Shi Yan landed, stretched his limbs, then offered a faint smile to Di Shan and the others before turning his gaze to Cao Zhilan and the familiar faces imprisoned in the cages.

The very instant Shi Yan materialized, Cao Zhilan, Zeng Yanqing, Gu Linglong, and the other pursuers felt a wave of mental collapse.

They had chased him from the Azure Sea region, suffered repeated losses against the Yang family before even entering the Abyssal Battlefield, and upon finally stepping into the desolate palace complex, Shi Yan's sudden burst of power had inflicted heavy casualties upon them once more.

Recalling it soberly, Cao Zhilan realized that ever since they crossed paths with Shi Yan, their luck had plummeted; they had never managed to gain any advantage over him.

Now, they were trapped in this wretched place, while Shi Yan was a guest of honor to the alien race—not only could he laugh and converse alongside alien leaders like Di Shan, but Di Shan and the others had actually delivered them over for Shi Yan’s sake. What sort of situation was this?

We are all human—why was the gap between them so vast?

Not only did Cao Zhilan and her companions feel like spitting blood, but Zha Ji was also immensely frustrated. He had the urge to question the situation, but under Zha Meng’s warning glance, he clamped his mouth shut, his heart brimming with resentment.

"Shi... Shi Yan…" Yi Cui Bi stammered, her delicate face flushing bright red. "Um, are these three women prepared for you?"

The faces of the three women—Cao Zhilan, Zeng Yanqing, and Gu Linglong—darkened instantly, each grinding their teeth.

Shi Yan nodded with a faint smile, looking calmly at Cao Zhilan. "Didn't expect this, did you?"

"You will not die a good death!" Gu Linglong’s delicate body trembled, anger and panic flashing in her eyes. "If you dare to do anything improper to us, I will not let you go even as a ghost!"

"A ghost?" Shi Yan let out a dry laugh. "I fear you won't even have the chance to become a ghost. If I decide to kill you, I will certainly obliterate your soul and spirit, erasing any possibility of reincarnation. If you can't even be a ghost, how can you seek revenge on me?" As he spoke these words, Shi Yan wore a relaxed smile, as if reducing someone to dust and obliterating their soul was an everyday occurrence.

Di Shan raised an eyebrow and nodded subtly. "The lad is indeed ruthless. No wonder he could stay safe despite being hunted by so many."

"Naturally. Otherwise, how could he have obtained the Heavenly Fire?" The White Wing Clan Chief approached the cage containing Cao Zhilan and the others with graceful steps. With a wave of her slender hand, silver-white light threads, like vines, snaked into the cage, slowly weaving inside and immersing themselves into the bodies of Cao Zhilan, Zeng Yanqing, and Gu Linglong one by one.

The three women were filled with horror.

Bang! A crack appeared in the cage. The three women were seemingly lifted by invisible hands, plucked out of the enclosure, and moved to hover before Shi Yan, before slowly being lowered to the ground.

Standing on the stone floor, their delicate bodies trembled slightly, the light in their eyes gradually dimming as all their strength was completely sealed off.

"Now, these three girls cannot use any power whatsoever; they are just like ordinary people and pose no further threat to you," Yu Rou smiled at Shi Yan. "From now on, as long as you wish, you can do whatever you please with them. Heh, for the future of our two races, sacrificing three little girls is quite a bargain."

Zha Meng scowled, a flicker of divine light shining in his brow. Three waves of strange soul fluctuations abruptly flew out, diving into the foreheads of the three women.

A look of pain crossed the faces of Cao Zhilan and the other two; they couldn't help but clutch their heads and moan softly.

"What I planted in their minds is the intent of death," Zha Meng chuckled sinisterly, looking at Shi Yan. "The moment they contemplate suicide, the mark will activate, and their bodies will immediately become paralyzed. You can act freely upon them without worrying that they will kill themselves to spite you."

Shi Yan was momentarily stunned, then smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

"Shameless!"

The three women—Cao Zhilan, Gu Linglong, and Zeng Yanqing—shouted in unison, their eyes dripping with hatred, hating Shi Yan to the very marrow of their bones. If they could break free from their restraints, they might fearlessly seek mutual destruction with Shi Yan.

