46: Chapter 46 The Divine Treasury of the Five Internal Organs, the Divine Palace of the Heart

In the secret chamber at the top of Tianshu Peak, Lin Ye sat cross-legged in the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation.

The star stones embedded in the surrounding walls emitted a soft glow, illuminating the entire room as if the starry sky had descended. The Spiritual Qi in the air was so dense it had almost condensed into liquid; with every breath, one could feel surging energy pouring into the body.

This was a closed-door cultivation secret chamber specially prepared by the Yaoguang Holy Land for True Disciples, with a Spiritual Qi concentration more than ten times higher than the outside. Before leaving, Ji Mingyue had specially activated the highest-level Spirit Gathering Formation for him, and added three layers of isolation Formations—soundproofing, Divine Sense isolation, and heavenly secret isolation. Breaking through here, unless a Saint Lord-level existence forcibly probed, no one could spy on the internal situation.

Three items were placed in front of Lin Ye.

On the left were three fist-sized [Thunder Crystals], their surfaces entwined with cyan-purple electricity, as if a sea of thunder was surging inside. This was the essence extracted from the Thunder Eagle King, containing the purest thunder power.

On the right was a small white jade bottle containing ten drops of [Earth Heart Spirit Liquid]. This was an extra treasure gifted by Ji Mingyue, capable of nourishing Meridians, stabilizing the Foundation, and having miraculous effects on breaking through major Realms.

In the center was that [myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo]. After days of nurturing and the integration of Materials, the cauldron embryo had changed from its initial primitive roughness to a smooth, flowing surface, with faint phantoms of mountains, rivers, plants, and celestial bodies visible on the cauldron's body. Wisps of grayish myriad mother qi fell from the cauldron's mouth, forming a thin mist around it.

"It's time to begin."

Lin Ye took a deep breath, adjusting his state to the best.

His Divine Sense sank into his body, reaching the edge of the wheel sea secret realm. There, five hazy palace phantoms appeared and disappeared, corresponding to the five viscera: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. This was the Foundation of the Dao Palace Realm—the Five Viscera Divine Treasury.

Ordinary Cultivators breaking through to the Dao Palace Realm usually follow the order of the Five Elements, starting from the kidney water divine treasury, and sequentially opening the liver wood, heart fire, spleen earth, and lung metal. This step-by-step approach is the safest.

But Lin Ye did not intend to take the usual path.

The Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body encompasses all things and is not limited by the mutual generation and restraint of the Five Elements. He wanted to choose the strongest and most aggressive divine treasury as the starting point—the Heart Divine Treasury, which belongs to fire and focuses on offense!

"First, temper the Physical Body with thunder, then use the Earth Heart Spirit Liquid to nourish the Meridians, and finally use the myriad mother qi to protect the five viscera, forcibly opening the heart palace!"

Lin Ye moved his mind, and a Thunder Crystal flew into his palm.

[Thunder Crystal (Epic)] Quality: Purple. Attribute: Essence of Thunder. Effect: 1. Direct absorption can increase thunder attribute affinity (10-30 points). 2. Alchemy/Artifact Refining material, can refine thunder-type Medicinal Pills or equipment. 3. Assist in cultivating thunder-type Cultivation Technique, efficiency +200%. Description: Essence condensed within the Four Extremities Realm Thunder Eagle King, containing violent thunder power. Use with caution for those without thunder-type Physique; forced absorption may cause damage to Meridians.

Violent thunder power surged out from the crystal, pouring into the Meridians through the Laogong acupoint in his palm. In that instant, Lin Ye felt as if he were holding a real heavenly thunder!

Cyan-purple electricity jumped on his skin, making "crackle" sounds. His clothes turned to ash in an instant, revealing the metallic-lustered skin underneath. The Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body operated automatically, and fine gray patterns appeared on his skin—that was the Chaos Dao patterns resisting the invasion of the thunder.

