Lu Yin immediately stepped back. “Elder Tong, Qiqi is my friend. I just did what I was supposed to do.” 

Elder Tong stood up and answered in a strict tone, “I’m grateful that you helped Qiqi, but you have also gotten her into trouble.” 

Lu Yin remained quiet. 

“Due to the great changes in the Innerverse, it’s now filled with danger, especially the Starfall Sea. The Tong family is too powerful, and not even the entire Starfall Sea can oppose them. Little Brother Lu, you shouldn’t have brought Qiqi here,”  Elder Tong said. 

Lu Yin helplessly answered, “Even if I didn’t bring her here, she still would have found a way to get here on her own.” 

“Then you should have tied her up! No matter what excuse you may give, this dangerous place is simply somewhere where Qiqi should not be,” Elder Tong retorted with agitation. 

Lu Yin could understand Elder Tong’s feelings, but that didn’t mean that he would accept such a scolding. “I accept your gratitude, but not your scolding.” 

Elder Tong glanced at Lu Yin and sighed. “I’m sorry, I was too worked up.”

Lu Yin remained quiet.

Elder Tong then spoke up again. “Is Elder Ren’s body with you?”

Lu Yin nodded and waved a hand, causing Elder Ren’s body to appear. 

Elder Tong felt grief well up the...