old man will simply follow orders. Tonight, I'll personally go confirm things at the Pingfan Alliance. After that, I'll quietly wait for the Young Master's return—it shouldn't be too long."
Zhang Peng slowly stood up, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes. The next moment, his figure vanished from the room.
Only scattered specks of ash were left on the floor…
Night fell, and the lights came on.
Inside a manor on the outskirts of Mingdu.
On the tall iron gate of the estate was a strange and ancient emblem. At its center faintly appeared a purple dragon with three claws.
This was one of Mingdu's three major underground forces—the Pingfan Alliance. It primarily controlled and operated the entertainment industry, with the shadow of the current imperial family backing it.
This was also the main reason it could stand in a three-way balance with the Holy Spirit Cult–controlled Xishui Alliance and the immensely wealthy Aodu Chamber of Commerce.
"Mmmpf—!"
Inside a concealed room within the manor, several uniformly dressed soul masters escorted three soul masters whose heads were covered with black hoods, filing into the room.
The three captives struggled constantly, muffled sounds escaping their throats, but a brutal elbow strike from the guards behind them instantly made them behave.
"Miss Ye, the evil soul masters have been brought."
The leader spoke respectfully to the golden-haired girl who was already seated on a chair.
"Very well. You may leave."
The girl's cool, clear voice rang out.
"Yes!"
After bowing, the soul masters withdrew, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.
The girl slowly rose to her feet. The first thing that caught the eye was her golden hair cascading like a waterfall down to her waist, faintly shimmering under the light.
Her golden eyes gazed calmly at the three before her. Her skin was fair and delicate, seemingly able to be broken by a breath. She wore a pure white combat outfit, with several vital areas protected by golden armor.
Tap, tap, tap.
Crisp footsteps sounded as she advanced, and soul rings began to rise beneath her feet.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black!
Five optimally matched soul rings encircled Ye Guyi. Behind her appeared a sacred phantom of an angel, and her entire body radiated an aura of holiness and light.
Clang!
A golden longsword appeared in Ye Guyi's hand. A flash of golden light passed, and the hoods along with the bindings around the captives' mouths were cleanly split apart.
"Who are you?! Why did you bind me?"
"Aaah! Don't come any closer!"
One of them, eyes bloodshot, felt intense burning sensations spread throughout his body as he sensed the aura emanating from Ye Guyi. He wriggled backward on the ground in terror.
"You evil soul masters have caused far too much slaughter. Your sins are heavy—so I will be the one to purify you."
Ye Guyi raised the golden longsword in her hand, her gaze firm.
"So what if we're evil soul masters? Do we deserve to die just for that?"
Realizing that his path of survival was closed, the man roared madly, the bloodlust in his eyes growing thicker.
"No. Awakening an evil martial soul is not your fault. Your fault lies in failing to restrain your own hearts, and slaughtering defenseless ordinary people."
"Since you chose to slaughter others, you should also be prepared to be slaughtered."
Ye Guyi slowly shook her head. The third purple soul ring on her body burst forth with light as she swung the golden longsword in her hand, fierce sword light surging forth.
"Angel—Judgment!"
In an instant, all three evil soul masters were slain.
After their deaths, a mysterious energy drifted out from their bodies and flowed into Ye Guyi. Immediately afterward, the aura she emitted grew stronger by several degrees.
"An angel slays evil, and in turn nourishes itself."
"Every peck and every sip—everything has its destined balance."
Outside the room, hidden in darkness, Zhang Peng sensed what was happening within and murmured to himself.
"Now it's confirmed beyond doubt. All that's left is to wait for the Young Master's return and let him decide."
Zhang Peng nodded slightly.
"But this Pingfan Alliance is rather interesting. Secretly cultivating a soul master with an Angel martial soul—was this their own idea, or that of the master behind them?"
"As expected, there are still clever people within the imperial family. They know to guard against our Holy Spirit Cult. Unfortunately for them, their plans will soon come to nothing."
Zhang Peng's eyes flickered. With a movement, his figure vanished.
Sun–Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Inside a standalone building.
A beautiful yet cool-looking girl sat by the window, her fair palm propping up her small head as she stared blankly at the bright silver moon in the sky. Her lovely eyes were filled with melancholy and longing.
In her other hand, she tightly clutched a small embroidered sachet, upon which was stitched a single character:
"Jue."
"Sub-lieutenant Jiang Jue… where are you?"
"During the time you've been gone, your General Meng hasn't been doing well at all. I've been thinking about you constantly."
"I'm so afraid… afraid that you'll leave me behind and never come back…"
Meng Hongchen lifted the sachet she had embroidered herself, gently pressing her lips together as she murmured softly.
"But I know you won't. You'll definitely remember our promise—won't you?"
"You said you'd take me to see all the rivers and mountains of this world."
"I'll keep waiting for you… waiting for you to return to my side. I will—no matter what!"
Meng Hongchen removed her hairpin, her long hair spilling down as a faint shimmer of tears appeared in her eyes.
Longing makes no sound—yet it wounds the deepest.
(End of Chapter)