"Not enough!"

Lin Ye gave a low shout and held the other two Thunder Crystals in his hands as well.

Three times the thunder power surged in simultaneously!

The air in the secret chamber began to ionize, and the smell of burning permeated the air. Lin Ye was enveloped by thunder light, turning into a cyan-purple humanoid light source. His hair stood on end, and every inch of his muscles trembled violently.

[System Prompt: You are absorbing "Thunder Crystal" energy, Thunder attribute affinity +1...+1...+1...]

[System Prompt: Detected excessive thunder power invasion, Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body automatically activates "Chaos Devour" characteristic, starting to convert thunder into Chaos energy... Conversion efficiency: 17%...]

[System Prompt: Your Meridians are suffering damage, current damage: 3%... 5%... 7%...]

Pain, intense pain!

But Lin Ye gritted his teeth and persisted. He knew this was a necessary process—using the most violent thunder power to temper the Physical Body, removing all Impurities, letting the Meridians, bones, and flesh become stained with thunder attributes, laying the most solid Foundation for opening the heart fire divine treasury.

Ten minutes later, the three Thunder Crystals shattered simultaneously, turning into white powder and spilling from between his fingers.

The thunder light on Lin Ye's skin gradually converged, revealing the jade-like skin underneath. Looking closely, faint cyan-purple thunder patterns flashed and disappeared on the surface of the skin, which were the marks left after thunder Body Tempering.

[System Prompt: Thunder Crystal absorption complete!]

[Thunder attribute affinity: 0 -> 38]

[Meridian strength +15%]

[Obtained passive effect "Thunder Resistance": Thunder-type damage reduction 12%]

[Qi and blood limit +2000, Divine Power limit +1500]

First step, complete!

Lin Ye did not dare to rest, immediately grabbed the white jade bottle, and poured all ten drops of Earth Heart Spirit Liquid into his mouth.

The cool, sweet liquid slid down his throat, and wherever it passed, the Meridians scorched by the thunder were repaired and strengthened at a speed visible to the naked eye. The somewhat floating Foundation became solid again, and the cultivation of the wheel sea secret realm was thoroughly consolidated, without the slightest flaw.

[System Prompt: Consumed Earth Heart Spirit Liquid x 10 drops!]

[Meridian damage repair: 100%]

[Foundation stability: Perfect]

[Cultivation efficiency temporarily increased: +50% (lasts 72 hours)]

[Comprehension Ability temporarily increased: +30% (lasts 72 hours)]

Second step, complete!

Next is the most critical step—opening the Heart Divine Treasury!

Lin Ye formed seals with his hands, following the method recorded in the Dao Palace chapter of the "Void Scripture," concentrating all his Divine Sense on his chest.

There, the palace phantom corresponding to the heart slowly rotated. The phantom was blurry, as if separated by a thick layer of fog. To open the divine treasury, one must use powerful energy to blast open this layer of "mist" and make the divine palace manifest in reality.

"myriad mother qi, protect my five viscera!"

The cauldron embryo chirped lightly, and five wisps of myriad mother qi dropping from the cauldron's mouth drilled into Lin Ye's heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys respectively. The five viscera were wrapped in gray mother qi, as if wearing an indestructible armor.

"Thunder power, open the heart palace!"

Lin Ye gathered all the thunder energy he had just absorbed, along with the Chaos Divine Power surging from his own bitter sea, into a torrent, and slammed it fiercely toward the mist in his chest!

"Boom—!"

A loud noise came from within his body.

The mist shook and cracked a gap. Through the gap, the outline of a crimson palace was faintly visible, the palace gate tightly closed, with flame totems carved on it.

"Again!"

Lin Ye mobilized more power for the second impact!

"Boom—!"

The gap widened, and the palace outline became clearer. The flame totems on the gate seemed to come alive and began to rotate slowly.

Third impact! Fourth impact! Fifth impact!

