At that moment, a disciple from Healer's Sanctuary suddenly rushed out from within the valley, panic-stricken. "Master Galen, you’ve finally returned! Senior Lucas is trying to rebel—he even said that soon, the entire martial world will be his..."
Galen Gu’s expression changed instantly. "That wretch!" He hurriedly called for everyone to follow him, rushing into the valley to see what had happened.
Seeing his genuine anxiety, everyone began to doubt whether Galen Gu truly knew nothing about what was happening.
Morgan Shangguan watched their reactions, a faint smile in her eyes. She glanced at Damien Gray, who met her gaze, lips curling slightly before his eyes turned deep and unreadable.
Ethan Gu followed behind the group, his eyes scanning every corner. Quentin Hua gradually slowed his pace, walking side by side with him. He asked, "What happened with Maxwell Jing?"
Ethan Gu replied hoarsely, "I’ve been poisoned by Blood Curse Poison." He said only this, then fell silent.
Right now, he didn’t have the heart to wonder how Maxwell Jing knew how to draw out the Blood Curse Poison. He only wanted to find him quickly, or else...
Just from that one sentence, Quentin Hua could already guess what had happened. He knew it—someone as devoted as Maxwell Jing was bound to get into trouble sooner or later!
Quentin Hua rubbed his temples in frustration and asked, "Why didn’t you say you’d been poisoned by Blood Curse Poison?" He had the antidote, but now, even if they found Maxwell Jing, it would be useless!
Ethan Gu was completely unaware of the deeper meaning in Quentin Hua’s words, focused only on searching for Maxwell Jing. Quentin Hua glanced at him and asked, "Do you love him?"
Ethan Gu looked at him in surprise. Quentin Hua saw his ghost-struck expression and chuckled, "Is my question that strange?"
Ethan Gu snapped back to himself and shook his head.
Quentin Hua frowned. "Is it that my question isn’t strange, or that you don’t love him?"
Ethan Gu looked lost. "I... don’t know..."
Quentin Hua wanted to get angry, but realized it wasn’t Ethan Gu’s fault. He could only sigh, "If you don’t love him, then stop searching for him! You two are making me just as conflicted!"
Watching Quentin Hua walk away, Ethan Gu closed his eyes, still lost inside. He didn’t know what love was. Did he love Maxwell Jing? He’d never thought about it before. Normal people shouldn’t think that way, but now, he couldn’t bring himself to say the words ‘I don’t love him.’ It felt as if saying them would break something that could never be mended.
To him, he and Maxwell Jing were just a bit closer than others. He was so used to Maxwell’s presence that he couldn’t bear his absence, and even more so, couldn’t accept him dying to save him.
If he really loved Maxwell Jing, then why wasn’t he angry when seeing Quentin Hua being so close to him? He only felt a bit of disappointment, just because he thought he might no longer be the most important person in Maxwell’s heart. That was all.
That feeling of disappointment wasn’t strong. He knew it would soon fade away.
It was just habit, not love... right?
Mist swirled around the Inner Valley, creating an illusion of paradise. But no one relaxed; the Outer Valley had been beautiful too, and that beauty had proved deadly, costing so many lives. Who could appreciate the scenery now? All they hoped was that no more poisonous creatures would appear.
As they entered the main hall, they saw a spirited man in his thirties, gesturing animatedly as he scolded a group of Healer’s Sanctuary disciples. When he saw Galen Gu arrive, his face turned pale. Forcing a smile, he stammered, "Master Galen, why have you returned?"
Galen Gu had already heard the whole story from everyone along the way. Now, his face twisted in anger as he shouted, "Wretch! Are you trying to rebel? Guards, seize this traitor who betrays his master and ancestors!"
The man, terrified by Galen Gu’s fury, dropped to his knees with a thud. "Master Galen, I know I was wrong! Please spare me!"
The man was dragged away. Galen Gu turned to the crowd, his face full of remorse. "It was my poor discipline that allowed such behavior among my disciples. I am deeply ashamed before my fellow martial artists. I promise to give you all a proper explanation. As for the Treasure Map, you need not worry—Healer’s Sanctuary does possess it. Please rest for the night, and tomorrow, we will reunite the four pieces and search for the treasure together. How does that sound?"
Everyone wanted to find the treasure quickly, but after all those dangers—almost losing their lives—they were truly exhausted.
Galen Gu ordered his people to lead everyone to rest and instructed the servants to treat them well. His face remained apologetic throughout.
In her room, Morgan Shangguan waved her hand, sending the Little Reaper back into the Violet Gourd, then got up and walked outside.
Galen Gu led a guard through winding corridors to a room. He pushed open the door and entered. Morgan Shangguan slipped to the window, watching as the guard opened a secret chamber. The two men entered first, and she followed, her voice calm: "Come out."
Damien Gray’s lips curled into a smile. In a flash, he appeared beside her, his arm wrapping around her waist as he whispered, "Why didn’t you wait for me?"
Morgan Shangguan simply raised an eyebrow, turning the vase on the antique shelf. As soon as she withdrew her hand, Damien Gray pressed his palm gently against the wall, knocking several times with just the right force. The wall slowly rotated, revealing the entrance to the secret chamber.
After they entered, the door closed behind them. Morgan Shangguan spoke softly, "We’ve searched the entire valley and haven’t seen any sign of Maxwell Jing."
Damien Gray’s face darkened at her words. He narrowed his eyes, "It seems this is more than just a simple disappearance." Ethan Gu said nothing, and Damien didn’t press further. He trusted Ethan’s loyalty, but clearly, something had happened between them.
He pulled Morgan Shangguan closer with a sigh. "Let them handle their own affairs. The Ghost Guild is already searching. If Maxwell isn’t in the valley, then he must be outside. Let’s hope he’s safe."
Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing have followed him for so many years; it’s not as if there’s no bond between them. He may seem cold, but he isn’t heartless—otherwise, how could he have fallen in love with Morgan Shangguan?
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