Underground, Ye Yunfei stood atop the Earth Dragon's head as it streaked through the earth with lightning speed.
Ye Yunfei took out a Message Jade Slip and continuously sent messages to the Sect Leader of the Houtu Sect.
The effectiveness of sending and receiving messages with a Message Jade Slip was related to the quality grade of the jade slip itself and the distance between the two parties.
The closer the distance, the faster and more effective the message transmission.
Therefore, as the Earth Dragon gradually drew closer to Mu Prefecture, Ye Yunfei repeatedly attempted to send messages to the Houtu Sect Leader, hoping he would receive the information promptly.
Meanwhile.
Mu Prefecture, Houtu Sect headquarters.
Recently, the Houtu Sect's development had been extremely rapid.
Since the Sect Leader became a Primordial Soul Realm master, the Houtu Sect had already become the most powerful force in Mu Prefecture!
High-ranking members from various other sects and clans came one after another, bearing generous gifts to pay their respects.
Before leaving, Ye Yunfei had left behind a sizable batch of precious elixirs and Dao pills. During this time, a large number of sect members continuously broke through in cultivation.
Their overall strength kept rising.
In short, the sect presented a thriving and prosperous scene!
On this particular day.
Within the main assembly hall of the headquarters.
The Sect Leader had gathered the sect's senior members to discuss sect affairs.
"I wonder how Su Ye and Du Fan are doing now," the Sect Leader suddenly said softly.
"If Su Ye were willing to stay with our Houtu Sect, he could undoubtedly lead us to heights beyond our imagination.
Alas, our Houtu Sect is too small a stage to keep him here."
The Sect Leader sighed ruefully.
He missed Ye Yunfei deeply.
One must know that Su Ye had only been with the Houtu Sect for about a month, yet he had at least doubled the sect's overall strength.
The methods he displayed were simply heaven-defying!
"Sect Leader, there's no need to feel sorrowful.
Although Su Ye has already left the Houtu Sect, he will always be someone who rose from our ranks.
Moreover, he holds genuine affection for our sect.
With his talent, he is destined to become a renowned figure throughout the Xuanhuang Star Domain in the future.
At that time, our Houtu Sect will effectively have gained a powerful patron!"
Yan Tianzong spoke up.
"Elder Yan, well said!
My perspective was too narrow!
Hahaha…"
Hearing Yan Tianzong's words, the Houtu Sect Leader suddenly felt enlightened and laughed heartily.
At that moment.
"Sect Leader! A massive force is heading towards our Houtu Sect headquarters in a grand procession.
It looks like they are targeting us!"
Suddenly, a deacon rushed anxiously into the assembly hall, reporting to the Sect Leader in a flustered tone.
"Oh?
A massive force is coming towards our Houtu Sect?"
The Sect Leader couldn't help but be taken aback.
"Could it be another faction from Mu Prefecture coming to curry favor and build connections with our Houtu Sect?"
An ordinary Elder speculated.
Recently, many large and small forces from across Mu Prefecture had continuously come to pay homage to the Houtu Sect.
"No.
Something is off about this.
If a force from Mu Prefecture came to establish ties with us, they wouldn't need to send such a large contingent.
Pass down the order. Activate all the formations at the headquarters immediately.
The headquarters is to enter a state of alert!
Regardless of their purpose, it's better to be prepared!"
The Sect Leader considered for a moment before issuing the command.
Following the Sect Leader's order, the entire headquarters entered a state of readiness.
A large group of robust members gathered together, ready to face an enemy at any moment.
"Let's go. We'll take a look."
The Sect Leader, accompanied by the sect's senior members, rose into the air and stood mid-sky above the headquarters, gazing into the distance.
Boom...
In the distant sky, a massive force roared forward.
The shouts of men and the neighs of beasts shook the heavens, their imposing aura formidable.
It was the forces of the Tianzhou Liu Family!
"Surround the Houtu Sect!"
A black-robed Elder at the lead waved his hand and shouted.
Immediately, the massive force surged forward in a grand procession, encircling the Houtu Sect headquarters in moments.
"Activate all the formations!"
Sensing the unfavorable situation, the Sect Leader roared.
Boom boom...
Within and around the Houtu Sect headquarters, one formation after another shimmered into existence.
These formations were all arranged utilizing earth energy combined with the terrain and topography, making them quite powerful.
"Who are you people? Why are you attacking our Houtu Sect!"
The Sect Leader's voice rang out loud and clear.
"We are from the Tianzhou Liu Family! Su Ye, your Houtu Sect's Holy Son, is vicious by nature, perpetrating countless evils and conspiring to harm members of my Liu Family. This is a capital offense!
Not only is Su Ye guilty, but the Houtu Sect must also be held accountable—punishment will extend to the nine generations of your clan!
All members of the Houtu Sect, come out immediately, kneel, and accept your punishment!
Otherwise, my Liu Family's army will flatten your sect, leaving not even a chicken or dog alive!"
The black-robed Elder took a step forward, his voice thundering.
Infused with spiritual power, his voice rolled out and echoed across the heavens and earth.
"Forces of the Tianzhou Liu Family!"
Hearing the black-robed Elder's words, the Houtu Sect members couldn't help but gasp in shock.
The Tianzhou Liu Family—that was a powerful great clan, far stronger than the Houtu Sect.
"Esteemed Elder, might there be some misunderstanding here?
It's true that Su Ye is our sect's Holy Son. He only just enrolled in the Heavenly Dao Academy less than a month ago. How could he have possibly offended your Liu Family?"
Gritting his teeth, the Sect Leader stepped forward and asked respectfully.
"Explanations are useless.
If your Houtu Sect obediently follows my instructions, you might retain a sliver of hope for survival.
But if you dare to resist, you will be annihilated in an instant.
Su Ye is not only your Houtu Sect's Holy Son; his true identity is Ye Yunfei from the Tianxuan Continent.
Not only does our Liu Family seek to settle accounts with him, but within the Xuanhuang Star Domain, the Ancient Demon Race, the Tianji Sect, and a host of other factions are also after him.
Your Houtu Sect's association with Ye Yunfei means catastrophe is at your doorstep."
The black-robed Elder sneered.
"What?!
Su Ye's true identity… is Ye Yunfei from the Tianxuan Continent?"
Upon hearing this, the Houtu Sect's senior members were collectively stunned.
"The Ye Yunfei from legend, who killed several thousand Grotto-Heaven Realm experts in our Xuanhuang Star Domain?"
The Houtu Sect Leader asked.
The name Ye Yunfei had long since spread throughout the Xuanhuang Star Domain.
"Indeed.
Precisely that Ye Yunfei."
The black-robed Elder coldly affirmed.
"So Su Ye was Ye Yunfei all along!
No wonder his origins were so mysterious!"
Every single senior member of the Houtu Sect was utterly shocked.
"Enough.
Now, a final chance. All members of the Houtu Sect, come out, kneel, and accept punishment!
Otherwise, you will all die!"
The black-robed Elder's voice turned harsh as he barked the order.
"Sect Leader, what should we do now?"
All the other senior members looked towards the Sect Leader, their faces filled with anxious inquiries.
For the moment, the Sect Leader found it difficult to make a decision.
"So Su Ye… was Ye Yunfei after all…"
The Sect Leader gave a bitter smile.
"Very well. It seems your Houtu Sect has chosen to resist stubbornly.
In that case, kill them all!"
The black-robed Elder's face darkened. With a wave of his hand, he shouted the command.
"Kill!"
The Liu Family forces pounced ferociously like wolves and tigers, charging into the Houtu Sect headquarters.