"You are welcome. As long as you serve our two races well, let alone these three human women—even if you desired a maiden from our Shadow Charm Clan, it would be easily attainable," Zha Meng scoffed. "But if you fail to aid our two races, hehe, I will make your life a living hell!"

"Let’s not waste time," Di Shan frowned, showing slight impatience.

"This boy's cultivation progress is intrinsically linked to the future of our two races. Therefore, I will stay here temporarily to closely monitor his advancement," the White Wing Clan Chief said with a charming smile. "I think everyone else should contribute more effort too. I recall our two races possess some items highly beneficial to improving the power levels of human warriors at this realm. Well, considering everyone's interests, I think we should be generous."

Shi Yan’s expression lifted, and he let out a light chuckle.

Di Shan, Kaba, and the others exchanged glances, their expressions odd, their eyes shifting uncertainly.

"Our White Wing Clan possesses the White Jade Spirit Fruit, which is extremely effective for stabilizing the state of mind. A White Jade Spirit Tree bears fruit once every thousand years, yielding three fruits each time. I have already sent a message to have someone from my clan deliver one White Jade Spirit Fruit. Well, for the future of our two races, I am making a huge sacrifice," Yu Rou said with a sweet smile.

The moment these words were uttered, the expressions of Di Shan and the others changed drastically.

"The White Jade Spirit Fruit!"

The younger generation of the Shadow Charm Clan, including Zha Ji, Yi Cui Bi, and Xue Fei, couldn't help but cry out. Greed could not be suppressed in Zha Ji’s eyes.

The White Jade Spirit Fruit was a rare treasure from the White Wing Clan's territory, only produced in this Abandoned Land where the sun, moon, and stars were entirely obscured. Each fruit was incredibly precious, greatly beneficial for the stabilization and nourishment of the soul. Even the Wing Clan, whose soul cultivation was difficult, could achieve a massive breakthrough in soul state after consuming one.

To the members of the Shadow Charm Clan, this fruit was even more precious. Already skilled in soul cultivation, consuming a White Jade Spirit Fruit would lead to a significant elevation in their soul attainments!

If a newborn Shadow Charm infant consumed one, their soul would be reborn, instantly achieving the strength of a Hundred Tribulation Warrior.

It was a miraculous object capable of soul metamorphosis!

In this Abandoned Land, the White Wing Clan’s White Jade Spirit Fruit was an exceptionally scarce treasure—possessing immense attraction for both the Wing Clan and the Shadow Charm Clan.

Now, what madness possessed Yu Rou?

To give up a White Jade Spirit Fruit for a single human youth—was she truly so altruistic? Was she truly willing to make such a sacrifice for the future of the two races?

Zha Ji breathed rapidly, his face flushed, looking at Shi Yan with fierce hostility, wishing he could devour the human whole.

What a catastrophic waste! What a devastating waste! What virtue did this damned human possess to be worthy of a White Jade Spirit Fruit? What was this White Wing Clan Chief trying to achieve? Had she taken a liking to this human boy? Hadn't it been rumored that the White Wing Clan Chief maintained strict chastity, forbidden to marry for life?

Thoughts raced through Zha Ji’s mind, making his teeth ache with envy. He thought that if he possessed a White Jade Spirit Fruit, he could certainly maximize its efficacy and forcefully boost his strength.

What a pity...

"Clan Chief Yu Rou, you aren't joking, are you?" Kaba’s eyes widened, his expression utterly strange. "Is this human boy worth you using a supreme treasure of the White Wing Clan?"

Zha Meng, Yi Tian Mo, and Di Shan were also somewhat taken aback, staring blankly at Yu Rou.

Shi Yan did not initially know the significance of the White Jade Spirit Fruit, but through careful observation of Zha Ji, Kaba, and the others, he suddenly realized that the fruit must be an extremely precious item.

Otherwise, these people would not be so surprised, nor display such bizarre reactions.

What was Yu Rou planning? Could it be that because he had offended her slightly, she had developed actual feelings for him? Was his charm truly that potent?

Shi Yan mused internally, but suppressed all signs of surprise, maintaining a calm and normal expression, pretending ignorance of the White Jade Spirit Fruit’s special nature, still appearing utterly reckless.

"Don't you find the changes in the Shadow Beast Mountain very strange?" Yu Rou’s delicate face slowly grew solemn, her expression grave. "The outer restrictions of the Shadow Beast Mountain have loosened, yet the inner restrictions grow stronger... Haven't you recalled anything? Our ancestors from both races must share a common understanding regarding such anomalies, right?"

