Chapter 91: A Clear Conscience
Domain Master Ning turned his gaze toward Vice Domain Master Yan.
A bitter smile crossed Yan Fu Yu’s face. Under Xia Bei Yi’s stunned expression, he barely managed to force out a congratulatory tone. “Congratulations. You have completed the mission.”
Xia Bei Yi looked at Wang Jie, then back at Yan Fu Yu.
Wang Jie, however, simply smiled at him with eyes full of amusement.
Unwilling to accept this reality, Xia Bei Yi pointed at Wang Jie and glared at Yan Fu Yu. “Him? What’s going on here?”
Yan Fu Yu let out a sigh. “Master Wang Jie was one of my chosen candidates for this mission and also the team leader. I told you this before. Did you forget?”
[Forget? Like hell, I forgot! I never even bothered to remember!]
Who would remember the name of a dead man?
A mere Ten-Seal Lockforce Cultivator, someone he considered a useless waste with no future—such a person was nothing more than a disposable pawn to him. Why would he bother remembering such a person?
Yet now, staring at Wang Jie’s smiling face, memories of what transpired in Green Mountain City flashed through his mind.
This man had approached him, engaged him in conversation, and even extorted him when he wanted to leave. Time and again, he had trampled over his bottom line.
It was deliberate.
It had all been intentional.
From the very beginning, he had sensed something off about this man. If Wang Jie had known his identity beforehand, then everything would make sense. Everything in Puppeteer Tower was a calculated act.
The mission site had been confirmed by both of them on the same day. And yet, while Wang Jie completed it, he himself had failed and been ambushed.
It was all because of this man. This bastard.
His gaze toward Wang Jie grew more and more resentful, his killing intent surging.
Yan Fu Yu was alarmed and immediately placed a firm hand on Xia Bei Yi’s shoulder. The latter snapped back to his senses, turning his head only to meet the deep, piercing gaze of Domain Master Ning. He hastily lowered his head in a respectful bow. “This disciple was reckless.”
Domain Master Ning’s voice was low. “What is going on?”
Xia Bei Yi glanced at Wang Jie’s ever-smiling face. He knew that making accusations would seem petty, but the more this bastard smiled, the more unbearable it became. So he spilled everything—both the events and his suspicions.
Yan Fu Yu listened in shock. Any reasonable person would have thought Xia Bei Yi was right. After all, why else would someone go to such lengths unless they knew his identity?
However, Wang Jie dismissed it all with a single sentence.
“Pardon me, but have we met before?”
Xia Bei Yi was stunned.
Yan Fu Yu blinked, then shook his head under Domain Master Ning’s scrutinizing gaze. “They… have never met.”
Domain Master Ning turned his attention back to Xia Bei Yi.
Gritting his teeth, Xia Bei Yi retorted, “I threw them into the starry void. Perhaps we crossed paths then.”
Wang Jie shrugged. “So you’re saying that in that kind of situation, I somehow saw you clearly, then later recognized you in Green Mountain City through a Puppet Master’s construct? Is that what you’re suggesting?”
Xia Bei Yi had no response. Even if they had met back then, it was impossible to recognize someone through a puppet’s barrier.
Domain Master Ning’s voice darkened. “Apologize to the Great Master.”
Xia Bei Yi snapped his head up to look at Domain Master Ning.
The domain master’s tone was even heavier this time. “Apologize.”
Rage boiled within Xia Bei Yi. His fists clenched tightly, but Yan Fu Yu quickly shot him a warning look.
He held his breath for a moment, then finally exhaled, the fight draining out of him. His glare locked onto Wang Jie as he gritted his teeth. “I’m sorry.”
“Be sincere,” Domain Master Ning barked.
Xia Bei Yi bit down hard, then bellowed, “I’M SORRY, GREAT MASTER!”
Wang Jie sighed and smiled. “It’s fine.”
Off to the side, Jiang You Sheng watched, utterly dumbfounded. His entire worldview had just been shattered.
What the hell was this?
This Celestial Refinement Master was actually a Frost Radiance Sect spy? He was the one the Berserk Clan had been hunting all this time? Yet here they were, treating him with utmost reverence. Not only did he complete the mission, but he also forced a prodigy to apologize to him.
The entire situation was beyond absurd.
Even with all his experience, Jiang You Sheng found this impossible to digest.
No one here was foolish.
