"This void realm is stable now. You can enjoy a period of peace," the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm said.
"No, this stability is unreliable and only superficial. The Guardian Faction could make a comeback at any time. Who knows when Guardian Faction members from other void realms might enter the Eighth Void? When that happens, this void realm will immediately return to its previous turbulent days.
In short, as long as the Guardian Faction exists, there can be no true stability or peace in this void realm."
After listening to the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, Ye Yunfei thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head and sighed as he spoke.
"Yes, the Guardian Faction will definitely return to this void realm. The only question is when," Hun Lao said.
"Rather than waiting here for the Guardian Faction's comeback, why don't we take the initiative and go to other void realms outside to settle accounts with them?" the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm suggested.
"I have been considering exactly that. Besides, it's time for me to go and see the other void realms outside," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"However, before leaving this void realm, I need to make some preparations.
First, I still have a batch of puppets that haven't been fully refined. I plan to complete their refinement. If I have several hundred Deity-level puppets in my hands, then even when I go to other void realms outside, that should be an extremely powerful force."
Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and added.
Back in the True Phoenix Tomb, Ye Yunfei had obtained over thirteen hundred puppets in total. Among them, only five hundred were fully refined, while over eight hundred were semi-finished products not yet completely refined.
Ye Yunfei guessed that the ancient artificer probably didn't have time to finish refining these puppets before something happened, leaving behind so many semi-finished products.
Back then, Ye Yunfei had not only obtained these puppets but also the secret techniques for refining puppets left behind by that ancient artificer, Wu Dechang.
Wu Dechang was a member of the ancient Heavenly Puppet Sect and had mastered its inherited secret techniques, which now fell into Ye Yunfei's hands.
During his usual cultivation, Ye Yunfei often set aside time to let some of his Soul Power planets comprehend these puppet techniques. Now, he planned to search for materials to complete the refinement of those semi-finished puppets.
"Among those puppets that aren't fully refined, how many are at the Deity level?" Hun Lao asked curiously.
"About a bit more than half are at the Deity level," Ye Yunfei mentally counted and replied.
Ye Yunfei had long since examined all eight hundred-plus semi-finished puppets.
"A bit more than half... that means over four hundred. You already have a hundred Deity-level puppets on hand. Adding another four hundred-plus, you'll eventually have over five hundred Deity-level puppets. That's equivalent to over five hundred Primary Void Gods. It truly is an excellent force," Hun Lao nodded.
"No. Among those four hundred-plus unrefined Deity-level puppets, fifty are at the Advanced Void God level, a hundred are at the Intermediate Void God level, and the remaining two hundred-plus are at the Primary Void God level," Ye Yunfei said.
"That's excellent! There are actually Intermediate and Advanced Void God puppets. If you can truly refine these puppets completely, you'll have a batch of capable subordinates," Hun Lao was somewhat astonished upon hearing this.
Fifty Advanced Void Gods, a hundred Intermediate Void Gods, and over three hundred Primary Void Gods—that would be an extremely terrifying force in any void realm.
"With these puppets, we'll have much more confidence when we go to other void realms outside," the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm said.
"The materials for refining Primary and Intermediate Void God puppets are easier to handle. That's because I obtained a large batch of puppet-refining materials from the underground palace beneath that square back then.
I've already looked through them. They contain materials for refining Primary and Intermediate Void God puppets. However, materials for refining Advanced Void God puppets are extremely scarce—probably not enough to complete fifty Advanced Void God puppets.
So I still need to collect sufficient materials to fully refine those fifty Advanced Void God puppets.
I'm not sure if I can find so many high-grade materials in this Eighth Void Realm," Ye Yunfei stated.
"I'll refine those Primary and Intermediate Void God puppets first," Ye Yunfei continued.
Then, Ye Yunfei returned to the Phantom Tower and began seclusion to refine the puppets.
Previously, Ye Yunfei had obtained a large batch of puppet-refining materials left behind by Wu Dechang from the underground palace beneath that square. More than half of them were godly-grade materials. Ye Yunfei first repeatedly studied the Heavenly Puppet Sect's puppet techniques he obtained from Wu Dechang several dozen times to deepen his comprehension. Then he began refining those unfinished semi-finished puppets.
