"Yes, that's right." Sikong Kuang nodded. "Phoenix... I'll find the phoenix as soon as possible. Ye Yu's meridians will be in your care for now." Ye Lanshan sighed, as if deeply exhausted. "Ye Lanshan, you're going to find the phoenix? Take me along—at least I can help out." Yun Di, overhearing the conversation between Sikong Kuang and Ye Lanshan, immediately chased after her. "Do you know where the phoenix is?" Ye Lanshan stopped and turned to ask. "No, but I've heard rumors about it. They say there's a place called the Sunset Mountains where a phoenix once fell. I don't know if it's true, but I think we could try our luck there." Yun Di's face was tense and earnest, his eyes carrying an emotion Ye Lanshan couldn't quite read. The Sunset Mountains? She seemed to recall that place. Ye Lanshan thought back to the view she'd seen when she first went to the Night Kingdom, looking down from above. Back then, she'd considered going there to pick Phoenix Perch Flowers to try an unorthodox remedy for Ye Yu's meridians, but she'd forgotten about it after hearing of Sikong Kuang's whereabouts and getting caught up in endless matters back in the capital. If Yun Di hadn't mentioned the Sunset Mountains, she might never have remembered. "Then get ready. We'll set out at dawn tomorrow." Ye Lanshan reached out and patted Yun Di on the shoulder. "Alright, don't worry. I'll have everything prepared." The man, usually fond of flirting with beauties, now blushed at her touch. "I have some business to attend to and need to leave the capital for a while. I'll leave matters here in your hands. Oh, and this is all the information and evidence I've gathered on the Sun family's rebellion." Ye Lanshan called Mu Ziming out and placed a stack of papers in his hand. "At such a critical moment, where are you off to?" Mu Ziming took the papers, noticing her anxious expression and wanting to help. "I need to go to the Sunset Mountains to gather medicinal herbs, so don't wait for me on matters here. Act when the time comes." Ye Lanshan took a deep breath, suppressing her restlessness. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you come back to a scene you'll be most satisfied with." Mu Ziming smirked, as if imagining something amusing. "Then I'll take my leave. Farewell." With that, Ye Lanshan vanished before Mu Ziming like a gust of wind. "The Sunset Mountains—such a dangerous place. What rare herb is worth her rushing off to risk it herself?" After she left, Mu Ziming fell into thought. "Grandfather, you should know that when the snipe and the clam grapple, it's the fisherman who profits. But the royal family's leverage isn't enough. No matter how much they fight and wear each other down, it only buys us time to grow. If the royal family loses, you must find a way to escape. This is a hidden estate where Sikong Kuang is staying. Even if you can't get out of the city, coming here will keep you safe." Ye Lanshan pulled out sheet after sheet of paper, each one bearing a map of the capital. "Why does it sound like you're making final arrangements? Tell me what's wrong—don't keep it bottled up." Ye Luotian felt a pang of unease at her words. Afraid he'd worry if he knew she was heading to the Sunset Mountains, Ye Lanshan only said, "What could be wrong? I just have some matters that will take me away from the capital for a while. With the war between the royal family and the sanctuary about to erupt, I'm concerned for your safety, so I'm saying this. Don't overthink it, Grandfather. Besides, even if something happens, I still have this heaven-defying treasure to protect me." "Is that so? Then don't worry. I hold military power, so the royal family won't dare touch me. The sanctuary's target is only you, so they won't bother me either. But leaving now is good—it'll keep you out of the sanctuary's hands." Ye Luotian's tone carried a hint of relief at her departure. Hearing the lightness in his voice, Ye Lanshan thought to herself: So he really does want me to avoid this trouble. "Tsk, she's actually risking her life to go to the Sunset Mountains. What do you think? Want to tag along? It's the perfect chance to play the hero and save the damsel—a golden opportunity to build a connection. I'm telling you, if you miss this, you'll regret it." Bai Li Wumou, flask in hand, approached Ye Yutian. "Hmm." Ye Yutian stood up, pushed Bai Li Wumou aside, and quickly disappeared from sight. Bai Li Wumou froze for a moment after being shoved, then called out, "Hey, where are you going?" "To find her." Ye Yutian's indifferent voice drifted back. "No need to rush, is there?" Bai Li Wumou had never seen Ye Yutian so invested in anyone. Though he'd never seen Ye Lanshan's true face, her methods and the way she'd met Ye Yutian told him she wouldn't be easy to win over, especially given their past unpleasantness. "Ah! The long road to winning a wife—how far it stretches." Bai Li Wumou sighed, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Ye Yutian. "I wonder what kind of girl the Dark Lord prefers?" Qing Dai was stunned that the infamous Dark Lord had come to this humble brothel. "I'm here to see your master. Have him come out." Ye Yutian's tone was icy, devoid of warmth. "My, my master isn't here. How about you wait in the best room upstairs with some tea? He should be back soon." Qing Dai forced herself to speak through her trembling, inwardly screaming: It's over, it's over. Master, please come back quickly—I don't want to die yet. "Hmm." Qing Dai had expected the Dark Lord to snap her neck, but to her surprise, he agreed. Relieved, she quickly led him to the most comfortable room upstairs, served the finest tea, and lit the most soothing incense. As soon as Ye Lanshan entered Dream Red Pavilion, she sensed something was off. Everyone in the building was tiptoeing, barely daring to breathe, moving as quietly as possible, as if afraid to disturb someone. "Qing Dai, what's going on?" Ye Lanshan's gentle voice instantly freed her from her fear. Qing Dai grabbed Ye Lanshan's arm and whispered shakily, "Master, you're finally back. The Dark Lord came this afternoon wanting to see you. He's waiting in Spring Flower Warmth on the second floor." "What does he want?" Ye Lanshan thought it over. Aside from their two encounters involving the Fuxi Qin, she had no other dealings with him. Logically, they shouldn't have any further connection.