On the Verge of Collapse

Sean Shaw just shook his head and walked away.

Lucy Luan ground her teeth and headed off to Southcourt Palace as well.

Just as she arrived, she ran into Soren Lann.

He was being escorted by several Phoenix Elders, heading inside.

When he saw Lucy, he smiled and waved at her, "Where have you run off to?"

Lucy felt a bit awkward and mumbled, "Nowhere, really."

Soren said a few words to the Phoenix Elders, then walked over to her and said, "Let's go over there and talk."

Lucy nodded and followed him.

This scene happened to be seen by Sean Shaw.

He just stood there in a daze, not moving for a long time.

......

Southcourt Palace was built halfway up the mountainside, at a very high elevation.

They reached a lush, wooded area and gazed into the distance, both falling silent for a moment.

"I knew this would happen," Soren Lann said softly. "I told you, but you just ignored me."

Lucy bit her lip. "Divine Lord, I'm sorry. You'll always be my junior brother, someone I respect."

"Am I not good-looking enough?" he asked.

"Of course you're good-looking. You're the number one handsome guy in all Three Realms and Ten Wilds!"

"Is my personality bad?"

"No one has a better personality than you! You're gentle, thoughtful, easy to talk to—unlike some people..."

"Then what's wrong with me?" Soren Lann asked.

"You're perfect in every way! Honestly, whoever marries you must've saved the world in their last life," Lucy said. "But... I've always thought of you as a brother, just like Lucian Yan."

Suddenly, Soren Lann reached out and grabbed her shoulders, trying to pull her into his arms.

Lucy was startled and teleported away instantly. "What are you doing?!"

"And now? Do you still think of me as a brother?" Soren Lann asked.

"You—you—you... Are you drunk or something?!" Lucy spun around and ran.

Soren Lann grabbed her again, locking her in place. "Xianyu."

"Divine Lord! Why are you acting like a totally different person all of a sudden?!" Lucy felt like crying.

"Lucy Luan, look closely. I'm a man—a man who loves you," Soren Lann said. "I'm not suddenly different. This is the real me."

As he spoke, he actually leaned in to kiss her.

Lucy shoved him away and ran off.

Soren Lann watched her retreating figure, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint smile.

Lucy ran to a secluded corner, sat down, buried her face in her hands, and felt like she was about to fall apart.

Just then, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching.

Not wanting anyone to see her like this, she immediately turned invisible.

She saw Divine Lord Tanya Quinn, dressed in full regalia, chasing after Lord Noctis.

"Noctis!" Tanya Quinn called out.

Noctis stopped and looked at her coldly.

"What are you doing?" Tanya Quinn asked. "Why did you bite and ruin the Wind-Plume Scepter? You do realize that's meant for the chosen imperial consort!"

"It was an eyesore," Noctis replied.

Tanya Quinn: "How exactly was it an eyesore to you?"

Noctis: "It was an eyesore!"

"What's gotten into you?" Tanya Quinn frowned. "You've been acting weird since you came back, so stubborn I feel like punching you!"

"Go ahead and hit me!" Noctis grabbed her hand and pressed it to his chest. "You can kill me if you want!"

Tanya Quinn took a deep breath and coaxed him patiently: "Alright, alright. The Wind-Plume Scepter is ruined, I'll just use another ruyi. It's not a matter of life and death!"

She took his hand. "I'm not mad at you, okay? Stop fussing! Change back to your original form and come with me to the banquet."

Noctis looked at her with deep eyes, then finally turned into a golden, cloud-patterned giant rat, a demonic mark on his brow lending him a mischievous charm. He obediently curled up inside Tanya Quinn's spirit pouch.