After Morgana Dreamhaven greeted everyone one by one, she turned to Palace Lord Ignace with a smile and said, "Palace Lord Ignace, I heard you've arrived, and even brought a large group with you. What's going on?"
"Morgana Dreamhaven, Evan Yang from the Water Temple destroyed something important belonging to our Flame Temple, so we're here to apprehend him," Palace Lord Ignace replied.
"But I've heard you're no longer yourself. What's going on?" Morgana Dreamhaven asked.
"Morgana Dreamhaven, what do you mean by that? Are you trying to shield your own people too?" Palace Lord Ignace snorted coldly.
"I'm not shielding anyone. I'm just asking for the facts," Morgana Dreamhaven said.
"This is exactly shielding! Don't think the Flame Temple will back down from you. All of the Water Temple's strongest experts are gathered here today, and no matter what, you must hand over Evan Yang," Palace Lord Ignace said.
"There's no rush. I've already invited all the palace lords here so you can confront each other. Don't say the Water Temple is bullying you," Morgana Dreamhaven said.
"Fine, let's do it. Confrontation it is," Palace Lord Ignace snorted.
Morgana Dreamhaven knew Evan Yang was in a period of weakness and needed to protect him at all costs.
"Evan Yang, come out," Morgana Dreamhaven called to him.
Evan Yang nodded and stepped out from the crowd, taking in the scene before him. He then smiled at Palace Lord Ignace, "Palace Lord Ignace, how do you want me to confront you?"
"You say I'm not the real one—do you have any proof?" Palace Lord Ignace said.
"I have some images, but if I show them, you'll just claim I made them up. However, if you're willing to let that senior appear, then we can confront each other directly," Evan Yang said with a smile.
"Who?" Palace Lord Ignace asked.
"Of course, the senior you injured. If he hadn't told me to retreat, I would have fallen victim to you long ago," Evan Yang replied.
Palace Lord Ignace was secretly shocked, but outwardly sneered, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Looks like Palace Lord Ignace won't cooperate. Well, there's nothing I can do. I won't go with you," Evan Yang said.
Palace Lord Ignace snorted, "You won't go? You'll have to go."
"What are you trying to do?" Palace Lord Yuna shouted as she saw Palace Lord Ignace about to make a move.
"Get out of my way!" Palace Lord Ignace snorted, then moved at top speed to stand before Evan Yang. In his eyes, Evan was in a weakened state, and with just one palm strike, he could guarantee Evan's death on the spot.
Everyone was shocked and hurried to stop Palace Lord Ignace.
Palace Lord Ignace sneered, then unleashed a terrifying aura. In a flash, he moved behind Evan Yang and reached out to attack. But Evan just smiled, "You underestimate me." With that, he dodged away in a blur.
Palace Lord Ignace was shocked—he hadn't expected Evan Yang to move so quickly while supposedly weak. At that moment, Morgana Dreamhaven made her move, surrounding Ignace and fixing her gaze on him. "Palace Lord Ignace, do you have anything else to say now?"
"What is there to say? You're ganging up on me. I'm just fulfilling my duty," Palace Lord Ignace declared, still loudly promoting himself. The Flame Temple members around him grew heated—after all, they were from the Flame Temple, and couldn't tolerate being treated this way.
This was exactly the effect Palace Lord Ignace wanted.
Morgana Dreamhaven frowned and looked at the crowd. "Do you all really intend to follow Palace Lord Ignace into chaos?"
"Morgana Dreamhaven, what do you mean? Are you saying you look down on the Flame Temple?" Palace Lord Ignace said.
The Flame Temple crowd was clearly provoked and began to argue. Morgana Dreamhaven raised her eyebrows and said, "You all saw what Palace Lord Ignace just did—he tried to kill Evan Yang. You know this, yet you want the other palaces to act as witnesses. What is his real purpose? Isn't it obvious?"
Palace Lord Ignace frowned as Morgana Dreamhaven stirred up his followers. "Morgana Dreamhaven, what are you trying to do?"
"I'm not trying to do anything. I just want everyone to understand," Morgana Dreamhaven said.
Seeing some people waver, Palace Lord Ignace smiled and said, "Morgana Dreamhaven, are you trying to undermine the will of the Flame Temple? We won't fall for it."
His words helped steady those who were wavering. Meanwhile, Palace Lord Rowan of the Wood Temple and others discussed and decided it was time to speak up.
Palace Lord Rowan of the Wood Temple said, "Both sides, stop arguing. Since you've invited us, we're willing to act as impartial witnesses."
"Alright," Morgana Dreamhaven said.
Having failed once, Palace Lord Ignace had no choice but to say, "Fine, I agree as well."
"Since both sides agree, I won't say more. If you want to know who's telling the truth, it's simple: we'll set up a Truth-Changing Array. Whoever speaks truth will be fine, whoever lies will be exposed—it's easy to tell," said Palace Lord Rowan.
Morgana Dreamhaven didn't hesitate. "Agreed," she said.
