Chapter 1468: Visitors from the Holy City

Chapter 1468: Chapter 1468: Visitors from the Holy City

After a long sigh tinged with helplessness, Mei Simiao revealed a resigned expression and said with a wry smile, "We are very clear about the affairs of the Demon Race. In fact, aside from the overarching interests of the Investigation Hall, your judgment is not wrong! Although the current situation in the Holy City has improved with the assistance from multiple planes, it has long been suppressed due to years of battle with Bloodlust, which has greatly weakened its vitality. Now, on the verge of launching a counterattack, even if something happens in Council City, I think without your intervention, the Demon God will probably choose to keep the peace. Even if retaliation or punishment is due, it would be deferred until Bloodlust is completely repelled, which could be unforeseeably long. Therefore, I don’t think they can offer you much substantive support."

"That’s precisely what worries me! Although I can use Flamel’s sabotage of the alliance and collusion with Bloodlust to undermine us as a basis for sanctions, the outcome is that this whole matter from start to finish is Bloodlust’s conspiracy. Flamel’s so-called plan didn’t cause us any harm. If Council City seizes upon this, they may use it as an excuse to severely punish Flamel, though not fatally! To nail Flamel, we must focus on the matter of him killing Sifuer—something for which the Holy City is the true victim. If the Demon God can’t give a clear stance, he might let the Magic Plane use this as a point to dispute the legitimacy of our forced judgment." Despite Pei Yan’s determination to see this matter through to the end, he still needs to consider the influence across several planes, because no one likes a strong figure who makes enemies without reason—coming forth with a justified cause can better legitimize one’s actions.

"I’ve considered this point." With a slight smile, Mei Simiao continued, "After you decided to initiate action against Council City in fifteen days, I began planning on the way back! During your meeting, I’ve already assigned the tasks. Needless to say, the Dragon Dominion, due to your relationship with Hu Jiu, is the faction furthest from the event’s center and may ironically become your greatest support. As for the Daoist Plane and the Holy City, I’ve employed our agents there to commence extensive propaganda about this matter. I copied hundreds of copies of the Crystal Ball Record and sent them along with your intent to denounce Council City to all major sects. The Holy City is the primary focus for these promotions. Not only were copies sent to every significant family, but I’ve also planned to use the influence of Thorn Territory and Sifuer’s grandfather Samikina to distribute the Crystal Balls amongst the Holy City populace."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yan allowed a knowing smile to spread across his face, while Mei Simiao continued, "Sifuer is a hero! He is the hero who shouldered the family’s resurgence, guiding Prince Silver Wing to resolve the Holy City crisis! Such a hero being selected as a union partner was already a frustrating matter for the Demon Race populace, and now such an incident has occurred! At this time, it’s lucky that Flamel is genuinely unguarded with his words, having said things that can stimulate the Demon Race’s nerves. By effectively utilizing this to stir up a trend of denouncement in the Holy City, even the Demon God will have to yield to the people’s will and decide to apply pressure on Council City. To achieve this, I had Jessica and Hel accompany Bailang, who had just awoken, back to the Hell Plane under escort in the Hall. I’ve thoroughly instructed them on what to say and how to say it. I believe that the impassioned accounts from these survivors will surely aid in propelling this matter further."

"Phew! Hope it works! Director Mei, thank you!" Pei Yan breathed a sigh of relief. With someone like Mei Simiao assisting him, he found considerable peace of mind in these matters.

"What are you thanking me for? This is all I can do for you. What are you planning to do next?" Mei Simiao waved his hand to indicate these were minor matters before inquiring.

"Wait!"

Having arranged everything, Pei Yan could only wait. He didn’t stay at the turn center of the Investigation Hall but went to the villa in the Immortal Palace within the Daoist Plane specifically arranged for him. After the meeting concluded, the members of the Elite Squad had already rushed to the Dragon Realm to select fitting divine beasts to sign contracts with. Meanwhile, Pei Yan awaited news from various parties.

The first to respond was the Immortal Palace; Lin Ruxue showed great interest in the matter. Though hindered by circumstances from openly supporting it, providing a source avatar built from ample origin energy but lacking true Source Power was trivial for her. She could pull in a faction with such minimal cost to strike at her potential adversary. Why not?

The second response came from the first batch of Elite Squad members returning from the Dragon Realm. Wang Wenze not only brought back the divine beast he prepared to sign a contract with but also brought a Source God-given avatar and a message that Dragon Dominion could lend aid when necessary. The Source God’s response was clear and aligned with Lin Junzhao’s; if Pei Yan and his people succeeded, it wouldn’t interfere, but if there were any threat to their lives, it would step in to rescue them. This promise brought considerable reassurance to Pei Yan and his companions. Success or failure, with promises from both Source Masters, they wouldn’t come out badly.

The last to respond, unexpectedly, was the Holy City’s Demon Race, which should have been the most proactive. Two days after the incident, when Pei Yan was considering forgoing waiting and advancing first, the Demon Race’s messenger finally arrived to meet him.

"I didn’t think it would be you delivering the Demon God’s message! No, I should have guessed it would be you. A reunion—it’s quite...," Pei Yan looked at the familiar face in front of him and nostalgically sighed.

The Child of Origin of the Demon Race, who once fought alongside Pei Yan, Xila, sat across from him and shook her head while saying, "When I was transferring gifts to you, I planned to alert you, but...," she paused helplessly, "Perhaps this is fate! You and I missed the chance to meet, and you missed the last chance to save Sifuer."

"Why did you agree to the other’s request? You should know Flamel chose Sifuer for what? Why didn’t you directly tell me about this? Is it because if I stopped this matter, the union might have fallen upon you?" Pei Yan questioned with a calm tone, without evident blame.

"Are you questioning our Holy City’s decision? Why agree? Then you tell me, why not agree? For you?" Xila’s lips curved into a mocking smile, "Five years! Your supposed love story with Sifuer has been rampant among the Demon Race, yet the fact is, in five years, there was no emotional progress between you and her. Since you have clearly expressed your stance, should our Holy City sacrifice an opportunity to repair relations with another plane and secure support for someone you don’t care about?"