Ye Zichen led his grand procession of twenty rulers from the south of the city to the eastern gate.

En route, all the ordinary cultivators could sense his groups overbearing presence.

Everyone who encountered them instinctively stepped aside, then watched their departure from the side of the streets.

Boss, over here! Wei Jie pointed at a not particularly large building.

Although it wasnt overly large, every inch of land here was worth a fortune. This residence, humble as it was, had taken an enormous amount of resources and great pains to purchase. Of course, it wasnt even remotely comparable to Upheavals base down in the Lower Lands, but it was at the very least enough to support the gangs growth up on the Divine Mountains.

Ye Zichen stopped, then turned to Yang Jian. Watch my expression. Ill signal my commands with my eyes.

The rulers nodded. Ye Zichen took a deep breath, then walked inside.

Since Upheaval had only just barely begun establishing itself on the Northern Divine Mountain, there werent many new recruits. Most of those present were ascenders. The new recruits were mostly servants, or earth-supreme-level guards.

When the servants and guards saw Wei Jie, they bowed at the waist.

Are the guests still inside? Wei Jie casually asked a servant woman.

She immediately set aside what she was doing and said softly, Yes, theyre still there.

Wei Jie waved, indicating that she could get back to work. His eyes met Ye Zichens.

The Xiao Family members were up ahead.

To tell the truth, Ye Zichen felt rather uneasy. After all, whatever else you said about them, the Xiao Family was one of the strongest, most influential clans in the God Realm. Hed always thought of the Xiao Family as a stepping stone on his path to power, but hed always thought hed establish Upheaval first, then deal with them.

The Xiao Familys sudden appearance disrupted Ye Zichens plans.

He now had to meet them head-on!

Wait for me outside. Wait for my signal. Ye Zichen twisted his neck, then went inside. As soon as he did, he saw a group of around two hundred people. All of them had made themselves completely at home. There werent enough chairs for everyone, so only the higher-ups could sit. Those standing to the sidelines were all ordinary clansmen.

An aged figure sat in the chair in the center of the room. His face was covered in wrinkles, and he held a steaming cup of tea.

As soon as Ye Zichen stepped inside, he attracted everyones attention. The elder set down his tea, then gazed appraisingly at Ye Zichen. He seemed to be thinking something, or perhaps recalling something.

After a while, his expression shifted dramatically. The old man looked at Ye Zichen. You are.

Interesting, laughed Ye Zichen. You came here looking for me, didnt you? But now that Im here, you dont even recognize me?

So, youre Ye Zichen?

None other. Ye Zichen nodded. Might I ask your name, and why youve led so many people here?

This is the leader of our Xiao Family, the Master of Tribulation Lightning, the Lightning Emperor, Xiao Ting! How dare you not bow upon seeing our emperor? said a youth.

Despite the youths rebuke, Ye Zichens expression didnt change in the slightest. He smiled faintly at the seated elder. Although he looked calm, his heart was in turmoil.

It was him!

It was this old man whod stopped him from entering the God Realm all those years ago.

During his lightning tribulation, it was this old man whod artificially increased his tribulation, almost killing him. It was because of this old man that Su Yiyun died.

Now, theyd finally met in person.

Internally, Ye Zichens heart was pounding and his chest was heaving, but on the outside. So, youre the master of tribulation lightning. Ive been longing to meet you.

Arent I the same? I hadnt thought that, despite all my efforts, you still made your way up here, said Xiao Ting.

Speak. Why are you here? Could it be that youre planning to fix your mistake of letting me ascend? Ye Zichen laughed. Are you planning to make up for it now and kill me here?

I considered it, said Xiao Ting. But thats not why Im here today.

Oh?

I heard my worthless son ran all the way over here. Give him to me. If you do, Ill take him and be on my way.

You must be joking, Emperor, laughed Ye Zichen. You say your son is here? Thats your heir! Even if youre looking for an excuse to visit me, shouldnt you come up with something more reasonable?

So, you refuse to give him up?

I dont have him in the first place, so how can I give him to you? Ye Zichen laughed amiably. Are you trying to make trouble for me?

Xiao Tings expression contorted continuously, and his lightning-like aura billowed outward. His intense, oppressive gaze pierced into Ye Zichen, and he let out a sinister grin. It seems that letting you ascend was indeed a mistake on our Xiao Familys part. Since you refuse to give up my son, well, I cant return home empty-handed. You. are coming with me!

Whoosh!

The Xiao Family members gathered around him, their expressions fierce.

Ye Zichens expression was as flat as ever. He stood in their center, taking in their ferocity. He turned to Xiao Ting and chuckled. Emperor, what do you mean by this? Please, do me the honor of accompanying me to my residence for a few days, said Xiao Ting.

But were not friends, or even acquaintances, laughed Ye Zichen.

That doesnt matter. We can get to know each other over the next few days. After all, my Lightning Emperors Estate is quite hospitable. Besides, Ive stayed at your place for a while now; its only fair that I return the favor and invite you to stay at my place in turn.

Im afraid I cant refuse, said Ye Zichen. He shrugged helplessly, but he was still smiling.

A hint of admiration flashed through Xiao Tings eyes. Shockingly, he smiled too. No wonder you were able to cause so much trouble for the Xiao Family so shortly after ascending. Quite a few of our clansmen have died at your hands, huh?

Who asked them to try and trample all over me? Was I just supposed to take it?

Oh no, of course not. Xiao Ting laughed inexplicably, then glanced meaningfully at his followers. But this time, Im the one whos going to trample all over you

Naturally, I still refuse to take it, laughed Ye Zichen.

Is that so?

If you dont believe me, why dont you try it?

Xiao Ting didnt respond. Instead, he gestured to his followers.

Ye Zichen no longer hesitated. He clapped and called out, Come on in, everyone.

Instantly, Yang Jian, Pu Jingwan, and the twenty rulers appeared inside. Their twenty-plus ruler auras filled the air. The Xiao Family members were instantly visibly terrified.

Those closest to Ye Zichen retreated instinctively. Pu Jingwan and Yang Jian took their usual places directly beside Ye Zichen.

At the same time, Ye Zichen shrugged and laughed calmly, I dont particularly enjoy visiting others homes. How about you stay here with me, instead? We can take our time and get to know each other.