"Huh? This young lady is..."

The Heavenly Ruler stared wide-eyed at his teacher. The man he remembered as utterly indifferent to women—almost ascetic—was now making a move on one?!

"Ah, I think you’ve misunderstood something..."

One glance at his former student’s expression told Zokilia exactly what he was thinking. Not that it mattered. Zokilia cared little for others’ opinions. His entire focus was on Ouyang Shi. To win her trust, this gentleman was pulling out all the stops...

"Misunderstood? But Teacher, you’re the kind of person who doesn’t even care about *that*... cough cough! And now you’d do this for some girl..."

At the crucial moment, the Heavenly Ruler faltered. Perhaps the word he wanted to say was... forbidden?

"So you’ve definitely misunderstood."

Zokilia gently released the girl’s hand and gave a wry smile.

"Misunderstood? Then explain, Teacher—where exactly did I go wrong?"

"Let me introduce her first. This lovely young lady is Ouyang Shi, daughter of Ouyang Long, head of the Ouyang Clan."

"Ouyang..."

The surname was far from unfamiliar to the Heavenly Ruler. His brow furrowed slightly.

"What’s wrong? Why that expression at the name, Your Highness?"

"Nothing."

Waving it off, the Heavenly Ruler didn’t dwell. He had far more urgent matters for Zokilia.

"Whatever you want to say, set it aside for now. Come with me."

"Oh? So urgent? Must be serious."

"Since you were holding her hand, Teacher, she should come too."

The Heavenly Ruler flicked his gaze toward Ouyang Shi, waiting quietly nearby, and gave a nod.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Her reply was flat, emotionless. The fragility she’d shown before Zokilia had vanished like mist.

"Let’s go."

The Heavenly Ruler turned and led the way. After shooting Ouyang Shi an encouraging look, Zokilia followed.

"......"

After two seconds of hesitation, Ouyang Shi decided this was her last lifeline. Without overthinking, she trailed after them.

........

.....

Back in the banquet hall, the Heavenly Ruler’s golden dragon-embroidered robes once again drew every eye. But the attention wasn’t just on him—his companions were equally conspicuous.

"Hey, isn’t that..."

"From the Ouyang Clan?"

Sharp-eyed guests recognized the blue-haired girl behind him: Ouyang Long’s daughter. Though rarely seen in public, her breathtaking beauty had already left an impression.

"Hmph..."

Ouyang Long, standing in the crowd, let out a satisfied sneer—unheard by all.

"That wretch..."

Beside her father, Ouyang Feng clenched her fists as she watched the figure stealing the spotlight. Her dream for this conference was to stand gloriously on stage, admired by all.

*Why... why is that wretch up there?!*

A silent scream tore through her mind. Her composure shattered, her expression twisting into something ugly.

"Xiao Feng..."

Just as Ouyang Feng teetered on the edge, a hand landed on her shoulder. Ouyang Lijia.

"Mom... Mother?"

Startled, Ouyang Feng realized her mother had appeared beside her.

"Don’t dwell on foolish thoughts. Tomorrow’s victory will be yours. Ouyang Shi has no place on that stage. A true lady stays poised—never let your heart show on your face."

Ouyang Lijia stroked her daughter’s silky black hair, her voice warm and maternal.

"Yes... I understand, Mother."

Ouyang Feng forced down the storm inside her. Her smile returned—perfect, polished, utterly false.

..........

.....

"So what’s happened? Why did you need me?"

"Teacher, it’s like this..."

The trio stopped before a room guarded by an unusually large number of soldiers. Something was off—a normal room wouldn’t need this many guards.

At the Heavenly Ruler’s approach, the guards stepped aside. He opened the door without a word and entered.

"A friend of mine. She’s trapped in a runaway state of Imagination Particles. Nothing we’ve tried can disperse them. I had no choice but to call you, Teacher."

He walked to the large bed inside as he spoke.

"She..."

Zokilia’s brow furrowed as he saw the figure on the bed.

A girl around the Heavenly Ruler’s age lay bound, thrashing weakly. Sweat streaked her beautiful face—and worst of all, black veins crawled across her skin.

"How did this happen?"

Zokilia strode to the bedside, his tone sharp.

"I don’t know. Before this, she was conducting a Magic experiment. Beyond that... nothing."

"Tch!"

The information was useless, but Zokilia showed no frustration.

"Leave it to me. But I have one condition."

"Name it. To save my friend, I’ll agree to anything. There’s little in this world I cannot accomplish."

The Heavenly Ruler agreed instantly, his voice thick with confidence.

"Good. Tomorrow’s exchange tournament—let her compete as a special invitee. That’s my condition."

"Done. My word is binding."

"Excellent."

The request was trivial to the Heavenly Ruler—especially coming from his teacher.

His promise to Ouyang Shi was fulfilled. Now...

"Miss Ouyang Shi, I must ask you to keep what you’re about to witness secret. I prefer my abilities remain... discreet."

"I will."

She’d never have spoken of it anyway.

Zokilia placed his right palm over the girl’s face. A soft glow—the signature radiance of Magic, the world’s greatest wonder—rose around him.

"Shatter."

At his whisper, countless black particles burst from the thrashing girl’s body. Her struggles ceased.

"It’s done, Your Highness. She’ll be fine."

"My thanks."

Zokilia withdrew his hand. The black veins had vanished. Her face was peaceful—free from the Magic’s torment.

"Miss Ouyang Shi, let’s take our leave."

"Yes..."

Ouyang Shi followed him out. Questions swirled in her mind, but this wasn’t the time. She had no right to pry into others’ secrets. Ouyang Ge’s problem was her only concern—everything else simply didn’t register.