Guided by Snow Sister, Ye Yunfei's group walked along the main street, appearing rather inconspicuous.
However, Snow Sister's identity was quickly recognized.
'Look! It's Duanmu Xue from the Sacred Domain's Duanmu Clan! It's said she reached the Early Soul Formation Realm at a young age, and has even cultivated her clan's ancestral Thousand Cold Technique to the sixth level. She once crossed realms to defeat a mid-stage Soul Formation Realm expert!'
Many young warriors gazed at Snow Sister, discussing her in hushed, subdued tones.
Thus, wherever Snow Sister's party went, numerous warriors made way, none daring to block her path.
Many other powerful young talents of her generation also proactively greeted her.
The Duanmu Clan was one of the more formidable major clans in the Sacred Domain, and this Snow Sister was a young prodigy of the clan, making her all the more popular.
Furthermore, this Duanmu Xue possessed extraordinary beauty and an outstanding aura, akin to a goddess descending from the moon palace, attracting countless heated glances from young male warriors.
Yan'er's attention, however, was completely fixated on the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm.
'Young Master, what exactly is the name of this little worm of yours? What do you usually feed it? Is it difficult to take care of? What does it like to do most? Young Master, how about reconsidering and selling it to me? I'll have Elder Sister give you a large sum of spirit crystal stones, guaranteed to satisfy you! …'
Like a curious child, Yan'er asked Ye Yunfei question after question.
She was only fourteen, doted on from childhood within her clan, her temperament still that of a child—innocent and filled with wonder. Whenever she discovered something novel and interesting, she would instantly grow fond of it.
Ye Yunfei was starting to get a headache from her questioning.
Hearing Yan'er continuously call him a 'little worm, little worm' had long since infuriated the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, so it simply closed its eyes and turned away, opting for 'out of sight, out of mind'.
A moment later.
Under Duanmu Xue's guidance, they arrived at a massive plaza.
In one corner of the plaza stood a towering, sinister-looking black palace.
Around the palace, at least several dozen spirit-gathering formations had been set up, attracting and concentrating the demonic energy essences from the surrounding heavens and earth, channeling them continuously into the palace.
Simultaneously, dozens of isolation formations were also deployed around the palace, isolating it from all external disturbances.
Therefore, the noisy environment around the palace could not affect its interior in the slightest.
Sitting cross-legged around the palace were dozens of Ancient Demon Race experts exuding sharp demonic auras.
Among them, three were at the mid-stage Soul Formation Realm, and seven at the early-stage Soul Formation Realm!
Additionally, dozens possessed strength at the late-stage Yuan Soul Realm!
These Ancient Demon Race experts sat guard around the palace in all directions, vigilantly watching over it.
Within the plaza, several tall, elevated platforms had been constructed, furnished with tables and chairs.
Some distinguished young talents of notable background and formidable strength directly ascended these platforms to take their seats.
'The Ancient Demon Race's Fourth Prince is cultivating in seclusion in that palace, striving to break through his realm,' Yan'er quietly told Ye Yunfei, pointing at the black palace.
'Yan'er, let's go to that platform,' Duanmu Xue said to Yan'er, taking the lead towards one of the platforms.
To be eligible to ascend and sit on these platforms within the plaza, one required a certain level of status and position.
'Come, let's go up together,' Yan'er said to Ye Yunfei.
'Yan'er, this young master is not from our Duanmu Clan. He cannot keep following us,' Duanmu Xue frowned, a hint of displeasure in her tone.
'Snow Sister, let him come up with us. Just this once,' Yan'er pleaded.
Fond of the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and finding Ye Yunfei interesting after their chatty journey, she simply wanted Ye Yunfei to accompany them onto the platform for more conversation.
'Fine,' Duanmu Xue reluctantly agreed.
She knew her little sister had been exceptionally persistent ever since childhood. If she didn't agree, Yan'er would never let it go easily.
'However, Young Master, let me remind you: those who can ascend these platforms each possess formidable strength, noble status, and significant backgrounds. You must be careful not to offend anyone; otherwise, even I might not be able to protect you.'
Duanmu Xue looked at Ye Yunfei, speaking solemnly.
Throughout the journey, seeing her innocent sister behaving so intimately with this strange man had put her on alert long ago, fearing her naive sister might be deceived. She resolved internally to find a way to send Ye Yunfei away after the ceremony concluded.
Soon, led by Duanmu Xue, they ascended one of the platforms.
A troop of Ancient Demon Race personnel guarded this platform. Upon learning Duanmu Xue's identity, their attitude immediately became respectful, enthusiastically inviting her party up.
Duanmu Xue led her Duanmu Clan members to find seats. The platform was quite spacious, with ample seating.
