One Line Ends the Topic

"Ha! Sometimes I really wonder if I was picked up off the street." Ryan Lu rolled his eyes. "This double standard..."

"Enough, Ryan! Big Brother already let us off the hook." Luna Lian said. "Come on, let's go inside!"

Everyone headed for the main entrance.

Soren Lann snuck a little thank-you gesture at Lucia.

Lucia winked back at him, as mischievous and boyish as ever.

At the entrance, Lucia saw Sean Shaw still waiting. She was about to speak to him, but Soren Lann stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Fifth Highness, thank you for protecting Lucia just now."

Sean returned the gesture. "Divine Lord, you’re too polite. I was just doing what I should."

"If Fifth Highness hadn’t spoken up, the gods might really have thought that Demon Beast was connected to Lucia! Attempting to assassinate the Celestial Emperor is no small thing." Soren said. "I truly appreciate it!"

Sean answered with polite detachment, "No need."

"By the way, how did you notice the Demon Beast’s presence?" Soren asked again.

"Yeah, exactly!" Ryan Lu chimed in. "Fifth Highness, even His Majesty the Celestial Emperor and both Divine Lords missed it—how did you spot it?"

Sean ended the conversation with one line: "Talent."

...

Lucia returned to her seat.

By the time she got back, the temple had completely returned to normal, as if nothing had happened at all.

The Celestial Empress was chatting warmly with her mother, High Goddess Vivian Lu: "Why isn’t Divine Lady Tanya Lu here today?"

"She’s in seclusion lately," Vivian Lu replied.

"She’s always such a character," the Empress laughed. "Whenever she’s around, the atmosphere gets so much livelier!"

Vivian Lu smiled. "She’s been that way since she was a child—so open and boyish, like one of the guys."

Just then, the Empress saw Lucia return and waved at her with a smile.

Lucia glanced at her father.

High God Quentin Lian gave a subtle nod.

So Lucia walked over.

The Celestial Empress took her hand and asked, "Lucia, has the Demon Beast left?"

"Yes."

"I never imagined Liam Li would..." The Empress sighed with emotion. "You knew all along, didn’t you? And you helped them keep it secret! You really had it tough."

"Your Majesty... I’m ashamed," Lucia replied.

"Oh, nonsense! If anyone should be ashamed, it’s Leo Li!" the Empress said. "You really know how to handle things, and you’re so kind. I genuinely like you."

The Empress’s smile was so sincere.

Lucia didn’t feel awkward anymore, and said, "Your Majesty, you’re so wonderful!"

"Ha!" Suddenly, someone laughed.

Lucia was startled and turned to look.

The one who laughed was Lord Noctis.

The Empress’s face darkened. "Noctis, what are you laughing at?"

Lord Noctis stood up.

Standing there, he looked even taller and more striking, no less handsome than Sean Shaw.

He shot a sideways glance at the Celestial Emperor and said, "Your birthday feast is revolting. I’m leaving!"

With that, he didn’t wait for a reply and walked out on his own.

Everyone he passed hurriedly bowed and stepped aside.

Even the most infatuated immortals didn’t dare let their gaze linger on him for a moment longer.

The Empress was clearly angry now, and let go of Lucia’s hand. She took a deep breath and said, "Phoenix Divine Lord, you really ought to keep Noctis in line!"

The Phoenix Divine Lord just smiled. "Your Majesty is absolutely right! To keep him from causing trouble, I’d better go after him. I’ll take my leave—may His Majesty the Celestial Emperor live as long as the heavens!"