Xia Bei Yi’s theory made perfect sense. If Wang Jie hadn’t known his identity, why else would he do all those things?
Yet reality was reality. Right or wrong no longer mattered—only status did.
Wang Jie was a Celestial Refinement Master. Unless Xia Bei Yi had solid evidence proving that Wang Jie had sabotaged his mission, his words were meaningless.
Even if he somehow proved it, even if Wang Jie had worked against him, it still wouldn’t matter.
Such was reality.
And the defining factor?
Wang Jie was a Celestial Refinement Master.
Even Jiang You Sheng treated him with deference because of that title. Within the Star-Refining Realm, this status held incomparable weight.
Domain Master Ning cast a deep look at Wang Jie, his tone gentle. “Great Master, I hope you do not take offense. As a direct disciple of Frost Radiance Sect, this child has never been involved in sect affairs. His sole focus has been fighting against the Berserk Clan. His first mission ended in failure, so his frustration is understandable.”
Wang Jie chuckled. “Senior overestimates the matter. It is nothing but a minor affair.”
“Since Great Master does not mind, then may I, on behalf of Frost Radiance Sect, extend an invitation for you to join us as a Guest Official?”
Wang Jie raised a brow. “Guest Official?”
Yan Fu Yu explained, “It is an esteemed position unbound by cultivation levels. Some Guest Officials hold higher status than even direct disciples.”
“Such as Celestial Refinement Masters,” Domain Master Ning emphasized.
Wang Jie had no reason to refuse. Even though Yan Fu Yu had initially chosen him as a disposable pawn, wasn’t that simply how the universe worked? He had already seen too much suffering on Blue Star, and now, here in the Silver Radiance Empire, under the protection of Frost Radiance Sect, he had no other choice.
With that in mind, he met Domain Master Ning’s gaze solemnly. “I shall not disappoint you, Senior. I will do my utmost for the sect and its people.”
Domain Master Ning nodded approvingly. “Great Master, you possess both broad vision and great ambition. Your future shall be boundless.”
After exchanging a few words of praise, Domain Master Ning turned his gaze toward Jiang You Sheng.
Jiang You Sheng knew his fate now rested solely on this man’s decision—life or death, all to be decided in an instant.
Before Domain Master Ning could speak, Wang Jie stepped forward and respectfully said, “Senior, may this junior make an unreasonable request?”
Domain Master Ning looked at him curiously. “Master Wang, speak your mind.”
Wang Jie turned his gaze toward Jiang You Sheng, who also met his eyes. In their silent exchange, there was an unspoken complexity—neither hatred nor resentment, only the regret of failing to bring Wang Jie to Little Circle Lake.
“This junior wishes to ask Senior to spare Tower Master Jiang.”
Jiang You Sheng’s heart trembled. He stared at Wang Jie, stunned that he would make such a request on his behalf.
Vice Domain Master Yan frowned. “Master Wang, do you truly know this man’s origins, his strength, and his allegiance?”
Wang Jie turned to Domain Master Ning. “This junior does not. All I know is that Tower Master Jiang has treated me with kindness. I dare not claim to be a man of unwavering loyalty, but I will always remember those who have shown me goodwill and repay them as best as I can.”
Vice Domain Master Yan glanced at Domain Master Ning, awaiting his decision.
Domain Master Ning met Wang Jie’s gaze. Wang Jie did not flinch, meeting the Domain Master’s intense scrutiny head-on.
“This man hails from the Seventh Star Chain and holds a seat of power in Puppeteer Tower, which signifies his status is far from ordinary. There must be high-ranking figures from Little Circle Lake backing him.”
Wang Jie nodded. “Yes. Tower Master Jiang’s master resides in Little Circle Lake.” He did not conceal anything.
Domain Master Ning’s voice deepened. “Knowing this, you still ask me to let him go?”
Wang Jie took a step back and bowed deeply. “This junior only does what he can. Regardless of whether Senior chooses to spare Tower Master Jiang, I can face my conscience without regret.”
Jiang You Sheng’s gaze grew even more complicated as he looked at Wang Jie. “Master Wang… thank you.”
Behind them, Xia Bei Yi grew increasingly irritated as he observed the scene. This bastard. He had suffered imprisonment in Puppeteer Tower, failed his mission, and was even forced to apologize. Yet, this man not only completed his mission but also managed to form a connection with a member of Little Circle Lake. Disgusting.