Every time he impacted, Lin Ye felt his heart was about to explode. If it weren't for the protection of the myriad mother qi, the counter-shock force alone would have been enough to shatter his heart. This is the price of forcibly opening the strongest divine treasury—the risk and return are proportional.

When the ninth impact fell—

"Crack!"

A crisp shattering sound rang out.

The mist at his chest dissipated completely, and the crimson palace fully manifested! The palace gate opened wide, and roaring flames burned inside. That was not ordinary fire, but gray fire presenting a Chaos color. In the center of the flame was a point of golden light, which was the prototype of the supreme Yang and rigid Sun True Fire!

[System Prompt: Congratulations on successfully opening "Heart Divine Treasury (Chaos Fire Palace)"!]

[Dao Palace Realm First Layer: heart palace, successfully opened!]

[Level increased: 30 -> 31 (Dao Palace First Layer)]

[All attributes +20%]

[Attack power +1500 (heart palace focuses on offense)]

[Fire-type resistance +30%]

[Obtained heart palace exclusive ability "Chaos Fire": Attacks carry Chaos Fire damage, causing 5% of attack power as continuous burning per second, lasting 10 seconds. Damage doubled against Yin-evil enemies.]

Done!

Lin Ye let out a long breath, and the Chaos Dao patterns on his skin slowly faded. He opened his eyes, and two clusters of gray flames flashed and disappeared in the depths of his pupils.

Feeling the surging power in his body, he brought up the attribute panel:

[Name: Lin Ye] [Race: Human Race] [Level: 31 (Dao Palace First Layer)] [Physique: Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body (Second Layer)] [Qi and blood: 32800 / 32800 (+2000)] [Divine Power: 28500 / 28500 (+1500)] [Attack: 5700-6200 (+1500)] [Defense: 5100] [Dao Technique bonus: +160%] [Fire-type resistance: +30%] [Thunder-type resistance: +12%] [Talent Divine Ability: Chaos Domain (30-meter range, enemy -30% attributes, ally +20%)] [heart palace ability: Chaos Fire (Elementary)] [Equipment: myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo (Refined +1), bronze buddha lamp (Repaired 60%), wind and thunder wings (Epic)]

Attack power soared!

Originally his attack was between 4200-4700, now it directly broke through to 5700-6200! This was just the panel value; if the Chaos Domain bonus and Chaos Fire additional damage were calculated, the actual output would reach at least eight thousand points!

The Dao Palace Realm and the wheel sea secret realm are indeed worlds apart.

Lin Ye stood up and stretched his limbs. His bones made a "crackle" sound, and every inch of his flesh was full of explosive power. He tried to activate the heart palace ability, and a cluster of gray flames ignited on his right palm with a "poof".

The flames burned silently, but the surrounding temperature did not rise. However, Lin Ye could feel that this flame contained terrifying destructive power—it did not burn matter, but energy and Law!

"Let's test the power."

He walked to the sword-testing stone in the corner of the secret chamber. This was an obsidian stone specially designed to test attack intensity, with extremely high hardness; even a full blow from a wheel sea secret realm Cultivator could barely leave a mark.

Lin Ye did not use a weapon, just covered his right fist with Chaos Fire and punched out!

"Sss—"

The moment his fist touched the sword-testing stone, the gray flames spread like gangrene attached to the bone. On the surface of the hard obsidian, centered on his fist, a bowl-sized depression appeared. The edges of the depression were not shattered, but... melted!

The stone was directly melted by the Chaos Fire!

[System Prompt: You dealt 4821 points of damage to "Sword-testing Stone (Obsidian)" (Physical + Chaos Fire)]

[Sword-testing Stone Durability: 10000 -> 5179]

One punch knocked off nearly five thousand durability! This was just a normal attack without using skills or weapons!

Lin Ye put away the flames with satisfaction. With Chaos Fire, his output capability had directly stepped up a level. Next, as long as he cultivated the heart palace to Perfection, he could try to open the second divine treasury—the Liver Wood Palace.

