“Dongfang Yelai’s words sent a jolt through Ye Yu’s heart. Who is the ‘Lord’ he speaks of? The Alliance Sovereign Xie Buyu? Or someone else entirely? And why use the word ‘spy’? Ye Yu’s mind raced for an answer—he settled on the unchanging reply: “Heh.” A single syllable capable of any meaning; in a calm tone, it was all the more inscrutable.
Dongfang Yelai’s expression turned icy in an instant, his fists clenching so fiercely that the temperature in the hall plummeted—and just as quickly, returned to normal. He smiled again, speaking slowly: “Since you are here as guest, remain as guest. I will finish Wuliang Hall’s business properly. Don’t meddle, or I will kill you too!”
At that moment Ye Yu felt a torrent of murderous intent radiating from him—Dongfang Yelai truly wished to slay him, but dared not openly strike because of the mysterious ‘Lord.’ Who could that «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» be? Ye Yu did not linger to ponder; he turned and left. Dongfang Yelai made no move to stop him. When the barrier fell and the doors closed, Dongfang Yelai’s face went deathly pale. He spat blood and muttered, “That old dog remains as cautious as ever—sending such a powerful warrior to watch me. Does he plan to kill me if I fail? I will not give him the chance! I have sacrificed too much to survive—my efforts will not be undone now!”
Killing intent burst from his form and his eyes blazed with resolve. In truth, he had indeed planned to slay Ye Yu—until he deduced Ye Yu’s true cultivation level and suffered a fierce backlash, forcing him to abandon the idea. Ye Yu’s single “Heh” struck him as mocking his impotence—and it made him furious. Yet before absolute power, he restrained himself, brooding alone in the hall.
Outside, Ye Yu emerged to find Hong Zhencheng waiting anxiously. “You’re out so soon? What did you discuss in there?” “Nothing important—just small talk,” Ye Yu replied without harshness. From Dongfang Yelai’s overly theatrical sending-off, Ye Yu surmised that he knew nothing substantial—no need to antagonize Hong Zhencheng. After a brief greeting, Ye Yu intended to seek Elder Ge’s counsel about Dongfang Yelai—but learned that Elder Ge had been out gathering divine materials for two days, with no word on his return. Ye Yu’s brows knit in frustration. That old man sure is unfair—why not tell me before leaving? With Wuliang Hall’s situation growing ever more inscrutable, he had no one to consult!
Hong Zhencheng? He’s too sincere—some things I dare not share with him! Ye Yu considered leaving at once, but sensed multiple presences locking onto him—more than one observer in hiding. “This is tricky,” he thought, and refrained from rash action, returning instead to his chamber.
Just then a demon god appeared outside the Alliance’s gates—a male succubus of striking appearance, a faint smile on his lips. He approached Ye Yu. “Senior Ye, right? I’ve heard of your deeds. I’m Bai Shuang, newly joined to Wuliang Hall—please favor me in the future!” As the saying goes, one cannot slap a smiling face; Ye Yu returned a polite smile. They exchanged brief greetings, and Bai Shuang hurried off, standing to gaze at Dongfang Yelai’s side hall with that same inscrutable smile.
Night fell. Ye Yu sensed something amiss. The once-quiet Alliance had suddenly grown noisy! Wuliang Hall, a combat-focused sect, normally saw most deities deployed outside; only thirty to fifty remained within. Now nearly two hundred presences swelled the main hall—a complete anomaly!
“Supreme Deity, come out—let me introduce some friends to you! Everyone’s back today; it’s so lively!” Hong Zhencheng’s voice called from outside. Ye Yu opened his door and pulled him in. Hong Zhencheng’s cheeks were flushed; he clutched a jar of spirit wine—he had clearly been drinking. Ye Yu asked what was happening. Hong Zhencheng shook his head: “I don’t know—so many fellows suddenly returned. It’s been ages since Wuliang Hall felt this lively. Ah, never mind; Supreme Deity, come drink outside with me—I’ll make introductions, expand your...” Before he could finish, Ye Yu clamped a hand over his mouth. Hong Zhencheng muffled protests, but Ye Yu ignored them and thought furiously: Something fishy is afoot! Why did so many deities return at once? There must be a plot! Combined with Elder Ge’s tales, could today be the day someone makes their move?
Before he could ponder further, an explosive shockwave ripped through the hall, making all of Wuliang Hall tremble! Ye Yu immediately cast a defensive formation to block the blast—but the tremor underfoot remained violent. Startled sober, Hong Zhencheng staggered back and tore free from Ye Yu’s hand. “What’s happening? Is someone attacking the Alliance?” No sooner had he spoken than a deep voice boomed throughout Wuliang Hall:
“Disciple Nangong Yantian of the Hall of Creation respectfully invites Senior Sister Xie Buyu to die!”
