Miao Yi Niang coldly stared at the two men bedecked in black cloaks, "Piaomiao Palace? I don't understand what you're talking about."
The man who had just spoken scoffed, "Enough, Miao Yi Niang. The fact that we have tracked you down signifies we have sufficient proof confirming that you're a remnant of the Piaomiao Palace. Do you really presume we have nothing better to do than to meddle with you unnecessarily?"
A glint of anger flickered in Miao Yi Niang's clear eyes, "Do you harbor a grudge against the Piaomiao Palace?"
"No grudge," replied the man.
"Do you have a grudge against me?" Miao Yi Niang asked again.
The man sneered, "Enough, cease this pointless discourse. We bear no resentment towards the Piaomiao Palace or you, Miao Yi Niang. We simply seek the inheritance of the Piaomiao Palace. You may regard us as robbers, here to plunder."
"God…How can they utter such shameless words with such conviction…" Chu Yan commented from the side. Never the type to easily shy away, she felt ire surge within her at the sight of someone bullying Miao Yi Niang and couldn't help but interject.
"Young miss, this is none of your concern, better for you to stay out of it!" spat the man coldly.
The other cloaked individual remained silent, standing quietly on one side.
Chu Mo observed the two men with surprise, 'How did they track us across vast oceans and towering mountains from the Vermilion Bird Continent to the Four Symbols Continent? It seems they have been in Yanhuang City for quite some time now. They must have investigated thoroughly to acquire information about Miao Yi Niang.'
"How did you find me?" Miao Yi Niang questioned, "I've changed significantly from before. Besides, this place is incredibly far from the Vermilion Bird Continent..."
The man spoke with a lighthearted chuckle, "In this world, nothing is really difficult provided one is determined. You twelve sisters, with your individual storage rings, fled in different directions. It seemed foolproof, no one should have been able to find you all. However, you overlooked one detail…there's no one to betray you."
Miao Yi Niang's pupils contracted, she murmured incredulously, "Betrayal? Piaomiao Palace is no more, who'd betray us?"
The man chuckled, "Of course, one among your twelve sisters."
"Impossible!" Miao Yi Niang glared at the man, "You're lying!"
The man smirked, "What's the point of lying? These many years, countless people have searched for the twelve of you on the Vermilion Bird Continent. Despite the Four Symbols Continent's vastness, split into regions of Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, finding you seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, you all are the pride of your sects, therefore even in this secular world, nine times out of ten...you'd choose the top tier cities."
Miao Yi Niang's expression subtly shifted. The man's words had struck a chord.
In the past, the twelve sisters, though unaware of each other's whereabouts, had agreed to establish their footing in the top cities of the countries they resided in. They would recognize each other through a secret code upon reconvening.
With a faint grin, the man continued, "This was your first mistake. Your second mistake, was forgetting that all twelve of you are women, and you're all the pride of your respective sects. You believe women should naturally excel. Yet, you failed to consider that in this secular world…a woman's standing isn't as high as you imagine!"
Shrugging, the man added, "Look, narrowing the search to major cities, followed by outstanding women in these cities...doesn't it simplify finding you significantly?"
Chu Mo couldn't help but feel a chilling dread. He wasn't sure if this man's insight was unnerving or if everyone drew the same inference. If indeed everyone thought along these lines...it painted a quite dire situation for Miao Yi Niang and her sisters.
"Certainly, credit is due. Among your sisters, you have remained highly discreet and intelligent. We have spent years searching for you. We've repeatedly probed Yanhuang City, including once after you took over the Gluttonous Pavilion. However, we could never confirm your identity, mainly because you have never exhibited any associations related to the words ambition and power," the man said with a sigh.
Chu Mo felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he realized the root cause of their predicament.
"It must have been my decision to delegate authority to Sister Yiniang in establishing influence that aroused their suspicion…" Chu Mo felt a pang of guilt disturbing his conscience.
Indeed, the man continued, "However, your recent activities have allowed us to nearly confirm, you...are indeed one of the twelve disciples who fled from Piaomiao Palace!"
Miao Yi Niang's starry eyes shimmered, she spoke indifferently, "I have to admit, your observational skills are impressive, and your judgement quite accurate. But how does that correlate to my sisters' betrayal? I won't allow you to slander my sisters."
The young man laughed heartily before responding, "Is that so? Slander? Do you know how we ultimately identified you?"
Miao Yi Niang remained silent, her icy gaze unwavering on the elusive man.
At this moment, the previously silent individual by the man's side removed his hat, revealing an unremarkable male face, then he casually reached for his face...and peeled off a meticulously crafted human skin mask to unveil a beautiful visage underneath.
This person...was actually a woman!
Miao Yi Niang stared in utter disbelief at the woman, her expression screaming incredulity.
Disposing the mask nonchalantly, the cloaked woman asked indifferently, "Don't you recognize me, sister Yiniang?"
You're Sun Yifei, Senior Sister Yifei?" Miao Yi Niang's eyes were still filled with disbelief as she gazed at the woman, "How? How could you be with these people? This...this can't be real!"
Miao Yi Niang's body swayed gently, struggling to accept the harsh reality - seeing her long-lost sister should have been a heartwarming reunion, but it was a cruel twist of faith when she realized her sister had betrayed her. And not just that, she had brought enemies to capture her… It was a devastating blow for Miao Yi Niang.
Miao Yi Niang could instantly recognize Sun Yifei as they were among the most talented disciples in the Piaomiao Palace back then!
When the Piaomiao Palace crumbled, and the twelve disciples scattered, Sun Yifei had already reached the third stage of the Primordial Pass. With so many years past, she could only be even more powerful.
"Betrayal? I did not betray anyone." Sun Yifei regarded Miao Yi Niang impassively, "Our seniors in the sect urged us not to seek vengeance but concentrate on preserving our inheritance. This is our way of amassing Immeasurable Merit... essentially underlining the need for survival. And I've been doing exactly that - I am alive and well."
At this, the man laid his hand comfortably around Sun Yifei's slim waist, smiling, "Indeed, the most important thing about life...is to be happy."
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