But before that...

He looked at the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo.

The cauldron embryo had absorbed some of the scattered Chaos Power and thunder power during the recent Breakthrough, and the patterns on its surface were clearer. Lin Ye could feel that the connection between him and the cauldron embryo had deepened. If it was just an initial acknowledgment of ownership before, now it was a true connection of heart and spirit.

"Strike while the iron is hot, refine the cauldron embryo again with Chaos Fire and thunder power."

Lin Ye sat cross-legged again, placing the cauldron embryo in front of him. He pressed his hands in the air, and Chaos Fire surged from his heart palace, completely wrapping the cauldron embryo. At the same time, the remaining thunder power on his skin was guided out and integrated into the flames.

Gray fire and purple thunder intertwined, carrying out a double tempering on the cauldron embryo.

The cauldron body began to tremble slightly, the phantoms of mountains, rivers, and plants on the surface gradually solidified, and the trajectories of the sun, moon, and stars became more mysterious. Wisps of Impurities were burned into green smoke, the volume of the cauldron embryo slightly decreased, but the texture was denser and heavier.

This process lasted for a full three hours.

When Lin Ye withdrew the flames, the cauldron embryo had changed its appearance—from the initial primitive roughness to an exquisite small cauldron with gray-purple luster flowing all over its body. The cauldron body thickness was uniform, the proportion of three legs and two ears was perfect, and there was a circle of fine thunder patterns on the edge of the cauldron mouth.

[System Prompt: myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo refining successful!]

[Refining Level: +1 -> +2]

[Current attributes: Attack +600 (+100), Defense +960 (+160)]

[Special Effect 1: Mother Qi Body Protection (Damage reduction 25%, +5%)]

[Special Effect 2: Thunder Tempering (New): Attacks carry 5% thunder-type damage, damage +20% against Yin-evil enemies]

[Special Effect 3: Chaos Nurturing (New): Can absorb Chaos energy for self-growth]

[Description: After dual tempering by Chaos Fire and thunder power, the quality of the cauldron embryo has been greatly improved. Further refining requires higher-level flames and Artifact Refining Materials.]

Six hundred attack, nine hundred sixty defense, and two new special effects!

Lin Ye stroked the cauldron body, clearly feeling the faint spirituality gestating inside. This life-bound artifact was evolving towards a true "artifact". As long as he continued to nurture it, its future achievements would be limitless.

"Time to leave seclusion."

He changed into clean clothes and pushed open the secret chamber door.

Outside the door, it was already dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled on the top of Tianshu Peak, dyeing the sea of clouds gold. Ji Mingyue was standing not far away, seemingly waiting for a long time.

"Congratulations." She turned around, her gaze lingering on Lin Ye for a moment, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes, "Dao Palace First Layer Perfection? No... Your aura is much stronger than an ordinary Dao Palace First Layer, almost catching up to a Third Layer Cultivator."

"Gained a little." Lin Ye didn't elaborate, "How long have I been in seclusion?"

"Two days and one night." Ji Mingyue said, "Longer than the one day you expected. But looking at your gains, this extra day was worth it."

She handed over a Storage Ring: "This is the resource quota for the Dao Palace Realm given to you by the Holy Land. Every month, you can receive: 500 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, 10 bottles of Medicinal Pills, and 1000 contribution points. Additionally, because you opened the Heart Fire Divine Treasury, I applied for an extra three bottles of 'Red Sun Pill', which can accelerate your heart palace cultivation."

Lin Ye took the ring and swept it with his Divine Sense. Inside, besides the Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills, there was a set of standard robes for a Dao Palace Realm Cultivator. It was the attire of an Outer Sect Disciple of the Yaoguang Holy Land—a cyan robe with the big dipper pattern embroidered on the cuffs.

