"Who exactly are you?" Sisi's expression changed drastically. How could this young man know about her grudge against Maxino?
Her soul power surged, and she was about to release her Martial Soul.
Jing Wuming quickly raised his hands and took a step back. "Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is that I also have a score to settle with him. We share a common enemy—that's why I came to you. I need your cooperation."
Sisi paused, holding back her Martial Soul, but her tone remained wary. "Why should I trust you? Why should I work with you?"
Jing Wuming replied, "Maxino may appear to be a kind old man, but he's more ruthless than anyone. He's even capable of killing an innocent child. Do you really think he'll let you and Su Yuntao go after you betrayed him? I'm telling you—his revenge is coming soon. When it does, it'll be too late for regrets."
Sisi's face went pale, and she staggered back several steps, panic flooding her heart.
Jing Wuming's words struck a nerve. Would Maxino really allow her and Su Yuntao to live happily ever after?
Seeing the impact of his words, Jing Wuming stepped closer and continued, "You have a grudge against him, and he won't spare you. If you want to live a peaceful life with Su Yuntao, you must strike first."
"Work with me, and I promise we'll make that old man a figure of disgrace—worse than death!"
Sisi looked up and saw the boy had stepped right in front of her.
Only now did she notice the sincerity in his eyes. He looked genuinely earnest.
She had to admit—his words had moved her.
"Can you at least tell me who you really are? And how you know my secret?"
Jing Wuming shook his head. "You don't need to know that. All you need to know is—we both want him dead. Now, are you willing to cooperate with me?"
Sisi hesitated, torn and unable to decide.
Jing Wuming shook his head. "If you won't accept my sincerity, then be prepared to face Maxino's revenge." With that, he turned and headed toward the door.
In a flash, Sisi's expression changed. She quickly called out, "Wait! What do you need me to do?"
Jing Wuming's lips curled into a slight smile as he turned back. "The plan is a bit complicated. If you don't mind, can we discuss it upstairs in detail?"
Sisi nodded. "Follow me."
Half an hour later, Sisi sat staring blankly at the small vial of powder on the table, her heart in turmoil.
It was vicious—if this plan succeeded, Maxino would be utterly ruined, a laughingstock across the entire Douluo Continent.
Thinking of all the things Maxino had done to her, Sisi's face twisted with hatred. This time, Maxino would surely die.
With that thought, she immediately got up, changed into the uniform of the Spirit Hall, and headed straight there.
She had to regain Maxino's trust. Only then would she have a chance to deliver a fatal blow.
Besides, if she delayed any longer, Maxino might strike first—against her and Su Yuntao.
That very afternoon, the deacons in the Spirit Hall were stunned—Sisi had actually returned to work.
Maxino was even more elated. To him, it no longer mattered what had developed between Sisi and Su Yuntao. As long as Sisi was willing to return to the Spirit Hall, that was enough.
And so, Sisi was officially reinstated as the Grand Deacon.
Meanwhile, Su Yuntao raced all the way to Holy Soul Village, going straight to find Old Jack.
The moment Old Jack saw Su Yuntao, he became visibly tense.
Three months ago, during the awakening ceremony, Su Yuntao had entrusted him with a task—to convince Jiang Chen to join the Spirit Hall. But he had failed to complete that mission.
Before Su Yuntao could speak, Old Jack blurted out, "Master Su Yuntao, I failed to carry out your instructions. That kid Jiang Chen refused to join the Spirit Hall, no matter what I said."
Su Yuntao froze for a moment, then said, "Old Jack, that doesn't matter anymore. Where is Jiang Chen's grave? I'd like to pay my respects."
"Master Su Yuntao… are you joking with me?" Old Jack looked dumbfounded.
If the man before him weren't Su Yuntao himself, he would have smacked him with his cane already.
"Old Jack, this is all my fault. Jiang Chen… was killed because of me." Su Yuntao's face was full of remorse.
"What?" Old Jack's vision went black, and his body went limp.
Su Yuntao reacted quickly and caught him. "Village Chief Jack, please don't be too upset. If it weren't for me, Jiang Chen would still be alive."
Suddenly, Old Jack shoved him away, grabbed the front of Su Yuntao's robes, and roared, "Explain everything to me! When did Xiao Chen die? How did he die?!"
At this point, it was Su Yuntao's turn to be confused.
"Didn't Jiang Chen drown in the river a few days after his awakening? There's a chance he might have been murdered."
Old Jack couldn't hold back any longer. He swung his cane and struck Su Yuntao hard.
"Utter nonsense! I just sent him off to Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy a few days ago, and you're telling me he died three months ago? Did you come all this way just to mock an old man like me?!"
Old Jack's words completely stunned Su Yuntao. But moments later, he grabbed Old Jack's shoulders in excitement.
"You mean… Jiang Chen is alive?!"
"Of course he is!" Old Jack was still visibly angry.
"Our whole village can vouch for it. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself at Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy."
Su Yuntao finally came to his senses. Something was definitely off—something he and Sisi didn't know.
Could it be… Maxino never intended to kill Jiang Chen? He just lied to Sisi, then had her lie to me?
The thought suddenly struck him.
Old Jack thumped his cane on the ground and glared fiercely at Su Yuntao.
"Now tell me the real reason you came to our Holy Soul Village today."
Su Yuntao joking about Jiang Chen's death had already crossed the line. At that point, Old Jack didn't care what kind of important figure he was.
"Uh… Actually, I was just messing around," Su Yuntao replied awkwardly, then immediately turned and ran off.
It was beyond embarrassing—what a ridiculous misunderstanding. If he didn't run, Old Jack might start poking him with that cane again.
He had only just run into Holy Soul Village, and now he was running out just as fast. But this time, there was no guilt in his heart—only excitement.
He had to tell Sisi the good news. Maybe, just maybe, Jiang Chen could help him make a comeback—and get revenge on Maxino.
Jiang Chen had never expected that, after learning the truth about Maxino's scheme, Su Yuntao would actually make a trip all the way to Holy Soul Village.
He had thought his secret—that he was still alive—could be kept hidden a while longer.
Meanwhile, at Nuoding Academy, Jing Wuming had returned to Jiang Chen's side after handling his business.
"Young Master, everything you instructed has been taken care of. Miss Sisi will act the day after tomorrow. That's the Spirit Hall's rest day—striking then should be foolproof."
Jiang Chen leapt down from a rock and smiled.
"Well done. The day after tomorrow, we'll head to Spirit Hall together and enjoy a thrilling little 'show.'"