"Xiao Yueyue, isn’t it dangerous to reveal your identity as a descendant of the Shenlian clan to them? Your partners have certainly showcased enough power and wealth to create an illusion that you’re from a formidable force," Xiong Zi Ying expressed, concern etched on her face.
"Very soon, they’ll begin to forget the extravagant display we put on to shatter their arrogance. What remains in their memory will only be the repercussions of crossing us and the five years of hardship they’ve endured," she murmured, gently stroking Xiao Yun’s soft fur as she cradled him in her arms.
Her caution was evident; she had meticulously crafted two plans. Should the first plan fail, the second was ready to be activated.
Initially, she intended to masquerade as part of a mysterious force. By projecting an image of wealth and power, even if the Shenlian clan sought to challenge her, they would feel the need to dig deeper into her background.
They would never suspect that she and her companions hailed from the Yellow Planet.
The backup plan involved erasing the memories of what they had seen and heard. Although it resembled a forbidden art, she felt justified; her actions were driven by the desire to protect her loved ones. Xiao Yun and the others shared her sentiment, wanting to dismantle their enemies’ pride without courting disaster.
"By unveiling my identity, I aim to cloak myself in an air of enigma. No one would dare claim to be a descendant of the Shenlian clan without substantial backing," she clarified, sitting cross-legged on a rock to maintain her balance.
Everyone’s expressions brightened momentarily, but soon doubt overshadowed them.
"Yue’er, have you forgotten the numerous formidable foes we face, particularly within the Shenlian clan?" Shenlian Yinzhu questioned, leaning against the wall with a skeptical expression.
"Yingyue, it’s impossible to predict what goes on in that mind of yours. Why not elaborate? Your actions always unsettle my fragile heart," Wang Pei Zhi remarked, plopping down with a bag of potato chips.
"Who truly knows who Shenlian Yingyue is?" she posed a concise yet significant question.
Realization dawned on everyone simultaneously.
"Master, do you mean...?" Tian Tian’s eyes sparkled with understanding.
"Shenlian Yingyue could very well be born from a side branch of the Shenlian clan, or perhaps be the offspring of someone affiliated with it, thus possessing a fraction of Shenlian blood," she responded, a crafty smile gracing her lips.
Her cleverness endeared her to them, eliciting adoration. Zhiyi couldn’t resist pulling her into an embrace, showering her with affectionate kisses.
As his enthusiasm enveloped her, she felt warmth rush to her cheeks. Despite her usual bravado, the combined gaze of her partners, particularly her master, flustered her a bit.
"Ahem!" Xiong Zi Ying cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "Xiao Yueyue, why don’t you introduce them to your master?"
Indeed, her master had yet to meet her cherished companions, who mostly remained hidden away in the Ethereal Small World.
"Master, these are my brother, and my uncle, and these are my husbands and partners. This is Pei Zhi, my best friend and an Inner Disciple in our sect. He holds you in high esteem," she informed them, showing to each in turn.
"I pay my respects, Great Ancestor," Wang Pei Zhi stammered, nerves palpable as this was the first time he was acknowledged by the Great Ancestor.
Xiong Zi Ying’s mouth fell open in astonishment. His disciple was incredibly strong! He had always known the daughter of destiny had a multitude of romantic entanglements, but to see an antagonist, a mere cannon fodder, stand on the same level as those blessed by fate was exceptional!
Shenlian Yingyue had no inkling that her master was lost in gossip about her. Instead, she was consumed by thoughts of her husband, Helan Yuze, who had been forcibly exiled to the Land of Exile by Shen Xian after she unintentionally provoked him.
Her worries didn’t stop there; she also thought of her beloved brother Shenlian Wanyan and all those who had suffered because of her: Yao Yanzi, Mu Anwen, Sima Ke Xin, Yuelan Rouxuan, and Tan Zi Mo.
It had been over four years since she had been separated from them. How were they faring now?
Her face bore a solemn expression, causing Xiong Yi Chen, who had been simmering with anger, to hesitate in causing a scene. He frowned slightly.
Xiong Zi Ying placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, saying, "When you reunite with them, they may have surprises in store for you. A short separation can lead to a glorious return."
She nodded vigorously, sensing that the day they would be together again was approaching swiftly.
Shenlian Yinzhu and the others gathered to offer their support, encouraging her further.
Thinking of them fueled her determination to grow stronger and faster, to confront Shen Xian for everything he had done.

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