Domain Master Ning did not reply immediately. He pondered for a moment before shifting his gaze back to Jiang You Sheng. “You may leave.”
Jiang You Sheng hesitated, casting a glance at Domain Master Ning, then turning to Wang Jie. He bowed. “Jiang You Sheng owes Master Wang a debt of life. If there ever comes a time I can repay it, I shall do so with my life.” With that, he turned and departed.
Vice Domain Master Yan was displeased. “Domain Master, are we truly letting him go?”
Domain Master Ning shot him a glance that immediately silenced him. Then, he turned back to Wang Jie. “Master Wang, are you satisfied?”
Wang Jie was genuinely grateful. “Many thanks, Senior.”
Domain Master Ning chuckled. “The war is still ongoing. To ensure Master Wang’s safety, I ask that you return to Silver Radiance Empire at once. Once the war is over, accompany me to Frost Radiance Sect.”
Beyond the Green Square Star Cluster, warships and spacecraft filled the void. Wang Jie could leave with ease.
Watching Wang Jie disappear into the distance, Vice Domain Master Yan was still unwilling to accept it. “Domain Master, that man is merely at the Ten-Seal Level, and he cultivates Lock Force. Can he truly be a Celestial Refinement Master?” As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Xia Bei Yi.
Xia Bei Yi hastily recounted how Wang Jie had been treated within Puppeteer Tower, swearing that every word was true.
Domain Master Ning waved a hand dismissively. “Celestial Refinement Masters transcend ordinary cultivators. Some things cannot be explained. Just because he cultivates Lock Force does not mean he cannot wield Celestial Star Power. It is much like the existence of Star-Guardian People, which also defies common understanding.”
“To our sect, letting a Wandering Star Realm cultivator go is a far lesser loss compared to winning over a Celestial Refinement Master.”
“This man was willing to plead for someone he had only known for a few months simply because that person treated him well. This kind of sincerity is rare. The sect needs people like him.”
Vice Domain Master Yan understood at last and said no more.
Suddenly, Domain Master Ning’s gaze fell upon him. In an instant, an overwhelming frost engulfed the entire Green Square Star Cluster, the icy aura crashing down upon Vice Domain Master Yan like an unrelenting tide. “Consider this a warning. Do not harbor any ill intentions toward him. Celestial Refinement Masters are growing ever rarer. Those qualified to enter Nebula are Heaven’s favored. Our Frost Radiance Sect does not wish to suffer any losses.”
Vice Domain Master Yan fell to one knee. “Understood, Domain Master.”
Domain Master Ning then turned his gaze upon Xia Bei Yi.
Though unwilling, Xia Bei Yi had no choice but to nod. “Disciple understands.”
—
Amidst the vast starry expanse, Wang Jie glanced back.
Darkness was swallowed by a sudden brilliance of white. The entire Green Square Star Cluster froze solid in a heartbeat, coinciding with the moment his ship broke free into space.
Such was the power of Domain Master Ning.
A being of this level—against him, a Wandering Star Realm cultivator wouldn’t even have the luxury of fleeing.
He withdrew his gaze. It no longer mattered. The war in the Ninth Star Chain was no longer his concern. He had done what he could. Now, it was time to return.
Blue Star was his home, a place filled with memories and old friends.
Accompanying Lake Residence had become his second home.
Wang Jie had expected that by the time he returned, the residence would have a new owner. Yet, against all odds, it remained unchanged. Over half a year had passed, and Jun Hua should have learned of his involvement in the mission through Jin Chu—perhaps even assumed him dead.
Upon returning to Accompanying Lake Residence, Wang Jie immediately contacted Jun Hua.
—
In the Imperial Palace, Jun Hua stared at her personal terminal in shock. A familiar face had reappeared.
“Wang Jie is back.”
From a distance, Yu Dong looked up. “He’s still alive?”
Jun Hua promptly invited him in.
Moments later, they met Wang Jie in person.
From the very first glance, they could tell he had changed. They could not pinpoint exactly how, but despite still being at the Ten-Seal Level, he exuded a steadiness that had not been there before.
More than that, there was an aura about him—subtle yet undeniable. Was it the scent of blood? A lingering killing intent, so faint it could be mistaken for a trick of the mind.
This was a presence that only those who had slain true masters—beings far beyond their own realm—could possess.
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