The goblin leader turned its back, concealing its ferocious expression as it reached out toward the towering ancient tree.
A radiant glow shimmered, and a luminous branch slid down from the canopy.
Swiftly, it extended toward the feet of Chu Xingchen and Xie Lingyu.
The luminous tendrils enveloped the two, then erupted in a dazzling light.
Before them, the radiance swirled, blurring their vision in an instant—yet in the blink of an eye, everything had changed, and their sight cleared once more.
A path of branches unfolded before Chu Xingchen, unmistakably the main thoroughfare of the colossal tree.
Even for Chu Xingchen, the road was exceptionally wide, lined with small huts along its edges.
Goblins of all kinds stood outside the huts, casting curious glances their way.
Unlike the fearful reactions of those in San Dong, the goblins here regarded them with open curiosity and scrutiny.
Yet none dared to speak up.
At this moment, Chu Xingchen and Xie Lingyu felt like rare exhibits in a zoo.
Facing the probing gazes, Chu Xingchen narrowed his eyes slightly. He paid no mind to their stares—his concern lay elsewhere.
Chu Xingchen was certain he hadn’t sensed any spatial fluctuations.
If not for an exceptionally refined technique beyond his perception, then they hadn’t actually moved at all.
Only the scenery before them had shifted—much like Bai Qing’s illusionary arts.
Chu Xingchen glanced sideways at Xie Lingyu and noticed her expression was also troubled. She must have realized it too.
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, signaling that he had everything under control.
Xie Lingyu reacted with visible surprise, her lips pressing together in silence as she looked at him.
Chu Xingchen nodded slightly—understanding was enough.
As the two exchanged silent messages, a female goblin holding a tender green twig approached calmly and spoke:
"May I ask, which of you is the one here to fulfill the agreement?"
Chu Xingchen turned and replied coolly, "That would be me."
The goblin’s gaze shifted to Xie Lingyu. "And the other?"
Chu Xingchen answered without hesitation, "She’s here to fulfill my agreement."
Unlike the resentful leader, the female goblin remained composed as she addressed Xie Lingyu:
"Then this one is not here by our King’s invitation. Please leave the Eternal Tree."
Chu Xingchen raised their clasped hands, displaying them to the goblin, and said:
"We are husband and wife. As the saying goes, husband and wife are one. My agreement is hers as well."
The goblin frowned. "Our King does not favor those who are unfaithful..."
"Truly?" Chu Xingchen cut her off sharply.
That young man playing Go, his mouth twisted in a smirk, had been buried in this grave along with his fishing tactics.
With skills like that, could this King truly be pure and innocent?
Chu Xingchen even speculated maliciously—the other spaces within this grave might very well be filled with the King’s other "catches."
This King was at least a master angler on par with the most cunning sea witches.
Chu Xingchen said flatly, "You’re not about to tell me your King dislikes unfaithfulness while indulging in it herself, are you?"
"I’m neither the first nor likely the last to answer this summons. Whether it’s acceptable is for your King to decide. Your duty is to take me to her, not to overstep your bounds here."
The goblin’s brow furrowed. If he sought death, she wouldn’t stop him. Taking a deep breath, she replied evenly:
"Follow me."
Satisfied, Chu Xingchen nodded and led Xie Lingyu after the goblin.
Though the escorting goblin said little, their conversation hadn’t been hushed.
The surrounding goblins had heard every word.
Instantly, outrage erupted.
Glaring eyes burned with fury, and even those who had held back earlier now hurled insults.
"How can someone hold such twisted views?"
"Shameless! Absolutely shameless!"
"Disgraceful! Utterly disgraceful!"
The female goblin listened to the venomous, vulgar curses with inward scorn.
She glanced back, expecting to see the humans cowed and humiliated—no creature, no matter how thick-skinned, could endure such vitriol unscathed.
Even she felt uneasy under the barrage.
Hah… such brazen words deserved this merciless backlash!
But when she finally caught Chu Xingchen’s expression, she froze.
This human… not only appeared unbothered, but he was… smiling?!
Was this the very embodiment of shamelessness?
Disgust churned within her.
Yet the scoundrel’s words held undeniable logic.
This was for the King to decide.
To decide how this disgraceful man should meet his end.
Chu Xingchen surveyed the scene, his Wan Bian already in motion—nearly invisible needles threaded through the air.
Eyes could be deceived, but Wan Bian never lied.
The path stretched long, yet Chu Xingchen and Xie Lingyu traversed it in mere steps.
The scenery shifted dramatically again, as if passing through a series of painted scrolls.
Within moments, the goblin guided them to the treetop.
A staircase of branches elevated a modestly ornate wooden cabin—luxurious only by goblin standards.
Its size matched a human dwelling, and beyond a fenced yard, a few strikingly vibrant flowers bloomed in silence.
The goblin halted at the door, her voice brimming with reverence:
"My King, your guest has arrived."
Chu Xingchen recalled his probing Wan Bian into his sleeve and fixed his gaze on the cabin.
After a pause, an enchanting feminine voice answered: "Let him enter."
The goblin hesitated, eyeing the still-clasped hands, then amended:
"The situation is… complicated. This guest has brought his wife. They claim to be one."
Her nervous words plunged the scene into silence. Perhaps the news was too shocking even for the King.
After a lengthy pause, the voice spoke again:
"Then… let them both enter."
The goblin’s face betrayed faint disappointment. She had expected the King to punish such audacity on the spot.
Yet this shameless man would now tread the royal chambers.
But the King’s word was law.
Stepping aside, she motioned for them to proceed.
Hand in hand, Chu Xingchen and Xie Lingyu pushed open the wooden door.
A creak echoed as the door swung wide.
Chu Xingchen’s sharp eyes scanned ahead warily.
By the window, seated at a table, was a woman of breathtaking beauty and unparalleled grace, her gaze fixed on the garden outside.
Her aura carried neither fragility nor allure—instead, it exuded serene elegance and unyielding resolve.
In Chu Xingchen’s words, she had the air of a formidable woman.
The woman turned her head, her calm gaze resting on Chu Xingchen.