Led by Xu Ming, the group arrived at the far end of the villa complex. Here lay a vast training ground, or perhaps, a space deliberately cleared for this purpose. It was filled with men clad in near-total black—muscular builds, buzz cuts, wearing only green military trousers and black undershirts that left their torsos bare, an austere sight that felt oppressively intense.

From these soldiers radiated the aura of true military men: fists clenched, faces stern and resolute, their gazes cold and deep, instilling an instant, bone-chilling dread in any observer. Seeing Xu Ming approach with Yang Yi and the others, they simultaneously shouted, "Boss Xu!"

Xu Ming raised his hands slightly, turning to Yang Yi. "Boss, take a look. Are these men to your satisfaction?"

Yang Yi swept his gaze over them. He could discern their solid capabilities. While none might reach the level of a Grandmaster, beneath that threshold, they were absolutely the type to draw blood and see the job through to the end. More than that, seeing them stirred a long-dormant sense of fierce loyalty within Yang Yi.

"There are three thousand of them. Though they are three thousand men, just as you envisioned, Boss, even if they aren't Grandmasters, they possess abilities comparable to that level." Before Yang Yi could respond, Xu Ming gestured broadly. "Listen up, everyone! This man is Yang Yi. He is my superior, and from this moment forward, he is yours as well."

"All hail Boss Yang!" A single, deafening roar echoed.

Ling Tian and the others following Yang Yi, all veterans of the military districts, had certainly seen soldiers before, but never like these men. Their expressions momentarily froze in stunned assessment. Xiu'er, however, simply smiled, a slight curl of her lips as she glanced at Yang Yi, her smile deepening.

Xu Ming lowered his hands again. "Now, form up according to my commands! Snipers!"

"Here!" The word was barely out before over a thousand men instantly separated from the remaining two thousand, their movements frighteningly swift and devoid of hesitation, as if this maneuver was utterly trivial to them.

"Gunners!"

"Here!"

"Bladesmen!"

"Here!"

Xu Ming watched the three distinct formations separate, a look of profound satisfaction on his face, and turned to Yang Yi. "Boss, the snipers and gunners can strike from the shadows. Both groups are masters of their craft, never missing a shot. The Bladesmen, you can integrate them within the Black God Guard, as their practiced weapon is the military knife!"

"Good. You've done something worthwhile for once, kid." Yang Yi felt genuine satisfaction looking at these men; timing was crucial, and they arrived precisely when needed. He stepped forward, raising a hand. "Are you willing to follow me? To join me in a battle so earth-shattering that it will make this life a truly spectacular display?"

"Willing! Willing! Willing!" The response was thunderous. As the saying went, soldiers establish themselves through overwhelming momentum, spirit, and capability. It rang true.

"Excellent." Yang Yi gestured for quiet, then turned to Xu Ming. "Third Brother, do as you planned: integrate the Bladesmen into the Black God Guard. For the other two contingents, settle them for now. Await my orders tonight!"

"Understood!"

In the capital, within a villa close to the city center.

"Tian Si, Tian Si!" Ye Han called out, his brow furrowed.

Tian Si rushed in from the doorway. "Young Master, what are your orders?"

"What is the current situation?"

"Reporting, Young Master. Our forces have surrounded and camped around the periphery of the capital. It is so tightly sealed now that not even a fly could escape our surveillance," Tian Si reported.

"Oh?" Ye Han mused, feeling a prickle of unease. Yang Yi's recent movements felt strangely calculated. "What about the Crown Prince faction?"

"They are still under attack from us, but our progress has slowed somewhat due to the intervention of the Black God Gang."

"Have the Crown Prince faction not counterattacked at all?"

"The regional forces outside the capital are fighting back, but those within the city—they are acting strangely."

Hearing this, Ye Han immediately pressed, "How are they acting strangely?"

"Although the Crown Prince faction's internal forces in the city are under our assault, due to the Black God Gang's presence, they have consolidated entirely within their headquarters. They don't seem to be mounting any significant counter-assaults!"

Indeed, this was the current disposition of the capital.

With the Black God Gang's aid, the Crown Prince faction had managed to pull most of their internal strength back to their headquarters. Simultaneously, external forces were holding their ground, but with Ye Han only possessing thirty percent of his original strength remaining, holding out would prove difficult. Yet, the situation was complicated by Yang Yi's interference.

After a moment of silent thought, Ye Han suddenly asked, "How long has it been since we received any intelligence from the remaining outer forces?"

"Reporting, Young Master, only half a day!"

"Go immediately and have them report on the status there! Also, relay my command: they are to report back to me every two hours!"

