"Very well, Young Master Ye. I can agree to your request and step down for Seventh Holy Son. However, for Seventh Holy Son to become the true chieftain of our tribe, he must first drop blood before the First Patriarch and receive the Patriarch's test. This is a mandatory trial for every incoming chieftain. Only upon successful blood-dropping and gaining the recognition of the First Ancestor can Seventh Holy Son become the chieftain of our race."
The chieftain spoke to Ye Yunfei, his tone having softened considerably.
"What? The chieftain is really going to abdicate for Seventh Holy Son?"
All the Flying Sky Yin Monkeys were greatly astonished upon hearing the chieftain's words.
Especially the other saint sons, each revealing ferocious expressions filled with extreme resentment. They had schemed endlessly against each other over the years, fighting bitterly for the chieftain position, and everyone had always considered Seventh Holy Son the least likely candidate among the saint sons. Yet now, the chieftain had agreed to step down for him!
Recalling all the time and effort they had expended over the years, the other saint sons felt extremely resentful, but none dared to voice their objections because Ye Yunfei was backing Seventh Holy Son.
"Chieftain, I oppose this! Who becomes chieftain is the most important matter for our race. How can it be decided by an outsider! Moreover, I believe Seventh Holy Son has neither the qualifications nor the ability to hold the chieftain position! I demand a fair competition!"
At that moment, a young Flying Sky Yin Monkey suddenly stepped forward and shouted loudly.
This young Flying Sky Yin Monkey was precisely the Great Holy Son!
"Opposition invalid!"
Ye Yunfei said coldly, simultaneously extending a palm that rapidly enlarged, seizing the Great Holy Son in an instant, directly sealing him, and then throwing him onto the ground.
The Great Holy Son was subdued by Ye Yunfei with a single move, utterly powerless to resist. He was merely at Earth Immortal level; he was simply too weak before Ye Yunfei.
"If you dare utter another word, I'll kill you right now."
Ye Yunfei swept a cold glance at the Great Holy Son.
Meeting Ye Yunfei's icy gaze filled with killing intent, the Great Holy Son instantly felt his entire body turn cold and froze on the spot, not daring to say another word.
Because the energy pressure Ye Yunfei imposed on him was too terrifying. He did not doubt for a second that Ye Yunfei could kill him instantly with a mere thought.
Although he longed to become chieftain, he valued his own life even more.
"Great Holy Son, the situation being what it is, say no more. Having Seventh Holy Son become our tribe's chieftain is the best choice."
The chieftain let out a soft sigh and spoke.
"Seventh Holy Son, we shall now go before the First Ancestor for the blood-dropping ceremony. If the dropping is successful, then from today onward, you shall be our tribe's new chieftain."
One of the elders said to Seventh Holy Son.
"Seventh Holy Son, Young Master Ye, please follow me."
The chieftain spoke to Ye Yunfei, then soared into the air, personally leading the way.
Via Sound Transmission, the chieftain and the eight elders had just discussed the matter and decided to no longer have any conflicts with Ye Yunfei from this point on. Instead, they would treat him with courtesy and seek to befriend this young powerhouse who had already conquered the entire Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
"Very well."
Ye Yunfei was somewhat satisfied with the chieftain's attitude. He nodded, then took Seventh Holy Son and soared into the air, following behind the chieftain and several elders.
Soon after, they arrived deep within the headquarters of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe, in a vast square surging with intense Baleful Qi. The square was pervaded by dense black mist, and at its very center stood a tall statue of an ape. The statue grasped a thick iron rod in its hand, emanating a chilling aura.
"Young Master Ye, this is our race's First Ancestor."
The chieftain landed in the square with Ye Yunfei, first bowing deeply and respectfully to the ape statue in the center of the square. The other tribe members who had followed also bowed one after another.
"The First Ancestor of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe is a Deity!"
Looking at the ape statue in the center of the square before him, Ye Yunfei felt a bit shocked, because he sensed an aura similar to that from the Deity Tomb within the Colorless Abyss.
