Dongfang Yelai’s single sentence sent a jolt through Ye Yu’s heart.
Who was the “Great One” he spoke of?
Was it Xie Buyu, Leader of the Divine Pact?
Or someone else entirely?
And why had he used the word “observe”?
Ye Yu’s thoughts spun wildly. Unsure how to respond, he opted for the most versatile reply.
“Heh!”
That one syllable could mean anything—with the right tone it was utterly inscrutable. It was also the only option he had.
Dongfang Yelai’s expression froze into an icy mask, his fists clenching suddenly. The temperature in the hall plummeted in an instant—and just as quickly returned to normal.
A smile resurfaced on Dongfang Yelai’s lips as he spoke slowly, “Since you’re here as a guest, stay put. I’ll finish wrapping up the Hall of Boundlessness. Don’t get in my way—or I’ll kill you along with everyone else!”
In that moment, Ye Yu could sense the murderous intent radiating from across the room. Dongfang Yelai really did want him dead—but for now he dared not act openly, on orders of his mysterious master.
Who that master was, Ye Yu still did not know.
He didn’t linger another moment. Turning on his heel, he left the hall.
Dongfang Yelai made no move to stop him. With a thought, he dissolved the barrier and watched in silence.
Once the doors closed, his face drained of color. He spat blood and muttered, “That old dog is as cautious as ever—sending someone this powerful to watch me. Planning to kill me after I fail? I won’t give you the chance!”
A murderous aura flared around Dongfang Yelai. He was determined not to fail after all he’d sacrificed.
In truth, he had indeed wanted to strike Ye Yu—but after briefly probing Ye Yu’s true cultivation, he’d suffered a backlash so severe he’d been forced to abandon his plan.
Ye Yu’s mocking “heh” felt like a taunt at his impotence. That stung his pride to the core—but against overwhelming strength, he’d held back. Now he was left to brood alone in the hall.
Meanwhile, Ye Yu emerged from the chamber and was immediately met by Hong Zhencheng at the door. “You’re out already? What did you two talk about in there?”
“Nothing much—just small talk.”
Ye Yu didn’t snap at Hong Zhencheng. From Dongfang Yelai’s deliberate attempt to split them up, it was clear Hong Zhencheng knew nothing. So why create tension?
After a brief greeting, Ye Yu planned to visit Old Ge to ask about Dongfang Yelai—but found he’d gone out hunting for artifact materials two days ago. No one knew when he would return.
Ye Yu frowned. That old man was unreliable—why hadn’t he told him? With the situation in the Hall of Boundlessness growing ever more confusing, he had no one to consult.
“Hong Zhencheng?” he thought. “He’s too honest to share everything.”
Ye Yu considered slipping away entirely—but just as he moved, he sensed multiple streams of qi locking onto him. Someone—or several someones—were watching him from the shadows.
This was tricky. To avoid alerting them, he turned back toward his quarters.
At that moment, a demon god strode in from outside the Divine Pact: a male succubus with an appealing face and a faint, playful smile. He approached Ye Yu.
“Senior Ye Yu, right? I’ve heard of your deeds. I’m Bai Shuang, newly assigned to the Hall of Boundlessness. I look forward to working with you!”
As the saying went, never strike a smiling face. Faced with such warmth, Ye Yu could only return a polite smile. He made a brief courtesy and hurried off.
Bai Shuang remained, gazing toward Dongfang Yelai’s side chamber with that same faint smile.
Night fell.
Suddenly, Ye Yu sensed something was very wrong. The usually deserted Divine Pact had become unexpectedly lively.
The Hall of Boundlessness, dedicated to combat, normally held only thirty to fifty gods at most; the rest were out on missions. Yet now nearly two hundred qi signatures pulsed within its walls—that made no sense.
“Lord Ascendant, ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) come out! I want to introduce some friends to you. It’s so lively today—everyone’s back!” Hong Zhencheng’s voice called from outside.
Ye Yu opened his door and pulled him inside. Hong Zhencheng’s cheeks were flushed and he clutched a jar of spirit wine—clearly well on his way to inebriation.
“What’s going on out there?” Ye Yu asked.
Hong Zhencheng shook his head. “I have no idea. So many sect members just returned—Hall of Boundlessness hasn’t been this busy in ages. Hey, stop standing there—come have a drink with me. I’ll introduce you to some people, expand your network—”
Before he could finish, Ye Yu clamped a hand over his mouth. Hong Zhencheng’s muffled protests went ignored as Ye Yu’s mind raced.
Unusual events always presaged trouble. Why had so many gods suddenly returned? Clearly something was afoot—and, given what Old Ge had told him, perhaps a rebellion was being plotted today.
Before Ye Yu could deduce more, a tremendous explosion rocked the Hall of Boundlessness. Its force rattled every pillar and beam.
Ye Yu sprang forward, deploying a defensive formation that repelled the shockwave—but the tremor beneath his feet remained intense.
Hong Zhencheng shook off Ye Yu’s hand and staggered back, blinking soberly. “What’s happening? Is the Divine Pact under attack?”
A heavy voice boomed through the hall: “Junior Brother Nangong Yantian of the Hall of Fortune requests Senior Sister Xie Buyu to come and face death!”