[Yaoguang Robe (Fine)] Quality: Green. Attributes: Defense +180, Dao Technique Resistance +10%. Special Effect: Within the sphere of influence of the Yaoguang Holy Land, cultivation speed +5%. Description: Standard robe for an Outer Sect Disciple of the Yaoguang Holy Land, representing the identity of the Holy Land.

Although the attributes were average, the symbolic value outweighed the practical value. Putting on this robe meant being a Disciple recognized by the Yaoguang Holy Land, which would make acting within the Yan State much more convenient.

"Many thanks." Lin Ye put away the ring. "During the two days I was in seclusion, was there any movement outside?"

"Yes." Ji Mingyue's expression became serious. "Qin Ruoxue from the Heavenly Court came yesterday and said that some unfamiliar faces have appeared in the Capital City of Yan State. According to intelligence from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, those people are very likely from the 'Blood Fiend Alliance', an affiliated force of the Overlord Pavilion. They seem to be secretly investigating the members and industries of the Heavenly Court."

Blood Fiend Alliance? Lin Ye frowned. He had an impression of this force; in his previous life, they were the lackeys of the Overlord Pavilion, specializing in shady business—assassination, kidnapping, extortion, and sabotage. Whenever it was inconvenient for the Overlord Pavilion to act themselves, they would hand it over to the Blood Fiend Alliance.

"Additionally," Ji Mingyue continued, "News came from Zhao Wuji that the transaction volume of the Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce has dropped by 30% in the past few days. Several shops that originally cooperated have suddenly terminated their contracts, with very vague reasons. He suspects that someone is putting pressure on them from the shadows."

"The Overlord Pavilion has started to counterattack." Lin Ye sneered. "Since they can't win head-on, they're playing dirty."

"Do you need the Holy Land to step in?" Ji Mingyue asked. "You are now a Yaoguang Disciple, and the Holy Land has an obligation to protect your safety. I can send a team of Law Enforcement Disciples to the Capital City of Yan State to help you clean up those rats."

"Not for now." Lin Ye shook his head. "The Heavenly Court can handle these small matters on its own. The Holy Land card should be saved for a critical moment."

He looked at Ji Mingyue: "However, I would like to borrow the Holy Land's teleportation Formation. To return to the Capital City of Yan State."

"You can. The teleportation Formation is right behind Tianshu Hall; I will take you there."

The two walked one after another towards Tianshu Hall. The Holy Land Disciples they met on the way bowed respectfully when they saw Ji Mingyue, then curiously sized up Lin Ye—to be personally accompanied by the Saintess, what was the background of this unfamiliar Disciple?

Lin Ye calmly accepted these gazes. He knew that from today on, he had officially entered the line of sight of the major forces in the Eastern Wasteland. The brilliance of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body was destined to be impossible to conceal.

The teleportation Formation was a circular platform with a diameter of three zhang, covered with complex spatial runes. Six white jade pillars were distributed around the platform, with void stones embedded in the tops of the pillars, emitting stable spatial fluctuations.

"This is a short-distance directional teleportation Formation, capable of teleporting up to five thousand li away," Ji Mingyue explained. "The receiving point in the Capital City of Yan State is in the backyard of 'Wanbao Pavilion', which is an industry of the Holy Land. After you arrive, the manager of Wanbao Pavilion will meet you."

"Good."

Lin Ye stood on the platform. Ji Mingyue activated the Formation, and the six jade pillars lit up with white light simultaneously. Space began to distort, and the surrounding scenery rippled like water surface waves.

"Lin Ye." Ji Mingyue suddenly spoke. "Be careful of the 'Shadow Killer' of the Blood Fiend Alliance. He is the number one assassin of the Blood Fiend Alliance, skilled in concealment and one-hit kills. According to intelligence, he arrived in the Capital City of Yan State three days ago."

"Shadow Killer?" Lin Ye noted the name. "What is his cultivation?"