It was the aura of a high-level energy—the energy aura of a Deity!
Knowing the true form of this ape before him was a Deity, Ye Yunfei did not dare to be overly disrespectful. He bowed his hands in salute.
Seeing Ye Yunfei show such respect to their ancestor, the chieftain and the other members of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe felt their goodwill toward him increase.
Then, the chieftain and the eight elders walked before the ape statue, all kneeling down. One by one, they began chanting archaic, obscure incantations and repeatedly formed one magical seal after another, sending them into the base of the ape statue.
"Seventh Holy Son, step forward now and perform the blood-dropping according to our tribe's rite."
After a while, the chieftain and eight elders retreated back. The chieftain spoke to Seventh Holy Son.
"Go on. Don't be afraid. I've got your back."
Ye Yunfei said to Seventh Holy Son.
Seventh Holy Son walked to the front of the ape statue at the center of the square. First, he bowed respectfully in worship, then extended a finger and dripped a drop of his vital essence blood, letting it fall before the ape statue.
Boom! Boom! ...
The moment Seventh Holy Son's vital essence blood landed before the ape statue, the statue reacted. Two dazzling godly beams shot out from its eyes, instantly vaporizing that drop of vital essence blood into streams of tiny crimson runes, like countless red tadpoles, which were then sucked into the statue's body.
Rumble...
The ape statue suddenly erupted with shocking energy, transforming into a raging hurricane that actually descended to suppress Ye Yunfei!
Vaguely, Ye Yunfei seemed to see a tall phantom of a monkey emerge from the ape statue, grasping a golden iron rod that shone with radiance. Its eyes spat out two intense beams, glaring furiously at Ye Yunfei.
"Be careful! This fellow is targeting you. Does he know you forced his descendant?"
Hun Lao immediately warned.
Roar...
A furious roar emerged from the ape statue. The phantom of the monkey suddenly enlarged, raising its shining golden iron rod to strike down at Ye Yunfei.
"Even if you were once a Deity, I'm not afraid to fight you if you want to attack me!"
Ye Yunfei hardened his heart and spoke through gritted teeth.
But at that moment.
Boom...
A pitch-black phantom of a child emerged from within Ye Yunfei's body, throwing a punch forward that blocked the shining golden iron rod. A loud metallic crash resonated, deafening to the ears.
"That's the Yin Seed! Didn't you refine it? Why is it still here?!"
Hun Lao cried out in shock.
"No, this isn't the real Yin Seed, but an energy manifestation generated within my body. Since most of the energy within my body came from that Yin Seed, it carries its aura and manifested its form."
Ye Yunfei explained.
Because he clearly sensed that this pitch-black child was indeed an energy and law-based manifestation of the power within him.
Roar...
Just as Ye Yunfei and Hun Lao were shocked, the monkey phantom raised its thick iron rod again. Bursting with formidable energy pressure, it swept the rod toward the pitch-black child.
Since the pitch-black child's phantom enveloped Ye Yunfei's body, this attack was equivalent to targeting Ye Yunfei. Moreover, the energy of this assault was even more terrifying!
Seventh Holy Son, who had been pulled close to Ye Yunfei, simply couldn't withstand this terrifying energy pressure. He immediately vomited a mouthful of blood, being forced to retreat continuously, crimson cracks appearing all over his body like a sculpture about to shatter.
"What is going on? Why has the Ancestor's statue suddenly lashed out? Could it be because the Ancestor doesn't approve of Seventh Holy Son becoming chieftain?"
Witnessing this scene, all members of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe were extremely shocked.
"Excellent! It seems the Ancestor disapproves of Seventh Holy Son becoming chieftain! This means even with Ye Yunfei's backing, he likely won't be able to become our tribe's chieftain!"
The happiest were the other saint sons. Seeing Seventh Holy Son covered in crimson cracks, they felt thrilled. As long as Seventh Holy Son failed to become chieftain, they still had a chance.