"Yes!" Tian Si acknowledged and swiftly departed.

Ye Han then called out again, "Tian San!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Tian San materialized, kneeling before Ye Han.

"What is the status regarding the clan members?"

"Reporting, Young Master, they are still locked in a grinding battle!"

"Is this the directive from the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost?" Ye Han asked, his brow tight. He couldn't shake the feeling of deep internal agitation and profound unease today.

"Yes! The Elders stated that with our numerical superiority, we will absolutely crush the Heaven Dragon lineage."

"Very well. Since the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost have said so, you may stand down for now. Report immediately if there is any news!"

"Yes!" Tian San bowed, and seeing Ye Han wave his hand, he too left.

Ye Han settled onto the sofa, closing his eyes slightly. His thoughts were obscured, but his expression betrayed a deep disquiet, a sense of alarm he had never before experienced. Though his ambition was vast, he was no fool; he understood the danger of complacency.

After lunch, Fatty Lin and the others followed custom and headed to school—this façade had to be maintained perfectly. Furthermore, Yang Yi’s instruction for Fatty Lin and the others to attend school was calculated; it was far more than just attending classes. These days, however, Fatty Lin and Qin Yunyun seemed to be growing quite close.

"Brother Yi, we’re heading to school now," Fatty Lin said.

"Fatty, you seem unusually enthusiastic about school lately. What, are you and Qin Huihui hitting it off particularly well?" Yang Yi teased with a wicked smile.

"Uh!" Fatty Lin’s face betrayed hesitation, yet it revealed enough to suggest something was indeed happening. He quickly added, "Brother Yi, I need to get to class now!"

"Hahaha! That second brother, actually getting shy! Hahaha, this is hilarious." Xu Ming and Ye Xiaohou erupted in laughter.

Yang Yi smiled faintly and shook his head. "Third Brother, stay behind for a moment. Everyone else, go to school. And remember to keep a close watch on Ye Han!"

"Understood!" Ye Xiaohou and Xuanyuan Bing both agreed.

"Boss, what are you planning to...?" Xu Ming inquired.

"I just received intelligence indicating that Ye Han has suddenly issued an order for the outer forces to report their status every two hours!"

"Could it be he suspects our people are already infiltrating their ranks?" Xu Ming asked, startled.

"Not yet. But time is running out for us to delay any longer." Yang Yi’s expression grew heavy. He took a deep breath. "Therefore, there is something I need you to do!"

"Tell me, Boss!"

"The Gunners and Snipers—codename: Assassination Squad. I want you to take them, split them into small teams around the capital. Tonight, the moment Ye Han's people dare to step a single foot into the city, execute them without mercy!" Yang Yi’s eyes flashed with cold light.

"I accept the order!" Xu Ming clasped his hands in salute and headed out.

Yang Yi turned to Long Yi beside him. "What is the status of the infiltration into the outer forces?"

"Dragon Lord, this is precisely what I was about to report!"

"Oh? Any good news?"

Long Yi composed himself. "According to intelligence from the Xuanmen forward position, the entirety of the remaining thirty percent of Ye Han's outer strength—the Three Great Sects—has been completely infiltrated. The three Sect Masters have been captured by Elder Mu Qingfeng!"

"Good, good, very good!" This was tremendous news for Yang Yi. He knew then that he had made the right choice in enlisting Mu Qingfeng's help. Letting the old man lead the forces was certainly a formidable move. After all, the older the ginger, the hotter it is, and Mu Qingfeng, that rogue old fellow, was capable of things Yang Yi himself might hesitate to do. But Mu Qingfeng was different.

Furthermore, the Four Great Sects of Huaxia, with their ancient lineage and deep understanding of righteous doctrine, would surely listen to Mu Qingfeng’s persuasion. Even if other sects were considered 'heretical' on the world stage, they were fiercely protective of their own. The profound understanding of righteousness needed to sway them—only Mu Qingfeng could deliver it.

However, Yang Yi’s expression suddenly turned grave. "Did they follow my instructions exactly?"

"Yes. We expect that in another two hours, Ye Han will still firmly believe his outer forces are untouched and guarding the perimeter," Long Yi reported.

"Haha, that's perfect." Yang Yi laughed heartily. "Now, it is time for us to pay them a visit."

"Husband, are you planning to go see them now?" Xiu'er asked, clearly surprised by the statement. But seeing Yang Yi nod, she understood that every situation required a resolution. And this was indeed the optimal moment to confront them—at least, that was her assessment meant only for Yang Yi's ears.