In the tranquil hall of the Ye residence, the senior members of the Ye family gathered together.
At this moment, Ye Tian had disclosed the predicament he found himself in with the Hundred Poisons Sect, and since these were his kin, he withheld nothing.
"A sect on par with the Divine Star Sect…" Ye Meng, Ye Ba, Li Tie, and others were left astounded.
"I apologize; it is all my fault for dragging the Ye family down!" Before Ye Tian could finish, he was interrupted by Ye Shi.
"Without you, our Ye family would have perished long ago. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have achieved what we have today. You bear no blame in this matter," Ye Shi said solemnly.
"Indeed, you are the head of our Ye family. Regardless of the challenges we face, we shall bear them together!" Ye Feng added gravely.
Ye Ba, Ye Meng, and the others nodded in agreement. They bore no resentment towards Ye Tian; anyone who ventured outside would inevitably attract enemies, and that was unavoidable.
Ye Shi turned to Ye Tian and said, "I understand your character. Now that you have returned, you must have a plan. Speak up; we shall follow your lead."
Ye Feng, Ye Meng, and the others also looked expectantly at Ye Tian.
Upon hearing this, Ye Tian took a deep breath and replied earnestly, "My plan is to lead the Ye family and the Ye family army, along with their families, away from Ye City. The remaining residents will be merged into Blood Jade City, and I will communicate with the lord of Blood Jade City."
"You intend to abandon Ye City!" Ye Meng's expression darkened as the others grasped Ye Tian's implication but remained silent.
At this point, Ye Tian's might had solidified; even the senior members of the Ye family felt a sense of pressure in his presence, except for Ye Meng, who had no reservations as a father.
"Ye City must be forsaken; otherwise, when the Hundred Poisons Sect arrives, everyone will perish," Ye Tian remained silent while Ye Shi spoke up first.
"Though it pains me to part with it, we have no other choice!" Ye Feng sighed.
The men of the Ye family displayed sorrowful expressions; this small city was the fruit of their labor, and the thought of abandoning it tugged at their hearts.
Ye Tian understood their sentiments; he too felt reluctant but knew it was necessary. He resolutely declared, "Rest assured, given time, I will undoubtedly build an even stronger Ye City in the future."
"Indeed, we believe in you!" The senior members of the Ye family nodded. Over the years, Ye Tian had proven his potential through his actions, making the prospect of constructing a grand city entirely feasible.
"Ye Tian, once we abandon Ye City, where shall we go?" Ye Shi inquired.
The others appeared curious as well; this was a critical matter. While the Hundred Poisons Sect could not eliminate Ye Tian, they would surely seek revenge on his family, increasing their peril.
In response, Ye Tian stated, "I plan to send you to the Duke's City. I am on good terms with the Thirteenth Prince, and as long as you remain there, the Hundred Poisons Sect will not dare to harm you."
"The Duke's City!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Shi and the others were enlightened; in Nanlin County, the Duke's City was indeed the safest haven.
Ultimately, the greatest power in the Great Yan Kingdom remained the royal family; other sects, be it the Divine Star Sect or the Hundred Poisons Sect, would not dare to offend the royal family.
This was because the ruler of the Great Yan Kingdom was a formidable Martial King, whose authority was unmatched, universally recognized as the strongest in the realm.
Moreover, the royal family possessed the most formidable strength.
While the Hundred Poisons Sect was at odds with the Divine Star Sect, they would not dare to commit murder in the Duke's City; otherwise, they would face the wrath of the Great Yan Kingdom's military, leading to their utter annihilation.
In Ye Tian's view, the Ye family would be safer in the Duke's City than anywhere near the Divine Star Sect.
Of course, this would require the assistance of the Thirteenth Prince.
Thinking of the Thirteenth Prince, a glimmer of light flashed in Ye Tian's eyes. In his recollection, the Thirteenth Prince was a clever individual who would undoubtedly recognize his potential, making him likely to offer assistance.
Ye Tian's objective was to shine brilliantly in the upcoming inner sect competition; the more formidable his displayed talents, the greater the protection the Ye family would receive.
After discussing plans with the Ye family, Ye Tian need not concern himself with the subsequent arrangements; the Ye family would mobilize the residents of Ye City. Upon hearing they could relocate to Blood Jade City, the simple folk were overjoyed, caring little for the reasons behind it, and readily agreed.
A month later, Ye City was left deserted.
Ye Tian, accompanied by the Ye family and the Ye family army, marched resolutely towards the Duke's City.
Many of the Ye family men cast a lingering glance back at Ye City, their eyes glistening with unshed tears. The entire procession fell into a solemn silence, enveloped in an air of melancholy.
"Fear not, I, Ye Tian, swear to the heavens that one day, we shall return. When that time comes, Ye City will rise as the largest and most prosperous city in the Great Yan Kingdom."
Feeling the sorrow of his kin, Ye Tian bellowed, his voice infused with true essence, echoing through the skies.
As his words faded, Ye Tian drew forth his mysterious iron blade, soaring into the air, and unleashed a flurry of dazzling blade radiance upon the earth before the gates of Ye City.
The members of the Ye family gasped in astonishment, only to realize that Ye Tian was inscribing words at the city gates.
"Whoever destroys the Hundred Poisons Sect shall be none other than I, Ye Tian!"
Gazing upon these eleven imposing characters brimming with murderous intent, everyone felt a surge of renewed spirit and regained confidence.
In the sky, Ye Tian, wielding his blade, left an indelible memory in the hearts of all.
...
Three months later, in a certain region of the Great Yan Kingdom, beside a vast river, the waters surged tumultuously.