"Not good, Master. It seems the Ancestor doesn't approve of me becoming chieftain; otherwise, why would he attack us both?"
Shocked, Seventh Holy Son immediately sent a Sound Transmission to Ye Yunfei. He too believed it was mostly because the Ancestor didn't approve of him becoming chieftain.
"Whether he approves or not, it shall be so!"
Ye Yunfei's expression darkened as he prepared to take action and battle the monkey phantom.
Ye Yunfei understood that this monkey phantom was most likely a mark left behind by a Deity, its power extremely formidable. Yet Ye Yunfei still wanted to fight it.
If an actual Deity were here, Ye Yunfei would naturally turn and flee immediately, but facing just a mark, he did not fear.
Just as Ye Yunfei was about to attack.
The pitch-black child phantom moved again, soaring into the air and thrusting both fists forward to strike the thick iron rod.
Boom! Rumble...
This clash released an even more terrifying energy pressure from the battle, causing heaven and earth to shudder violently. Then, an endless torrent of combat energy pressure continuously diffused from the center of the impact, transforming into sweeping cyclones of energy that swept across the entire square in an instant.
All members of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe standing in the square, including the chieftain and eight elders, were blasted far away by this terrifying energy shockwave, falling outside the square.
"Run!"
All the Flying Sky Yin Monkeys were dumbfounded by this sight, quickly distancing themselves from the square.
At this moment, that terrifying energy shockwave within the square gradually dissipated, and everyone began to clearly see the scene inside.
They saw Seventh Holy Son standing before the ape statue, completely unharmed.
Ye Yunfei stood not far away, the corner of his mouth carrying a faint smile.
"Seventh Holy Son seems fine? And the Ancestor's statue has also returned to calmness? What is going on? Could it be that the Ancestor now approves of Seventh Holy Son becoming chieftain?"
All the tribesmen of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe looked at Seventh Holy Son standing before the ape statue, each filled with suspicion and uncertainty.
"Chieftain, what just happened? I clearly saw the Ancestor's figure appear, attacking Ye Yunfei and Seventh Holy Son. It seemed he disapproved of Seventh Holy Son becoming chieftain, yet soon after, the Ancestor's statue returned to calmness. Could it be that the Ancestor was just testing Seventh Holy Son?"
One elder asked via Sound Transmission.
"I'm not sure either. However, I sense that Ye Yunfei seemed to make a move. It's possible he aided Seventh Holy Son."
The chieftain replied.
"How is that possible? Even if Ye Yunfei acted to help Seventh Holy Son, I don't think he could have pacified the Ancestor's statue unless the Ancestor approved of Seventh Holy Son becoming our tribe's chieftain. Remember, our race's First Ancestor is a Deity. No matter how strong Ye Yunfei is, could he withstand the pressure of a Deity?"
The elder said dubiously.
"I don't know exactly what happened either. Maybe the Ancestor was testing Seventh Holy Son just now. In any case, the Ancestor's statue has now calmed down. According to tribal law, Seventh Holy Son has passed the test. We must accept Seventh Holy Son as chieftain."
The chieftain pondered and sighed.
"Everyone, I declare that Seventh Holy Son has withstood the Ancestor's test. From this moment on, he officially becomes the chieftain of our tribe."
The chieftain raised his voice and announced loudly.
"Impossible! The Ancestor clearly opposed Seventh Holy Son becoming chieftain earlier. It must be Ye Yunfei; he must be up to some trickery!"
At this moment, the other saint sons, especially the Great Holy Son, felt extremely resentful.
Several saint sons, particularly the Great Holy Son, wanted to voice their protests. However, the moment they met Ye Yunfei's sharp and cold gaze, they immediately lowered their heads, not daring to speak further.
The Great Holy Son was still sealed and lying on the ground, immobile. Feeling the terrifying energy aura emanating from Ye Yunfei, he became even more afraid to say anything.
"Congratulations. From now on, you are the chieftain of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe."