"Dao Palace Second Layer, but he has assassinated experts at the Dao Palace Fourth Layer," Ji Mingyue said solemnly. "Do not give him a chance to get close. If you encounter danger, use the Alliance Order to send a message immediately, and I will arrive at the first moment."

"Understood."

White light swallowed Lin Ye's figure. The next moment, the world spun.

When his vision cleared again, Lin Ye was already standing in an antique courtyard. Surrounded by buildings with blue bricks and grey tiles, with a few emerald bamboos planted in the courtyard, the environment was quiet and secluded.

"Could you be Fellow Daoist Lin Ye?" A gentle voice rang out.

Lin Ye turned his head and saw a middle-aged man wearing a brocade robe walking from under the corridor. This person had a fair face without a beard and a kind smile, but his eyes were bright and spirited, clearly with high cultivation.

[Name: Qian Wanguan] [Identity: Yaoguang Holy Land Outer Sect Deacon, Manager of Wanbao Pavilion] [Level: 45 (Dao Palace Third Layer)] [Status: Friendly]

"That is I." Lin Ye cupped his hands.

"This old man is Qian Wanguan, waiting here by the orders of the Saintess." Manager Qian returned the salute. "I have already heard of Fellow Daoist Lin's deeds in the Holy Land. To slay a Dao Palace Third Layer Thunder Eagle King while at the Peak of the Wheel Sea Realm, and to trigger the 'Chaos Plants Green Lotus' phenomenon when opening the Heart Fire Divine Treasury—truly, a hero emerges from the youth."

News travels fast. Lin Ye understood in his heart, but remained calm on the surface: "Manager Qian, you flatter me. May I ask what time it is now? I have been in seclusion for two days and am a bit fuzzy on the time."

"Three quarters past the hour of the Rooster." Manager Qian said. "It is getting late. Does Fellow Daoist Lin wish to rest at Wanbao Pavilion for the night? I have already prepared a guest room."

"No, I must return to the Heavenly Court headquarters immediately." Lin Ye shook his head. "Many thanks for your kindness, Manager Qian."

"Very well." Manager Qian did not insist, handing over a jade Talisman. "This is the VIP Token of Wanbao Pavilion. Holding this token, you can enjoy a 10% discount when spending at Wanbao Pavilion and all its branches, and you can also have priority in purchasing rare items. Additionally, if the Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce needs sources of goods or sales channels, Wanbao Pavilion can cooperate."

Sharp business sense. Lin Ye took the jade Talisman. Wanbao Pavilion was the commercial tentacle of the Yaoguang Holy Land, spreading across all countries in the Eastern Wasteland. Being able to connect with such a behemoth would be of great benefit to the development of the Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce.

"Then many thanks to Manager Qian first. I will have Zhao Wuji come to discuss the details of the cooperation."

"I await the good news."

Leaving Wanbao Pavilion, Lin Ye did not return directly to the headquarters, but instead took a detour to the mining area in the west of the city.

The setting sun went down, and the mining area was still bustling with activity. Over a hundred miner players were mining copper and silver Ores, and the clanging sounds of striking were endless. On the periphery, twenty Heavenly Court guards were patrolling, observing the surroundings vigilantly.

Seeing Lin Ye arrive, Wang Iron Pillar, who was in charge of managing the mining area, hurriedly came up to meet him. "Brother Ye! You have come out of seclusion?"

"Hmm." Lin Ye scanned the area. "Has there been any anomaly in the last two days?"

"Yes!" Wang Iron Pillar lowered his voice. "Yesterday evening, a group of people came to wander around the periphery of the mining area, about seven or eight people, all masked. I asked them what they were doing, and they said they were lost. But I noticed that some of them had bulging waists, as if they were hiding weapons."

"When did they come?"

"Around the hour of the Rooster, just as it was getting dark."

"What about today?"

