Upon hearing this, the upper echelons of the Ye Family flew into a rage. "You arrogant bastard!"

They accused in unison, "Do you have any idea what crime you have committed? Are the members of our Ye Family yours to slaughter as you please?"

"You must kneel at once and atone with your blood!"

"The Zhao Family Head fell because of you! Today, I will wash away this sin with your blood."

"The Lin Family Head also died because of you! Today, you will pay this blood debt with your life."

In the great hall, apart from the Ye Family, there were also high-ranking members of the Zhao and Lin families. Today was not only a day of vengeance for the Ye Family, but for the Lin and Zhao families as well.

Angry curses filled the air, yet none of it affected Chen Zheng's mood in the slightest.

He lightly uttered a single word, "Noisy."

Immediately, an immense and boundless aura erupted from him. In an instant, the entire hall was enveloped by this power. Everyone's expression changed, and they were rendered speechless.

BOOM!

At that moment, an equally formidable pressure burst forth from Ye Badao. The two auras met and intertwined in mid-air.

Only then did the others feel the crushing weight on their bodies lighten, but they dared not speak another word. It seemed they had finally realized they were facing a Grandmaster-level expert.

"There's no doubt about it. You've reached the late Grandmaster Stage!" Ye Badao's voice was as cold and deep as a winter wind.

Chen Zheng did not respond. He simply waited quietly, anticipating Ye Badao's next move.

However, to his surprise, Ye Badao made no move to attack. His aura gradually stabilized, and then he suddenly spoke. "Chen Zheng, you will die today! Not only you, but the Li Family, and everything you have in Yun City, will be reduced to ash!"

Chen Zheng's brow furrowed. He remained silent, but an ominous premonition washed over him, a feeling that he had overlooked something crucial.

"However, you still have one chance!"

Ye Badao's voice rang out again as he produced a jar from his robes. Inside, a thumb-sized insect wriggled back and forth. The creature was a deep black, similar to a woodlouse, but its smooth, dark shell gave it a mysterious allure.

"This is the Heart-Devouring Gu from the Miao territory. Swallow this Gu, and I can spare you. However, everything you possess—including your very life—will belong to the Ye Family!"

The upper echelons of the Ye Family all watched him with cold eyes; no one dared to contradict Ye Badao. In the Ye Family, he was like a sovereign in the sky. His every word was a command carried on the wind, and all had to obey.

Within the deep courtyards of the Ye Family, much hatred for Chen Zheng was hidden, a hatred Ye Badao shared. After all, his own son had been cruelly killed by Chen Zheng.

However, Ye Badao's pursuit of personal gain was even more tenacious. In his view, as long as Chen Zheng lived and could be forced to serve the Ye Family, it would represent the greatest possible profit.

"Do you think I would agree to such an offer?" Chen Zheng glanced at Ye Badao, his tone indifferent.

"Of course, you can choose to refuse, but I advise you to consider it carefully," Ye Badao said, exuding confidence as he waved his hand.

Immediately, a projection screen slowly descended behind him. Suddenly, the projection flickered to life, revealing a handsome and suave man.

"Family Head, the mission is accomplished."

Ye Badao nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Chen Zheng. "Allow me to introduce you. This is a late-stage Grandmaster from our family, Ye Diwu."

A jolt went through Chen Zheng's heart as he finally realized his oversight. He now understood that besides Ye Cangtian, the Ye Family had two other Grandmasters. And yet, aside from Ye Badao, there were no other Grandmasters present in the hall.

At this moment, the camera angle on the projection shifted, revealing Ye Diwu's full figure. Behind him stood a familiar great hall.

"The Li Family!" Chen Zheng's voice was as sharp and cold as an ice blade in winter.

Without a doubt, the projection was displaying the magnificent great hall of the Li Family. Its senior members were gathered there, but their situation was dire; they were like deer at the edge of a cliff, completely surrounded.

Blood dripped from the corner of Li Chen's mouth, his expression resolute as he supported an injured Li Cangyun. Beside them, Li Yitong's face was ashen. Furthermore, about a dozen Ye Family members encircled them like wild beasts.

"Indeed, the Li Family!" Ye Badao stepped forward at that moment, his tone grave. "Chen Zheng, did you really think you alone could compensate for the loss of a Ye Family Grandmaster?"

"You overestimate yourself!" Ye Badao's tone grew even colder. "My offer still stands. If you are willing to consume the Heart-Devouring Gu, you can leave here alive. That includes your family in Yun City, and even Li Yitong and the others."

"But if you remain obstinate... not only will you die, but the Li Family, along with your friends and family in Yun City, will pay the price."

"Think carefully!"

Having said his piece, Ye Badao fell silent, watching Chen Zheng quietly.

In that instant, a storm raged within Chen Zheng, and a fire of pure fury burned in his heart. Never before had he felt such a potent desire to kill. The only thing that kept a sliver of his composure intact was the knowledge that Yun City was, for the moment, safe.

Chen Zheng's gaze was as sharp and biting as a winter blade, piercing straight through Ye Badao. A thick killing intent surged through him, like a beast straining at its leash.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Still can't decide?" Ye Badao's smile was as bright and warm as the spring sun. He spoke softly, "Diwu, give him a hand."

"Understood," Ye Diwu responded indifferently.

Then, he suddenly reached out.

"Ah!"

A woman's shriek pierced the air. Li Yitong's body flew toward him uncontrollably, like a leaf caught in a gale, before he seized her by the neck.

BOOM!

At that moment, Chen Zheng's heart erupted like a volcano. He could no longer conceal the wild power within him. His aura raged through the Ye Family's great hall like a tempest, plunging it into chaos.

"Hahaha…" Ye Badao finally let out a satisfied laugh.

He didn't fear Chen Zheng's anger; he feared his apathy.

"Chen Zheng, in the end, you cannot escape the shackles of this mortal world. You are bound by your emotions! Now, you have ten seconds. Swallow the Heart-Devouring Gu, and this will all be over."

On the projection, Li Yitong's face was contorted in pain. The others wanted to rush to her aid but were pinned down by Ye Diwu's overwhelming aura, unable to move. They could only clench their jaws and glare at Ye Badao, their eyes bloodshot with rage.

Meanwhile, Ye Badao held the jar containing the Heart-Devouring Gu aloft and pushed it toward Chen Zheng.

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