Listening to Gu Yan's despondent words, Jia paused and tried to comfort her, "I don't think Ouyang Ye would be so cruel to you." He couldn't believe Ouyang Ye wouldn't consider their past affections.
Gu Yan let out a light laugh. "You really do underestimate him."
"But... I saw how much he cared about Gu Yuan, I thought..."
"If you think Ouyang Ye is doing all this for Gu Yuan, you're greatly mistaken," Gu Tie interrupted Jia, standing up. He shed his despondent mood and looked at Jia. "He's merely performing for those vengeful spirits, letting them know... he's a master who looks out for them."
"Vengeful spirits have no consciousness... how would they know such things?" Jia was confused.
Gu Tie smiled. "Gu Yan saved me from the vengeful spirits. Those memories are etched into my soul. That's why," his eyes darkened, "he's not that kind-hearted."
"Is that so." Jia had intended to say more to comfort Gu Yan, to stop her from always thinking the worst. Now, however, he found himself utterly at a loss for words.
Just then, the Soul Spirit had a new question. "Um..." it looked at Gu Yan, who was assisting Mu An Xiao in transferring the demon arts, and hesitated before continuing, "You're teaching her demon arts."
"..." Mu An Xiao had only wanted to help the vengeful spirits and hadn't thought much of it. But hearing the Soul Spirit's question, she suddenly realized she was an immortal. She began to struggle, "Alright, I..."
"This is a temporary demon art. Once they are saved, this art will disappear. Don't worry," Gu Yan heard and saw the concerns of Mu An Xiao and the Soul Spirit.
"...." They fell silent upon hearing Gu Yan's words.
Below.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Yan looked up at Ouyang Ye, who was staring at the shop entrance. "Master, do you think they can find Mu An Xiao and the others?"
"..." Ouyang Ye turned his head slightly to look at Gu Yan.
Startled by Ouyang Ye's sudden glance, Gu Yan asked, "Master, did I say something wrong?"
"Do you really dislike Gu Yan?" Ouyang Ye suddenly asked.
"...This..." Gu Yan hesitated.
Ouyang Ye looked down at Gu Yan's hesitant expression, then glanced back at the shop. "Later, how about you make a move?" he said, looking back at Gu Yan.
Gu Yan was taken aback. "Master, what do you mean by that?" Her heart began to stir as Ouyang Ye spoke.
"I understand," Ouyang Ye said calmly.
"Understand what?" Gu Yan was confused.
"When you follow my subordinates, you need to read my expressions and use your brain. You," Ouyang Ye met Gu Yan's eyes, "understand what I mean?"
"..." Gu Yan dared not reply carelessly. She pondered Ouyang Ye's words carefully and suddenly realized, "Master, I understand."
"Understand what?" Ouyang Ye deliberately tested Gu Yan.
"You know... that I killed Gu Yuan, right?" Gu Yan asked cautiously, afraid of displeasing Ouyang Ye.
Ouyang Ye smiled.
Seeing Ouyang Ye's smile, a sense of fear washed over Gu Yan. "Master, I... I was wrong." She felt as though she had made a grave mistake.
Ouyang Ye, still smiling, said, "You're quite cunning. Do you think," he put his hands behind his back, "you're very capable?"
"I dare not," Gu Yan was completely intimidated.
"I knew you'd say that. As the saying goes," Ouyang Ye smiled sinisterly, "the strong prey on the weak. In fact, your position and Gu Yan's position in my heart are both quite important."
"Master, what do you mean by that?" Gu Yan lost the courage to observe Ouyang Ye.
"Normally, you seem quite intelligent. Why are you being so foolish now?" Ouyang Ye said, retracting his gaze and looking up at the sky. "But it's understandable. If I were in this situation, I'd be nervous too."
Gu Yan nodded slightly, unsure of what to say.
After a moment, Ouyang Ye looked back at Gu Yan.
Frightened, Gu Yan lowered her head even further.
Seeing this, Ouyang Ye snorted. "Your method of killing Gu Yuan was quite ruthless. Were those all acts you put on?"
"I dare not," Gu Yan quickly looked up at Ouyang Ye.
"I knew you wouldn't," Ouyang Ye said, taking a deep breath. "Gu Yan and Mu An Xiao's relationship is genuinely strong, isn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Yan's eyes lit up. "Master, you've noticed it too."
"That's precisely it. I'm truly at a loss about what to do," Ouyang Ye looked down at his hands.
Gu Yan, as if finding an opportunity, quickly asked, "Master, what do you need me to do?"
"The strong prey on the weak," Ouyang Ye stated concisely.
"You mean..." Gu Yan analyzed Ouyang Ye's words in her mind and realized, "you want me to have a fight with Gu Yan?"
"...." Ouyang Ye slightly shook his head.
Gu Yan was bewildered. "Then what is the meaning of your words?"
"You are already on the side of the strong, I admit," Ouyang Ye no longer concealed his thoughts. "Gu Yan's abilities are comparable to yours, but she is too indecisive, too kind."
"Master.."
"That's how it is. She isn't suitable to follow me."
"Master, do you want me to execute her?" Gu Yan asked, her heart stirring once more.
Ouyang Ye's lips curved into a smile. "It seems I need to be straightforward when speaking with you, otherwise, you won't understand."
"I am foolish, but I will strive to overcome my foolishness and serve you well," Gu Yan said, cupping her fists.
"Alright, later, you know what to do, right?"
"I know, Master, rest assured," Gu Yan said, her eyes determined. "I will absolutely not let Mu An Xiao realize that you ordered me to do this."
"You're becoming smarter. But even if she finds out, it doesn't matter," Ouyang Ye said calmly.
Gu Yan smiled faintly. "Master, I understand." With that, she lowered her head slightly, mentally planning how to eliminate Gu Yan.
Upstairs.
Gu Yan looked at Mu An Xiao with a weak expression and smiled. "Alright." She released her hand and coughed.
Seeing this, Mu An Xiao quickly stepped forward, grasped Gu Yan's wrist, and exclaimed, "Your soul essence is so weak."
Gu Yan shook her head.
Mu An Xiao continued, "Are you so sure Ouyang Ye will act against you?" She then released her hand.
"Yes."
"I..."
"Don't waste any more time on me, go down," Gu Yan interrupted Mu An Xiao and looked at Gu Tie. "You must stay close to her."
"Yes," Gu Tie nodded.
Then, Gu Yan looked at the Soul Spirit and Jia. "Before, I always thought Yin Xia and the Soul Spirit were more terrifying than Ouyang Ye. Now, I realize I was wrong." With that, she pursed her lips and walked away first.