When she arrived in front of Song Xiran’s villa, a servant stood at the door, respectfully welcoming her inside.

  The villa was filled with many people, all of whom were unfamiliar young talents to Nan Gong Huan. Most of them had cultivation levels above Five Spirit Lives, exuding an air of nobility, and their identities were all extraordinary.

  "Ah Huan, you’re here," Song Xiran greeted her with a smile, naturally taking Nan Gong Huan’s arm.

  At this moment, she seemed less like a royal and more like a close friend, exuding a natural warmth.

  "Your Highness," Nan Gong Huan still insisted on performing a formal greeting.

  "No need to be so formal, just call me Xiran," Song Xiran said with a smile. "These are all my friends. Don’t feel nervous. Let me introduce you."

  Song Xiran enthusiastically introduced Nan Gong Huan to everyone.

  Her other five teammates from the Order Team were also here, each of them keeping a low profile. They were mingling with the other guests, chatting and laughing.

  There were also six members from another Order Team, as well as several dignitaries from other sects and forces.

  Among them was someone Nan Gong Huan found somewhat familiar—Kong Tong Yu. It was she who had declared Nan Gong Qian’er the Purple Star, sparking a frenzy among the elders.

  The last person Song Xiran introduced was Kong Tong Yu, who was sitting leisurely under a garden umbrella, sipping tea.

  "Hello, I remember your name is Nan Gong Huan!" Kong Tong Yu blurted out Nan Gong Huan’s name before Song Xiran could even speak.

  Song Xiran chuckled lightly. "This is Kong Tong Yu, the 82nd generation heir of the Cloud Star Sect."

  "Hello," Nan Gong Huan smiled politely, but Kong Tong Yu was studying her intently.

  "Can I see your star fortune?" Kong Tong Yu asked cautiously after studying her for a while without any clear conclusions.

  The last time she had examined Nan Gong Qian’er, she found that the Purple Star didn’t seem as auspicious as she had imagined.

  Moreover, Nan Gong Qian’er was under a curse, which Kong Tong Yu could see had been placed on her by a victim. She couldn’t remove it; only the elders of her clan might be able to.

  But this Nan Gong Huan felt different. Even just being close to her, Kong Tong Yu felt a subtle sense of awe.

  A glint flashed in Nan Gong Huan’s eyes. Her star fortune... had been concealed by Elder Ling, a protective measure.

  "Sure," Nan Gong Huan agreed. Since Kong Tong Yu wouldn’t be able to see anything, she might as well let her try.

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  Kong Tong Yu immediately took Nan Gong Huan’s hand, tracing her palm several times. But to her surprise, she couldn’t discern Nan Gong Huan’s star fortune!

  "How strange, so strange," Kong Tong Yu frowned. It was likely that her cultivation wasn’t advanced enough. For special star fortunes or those of much stronger individuals, she couldn’t penetrate them.

  "What’s strange?" Nan Gong Huan asked, her expression unchanged.

  "Nothing, nothing," Kong Tong Yu forced a smile and shook her head. She was beginning to suspect that she might have truly chosen the wrong Purple Star.

  But verifying this would be extremely difficult. Her compass was still under repair and couldn’t be used.

  After a moment of hesitation, Kong Tong Yu said, "If, I mean if, there’s a misunderstanding between us, I apologize. Can you forgive me?"

  Nan Gong Huan raised an eyebrow. Was this a request for forgiveness? But between her and Kong Tong Yu, there didn’t seem to be any conflict.

  Could it be that Kong Tong Yu felt guilty after declaring Nan Gong Qian’er the Purple Star?

  "Of course," Nan Gong Huan wasn’t one to hold grudges. If Kong Tong Yu was referring to the Purple Star matter, she didn’t care at all.

  Kong Tong Yu breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze toward Nan Gong Huan now filled with warmth. "You must visit my sect sometime. I’ll personally bless you, which can clear away some invisible bad luck."

  "Really? Then I’ll definitely visit your esteemed sect when I have the chance," Nan Gong Huan replied with a sincere smile.

  Who hadn’t heard of the Cloud Star Sect? It was one of the most unshakable sects in the world, known for making predictions based on celestial movements. Some of the most powerful prophecies had come from them.

  Though they appeared weak in combat, they were protected by several major sects. The old sect leader, Kong Tong Langri, was guarded by four Nine Spirit Life experts to prevent any mishaps.

  The prophecies of the Cloud Star Sect were more valuable than any treasure in the world.

  The two chatted for a while longer, and Nan Gong Huan’s impression of Kong Tong Yu began to shift.

  "Sometimes I really envy those in the Order Team. They get to travel everywhere. Sister Xiran’s Order Team returned this time for a mission..." Kong Tong Yu suddenly realized she might have said too much and immediately covered her mouth, giving Nan Gong Huan a helpless look.

  "Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone," Nan Gong Huan had heard clearly. Judging by Kong Tong Yu’s reaction, the Order Team’s mission was a secret one.

  At that moment, Song Xiran herself walked over, carrying three cups of tea, and sat down beside them.

  She smiled gently. "It’s fine to talk about it. It’s not really a secret. The main reason I returned to the academy this time was to investigate the Divine Blood Hall. They’ve initiated a Blood Sacrifice Day, and in the past month, eleven alchemists have gone missing because of it."

  As she spoke, her expression grew serious.

  She wasn’t afraid to be honest with Nan Gong Huan because Nan Gong Huan was someone Yue Zun trusted.

  Just two days ago, Yue Zun had come to her Order Team with the lead Nan Gong Huan had discovered about the Ghostly Formation. Following this lead, they had made significant progress.

  Song Xiran continued, "The Divine Blood Hall has a unique way of selecting their targets. In the twelve cities of Feng Xuan, they’ve chosen one alchemist from each city. Only Jiang Lou City remains, so..."

  Song Xiran looked at Nan Gong Huan. "You need to be careful. You might be their next target."

  "That’s right. You’re from Jiang Lou City, so you must be extremely cautious. Our old sect leader has divined that they aim to disrupt the national fortune of the Feng Xuan Empire. If they succeed, the consequences would be unimaginable," Kong Tong Yu added.

  Nan Gong Huan nodded in understanding. "No wonder I’ve noticed more elders guarding the dormitories these past two days."

  "Do you remember the Ghostly Formation beneath the Summoning Department?" Song Xiran asked without hesitation. "You mentioned it to Yue Zun."

  Nan Gong Huan paused for a moment, then nodded. She had actually been planning to take Yan Ji and Xue Ji there for a feast in the next few days.

  "We’ve found a way to dismantle it, but there’s still some risk. Yue Zun said that with your constitution, you could act as bait, and he could guarantee your absolute safety," Song Xiran said, somewhat apologetically.

  After all, they were using Nan Gong Huan’s life as bait.

  Nan Gong Huan immediately understood—Yue Zun was giving her an opportunity!