Di Shan, Zha Meng, Yi Tian Mo, and Kaba all stiffened, as if suddenly remembering something, terror flashing in their eyes.

"You mean...?" Di Shan started but stopped short, glancing at the juniors beside him, ultimately choosing not to speak plainly.

"I believe that is likely the case," Yu Rou said with a wry smile. "This is a turning point, but it could also become a dead end. Everyone should know what needs to be done specifically."

"I will return to the Black Wing Clan. In five days at most, I will bring back a piece of the clan's 'Black Splendor Lotus.' I hope he doesn't disappoint me..." Di Shan’s expression grew complex. He gave Shi Yan a deep look, then suddenly swept his sleeves and departed. His massive black wings swayed briefly in the void, and his figure gradually vanished.

"Black... Black Splendor Tea..."

Zha Ji felt his mouth go dry, repeatedly swallowing, his eyes gleaming strangely. His expression was unreadable—a mixture of laughter and tears.

On the city wall, including Xue Fei and Yi Cui Bi, all the young members of the Shadow Charm Clan trembled, their eyes shining, staring blankly at Shi Yan with savage looks, as if they wanted to eat him alive.

"Di Shan, remember to stop by Duolong's place and ask Duolong to contribute a bottle of 'Heavenly Spring Condensation Dew' as well," Yu Rou called out toward the direction Di Shan had departed.

Di Shan was already gone, but his voice drifted back from afar, "Alright."

"Ah!"

Zha Ji, Xue Fei, and Yi Cui Bi couldn't help but shriek, as if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight. Their expressions were indescribably strange as they looked at Shi Yan.

"This, this is truly..."

The young men and women of the Shadow Charm Clan muttered blankly, looking utterly crestfallen, as if they had suffered a severe shock.

"Ahem, well, we..." Yi Tian Mo looked slightly embarrassed, holding out his hands to Yu Rou awkwardly. "You all know that the good places in this Abandoned Land are mostly held by your Wing Clan. Our three clans don't have much to offer that's worthwhile. We aren't unwilling to contribute, it's just... it’s just that..."

Zha Meng and Kaba also looked quite awkward, forcing bitter smiles, acting as if they were destitute.

"I know, I know," Yu Rou replied with a gentle smile. "You are indeed a bit poor, and the good things here don't really belong to you. However..."

Zha Meng and the other two were momentarily stunned, appearing to seek her opinion.

"However, your Shadow Charm Clan's understanding of the soul far surpasses that of our Wing Clan," Yu Rou smiled slowly. "Your cultivation insights regarding the soul are useless to our Wing Clan, but they might be useful to this boy. Um, what I mean is, you three Grand Commanders should open the libraries of your respective secret texts, allowing this boy to comprehend and internalize them. You know that improvement in realm is inseparable from insights of this nature, right?"

Zha Meng and the other two instantly changed color, all three exclaiming, "This, how can this be allowed?"

"The insights on soul cultivation of our Shadow Charm Clan are the essence of our lineage; how can we let a human know?" Zha Ji cried out in shock, leaping up suddenly. "If he learns all our Shadow Charm Clan's soul secrets, and he manages to grow up alive, won't he become a disaster for our entire race?"

Yi Cui Bi and Xue Fei were equally horrified.

They understood the Shadow Charm Clan's advantage. While they were at a disadvantage against the Wing Clan, their mastery over soul attainment gave them a fatal edge against the inherently weaker human souls. Their various soul secret arts could easily render martial artists of the same level incapable of resistance.

Shi Yan already possessed the Heavenly Fire, making him a natural nemesis of the Shadow Charm Clan. If he were to learn their soul techniques, it would become incredibly difficult for the Shadow Charm Clan to control or execute him using soul arts. Should Shi Yan one day reach the Heaven Rank, then no expert in the entire Shadow Charm Clan would be able to restrain him.

If such a day arrived, Shi Yan could completely enslave the entire Shadow Charm Clan single-handedly!

This was a terrifying prospect.

"If he cannot grow rapidly, the disaster for your Shadow Charm Clan will arrive sooner. Don't wait for him to reach the realm you fear; your clan might be exterminated first!" Yu Rou snorted, her gaze sharp. "You insolent boy, keep your mouth shut while we are speaking!"

