The Star Empress shook her head, "Because Ling'er still needs her father. I don't want her to lose a parent and become a single-parent family."
Ming Zhitian said, "I think you need a husband, don't you?"
The Star Empress glared at him coldly. Ming Zhitian continued, "Regardless, I have one request: eliminate Piao Yan and help me fulfill the last wish of Master Saint."
The Star Empress appeared troubled, "I am in a dilemma. How can I help you?"
Ming Zhitian asked, "What is the dilemma?"
The Star Empress’s eyes held a hint of melancholy, "First, Piao Yan has treated me and Ling'er well for many years. Our bond is deep, and neither Ling'er nor I want to lose him. Second, if I don't help you, I would be betraying the deceased Yi Zhou, and I would never find peace. You've put me in an impossible situation. Regardless of the outcome, I demand proof that Piao Yan truly plotted against Yi Zhou back then. Only then will I mete out justice, even if it means acting against my own kin."
Ming Zhitian chuckled again, "You're still defending that man and need proof? How absurd."
The Star Empress covered her head, "I'm so confused right now. Zhitian, can you give me some time? I will give you my answer."
Ming Zhitian replied, "Give you time? Fine. I may not have the power now, but when I'm fully prepared, it will be his end. Of course, you could always report me."
The Star Empress felt a pang of disappointment at his words, "What kind of person do you take me for? Do you think I would do that?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head, "I don't know. But as a friend, I advise you to set aside your relationship with Master Saint. Xingchen, stay away from Piao Yan. He is not what he appears to be, I can tell."
The Star Empress said, "Alright, give me some time. I'm leaving."
"Wait." Ming Zhitian grabbed her slender jade hand, his grip not controlled, pulling her towards him.
The Star Empress didn't react. Their lips were inches apart, almost touching, their breathing patterns nearly synchronized.
The Star Empress pushed him away. Ming Zhitian quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Xingchen, I didn't mean to."
The Star Empress didn't dwell on it, "Is there anything else?"
Ming Zhitian said, "I want to return to Huayang City first and bring them to the Divine Sect. I hope you can provide protection when I'm away."
The Star Empress nodded, "Certainly. The journey is fraught with danger. Shall I send someone from my sect to escort you?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head, "No need. We shouldn't attract too much attention. Before I become strong, I cannot reveal the existence of the Divine Sect."
The Star Empress replied, "Alright. If you need anything, you can come to me. I'll be going back now."
"Wait."
The Star Empress turned back. Ming Zhitian said, "It's nothing, just don't overthink things."
"Mm." The Star Empress left.
The actions of the two were observed by the Black and White Elders hidden in the shadows, who then reported back to Emperor Piao Yan.
As Ming Zhitian traveled alone towards Huayang City, after passing by the Divine Sect, he suddenly sensed someone following him.
Fearing an ambush while he tore open a spatial rift, Ming Zhitian stopped in mid-air.
"Who's there? Stop lurking and show yourself."
"Heh..."
A strange, unfathomable sound emerged, and two figures appeared out of nowhere, one orange and one blue.
Both were at the fifth level of the Awakened realm. Ming Zhitian relaxed his guard, "Why are you following me?"
The man in orange smiled eerily, "There's no harm in telling you. We are the Yin-Yang Twins. I am Yan Zi."
The man in blue said, "I am Yin-Yang Bing Zi."
Ming Zhitian frowned, "People from the Yin-Yang school?"
Yin-Yang Yan Zi said, "You're smart, but you're also a dead man."
Yin-Yang Bing Zi said expressionlessly, "Why waste words with him."
Suddenly, Yin-Yang Bing Zi made hand seals and summoned a blast of frost, which erupted from space instantly.