“So there were already five Deities lying in ambush nearby, and even more are on their way!”
After Ye Yunfei took control of all the members of this patrol squad, he obtained their memories. He learned that the Guardian Faction had already stationed five Deities lying in ambush in the area surrounding this region, and that other Deities were also rushing over. Soon, they would launch a fierce assault on the Fire Realm.
This was because the Fire Realm had given an unequivocal answer: they absolutely would not join the Guardian Faction.
“It seems a great battle will erupt soon.
If the Fire Realm only has Senior Cui Hong's energy form, it would absolutely be no match for the Guardian Faction.
The Guardian Faction could casually dispatch over a dozen Deities, and they even have powerhouses like Wu Tao and Lord Zhou. With such strength, exterminating the Fire Clan would be as easy as lifting a hand. So, the Fire Clan is currently in danger of annihilation.”
After reading the patrol squad's memories, Ye Yunfei grew somewhat anxious.
“It seems I need to go in and take a look, to inform Senior Cui Hong of the situation.”
Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and decided to risk entering the Fire Realm.
After all, Ye Yunfei felt indebted to Cui Hong. Now that the Fire Clan faced an existential crisis, he could not stand idly by.
Thus, under Ye Yunfei's control, this patrol squad soon arrived at the entrance-exit point of the Fire Realm.
Since this patrol squad was responsible for patrolling this particular area, no one suspected a thing.
“What are you doing?
Don't get so close. This is the entrance to the Fire Realm, and we are the ones tasked with guarding it. Your patrol should keep a distance.”
At that moment, several Perfected Demigods appeared, one of them barking an admonishment.
These Perfected Demigods from the Source Fire Sect were specifically responsible for guarding the Fire Realm's entrance-exit point.
Ye Yunfei was already prepared. He immediately executed his Soul Force Star Method and, in an instant, devoured the soul bodies of these Perfected Demigods from the Source Fire Sect. Then, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm emerged from the Phantom Pagoda. Carrying the pagoda, he transformed into a streak of golden light and shot straight into the Fire Realm’s entrance.
As his bloodline continued to evolve and his strength grew, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm's ability to traverse space was becoming increasingly formidable.
Although the Fire Realm's entrance was enveloped by several powerful formations, to the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, they could be ignored. He broke through in an instant and charged into the Fire Realm.
“What happened?”
The moment the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm rushed into the Fire Realm, a terrifying surge of Soul Power energy swept over from the distance. Instantly, it enveloped the space around the entrance-exit point.
This was a Deity-level Soul Power.
“What just happened here?”
An old man appeared in the void some distance away, his sharp gaze fixed on the patrol squad and the Perfected Demigods standing at the Fire Realm entrance as he spoke.
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm's emergence from the Phantom Pagoda and subsequent dash into the entrance had alarmed the five Deities lying in ambush in the distance.
However, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm's speed was far too swift; he had charged into the Fire Realm with the Phantom Pagoda in an instant.
Furthermore, Ye Yunfei had also used the Concealment Talisman to help mask the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm's aura. Thus, those five Deities did not accurately perceive his aura or actions.
“Reporting, sir! We don't know what happened either. Perhaps someone from the Fire Realm tried to come out just now.”
One of the Perfected Demigods tasked with guarding the entrance immediately spoke up in a clear report.
“Someone from the Fire Realm tried to come out?”
Hearing this, the old man’s brow creased slightly. His Soul Power energy swept back and forth over the entrance point, but he found nothing amiss.
“Stay vigilant. Report immediately if anything arises.”
Moments later, the old man's figure slowly faded and disappeared, leaving behind these words.
“Understood, sir!”
Both the patrol squad and the Perfected Demigods stationed at the entrance answered with a simultaneous bow.
By this time, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, carrying the Phantom Pagoda, had already entered the Fire Realm. Ye Yunfei immediately emerged from the Phantom Pagoda.
Boom!
A powerful wave of Soul Power energy rolled in from the distance, directly enveloping Ye Yunfei to sense him. At the same time, a large number of Fire Clan members appeared, surrounding Ye Yunfei.
“Young Master Ye! It’s you!”
However, the next moment, those Fire Clan members recognized Ye Yunfei. A Fire Clan elder approached, both shocked and overjoyed.
“Young Master Ye, I have heard all about the various incidents involving you and the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds recently. It is true that heroes emerge from the young.
Young Master Ye, you have truly terrified and intimidated those guys from the Guardian Faction!”
This elder looked at Ye Yunfei with admiring eyes as he spoke.
