The instant Ye Zichen moved, Black Dragon arrived at Su Yan and Su Liuers side.

Emperor Ye, youre too hasty.

Before Gu Li left, he and Black Dragon exchanged a series of transmissions. Given their understanding of Ye Zichen, even if he wanted to escape, there was no way hed leave the Su sisters behind.

It was this thanks to this belief that Gu Li felt comfortable leaving them here.

Ye Zichen stopped, then glanced at Black Dragon. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled at the demon king. Who knows?

Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Black Dragon couldnt help but frown.

How could he smile at a time like this?

This was strange; he had to be up to something.

Consider the situation: Gu Li went to resolve his subordinates; internal dispute; the problem would be resolved before long. Once that happened, their armies would once more surround the forces of the Three Realms.

Black Dragon was still keeping a close eye on the Su Sisters. It would be difficult for Ye Zichen to take them with him.

Ye Zichen ought to be frantic by now. Why was he smiling? Why was he so relaxed?

Emperor Ye, you live up to your reputation. Youre calm and composed even at a time like this, said Black Dragon. Even though Ye Zichens smile made him hesitate, the two sisters were still useful bargaining trips. He still didnt understand Ye Zichen was up to, so he couldnt afford to lose his head.

If Im calm, its all thanks to you guys, said Ye Zichen with a relaxed smile. I was originally just an ordinary person from the Modern Realm but you people put me through so much adversity. After all that, its only natural that Ive grown accustomed to this sort of thing.

Emperor Ye is no mere ordinary person, laughed Black Dragon.

It doesnt matter whether Im ordinary or not. Given the time, Gu Li ought to have reached Jiangchen by now, Ye Zichen squinted in Gu Lis direction.

Hearing this, Black Dragon felt inexplicably nervous. He instinctively spread his spiritual power, enveloping the Su sisters within and sealing off the surrounding space.

Once hed done this, he sighed in relief. However, not even he knew why his peace of mind was so dependent on maintaining control over his two captives.

Are you finished? said Ye Zichen with a grin.

It hadnt been easy to calm himself down. Now, hearing Ye Zichens question, Black Dragon tensed up again. Doubt. Ye Zichens behavior filled his heart with doubt.

He knew hed just sealed off the surrounding space.

But Ye Zichen was still smiling.

Black Dragon felt a sudden wave of anxiety but soon got it under control. Emperor Ye, he laughed, dont you think this sort of petty psychological warfare is awfully dull?

It is rather dull, but isnt it also rather useful against you? Ye Zichens lips were pressed into a grin, his eyes narrowed into slits.

He glanced at Black Dragon, cocked his head to the side and laughed, suspicion is core to your being. Youve always taken advantage of this trait to seek out opportunities, havent you? However, to tell the truth.. This time, Im not using psychological warfare.

Oh?

Black Dragon arched his brows. Hed said all that, yet insisted it wasnt psychological warfare? Black Dragon couldnt believe it.

Dont trust me? Take a look behind you, then. Are Su Yan and Big Sister Liuer still there?

His playful confidence left Black Dragon at somewhat of a loss.

He couldnt turn around and look.

Black Dragon inwardly chastised himself. Hed been so tense, hed hastily sealed off the space surrounding Su Yan and Su Liuer. Now, his spiritual awareness couldnt penetrate the seal so he couldnt check on them.

He repeatedly urged himself not to look back. However, Ye Zichens calm smile left him somewhat apprehensive.

It was fine; he could take a look.

Hed just have to be quick.

He whipped his head around, only to see that Su Yan and Su Liuer were right where he left them. He instantly realized hed been tricked. Furthermore, he sensed danger coming from behind.

Bang!

Their fists collided.

Both of them were pushed back several steps. Ye Zichen swung his left arm and grinned.

Tch, my dear Black Dragon, your strength has risen awfully fast lately. How did you manage it? Do you mind telling me?

Ye Zichen, do you really like playing petty tricks so much? Even at a time like this? Black Dragon snorted and frowned deeply. Ye Zichen wanted to catch him off guard? It wasnt a bad idea, but the results were less than impressive.

I have no other choice! Im facing the Black Dragon. How could I survive without petty tricks? Especially since Im injured. You get it, right? Ye Zichen feigned helplessness, then shrugged.

Besides, arent these tricks rather effective? Youre so suspicious, you surely wont turn back and look again.

Is there any point saying all that? Even if I look, so what? Wont you just fail again? snorted Black Dragon

What a pity, said Ye Zichen regretfully. That was my chance! Its such a shame I let it slip through my fingers. That said, my dear Black Dragon, what I actually wanted to tell you was: this time, Su Yan and Big Sister Liuer truly arent there. If you dont believe me, turn around and look for yourself.

As he spoke, he winked at Black Dragon, his expression extremely convincing.

Do you really think Id believe that?

Black Dragon wouldnt fall for the same trick twice. Earlier, Ye Zichens strange behavior confused him. Hed been at something of a loss, otherwise he never would have turned around.

By now, he was certain that Ye Zichen had nothing left up his sleeves. Did he really think Black Dragon would fall for that again? Did Ye Zichen think he was three years old? He was still the commander-in-chief of the demon army. Falling for his tricks once was embarrassing enough.

Ye Zichen arched his brows in response. You dont believe me?

He turned as if about to leave. If you dont believe me, theres nothing I can do about it. Dont say I didnt warn you. Big Sister Liuer and Su Yan arent here anymore, so theres nothing holding me back. Im going to leave..

Forgive me for not seeing you off. Black Dragon was indescribably confident. No one understood you better than your enemies. Ye Zichen understood Black Dragons suspicious nature, but he understood Ye Zichen as well.

He knew how much Ye Zichen valued the Su sisters.

He couldnt possibly leave them behind. Even if he left, it was clearly some sort of act. He was just trying to catch Black Dragon off guard.

In battles between experts, even minor slip-ups could be fatal.

For instance, when hed risked a backward glance earlier, hed almost fallen for Ye Zichens ploy. This time, Ye Zichen was definitely up to something; he likely wanted to find a chance to end Black Dragon once and for all.

Black Dragon didnt believe Ye Zichen at all.

Well, Im off!

Ye Zichen truly turned and walked off all by himself. As he watched Ye Zichens departure, Black Dragon grinned confidently.

Hed definitely be back.

He didnt even consider turning around. That is until Ye Zichen was on the verge of disappearing from his line of sight.

Wasnt his acting a little too realistic?

Was he really just going to abandon them? Was he really just going to abandon the blood-soaked warriors of the Three Realms?

He couldnt believe it!

Ye Zichen, that brat, was definitely plotting something!

His confidence vanished once more. After a brief, hesitant pause, he made up his mind and looked over his shoulder again..

The Su sisters..

Had disappeared!