Although not at the very top of the Eight Grand Clans, the Ye Family was second only to the Guo family. If Ye Qingshan hadn’t been ambushed back then, the Ye Family might have become the strongest of them all. They were still strong now, just not as strong as the Guo family.

Important members of the Eight Grand Clans were gathered in a secret meeting room for a discussion.

At that moment, Guo Yaolin, the Family Head of the Guo family, spoke. "We have been discussing the matter of forming an alliance for several years now, but it has failed every time. Today, I want to state my position. If each of our Eight Grand Clans stands alone, our strength is weak, and we are absolutely unable to contend with the Four Great Millennium Families.

"But if we form an alliance, it’s a completely different story," he continued. "I can say that once we are allied, even the Four Great Millennium Families will have to yield to us! So, I still hold the same view as before—we must form an alliance!"

His strength isn’t weak. To me, he seems close to reaching the Postnatal Late Stage, which is to say, he’s nearly a Grandmaster. Such a Martial Artist is indeed formidable. His strength is likely even greater than that of Heavenly Defect and Earthly Defect individually. Of course, if those two teamed up, Guo Yaolin would undoubtedly die. Aside from myself, he is the strongest person here.

Just then, Ye Qingshan declared, "I object!"

Guo Yaolin’s expression immediately darkened. It was Ye Qingshan who had led the opposition in the past, which was why the alliance had never succeeded. This time, he had already lobbied many of the other families. He never expected Ye Qingshan to oppose him so bluntly.

Guo Yaolin asked, "And what is your reason for objecting, Ye Family Master?"

Ye Qingshan replied, "The Eight Grand Clans are independent entities. If we form an alliance, we will surely become a tool for certain people to exploit!" As he spoke, he glanced at a furious Guo Yaolin. "Furthermore, even with an alliance, we would still be no match for the Four Great Millennium Families. When they turn their full attention toward our alliance, the pressure on us will be even greater! Therefore, I refuse the alliance!"

Instantly, the room was abuzz with discussion.

Guo Yaolin pressed, "Do you really refuse to unite?"

"If you want to form an alliance, go ahead. My Ye Family will have absolutely no part in it!"

At this, Guo Yaolin’s voice turned menacing. "Aren’t you afraid that our six families will unite against your one?" His words dripped with menace, a threat he clearly relished making against Ye Qingshan. This had been planned for a long time; if it failed, all their previous efforts would be for naught.

Ye Qingshan stood his ground. "I am ready anytime!"

Guo Yaolin turned to the others. "And what do the rest of the Family Heads think?"

"We will unite!"

The heads of the remaining six families all declared their support for the union.

So, today is just a play they’re putting on to force the Ye Family to join the alliance.

At this, Ye Qingshan said to Ye Fan, "Ye Fan, let’s go. It seems there’s no reason for us to stay any longer."

Ye Fan stood up, ready to leave with Ye Qingshan, but their path was blocked.

Guo Yaolin sneered, "Ye Family Master, you’d better not push us. Consider whether you want to unite or not. Otherwise, you might not be able to walk out of this door today!"

It was clear that when threats failed, they would resort to real force.

Ye Qingshan said coolly, "Guo Yaolin, you and I have known each other for many years. You know this is a foolish thing to do!"

I’ve already clenched my fists, ready for a fight. To me, slaughtering these Clan Leaders of the Ancient Martial Families would only be slightly more difficult than killing ants.

Guo Yaolin pondered for a long moment. He then recalled the words of his grandson, Young Master Guo—that a great change was imminent for the super-families. Although he wasn’t sure if it was true, the thought made him hesitate.

Finally, he barked, "Let them pass!"

"Hmph!"

Ye Qingshan and Ye Fan left. Once they were outside, Ye Qingshan asked, "Ye Fan, what’s your take on what happened today?"

Ye Fan replied, "Today was nothing more than a coordinated play with the Guo family to pressure our Ye Family!"

"Your insight is sharp. I just didn’t expect him to give up on cornering us at the last moment!" Ye Qingshan said, still puzzled.

Ye Fan said, "I think they must have a much larger conspiracy in the works."

"Exactly!" Ye Qingshan agreed.

At that moment, Ye Fan added, "For the time being, the Ye Family should not disclose any information about me."

"Why?" Ye Qingshan asked him.

"The Demon Emperor will be back soon," Ye Fan said calmly, a chilling killing intent simmering beneath his serene tone. "It is time for him and me to settle our fateful battle."

The battle with the Demon Emperor was a foregone conclusion. Although the two had not formally agreed to it, this was their unspoken understanding. A storm was undeniably brewing.

Ye Qingshan was somewhat shocked. He had never expected the two to be archenemies. He didn’t ask for the reason, instead stating firmly, "No matter what, the Ye Family will stand with you. You are one of us!"

Ye Fan nodded.

「...」

At this time, the biggest news circulating in Shangjing’s underworld was the engagement, set to happen in three days, between the Demon Emperor and Qin Yanran, the Pride and Joy of the Qin Family—one of Shangjing’s Four Great Millennium Families.

This was undoubtedly sensational news. The Demon Emperor was the only King in the Divine Land, and his appearance was bound to cause a massive stir.

However, he would only return on the day of the engagement ceremony itself. Many families and factions had already prepared congratulatory gifts, ready to be delivered on that day. The Demon Emperor’s reputation was backed by his strength. Ranked fifth among the Seven Kings of the World, he was a monumental figure. For them, currying favor with such a person was an excellent opportunity that promised endless benefits.

For the past few days, Ye Fan had been working with He Yu to investigate the Demon Emperor. They discovered he was far from a solitary figure. To say nothing of the Divine Dragon backing him, his influence had spread across the globe over the years. In terms of resources and foundation, his power likely rivaled Ye Fan’s own King Hall. Without a doubt, the Demon Emperor’s power was a major headache.

「The night before the engagement, inside one of Shangjing’s most luxurious clubs.」

A man with a cold appearance sat on the highest seat. A bewitching woman stood by his side. She was clearly his most trusted subordinate; otherwise, she would not be standing so close.

The man was devilishly handsome, his bewitching aura tinged with a domineering air, as if the entire world were nothing but ants in his eyes. He was the Demon Emperor.

He spoke to the woman, "Yu’er, you must be tired from standing. Go on, take a seat."

The woman replied, "Master, I am not tired. It is my honor to stand by your side!"

The Demon Emperor simply smiled and said no more. Then, Yu’er asked, "Master, why does trash from these Ancient Martial Families want to see you?"

The Demon Emperor replied, "Even trash can be useful sometimes. Let them in. I want to see what tricks they’re trying to pull."

Yu’er said nothing.

Sure enough, a short while later, Young Master Guo arrived with several other young masters in tow.

They approached the Demon Emperor and immediately dropped to their knees. Even with his title as the Shangjing Young Commander, he was less than a nobody in the Demon Emperor’s presence.

"We pay our respects to the Demon Emperor!" they all said deferentially.

The Demon Emperor asked, his tone deep with an air of consummate arrogance, "You are the ones who wished to see me?"

Young Master Guo hurriedly replied, "Yes! The Demon Emperor is the only King in the Divine Land. It is our honor to see you!"

"Nonsense," Yu’er immediately rebuked them. "Is there not also the King of Heaven in the Divine Land? Although he is not currently in the Divine Land, he is still one of its people!"

Young Master Guo and the others were startled, but he quickly recovered. "Although the King of Heaven is from the Divine Land, we all believe that he is certainly no match for the Demon Emperor!"