"They haven't appeared today yet." Wang Iron Pillar said. "However, I had the brothers strengthen the patrols, and the number of people on the night shift has been doubled."

Lin Ye nodded and took out ten Talismans from the Storage Ring to hand to Wang Iron Pillar.

[Warning Talisman (Fine)] Quality: Green. Effect: After deployment, it automatically activates when a non-friendly unit enters a range of fifty zhang, issuing an alarm and marking the intruder's location. Duration: 7 days. Description: Basic warning Talisman, reusable.

"Stick these Talismans around the mining area, covering all entrances and weak points." Lin Ye instructed. "Additionally, from today on, all miners are to return to the headquarters in a group after work; do not act alone. If you discover suspicious personnel, do not conflict with them, and immediately send a signal for help."

"Understood!" Wang Iron Pillar solemnly took the Talismans.

Leaving the mining area, Lin Ye went to the Artifact Refining Workshop and the Pill Refining Room for a tour. Ouye Feng and Sun Simiao both reported that strangers had tried to spy on the inside of the workshops in the last two days, but were stopped by the guards.

"It seems the target of the Blood Fiend Alliance is very clear." Lin Ye sneered in his heart. "First cut off my resources, then destroy my industries, and finally assassinate the core members. A typical strategy of rooting out the weeds."

Unfortunately, they did not know that Lin Ye was a Rebirth Cultivator and knew these methods like the back of his hand.

By the time he returned to the Heavenly Court headquarters, it was completely dark. The headquarters was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was somewhat heavy. In the meeting hall, all the core members were present—Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, Zhao Wuji, Qin Ruoxue, Shi Potian, and several newly promoted hall masters.

Seeing Lin Ye enter, everyone stood up at the same time. "Brother Ye!" "Lin Ye!" "Guild Leader!" The forms of address were different, but the worry and expectation in their eyes were the same.

"Everyone sit." Lin Ye walked to the main seat and sat down. "I have a general understanding of the situation. The Blood Fiend Alliance has started to act, with the Overlord Pavilion backing them up. Tell me the specific situation, Qin Ruoxue, you go first."

Qin Ruoxue stood up and placed an intelligence dossier on the table. "According to the investigation by the Heavenly Secret Pavilion over the past two days, the Blood Fiend Alliance has sent at least thirty people into the Capital City of Yan State. They are divided into three groups: the first group of six is responsible for tailing and intelligence collection, and has already figured out the locations and patrol patterns of all the Heavenly Court's industries; the second group of twelve are combat personnel, all at the Wheel Sea Seventh Layer or above, led by someone called 'Blood Knife', at the Dao Palace First Layer; the third group is the most dangerous, with only two people, but both are assassins—'Shadow Killer' and 'Ghost Stab'."

She pointed to the portraits on the dossier: "'Shadow Killer', Dao Palace Second Layer, ace assassin of the Blood Fiend Alliance, skilled in shadow stealth and dagger assassination. Battle record: Once assassinated the leader of the 'Iron Palm Gang' at the Dao Palace Fourth Layer, and retreated unscathed after a successful strike. 'Ghost Stab', Wheel Sea Realm Peak, apprentice of Shadow Killer, skilled in using poison and setting traps."

Chen Hao clenched his fists: "Those bastards! If they have the ability, let them fight head-on; playing dirty, what kind of heroes are they!"

"The Blood Fiend Alliance was never made up of heroes." Zhao Wuji said coldly. "They are just a bunch of hyenas who do things for money. The Overlord Pavilion has spent a fortune this time; the cost to hire the Blood Fiend Alliance is at least fifty thousand Spirit Stones."

"How about Qian Duoduo?" Lin Ye asked.

"Business has been greatly affected." Zhao Wuji smiled bitterly. "Three medicinal material suppliers suddenly cut off supplies, two weapon shops terminated consignment contracts, and even our biggest client, 'Baicao Hall', has reduced orders by 60%. I have inquired; it is the Overlord Pavilion that released the word: whoever cooperates with the Heavenly Court is going against the Overlord Pavilion."

