Zi Yun froze. He hadnt anticipated Ye Zichen would threaten him in such a way.

Jadewave Citys Zi Family had fallen, and all of them were in the demons hands.

Given Zi Yuns cultivation and methods, thoughts of saving them on his own were nothing but the ravings of a madman. Even if the elders woke up and their wounds knit back together, they had no chance at all.

A marriage alliance with Violet City was already out of the question. Now, it seemed Ye Zichen and the Great Sage were their only hope.

Despicable, said Zi Yun through gnashed teeth. He clutched the box containing the fragment.

If saying that makes you feel better, go ahead and say it, said Ye Zichen with a hint of a smile. Im no saint, nor am I the type to take pity on every unfortunate soul in the world. Its true: my methods might be a little on the despicable side. But then, youre not familiar with Gu Li or his methods. I, on the other hand, have crossed paths with him more than once, and I know him better than anyone. If I attempt to save your family, there will be peril at every turn. Youre asking me to risk my life. Trading your clans lives for an object that you cant possibly protect, that will only bring you further calamity. Dont you think youre coming out ahead?

Ye Zichen shrugged, and a hint of a somewhat less than righteous smile flashed across his face. For various reasons, I absolutely must obtain this Divine Mausoleum key fragment. It doesnt matter how dangerous it is, or whether you call me despicable or not. Give it to me, and your family lives. If you refuse, dont blame me for being heartless.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Zi Xia bit her lip as she stood between them. She had no idea what she was supposed to be.

Zi Yun frowned, then turned to the Great Sage. Supreme Treasure, arent you supposed to like my sister? Are you just going to watch as her entire clan perishes?

A long time passed in silence. The Great Sage averted his gaze and said nothing.

s

Hmph. See, Zi Xia? This is your beloved Supreme Treasure. In order to reach their goals, theyll resort even to threatening our family. Look at his cold, heartless expression. Youve sure waited for him in vain, said Zi Yun with a furious snort.

I dont think theyve done anything wrong, said Zi Xia, even in the face of her brothers icy taunts. She simply smiled calmly, then explained, Theyre right: our Zi Family cant possibly protect the key fragment. For a poor man, possessing a priceless treasure is a sin; itll only invite trouble. Weve always understood this principle. If the key fragment is what brought us this calamity, why shouldnt we give it to them?

Even you

What about me? Say it? Zi Xia turned to her brother and sneered. Big Brother, its like youve gone insane. Everything you say is irresponsible and contradictory. Youre the one who begged Supreme Treasure for help, and now, youre the one pointing the finger at him? Youre the one who forbade me from being with him, as well as the one who agreed to let us be together. What do you think I am? What do you think Supreme Treasure is? Are we nothing but tools, pawns with which you can protect the clan?

What the hell do you know!

Its true that I dont understand, but I dont need to understand. The true problem is right in front of you: do we give the key to Supreme Treasures friend and let him save our clan? Or do we keep it, or do we let this become the anniversary of our familys deaths, the day we burn incense at their graves? Its that simple.

Zi Yuns expression instantly froze, and he rubbed his hands together, deep in thought.

Dont be fooled: although Ye Zichen presented as cold and indifferent, on the inside, he was nervous. He was afraid that Zi Yun would steel himself and refuse to give him the key fragment.

Just now, the Great Sage had stood there in silence, but Ye Zichen was sure.

There was no way hed just let the Zi Family die. Given his feelings for Zi Xia, it just wasnt possible. Furthermore, Ye Zichen couldnt possibly be as cold as he pretended to be. Even if it were just for Zi Xia and the Great Sages sake, hed have to help either way.

But at the same time, he absolutely had to obtain the key fragment. One way or another, he needed to get his hand on it.

In order to disguise his nervousness, Ye Zichen leaned back into a chair and crossed his legs. He gazed ahead, his gaze cold. He subconsciously reached into his bag and pulled out a cigarette.

Time inched on, second by second.

The room was so quiet, they could hear every breath. In Ye Zichens heart, each breath felt like the ticking of a clock, or some kind of countdown. Tick, tock, tick tock...

As time passed, he grew more and more anxious. Several extinguished cigarette butts were lying scattered around his chair.

How can you guarantee the entire Zi Clans safety? said Zi Yun, arching his brows and meeting Ye Zichens gaze.

I cant guarantee that. Ye Zichen stomped on a cigarette butt, fully extinguishing it, then rose from his chair. I dont know what Gu Li has arranged for us, and when weve clashed in the past, Ive never once held the absolute advantage or had any assurance of victory. Please forgive me, but I cant answer your question.

Then you.

I said Id keep your clan alive, not that Id keep every single one of them alive. Ill do everything in my power to save your parents, siblings, and other immediate relatives. As for your retainers, servants, and guards, Ill consider the situation, and save them if and only if its not too dangerous.

Ye Zichen paused, then met Zi Yuns gaze. Perhaps that sounds unfair, but then, this world has always been unfair. On the battlefield, only generals, kings, and nobles receive protection. No one goes out of their way to protect ordinary soldiers. This is the advantage of status.

Now, its the same for your family. All I can do is give my utmost to save the most important of them. As for the others, the best I can do is grieve silently for them, but you cant blame me for their fates. At the end of the day, its your Zi Family that led them to harm, not me. Im just here doing business with you, thats all.

Then why shouldnt I just give the fragment to the demons? asked Zi Yun.

You can if you want to. Its entirely possible that the demons will take it and go. Gu Li has at least that much credibility.

In that case.

But I said, I absolutely have to obtain that fragment! Ye Zichens tone took a sudden turn. If you give it to him, Ill seize it. If that happens, and you or your family gets hurt, you cant blame me for it.

Alternatively, you can go under Gu Lis protection. He could surely arrange you a residence in the Demon Realm. Youd be safe from me there. So, here are your choices: the God Realm or the Demon Realm. Make your decision!

Zi Yun fell silent again. A while later, he looked up and nodded. Alright, I agree, but I wont give you the fragment until my family is safe.

Thats perfect. I look forward to working with you!

s

___

Jadewave City, the Zi Family estate.

Ever since leaving Violet City, Gu Lis expression had been unsightly. Ye Zichen!

His brows were tightly knit. He stared at his enraged, hideous expression in the mirror, then narrowed his eyes. His two attendants were the only other people in the room with him.

Pass on my orders. He explained his plan through gnashed teeth. Once theyd gone, Gu Li rose and looked out the window at the dusky, moonlit sky. Youre always acting against me. Now, you even had to kidnap An Lu! Gu Li clenched his fists, snorting in fury. Whatever you do, dont you dare disappoint me. You definitely have to come! So long as you dare stand before me, Ill ensure you never, ever leave!