The remnants of the Baili family, led by Baili Changfeng, appeared here, preparing to cross the river.
"Patriarch, once we cross this river, we shall leave Nanlin County behind," an elder of the Baili family remarked to Baili Changfeng.
"Leave…" Baili Changfeng's gaze sharpened as he deeply regarded the direction of Nanlin County, determination gleaming in his eyes. "One day, I shall return, and no matter who you are, I will not let you escape."
"Third Elder, how goes the matter I entrusted to you?" Baili Changfeng subsequently inquired of the Third Elder beside him.
"Following your orders, I have dispatched someone to inform a Hundred Poisons Sect stronghold. Given their influence in Nanlin County, they will undoubtedly uncover that boy's identity, and we shall be notified in due course," the Third Elder replied.
"Good!"
Baili Changfeng nodded in affirmation.
...
In Nanlin County, Duke's City.
This was an immensely grand city, resembling a colossal ancient beast lying in repose, emanating an overwhelming aura that instilled a palpable sense of oppression in those who approached.
"A mere city possesses such grandeur!" Ye Tian remarked, slightly taken aback.
He then entered the city.
Ye Tian had arranged for the Ye family to stay at a location outside the city and had come first to discuss matters with the Thirteenth Prince.
Though it was his first visit to Duke's City, Ye Tian quickly learned the whereabouts of the Thirteenth Prince's residence and made his way there directly.
As one of the most favored sons of the Southern Forest King, the Thirteenth Prince's abode was remarkably opulent and extravagant.
"Who goes there? This is the Thirteenth Prince's residence; idlers must refrain from entering!" barked the four guards at the gate, their eyes gleaming.
Upon seeing this, Ye Tian's heart sank; these four were all Martial Sovereigns. He clasped his hands and said, "I beseech the esteemed elders to inform the Thirteenth Prince that his disciple, Ye Tian, has arrived."
"Ye Tian?" One of the Martial Sovereigns looked at Ye Tian in astonishment.
"You are Ye Tian? Come in, the Thirteenth Prince has instructed that as long as you are here, you may enter the royal residence freely."
The four Martial Sovereigns stepped aside, allowing him passage.
Ye Tian was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head, feeling a sense of reassurance about what lay ahead. Since the Thirteenth Prince valued him so highly, he would surely not refuse any of his requests.
"Ye Tian?"
"Why have you come here?"
Not long after, in the grand hall of the royal residence, Ye Tian beheld the Thirteenth Prince rushing in, his face alight with astonishment.
"Weren't you in the Star Poison Mountain Range? How is it that you have time to visit me?" After exchanging pleasantries, the Thirteenth Prince inquired with curiosity.
Ye Tian replied gravely, "I have matters that require your assistance."
"Hmm?" The Thirteenth Prince's gaze sharpened; it was the first time he had witnessed such seriousness from Ye Tian. In his memory, Ye Tian was not one to seek help from others, and his journey across vast distances to the Duke's City clearly indicated that something significant had transpired.
"What is it?" The Thirteenth Prince's expression turned solemn.
Ye Tian recounted the events surrounding the murder of Yi Xuehan. After all, it was only a matter of time before the Hundred Poisons Sect discovered that he was responsible for Yi Xuehan's death, so informing the Thirteenth Prince in advance was of little consequence.
"Ah... I know of Yi Xuehan. He is reputed to be the foremost genius of the Hundred Poisons Sect and recently advanced to the Martial Sovereign realm. You truly killed him?" The Thirteenth Prince gasped, staring at Ye Tian in disbelief.
Ye Tian offered a faint smile, unleashing a powerful aura that enveloped him in a golden glow, exuding an immense pressure.
"The second layer of the Nine Revolutions Battle Body!" The Thirteenth Prince's eyes widened in shock, gazing at Ye Tian as if he were a monster. "You truly are extraordinary; to have mastered the second layer so swiftly, it is no wonder you possessed the strength to slay Yi Xuehan."
"Now that you are aware of my situation, I require your protection for my family. As for the Hundred Poisons Sect, I will handle that myself," Ye Tian stated firmly, revealing the second layer of his Nine Revolutions Battle Body to garner the Thirteenth Prince's respect.
"That is easily arranged. As a prince, I have the authority to command a personal guard of fifty thousand. Your Ye family comprises fewer than twenty thousand; consider them my personal retinue, and none shall dare to harm them," the Thirteenth Prince readily agreed. However, he added a cautionary note: "The Hundred Poisons Sect is exceedingly formidable; you must exercise caution. If possible, you might leverage the influence of the Divine Star Sect."
"Indeed, I have my own plans," Ye Tian nodded, fully aware of the Hundred Poisons Sect's capacity to rival the Divine Star Sect.
"I suspect that it won't be long before your identity is revealed. Do you still intend to venture to the Star Poison Mountain Range?" the Thirteenth Prince asked next.
"Absolutely; I must go. I have heard that the Star Poison Mountain Range not only harbors spirit stone veins but also the Bodhi tree of demonic origins. I require a means to enhance my strength, and such a place is not to be missed," Ye Tian responded.
"Very well, take care of yourself. I shall await your triumph in the inner sect competition a year from now, where I expect you to claim the top position on the Divine Star Rankings," the Thirteenth Prince did not try to dissuade him, knowing well the immense pressure Ye Tian faced and the necessity of rapid advancement.
"Then, until we meet again in a year."
Ye Tian clasped his fists in farewell and subsequently departed from the royal residence.
A few days later, the Thirteenth Prince sent word to bring the members of the Ye family into the Duke's City.