Silence.

Quiet.

Soundless!

It seemed that not only had the Fire Clan's prison collapsed, but the entire world had crumbled!

The three stood there in shocked disbelief, like wooden statues, motionless, wordless.

They silently watched.

One breath!

Two breaths!

Three breaths!

…

A hundred breaths!

No sound was made at all, as if there was no sound left in the world.

Their minds went blank, and something buzzed in their ears.

Their expressions varied, showing a complex mix of emotions. For a moment, they didn't know what emotions surged inside them.

Terror, panic, helplessness, frustration, despair…

A myriad of emotions tangled and intertwined, making their hearts race, and then suddenly halt at a certain moment.

They couldn't believe that the Fire Clan prison had just collapsed in front of them like that.

Not only Lin Fan, but also Gong Wenya and Xu Tianrui were still inside. Yet, the three didn't care about the latter two; they only cared about Lin Fan.

"No… it can't be… it can't be…"

After a long time,

the Divine Phoenix spoke tremblingly, her eyes vacant, staring at the entrance sealed by giant stones, as if the entire pit had become shorter, directly pressed down.

"No… it can't be…"

She released Zhu Qilue, stumbling towards the hole. She anxiously tried to find a way in, even attempting to push aside the boulders blocking the entrance.

But she was powerless; with her strength, she couldn't even budge the stone obstructing the doorway.

"Lin Fan! Lin Fan!"

The Divine Phoenix used all her might, but could only sob and cry out to the stone.

The prison was sealed tight enough that even sound couldn't penetrate.

She could only cry and knock on the stone, as if trying to break it bit by bit.

Zhu Qilue and Zhu Ruoling remained stunned in place, eyes wide open, completely bewildered.

They didn't expect this situation to unfold.

"How could this happen…"

"How could the prison collapse…"

"How will Lin Fan get out…"

No one spoke further.

The air was filled with a chilling silence, making one feel eerie.

Just a moment ago, they were saying that Lin Fan would definitely walk out of the prison alive. Because they believed, with Lin Fan's abilities and intelligence, he could surely escape from Gong Wenya's clutches.

Yet, they never expected the entire prison to collapse, even burying Gong Wenya beneath it!

This is a complete mess!

As Zhu Qilue struggled to find words,

suddenly!

Chaotic footsteps could be heard approaching quickly.

"This is bad! Someone's coming." He snapped back to reality and said anxiously.

The approaching people were surely Gong Wenya's subordinates.

If they didn't leave now, they would be captured by Gong Wenya's men, meaning their escape would be in vain.

Earlier.

They learned from Xu Tianrui that Gong Wenya was already targeting the Zhu Family.

Once caught by Gong Wenya's subordinates, they probably wouldn't escape death.

The entire Fire Clan had likely fallen under Gong Wenya's control. Although it was unknown whether he was dead or alive, his men were certainly acting on his orders and would not spare them or Zhu Ruoling.

"It must be Gong Wenya's people; we have to leave now." Zhu Qilue glanced at Zhu Ruoling, whose face was as pale as paper, eyes vacant, but she nodded.

However.

The Divine Phoenix showed no intention of leaving, continuing to claw at the stone with her hands, only able to scrape away small bits of dust each time.

At this rate, it would take a thousand years to move such a large stone. Not to mention there were probably countless stones blocking their way behind this one, which would take ages to dig through!

For some reason, Zhu Qilue had a strong feeling that although the prison had completely caved in, Lin Fan would surely be safe.

Even though Lin Fan hadn't come out yet, he believed one day he would surprise them all.

He firmly believed this!

They couldn't stay any longer; the footsteps were getting closer.

Zhu Qilue took a deep breath, gave Zhu Ruoling a look, and whispered, "I still have some strength left and can manage walking. Soon, you'll need to drag the Divine Phoenix along, forcefully if necessary. Understand?"

Zhu Ruoling paused, took in the sight of the irrational Divine Phoenix, and nodded heavily.

"After we get out, we'll look for father first. Then, we might have to leave the Fire Clan."

"What?"

"We'll discuss this once we're out!"

Zhu Qilue signaled subtly to Zhu Ruoling, who quietly moved behind the Divine Phoenix.

Actually.

She could have simply walked over because the Divine Phoenix was too preoccupied with moving the stone and rescuing Lin Fan.

"Forgive me."

Zhu Ruoling stepped to the Divine Phoenix's back and delivered a chopping motion to her shoulder.

The already exhausted and mentally drained Divine Phoenix instantly blacked out, collapsing into Zhu Ruoling's arms.

Zhu Ruoling hoisted the unconscious Divine Phoenix onto her back, left quickly with Zhu Qilue before anyone arrived, and headed straight to her chamber.

The entire Fire Clan was in chaos!

On one hand, Gong Wenya had ordered action against the Zhu Family. Clearly, the faction had split into two groups—one in favor and one against it.

They seemed to be arguing, awaiting Gong Wenya's decision.

Hence, various forces were gathering in front of Changwen Hall, one not yielding to another, causing extraordinary chaos.

Zhu Ruoling and Zhu Qilue, carrying the Divine Phoenix, took advantage of the confusion to sneak into their quarters and headed directly to Zhu Sui's residence.

Since Gong Wenya had ordered action against the Zhu Family, although it hadn't been executed yet, Zhu Sui had certainly been put under surveillance.

As they neared Zhu Sui's residence, they heard an even louder commotion from Changwen Hall.

They guessed that the news of Gong Wenya being trapped under the prison had returned.

The Changwen Hall was abuzz with exclamations!

Zhu Qilue and Zhu Ruoling hastened their steps, slipping into Zhu Sui's abode.

Indeed.

The main entrance was guarded by the Chiyun Army, so they snuck in through the back door.

Zhu Sui, unaware of what had transpired, heard the back door and went to check, only to find Zhu Qilue and Zhu Ruoling, along with an unconscious woman.

"Qilue, Ling'er, is that you? Qilue, how did you get injured like this? Who is this woman, and what on earth is happening?"

Zhu Qilue didn't immediately answer Zhu Sui's questions but glanced at the front door. The two figures outside seemed unaware, so he was relieved.

"Dad, I just returned from the Fire Clan prison."

"What?! What were you doing there?" Zhu Sui asked, wide-eyed and bewildered.

"To rescue Lin Fan."

"You… you fool! Why rescue him? Do you think you can save him?"

"Gong Wenya forged orders from the Five Elements Realm. Actually, the Five Elements Realm hasn't decided to kill Lin Fan; it was all Gong Wenya's self-serving decision."

"But… you still shouldn't have…"

Before Zhu Sui could finish, Zhu Qilue interrupted coldly.

Father was too cautious!

Being cautious wasn't wrong, but given the current situation, if they remained cautious, the Zhu Family might face annihilation.

Now was the time for a desperate fight.

"Dad, Gong Wenya has already given the order against the Zhu Family; I heard it personally. That's why the Chiyun Army is stationed outside your door, meaning you are essentially under house arrest."