Ye Yunfei smiled and said to Seventh Holy Son.
"Master, this is mainly due to your help."
Seventh Holy Son immediately replied respectfully via Sound Transmission.
Thus, Seventh Holy Son became the chieftain of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe.
"Let's go. Now, we go find the Underworld Lord."
Ye Yunfei said to Seventh Holy Son.
"Go find the Underworld Lord now?"
Hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Seventh Holy Son couldn't help but be taken aback.
"That's right. Didn't I say I would not only make you chieftain of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe but also help you become the Underworld Lord? We'll go find the Underworld Lord now and make him abdicate."
Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
"Master, the Underworld Lord's strength is very powerful, and he has a large number of experts by his side. Our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe's strength is far inferior compared to the Underworld Lord's forces."
Seventh Holy Son replied hesitantly.
"What's there to fear? I've already destroyed the armies of the Netherworld Palace. What is a mere Underworld Lord to be afraid of? If he doesn't see reason, I'll just destroy him."
Ye Yunfei spoke with great domineering force.
"That's right, Master. You even destroyed the armies of the Netherworld Palace; there's no need to fear the Underworld Lord."
Hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Seventh Holy Son suddenly came to his senses and nodded repeatedly.
Though the powerful image of the Underworld Lord was deeply ingrained in his mind, remembering that even the armies of the Netherworld Palace had been destroyed by Ye Yunfei put Seventh Holy Son's mind at ease.
"Immediately gather your Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe troops. We'll go find the Underworld Lord together now."
Ye Yunfei said.
At that moment, a black phoenix rolled in. Its enormous body was shrouded in dense dark energy—Lü Dandan had arrived.
Behind Lü Dandan followed a vast army—the very army of the Dark Realm!
Hu Miao, Golden Horned Silkworm Dragon, Du Guhuan, Big Ice, and others had also all come.
"Not good, it's the army of the Dark Realm!"
Seeing the mighty army of the Dark Realm approaching, the former chieftain and other high-ranking officials of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe turned pale with fright.
"Everyone, do not panic! The Dark Realm belongs to Ye Yunfei; they are here for him!"
One of the elders of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe sent a Sound Transmission to the others.
"Right! The Dark Queen of the Dark Realm is very close to Ye Yunfei. They've come for him."
Hearing the elder's words, the other high-ranking officials of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe realized this and let out sighs of relief.
"You intend to conquer the Netherworld?"
Lü Dandan arrived before Ye Yunfei and asked.
Earlier, Ye Yunfei had already sent her a message, which was why she brought the Dark Realm's army here.
"Not me, him. I'm merely helping him. He wants to become the ruler of the Netherworld."
Ye Yunfei pointed at Seventh Holy Son.
"I see."
Lü Dandan glanced at Seventh Holy Son and nodded, understanding the situation.
She already knew this Flying Sky Yin Monkey had been subdued by Ye Yunfei and was his slave. Therefore, Ye Yunfei wanting to help this Seventh Holy Son conquer the Netherworld essentially meant Ye Yunfei himself wanted to control the Netherworld.
"Alright, let's set off now."
Ye Yunfei said.
"What? Seventh Holy Son, you mean Young Master Ye intends to lead our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe to conquer the Netherworld? You want to become the Underworld Lord?"
At this point, Seventh Holy Son had already informed the former chieftain and the eight elders of Ye Yunfei's intentions, though their earlier discussion had been via Sound Transmission.
"Yes. In fact, I've long known that various major forces within the Netherworld constantly engage in overt and covert struggles over territory. To maintain his rule and weaken the major forces' power, the Underworld Lord often secretly stirs conflicts, fueling clashes among the powers. The Netherworld may appear calm on the surface, but beneath the waters lies a turbulent, fiercely fought current of strife."
"Our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe has repeatedly shown forbearance toward other major forces, yet we are frequently suppressed by some of them. Quite a bit of our territory has been seized, and many members of our tribe have been tragically killed."
