Infiltration into the Audition Venue

What the hell is the Heavenly Yin Meridian all about?!

An Yi gritted his teeth and asked coldly.

Hongtian, who had fallen to the ground, seemed intimidated by An Yi’s imposing aura and stammered, "I-it’s just a short-lived meridian."

Noticing An Yi’s murderous gaze, Hongtian quickly composed himself and explained, "The Heavenly Yin Meridian is a variant of the Ice Meridian, which itself is a mutation of Water-type spiritual energy among the nine elemental forces.

Since it’s an anomalous meridian, it doesn’t fit well in this world governed by the nine elements. Cultivating with it is extremely difficult, and those who possess it usually don’t live long.

The Heavenly Yin Meridian is the most powerful Ice Meridian, but having it almost guarantees a short lifespan.

Those born with it have an exceptionally strong affinity for Ice spiritual energy. But because Ice spiritual energy is extremely scarce in this world, using it accelerates the depletion of one’s lifespan."

An Yi fell into deep thought before asking, "Then what does it mean when red lines appear on the arm?"

Hongtian looked puzzled. "That’s a sign of tapping into the Heavenly Yin Meridian’s power—it speeds up the shortening of one’s lifespan. Wait, how do you know so much? Does a friend of yours have this meridian?"

An Yi’s darkened expression was answer enough.

He closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down.

Hongtian mused, "There might be other solutions… but it’s best if she doesn’t stay in this world. The spiritual energy here is too thin. Normally, those with the Heavenly Yin Meridian live until about twenty."

An Yi shut his eyes again, deep in thought. "Is there any way to alleviate the effects of the Heavenly Yin Meridian?"

"The spiritual energy in this world is just too sparse.

Perhaps returning to the Immortal Sect’s minor realm would be best for Shen Muxuan."

Hongtian sighed. "In the final year, those with the Heavenly Yin Meridian gradually lose mobility—starting from the feet, slowly spreading upward. Once it reaches the heart and robs it of vitality, death follows."

"So, before that happens, there’s still time?"

An Yi seized the key point and pressed for an answer.

Before entering the Hongtian Secret Realm, Shen Muxuan had shown no symptoms.

Seeing An Yi’s agitation, Hongtian hesitated.

He wanted to shake his head but feared An Yi might kick over his dog bowl, so he nodded instead. "Yeah, you’re right."

An Yi exhaled in relief.

Shen Muxuan was eighteen—there was still over a year left. There was time.

Besides, the Immortal Sect’s minor realm was a mysterious place.

Perhaps a cure existed there.

Shen Muxuan had said she’d return in three months.

It wasn’t long. He’d wait for her.

"An Yi, I’m back in Yunzhou City. Are you home yet?"

Shangguan Qianqian’s gentle voice came through the phone.

An Yi nodded. "I just got back yesterday. Wait for me—I’ll come find you."

"Mm, I’ll be waiting."

Hanging up, Shangguan Qianqian turned to Xie Yan, who was carrying a stack of documents. "What is it, Sister Xie?"

"Oh! Y-yes, there’s something."

Xie Yan quickly placed the files on the desk. "Director, these need your signature."

Shangguan Qianqian skimmed through the documents carefully before signing.

Xie Yan hesitated, then cautiously probed, "Director, um… may I ask…"

She gulped, unable to voice the question.

Shangguan Qianqian—the so-called "Jade Maiden of the Entertainment Industry," the dream girl of millions—was actually dating someone!

If this got out, countless hearts would shatter!

But what Xie Yan really wanted to know was: who was Shangguan Qianqian’s mystery lover?

Setting down her pen, Shangguan Qianqian said coolly, "Sister Xie, Yilan Media has just stabilized, and you’ve contributed greatly."

"You flatter me, Director. It’s all thanks to your and General Manager Nie’s leadership."

Xie Yan humbly deflected.

And she wasn’t wrong. Shangguan Qianqian’s management skills were exceptional.

She handled the company’s affairs with flawless precision, ranking among the top executives in the entire nation.

As for Nie Qinglan, though she was only a nominal general manager, her background was formidable.

Her father was none other than Boss Nie!

A figure who commanded both the underworld and legitimate business in the Southeast Province, with influence extending internationally.

Rumor had it that even the richest person in the country would step aside for him.

With that kind of backing in the entertainment industry, so-called "industry giants" would cower in her presence.

Compared to that, Xie Yan’s role in managing a few artists was insignificant.

Shangguan Qianqian looked up, her tone icy. "So, some things should be spoken of, while others should stay sealed behind tight lips."

Xie Yan broke into a cold sweat. "Of course, of course."

Yunzhou City, International Trade Tower.

Next to it stood the Convention Center.

Though neighboring Jiangbei City was a third-tier city, Yunzhou City, as the capital of the Southeast Province, ranked among the nation’s top "new first-tier" metropolises in terms of overall strength.

An Yi drove a black sedan, following the location Shangguan Qianqian had sent him.

As for why he wasn’t driving the Lamborghini Veneno—

The main reason was discretion.

After all, he was meeting a top-tier celebrity.

Arriving in a flashy Lamborghini would be like inviting paparazzi to shove cameras in their faces.

An Yi’s purpose today was clear.

He wanted to know the future!

Shangguan Qianqian was a time traveler!

She might not know minor details, but she was aware of major events in the coming years.

He wanted to learn about Shen Muxuan’s future from her.

At the Convention Center, an audition was underway, the crowd buzzing with excitement.

The noise was deafening, a testament to its popularity.

"Qian! Qian! We love you!"

"Ahhh! I’m obsessed!"

The audition hadn’t even started, yet fans had already formed cheer squads, waving signs and screaming.

"How boring."

An Yi sighed, unimpressed.

Wait, where was his company again?

He checked the location on his phone, confused. Probably upstairs?

He felt a twinge of guilt.

Yilan Media had been operating for nearly half a year, yet he, the actual owner, didn’t even know where it was located.

Apart from providing the initial funds, he’d stayed completely hands-off.

An Yi stepped into the elevator, only to be met by a group of pretty boys.

They were good-looking—though still a notch below him.

After all, he was a natural-born 9.0 in the looks department!

"So crowded…"

Frowning at the packed elevator, An Yi decided to wait for the next one.

Suddenly, a bespectacled young girl grabbed his arm and snapped, "Quit dawdling! Do you even want to audition? Thinking your face alone will get you through? They demand talent now!"

An Yi was baffled. "Wait, I’m not—"

"Stop wasting time! Here’s your number—get in there! The judges are waiting!"

Before he could protest, the girl slapped a numbered tag on his waist and shoved him inside.

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