Ye Yunfei possessed two Soul Bodies and over thirty Soul Power planets. With astonishing talent, and having often set aside time to comprehend puppet techniques before, it wasn't long before Ye Yunfei successfully refined a semi-finished puppet at the Primary Void God level.
With a thought from Ye Yunfei, this puppet strode forward, emanating Deity-level energy from its body.
"Not bad!"
Ye Yunfei nodded in satisfaction.
Because this was the first puppet he completed, it held significant meaning. Even though it was refined based on a semi-finished product, Ye Yunfei was still very excited.
Over the following period, Ye Yunfei completely refined all two hundred-plus semi-finished puppets at the Primary Void God level.
Thus, Ye Yunfei now possessed over three hundred Primary Void God-level puppets in total.
Ye Yunfei had all three hundred-plus Primary Void God-level puppets stand in front of him, neatly arranged.
"Impressive!
This is equivalent to over three hundred Deity-level thugs. Moreover, these puppets have no life force or autonomous consciousness. In a fight, each one is fearless of death. Having such a batch of thugs is truly awesome!"
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm looked at the three hundred-plus Primary Void God-level puppets and praised continuously.
Next, Ye Yunfei began refining the hundred Intermediate Void God-level puppets.
Refining Intermediate Void God-level puppets was undoubtedly more difficult. However, Ye Yunfei had already refined over two hundred Primary Void God-level puppets. During the refinement process, his proficiency in puppet techniques continuously improved, and his comprehension of the Heavenly Puppet Sect's puppet techniques deepened. Therefore, not long after, Ye Yunfei began smoothly refining one Intermediate Void God-level puppet after another.
The puppet-refining materials obtained from the underground palace beneath that square were sufficient for Ye Yunfei to refine all the Primary and Intermediate Void God puppets, with some left over. There was absolutely no need to worry about materials.
After an unknown length of time, Ye Yunfei finally fully refined all hundred Intermediate Void God-level puppets.
"This is a hundred Intermediate Void Gods!
Keeping them by your side as thugs is truly so cool!"
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm repeatedly praised, very excited.
Thus, Ye Yunfei possessed over three hundred Primary Void God-level puppets and a hundred Intermediate Void God-level puppets—over four hundred Void God-level puppets in total. Standing before Ye Yunfei, their momentum was awe-inspiring.
"Next are those fifty Advanced Void God-level puppets. I'll first go search to see if I can collect enough materials in this void realm before starting to refine them," Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and muttered to himself.
Therefore, Ye Yunfei exited the Phantom Tower, ending this seclusion.
Ye Yunfei first went to the Alliance Army headquarters.
"Young Master Ye, Kong Lao and Elder Xiao and the others have all returned to their respective World Clusters. During this period, I've been mainly presiding over various affairs of the Alliance Army," Ouyang Tao hurriedly arrived before Ye Yunfei.
"That's fine. As long as someone remains stationed at the headquarters. In the past, everyone was trapped in the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, unable to go anywhere. Now it's different. Everyone should go outside, move around properly, and venture forth to achieve greater development," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Next, Ye Yunfei took out a large batch of divine pills and handed them to Ouyang Tao.
Several of Ye Yunfei's clones had been continuously refining pills inside the Phantom Tower, enabling them to produce a steady stream of divine pills.
"You must focus on cultivating those Half-Deities within our Alliance Army who have potential, striving to give birth to more Deities," Ye Yunfei instructed Ouyang Tao.
"Young Master Ye, rest assured. We will pay close attention to every Half-Deity in the Alliance Army. Once we discover those with good talent, we'll immediately cultivate them with all our strength.
Recently, our Alliance Army has given birth to quite a few new Deities," Ouyang Tao said.
"That's good.
What is the current situation in this void realm?" Ye Yunfei nodded and asked.
"During this period, the entire void realm has been very peaceful, with no major incidents occurring.
Moreover, from what I understand, the development momentum of various World Clusters and forces has been quite good. Besides our Alliance Army, many other forces have also produced numerous Deities.
Now, Deities have become very common in our void realm. I feel this is the true Deity Era—a golden age has arrived," Ouyang Tao replied, his tone somewhat excited.
"That's good. This is now the true Deity Era. A golden age belonging to our void realm has indeed arrived," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"However, you must arrange for some people to constantly monitor whether anyone from other void realms outside enters our void realm. If there are any, immediately investigate to determine if they are from the Guardian Faction.
