Staring at these Bond Talents, Zhang Luan had expected the first one—the bond between Holy Son and Holy Maiden. But the second and third? He had no clue where they came from.

And that third talent looked... bizarre.

Did this idiot spend every waking moment scheming to keep him chained at her side? The thought was terrifying.

Shaking it off, Zhang Luan focused on the first two bonds.

Normally, the first option was solid: a 20% all-stats boost for allies would be a game-changer in future wars. Plus, 50% fear immunity on a meat-grinder battlefield? Huge. Pity it didn’t apply to himself—that’s why he hesitated.

The second bond, [Dreamspinner], also caught his eye. A 50% boost to persuasive speech seemed useless for combat. But as the Holy Son? He could manipulate others more easily. And with players arriving soon—those lunatics pre-fusion—he’d need every trick.

*Which one to pick?*

He wavered, then finally chose [Dreamspinner].

Wars could turn on a single powerhouse. No army buff beat boosting himself. Besides, war-specialized classes existed—he didn’t need to be a tool.

But [Dreamspinner] was different. With it, his sway and credibility would skyrocket. So many problems would melt away.

A system chime rang out as [Dreamspinner] etched itself onto his panel.

Satisfied, Zhang Luan noted that though Bond Cards were merely Rare-tier items, they were incredibly useful. The catch? They only triggered when near the bonded person. No matter—he’d just bring Nan Fenghua along when scheming. As Holy Maiden, she might even out-hustle him.

Glancing at the deeply sleeping Nan Fenghua, Zhang Luan slipped silently out the door. As he closed it, a soft cough sounded beside him.

He turned. Ye Ying stood half-hidden in shadow, her beautiful eyes glinting gold in the dark—unnerving.

"When did the Holy Son awaken?" she murmured. "I thought you’d stay the night with the Holy Maiden. Seems I underestimated you."

She stepped into the lamplight, flicking her waist-length golden hair. Tied in a casual ponytail, she looked unexpectedly youthful.

"High Priestess Ye Ying? Eavesdropping now? Tsk tsk tsk. Never took you for the type. Though... the scriptures don’t forbid it, do they?"

Ignoring his jab, Ye Ying’s voice stayed flat. "I merely came to inform you of something."

"Let me guess—missionary work? Spare me, gorgeous. I’m no preacher."

Ye Ying rolled her eyes, adjusting her hair. "Since your ascension, neighboring towns have flooded us with invitations. They want you at their gatherings. Courting you, really. Most don’t matter. But Southern Sect City... requires caution."

Zhang Luan’s eyes narrowed. Southern Sect City—one of the New God’s starter towns. Where Akamana offered relative peace, Southern Sect was hell difficulty.

Its ruler was a tyrant. Level 50. He’d undergone an Ascension—not through quest loopholes like Zhang Luan, but by sheer strength. No difference in power tier, yet it spoke volumes.

Under his rule, Southern Sect’s citizens drowned in misery. Everything served him. Now *he* sent an invitation. Refusing might not scare Akamana Temple, but making enemies while Mighty Roar Cathedral stirred? Bad timing.

"Must I go?"

"Your choice. You’re the Holy Son. I’m just relaying."

Zhang Luan nodded after a pause. "When?"

"My guards will escort you at dawn. A few hours’ ride."

"Fine. I’ll be ready. But..." Zhang Luan grinned, locking eyes with her. "Did you forget something?"

Ye Ying stiffened, recalling. Her expression turned uneasy.

"The Life Divine Art... Hah. By the Holy Son’s command... doctrine compels my obedience..."

Her reluctance puzzled him. The scriptures mentioned no cost for this art. Had he missed something? A sacrifice?

As Ye Ying stepped closer, Zhang Luan raised a hand. "Wait."

"What now?" she snapped, dropping even the "Holy Son" title.

"Does casting this art cost you something? You look pained."

"No. Just close your eyes."

The High Priestess’s aura vanished. She pouted like a sulking child.

Annoyed, Zhang Luan clamped his mouth shut and waited.

"Close your eyes."

"No. I want to see how it’s done. Got secrets?"

"...Suit yourself."

Ye Ying flicked a finger. Every magic lamp in the corridor shattered. Darkness swallowed the space—but tonight’s moon blazed bright, illuminating everything.

"You can’t snuff out the moon too. Hurry up. I’m busy."

Ye Ying took a sharp breath. Resigned, she popped a bitter chocolate square into her mouth, stepped forward, and pressed herself against Zhang Luan. Before his amused gaze, their lips met.

*Did he just get kissed against his will?!*