Zha Ji was horrified, then quickly fell silent, lowering his head, daring not to look at Yu Rou again.

"What do you say?" The White Wing Clan Chief smiled sweetly again, turning to Yi Tian Mo and the others. "You aren't going to be as obtuse as them, are you?"

"Fine, I will open my secret text library for him," Yi Tian Mo pondered for a long time, being the first to agree.

Zha Meng and Kaba, though deeply reluctant, could only steel themselves and agree after remembering the abnormality of the Shadow Beast Mountain. After Yi Tian Mo, they nodded reluctantly.

Cao Zhilan, Gu Linglong, and Zeng Yanqing were stunned, completely bewildered by this string of events. They couldn't fathom what Shi Yan had done to make these two major alien races pay such a heavy price—not only obeying his demands but offering up their clans' most treasured possessions to him.

In the eyes of these aliens, Shi Yan was treated better than their own kin. In stark contrast, they, who were also outsiders, were reduced to prisoners, destined to be killed or presented to Shi Yan for the satisfaction of his carnal desires.

Comparing the two sides, the three women were so frustrated they almost vomited blood, cursing the unfairness of fate.

"Since that is settled, things become much easier," Yu Rou stated calmly. "How about this: you three arrange a residence, and let this boy settle there first. I will select the secret texts from your three libraries for him. Of course, I won't look at your texts while selecting; you can watch me. How about that?"

Zha Meng and the other two were extremely unwilling but had no recourse but to agree under duress.

"In the center of our three residences, there is a residence belonging to me. It is not far from the three of us. Arrange for him to go there," Yi Tian Mo considered for a moment, then nodded to Yi Cui Bi. "You take Clan Chief Yu Rou and Shi Yan there, settle him in first, then we can discuss other matters."

"Oh." Yi Cui Bi nodded, her expression complicated.

No matter how much she guessed, she never expected that not only had Duolong failed to kill Shi Yan, but he had been escorted back carefully by Yu Rou and Di Shan. Furthermore, leaders of the Wing Clan like Di Shan and Yu Rou were treating Shi Yan with such deference, even going so far as to offer up their clan's supreme treasures.

What kind of situation was this?

Yi Cui Bi had a terrible headache. She recalled the time Shi Yan was peeking around furtively in the bushes and how easily she had captured him with a soul secret art, contrasting it with his current treatment. She didn't know what to say.

"Little girl, you lead the way," the White Wing Clan Chief said with a faint smile, pointing at the three women. A colored ribbon flew out from her sleeve, binding the three women tightly.

Yu Rou pulled the ribbon, as if leading pets, lifting the three women into the air. In her other free hand, she grasped Shi Yan’s arm. Moving lightly and with composure, she seemed to be softly joking with Shi Yan in the sky.

"Boy, I am not helping you; I am helping our two races. If you don't shape up, don't blame Di Shan and the others for skinning you."

"Uh, regardless, I must thank you. Hehe, I really didn't expect you to be able to secure such great benefits for me. Ha, rest assured, I will treat you well."

"Treat me well? You reckless boy, if you weren't useful right now, I would immediately make your life worse than death."

"Don't be so serious. I know you are good to me. Hehe, don't worry, for your sake, I will work hard, striving to break through another layer soon to gain stronger control over the Heavenly Fire and help you break the barrier within that Shadow Beast Mountain."

"I hope you truly have that ability, otherwise, no one can protect you."

Not long after, a magnificent stone tower, about fifty meters high, gradually appeared in Shi Yan's sight.

Yi Cui Bi, leading the way, stopped at the stone tower and beckoned Yu Rou to approach.

Yu Rou dragged Shi Yan and the three women to the top floor of the stone tower. At Yi Cui Bi's signal, they stopped in a spacious stone hall, as large as a basketball court. Pointing to the sealed stone doors nearby, she explained to Yu Rou and Shi Yan, "There are nine rooms here, with washing facilities, and..."

"Enough," Yu Rou waved her hand, stopping the introduction. She casually dropped the three women, not caring that they were dizzy from the fall without their strength. "You can go back now. I will make arrangements and first go to your father to seek the soul secret texts. Notify your father in advance."

