That Is Not My Sister But Bibi Dong?!

Hearing the Sea Witch's words, Sun Tiao was momentarily stunned, his face filled with astonishment as he looked at Ye Tian.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect that this person, who possessed not a trace of soul power, was actually the true one in command.

This realization left Sun Tiao flustered.

Earlier, in order to evade the pursuit of soul beasts, he had secretly planted the Mystic Ice Grass on Ye Xinglan and her companions, deliberately leading them in the wrong direction.

His reasoning was simple—he considered someone like Ye Xinglan to be insignificant. Her death wouldn't matter.

As long as he and the two stronger soul masters behind him survived, it would all be worth it.

What he hadn't anticipated was that Ye Xinglan's identity carried significant weight.

He wasn't stupid—he had already guessed that the reason the Spirit Hall had sent people for a rescue mission was likely because of Ye Xinglan.

After all, the special training program took place every year, and every year, many trainees went missing.

Never before had he seen the Spirit Hall send a dedicated rescue team.

Now that he understood Ye Tian's identity, Sun Tiao didn't dare to be careless.

However, he absolutely couldn't reveal the truth—otherwise, he would surely die here.

Panicked, Sun Tiao quickly explained, "At the time, after Zhao Zhou died, we split up to increase our chances of escaping."

"Ye Xinglan and her companions went northeast."

He pointed towards the core zone.

He was certain that with Ye Tian's capabilities, he wouldn't dare enter.

This was precisely what Sun Tiao wanted. He no longer had the courage to stay in the Star Dou Forest.

His best hope was for Ye Tian to decide to return the way he came.

In a way, Sun Tiao wasn't exactly lying.

After all, Ye Xinglan had indeed been deceived into carrying the Mystic Ice Grass and had entered the core zone.

Seeing Sun Tiao's shifty expression, Ye Tian furrowed his brows deeply but didn't say anything.

Feeling the weight of Ye Tian's gaze, Sun Tiao frantically pounded his chest in assurance.

"How could I dare deceive you about something like this, my lord?"

As he spoke, he pulled the two students behind him forward, glaring at them.

"You two, hurry up and confirm what I said!"

The two students, terrified out of their wits, hesitated for a moment before nodding vigorously like pecking chickens.

But that slight hesitation didn't escape the keen eyes of the Sea Witch.

Swaying her figure gracefully, she approached the red-haired youth on the left with an air as gentle as a spring breeze.

Her glazed eyes locked onto him.

"Little brother, you've had quite the harrowing past few days, haven't you?"

Faced with the beautiful Sea Witch's concerned tone, the red-haired student's heart skipped a beat.

Unconsciously, he sneaked a glance at her.

But the moment his eyes met her crystalline gaze—

His pupils dilated rapidly, then turned vacant.

Clearly, he had been hypnotized by the Sea Witch.

As a Titled Douluo-level expert, hypnotizing a weak-willed Soul Ancestor was effortless.

"What exactly happened these past few days?" the Sea Witch asked indifferently.

The red-haired student replied mechanically, "Ye Xinglan was deceived by Sun Tiao into carrying the Mystic Ice Grass to lure away the soul beasts for us."

This answer came from the depths of his soul.

Hearing this, Sun Tiao's eyes widened in shock.

He looked at the red-haired student in utter disbelief before quickly turning to the Sea Witch.

"You… You know illusion techniques!!"

At this moment, Sun Tiao felt absolute despair.

With someone like the Sea Witch here, everything he had done in the Star Dou Forest was laid bare.

Falling into despair, he dropped to his knees before Ye Tian, clinging to his last sliver of hope.

"My lord, we only did it to survive!"

"I had no idea that Ye Xinglan was your sister!"

"So you used my sister as bait just so you could escape?" Ye Tian clenched his fists tightly, his voice icy.

Faced with Ye Tian's interrogation, Sun Tiao let out a bitter smile.

"When being hunted by a ten-thousand-year soul beast, how many choices do I really have?"

"No matter how many, you shouldn't have used Miss Xinglan as bait."

Xuan Miaoyin's lips curled into a chilling smile.

She turned to Ye Tian. "Young Master, let me handle this dirty work."

At these words, Xiao Ying closed her eyes.

She and Sun Tiao had some history, but in order not to offend Ye Tian, she didn't dare to plead for him.

The Sea Witch, on the other hand, watched Ye Tian with great interest, awaiting his decision.

Hearing Xuan Miaoyin's offer, Ye Tian took a deep breath and glared at Sun Tiao.

His voice was as cold as ice:

"I won't kill you. You may leave. If you manage to escape the Star Dou Forest alive, consider it your luck."

"We part ways here. I still have to find my sister."

Hearing this, Sun Tiao felt utter despair.

His heart sank.

Escaping from the mixed zone of the Star Dou Forest with their current strength? Nearly impossible.

But he knew that Ye Tian was already showing mercy.

With the power Ye Tian commanded, he could have easily killed them here and avenged Ye Xinglan without anyone ever knowing.

Yet, Ye Tian had chosen not to.

This overwhelming guilt surged within Sun Tiao's heart.

With a downcast expression, he stood up, not daring to look Ye Tian in the eye, and spoke in shame:

"Thank you for your magnanimity, my lord. If I have the fortune to survive, I will dedicate the rest of my life to serving you in penance."

"You'd best hope I never see you again."

Ye Tian turned his back to Sun Tiao, his voice cold.

Knowing that his sister was in grave danger, he had no intention of lingering any longer.

He looked up at the Sea Witch and the others.

"I'm heading into the core zone next."

"Those who wish to continue following me, step forward."

"If not, you may leave."

The moment he finished speaking, the Sea Witch was the first to walk up and pat his shoulder.

"Little brother, you're treating me like an outsider now."

"I've been roaming the Star Dou Forest with you for days."

"And now, you want to push me away?"

"What, are you planning to hog some treasure all to yourself?"

"Exactly," Xiao Bai chimed in, glancing at Ye Tian before raising her small pink fist.

"When we first entered the Star Dou Forest, I heard you promise to take me to the central zone to soak in the Spring of Life."

"Are you planning to break your word?"

Hearing the two women's words, Ye Tian's expression softened with gratitude.

Even though the Sea Witch was under Bo Saixi's orders to protect him—

She had every reason to refuse and forcibly take him out of the forest.

Yet, she had chosen not to.

Instead, she was willing to risk her life to help him find his sister.

This was no longer just about carrying out Bo Saixi's mission.

It was genuine companionship.

All his emotions boiled down to two simple words.

He bowed slightly and said:

"Thank you."

"No need for that." The Sea Witch smiled. "I'm just doing my job as a bodyguard."

At that moment, Xuan Miaoyin also voiced her stance.

"Before entering the Star Dou Forest, I swore my loyalty to you. I will not go back on my word." Her gaze was firm.

(End of Chapter)

Guys, I don't have a direct way to contact my Patreon members, so I'm leaving a small note here in the hope that my members will read it. Due to some technical issues from Patreon's end, my page has been temporarily suspended. Hopefully, it will be restored in a span of 3 or so business days. So, I request everyone to be patient and await my return there! Thank you!