In the grand assembly hall of the Flame-Extinguishing City Lord's manor, Ye Jingyu, clad in robes of sumptuous, deep black brocade, occupied the foremost seat. Gathered before him were all the principal officials of the city: Jiu Feng, Xi Yang, Fang Tianrui, Tian Luo, Yan, Wu, Yue, and Kuang. As for Sun Houzi, he had already been sent out to administer a proper lesson to Ni Bo, grandly proclaiming it a regimen to temper his sinews and bones. While others might have harbored considerable objections, Ni Bo, quite clearly, showed no sign of complaint; rather, he cherished the opportunity.

Seeing Ye Jingyu’s somber expression, everyone seated below adopted an air of profound gravity. They could not fathom why their Lord was so displeased, so angry, so utterly infuriated by the news that Lord Yuan was soon to wed Princess Ling. Yet, their very lives and fortunes were inextricably bound to Ye Jingyu's fate, and no matter how great their internal doubts, they were compelled to stand with him.

Ye Jingyu surveyed those assembled below. The two Human figures and the four Legion Commanders had all sworn fealty to him, and he could sense the sincerity in their oaths. But now, he was planning a move against the high echelons of the Earth Alliance. Would they truly stand on his side?

He understood perfectly well that whether it was Luo Tian, Fang Tianrui, or the four Legion Commanders, their allegiance stemmed from a desire for a secure foothold and reliable protection. In peacetime, they were staunchly loyal; even during the war against the Heaven Alliance, their devotion remained unwavering. But now, he intended to strike at the core leadership of the Earth Alliance—specifically the three Sovereigns. Did they possess the conviction to follow him into such a conflict?

To them, such an action might very well be tantamount to a suicide mission. Loyalty was one thing, but deliberate self-sacrifice was quite another. Ye Jingyu did not believe his charisma extended so far that they would willingly charge headlong into a known slaughter.

“My Lord, whatever doubt troubles you, speak it plainly. Whatever decision you reach, we will faithfully stand by your side!” Seeing Ye Jingyu’s brow tightly furrowed, it was Kuang—the very one who had initially been the most dissatisfied with Ye Jingyu—who spoke first.

Ye Jingyu lifted his gaze, studying Kuang’s rough-hewn face, then swept his eyes across the others. Finally, he rose from his seat and spoke in a measured tone, “What are your thoughts on the forthcoming marriage between Princess Ling and Lord Yuan?”

The marriage of Princess Ling and Lord Yuan? Everyone present started. They desperately wished to declare it a match made in heaven, but the look in Ye Jingyu’s cold eyes, remembering his obvious displeasure regarding the matter, warned them off. Even Kuang understood that his Lord was unsettled by this union, and none dared speak praise for the arrangement.

However, this was the heart of the Earth Alliance, and they dared not utter any word disrespectful toward Yuan. Thus, a sudden, profound silence descended upon the hall.

Observing their silent expressions, Ye Jingyu managed a faint, wry smile. Indeed, regardless of Yuan’s standing in their hearts, the sheer power behind him was something they could never hope to contend with. Why would they risk offending Yuan for the sake of their Lord’s personal desires? After all, this wedding had been personally decreed by the Sovereign of Destruction.

“My Lord, do you perhaps harbor feelings for Princess Ling?” Just as Ye Jingyu was about to turn away in disappointment, the often blunt Kuang suddenly spoke out.

The utterance caused a wave of astonishment to ripple through the room. How could they not see from Ye Jingyu’s attitude that this was a sentiment best kept unspoken? Why did Kuang feel the need to voice it?

Ye Jingyu turned back with a flicker of surprise, looking at Kuang. Clearly taken aback by the directness of the question, he answered without hesitation, “It is not that I like her; I love her. You have followed me for so long; you must surely know my true identity by now!” Ye Jingyu’s voice was light, yet that very lightness stirred powerful resonances within the hearts of the four Demons. They suddenly recalled the terrifying artifact he possessed, the monstrous resilience of his physical body, and the overwhelming, savage power unleashed when he achieved the Chaos Body.

It was then that the realization struck them: their City Lord was no mere expert whose strength peaked at the Stellar level. He was a supreme powerhouse whose true might surely spanned the Cosmic level, perhaps even surpassing it. With a figure like this leading them, what fear remained?

“My Lord, if that is the case, then what is there to deliberate? We shall simply take her back! My Lord, you might not believe it, but since the day you arrived in Flame-Extinguishing City to rescue me, my very life has belonged to you. Give the command, and I swear, not just against Yuan, but even if you ordered me to strike at the Three Sovereigns themselves, I would not bat an eyelid!” Kuang declared with absolute conviction, his eyes blazing with a steadfastness never before seen.

At the sight of Kuang’s gaze, Ye Jingyu felt a fresh wave of surprise. He had truly not expected such genuine, deep-seated emotion from the most tempestuous of the Demons.

“Ha. Very well. Since we are being truthful today, let me be frank. From the moment I first set foot in the Earth Alliance, my sole objective has been to take Ling away. She is my beloved. It was only because she saved me that she surrendered her soul to the Demon Sovereign. Therefore, no matter the cost, I will reclaim her. I had intended to wait, perhaps a little longer, until my own forces were undeniably stronger. But now, I cannot wait any longer!” Ye Jingyu spoke calmly, yet the iron resolution in his tone sent a tremor through everyone present.

What an unyielding conviction this was! A millennia of waiting, all for one woman. What history lay between them?

“Let me also tell you the truth: the sudden arrangement by the Sovereign of Destruction to wed Ling to Yuan is, in fact, a conspiracy—a test aimed directly at me. They still do not know the full extent of my capabilities, but suspicion has already taken root. This betrothal is designed to force me to reveal my true hand.”

“My Lord, since you know it is a trap, why should you go? Our current strength is far inferior to theirs. To move now is merely to invite death!” Luo Tian spoke up upon hearing Ye Jingyu’s assessment.

“Ha. Some things must be faced, even when they are clearly snares. Of course, this is my struggle alone. I am not compelling any of you. If you are unwilling, you may depart now. I will not force anyone’s hand!” Ye Jingyu stated evenly.

Hearing these words, Kuang was the first to step forward, declaring his unwavering support for Ye Jingyu. Fang Tianrui followed immediately, and then the other three Demons. It was Luo Tian who hesitated, standing motionless until he saw every single person align themselves with Ye Jingyu, whereupon he seemed to steel his resolve and finally took his place at his Lord’s side.

Seeing them all arrayed behind him, a faint smile touched Ye Jingyu’s lips.