Lu Xiaotian's finger pressed against Lu Luo's forehead, and he immediately passed out.

After that, Lu Xiaotian flew straight up into the sky and disappeared.

Tong Yan and Tong Meng exchanged a glance and then followed suit, leaving only Tong Yuan and Qin Wanyu behind.

The black cat Tong Yuan nudged Qin Wanyu.

Among the San Tong, her relationship with Qin Wanyu was the best.

Even though she had the most peculiar temperament, she got along with Qin Wanyu exceptionally well.

It was also she who had taken the initiative to block Lu Luo's attack for Qin Wanyu, protecting her from harm.

"Qin Wanyu, aren't you leaving?"

"You go ahead. I'll stay here for a while." Qin Wanyu shook her head.

"You don't really want to stay here by yourself; you want to stay with this guy.

You are too soft-hearted, not at all like an Exotic Species should be."

Tong Yuan suddenly extended her cat claw and viciously swiped at Lu Luo.

But Qin Wanyu immediately used her hair to block her.

"Hey, don't hurt him! If you keep this up, I'm really going to get angry."

"He was the one who hit you first!"

Qin Wanyu hadn't gotten angry yet, but Tong Yuan was becoming a little irritated.

"He has his reasons. I was the one who attacked Qi Xinzhu and the others first; there's nothing indefensible about his actions."

Qin Wanyu still wanted to defend Lu Luo, but Tong Yuan immediately argued on her behalf,

"It was just the Master's orders! How can you blame yourself for that? If Lu Luo is so great, why doesn't he go cause trouble for the Master? Isn't it just because he's weak?"

Qin Wanyu was rendered speechless by Tong Yuan's logic, but she still patiently explained to her,

"Tong Yuan, human ways of thinking are often different from those of Exotic Species. Some things that seem trivial to us are very important to humans."

Tong Yuan looked utterly unconcerned.

"What's different? Tell me about it."

"For example, mating."

Qin Wanyu was also one of the brides, but if the groom wasn't Lu Luo, she would have outright refused.

Even if her master was the Nightmare Demon, she would still refuse, as a way of retaining her human will.

But Tong Meng and the others were indifferent in this respect.

Mating? It was just an order from the Master.

Upon hearing this from Qin Wanyu, Tong Yuan indeed responded dismissively,

"Mating is just mating. It's not about choosing a mate, what does it matter?"

Qin Wanyu shook her head. Tong Yuan's understanding and adaptability were the worst among the San Tong.

In this state, she would soon be abandoned by Lu Xiaotian.

Yes, even though Tong Yuan was powerful, even a Fifth Tier Lord, she would still be discarded by Lu Xiaotian.

Their Master had already undergone a magnificent transformation.

They needed to adapt to their new identities.

As a friend, Qin Wanyu had to help Tong Yuan change.

"Tong Yuan, do you have some misunderstanding about your identity?

From today onward, we are no longer Exotic Species. Learning how to be more human is what you should focus on.

And I? I'm already quite human-like without needing to learn. Understand?"

Tong Yuan had a troubled look; studying was probably the thing she disliked the most.

And when the object of study was humans, she disliked it even more.

Human vocabulary, etiquette, and all sorts of habits were too complicated for Tong Yuan.

So even though she knew Qin Wanyu meant well, Tong Yuan still wouldn't listen.

"Forget it, I can't argue with you. We'll just have to take it one step at a time.

I'm leaving. You be careful!"

Qin Wanyu looked at Lu Luo on the ground and nodded.

"I know what to do!"

The night seemed especially long. Qin Wanyu sat next to Lu Luo, hugging her knees.

Being with Lu Luo had been her wish since childhood. Regrettably, it seemed a wish that would never come true.

He already had a new lover, and his lover also loved him, even becoming his new bride.

Qin Wanyu touched Lu Luo's face. Aside from his appearance, he had changed drastically from over a year ago.

His skin was still fair, but black roots were beginning to show beneath his white hair.

"Time seems to fly by so fast, yet so slowly, Lu Luo."

Suddenly, Qin Wanyu withdrew her hand and stood up, her expression cold.

Not long after, Qi Xinzhu arrived!

"Lu Luo!"

Qi Xinzhu looked at Lu Luo on the ground and Qin Wanyu beside him.

"Qin Wanyu!"

After confirming Lu Luo was unconscious, she, her long dress trailing, adopted a fighting stance with clenched fists.

Qi Xinzhu had experienced Qin Wanyu's strength. But after more than a month of harsh training, her own capabilities had greatly improved.

This time, she would not be defeated so easily!

Although Qi Xinzhu was ready for combat, Qin Wanyu didn't seem to have any intention of taking action.

She lifted her chin, looking at Qi Xinzhu somewhat arrogantly.

"Qi Xinzhu, do you know? The wedding dress you're wearing was originally meant for me."

Qi Xinzhu was stunned.

"Meant for you? No wonder it's so tight around the chest."