"Oh." Yi Cui Bi dared not say anything more, nodding her head. She cast a complex glance at Shi Yan, sighed softly, and quietly flew away.

"Eh?" Yu Rou let out a surprised gasp, staring at Yi Cui Bi's delicate retreating figure for a few moments before suddenly smiling at Shi Yan. "Boy, you have some skill. That girl seems quite concerned about you. Don't tell me you managed to... 'get' Yi Tian Mo’s daughter too?"

"Get who?" Shi Yan feigned ignorance.

"Hehe," Yu Rou chuckled softly, shaking her slender hand. The colored ribbons binding Cao Zhilan and the other two snakes slithered back into her sleeve. She waved her sleeve, and the White Wing Clan Chief said lightly, "I know your Sea of Consciousness has no abnormality for now, but your Sea of Consciousness is indeed special; those five strands of strange soul power are restless, with the potential for sudden changes. I am leaving these three women for you. If they aren't enough, I can find other ways to search. I have also secured the Shadow Charm Clan’s soul secret texts for you. I will not hold back anything you are due, but I only hope you can elevate your realm in the shortest time possible. We cannot wait much longer."

"Is it that the Shadow Beast Mountain might undergo a massive change?" Shi Yan tested cautiously.

Yu Rou nodded slowly. "I won't hide it from you. The Shadow Beast Mountain is indeed very peculiar right now and is very likely to undergo a massive transformation. If that transformation occurs, our two races might face extinction. To be precise, if the Shadow Beast Mountain transforms greatly, this Abandoned Land will cease to exist—meaning you will also have no escape from death!"

Shi Yan was aghast. After a pause, he took a deep breath. "I finally understand why Di Shan and the others are being so generous."

"Mm, I just want you to understand that your progress is not only vital to the safety of our two races but to your own as well. Even for your own survival, you must strive. Otherwise, even if I wish for you to live, I won't have the capability." Yu Rou rarely showed such solemnity.

"I understand," Shi Yan nodded.

"Good. I won't say much more. These three women currently have no power to resist. If you experience any abnormality during your cultivation, you can vent on them at any time. Um, if you kill them, it doesn't matter, as long as you are fine; if they die, I will find other women to replace them for you, provided you can break through quickly," Yu Rou said, her words utterly ruthless in front of the three women, Cao Zhilan, Gu Linglong, and Zeng Yanqing. In her eyes, the three women seemed to be nothing more than tools.

These future helmswomen of the Endless Sea listened to Yu Rou’s words, their faces ashen, their delicate bodies trembling, yet they were powerless to refute.

"Fare thee well." Yu Rou's wings fluttered, her graceful, captivating figure swaying as she drifted slowly outward. "It is quiet here, and very safe. You have no need to worry about anything; just focus on your cultivation..." Yu Rou's voice faded into the distance, her silhouette long gone.

In the cavernous stone hall, Shi Yan stood with a grim expression, seemingly weighing some internal matter.

Five meters away, Cao Zhilan and the other two women sat nervously on the cold stone floor, fidgeting, each woman recognizing the stark terror reflected in the others' eyes.

Time flowed by.

Shi Yan remained silent, while Cao Zhilan’s beautiful eyes lost their inner light; yet, she watched him steadfastly. After a long wait, seeing that Shi Yan had no intention of speaking, she couldn't help but clear her throat softly.

Awakening from his deep contemplation, Shi Yan frowned, glancing at the three women with cool detachment before saying flatly, "Your luck is poor."

"I know you lucked out with dog dung!" Gu Linglong gritted her silver teeth, glaring at him with resentment. "I never imagined you could be such a shameless person, not only colluding with the aliens but wanting to help these maniacal beings leave this place. Do you even know what you are doing?"

"It would be unwise of you to provoke me." Shi Yan smiled, his figure blurring as he instantly stood before Gu Linglong. He reached out and hooked her smooth, fair chin, his gaze insolent: "You know that I can take you anytime, right here, and no one would say a word." Gu Linglong’s lovely face twisted in shock. She suddenly clenched her fist and struck at Shi Yan—only to forget that all her strength had vanished. Her small punch landed with nothing more than a sharp sting in her hand.

"Hmm, spirited. I hope you’ll be this wild when I’m doing you," Shi Yan sneered, unceremoniously rubbing his hand across her delicate chest through her clothes. "Ah, indeed, petite and exquisite, perfectly matching your name."

