The forces of the Three Realms sudden disappearance caught their enemies completely off guard. The blood zombies whose targets had vanished stood, wide-open mouths dripping with sticky saliva as they looked around in a daze. Similarly, the bare-armed demon warriors examined their surroundings in confusion.

It seems they werent fated to die today, Gu Li snorted sinisterly to himself, then curled his lips and gazed at the space their enemies had once occupied.

Black Dragon nodded subconsciously. However, after a moment, he tensed up and took a few steps away.

Before, their cooperation was based on the premise that the Three Realms were their common enemy.

Now their mutual enemy had vanished. Who would ultimately claim the outskirts of the Immortal Region? Now theyd have to face this conflict of interests head-on.

My dear Black Dragon, what are you going? Sensing Black Dragons change, Gu Li shrugged. Were in an alliance, do you really need to defend yourself against me?

Hah.. Black Dragon laughed coldly.

Alright, I understand your concerns, Gu Li smiled calmly and shrugged once more. You cut off all means of retreat and brought your entire race to attack the Three Realms. I imagine you need this territory far more than I do. I dont need the Immortal Region so Ill take my troops with me and leave it for you.

Despite everything Gu Li just said, Black Dragon remained on high alert.

Its settled. Ill be on my way, then. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Gu Li turned and glanced meaningfully at Jiangchen.

The blood zombies gradually withdrew from the battlefield. Before long, you could only see a handful of them throughout the entire outer regions. Only the demon horde remained behind.

Seeing that Black Dragons grave expression hadnt changed, Gu Li smiled. See that? Black Dragon, this is a token of my sincerity.

It seems it wont be possible to reach an agreement now so Ill be on my way. However, Id still like to maintain our cooperative relationship. Our battle against the Three Realms isnt over until Ye Zichen is dead. Black Dragon, I imagine this little chunk of land isnt enough to satisfy you? The outer Immortal Region is broad and rich in resources, but it isnt quite enough to support the entire demon race.

Theres need to concern yourself with that, snorted Black Dragon

Im not overly concerned; Im just warning you of the goodness of my heart, said Gu Li through narrowed eyes. Well then, I wont delay your rest any longer. In a few days, I'll return to Maple City to meet with you. We can work out the details of our attack plan then. How does that sound?

At that moment, Black Dragon spread out his spiritual awareness. It soon enveloped the entire Immortal Region.

To his surprise, this was no mere trick.

You really did withdraw all your troops. Youre here all on your own; everyone else present belongs to my demon race. Youre not worried that Ill never let you leave?

Afraid? Of course Im afraid, said Gu Li, feigning timidity. You ought to know full well how much I fear death. However, since were cooperating, I naturally have to express my sincerity. I said it earlier, this is my sincerity. Furthermore, Black Dragon, youre a righteous person, a hero of your generation. You naturally wouldnt harm me at a time like this, would you?

Hmph. Black Dragon snorted softly. Go on then.

Your Excellency, youve yet to give me an answer, said Gu Li.

Black Dragon naturally understood Gu Lis intentions; he was referring to what hed said earlier about returning in a few days to discuss strategy. Given that someone had instantly whisked away the entire enemy army, he had no choice but to re-evaluate the enemys strength.

If they had such an expert in reserve, he had no choice but to cooperate with Gu Li.

Fine, come see me then.

Well then, Im looking forward to working with you, said Gu Li, grinning. But before I leave, theres something I should warn you about.

What is it?

Su Yiyun hosts the Literati Star, while Ye Zichen.. Is the Emperor Star.

Black Dragon froze despite himself, then sneered. Didnt you say earlier that you were the Emperor Star? You even offered to extend Brother Sus life. You tried to recruit one of my people right in front of me. Weve yet to settle that particular score and now youre already trying to provoke me again?

Im not trying to provoke you, Gu Li narrowed his eyes. Its true, I am the one who illuminated the Emperor Star, the future Lord of All Creation. But surely youve heard that the heavens choose two emperors? If not, you ought to consult your clans ancient texts. You might learn something.

Enough. If you ever hope to leave this place, hurry up and get out of my sight.

Fine, fine, Ill go. Sensing Black Dragons rage, Gu Li didnt waste words. But before I go, I need to make sure you understand: the Literati Star is one of the Emperor Stars four main Auxiliary Stars. His mission to help the emperor ascend to the throne; he is incapable of doing otherwise. Furthermore, Su Yiyun and Ye ZIchen were extremely close back in the Modern Realm. If you dont believe me, you can ask Li Mine. He refused my offer earlier, so well.. Ill let you figure out what that means yourself.

Scram.

Fine, fine, Ill scram, but Black Dragon..

Scram!

Rumble.

In an instant, Black Dragon unleashed his full power. Sensing this overwhelming pressure, Gu Li grinned and disappeared into the air.

For a long time, Black Dragons chest heaved with fury. Finally, Li Mine returned, pushing Su Yiyuns wheelchair.

Whats wrong?

Su Yiyun seemed back to normal. He wasnt sweating anymore. Even so, they all knew this was yet another sign of his impending death.

When Black Dragon looked at him, Gu Lis words echoed through his consciousness.

Although he was suspicious by nature, he truly didnt want to suspect Su Yiyun.

It was Su Yiyun who rekindled the flames of his ambition, who found a new home for the demon race, who made them strong enough to attack the Immortal Region.

It was fair to say that everything that happened to the demons in the past year.

Was all thanks to Su Yiyun.

Yet, based on what Gu Li just said, Su Yiyun might be working with Ye Zichen. He couldnt understand. If that were true, why was Su Yiyun still pretending otherwise?

Between his techniques and Ye Zichens reserves, they could easily defeat the demon race, couldnt they?

He was inwardly confused. He didnt want to believe it.

Its nothing, said Black Dragon. That bastard just really pisses me off. Just wait; once weve taken the Three Realms, Ill show him a thing or two.

He didnt tell the truth.

He was too suspicious; he couldnt tell the truth.

You must not get too close to that Gu Li, said Su Yiyun. Dont forget what he did to you and to our entire demon race.

With that, Li Mine pushed Su Yiyuns chair away. The moment they turned around, Black Dragon sighed inexplicably.

It seemed hed best believe Gu Li!