Because the Guardian Faction could make a comeback to our void realm at any time," Ye Yunfei thought for a moment and slowly spoke.
Ye Yunfei understood that the Guardian Faction remained the greatest hidden danger in this void realm.
"Young Master Ye, rest assured. I will certainly follow your instructions and arrange for a team specifically to monitor whether anyone from other void realms outside enters our void realm," Ouyang Tao's expression also turned serious upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words.
He certainly understood the importance of this matter. Once the Guardian Faction returned to this void realm, it would mean disaster for this void realm once again.
Next, Ye Yunfei gave some other instructions regarding affairs before leaving the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds to begin searching outside for materials to refine Advanced Void God puppets.
Every material used to refine Advanced Void God puppets was extremely high-grade, exceptionally rare, and sought after but not easily found.
Over the following period, Ye Yunfei searched through one World Cluster after another, entering every world within each World Cluster.
"Ah, right. I can utilize the Alliance Army's intelligence department to help me find leads," Ye Yunfei suddenly thought of this after searching through several World Clusters. Because he realized that searching through World Clusters one by one by himself was an extremely tedious task. Currently, the Alliance Army had almost established branch outposts in every World Cluster, spread throughout the entire void realm, and had already built a massive intelligence network.
Therefore, Ye Yunfei immediately contacted Kong Lao, listing the high-grade materials he needed on a list, and requested Kong Lao to mobilize the Alliance Army's intelligence network to help him search.
Kong Lao was originally in his previous World Cluster, guiding and helping his former forces develop and grow. Upon receiving Ye Yunfei's order, he immediately dispatched people to convey Ye Yunfei's command to every branch outpost, organizing people at each outpost to help Ye Yunfei search for leads on those high-grade materials.
As for Ye Yunfei himself, he didn't remain idle either, continuing to go from World Cluster to World Cluster.
During the search, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm played a significant role, because members of this clan naturally possessed a highly sensitive perception ability towards various treasures.
However, every material used to refine Advanced Void God puppets was incomparably precious, each belonging to rare treasures rarely seen. Finding any one of them was highly difficult. Therefore, even after traveling through several World Clusters in a row, Ye Yunfei had gained no harvest. So for this situation, Ye Yunfei was already mentally prepared.
If it were really that easy to find, then Wu Dechang back in the day would have already collected a large batch and stored them under that square.
On this day, Ye Yunfei entered a World Cluster, carefully searching world by world.
Rumble...
When Ye Yunfei entered one of the worlds, he suddenly heard a continuous rolling sound of thunder. Then, he saw dense dark clouds and thunderbolts filling the sky in the distance.
"It's actually Brother Meng undergoing his Deity Ascension Tribulation.
That's good. Brother Meng is also about to become a Deity."
Ye Yunfei saw a familiar figure standing under the towering thunderbolts, undergoing tribulation—it was precisely Meng Wu.
"I haven't seen him for a long time, but I never imagined Brother Meng's realm breakthrough would be this fast!"
Ye Yunfei smiled slightly, then took a step and arrived at the area where Meng Wu was undergoing tribulation.
A large group of people had long been stationed there, protecting Meng Wu and preventing outsiders from approaching.
At this moment, Meng Wu's lightning tribulation was ongoing, so Ye Yunfei didn't disturb him. Instead, he stood to the side and watched.
"Brother Meng's accumulation is already sufficient. His tribulation this time is certain to succeed."
After watching for just a moment, Ye Yunfei knew Meng Wu's lightning tribulation this time would definitely succeed.
Sure enough, after experiencing a period of lightning tribulation, Meng Wu successfully broke through, becoming a Deity.
"Excellent!
Young Master Meng, you've finally become a Deity!"
After Meng Wu's lightning tribulation ended, a large group of people immediately swarmed around him—the very ones who had been protecting him earlier.
Ye Yunfei knew Meng Wu came from an ancient and powerful family. This Meng Family had always maintained a very low profile, yet it was an ancient force with an extremely long heritage.
"Brother Meng, congratulations!"
Ye Yunfei took a step and arrived before Meng Wu, smiling as he spoke.
"Brother Ye, it's you!"
Meng Wu was extremely surprised and delighted.
"Brother Ye, please don't make fun of me. Compared to you, I'm far inferior.
Now everyone knows Brother Ye has become the undisputed number one in strength within this void realm.
