Chapter 2974: Chapter 2974
Ye Liuyun had collected all the equipment from the Demon-Slaying Corps.
However, he left their own armor and weapons untouched, allowing them to keep those.
The Tang family disciples were mostly exhilarated—this expedition had broadened their horizons, earned them plenty of resources, and given them the thrill of a major battle. Plus, they could return home in an instant, far quicker than if they had traveled back on foot.
Still, some disciples felt they hadn’t fought enough, their blood still itching for more action.
Upon arriving at the Tang family’s estate, Ye Liuyun was warmly welcomed. The Fifth Elder took the time to hear from Tang Xinyao and the others about their recent experiences. Seizing the moment, Ye Liuyun also proposed to the Fifth Elder that the Tang family take full control of the Demon-Slaying Corps.
The Fifth Elder had no objections. After all, these were elite disciples and elders from other families, and absorbing them would only strengthen the Tang family’s forces. With the entire star system now under their governance, they needed all the manpower they could get.
Thus, the disciples from other families were taken under the Tang family’s wing and assigned positions—no mistreatment involved.
Once the Demon-Slaying Corps was settled, Ye Liuyun prepared to take his leave.
But then, Tang Xinyao made a request—right in front of the Fifth Elder and Ye Liuyun—to invite Ye Liuyun to explore the Desolate Sea World together.
**"The Desolate Sea World?"** Ye Liuyun asked, intrigued.
Even the Fifth Elder hesitated, not immediately agreeing to Tang Xinyao’s proposal.
He explained to Ye Liuyun, **"The Desolate Sea World is an uncharted realm within the Firebrand Star System, not too far from our Demon-Slaying Star System. We’ve heard rumors of countless treasures emerging from there and have even sent scouts in the past.**
**"But those who survived the journey reported being driven out by local martial artists before they could even lay hands on any treasures. The cultivators of the Firebrand Star System are far stronger than ours, and the Desolate Sea World is essentially their hunting ground—a place where ruthless martial artists slaughter and plunder.**
**"I know your strength well. You’re not yet a match for those people. If you want to enter that world, you’d need to advance at least two more realms first!"**
Hearing this, Ye Liuyun had already made up his mind—he *had* to see the Desolate Sea World for himself. He immediately asked for directions but kept his intentions to himself.
But Tang Xinyao could tell he was genuinely tempted, so she insisted on going as well.
She argued with the Fifth Elder, "After venturing outside, we’ve realized just how vast the world is and how many formidable experts exist. If we keep hiding in our clan, too afraid to risk our lives, we’ll never grow stronger.
"Right now, our team is strong, and we work well together. I want to take this chance to organize everyone and give it a try."
However, after careful consideration, the Fifth Elder, though acknowledging the logic in her words, still believed their strength was insufficient—going would be tantamount to suicide. In the end, he refused to approve the expedition.
Ye Liuyun didn’t make a fuss either. After resting briefly at the Tang family’s estate, he bid them farewell and set off alone toward the Firebrand Star System.
But to his surprise, before his Spirit Cat battleship had traveled far, Tang Xinyao intercepted him, accompanied by eight Tang clan disciples clad in soldier’s armor.
The moment he halted his vessel, Tang Xinyao boldly led the group aboard.
"What are you all doing?" Ye Liuyun had already guessed—Tang Xinyao had sneaked out with these disciples, intent on joining his adventure.
"We’re also heading to the Desolate Sea World in the Firebrand Star System. Hitching a ride on your ship will be much faster than going on our own!"
Tang Xinyao avoided directly asking to accompany him, fearing he might find them burdensome and refuse. Instead, she framed it as merely borrowing his battleship to save time.
Ye Liuyun tried to dissuade them. "Since the Fifth Elder warned you about the dangers, I think you should heed his advice. He understands your capabilities well."
"And what about you?" Tang Xinyao shot back. "Aren’t you going there to explore too?"
"I’m just heading to the Firebrand Star System to scout things out first. That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll venture into the Desolate Sea World!"
He wasn’t lying. If he discovered his strength truly wasn’t up to the task, he wouldn’t force himself.
"Same for us," Tang Xinyao countered. "Sitting idle at home is pointless. Might as well try our luck—who knows, we might stumble upon other opportunities! And if things get too dangerous, we won’t throw our lives away either!"
"Alright then!" Seeing their determination, Ye Liuyun agreed and ordered the Spirit Cat battleship to continue its journey.
He could tell that after experiencing the outside world, their hearts had grown restless. Keeping them cooped up in the family for cultivation would likely be futile now.
Besides, he also believed that venturing out could help them grow stronger—who knew, they might even stumble upon some fortuitous opportunity.
Tang Xinyao and the others, overjoyed at Ye Liuyun’s agreement to take them along, broke into bright smiles.
During the journey, Ye Liuyun tried to learn more about the Firebrand Star System from them, but they knew very little. The Tang family had previously forbidden its disciples from going there.
All they knew was that the Firebrand Star System housed martial experts who had even reached the Sixth Level of Guiyi Realm. Moreover, it wasn’t adjacent to their Demon-Repelling Star System—there was a small star system in between, which they called the Bridge Crossing.
Ye Liuyun stopped pressing for details, deciding to assess the situation upon arrival. He did, however, suggest they change out of their armor.
But Tang Xinyao insisted the armor made them safer and that they were willing to serve as his guards.
"Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! You’re just sticking to me now, aren’t you?" Ever since returning them to the Tang family, Ye Liuyun no longer saw them as his soldiers.
Tang Xinyao stuck out her tongue playfully. "It’s not just me—they all think you’re someone worth trusting." The others nodded in agreement, still regarding Ye Liuyun as their supreme commander. Even Tang Hao now held him in the highest esteem.
After witnessing Ye Liuyun’s prowess in battle during their time in the army, they had nothing but admiration for him. Serving as his guards wasn’t a humiliation—it was an honor. In a large-scale battle, they wouldn’t even have the chance.
Ye Liuyun could only shake his head helplessly. He could see the sincerity in their eyes, and he knew that if danger arose, he wouldn’t abandon them.
*"Ah, might as well bring them along. A few more won’t make a difference, and they’re not weak anyway,"* he mused to himself.
Relieved by his silent acceptance, they finally relaxed, having feared he might reject them.
Ye Liuyun then summoned the beasts and women from his spatial world, introducing them to avoid misunderstandings during future battles.
It was only then that Tang Xinyao and the others realized the nature of his relationships with these women and beasts.
"You have *this* many women?" Tang Xinyao blurted out in shock.
The women all turned to glance at her before smiling meaningfully at Ye Liuyun, who quickly explained the situation to prevent any misinterpretations.
