Chapter 3683: Deep Waters in the Royal City

The Ninth Divine Son, who had previously hunted Ye Liuyun, was also shocked upon learning that it might have been Ye Liuyun who killed the Seventh Divine Son. On one hand he was amazed that Ye Liuyun had such audacity; on the other hand he realized that the God King did not intend to protect them.

Therefore he is now much more honest, at least he will not recklessly strike at Ye Liuyun without certainty as before. He plans to use this competition to strike at Ye Liuyun from the shadows, having placed many of his subordinates within the contest.

Ye Liuyun also guessed that this competition would attract numerous masters, and that the number of people targeting him would certainly be high; some members of the royal clan and the families he had previously suppressed would surely act against him covertly.

Thus he continues to cultivate while pondering how to make his strength greater. His blade intent has improved somewhat through the twin swords, but there is currently little room for further enhancement.

His Soul and Bloodline Power are trump cards kept in reserve, and he would not use them lightly. His Physical Body has just been upgraded, leaving only his realm to advance.

However, a realm cannot be raised too quickly, lest his foundation become unstable. Buddha Demon Power is not very effective against Demon Cultivators, and he does not want everyone to label him a Demon Cultivator.

What remains is to work on runes, thunder and lightning, flame, and the three Guardian God Seals. Martial Cultivators in this world sneer at the Guardian God Seal, deeming it a waste of one's own power and refusing to use it.

But when Ye Liuyun employs the Guardian God Seal, it can unleash greater power, and he possesses three different Guardian God Seals, each stronger than the last.

If he uses the Guardian God Seal himself, the boost at his current realm is indeed modest, but when a Clone Puppet wields it, the effect is different.

The Clone Puppet consumes Primordial Power and Crystal Stone energy, which are inexhaustible. Its reserves are enough to fuel a year‑long berserk battle without depletion.

"But just the Guardian God Seal seems to add little. Moreover, the Clone Puppet's thunder and flame are still weak!"

Ye Liuyun thought for a moment and then began researching how to use runes to boost flame and thunder power.

At the Li Family in Royal City, Li Chengfeng personally went out to receive Ye Liuyun's Clone Puppet.

"Young Master Ye, your illustrious presence graces us; the Li Family truly shines today!"

The Clone Puppet replied politely, "Young Master Li, you're being modest!"

Given Ye Liuyun's current status, he indeed need not be overly courteous to Li Chengfeng.

In Li Chengfeng's eyes, Ye Liuyun exudes overwhelming aura; a glance, a movement, clearly not forged in a single day. Thus he is even more convinced of Ye Liuyun's extraordinary nature.

Next, the Li Family hosts a banquet for Ye Liuyun, giving him a warm welcome. Li Chengfeng, Li Qianjiao, and several Li Family Elders accompany them.

Although the conversation at the table is idle chatter, it largely concerns the Li Family's Chengyuan Merchant Association's operations across the five major regions, intended to inform Ye Liuyun of the Li Family's true situation.

An Elder also introduced Ye Liuyun to the Li Family's two main rivals: one is the Honor Merchant Association, allegedly backed by the Fifth Divine Son; the other is the Yunmeng Merchant Association of the Meng Family, said to be supported by the Left Prime Minister, who in turn backs the Third Divine Son.

The Clone Puppet listens for Ye Liuyun, learning about each merchant association's strength. The Yunmeng Merchant Association has even expanded beyond the realm, backed by external forces. The Honor Merchant Association enjoys the best business in the Central and Eastern regions, occupying the dynasty's prime markets, and maintains close ties with the Dragon Clan.

Ye Liuyun could tell that the Li Family's presentation of the other two merchant associations was neither evasive nor exaggerated about themselves or other powers, clearly intending to be transparent and pursue sincere cooperation with him.

"But the Li Family truly is the weakest of the major merchant associations, no wonder they even sacrifice their legitimate daughter. If no one assists them, even under normal commercial competition they won't hold out long before being swallowed up!"

Ye Liuyun also drew his own conclusions from analyzing these merchant associations.

But precisely because of this, there is an opportunity for cooperation. He also does not wish his women to continue making public appearances and start a merchant association from scratch. Cooperation, in this way, is also the

quickest and most hassle‑free shortcut.

"These two merchant associations will likely focus on Young Master Ye during the martial contest. Their associations were driven out of the Southern Region by Young Master Ye, so they probably won't give up easily!"

Li Chengfeng then reminded Ye Liuyun.

"Heh, it seems I have many enemies in this Five Domains Grand Competition!"

Ye Liuyun heard this and helplessly made a self‑deprecating remark.

But that is unavoidable; as he seeks to build his own power, he will inevitably clash with others' interests. Thus everything must be settled by strength.

At that moment, Li Chengfeng suddenly switched to Divine Sense Transmission Voice and said to Ye Liuyun, "It mainly depends on the God King's attitude. Young Master Ye seized two planets in the demon world; even the God King likely covets that ability!"

Although the Li Family's strength is inferior to the other two factions, they still possess basic intelligence‑gathering capabilities. They could not have missed such a major development.

And he naturally could not utter slanders about the God King, lest he attract the royal scouts' attention.

"Previously, Young Master Ye struck at various regions, and the dynasty could not keep up nor dispatch a large army for support. Yet this kind of martial contest among Martial Cultivators is perfect for some to act behind the scenes."

"In my view, this contest is more likely to bring misfortune than fortune for Young Master Ye. Since he doesn't care about rankings or rewards, why risk it?"

Li Chengfeng was clearly advising Ye Liuyun not to join the competition.

As for the cave of the hidden‑realm strongman, its value is indeed considerable, but it is not indispensable for Ye Liuyun. He already controls several regions, so cultivation resources are certainly abundant.

Ye Liuyun replied via Transmission Voice, "It's something I'll have to face sooner or later; endless avoidance won't help. Moreover, I must clarify the God King's stance toward me before deciding my next move."

Hearing this, Li Chengfeng fell silent, simply raising a toast to Ye Liuyun as usual, and resumed chatting with the others.

After three rounds of wine, Li Chengfeng proactively invited Ye Liuyun to stay at the Li Family during the competition. Ye Liuyun only agreed to a temporary stay, leaving future arrangements undecided.

"Qianjiao, take Young Master Ye to the lodging to rest; after all, he must compete tomorrow and needs to replenish his spirit, and we cannot disturb him excessively!" Li Chengfeng, having said everything needed, used the moment to end the banquet.

Ye Liuyun understood that since no cooperation was discussed at the banquet, a private discussion would follow.

"It seems the waters are indeed deep within the Royal City. Even the Li Family dares not discuss cooperation openly, indicating that the royal household and various factions' scouts have already infiltrated every power, entangled like roots."

Ye Liuyun simply followed Li Chengfeng's arrangement, accompanying Li Qianjiao to his lodging.

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