Recently, the Guardian Faction had targeted the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds twice in succession, and both attempts ended in failure. News of this had already spread throughout the Chaotic Void Sea, and the Fire Clan had also received word.
“Elder, you flatter me. Where is Senior Cui Hong?
I wish to see him.”
Ye Yunfei said.
“Young Master Ye, please follow me. Elder Ancestor Cui has already transmitted a message to me, asking me to bring you to him.”
The elder spoke, then took the lead, guiding Ye Yunfei to where Cui Hong was secluded in cultivation.
Outside a cave abode halfway up a tall mountain.
“Young Master Ye, come in.”
Cui Hong's voice came from within the cave abode. Then the cave doors opened directly. Ye Yunfei walked into the cultivation cave and saw Cui Hong seated cross-legged.
“Young Master Ye, it seems the rumors are true. You now possess battle prowess at the Deity level.
You are only at the Perfected Demigod realm, yet you can refine and fuse with Deity-level artifacts. I guess there must be a powerful expert behind you, aiding you?”
As soon as Cui Hong saw Ye Yunfei enter, he immediately used his Soul Power energy to sense Ye Yunfei. He spoke with a shocked expression.
He had received news long ago about the various rumors surrounding the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds and Ye Yunfei.
“Senior, you guessed correctly. There is indeed a senior who guides and helps me, allowing my physical body quality to improve dramatically. I can now barely contend at a Deity-level of combat power.”
Ye Yunfei replied.
“With such an expert protecting your Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, it's no wonder you routed those fellows from the Guardian Faction, sending them fleeing in defeat.”
Cui Hong said.
“Senior, it seems the Guardian Faction will soon attack the Fire Realm. It’s best to prepare.”
Ye Yunfei spoke up.
“I am aware of the current situation. Moreover, our Fire Realm is already surrounded by the Guardian Faction.”
Cui Hong nodded.
“Senior, the Guardian Faction's strength is formidable. Not long ago, a full twelve Deities from their ranks came to trouble our Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.”
Ye Yunfei said.
“I understand what you mean. With our Fire Clan's current strength, we truly cannot stand against the Guardian Faction. We can only take it step by step.
In fact, some time ago, Deities from the Guardian Faction had already stationed themselves outside the Fire Realm, blockading us.
The Guardian Faction has had their eyes on our Fire Realm for a while now. It's impossible for us to avoid conflict with them.”
Cui Hong said.
“Senior, if the Fire Clan lacks the strength to oppose the Guardian Faction, I suggest finding a way to leave the Fire Realm and seek refuge elsewhere.
How about coming to the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds? Our world should still be safe for now. The Guardian Faction likely won’t dare to enter the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds lightly anymore.”
Ye Yunfei suggested.
“Young Master Ye, I appreciate your kindness. However, our Fire Clan has a place to go; we don't need to flee elsewhere.”
Cui Hong replied.
“Senior, are you saying there is a place within the Fire Realm where the Fire Clan can hide and take refuge?”
Ye Yunfei asked curiously.
“Yes, the ancestral land of our Fire Clan is extremely sturdy. As long as we enter our ancestral land, the Guardian Faction can do nothing against us.”
Cui Hong nodded.
“Senior Cui Hong, I recall in the past the Fire Clan was also trapped in the ancestral land, but it seemed unable to connect with the outside space.
Over time, the energy within would likely be exhausted.”
Ye Yunfei said.
“Young Master Ye, don't worry. Our ancestral land actually has special arrangements within. The energy laws inside won't be depleted.
It was only because the clansmen back then were unaware of those special arrangements that the energy and laws inside were exhausted.”
Cui Hong explained with a smile.
“I see.”
Hearing Cui Hong's words, Ye Yunfei felt much more at ease.
“However, I won't lead the clansmen into the ancestral land until the very last moment.
Our Fire Clan was once a major clan in the ancient Chaotic Void Sea and possesses its own foundation.
Although the Guardian Faction is strong, our Fire Clan won't admit defeat easily.”
Cui Hong added.
“It seems the Fire Clan must still have some foundation left.”
Hun Lao secretly transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
“Yes, I also think the Fire Clan likely has other hidden foundations or methods.”
Looking at Cui Hong's calm expression, Ye Yunfei transmitted back in response.
“The time we of the Guardians have granted your Fire Clan has come to an end. You now have only two choices. First, submit to our Guardian Faction and become a subordinate force.
Your second choice is to be annihilated.”
Just as Ye Yunfei and Cui Hong were speaking inside the cultivation cave, a voice suddenly rolled in from outside the Fire Realm.
