Chen Xi was standing by the mirror, admiring her reflection, clearly already developing an interest in women's attire.
Before Yan Hua could get riled up, Qi Yu quickly changed the subject. "Let's wrap up our fun here. I need to focus on my work from now on. Oh, right, while I have the time, is there anything you need my help with, or any matters you need me to investigate and report back on? If not, we'll have to do it another day."
When Qi Yu said "another day," it meant an unknown future.
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. Some even sent people to inquire if there were any important matters within their clans that needed reporting to the Heavenly Dao.
If there were, they had to do it now.
Otherwise, they didn't know when Qi Yu would be this diligent again.
Qi Yu lounged around, patiently waiting for them to finish their deliberations.
After about half an hour.
Subordinates from the other races arrived at the thirteenth heaven to report to their respective clan leaders.
Qi Yu perked up her ears, listening to each report.
As she listened, she initially thought everyone was fine and was about to leave. However, after only a few steps, she was stopped by Qi Yan.
"Qi Yu, I need your help with something concerning our Divine Witch clan," Qi Yan said, repeating what his subordinate had told him. "We have a custom where our clan's Saintess must guard the temple daily, responsible for distributing food, water, and other daily necessities to the Divine Witch children who have lost their parents, ensuring they grow up happily within the clan."
Qi Yu nodded gently, signaling him to continue.
Qi Yan went on, "However, in the past few days, the Saintess seems to have undergone some unusual changes. Her temper has become volatile and irritable, and her witchcraft has also become strange."
"Most importantly, the Saintess claims she has received guidance from the Heavenly Dao and intends to hold some sort of sacrificial ritual."
"But we've been together for so long. If there were any secrets, how could I not know? So, I find this matter rather strange. I don't understand which Heavenly Dao the Saintess is referring to."
Qi Yan felt that if it were a typical clan rebellion, it would be one thing.
But this situation clearly indicated that some sinister force was misleading, or even trying to recruit, their clan's Saintess.
Qi Yu initially didn't take it too seriously. After all, the Divine Witch clan was different from other races, with their peculiar rituals and customs. However, she never expected the Saintess to speak of a new sacrificial ritual and claim guidance from the Heavenly Dao.
"This matter is unusual. Why are you only telling me now? Shouldn't you have informed me as soon as it happened? Let's go take a look at your place," Qi Yu said, standing up and stretching. "Take me to meet your Saintess."
The Saintesses or Divine Maidens of every race were bestowed by the Heavenly Dao.
However, Qi Yu had only recently ascended to the position of Heavenly Dao, and her authority was not yet fully established. Therefore, she had not bestowed any Saintesses upon any of the lower races, including the Dragon clan.
In that case, who sent this so-called Saintess? Even if she was sent by the previous Heavenly Dao, where did she receive guidance from the Heavenly Dao?
On their way, Qi Yu continuously inquired about the Saintess's situation. During this process, Si Qing, who was beside her, began investigating the Saintess's identity.
As a Law, Si Qing could investigate an individual much faster than Qi Yu, who was the Heavenly Dao.
In almost no time, Si Qing had thoroughly investigated the Saintess's background.
"The Saintess is Hai Xin, a member of the Divine Witch clan, sent by the previous Heavenly Dao. Although she appears kind-hearted on the surface, treating the elderly and children with great benevolence, my findings indicate that she has done very few truly good deeds. Most of her good deeds are merely for the sake of her reputation, and she has rarely done them personally. My records show no contact between this Saintess and any unrelated races."
"For more detailed information, I will likely need to search through memories."
What Si Qing held was not the Book of Life and Death, but the records of reincarnation in the three realms that he, as a Law, possessed.
Normally, the records of reincarnation in the three realms were vast and difficult to search. However, because the individual in question had a clear identity within the Divine Witch clan and was an unusual case, the investigation was much easier than usual.
Chen Xi stroked his chin.
"This situation is not uncommon. Many people who appear benevolent and kind on the surface harbor malicious intentions in private. This is also common among other races in the three realms. My only remaining question is, since she has had no contact with other races, what is this 'guidance from the Heavenly Dao' she speaks of? Could it be just a fabrication?"
"Most likely. But regardless, we have to go there and see for ourselves. When we get there, don't mention anything about the Heavenly Dao or ask other questions. Just say that I wish to visit the Divine Witch clan for worship," Qi Yu instructed Qi Yan.
Qi Yan nodded, indicating his understanding.
Upon arriving at the Divine Witch clan.
Qi Yan, as the clan leader, took the lead in guiding them.
Qi Yu, meanwhile, transformed herself into an ordinary human maiden, holding a bouquet of flowers, and slowly walked inside. As she reached the entrance of the main hall of the Divine Witch clan, she encountered a strikingly beautiful young woman emerging from within.
This young woman was exceptionally beautiful, her eyes exuding a seductive charm even more potent than that of a fox spirit from the demon race.
Her skin was fair, and she wore a revealing outfit adorned with jewelry on her hands and feet. The fabric appeared to be as thin as gauze.
"Oh, Clan Leader Qi Yan," the young woman purred, her gaze sweeping over Qi Yu and the others. "We have distinguished guests today. Why didn't you inform me beforehand? If you had, I could have prepared the divine hall."
"They are just a few friends of mine from the human world," Qi Yan replied, proceeding to introduce them. After stating the names of Qi Yu and the others, he added, "Qi Yu, Si Qing, this is our Divine Witch clan's Saintess, Hai Xin."
When introducing them, Qi Yan did not reveal Qi Yu and Si Qing's true identities, merely calling them friends from the human world, and didn't even mention their ages.
Hai Xin heard this and let out an "oh," then walked towards Si Qing and extended her hand.