"Ah!"

Gu Linglong recoiled in pain, tears welling up in her eyes, yet she glared at Shi Yan with burning hatred. "I will kill you! I will absolutely kill you."

"Perhaps your family will have that chance, but you likely won't," Shi Yan stated coldly. His figure flashed again, appearing behind Gu Linglong, where he sharply slapped her pert buttocks with his large hand. "Not bad; your rear is quite shapely. Very nice. I will take good care of you."

"Enough! What kind of man bullies a defenseless woman?" Que Yanqing’s eyes blazed with fury, and she couldn't help but cry out sharply.

"Oh?" Shi Yan gave a dry laugh. "Nearly a hundred of you came to hunt us down; were you heroes then? Lie Yanqing, is it? The Saintess of the Heavenly Pond Holy Land? Don't you remember how you treated me and Xinyan on Menluo Island? In your eyes back then, what were we? Just ants you could crush at will?"

Li Yanqing’s expression subtly shifted.

She certainly remembered the scene on Menluo Island!

At that time, she did not know Shi Yan and Xia Xinyan's true identities. In pursuit of the secret of the Profound Ice Cold Flame, she ordered Shi Yan and Xia Xinyan to go to their deaths, which ultimately resulted in Shi Yan falling into the Profound Ice Abyss, incurring the furious wrath of the Yang family and causing heavy losses to the Heavenly Pond Holy Land.

Due to a misjudgment that brought significant losses to the Holy Land, many elders of the Heavenly Pond Holy Land were deeply dissatisfied with her and nearly stripped her of her Saintess title, leading her to hate Shi Yan to the bone.

When the Yang family underwent the great change, she was the first to volunteer to come to the Azure Vault Sea Region. Her objective, like Gu Linglong’s, was to personally slay her enemy, Shi Yan.

However, the world is unpredictable. So many experts entered the Abyss Battlefield, yet not only did they fail to kill Shi Yan, they ended up in their current predicament.

"What, speechless?" Shi Yan scoffed. His figure flickered, suddenly appearing in front of Cui Yanqing. Amidst Li Yanqing's gasp of alarm, Shi Yan shamelessly fumbled with her cheek a few times before snatching away the magical mask as thin as a cicada's wing.

Her eyebrows resembled distant mountains, her face a delicately painted scroll—no makeup, yet she was stunningly cold and captivating. She was a peerless beauty, not inferior to Cao Zhilan in the slightest.

Cao Zhilan and Gu Linglong also seemed to be seeing Que Yanqing’s true face for the first time. The moment her features were revealed, their delicate bodies trembled slightly, and they couldn't help but exclaim.

Women, regardless of the circumstances, always hold a competitive spirit regarding beauty. Even in this dire situation, Gu Linglong and Cao Zhilan couldn't help but secretly compare themselves to her.

Cao Zhilan compared them internally and let out a small smile, realizing that Zhai Yanqing was not inferior to her in any aspect, secretly surprised.

Gu Linglong, however, felt quite dejected, her expression turning sour. Knowing she was a grade below, she was naturally displeased.

Shi Yan experienced a moment of daze, staring deeply at her for a while before suddenly laughing wryly. "No wonder. I thought the Heavenly Pond Holy Land wouldn't pick an ugly woman to be their Saintess. Heh, you certainly possess a fine outward shell. Yes, very good. That way, when I have you, I won't feel nauseous."

Zhai Yanqing knew resistance was futile. Under Shi Yan's unrestrained gaze, she only stared back coldly, fierce intent solidifying in her eyes: "The Yang family members, though arrogant and overbearing, do not possess the heroic quality of bullying weak women. It seems you are the exception."

"Indeed." Shi Yan burst into loud laughter, flirtatiously hooking Zhai Yanqing’s chin. "I doubt many people in the Boundless Sea have seen you, and even fewer have treated you so disrespectfully. I never expected my luck to be this good; in this cursed place, I’m getting one romantic encounter after another. I can enjoy myself to the fullest."

"Shi Yan, we can actually talk this through properly."