“It seems the Guardian Faction is beginning to move against our Fire Realm.”
Cui Hong's gaze swept out towards the void beyond the Fire Realm as he spoke slowly. Then he stood up.
“Young Master Ye, let's go out and see.”
Cui Hong said.
With that, Cui Hong took a step and immediately traversed space to emerge outside the cave abode. Standing in the void of the Fire Realm, he looked outward.
Ye Yunfei also quickly came out from the cultivation cave and stood beside Cui Hong.
“Elder Ancestor, there are more than a dozen Deities from the Guardian Faction outside. They demand that our Fire Clan immediately go out to welcome them. Otherwise, the Guardian Faction army will attack and annihilate us.”
By this time, the various elders of the Fire Clan had already rushed out from their respective secluded cultivation spots. Seeing Cui Hong appear, they all gathered around him.
“Immediately assemble all our clansmen and form the Fiery Bow Grand Array.
This Fiery Bow Grand Array is a battle formation left behind by our ancient Fire Clan ancestors. We shall use it to deal with the Guardian Faction. It should prove effective.”
Cui Hong declared clearly.
“Yes, Elder Ancestor. We will assemble all clansmen now.”
Upon hearing Cui Hong's words, the elders immediately sprang into action. Before long, all members of the Fire Clan were gathered before Cui Hong.
Although the Fire Clan had only recently reappeared, they had developed rapidly. They already possessed a large number of Demigods, including many Perfected Demigods. Ye Yunfei even sensed that several of these Perfected Demigods had the potential to break through to the Deity realm. Their auras were similar to that of Xiaoyao Shen before he underwent his tribulation and ascended.
“Begin the formation immediately. We commence battle now.”
Cui Hong said solemnly.
At his command, the Fire Clan elders immediately began directing the clansmen to form the array. Moments later, the battle array took shape. A giant bow materialized above the formation.
“Bow, come!”
Cui Hong gently gestured towards the cave abode where he had been cultivating. Immediately, a resplendent, dazzling longbow shot out from within.
This bow burned with roaring flames. Ye Yunfei could tell at a glance it was a Deity-level artifact of immense power.
Cui Hong grasped the bow with his hand, gave it a light caress, then tossed it high into the air. Instantly, the bow merged with the giant phantom bow hovering above the formation formed by the Fire Clan members.
Boom!
The giant bow blazed fiercely, releasing a terrifying, powerful surge of fire-attribute energy.
“People of the Fire Clan, hear this! We give you one final chance. Come out immediately, and all kneel in surrender to our Guardian Faction.
In that case, our Guardian Faction can spare your clan.”
At that moment, another voice came from outside. This was a Deity speaking. The rolling sound waves surged chaotically, causing the space of the Fire Realm to tremble slightly.
Boom!
Outside the Fire Realm, over a dozen Deities simultaneously unleashed their energy pressure, suppressing the interior of the Fire Realm.
The energy released by over a dozen Deities together was too terrifying. It made the entire Fire Realm tremble and shudder, as if it could not withstand the pressure.
“Our Fire Clan and your Guardian Faction were originally keeping well away from each other, like two wells with separate waters. Yet your Guardian Faction has repeatedly come to stir trouble at our Fire Realm. Do you truly believe our Fire Clan is so easy to bully?”
Cui Hong's expression darkened. Then his form began to expand and grow in height. In an instant, he became a colossus that stood tall enough to prop up the heavens. With both hands, he grasped the massive, flaming giant bow.
Whoosh!
Inside the Fire Realm, massive amounts of flames transformed into a rolling sea of fire. It rapidly converged towards the giant bow in Cui Hong's hands, instantly condensing into a long arrow.
Cui Hong held the great bow, aiming at the Deity who had just spoken outside. With a powerful pull, he released the arrow formed from condensed flames. It shot outward with incredible speed.
“The power seems substantial.”
Watching the arrow shoot away, Ye Yunfei felt a twinge of pleasant surprise.
“Indeed, the Fire Clan possesses some foundation. An attack of this level is something those early-stage Void Gods dare not take head-on.”
Hun Lao remarked with emotion.
“Those early-stage Void Gods may not dare to meet it, but an attack of this caliber can't do much against that Wu Tao or Lord Zhou. They could easily withstand it.”
Ye Yunfei said.
“Even with such a foundation, the Fire Clan still isn't a match for the Guardian Faction. I wonder if they have any other hidden cards.
Regardless, I must be ready to intervene.”
Ye Yunfei added.