216: Chapter 216 The Return Journey

"Boss Ye, have those eight clansmen been arranged?" Ye Yisong asked with concern.

"They boarded the Ouyang Family's merchant ship three days ago, and they should be arriving at Luomu Mountain soon," Boss Ye replied.

"However, the Old Ancestor seems to have encountered some trouble. He should have arrived at Butterfly Island yesterday, but he still hasn't appeared."

"It must be the Zhao Family making a move," Ye Yisong said with a heavy expression, looking at the "Zhao Family" characters displayed on the transmission talisman from the Old Ancestor.

"Even the transmission talisman can be intercepted. What kind of situation has the Old Ancestor encountered?"

"Thirteenth Young Master, should we wait a few more days at Butterfly Island for news from the Old Ancestor?" Boss Ye suggested.

"No need. If I leave, the Old Ancestor will be in danger." Ye Yisong clearly knew this was a trap, a trap specifically aimed at the Cangjiang Ye Family.

Ye Yisong and Ancestor Ye Rongming had been drawn into this trap three months ago; there was no turning back.

The schemer had already calculated everything. If Ye Yisong did not leave Butterfly Island, Ancestor Ye Rongming would be in danger, facing the risk of death.

"Let's go. They are waiting for us." Ye Yisong took out thirty Tier 4 Talismans from his Storage Pouch and handed them to Boss Ye.

"Boss Ye, be careful."

"Third Brother Ouyang, I must trouble you again." This time, Ouyang Qingsheng would personally lead the team to escort Ye Yisong back to Luomu Mountain.

"Nonsense, the Ouyang Family has caused you trouble these past three months," Ouyang Qingsheng said politely.

"Please rest assured, Elder Ye, the Ouyang Family will definitely escort you safely back to your clan."

"Many thanks," Ye Yisong said, cupping his hands in gratitude.

The Ouyang Family's treasure ship slowly ascended. After reaching a height of one thousand meters, its speed suddenly increased, flying rapidly toward Cangjiang Prefecture.

If there was one regret for Ye Yisong on this trip, it was not being able to meet Ouyang Guanhai, the Elder who had inspired Ye Jiexin's research into the 4th Grade Talisman Technique.

Looking at the beautiful Butterfly Island below from high in the sky, Ye Yisong sighed with regret, then followed Ouyang Qingsheng into the cabin, where the two chatted like old friends across generations.

From Cultivating to Talisman Making, to the Family, to the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Great Wei.

...

"Brother Xuanjun, Ye Yisong has set off, personally escorted by Ouyang Qingsheng." The transmission talisman in Zhao Xuansu's arms shook slightly, and he immediately took it out to check.

"Ouyang Qingsheng, are you confident you can block him?" Zhao Xuanjun asked.

"Brother Xuanjun, aren't you here? Why would I need to make a move?" Zhao Xuansu asked, puzzled.

"The Ouyang Family is helping the Cangjiang Ye Family. The Ouyang Family's Old Ancestor personally promised to escort him safely back to Luomu Mountain." Zhao Xuanjun opened his eyes, staring fixedly at Zhao Xuansu. "You know the weight of a Martial King's promise."

"The Ouyang Family decided that not only Ouyang Qingsheng would come; there must be others following in secret."

"Send a message to the Wei Family. Tell them we will take care of the Ouyang Family members; they can handle the two from the Ye Family themselves."

"Yes, Brother Xuanjun." Zhao Xuansu immediately took out a transmission talisman and quickly sent the message.

...

"The little brat is out of the cage. This time, we must slaughter him." Wei Chengxing said with a fierce look in his eyes. "Ye Jiesheng, consider the vengeance for the severed arm last time as collecting interest today."

"Don't worry. For this plan, the Family has dispatched eight Martial Ancestor Late Stage experts. That kid won't be able to escape even with wings." Wei Chengyue said confidently.

"Finally here. Staying cooped up here for a month, eating Bigu Pills every day—who could stand that?" Three Wei Family Martial Artists nearby stood up and stretched their muscles and bones.

