Heaven, Earth, Me Chapter 1556. Chen Tian.

Atop a mountain where thunderclouds swirled like coiling eastern dragons, a familiar assembly of individuals convened, their visages etched with considerable gloom.

The woman at the forefront addressed the group, her voice sharp and cold. "Has she still not been apprehended?"

A retort followed, laced with derision. "Would we be gathered here if we had succeeded?"

Another voice chimed in with scorn. "Perhaps she was captured eons ago. However, succumbing to avarice, that individual refused to return the sacred relic."

A lady clad in an alluring gown turned her gaze to the leader. "Regardless, we wouldn't find ourselves in this predicament if not for her negligence, would we? To imagine that the disciple she acquired would end up pilfering the sect's most prized artifact. What a commendable Master."

"Silence!"

A flash of potent lightning blazed from the woman's eyes, silencing the charming lady. She then declared with unyielding gravity, "That girl's heart is not inherently wicked. She even conveyed to me on multiple occasions that the treasure held profound significance for her before she took her actions."

"Ha!" A burly man scoffed sarcastically. "While it is indeed true that a master for a day should act as a parent for life, one must not forget that the dogs biting the hand that nourishes them deserve to be struck down!"

"In any case, this ordeal will conclude once we apprehend her and uncover the secrets of the treasure."

Throughout the millennia the sect had safeguarded this crown, its utility had been strictly passive. The dense lightning elements it contained formed the bedrock of the sect, and the ceaseless energy surging forth acted as the formation's eye, sustaining the most critical defensive array.

Yet, it now appeared that Evelyn had not only absconded with the crown but had also mastered its use, achieving an astonishing ascent in power. She transformed from an individual easily subdued by most present to a formidable adversary, matching or even surpassing them.

The lead woman sighed. "The fact that she has wielded the crown solely for self-preservation, rather than for malevolence, speaks volumes regarding her character. Had she been a ruthless individual, she would have undoubtedly channeled her newfound might towards wickedness, a path she has conspicuously avoided."

Those in attendance could not refute her words. Evelyn had only retaliated against those who pursued her. Left undisturbed, she remained as serene as drifting clouds. Only when provoked did she unleash the tempestuous storm she embodied.

At that juncture, an individual entered the chamber, announcing with a resonant voice, "The thief Evelyn has been sighted in the east, accompanied by Young Master Chen Tian. She is participating in the tailoring competition hosted by the enigmatic master who emerged some months ago."

A man within the group slammed his fist on the circular table in anger. "That ne'er-do-well son! Did I not explicitly forbid him from getting entangled with her!?"

The charming woman tittered. "Well, it appears following him proved to be the wise choice. Somehow, your boy is so infatuated that he can pinpoint the location of that slippery eel."

The leader rose to her feet. "Let us depart. We shall intercept them and encircle the city. This time, she cannot depart without rendering an explanation and returning the crown."

***

Within the city, Evelyn had finally regained her composure after an excessive display of affection from Yasenia. She now sat alone, though her posture was slightly stiff as she observed the two individuals seated before her.

Yasenia, cradling Angel on her lap while offering her pastries, leaned back, her expression icy. "Chen Tian, is it not?"

Her voice lacked overt force, yet a palpable tension gripped the room, causing everyone to swallow nervously. Chen Tian sensed that a misspoken word could lead to his immediate annihilation.

"That is correct, Lady Yasenia. This is Chen Tian, son of..."

"I have no interest in whose son you are," Yasenia interrupted with palpable impatience.

Evelyn coughed, her words carefully chosen. "That... um. He is not a bad fellow, Yasenia."

Yasenia responded with a flicker of annoyance. "Naturally, you would hold such a view. After all, he desires you as his wife."

A bead of perspiration formed on Evelyn's brow, while the others in the room cast Chen Tian looks of commiseration. 'This obstinate fellow! Who knew he was genuinely serious when I thought he was jesting!? Ugh!'

Evelyn held a genuine fondness for Chen Tian as a friend. He had consistently treated her with kindness without being overbearing. Therefore, if Yasenia were to harm him because of her, Evelyn would experience a sense of bitter regret.

Naturally, Yasenia perceived this, which fueled her irritation. Had Chen Tian been someone like Princess Tao, Yasenia would not have bothered with words; a single, swift blow would have likely caused his head to burst like a watermelon.