Qin Wanyu fell silent for a moment, feeling as if she had somehow lost the upper hand in their bizarre exchange.

"Wedding dresses aren't for fighting, and I have no intention of fighting you. Lu Luo is right here. If you don't want anything to happen to him, you'd better come over quickly!"

Hearing Qin Wanyu's words and confirming that she truly had no intention of starting a fight, Qi Xinzhu hurriedly went to Lu Luo's side.

He seemed merely weak and exhausted, with no severe injuries. This slightly relieved Qi Xinzhu.

She immediately used her Healer abilities to dispel Lu Luo's fatigue.

Only when Lu Luo's breathing gradually became relaxed and steady did Qi Xinzhu allow herself to smile with relief.

Qin Wanyu watched the tender scene, an inexplicable sadness welling within her. She fiddled with her hair.

"Qi Xinzhu."

"Hmm?"

Qi Xinzhu remained vigilant around Qin Wanyu, but Qin Wanyu seemed to have no real intention of attacking.

She merely sighed lightly.

"When will I be able to be legitimate like you?"

Qi Xinzhu had no way of answering that question. Although she was already with Lu Luo, such matters couldn't be decided for him.

And she herself did not wish to share Lu Luo with anyone else.

Qin Wanyu was well aware of this, so she simply shook her head.

"It's pointless. Just take good care of him!"

Her black hair lifted her. After uttering those words, she departed on her own initiative!

Once Qin Wanyu left, Qi Xinzhu breathed a sigh of relief. The immense pressure from facing a Lord-level Exotic Species finally lifted.

She laid Lu Luo's head on her lap, preparing to wait quietly for him to wake up.

This night felt especially short, for after sorrow, people inevitably become busy.

Everyone had to rebuild their homes, but this process always gave rise to some conflicts!

For instance, Gu Fangyi's group had to fend off three waves of robbers blocking their path before they barely managed to reach the slum base in the East Ring.

Even at the base's entrance, the surrounding people eyed them with hostility and caution.

This hostility and vigilance were not isolated; it was a sentiment shared by everyone in the Fourth Ring.

Zhou Kai surveyed the scene, somewhat emotional.

"The current level of chaos in the Fourth Ring is almost comparable to that outside the wall."

Bai Yuetong, however, shook her head.

"It's not that simple. The population density of the Fourth Ring is extremely high.

Although many died this time, a good number survived.

The area outside the wall used to be merely dangerous; however, even amidst the danger, a basic set of rules existed.

Thus, the chaos outside the wall had its own form of order.

But now, inside the walls, there was no order to speak of. Everyone was fighting for territory.

The Inner Ring's control over the Fourth Ring had essentially been completely lost.

So, from today onward, the Fourth Ring is probably in for a major upheaval."

Bai Yuetong's analysis was indeed very logical. Zhou Kai and Gu Fangyi quickly understood her meaning.

After each prepared some defenses, they entered the base that Lu Luo had arranged in advance.

White Snake was waiting for them at the entrance.

"Damn, I know this snake."

Zhou Kai stepped back a few paces, but White Snake just glanced at him and slithered deeper into the base.

"It was left by Lu Luo. Don't worry, just follow it."

Bai Yuetong pursed her lips, and Zhou Kai was somewhat unconvinced.

"Why does Lu Luo tell you everything?"

"Because you're a loudmouth. If I told you everything, you'd spill it all after a few drinks. That's simply not an option.

Moreover, besides me, Gu Fangyi should also know these things."

Zhou Kai looked at Gu Fangyi somewhat sadly, hoping to hear a different answer.

"Gu bro, is what she's saying true?"

But Gu Fangyi shifted his gaze away, uncertain.

"Are you talking about the loudmouth, the drinking, or White Snake?"

"Fine. So, the clown was me all along."

Zhou Kai's eyes filled with tears.

Meanwhile, Qi Xinzhu had been holding Lu Luo and resting for a long time. Several unconscious, unidentified humans lay nearby.

Yes, Qi Xinzhu had knocked them all unconscious.

Indeed, Qi Xinzhu wasn't being soft-hearted this time. Her past experiences had forged her into a true warrior.

Killing, even ordinary humans, was no longer an unacceptable act for her.

She had initially considered killing these people, but then she remembered: this was the Fourth Ring!

According to the Fourth Ring's laws, murder was illegal—a serious crime.

Although the Fourth Ring was currently in a terrible state, with barely any rules to speak of.

Still, Qi Xinzhu believed it was better to be cautious. By not killing anyone, she avoided staining her record or giving anyone leverage against her.

If order was restored to the Fourth Ring in the future, this would at least spare Lu Luo unnecessary trouble.

Just then, Lu Luo, cradled in her arms, stirred.

"Lu Luo, are you awake?"

"Yeah!" Lu Luo shook his head, and the Observer directly gave him some hints.

Information about what happened after Lu Luo passed out: details about Tong Yuan, Qin Wanyu, and finally, Qi Xinzhu's arrival.