"How much is the loss?"

"The expected profit for this month has decreased by at least 40%." Zhao Wuji reported a figure. "If the situation continues, next month will be worse. Although our working capital can still support us, if this continues for a long time, it will affect the development of the guild."

Lin Ye tapped his fingers on the table, pondering for a moment.

"The Overlord Pavilion wants to use economic warfare to drag us down, and the Blood Fiend Alliance is responsible for physical elimination. A two-pronged approach, indeed ruthless enough." He looked at everyone. "However, they have made two mistakes."

"First, they underestimated the cohesion of the Heavenly Court. We are not those loose guilds bound by interests, but brothers with common goals. Economic suppression? Then let's see who can't hold on first."

"Second, they overestimated the strength of the Blood Fiend Alliance." A cold light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes. "Shadow Killer? A Dao Palace Second Layer assassin? Just right, I have just broken through to the Dao Palace Realm, and I need a whetstone."

He stood up and began to issue orders.

"Chen Hao, from today on, the entire Azure Dragon Hall is to enter a state of combat readiness. Patrol teams will change from three shifts to two shifts, with at least one Dao Palace Realm Cultivator leading each group. Add overt and covert sentries to the periphery of all industries; if suspicious personnel are discovered, control them first, then interrogate them."

"Shi Potian, the White Tiger Hall is responsible for counter-assassination. You take people to secretly protect all core members, especially Su Qingyue, Zhao Wuji, and Qin Ruoxue. The Blood Fiend Alliance is most likely to target you."

"Su Qingyue, all mages in the Vermilion Bird Hall are to learn anti-stealth skills such as 'Illumination Spell' and 'Revealing Dust'. Every night, set up illumination Formations around the headquarters; I want any lurker to have nowhere to hide from three hundred zhang away."

"Zhao Wuji, you handle the economic warfare. Suppliers cut off goods? We will build our own medicinal gardens and mine our own Ore veins. Clients reducing orders? Then develop new products and lower prices. Additionally, contact Manager Qian of Wanbao Pavilion and say that the Heavenly Court Chamber of Commerce is willing to supply refined Ores and standard equipment long-term at 10% below market price. First, open up this major channel."

"Qin Ruoxue, the Heavenly Secret Pavilion is to operate at full capacity. I want to know the real-time location and action plan of every member of the Blood Fiend Alliance. Money is not a problem; whatever amount of Spirit Stones is needed, go directly to Zhao Wuji to withdraw it."

The series of orders was methodical, and everyone's eyes lit up as they listened. This was the Lin Ye they knew—no matter what predicament they faced, he could always analyze it calmly and respond decisively.

"What about you, Brother Ye?" Chen Hao asked.

"Me?" A cold arc curled at the corner of Lin Ye's mouth. "I'm going fishing. Doesn't the Blood Fiend Alliance want to assassinate me? I'll give them a chance."

Everyone was shocked.

"It's too dangerous!" Su Qingyue was the first to object. "Shadow Killer is a Dao Palace Second Layer assassin, and he is skilled in stealth and sneak attacks. You have just broken through to the Dao Palace Realm, and your Realm is not yet stable. If something happens..."

"There is no 'if'." Lin Ye interrupted her. "I am confident. Moreover, this is the fastest way to solve the problem—as long as Shadow Killer is killed, the Blood Fiend Alliance will naturally retreat. Once the Overlord Pavilion loses this blade, they will not dare to act rashly in the short term."

He looked at the pitch-black night sky outside the window, as if speaking to an invisible enemy.

"Tomorrow night at the hour of the Rat, I will go to the mass grave north of the city alone to practice. If the news is 'accidentally' leaked, the Blood Fiend Alliance will definitely seize this opportunity."

"I want them to know—some bait will bite the fisherman to death."