Palace Lord Ignace hesitated, then smiled, "Agreed."
"You all know, the Truth-Changing Array will reveal whether someone speaks truth or lies. If you lie, you'll be attacked until death—that's the price. I hope anyone planning to lie will step forward now, instead of dying inside," Palace Lord Rowan said.
Evan Yang smiled, "Of course, I'll go."
Palace Lord Ignace glanced at Evan Yang and smiled, "I will as well."
"Very well, let's not delay. We'll begin preparations for the Truth-Changing Array right away. However, it takes three days to activate, so everyone must stay inside the Water Temple during that period—do not leave." Palace Lord Rowan said to the group.
Evan Yang and Palace Lord Ignace nodded, but Ignace was already plotting against Evan in his heart. He knew he'd never enter that Truth-Changing Array, so he had to find a way to deal with Evan within these three days.
Once Palace Lord Rowan finished speaking, Morgana Dreamhaven invited the palace lords into the main palace of the Water Temple.
Inside the Water Temple's main hall, Palace Lord Yuna and the others arranged living quarters for the guests, while Evan Yang was surrounded by the Water Temple's strongest protectors.
Seeing Evan Yang surrounded by so many experts, Palace Lord Ignace frowned. But soon his expression eased—he had thought of a new plan.
Evan Yang was waiting at the spot where he'd first met Miss Cloud, quietly passing the time.
"Hey, tell me—do you think Palace Lord Ignace will send someone to kill you?" Miss Cloud asked, who was Palace Lord Yuna's younger sister.
"I can't say for sure, but if it were me, I'd definitely do it. He knows if he enters the Truth-Changing Array, his disguise will be exposed." Evan Yang replied.
"I guess so. But what exactly is this Truth-Changing Array? I've never heard of it before." Miss Cloud frowned.
"Oh? Even you don't know?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"No, I don't. I just asked my sister, and she isn't sure either. But she said the palace lords probably know what it is." Miss Cloud replied.
"So that's how it is. Still, the name fits. If someone tells the truth, nothing happens; but if they lie, they're in trouble." Evan Yang said.
"Then Palace Lord Ignace is doomed!" Miss Cloud exclaimed.
"I doubt he'll be that reckless. He'll definitely try to deal with me some other way." Evan Yang said bluntly.
Miss Cloud nodded, agreeing with Evan's assessment. Just then, bubbles suddenly rose from the water nearby.
Evan Yang frowned—why would there be bubbles now? Miss Cloud was also curious, watching the water as a strange creature crawled out, targeting Evan and lunging straight at him.
Evan Yang was shocked. He recognized the creature—it was the same bug he'd seen inside Palace Lord Ignace at the Flame Temple.
The bug was extremely fast, already attacking. Evan could only dodge quickly, but if he did, Miss Cloud would be hit. He hesitated for a moment, but at that critical instant...
Suddenly, eight figures appeared around them—the protectors assigned to guard Evan. Seeing the imminent danger, they didn't hesitate to intervene.
The strange bug was intercepted by the experts, but instead of fleeing, it fought one against eight, showing its terrifying strength. Only after a fierce struggle did the eight finally drive it away.
Once the bug had left, one of the protectors asked, "What just happened?"
"That's Palace Lord Ignace's true body," Evan Yang said.
"What? That terrifying?" the protector exclaimed. None of them expected Palace Lord Ignace's true form to be that bug, and so powerful—if they'd had one fewer person, they wouldn't have been able to handle it.
"I didn't expect him to be so dangerous either. We have to tell Morgana Dreamhaven right away. If he's willing to attack me, he might target others—even the other palace lords." Evan realized the threat; with such strength, Ignace could control the other lords.
The eight protectors nodded and immediately reported the incident to Morgana Dreamhaven. Upon hearing the news, Morgana quickly gathered the other palace lords to go find Ignace.
When they found Palace Lord Ignace, he was meditating with his eyes closed. He opened them and said, "What are you all doing here?"
"Ignace, have you been here the whole time?" Morgana Dreamhaven asked.
"Of course. You arranged it, didn't you? I've been here the whole time. Why send so many people over?" Ignace said with irritation.
"It's nothing. Please continue resting." Morgana said, then turned and left with the other palace lords.
On the way back, Palace Lord Rowan frowned and asked, "Morgana Dreamhaven, what's going on? Why did you rush us to find Ignace?"
"A strange bug just attacked Evan Yang," Morgana replied.
"A bug? The same one that killed the original Palace Lord Ignace?" Rowan asked curiously.
"That's right. It's extremely powerful—able to fight eight at once. You all need to be careful; it's a dangerous creature," Morgana said.
"But he doesn't seem suspicious," Rowan said, a bit doubtful.
"Rowan, don't say I didn't warn you. If he tries to control you all, or take you down one by one, you'll be in real trouble," Morgana said.
"Don't worry, Morgana. We have our own strength. If he really tries anything, we'll seize the chance and capture him," Rowan replied.