At this moment, the Lightning Tribulation in the distance was nearing its end. A fierce energy aura emanated from the body of that Perfected Demigod undergoing the tribulation. His trial was almost over, and he was about to become a Deity.
“Our part of the void will have another Deity," Ye Yunfei said, watching the gradually dissipating lightning high in the sky.
"Truly befitting of a new Age of Deities. So many new Deities have been born in this part of the void recently," Hun Lao chimed in with a sigh. "In the past, Deities were mere legends, but now they can be seen everywhere. It shows just how profoundly the great era and environment influence everyone. In the previous Godless Era, no matter how talented or monstrous a genius was, they couldn't achieve divinity. But this guy currently enduring the tribulation... his talent isn't even that great. I'd say it's mediocre at best. Yet he can still usher in his Divine Tribulation, and it looks like he'll succeed."
At that point, the Watchers had all fled from this world, and members of the Restorer Faction were guarding the periphery of the Lightning Tribulation area.
"Since there's no spy in our group, I should hurry and check out other locations," Ye Yunfei said to Hun Lao.
"Wait until he officially becomes a Deity first," Hun Lao advised. "Otherwise, the moment you leave, if the Watchers launch a surprise counterattack, all our previous effort will be wasted."
"You have a point," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Not long after, a booming laugh suddenly rang out through the world. That Perfected Demigod had finally succeeded in his tribulation and formally ascended to become a Deity.
He stood tall in the sky, and a rolling Deity's pressure erupted from within his body, shaking the surrounding space until it trembled and even deformed.
"Is this the power of a Deity? It's truly formidable." The former Perfected Demigod, sensing the terrifying Deity-level energy within his own body, wore an expression of rapture on his face. He was an old man, but after his breakthrough into Deityhood, he seemed much younger. A rich, vibrant life force accompanied the terrifying energy radiating from him—his lifespan had greatly increased upon becoming a Deity.
Legend had it that once a living being became a Deity, they would share the lifespan of the void they inhabited. If that part of the void never perished, the Deity would not die of old age. Whether this legend was true or false, few could likely provide a definitive answer. But a typical Deity could undoubtedly survive for tens of thousands of years without issue.
"Congratulations, Ancestor, on successfully enduring the tribulation and officially becoming a Deity!" Suddenly, a large crowd surged forward. They all knelt on the ground, trembling with excitement, and shouted in unison.
It turned out this old man who had just ascended was the ancestor of a family surnamed Lu.
"Hahaha... All of you, rise," the Lu Family Ancestor said, his pride and elation getting the better of him as he laughed heartily. "From this moment on, our Lu Family will rule over this Tianlin World Cluster! Anyone who dares defy the Lu Family shall be killed without mercy!"
His voice transformed into a rolling wave of sound that instantly spread to every corner of this world.
"The Lu Family Ancestor has become a Deity! From now on, the Lu Family will be the absolute masters of our world cluster!" Upon hearing the Lu Family Ancestor's laughter, the vast majority of beings within this world trembled with fear.
"This fellow just became a Deity and already dreams of becoming an overlord and tyrant," Ye Yunfei couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly.
"That's normal. It's the same in every world," Hun Lao remarked. "Those with greater strength become overlords, ruling over their domains. You can't stop this kind of thing. There are far too many instances."
"That's true," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Alright, I should go check out other places." Ye Yunfei turned, preparing to leave. This time, the Restorer Faction had dispatched ten groups in total, each assigned to different mission locations.
Not only Ye Yunfei, but other members of the Restorer Faction were also preparing to depart.
However, right at that moment...
"Friends of the Restorer Faction," the Lu Family Ancestor's voice rang out, cool and clear as he looked at those preparing to leave. "I, the Lu Family Head, am very grateful that you came to protect me during my tribulation. But sadly, our paths are too different to be aligned. Since you have come, you should not leave. All of you will stay here."
His voice carried a hint of coldness. Although these Restorer Faction forces had just given their all to protect him, the Lu Family Ancestor now seemed less than warm towards them; in fact, his tone held a sense of disdain.
As he finished speaking, the Lu Family Ancestor flashed to block the exit of this Small World, preventing the Restorer members from leaving.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunfei had already stepped out of this world and emerged outside. This was because Ye Yunfei's speed was incredibly fast—with a single step earlier, he had already exited the world. However, he had heard the Lu Family Ancestor's words perfectly clearly, causing him to pause his steps, a frigid chill settling over his face.
"This guy is acting strange," Hun Lao stated.
Ye Yunfei remained silent, slowly turning around.
"Family Head Lu, what is the meaning of this?" At that moment, the other Restorer Faction members, seeing the Lu Family Ancestor blocking the world's exit with an unfriendly expression, all sensed that something was amiss.
