Li Yuan returned at once, went straight to Xie Wei and Sheng’er, and told them everything he had discovered. Then he gave a single, urgent order. That was to begin a county-wide evacuation plan immediately.0

Gemhill County wasn’t vast, but it still had twelve human settlements. Over the years, many had fled to this place, drawn by tales of Yan Yu’s protection. Now, the population had swelled, countless lives all gathered here.0

And the first wave of Yin energy could arrive in just two days.0

If this were before, Li Yuan would’ve left a nameless warning letter with one of the local powers, packed up his family, and vanished into the distance.0

But this time, he was the local power. He couldn’t abandon the people. These were citizens who lit incense for Yan Yu, who prayed night and day, believing in her sanctuary.1

There was no more time. No chance to further investigate the King of Chu or the secrets of the Imperial Human System. He rushed back to Xie Yu’s side to ask to leave once again.0

“I need to—” he began softly.0

“You have...0