However! Her beloved wife clearly harbored affection for him, precluding Yasenia from laying a hand on him. This left her feeling somewhat stifled. "In any event, Chen Tian.""Y-Yes, Lady Yasenia." Chen Tian replied, his throat feeling a bit parched. 'Who could have imagined Evelyn's wife was this formidable? Her aura is no joke!' Initially, Yasenia's stunning beauty had somewhat unnerved him. Even as a woman, her attractiveness was so overwhelming that he, a man, felt a sense of unease. He remained unaware, however, that her true threat stemmed not just from her appearance, but from the power concealed beneath. "You must abandon your affections for Evelyn." Chen Tian observed Yasenia's commanding words, then reflected and offered a wry smile. "Lady Yasenia, it is not my intention to interfere. However, you must realize that forgetting someone you love is not a simple task." The surrounding individuals paused, their gazes filled with surprise as they looked towards Chen Tian. Yasenia, who had anticipated his compliance, also faltered. Her irritation vanished, replaced by a flicker of respect. She found herself studying Chen Tian anew. He was undeniably handsome, possessing rugged facial features and a well-defined physique. His presence was akin to a sheathed sword, and his eyes held a captivating, profound depth. Even in his wry smile, an air of noble dignity lingered. Yasenia conceded that he was indeed remarkable, and his feelings for Evelyn appeared genuine, not mere infatuation. Her tone, consequently, softened slightly. "While I cannot ascertain if your response was deliberate, it matters little. I will not harm you. Nevertheless, there is one thing you must grasp." Chen Tian observed Yasenia as she continued. "I am taking Evelyn away. And you, as my romantic rival, will of course, have no place within my circle." "Take her away? To where?" "Beyond this world." Yasenia stated plainly. "This Heavenly Layer is far too confined. We intend to explore the boundless Heavens together, venturing to various realms... and so forth." Chen Tian mused, gently tapping the armrest with his finger. He then looked at Yasenia, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "If you are preventing me from accompanying you, are you perhaps concerned that—" "Chen Tian." Yasenia interrupted, her pupils narrowing into sharp slits. "Do not test my patience further. I am not sparing your life out of leniency, but because you are not someone who warrants death, given your honorable approach to courtship." Chen Tian felt a tremor run through his heart, and Yasenia pressed on. "I possess sufficient confidence to leave Evelyn and you alone in a room for a decade, assured that nothing untoward would occur. However, my jealousy and possessiveness are so profound that I cannot tolerate even a single second of such a possibility, as I might very well end you on the spot. Is that understood?" A lack of confidence? If Yasenia harbored any doubts, she would not have remained in the Blue Pearl World after reuniting with Tatyana. The moment she could have departed to find them, she would have done so without hesitation. Yet, she understood that the depth of their connection was not so frail as to shatter merely due to a separation of a few decades. Therefore, she opted to extract the utmost benefit from the Blue Pearl World, strengthening herself so that upon their reunion, she could decisively resolve any issues plaguing her beloveds. Yasenia observed that Chen Tian seemed to finally comprehend, the spark of defiance in his eyes beginning to wane. She knew he hadn't truly given up; after all, when one's love is genuine, relinquishing it is never easy. However, Yasenia would not be swayed by pity. On the contrary, the more tenacity he displayed, the more resolute she would become. 'And if he still fails to understand...' She left the thought unspoken, but its implication was chillingly clear. Doriel, the assassin maid with obsidian eyes conjured by Yasenia, materialized beside her and bowed. "Young Miss. We are under siege." "Hm?" Yasenia blinked, and her Spiritual Sense surged outward with immense power, enveloping the entire city and extending far into the surrounding territories. Outside, the several formidable figures who had managed to seal the city suddenly felt an awe-inspiring Spiritual Sense wash over them. The sensation was akin to a cosmic entity turning its gaze upon them, paralyzing those with weaker wills. 'What an overwhelming presence!' Having grasped the situation outside, Yasenia hummed and withdrew her Spiritual Sense. She gestured, projecting images of the individuals outside into the air using her energy. "Evelyn, my dearest, do you recognize any of these people?" Evelyn blinked and let out a soft chuckle. "Remember those few whom I asked you to teach a lesson? These are indeed those individuals." Yasenia's intrigued expression quickly shifted to one of cold intensity. "Ho~." Meanwhile, Chen Tian recognized one of the faces among the projections Yasenia had conjured, and his own expression changed drastically. "L-Lady Yasenia, please wait!" Yasenia frowned, her golden, slit-pupiled eyes fixing on him. 'Has he still not relinquished his intentions?' A nascent killing intent began to stir within her heart. Evelyn was also taken aback. She finally spoke, her eyes serious. "Chen Tian, cease this foolishness. At this rate, even I will be unable to protect you."

Among the assembled crowd, Evelyn and the other young ladies were well aware of Yasenia's deeply ingrained possessiveness. Initially, Yasenia's aloofness stemmed from a feeling of superiority. However, as her dragon instincts intertwined with her very being, this possessive nature had amplified significantly.

Now, instead of dismissing those who approached, Yasenia would utterly crush them.

Chen Tian hastened to clarify, "No. It's not about that."

Yasenia's gaze, previously frigid, softened by a fraction. "Then, what is troubling you?"

With a sigh, Chen Tian gestured towards a strikingly handsome middle-aged man. "That gentleman is my father. I implore the esteemed Lady Yasenia to show mercy to this group."

"...State your reason."

Sensing an opening to persuade her, Chen Tian quickly elaborated, "These individuals are the celebrated heroes of the righteous faction. Should they all perish, the precarious balance of power would inevitably tip in favor of those bloodthirsty Demonic cultists."

Yasenia regarded him, her expression unchanging, not a single ripple disturbing the surface of her eyes. "And?"

That solitary word momentarily halted Chen Tian's train of thought. He then scrutinized Yasenia more closely, observing that her eyes remained utterly devoid of any emotional disturbance, as if his words held no consequence whatsoever. His heart gave a jolt as a realization dawned, something he had apparently overlooked. 'I see. To Lady Yasenia, anyone she does not acknowledge is simply insignificant.'

A bitter sensation began to spread within him. 'Is this the kind of woman Evelyn fancies?'

Receiving no further response from him, Yasenia slowly rose, cradling Angel in her arms. "I shall first ascertain their purpose for being here. If their intent is to harm Evelyn... then the Demonic sects will find themselves fortunate."

With those pronouncements, she extended one hand towards Evelyn while expertly using her tail to secure Angel. "Let us depart."

Evelyn promptly linked her arm with Yasenia's, and Andrea, Tatyana, Sierra, along with the maids, followed in their wake. Chen Tian trailed behind, desperately hoping to avert disaster.