The girl with the silky hair seems to like you quite a bit, but her identity is too special. Whether to fight or not, only you can make that decision.

"I got it!" After confirming this information, Lu Luo tugged at Qi Xinzhu's hand.

He would still have to carefully consider his attitude towards Qin Wanyu in the future.

"Let's go. Let's meet up with Gu bro and the others!"

Walking on the road, Qi Xinzhu suddenly thought of Bai Yuetong.

"Hey, Lu Luo, how do you plan to tell Bai Yuetong about us?"

But Lu Luo was very natural about it.

"What's so difficult about that? It's just that our friendship has deepened further, reaching a state of intimate fusion.

If Bai Yuetong wants to reach our level, she'll need to work harder to break through her limitations and achieve that same state of intimate fusion with me.

Understand?"

Qi Xinzhu blushed. Lu Luo's shamelessness was truly remarkable.

"I shouldn't have asked you this question!"

Seeing that Qi Xinzhu had stopped asking, Lu Luo mentally sighed in relief.

Good thing she didn't ask about Han Shiyu.

But after just a few steps, Qi Xinzhu turned her head to look at Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, what exactly is the situation between you and my senior sister?"

"We're innocent!"

Lu Luo felt like he couldn't clear his name even if he jumped into the Yellow River!

Innocent my ass.

「The next morning, at the Church, the Tribunal.」

Qi Gefei was on one knee. In front of him stood Wan Jing, the captain of the Knight of Justice.

Wan Jing was a somewhat dopey-looking woman, quite short, probably around 1.5 meters.

In front of the tall and strong Qi Gefei, she could even be described as tiny.

But Qi Gefei didn't even dare to breathe heavily in her presence.

"Captain, this is roughly what happened!"

Wan Jing leaned on her chair, appearing somewhat bored. In fact, she wasn't very interested in the information Qi Gefei was providing.

However, orders had come from above, and there were things that had to be understood and done.

"Alright, just confirm that Ludie is dead and consider your mission accomplished.

Don't worry too much about other matters. You performed well this time, and you'll get the rewards you deserve."

"But I can't confirm whether the Nightmare Demon is dead!" Qi Gefei added.

"You don't need to confirm that. Eighth Order Catastrophes have unique life signatures. What you can't confirm, others can.

The higher-ups have already stated that the Nightmare Demon is indeed dead, so rest assured!"

A genuinely relieved smile spread across Qi Gefei's face.

"I see. That's excellent. A monster like the Nightmare Demon is a danger simply by existing.

Captain, why didn't the Church confront the Nightmare Demon directly? Why did it rely on someone from the Fourth Ring for such a task?"

"I'm neither the Pope nor the Judgment Chief. I'm just a fighter. If you ask me about such complex matters, who am I supposed to ask?"

Without getting an answer, Qi Gefei simply nodded.

"Yes, the minds of superiors are truly unfathomable."

"Alright, rest well for the next couple of days. In a few days, there will be other tasks for you."

"More tasks?"

Qi Gefei was somewhat surprised; he thought the Church would give him a long vacation.

"The Judgment Chief has personally spoken, inviting Lu Luo to join the Church.

And the condition is this!"

Wan Jing took out a slip of paper and handed it to Qi Gefei.

Upon seeing the contents of the note, Qi Gefei's pupils contracted!

"Believer of Light status? Qualifications for the Tribunal? And Qi Xinzhu?

Captain, are we giving all this directly to Lu Luo? We haven't even clarified his background."

"It is you who hasn't clarified his background, not us.

He is Qiao Xing's disciple, a true successor to the East Ring Bishop, an exceptionally rare talent.

Isn't it proper to absorb such talent into the Church's system?"

Wan Jing lit a stick of incense. Yes, for herself—because the idol she worshipped was her own.

Qi Gefei didn't quite understand why Wan Jing was worshipping herself, but at the moment, all his thoughts were on Lu Luo.

"But Lu Luo doesn't have the Holy Radiance. How can someone who can't feel the Holy Light possibly join the Dawn Church?"

"You're wrong. Lu Luo does have the Holy Radiance, so there is absolutely no problem with him joining the Dawn Church."

"But with his personality, there's no way he would join, right?"

"You're wrong again, Qi Gefei.

Lu Luo values benefits, but he also cherishes relationships. Therefore, given his personality, it's highly likely he will join.

Because Qi Xinzhu herself is our best bargaining chip."

"Alright, I understand."

"Everything is for the Dawn Church!"

Wan Jing gave a knightly salute to Qi Gefei, who responded in kind.

"Everything is for the Dawn Church."

After their discussion, Qi Gefei departed. As he left, a purple glint flashed momentarily in his eyes.

Oblivious, Wan Jing returned to stand before her idol and bowed to her own image once more.

Wan Jing, oh Wan Jing, you're still young. You'd better make sure to die slowly!

At that moment, she bore no resemblance to the captain of one of the Four Great Knights Groups. Instead, she seemed more like an eccentric, muttering charlatan.

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