Mu Anxiao did not expect Jiong Ye to be so foolish as to speak such a truthful statement at this critical juncture. Seeing his innocent expression, she was left speechless. However, thinking of the secret within Jiong Ye's 'belly', she responded with resignation, "She just likes to make things difficult for people. You've been with her for so long and still don't know this."
"I am still too naive," Jiong Ye said, moving to stand behind Mu Anxiao.
At this moment, Mu Anxiao understood Jiong Ye's intention and ceased further communication with him, shifting her gaze directly to Zhao Meier. "What are you here for?" she asked, deliberately diverting the conversation from what Jiong Ye had said.
In response, Zhao Meier smiled the moment Mu Anxiao posed her question.
Seeing this, Mu Anxiao couldn't understand Zhao Meier. "What are you smiling about?"
"I'm smiling because, just as the Master said, you are an out-and-out fool," Zhao Meier said, glancing at the chain securing the cell door. She continued, "If I unlock this chain, will you run?"
"..." Mu Anxiao did not know what Zhao Meier intended. She deliberately remained silent.
Conversely, Jiong Ye cautioned Mu Anxiao, "Don't listen to her, she's definitely trying to harm you." As he spoke, he consciously tugged Mu Anxiao's arm.
"I know," Mu Anxiao replied without turning her head, her gaze fixed fiercely on Zhao Meier. "Zhao Meier, I thought you were dead before."
"How could I die so easily? You underestimate me," Zhao Meier said arrogantly.
Mu Anxiao smiled faintly. "I admit, I underestimated you. But this time, I will underestimate you." Saying this, she ignored Jiong Ye behind her and walked towards the chain.
Upon seeing this, Zhao Meier laughed. "As I thought, you still have the intention to escape."
"One must see things through to the end. Make your move, I do want to try... if I can escape," Mu Anxiao said deliberately, having the idea of making Zhao Meier make a mistake.
"You said it yourself," Zhao Meier replied, extending her hand and producing a key.
Mu Anxiao's face was calm. "I said it, but as for the consequences of this matter," she said, looking down at the chain that was about to be unlocked by Zhao Meier, "you will have to bear them yourself."
Hearing this, Zhao Meier couldn't help but retract the hand holding the key, then raised her head to look at Mu Anxiao, who had suddenly spoken, and asked, "This was clearly your idea, why... do you want to harm me?"
"It's alright. After all, you are a capable assistant to that woman. I believe even if you make a grave mistake, that woman will be forgiving. And I," Mu Anxiao smiled, "am not afraid."
"You're not afraid? What exactly do you mean by that?" Zhao Meier was completely bewildered by Mu Anxiao.
Mu Anxiao smiled. "If I'm not mistaken, did you intercept Song Xi's path?"
"You..." Zhao Meier stopped speaking, her eyes beginning to dart away.
Observing Zhao Meier's reaction, Mu Anxiao let out a cold laugh. "It seems my guess was correct," she said, leaning in to examine Zhao Meier's troubled expression. "But speaking of which, you are quite foolish."
At this, Zhao Meier became agitated. "You call me foolish, Mu Anxiao, you..."
"What about me? Even ordinary people know that to harm someone, one must do it secretly. But you, you've made such a big fuss. If I really escape, I imagine," Mu Anxiao's lips curved into a mocking smile, "you'll be held accountable too."
"I have the Master..."
"Master," Mu Anxiao interrupted Zhao Meier again, smiling. "You are truly too naive. Do you think your dear Master will really help you if you make a mistake?"
"She will, she definitely will," Zhao Meier stated with firm conviction.
Mu Anxiao’s face was full of mockery. "Yes, she will. She will betray all of you and let Ouyang Ye pin all the blame on you. At that time," she shook her head, "your fate will likely be even worse than Jiong Ye's."
"The Master would never do this to me. Don't spread slander," Zhao Meier said, directly inserting the key into the lock. "I will let you escape, and I will watch you receive even greater punishment when you are caught." With that, she jingled and removed the chain.
To this, Mu Anxiao merely let out a cold laugh. "Fine. Since you don't believe me, I will do as you say and take a walk outside. Let's see," she said, walking to the door and pushing it open herself, "if my words come true regarding you." Saying this, she walked up to Zhao Meier.
"You're the one who wants to leave, not me," Zhao Meier said, tossing the chain to the ground and stepping aside.
Mu Anxiao chuckled lightly. "Alright, alright. Let's just say I want to escape." Saying this, she bypassed Zhao Meier and headed for the exit.
Seeing this, the wolf demon suddenly recalled how Ouyang Ye had imprisoned Mu Anxiao. His heart sank, and he quickly shouted, "Mu Anxiao, you can't go." As he spoke, he ran towards the cell door.
Just then, Zhao Meier quickly slammed the cell door shut. "If you dare to take another step, I'll tell Master that you're in league with her. Then, let's see whose fate is worse, yours or hers." After saying this, she deliberately released her grip.
"You're threatening me," the wolf demon glared at Zhao Meier, his hands clearly ceasing any action.
At this moment, Mu Anxiao stopped.
Jiong Ye looked at Mu Anxiao's retreating back, then at Zhao Meier, who was taking the opportunity to threaten the wolf demon. He quickly shouted, "Mu Anxiao, you must not fall for her trick! Escaping from here is a grave offense." He recalled this just then.
Upon hearing this, Mu Anxiao turned to look at them. "You two are exaggerating this too much."
"Mu Anxiao, you can't be foolish." The wolf demon, who hadn't known this rule, now heard Jiong Ye mention it and couldn't help but worry for Mu Anxiao.
Mu Anxiao smiled. "Do you think I'm afraid of the rules here? You two stay put here. As long as you don't fall for it, that's all that matters." She said, shifting her gaze back to Zhao Meier's face. "I advise you to pick up that chain quickly and leave."
"What do you mean by that? You want to harm me." Zhao Meier became completely suspicious.
Seeing Zhao Meier's suspicious demeanor, Mu Anxiao smiled. "Like a dog biting Lü Dongbin, you don't recognize a good intention. I'm helping you, and you say I'm harming you. Fine," she nodded. "Since you don't believe me, then you can stay here. We'll see whether Ouyang Ye believes you or me."
"Explain yourself clearly," Zhao Meier said, flustered.