"Now, Cao Long is indeed the only one who can inherit the Cao Family, and with his current status, strength, and background, he is more than qualified to become the head of the Cao Family. Your grandfather naturally wants him to return. It’s a pity, Jianjia, that you are a girl; otherwise, you would be the unrivaled choice to inherit the position of family head."

Cao Longxiang looked at Cao Jianjia and sighed.

"I will let Grandfather know that although I, Cao Jianjia, am a girl, I will certainly not be inferior to any man."

Cao Jianjia clenched her fists tightly, her eyes flashing with determination.

Capital City, Gongsun Family.

Outside a room filled with a chilly aura stood a man, Gongsun Lie, the head of the Gongsun Family, waiting for something.

Crack!

The door of the room opened, and a cold aura was released as Gui Mu, dressed in a black robe, stepped out.

Seeing Gui Mu, Gongsun Lie felt a pressure far stronger than before and was startled. He quickly said, "Master Gui Mu, your aura seems much stronger. Could it be that you have made a breakthrough?"

"Correct, I have finally recovered to the Hua Yuan Realm," said Gui Mu, his eyes gleaming with a cold sharpness.

"Congratulations on Master Gui Mu’s newfound strength," Gongsun Lie hastily offered his congratulations.

"I asked you to keep an eye on Ye Luo, how is he now?" Gui Mu said coldly.

Gongsun Lie recounted everything concerning Ye Luo over the past two days.

"It seems this kid really has guts. But possessing the Nine Yang Physique, he certainly ought to disdain everything arrogantly!" Gui Mu spoke.

Gongsun Lie’s expression changed dramatically as he said, "Do you mean that Ye Luo possesses the Nine Yang Physique, Master Gui Mu?"

"Indeed, he is the Nine Yang Physique, a rarity seen only once in a thousand years. Otherwise, how could he possibly contend against Saint Realm experts while only in the Innate Realm? He is just like the former Sheng Tianyang. I had not expected to encounter the Nine Yang Physique, the heavens are truly looking out for me."

"Doesn’t that mean the Blood-Drinking Mad Blade could have a chance to break through the rank of Spiritual Artifact and become an even stronger King’s Tool?" exclaimed Gongsun Lie.

"Indeed, it could. But have you found the pure Yin girl I asked for?" Gui Mu’s gaze fixed on Gongsun Lie.

"They’re found. Speaking of which, these two girls are also related to Ye Luo. One of them is Qin Yuru, the President of Qin Group. She was born on a Yin year, Yin month, and Yin day. The other is Lin Xiaoyan, whose background check also confirms her birth on a Yin year, Yin month, and Yin day," Gongsun Lie reported.

"Since that is the case, then it’s perfect. Use this opportunity to capture them all. The thought of personally crafting a King’s Tool is exhilarating!" Gui Mu said coldly.

"What do you plan to do, Master? Ye Luo has many experts around him, and it seems he has a significant relationship with the War God’s team. Capturing him might not be so easy," said Gongsun Lie.

"I have my methods. Just keep watching him for me," said Gui Mu.

After speaking, Gui Mu returned to the room. He then took out a piece of black jade that glowed with light.

"They have emerged!"

Seeing the black jade shimmering with light, Gui Mu’s expression registered shock, revealing a thick hint of joy on his face.

An hour later, Gui Mu arrived at the outskirts of a deserted manor in Capital City, where two dark figures suddenly appeared, locking onto Gui Mu with a cold breath.

"I am Gui Mu, requesting an audience with the lord!" Gui Mu took out that piece of black jade, and after one of them glanced at it, they led Gui Mu into the manor.

Upon stepping into the manor, waves of ghostly, desolate, and terrifying auras assaulted him.

The entire manor was filled with thick Demonic Qi, but there seemed to be some kind of formation or the like within the manor that prevented the Demonic Qi from leaking out.

Within this manor were groups of figures clad in black armor, bearing black marks on their foreheads, with stern faces and bodies exuding strong Demonic Qi. Each of these figures radiated a bloodthirsty aura that invoked an inexplicable fear in others.

Gui Mu looked at these people with a face full of excitement as he entered deeper into the manor.

In the main hall of the manor, on both sides, stood dozens of figures in black robes, stern-faced, with black marks on their foreheads, each exuding a terrifying Demonic Qi.

In the midst of these people stood a figure in black clothes, wearing a horrifying black skeleton mask, which made one’s heart tremble unconsciously at the sight.

When Gui Mu saw this figure, he abruptly knelt halfway to the ground and respectfully called out, "Gui Mu pays tribute to the Demon Envoy!"

"Mr. Gui Mu need not be so formal. You were once a master of Artifact Refining in our Demon Palace. How could you bow down to me, a mere Demon Envoy?"

The figure wearing the black skeleton mask waved his hand, and Gui Mu stood up uncontrollably.

"There’s no need for such courtesy, Demon Envoy. I’m no longer the master I was before. Now, I have only just recovered my strength to the Hua Yuan Realm, which really isn’t much to speak of," Gui Mu shook his head, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"During that battle years ago, Mr. Gui Mu made great sacrifices for the Demon Palace, and we will always remember them. We came to Capital City this time partly to find you, Mr. Gui Mu. Please take this Elixir; it should help you recover your strength faster."

The Demon Envoy waved his hand, and an Elixir flew into Gui Mu’s hands.

"Thank you, Demon Envoy," said Gui Mu before adding, "I’ve been in hiding in Capital City for many years, finally waiting for the Demon Palace to reemerge. I wonder how the Demon Lord and the several Demon Kings are now?"

"The Demon Lord was wounded in the battle back then and is currently in seclusion. For now, the Demon Palace is temporarily led by the Young Master Mo Tian. All four Demon Kings have recovered," the Demon Envoy replied.

"Good, very good. It seems that the time has come again for our Demon Palace to recreate its glory."

Gui Mu’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he said, "May I know why the Demon Envoy has brought so many of the Demon Palace’s elites to Capital City this time?"

"This time, my main mission, under the Young Master’s orders, is to try to seize Sheng Tianyang’s treasure map, as well as to control the major forces in Capital City by any means necessary for the use of the Demon Palace."

Gui Mu nodded and said, "I see. However, I’ve been undercover in Capital City for decades, hiding within the Gongsun Family. Over the years, the Gongsun Family has largely come to heed my command, so it could be useful for the Demon Palace," Gui Mu stated gravely.

"Good, very good," the Demon Envoy nodded.

That’s when Gui Mu’s gaze flickered, and he added, "There’s one more thing. I have found someone with the Nine Yang Physique."

"What? The Nine Yang Physique? Really?"

The eyes beneath the Demon Envoy’s mask revealed a touch of shock as he looked at Gui Mu, who nodded and said, "That’s right, someone with the Nine Yang Physique. I plan to capture him and use his blood to refine a supreme King’s Tool, which will certainly enhance the strength of the Demon Palace."

"Good, very good. With the King’s Tool in hand, the strength of our Demon Palace will surely soar!" the Demon Envoy nodded emphatically.