Because besides the Lu Family Ancestor, other Lu Family members all rushed over to surround the Restorer Faction members. Even within this world, numerous unidentified figures emerged and began encircling the Restorers as well.
"So that's how it is." Seeing this scene, how could Ye Yunfei not understand? A cold sneer touched his lips. "It's a trap. This Lu Family Ancestor has definitely defected to the Guardian Faction."
"I thought it was odd earlier. His talent isn't particularly outstanding, his aptitude is average, yet he could still usher in a Divine Tribulation and successfully break through," Hun Lao said. "It seems he received help from the Guardian Faction. Given the Guardian Faction's methods, helping a Perfected Demigod break through isn't very difficult. Just like you. You're a Divine Pill Master. If you were willing to help, you could certainly assist many Perfected Demigods in succeeding."
"I didn't reveal myself earlier; I acted from the shadows the whole time," Ye Yunfei said coldly. "So this Lu Family Ancestor probably thinks our Restorer Faction didn't send any Deities here. That's why he dares to attack us, even though he just became a Deity. Sadly for him, he miscalculated." During the previous battle, Ye Yunfei had never revealed himself, using his Soul Sword to deal with the Guardian Faction members instead.
"Friends of the Restorer Faction," the Lu Family Ancestor's icy voice sounded once more. "I am grateful you came to protect me. But our paths diverge. Today, you must die. Don't worry, I'll leave your bodies intact."
At this point, the Restorer Faction members were completely surrounded.
"Ancestor, during the battle just now, these Restorer Faction scoundrels suddenly used a bizarre and evil technique, killing many from the Guardian Faction," a Lu Family Elder warned. "Ancestor, be careful."
"I am now a Deity," the Lu Family Ancestor replied, not concerned in the slightest. He looked down upon the Restorer Faction members with a lofty attitude. "In the face of absolute power, no matter what tricks they employ, they are useless."
In his mind, he was now a Deity, belonging to the top echelons of power in this part of the void, standing at the apex of the pyramid. As long as he wasn't facing another Deity, he was absolutely confident he could crush everything.
"That's right, Ancestor. You are now a Deity. No matter what evil techniques these wretches use, it's pointless. These Restorer Faction members are dead," the elder immediately fawned.
"Ancestor Lu, it seems your Lu Family has colluded with the Guardian Faction and set a trap to deal with us!" A middle-aged man from the Restorer Faction stepped forward, his voice filled with anger.
"Correct," the Lu Family Ancestor admitted without hesitation. "Our Lu Family and the Guardian Faction are now allies. Since you Restorers have delivered yourselves to our doorstep, of course I cannot let you leave. Enough talk. I'll send you on your way now." As he reached this point, his expression suddenly turned ruthless and vicious, filled with murderous intent.
"How dare your Lu Family attack our Restorer Faction! Aren't you afraid of our revenge?" a Restorer roared in fury.
"Hahaha..." the Lu Family Ancestor laughed wildly. "Who in this part of the void doesn't know your Restorer Faction has become a rat scurrying across the street, chased by everyone? Your faction was hunted down not long ago, forced into hiding, not daring to show your faces. You are no match for the Guardian Faction! And besides the Guardian Faction, many other major powers are joining forces to hunt you down. Do you really think your Restorer Faction can still make any waves now?"
"My words end here. You may depart," the Lu Family Ancestor declared. With one step forward, the Deity-level energy within his body erupted skyward like a volcano exploding, causing the space around them to tremble violently.
"Ancestor is mighty!" The surrounding Lu Family clansmen, both terrified and exhilarated, retreated repeatedly before shouting in unison.
Just as the Lu Family Ancestor prepared to make his move...
"Why would you seek your own death when you've finally, with such difficulty, become a Deity?" An icy-cold voice suddenly rang out.
Then, Ye Yunfei's figure slowly appeared not far away. He looked at the Lu Family Ancestor with the gaze one reserves for the dead.
"Boy, who are you?" The Lu Family Ancestor, startled by Ye Yunfei's sudden appearance nearby, stared at him. With his perception, he hadn't even detected when Ye Yunfei arrived.
"This kid must not be simple." The Lu Family Ancestor's gaze locked onto Ye Yunfei, and his Soul Power instantly fixed on Ye Yunfei, probing him carefully.
"It's just a Perfected Demigod after all. You overestimate yourself so boldly." Soon, the Lu Family Ancestor confirmed Ye Yunfei was merely a Perfected Demigod. His guard instantly dropped, and he became relaxed. He was a Deity, after all. Why would he fear a Perfected Demigod?
"Boy, you dare challenge me openly? Now I will crush you with a single finger," the Lu Family Ancestor said coldly, looking at Ye Yunfei with an utterly condescending gaze. "I'll let you understand the vast chasm between a Deity and an ant like you."