"If our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe continues to tolerate this, we will only make the other major Netherworld forces think we are easy to bully. Therefore, I have decided to unify the Netherworld and make our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe its ruler. Once we do, no other force in this world will dare bully our race again."
Seventh Holy Son explained.
"What you say makes sense. However, have you considered that the Underworld Lord is tremendously powerful? He has gathered many formidable experts around him. Moreover, once you provoke the Underworld Lord, you will undoubtedly attract the other major forces of the Netherworld. If by then the entire Netherworld's forces band together to attack us, the situation will be dire."
Hearing Seventh Holy Son's words, the former chieftain hurriedly spoke to persuade him.
The other elders also spoke up one after another, urging Seventh Holy Son to stay calm.
"What is there to fear? Don't you all know that Young Master Ye has already destroyed the armies of the Netherworld Palace? No matter how strong the Underworld Lord and the Netherworld's major forces are, can they be stronger than the Netherworld Palace's armies? Rest assured; with Young Master Ye's help, our Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe will definitely be able to conquer the entire Netherworld."
Seventh Holy Son replied.
The former chieftain and eight elders were all stunned upon hearing this.
"That's right! How did I forget? Even the Netherworld Palace's armies were destroyed by Ye Yunfei. The Underworld Lord and the Netherworld's forces, no matter how strong, could not be stronger than the Netherworld Palace's armies!"
"Not only were the Netherworld Palace's armies destroyed by Ye Yunfei, but the reinforcements our Netherworld sent were also completely wiped out by him!"
"With Ye Yunfei's assistance, perhaps our tribe truly could conquer the entire Netherworld."
"Seems like this might be a rare opportunity indeed!"
Soon, the former chieftain and several elders also grew excited, hurriedly discussing via Sound Transmission.
"Excellent! We agree! Our tribe shall march now, following Young Master Ye to conquer the Netherworld!"
The former chieftain and eight elders all nodded repeatedly, expressing their agreement.
"Since that's decided, let us set off."
Ye Yunfei said indifferently, then turned around and soared into the air, heading in the direction where the Underworld Lord resided.
Just moments ago, Ye Yunfei had used Sound Transmission to learn information about the Underworld Lord from Seventh Holy Son and had learned the location of his dwelling within the Netherworld.
The armies of the Dark Realm and the forces of the Flying Sky Yin Monkey Tribe marched mightily behind Ye Yunfei.
"Are you planning to control the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds and become the master of this realm?"
Lü Dandan flew beside Ye Yunfei and asked via Sound Transmission.
She felt that Ye Yunfei's actions of destroying so many powerful factions recently and now moving against the Underworld Lord weren't solely for revenge; there must be some other purpose.
"I don't want to become master of this realm, but I think this realm has been chaotic for too long. It's time for it to be calm. So, I will first resolve these unstable worlds to make it possible for this realm to restore true peace in the coming years. After I gain control of the Netherworld, I will then deal with some of the other stronger worlds."
Ye Yunfei replied.
"Whether you wish it or not, I believe in the end you will inevitably become master of this realm because every world you have walked before has ultimately yielded to such a result."
Lü Dandan said.
"Perhaps. But did you see me staying behind as the ruler of those worlds? Honestly, I do not wish to be master of any particular world. What I hope for is that those worlds can be peaceful, stable, and develop. As for me, I don't believe I'll stay forever in one place. What I truly pursue is constantly improving myself, never stopping my steps!"
Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and replied.
"That is true. With your character and talents, you definitely won't remain in one place forever. You will keep walking, stepping onto wider stages, pursuing greater growth."
Lü Dandan was slightly taken aback hearing Ye Yunfei's words, then spoke softly.
Her initially icy, cold gaze now held a trace of tenderness when looking at Ye Yunfei.
"He is the most exceptional man I have ever encountered in my life. That was true in the past, remains true now, and I believe it will continue to be true in the future."
Lü Dandan's phoenix eyes gazed at Ye Yunfei, somewhat entranced.