Ye Zichen used a calming technique on Lil Tiantian then carried her back to her room. Perhaps she was truly exhausted; she fell into a deep slumber almost immediately.

Although she was asleep, she continued muttering to herself. Judging from the shape of her lips, she was calling out mommy.

His heart ached.

Tiantian was still a child. Shed only just barely reunited with her mother and now they had to part again? This pain was obviously far too much for a child to bear.

Ye Zichen sighed softly and rubbed her cheek, then tucked her in. Once she was settled, he turned and left the room.

Puff.

Ye Zichen breathed out a mouthful of smoke. He had a lit cigarette in-hand, its end glowing bright orange against the night sky. The ground beneath his feet was covered in cigarette butts.

It had been a long time since hed last smoked so heavily. He only squatted in the corner, smoking cigarette after cigarette, when an insurmountable problem weighed heavily on his mind.

The Xiao Family.

Although there were a few Xiao Families in the Immortal Region as well, they were nothing but minor family clans. They werent strong enough to act wantonly at the Heavenly Court.

It was obvious that the Xiao Family Tiantian referred to was from the God Realm. To his knowledge, there was only one Xiao Family there: the emperor clan responsible for managing tribulation lightning.

Ye Zichen didnt understand why such a powerful force was so intent on making trouble for him.

It was the Xiao Family that sent tribulation lightning during his ascent to godhood, shattering his nascent godhead. They almost killed him.

And now they descended to the lower realms to kidnap Xiao Yumei and Change. What on earth were they up to?

He distractedly snapped his cigarette in half. Terrifyingly dense killing intent radiated from his body.

Youre still up? But its so late. Why are you sitting there smoking?

Zuo Mo walked through the gates to the courtyard. When she saw the mess of cigarette butts on the ground, she frowned. Are you worried about the demon invasion?

Ye Zichen glanced at her calmly, then fished his box of cigarettes out of his pocket. He was just about to light another cigarette when Zuo Mo reached out and snatched it away.

Those are bad for your health.

As she spoke, she reached out expectantly.

Despite himself, Ye Zichen smiled bitterly. He placed the box of cigarettes into her hand with a shrug, then stretched, scattering the cloud of cigarette smoke.

Its so late, yet you havent gone to bed either? What are you here for?

Do you really think I have that much free time? Zuo Mo put the cigarette she swiped earlier back into the box, then placed her hands behind her back. While you were fighting the demons, our Treasure Tower was transporting supplies to the battlefield. I just got here with the last shipment. Id planned on getting some rest but I couldnt quite sleep. I decided to just go for a stroll. This is my first time in Dragon Race territory, after all.

Thats what she said, but Ye Zichen didnt believe a word of it.

Especially the part about going for a stroll.

Ye Zichens residence was quite far from the Dragon Races material reserves. If Zuo Mo was simply on a stroll, why had she come all this way? It didnt make sense.

But he didnt refute her. He simply smiled and said, sorry for the trouble.

What trouble? She waved his words away.

Ye Zichen arched his brows. All those supplies cant have been cheap, he said. Your Treasure Tower must have lost a lot of money!

Without lips, teeth freeze, she said. Even I can understand that. If you are defeated, no amount of money will save us. Were helping you for our own sake as well.

It would be great if those other merchants were so enlightened. Back at Lin Xihes wedding..

He got halfway through his sentence, then came to a sudden stop.

Lin Xihe was dead.

His mood sunk. Zuo Mo was confused; she didnt know what had happened. Given Zhao Zizhaos recent betrayal, she assumed Ye Zichen simply pitied Lin Xihe.

Lin Xihe isnt that fragile.

Thats true, she absolutely isnt. Ye ZIchen forced a smile, but Zup Mo easily saw through him. What are you trying to say?

Nothing. He laughed and waved her concerns away. I was just acknowledging that youre right. If she were weak, how could she become a city lord? Shes the only female city lord in the outer Immortal Region.

Big Sister Xihes never taken a backseat to men. Thats why shes always been my role-model.

A smile tugged at Zuo Mos lips. Then she arched her brows and said, thats right, you were there during the battle, so you ought to know where Big Sister Xihe is. Could you take me to see her? I miss her.

She.. Ye Zichen paused. She was injured during the battle, so its best you dont disturb her. Let her rest for a while.

Injured? What happened? Is it serious? asked Zuo Mo, suddenly frantic.

Its not particularly serious, she just needs some time to rest, replied Ye Zichen.

Good. By chance, the goods I brought include numerous divine medicines. Ill have the Dragon Race give some to Big Sister Xihe, Zuo Mo nodded and muttered to herself.

Ye ZIchen didnt want to linger on this subject, so he shifted gears. Then the goods you brought this time.

Thats exactly what I wanted to talk about, she said in response. Just now, I brought all the bombs weve manufactured over. Weve tested them; ordinary human immortals will be unable to bear their explosive might.

Thats great! Ye Zichen clenched his fists. The demons are currently cooperating with Gu Lis subordinates, the Zombie Progenitors. They have the advantage in terms of numbers. Acquiring a supply of explosives is absolutely wonderful news.

Thats right. I also ordered some of my subordinates to immediately build a factory within Dragon Race territory. The next time we go to battle, well be able to produce a practically limitless supply of ammunition.

Great. He nodded repeatedly. His spirits rose somewhat after getting this good news.

With enough gunpowder, those guys will be in for a real treat. He waved his arms as he spoke. As he moved, his wounds flared with pain. He couldnt help but gasp.

A path of red spread from his chest. When Zuo Mo saw this..

You..

Theyre minor wounds. Its nothing. Give me a few days to recover and Ill be good as new, said Ye Zichen. He smiled, then returned to the subject at hand. How many explosives did you bring? How long will it be before the factory can start production?

Tens of thousands for now, said Zuo Mo, and if we give it our all, the factory will be ready in three days.

Great, thats wonderful! Ye ZIchen smilled. No wonder cold steel was gradually replaced with firearms. Theyll give us an enormous advantage. Demons, zombies just wait! Before long, youll eat our explosives!