The Ocean Emperor formed of flowing water stood between Ye Zichen and the green-shirted yao. He silently glanced at the yao, then turned to look at Ye Zichen. Are you alright?

Ye Zichen hadnt expected the Ocean Emperor to show up here. In response to his question, he turned to Xue Yang and cupped his fists, a junior greeting his senior. Im alright!

Why are you here? The green-shirted yao started, then looked Xue Yang up and down appraisingly. Ah, so its your avatar. And here I thought your real body was here! What, did you think if you showed up, you could intimidate me?

He seemed proud, even arrogant, and he showed the Ocean Emperor no respect at all.

But the other captive yao didnt dare show any trace of disrespect. Even though this was just an avatar, everyone knew that the Ocean Emperors avatar was an imperial lord-level expert too.

In the face of the green-shirted experts disdain, the Ocean Emperors avatar remained unaffected.

He was fully aware that, even if his true body were here, this captive would react in much the same way.

Had you really hurt him just now, never mind me, Xuan Ji, Emperor Hades, Bian, Chao Feng, the Hermit Emperor, Su Qingyan, Su Wan, Zhao Qianling Im afraid all of them would come. Right, I almost forgot: the newly ascended Lord of Seven Stars, the Master of the Big Dipper, would come too, and shed be utterly furious, laughed the avatar.

The yaos arrogant smile froze. He batted his eyes and looked rather dazed. The kids even got ties with those two fox grannies?

The Ocean Emperors avatar laughed but said nothing. The yao then turned to Ye Zichen, who stood there in silence, a bitter smile on his lips. The yao had naturally guessed that Ye Zichens status was rather unusual, but he suddenly felt as if hed kicked a hornets nest.

Every last expert the Ocean Emperors avatar mentioned was a major power capable of intimidating the masses. Four great emperors in charge of a whole Divine Mountain, Xuan Ji of the Profound Pavilion, and the empress and clan head of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.

And there was no need to even discuss Emperor Hades!

Of this bunch, he was most familiar with the two nine-tailed foxes. Hed interacted with them entirely due to their connection to the Five Elements Great Emperor. The details of their interactions and connection were a long story. It was also because of an incident that happened back then that he referred to Su Wan and Su Qingyan as grannies.

In short, of the people Xue Yang mentioned, he was most afraid of the two foxes.

Also, the Lord of Seven Stars. The former Lord of Seven Stars was the commander of the countless stars of the night sky. Their position was even higher than that of Chao Feng, the man whod established the Star Altar.

But the former Lord of Seven Stars had fallen ten thousand years ago. He hadnt guessed that

The new Lord of Seven Stars was connected to Ye Zichen, too.

Little fellow The yao expert turned to Ye Zichen and shook his head. I suddenly see you in a whole new light.

Youre exaggerating, Senior. Ye Zichen grimaced.

But what of it? The yaos expression took a sudden turn. Even if all of you showed up, what could you do to me? I cant beat you lot, but I can hide, cant I?

He grinned, his smile suggesting that he had something up his sleeves.

If the aforementioned great emperors attacked in unison, never mind the yao in green; even the three Realm Emperors would be in for a headache.

Despite himself, Ye Zichens eyes widened in unconcealed shock.

Hide?

If the great emperors wanted to find someone, they could find them, no matter where they hid. Yet this yao said, with the utmost confidence, that they couldnt even touch him!

Also, the Ocean Emperor had just called him Venerate Spirit Treasure!

If you hide away in your shell, its true that theres nothing we can do to you, but do you really want to return to those days of endless darkness? laughed the Ocean Emperors avatar.

Hmph! The green-shirted yao snorted noncommittally.

Spirit Treasure, dont get upset. You really ought to thank me; I saved your life, didnt ? Xue Yangs avatar sighed, seeming rather exasperated. You were trying to trick him out of his divine artifacts, werent you?

The yao instantly lost his temper. What do you mean, trick? He wanted to work with me! We were making a legitimate business deal!

Fine, fine, a legitimate business deal. The Ocean Emperors avatar didnt argue. He simply shook his head and laughed. Do you have any idea what you were asking for just now?

What? asked the green-shirted yao.

The Ocean Emperor didnt answer. Instead, he turned to Ye Zichen and nodded. Go on and summon the Xuan-Yuan Sword. Not even hell be brave enough to ask for it then.

What a joke. Are there really treasures that I, Venerate Spirit Treasure. the yao snorted in disdain, but halfway through his sentence, he froze. Wait a minute. I didnt mishear you just now, did I? The Xuan. Xuan-Yuan Sword?!

As Venerate Spirit Treasure stood there in a daze, Ye Zichen summoned his sword.

The Ocean Emperors avatar was here, and hed seemed completely certain that Venerate Spirit Treasure wouldnt dare ask for his sword. Naturally, there was no reason to hesitate. He did as he was told and summoned his sword.

It released dazzling golden light, bathing the whole second layer of the dungeon in a layer of shimmering gold.

The instant Venerate Spirit Treasure saw it, the blood drained from his face. His reaction was even more exaggerated than when he saw the Yao-Sealing Pagoda.

But what was really unbelievable was this peak experts legs were now trembling uncontrollably, his hands covered his mouth, and his skin had gone bright red. His eyes were bulging, so much so that they seemed liable to pop right out of his head.

Even after all these years, the Xuan-Yuan Sword has such an influence on you? It seems you really learned your lesson back then. Venerate Spirit Treasures reaction didnt surprise the Ocean Emperors avatar in the slightest. On the contrary, he smiled as if this were well within his expectations. Even if we offered it to you, would you dare take it?

Why wouldnt I dare Venerate Spirit Treasure forced himself to look up, but when he saw the Xuan-Yuan Sword, his words trailed off mid-sentence.

A long time passed before the yao gnashed his teeth and cried out, I dont want it!

Thats right. Actually, when I heard you ask for the treasure on his arm, I considered not showing up at all. The Ocean Emperors avatar laughed.

It seems I really havent lost my touch. I took one look at you and knew you had treasures on you, I just didnt realize that you had far more treasures than I expected. You even have the Xuan-Yuan Sword! Venerate Spirit Treasure was still gnashing his teeth.

Senior

Before Ye Zichen could even finish his sentence, Venerate Spirit Treasure cut him off. Dont call me that! Youre my senior! Kid, you really were sent from above just to torment me, huh? You dont just have the Five Elements Great Emperors Yao-Sealing Pagoda; you even have the Xuan-Yuan Sword!

Sen-

Stop with that polite nonsense. Im in a bad mood, so hurry up and leave!

But our cooperation

What cooperation? Scram! Get out of here before my mood gets even worse! And next time you show up, youd better be careful, or I might lose my temper just like the guy downstairs!

What kind of cooperation? asked Xue Yangs avatar.

Ye Zichen hesitated for a moment, then explained. After learning the details, Xue Yangs avatar smiled. Spirit Treasure, you dont want to cooperate?

So what if I dont? Do you dare touch me? asked Venerate Spirit Treasure.

I don't dare, but. the avatar chuckled. Someone here does. Young Friend Ye, how about you summon the Xuan-Yuan Swords artifact spirit?