No one present knew quite what to make of Emperor Hades words. Ye Zichen and Xue Mo looked at each other, and saw utter bewilderment in each others eyes.

They were bros, nothing more. They hadnt become lovers or anything like that.

It seemed like Emperor Hades had overthought their relationship, but as juniors, they couldnt argue to his face.

Xue Yangs expression was unsightly, and his gaze was practically locked onto Ye Zichen.

The more he looked at his son-in-law, the angrier Xue Yang got. Hed actually had a pretty good impression of Ye Zichen, not now, he saw nothing but flaws no matter where he looked.

This is just great. He took it seriously! Even Ye Zichen could see the displeasure in Xue Yangs eyes.

He smiled and nodded, but all he got in return was a cold glare.

Haha, Old Man Xue, you really took me seriously! Emperor Hades burst into laughter. I was just joking. Look at you! I actually just wanted to tell you that Ye Zichen possesses two of the God Realms top treasures. He lives on your Northern Divine Mountain, so take care of him, alright?

Hmph. Divine Artifacts belong to the strong. If he isnt strong enough to protect his treasures, he might as well give them away. I dont have the time to watch him all day. Xue Yangs gaze was still unfriendly. He glared at Emperor Hades, then continued, I represent the Sea of Innocence in agreeing to forge an alliance with you. Ill send one of my incarnations in two weeks. Farewell.

He cupped his hands, then rose to his feet. Little Mo, follow me.

Dad, Ill just go back with Ye Zichen, said Xue Mo.

What are you talking about? Follow me. Without letting Xue Mo get in another word, Xue Yang waved his sleeves, and a beam of polar energy whisked Xue Mo away. The two of them turned into a beam of light and disappeared from Emperor Hades secondary residence without a trace.

The atmosphere was unbearably tense.

Ye Zichen shrugged as he watched them leave. Su Yiyun felt that something was a bit off, too.

Only Emperor Hades

Emperor Hades, Xue Mo and I are just good bros! Ye Zichen couldnt help but explain himself.

I know that, of course. Emperor Hades nodded calmly. Ive lived for so long. Its only obvious that I can discern the nature of your relationship.

Then you.

I did it on purpose! Emperor Hades shrugged and laughed. I said it just now: I was joking! Who knew hed be so stuffy and take it so seriously?

Emperor Hades seemed completely calm, as if none of this mattered to him. And for him, it really didnt matter. Hed already successfully accomplished his goal of forming an alliance with the Northern Divine Mountains Sea of Innocence.

In just a few weeks, Xue Yang would, as promised, send his avatar to keep watch over the River Styx. Emperor Hades had succeeded.

As for whether Xue Yang was angry or not, well, that had nothing to do with him.

....

Ye Zichen had nothing to say in regards to this great emperors irresponsible attitude. He cupped his fist respectfully and said, If theres nothing else, this junior shall take his leave.

Go on, go on, but for now, youd best stay in the Lower Lands. Thatll make it more convenient for you to come pick up the Xuan-Yuan Sword.

Was there really any need for you to tell me that? Ye Zichen muttered internally. With the Xuan-Yuan Sword in Emperor Hades hands, there was no way he could just leave.

Ill wait here, then. Im looking forward to it.

Hm. When you come to pick it up, Ill resurrect that Chen Guangfa kid and send him off with you.

Farewell for now, then.

Emperor Hades chuckled and watched Ye Zichen leave. As soon as Ye Zichen faded from view, the emperors expression darkened. Yiyun, while I was in seclusion, did any of the divine spirits or vicious beasts disobey your orders?

Yes. Su Yiyun nodded.

Lets go, then. As your master, Ill help you handle them. Those guys have lived in peace for too long. They must have forgotten who their master is!

..

After leaving the River Styx, Ye Zichen headed straight for Raging Flame City.

Upheaval and the Parliament of Stars had fused a full year ago. Ye Zichen knew about that. Both factions had built their headquarters in Raging Flame City. After checking in on the gangs affairs with Wei Jie and the others, Ye Zichen had a rough idea of what was going on, so he let them return to work.

Why did you descend to the Lower Lands? After Ye Zichen and Zuo Mo broke through the ambiguous veil separating them, they lost their former reservations.

Zuo Mo wore a thin silk dress and carried a platter of fruit up to Ye Zichen, then sat down right on top of him.

Ye Zichen pressed his lips into a smile and grabbed a piece of fruit. I went to the River Styx. A friend I made on the Divine Mountain died, so I went to ask Emperor Hades to revive him.

You can bring back the dead? exclaimed Zuo Mo.

Ye Zichen nodded slightly, then asked, How are things going with the information network? Also, how is the trade association we established getting along?

Although we established it a little late, due to Upheavals power, the various family clans are giving us a baseline of respect. Weve monopolized roughly eighty percent of the trade in the Lower Lands. Zuo Mo smiled as she replied, but Ye Zichen knew that their Trade Associations enormous success had a lot to do with her efforts.

Otherwise, Upheavals strength alone wasnt enough to shake the Skyspan Trading Companys position.

After explaining the trade companys status, Zuo Mo continued, Our information network currently covers all the Lower Lands, and of the Divine Mountains, only the Northernmost lacks coverage. However, we should be able to extend our reach up there within a few days. As far as equipment goes, I established a factory as soon as you returned from the Lower Three Realms. Before long, our first batch should be ready to go out into the world.

Ye Zichen hadnt predicted such rapid development. It seemed that having capable subordinates could really save an enormous amount of trouble.

Now he just had to wait for the first round to finish production. Then all he had to do was promote them. Before long, cell phones would spread to even the Yao and Demon Realms.

Also, Ye Zichen had an in with Emperor Hades. He could use the emperor to pull the other great emperors into a chat group.

Once he instilled a bad habit of sending each other red packets, all he had to do was lurk in the group and swipe them. Wouldnt that be wonderful?

Not bad at all. For the near future, make sure you pay attention to the network, not just the trade association. Has anything strange happened in the Lower Lands recently? A few yao and demons recently arrived on the Divine Mountain. If this happens again, I want to know as quickly and accurately as possible.

Thats simple. All I have to do is train a few intelligence officers. Ill select them from our subsidiary bases as well as the trade association. Zuo Mo nodded in response.

If youre taking care of it, I can relax. Ye Zichen put his hands on her waist, only for his phone to buzz.

He fished his phone out of his pocket and tapped on his social media app. He saw the message at the top of the screen immediately.

But when he saw it, he froze like a statue.

It wasnt the message itself that was so shocking, but rather the person whod sent it.

Taibai Jinxing!