"What do you think Lin Feng is up to? He’s sneaking out alone without us knowing?" Princess Yiyi asked Kong Feifei and the others with a smile.

"He’s definitely meeting that woman from Celestial Net. Let’s check out the room, and when he returns, he’ll surely tell us the outcome." Kong Feifei replied with a grin.

After leaving the City Lord’s Mansion, Chu Linfeng flew directly into the sky, and with a teleportation technique, he instantly appeared atop a small mountain. However, a figure was already standing silently there—a woman, with mountain winds blowing through her hair, perhaps already aware of Chu Linfeng’s arrival, she slowly turned around.

"You came very quickly! How did you decide to let me wait here for you?" The woman asked Chu Linfeng with a smile.

"Because it’s secluded here and no one will disturb our conversation. Tell me, who exactly are you? You can deceive them, but not me. A Fifth Layer Venerable Martial Realm practitioner is rare in the Netherworld, especially a woman like you. An organization like Celestial Net shouldn’t have someone like you, right?" Chu Linfeng spoke coldly.

The woman showed a hint of surprise on her face but it quickly vanished, though Chu Linfeng witnessed it clearly. That flash of surprise implied that his guess was correct.

In truth, Chu Linfeng had no idea of her strength; it was Sword Spirit who informed him. On Lisha City’s streets, when Chu Linfeng was about to leave, Sword Spirit told him that this woman wasn’t as simple as she looked on the surface, urging him to unravel the mystery completely, hence letting her wait on the mountain top.

"Who I am isn’t important to you, but I can alleviate your worries. I also know that you’ll soon leave this place to return to your world. Am I right or wrong?" The woman said, with her eyes fixed directly on Chu Linfeng.

"Be careful, Lin Feng. This woman seems to possess Mind Reading Art, truly remarkable. Such a skill isn’t found in your world; though her ability is merely in its infancy, its appearance here is highly unusual." Sword Spirit suddenly spoke.

Chu Linfeng didn’t reply immediately but walked to the edge of the cliff, letting the mountain winds brush against him as if savoring the warmth of nature. After a while, he spoke, "Where did your Mind Reading Art come from? You’re quite bold, daring to use it on me. Do you think I don’t know it? Aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you?"

Chu Linfeng stood with his back to the woman, so she couldn’t see his expression. Upon hearing his words, she couldn’t help but step back, "You won’t kill me; if you wanted, you would’ve done so already. I’m just curious how you knew I could read minds. In this world, there shouldn’t be anyone who knows about it. Who exactly are you?"

"Answer my question: where did you acquire your Mind Reading Art? It shouldn’t exist in the Netherworld. Although it resembles Charm Art, it is far superior, able to discern secrets silently. Rest assured, I’m not hostile, or else I’d not speak calmly here with you.

If you think you can escape from me, you’re mistaken. In the Netherworld, perhaps only the mysterious figures within Death Tower Land pose a threat; others don’t warrant my attention—Xiang Shaolong is the most typical example." Chu Linfeng declared.

"Do you truly wish for me to become Human King? You trust me this much?" the woman asked, clearly evading Chu Linfeng’s question.

"You’ve already found out, so why question further? Isn’t your Mind Reading Art impressive? Can you discern my current thoughts?" Chu Linfeng asked, unfazed by her avoidance.

"Alright, I know you’re no ordinary person, or else you wouldn’t possess such strength at your age. My name is Zhang Lijuan, you may call me Sister Lijuan. I gained my Mind Reading Art at the place you most desire to visit; that’s where my strength improved. Does my answer satisfy you?" the woman replied.

"Zhang Lijuan? A fine name. I remember that place to be perilous, yet you managed to enhance your strength there; truly astonishing. Could you tell me about the specifics inside?" Chu Linfeng grew interested, confirming Sword Spirit’s assertion that this woman is extraordinary.

"I can tell you, but you must promise to help me ascend to Human King. With your strength, it should be effortless. Don’t think I’m coercing you; of those who have emerged from there, only two remain; you’ve already slain one, leaving just me.

You should grasp my implication; the only ones to leave Death Tower Land’s Death Tower were Xiang Shaolong and myself. If not for me, he wouldn’t have escaped. If you want to visit Death Tower, I can accompany you. How’s that for sincerity?" Zhang Lijuan asked.

"Quite sincere; I can’t refuse even if I wish to. In that case, return with me to the City Lord’s Mansion, and tomorrow we’ll officially secure your Human King position in Royal City. After finding my other friend, I’ll go with you to Death Tower Land." Chu Linfeng chuckled.

Chu Linfeng didn’t expect Zhang Lijuan to bring such a delightful surprise. Although he could enter Death Tower Land on his own, she’d streamline the process and mitigate troubles he might encounter, facilitating his endeavors.

With that, Chu Linfeng’s form flashed, teleporting back to the City Lord’s Mansion’s sky, with Zhang Lijuan arriving moments later. She glanced at Chu Linfeng and remarked, "Your speed is incredible; it surpasses my expectations."

"Let’s go! The food is probably ready; I’ve specially arranged a welcome feast for you!" Chu Linfeng laughed.

Back at the great hall, Princess Yiyi and Young Master Feiyu were already inside, having prepared a massive round table adorned with dozens of delectable dishes, naturally accompanied by wine.

Upon seeing Zhang Lijuan behind Chu Linfeng, the guests reacted with mild surprise. Although Chu Linfeng mentioned during his departure the potential of making the woman Human King, they didn’t expect her to return so swiftly with him. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Have a seat, Lijuan! These are my friends; no need for restraint. But as Human King, you’ll need fitting demeanor and best not employ your skills on them." Chu Linfeng stated.

"Hello everyone, I’m Zhang Lijuan. I believe Chu Linfeng has disclosed the reason for bringing me back. Indeed, I’m his chosen successor as Human King, and I’m confident I can fulfill this role well." Zhang Lijuan declared.

Xiao Qiang glanced at her, his surprise instantaneous as Zhang Lijuan unveiled her Fifth Layer of Venerable Martial Realm strength, catching him off guard.

"Alright, let’s raise a glass to Lijuan’s arrival!" Chu Linfeng lifted his cup, addressing Zhang Lijuan.

Just then, a chaotic noise erupted outside the great hall, indicating the guards had engaged with someone. Chu Linfeng furrowed his brows slightly and remarked, "They came sooner than expected!"