Ye Yunfei also found a seat nearby and sat down.
Elder Feng, Tang Wu, and Tang Biao all stood behind Ye Yunfei.
All three knew that a terrible battle was inevitable after Ye Yunfei's arrival in the Demon Domain. Thus, they were tense and highly vigilant, surveying the surrounding Ancient Demon Race members.
As soon as Ye Yunfei sat down, Yan'er came over and sat right beside him.
Seeing this, Duanmu Xue's brows furrowed slightly, but she ultimately did not intervene.
'How about reconsidering and selling this little worm to me?' Yan'er said to Ye Yunfei, her ultimate goal still being the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm.
'Not for sale,' Ye Yunfei answered bluntly.
He could tell that this young girl had been pestering him all along precisely because she wanted the silkworm.
'You… I'm just a little girl! Can't you yield to me? I don't care, I'm buying this little worm no matter what!'
Yan'er pouted, speaking insistently.
While Ye Yunfei and Yan'er were talking, the other young talents on the platform came over one after another to greet Duanmu Xue.
Especially the young male talents, they all swarmed over, enthusiastically engaging her in conversation.
Duanmu Xue was one of the renowned prodigies of the Sacred Domain, backed by the powerful Duanmu Clan and possessing exceptional beauty. Naturally, she was very popular.
Although Duanmu Xue had a rather cool temperament, every young talent who could ascend this platform had an extremely prominent background. She could not afford to be overly dismissive.
Particularly, one man in a blue robe, waving a folding fan—handsome, tall, and suave—stood right beside Duanmu Xue, lavishing her with attention.
Though inwardly displeased, this blue-robed man was a core disciple of the Sacred Domain's Yinyue Sect, one of the ancient great sects of the Sacred Domain. Thus, Duanmu Xue had to patiently endure his presence.
'Lady Duanmu, is that your younger sister over there? Could you introduce us?'
Suddenly, the blue-robed man pointed at Yan'er and spoke to Duanmu Xue.
He was simply trying to make conversation.
'Yes, yes, Lady Duanmu, introduce your sister to us. It's said you two sisters are the twin golden flowers of the Duanmu Clan, each exceptionally gifted. You are destined to soar into the heavens in the future, becoming personages renowned throughout the region!'
The gazes of the other men around also turned towards Yan'er as they all chimed in.
Though Yan'er was young, she had already blossomed into a great beauty in the making, destined to become another breathtakingly gorgeous woman. The eyes of the young men on the platform brightened one after another.
'Alright,' Duanmu Xue relented, nodding.
'Yan'er, come here,' Duanmu Xue called.
'Snow Sister, you all chat among yourselves. I'll just sit here,' Yan'er replied, seeing over a dozen young men crowding around Duanmu Xue. Finding them rather unpleasant, she had no desire to go over. She then turned back to continue talking with Ye Yunfei.
Seeing Yan'er being so intimate with Ye Yunfei, Duanmu Xue's pretty face turned cold.
'Lady Duanmu, who is he? Is he another young genius from your Duanmu Clan?'
The blue-robed man suddenly pointed at Ye Yunfei and asked.
'No. I'm not aware of his identity either. We merely happened to meet him halfway, and he followed us here,' Duanmu Xue answered.
'What? A chance encounter? And he followed you two sisters here?'
To the ears of those present, Duanmu Xue's words took on a different meaning.
It seemed this fellow had taken a fancy to the Duanmu sisters, used an excuse to get close, persistently clung to them, and followed them here!
Immediately, the gazes the young male prodigies on the platform directed at Ye Yunfei turned hostile, as if they had encountered a rival in love!
'Hmph! I know most of the young geniuses within the Xuanhuang Star Domain. I don't recall seeing someone like him in my memory! Could it be that this fellow has an ordinary background and relied on you, Lady Duanmu, to sneak onto this platform?'
The blue-robed man's gaze towards Ye Yunfei turned increasingly unfriendly.
'Exactly! I have no impression of this person whatsoever!'
'To ascend this platform and sit here, one must possess corresponding strength and status. Not just any stray cat or dog has the right to come up. If this guy lacks the proper strength and status yet has still snuck up here, it's an insult to us.'
…
The other young prodigies also began to regard Ye Yunfei with cold eyes, each offering a contemptuous sneer.
Every young talent on this platform was arrogant and high-minded, holding themselves in high esteem. How could they permit some ordinary, low-status fellow to sneak in and mix among them?
'I'll go question him. If he doesn't have the corresponding strength and status, as punishment, I'll break his arms and legs before throwing him off this platform.'
A tall, lean young man sneered as he walked towards Ye Yunfei.