Chapter 1621: Don't Seek Death

"So we just do nothing and watch him expand his power?" the Crown Prince was actually rather eager, thinking that confronting Ye Liuyun was a good opportunity for him to prove himself.

"If we do nothing, we can survive. If we act, the Great Summer Empire will cease to exist!"

Emperor Xia continued to educate the two princes, deeply worried that they could not see what was about to unfold before them.

"You two, your view is too shallow! You think Ye Liuyun's action this time is merely cleaning out some spies in the intel network?"

The two princes glanced at each other, yet they still couldn't discern what Ye Liuyun's actions signified.

"What does that mean?" the Crown Prince asked.

"It means he's about to act! The last time a Divine Realm strongman affected him, the impact was huge. He also lost two capable subordinates. Now some people are stirring, thinking they can bite off a piece of Ye Liuyun to enlarge themselves!"

Emperor Xia sighed and continued, "Cleaning out spies, sealing information—that's only the beginning. Next should be internal purges, and then they will strike outward!"

"You mean Ye Liuyun is planning a major move?" the Fourth Prince considered, agreeing it made some sense.

Emperor Xia nodded, "It won't be small!"

"Then we…" the Crown Prince began to propose getting involved.

Emperor Xia waved his hand, cutting him off before he could continue.

"That's why I said your thinking is dangerous! When Ye Liuyun last tried to clash with three Divine Realm strongmen, it proved he possesses comparable strength!"

"You've seen those three Divine Realm strongmen; do you think our empire's strength can stop them?"

He then muttered to himself, "With the Cheng Clan and Feng Clan there's still a sliver of hope! So regarding Ye Liuyun, you should never even think about it! His rise is no longer something we can intervene in!"

"You mean our empire, together with the Cheng Clan and Feng Clan, can barely contend with Ye Liuyun?" the Fourth Prince asked.

He didn't disbelieve Emperor Xia's words and found his analysis reasonable; he just couldn't fathom how Ye Liuyun could develop so rapidly!

Emperor Xia nodded, speaking slowly, "You should soon witness his strength! Keep your subordinates in check, keep Imperial Family members in check, and don't provoke Ye Liuyun at this time."

"He will eventually reach the Divine Realm; we cannot stop that!"

"So your father means we wait until Ye Liuyun reaches the Divine Realm, then we act?" the Crown Prince asked again.

Emperor Xia gave a wry smile, "You've seen that people from the Divine Realm can come into our world! Who can guarantee Ye Liuyun won't return? By then he'll be a Divine Realm strongman! Who can stop his retaliation?"

Emperor Xia's rapid series of questions left the Crown Prince and Fourth Prince speechless.

"So we have no chance to surpass him?" the Crown Prince asked, somewhat incredulous.

Emperor Xia sighed, silently nodded, then solemnly warned the two princes once more.

"Remember, never again scheme against Ye Liuyun unless your strength can surpass his. Otherwise, as long as I have a breath left, anyone who provokes trouble I will personally eliminate, and I will not let the Imperial Family be implicated!"

Finally, Emperor Xia even issued a direct threat.

The two princes felt a chill in their hearts upon hearing it.

Only then did they realize Ye Liuyun had become as powerful as an empire's sovereign, and to safeguard the Imperial Family, they would even sacrifice their own sons!

At the same time, the Cheng Clan and Feng Clan were both educating their disciples.

Especially the Feng Clan. Feng Clan Clan Chief Feng Yunxiao was also addressing some elders and key disciples of the Feng Clan.

"Don't assume that because Ye Liuyun is related to us you can act brazenly toward him. In business as well, don't try to take a small advantage."

"He doesn't want to deal with you because of past courtesy. When he decides to act, you'll regret it too late; he will give you no chance to retaliate or plead for mercy!"

"Brother Ye won't turn against us, will he?" Feng Xiaoxiao asked naively.

Feng Yunxiao smiled, didn't scold him, and simply continued speaking to the crowd.

"Being on good terms with him is a different matter. You must understand, however close the relationship, we are still two families, not indistinguishable. That's what worries me most—fear that you can't grasp the proper balance."

"Of course, if you become his enemy, don't even think about it! His strength already far exceeds what we can handle. Continuing to cooperate with him is our best choice!"

The Cheng Clan's admonition was simpler, a single line: "Don't seek death, don't provoke Ye Liuyun!"

The three major forces' attitudes were surprisingly uniform, and from then on they no longer sent spies into Ye Liuyun's intel network to gather information about him.

Ye Liuyun can even defeat the Underworld God, and dares to act against Divine Realm strongmen, proving they lack the strength to challenge Ye Liuyun.

No matter how they gather intel, without that strength it's futile. If Ye Liuyun discovers them, it will raise suspicion; better to use this chance to pull everyone back and even extend goodwill to Ye Liuyun.

After Xia Tianqiong reported the outcome to Ye Liuyun, he merely smiled, "These major forces are indeed very clear-headed! It's better that they see the current situation, so I don't have to guard against them."

"Should we adjust the defensive forces?" Qin Peng asked opportunistically.

Their opponents this time are numerous, and Ye Liuyun even split forces for defense, always feeling short of manpower.

"No, the plan stays unchanged! No matter their attitude, we do what we must. The defensive force must be maintained!" Ye Liuyun said decisively.

"Are you worried they'll feint?" Qin Peng asked.

"No, they wouldn't dare! But we still need defense, just in case!" Ye Liuyun explained.

Qin Peng also nodded, remarking, "Your current deployments are even more cautious than mine!"

"Heaven's weather is unpredictable; accidents will happen!" Ye Liuyun said lightly.

Qin Peng realized he was recalling the accidents of Liang Xue and Zhuge Feiyu, sighed, and departed to arrange deployments.

Those around Ye Liuyun have recently been somewhat subdued.

Because Ye Liuyun lately keeps recalling Liang Xue and Zhuge Feiyu's fates from time to time.

Although both ended not terribly, Ye Liuyun always believes it was due to his own lack of strength.

And the actions of those Divine Realm strongmen also had a great impact on Ye Liuyun.

So he decided that for those who dare offend him, he will no longer be merciful; without displaying strength, one cannot earn respect!