Ye Yu was quite surprised by the sudden appearance of that elder. He asked himself honestly—he had never seen him before. So how could this fellow know everything about him?
Behind him, Xie Buyu transformed into a streak of light and dashed toward the elder.
“Old dog, give me back the Xuanba Shitian Axe!” she snarled.
Facing Xie Buyu’s fierce assault, the old dog Goulangtu merely revealed a ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) grin that drank blood—he made no move to defend himself. He knew someone would step in to save him.
Seventh Elder Chen Guangju of Extreme Moon Pavilion swept out his great sleeve. In an instant, a frost barrier formed around them—thin as cicada wings, seemingly fragile, but it easily blocked Xie Buyu’s blow and flung her backward.
Chen Guangju showed no surprise. He said coldly, “Lieyang Sect members, have you no manners? You attack distinguished guests of Extreme Moon Pavilion on sight. It seems your sect’s reputation isn’t worth preserving!”
His words were arrogant but not exaggerated. In nearly ten thousand years, Extreme Moon Pavilion had indeed stripped many sects of their prestige—one of their favorite ways to flaunt power.
At this, the Lieyang Sect Divines all frowned. No matter how angered they were, none dared speak. In the Divine Realm, few would dare confront Extreme Moon Pavilion head-on.
Still, one’s own weakness did not prove another’s. All eyes turned expectantly to Ye Yu. He felt the heated gazes behind him, but did not strike immediately. Instead, he sent a thought to Xie Buyu: “Is this fellow the old dog Goulangtu?”
“Yes, it’s him,” she replied, anger flashing in her eyes.
Ye Yu’s expression grew grave. He asked aloud, “You want me to help you retrieve the Xuanba Shitian Axe from him?”
He had long wondered why Xie Buyu had chosen to swear the Dao-union with him. Seeing Goulangtu now, a possibility occurred to him: perhaps she intended to use his strength to reclaim her master’s artifact. But that was not the case.
Xie Buyu shook her head decisively. “The Xuanba Shitian Axe is my master’s heirloom. I must retrieve it myself. It has nothing to do with you.”
Ye Yu was taken aback. She refused—so resolutely! It seemed Xie Buyu had no intention of using him. The more he saw of this goddess, the more inscrutable she became.
Goulangtu chuckled softly. “Have you two not yet finished your negotiations? Kneel before Seventh Elder to beg mercy—perhaps you will live. Or, once I speak, your deaths are certain!”
Everyone present was baffled by his meaning. Even Chen Guangju and Eighth Elder Du Yu looked at Goulangtu curiously.
“What do you mean? Speak your intent!” they silently asked.
Goulangtu did not answer them directly. He turned to Ye Yu and Xie Buyu and asked, “You two really won’t kneel and beg mercy?”
Ye Yu sneered. “I’ve heard a saying among mortals: when someone falls terribly, it’s said he ‘eats dog shit.’ So tell me, are you eating or not?”
The core of this dream-realm talent was the Way of Pretense, and Ye Yu was a consummate master. How could Goulangtu’s empty words intimidate him? He counterattacked at once.
He drew the Communication Stone from his sleeve and began contacting Sect Leader Zhu Xincheng:
“You are truly an unreliable partner! You didn’t even get accurate intelligence. You said Extreme Moon Pavilion would send only Chen Guangju Elder, but now there are two elders—an extra middle–aged man adds so many variables! Chen Guangju may be cautious, but that Eighth Elder Du Yu looks like a brute—he might strike at any moment. You must return immediately, I can’t handle this alone!”
Goulangtu only smiled at Ye Yu’s rebuke. It seemed Ye Dao You really wanted to die. So be it—he would not hold back.
“You think Zhu Xincheng is in Drunken Heart Valley, waiting to support you? I’ll tell you now: there’s no need to wait—she’s not coming!”
Ye Yu’s heart leapt. How did Goulangtu know Zhu Xincheng had gone to Drunken Heart Valley for aid? Could there be a mole within Lieyang Sect? That was impossible—this was top secret, few knew of it. How had the news leaked?
Ye Yu’s mind raced, but his face remained calm. The more critical the moment, the less he could show panic—otherwise all was lost.
In fact, others felt the same doubt. Chen Guangju and Du Yu each sent thoughts to Goulangtu: “Is it true Zhu Xincheng sought aid in Drunken Heart Valley? How can you be so certain they won’t come?” Their tones betrayed anxiety. Extreme Moon Pavilion and Drunken Heart Valley were bitter enemies; if Drunken Heart Valley arrived, the situation would become perilous. Besides, why speak now about this?
Goulangtu did not reply hastily. He cupped his hands to Du Yu and Chen Guangju, then began to explain the series of events.
Upon receiving word that the divine stone mine was to be claimed, he had pondered: if he were Sect Leader Zhu Xincheng, what would he do? Analyzing her intelligence, he concluded she would not surrender the mine. Most in the northern Divine Realm lacked the nerve to oppose Extreme Moon Pavilion—but Drunken Heart Valley was a likely exception.