Brother Ye, how could I have the face to discuss strength before you now?"
Meng Wu then spoke with shame.
"Brother Meng, I just got lucky. With your talent, you're bound to achieve great things in the future," Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
"Forget it, I know my own limits. Anyway, I have no face to mention these things before you, Brother Ye.
Oh, right, Brother Ye, why have you suddenly come here?"
Meng Wu asked.
"I'm searching for some things," Ye Yunfei said.
"Searching for what? Tell me, Brother Ye. This world is where our Meng Family headquarters is located. Within this World Cluster, our Meng Family's strength should be the strongest. I can mobilize Meng Family members to help you search," Meng Wu quickly inquired.
"Then I must thank you, Brother Meng."
Ye Yunfei transmitted the entire list of high-grade materials he was searching for into Meng Wu's Soul Sea.
"Brother Ye, everything you're searching for are all peerless treasures!"
Meng Wu glanced through the Soul Power information Ye Yunfei transmitted to him and couldn't help but be startled.
"Eh? This Heavenly Gang Stone... why does it seem so similar to a batch of strange stones I unintentionally obtained before?"
Meng Wu suddenly let out a soft exclamation of surprise.
"Really? Meng Wu, where are those strange stones you collected? Bring them out for me to see immediately!"
Upon hearing Meng Wu's words, Ye Yunfei felt somewhat excited and immediately spoke.
Up until now, Ye Yunfei hadn't found a single material. Now that he finally had some clues, he naturally wouldn't let it pass.
"According to the description of the Heavenly Gang Stone, it really does resemble a batch of strange stones I once unintentionally obtained within a secret realm. They might very well be Heavenly Gang Stones.
However, I couldn't recognize the origins of those strange stones back then, so I didn't pay much attention to them. I casually tossed them into the family's main treasure vault.
Let's do this, Brother Ye. I'll take you to our family's main treasure vault right now to have a look," Meng Wu said.
"Very well.
Brother Meng, rest assured, I won't take them from you for free. I will definitely offer treasures of equivalent value in return," Ye Yunfei quickly said.
"Brother Ye, given the friendship between us, saying such things feels too distant.
Besides, that batch of strange stones is useless to me. Since Brother Ye knows their origins and uses, it's better to hand them over to you," Meng Wu said.
Then Meng Wu immediately led Ye Yunfei towards the family's main treasure vault.
Shortly after, they arrived before an ancient city of enormous scale.
This city was the Meng Family's most core headquarters, where many of the family's higher-ups resided.
"Young Master Meng, why have you brought an outsider to the family's treasure vault? The family has rules: no outsiders are allowed to enter our Meng Family treasure vault."
When Meng Wu brought Ye Yunfei before the gates of a massive palace, intending to enter, several elderly clan members stopped them.
"This is Young Master Ye from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. Fellow clan elders, my friendship with Brother Ye runs deep. Please let the family make an exception this time," Meng Wu directly revealed Ye Yunfei's identity.
"Young Master Ye from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds? Could it be... Ye Yunfei, the leader of the Alliance Army?"
Hearing Meng Wu's words, those several elderly clan members were all greatly astonished.
"Exactly," Meng Wu nodded.
"This..."
Upon learning Ye Yunfei's identity, the several elders blocking the way all became hesitant.
"Everyone, Young Master Ye is the number one figure in our void realm. It's rare that Meng Wu has such good relations with him. Our Meng Family can take this opportunity to properly establish connections with him. It is absolutely beneficial, not harmful.
Let's do this: we'll immediately report to the Family Head and let him agree to allow him entry," those several elders discussed briefly, then sent messages to various higher-ups within the family.
Not long after, the Meng Family Head personally arrived and respectfully welcomed Ye Yunfei into the family's treasure vault.
"They really are Heavenly Gang Stones!"
When Ye Yunfei saw the strange stones Meng Wu mentioned, he immediately recognized them. The strange stones before him were precisely the Heavenly Gang Stones he had been searching for.
"Family Head, I won't take your Meng Family's items for free. These pills were refined by me. I believe they can allow the Meng Family's overall strength to advance by a significant step," Ye Yunfei said as he retrieved a large batch of pills after putting away those Heavenly Gang Stones and presented them before the Meng Family Head.
Afterward, Ye Yunfei spent some good time catching up with Meng Wu before leaving this world to continue searching for the other materials.