Chapter 320 - 316: No Way Out

Chapter 320: Chapter 316: No Way Out

"It’s not like you guys don’t know how much Shen Yue cares about Si Muye..."

Sometimes, Mu Silin even felt that his own place in Shen Yue’s heart couldn’t compare to Si Muye’s.

Huang Ziyue hadn’t wanted to speak and had remained silent the whole time. But listening to their guesses, his dark red eyes stared at the churning center of the Black Sea, the oppressive aura around him growing heavier. He understood Shen Yue’s strength and judgment better than anyone. Because of this understanding, he knew Shen Yue would never distance herself from them without reason. Much less would she deliberately exclude them from something as monumental as Xi Xi’s life and the Sea Clan’s survival.

He slowly spoke, his voice deep and certain. "She must have her reasons for doing this. Focus on what you need to do, and stop making wild guesses."

Mu Silin choked back his words upon hearing this.

Ye Lüqi couldn’t break his habit of criticizing Mu Silin. "What kind of time is this? Distracting us just to create an opportunity to be alone with Si Muye? I can’t believe you even said that out loud."

Did Shen Yue really need to send them away and go through so much trouble just to create an opportunity with Si Muye? If she truly wanted to take Si Muye as her Beast Husband, it would only take a single word. Only Mu Silin could come up with such a ridiculous idea.

Rebuked by Ye Lüqi, Mu Silin shut his mouth even tighter. He couldn’t help but wonder—if his guess was wrong, then why was Shen Yue acting so out of character? What was the real reason?

What they didn’t know, however, was that at this very moment, far away in the Wizard Hall, Shen Yue and Si Muye were both harboring an earth-shattering secret regarding the divine prophecy, the Black Sea, and Xi Xi’s life.

As Shen Yue and Si Muye emerged from the Wizard Hall, turbulent waves raged within both of their hearts. Yet, their expressions were flawlessly masked, remaining as calm as if they had merely been flipping through a pile of useless old papers.

The Sea Witch, who had been anxiously pacing outside the hall, immediately hurried over the moment he saw them. His face was etched with anxiety and anticipation. "The two of you have searched for a day and a night. Did you find anything in there? Are there any clues on how to break the curse of the Black Sea and the prophecy?"

The Sea Witch fixed his eyes tightly on Shen Yue, his desperation almost spilling over. The entire survival of the Sea Clan now rested on the person standing before him.

Shen Yue’s expression was composed, not a ripple of emotion visible in her features. She shook her head, her tone flat and unwavering. "The ancient records are incomplete, and most of the languages are unclear. We searched the entire hall but couldn’t find a direct way to break the prophecy or resolve the issue with the Black Sea."

Beside her, Si Muye chimed in at the right moment. The hands resting by his sides naturally clenched as he spoke in a steady voice. "It’s true. Most of the texts are obscure and hard to decipher. There is very little useful information."

Their stories matched perfectly, and their expressions were so open that there wasn’t the slightest trace of deception.

The hope on the Sea Witch’s face collapsed instantly. His shoulders slumped slightly, a heavy layer of disappointment clouding his eyes. Forcing himself to hold it together, he sighed. "...Is our Sea Clan truly doomed to suffer this calamity?"

Shen Yue looked up, her gaze still commanding and her tone leaving no room for doubt. "Even if there is no immediate solution, the plan to enter the Black Sea for investigation in two days remains unchanged.

"You may return and stand by for further orders."

"Yes... yes..." Despite his overwhelming disappointment, hearing Shen Yue’s resolute voice seemed to ignite a tiny spark of hope within the Sea Witch.

Once the Sea Witch’s figure disappeared at the end of the Coral Corridor, Shen Yue and Si Muye exchanged a glance. Their eyes met briefly before quickly darting away, both silently harboring their own unspoken plans.

As they neared the Royal Palace Hall, the two spoke almost simultaneously.

"Um, Si Muye..."

"Shen Yue, I was wondering..."

Both froze for a second. Shen Yue looked at him. "You first."

This time, Si Muye didn’t hesitate. As if mustering his courage, he asked, "I noticed on the way that the underwater scenery here is quite beautiful. Would you take a walk with me?"

Shen Yue met his gaze, seeing her own reflection in his eyes. They were so clear and sincere. She paused for a moment. "Alright."

Turning around side by side, they avoided the passing Sea Clan servants and strolled slowly along the radiant Coral Corridors. Eventually, they stopped at a viewing platform naturally formed from mounds of iridescent coral.

It was the most serene and beautiful spot in the Sea Clan’s royal palace. Beneath their feet lay soft, luminescent algae, while glowing sea anemones swayed gently with the water’s currents all around them. Tiny particles of light drifted through the water, washing the entire area in a soft, dreamlike haze that isolated them from all the noise and heavy burdens.

Shen Yue took a seat first on a smooth, warm piece of coral rock. The hem of her skirt draped softly, blending into the gentle underwater scenery. Si Muye sat down beside her. They were separated by a mere fist’s width—neither too far nor too close—yet the distance seemed to silently ease the tension in the air.

Silence stretched between them for a moment before Si Muye broke the tranquility. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Shen Yue’s calm but troubled profile. His voice was as soft as the water brushing against the coral, carrying an imperceptible trace of solemnity.

"A Yue, when it’s time to enter the Black Sea in two days, are you really planning to go in yourself?"

Shen Yue didn’t look over. Staring into the distance, she gave a slight nod, her tone concealing an unshakable resolve. "Yes, I have to go. Xi Xi’s safety and the survival of the Sea Clan both depend on it. There’s no turning back."

Besides, she had another reason why her journey was inevitable.

Si Muye’s heart clenched fiercely. Looking at her—knowing she was shouldering everything yet still trying to act as though she wasn’t burdened—his throat grew tight. He offered soft words of comfort.

"Don’t worry. Xi Xi is such a good, adorable girl. She will definitely be alright."