"I hope this kid is durable. Don't let him die too easily; that would be boring."

"Fatty Wang, that coward, actually refused to come this time. I wonder what benefits he received from the Ye Family."

"Hmph, who cares? That old ghost Boss Ye, I've long disliked him. I never had a chance before, but this time, don't you dare compete with me. I must teach him a good lesson."

...

"What? Zhao Xuanjun is personally leading the team?" Ouyang Qingsheng looked at the intelligence in his hand, his expression changing in shock.

"Elder Ye, we are in trouble."

Before Ye Yisong could answer, the treasure ship was struck by several beams of light. Three large holes appeared around the hull, and the treasure ship was effectively scrapped. The journey of several thousand miles ahead would be difficult!

"Who is so bold as to attack my Ouyang Family's treasure ship?"

Ouyang Qinghai shouted, shaking the snow off the mountain walls, which tumbled down and smashed into the ground, forming snow pits.

"Zhao Family, Zhao Xuanjun."

Clad in white, Zhao Xuanjun stood on a mountain peak in front of everyone, his robes fluttering in the gale caused by the treasure ship's crash. He spoke softly.

Ouyang Qinghai's hands trembled slightly. He swallowed instinctively and instinctively drew the long sword he carried on his back.

"Elder Ye, I told you long ago to return to Cangjiang Prefecture early to avoid losing your life here in Linhai Prefecture. Why didn't you listen?"

Zhao Xuanjun stared fixedly at Ye Yisong, as if he were the Dominator of this place, casually announcing Ye Yisong's life and death.

"I am merely fulfilling a commitment. Why must Elder Zhao push so hard?" Ye Yisong said, cupping his hands.

"Hahaha, I, Zhao, am pushing hard? What a joke." Zhao Xuanjun flicked his robes, his figure turning into an afterimage. When he reappeared, he was on a giant rock less than three hundred meters from Ye Yisong.

"Then I, Zhao, will give Elder Ye another chance today. As long as Elder Ye promises to pay my Zhao Family thirty million Spirit Stones as a service fee, the Zhao Family will act as if we were never here today and leave immediately."

"Elder Zhao, what a huge appetite. Aren't you afraid of bursting your stomach?" Ye Yisong sneered. Since the Zhao Family wanted to turn hostile, there was no need to give them a pleasant look.

"Whether my stomach can hold it, you will see in a moment." Zhao Xuanjun pressed his two fingers together and pointed forward. A traceless sword energy appeared an inch from Ye Yisong's chest in an instant.

"Careful!" Ouyang Qingsheng shouted, his prepared sword move unsheathing fiercely, blocking in front of Ye Yisong.

"You are no match for me." Zhao Xuanjun glanced coldly at Ouyang Qingsheng and spoke to the void, "Ouyang Qingyue, Ouyang Qingfeng, since you are here, don't hide. Come out."

"Zhao Xuanjun, you are still as arrogant as ever." Two figures walked out calmly from the depths of the dense forest.

"Arrogant?" Zhao Xuanjun pointed his sword at the three of them provocatively. "I hope the three of you don't disappoint me!"

"Elder Ye, forgive me! The Ouyang Family can probably only escort you this far. The road ahead may be one you have to walk yourself." Ouyang Xiuyuan appeared by Ye Yisong's side at some point, looking at the front with worry. Their Family's three most outstanding prodigies were actually being suppressed by Zhao Xuanjun alone.

Zhao Xuanjun truly lived up to his reputation; he was indeed the strongest person below the Martial King level in Linhai Prefecture. Only Xiuxin could likely fight him.

The Zhao Family had truly spent a fortune this time. With Zhao Xuanjun personally leading the team, they had actually mobilized two Martial Ancestor Late Stage experts and five Martial Ancestor Middle/Early Stage Martial Artists to participate in the hunt.

"Elder Ye, in a moment, we will carve out a path for you to the south. You must leave quickly; we will hold off the Zhao Family people."