Cao Zhilan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. She was much calmer than Gu Linglong and Zeng Yanqing. Even now, she remained serene and composed, offering a gentle smile. "I know that under the current circumstances, although you seem to be respected, your actual treatment is no different from ours." Shi Yan snorted, temporarily releasing Zhai Yanqing, turning his head to glare coldly at the woman who spoke so grandly. "No difference? I don't see it! I only know these aliens willingly present their clan treasures to me to curry favor. I only know these aliens arranged you here for my enjoyment! And what do you have? You are merely tools—tools for me to vent my desires. Beyond that, I don't see what value you possess."

"Shi Yan, can't you watch your mouth?" Li Yanqing scolded coldly, her dignity severely wounded. If she had any strength, she would be the first to tear his mouth apart. Gu Linglong trembled violently, her teeth itching with fury, but having suffered a great loss, she dared not challenge him again. She had already witnessed Shi Yan's arrogance and shamelessness. After two sensitive spots on her body were attacked, Gu Linglong’s pride was utterly shredded. She now truly understood the situation: in this wretched place, with her physical strength restrained, provoking Shi Yan rashly would only lead to self-inflicted suffering.

"Watch my mouth?" Shi Yan’s face was full of bizarre mockery. "You understand restraint now? You're just a slut pretending to be a Saintess!"

Qu Yanqing’s beautiful face suddenly turned paper-white. Her delicate body shook, and she bit her lower lip so hard it looked as if she longed to fight Shi Yan to the death.

Cao Zhilan offered a bitter smile. "We are all thorns in the side of those aliens. I know you, Shi Yan, are slightly different from us, but so what? You still have utility value now, but once that value is gone, your fate might be even worse than ours! By then, those aliens’ methods of dealing with you will surely be more brutal than how they treat us!"

Shi Yan shrugged, unconcerned. "Are you done speaking?"

Cao Zhilan looked surprised, then nodded helplessly.

"No matter what my fate will be in the future, right now I am at least unharmed and can fully enjoy everything the aliens offer... and you all are among my items of enjoyment." Shi Yan sneered. "Cao Zhilan, I know what you want to say. You want us to join forces, rescue you, and fight these aliens together, right?"

Cao Zhilan nodded.

"Based on you lot?" Shi Yan looked utterly contemptuous. "Even if I saved you, do you truly believe you could help me? Any single member of the Yin Ghost Clan here can easily subdue you and imprison your souls. How could you fight them? People like Kabar and Zhameng, though physically weak, have achieved the Spirit God Realm mastery, reaching the Transcendent God level. With just a thought from them, your souls would instantly shatter. You actually find it laughable to think you are useful to me?"

Gu Linglong and Zhai Yanqing looked ashen.

Only Cao Zhilan remained unmoved. After hesitating briefly, she said, "You are right; the few of us cannot stand against these aliens. However, if you can restore all my power and give me one night to prepare, I can contact my kin in the Cao family. If I can send news of this place out, I believe our several families should be able to find a solution."

"Contact the outside world?" Shi Yan was slightly moved.

"Yes. Given enough time to prepare, I can definitely reach my Cao family contacts," Cao Zhilan confirmed. "Once I transmit news of this situation, with the combined wisdom of the experts from all sides of the Boundless Sea, they should quickly ascertain the origins of these aliens and find a way to deal with them."

"Oh." Shi Yan nodded, stroking his chin, then said lightly, "A good plan, but I regret to inform you, I do not accept. Not only do I refuse, but I will also watch you to prevent you from actually contacting the outside."

Upon hearing this, Gu Linglong and Zhai Yanqing’s lovely faces drastically changed, and they both glared at Shi Yan with hatred.

"Shi Yan..." Cao Zhilan pleaded earnestly. "Please, think about it. The Yin Ghost Clan has a natural advantage over us; their soul specialization allows them to destroy us effortlessly. Furthermore, the three Great Clan Leaders of the Winged Clan are all ambitious and extraordinarily powerful. Once they enter the Boundless Sea, it will be a disaster for all martial artists there. Many common people will die because of it. Even if you dislike us, you must consider the bigger picture."

"The life and death of others are none of my concern," Shi Yan said coldly. "I only know that your factions will not spare the Yang family, nor will they spare me. I am not so self-righteous; stop preaching to us."

"You!" Gu Linglong finally couldn't hold back again. "Do you have any conscience? Do you know the immense loss these two alien races will inflict upon the Boundless Sea if they enter? Do you realize how many people will die because of your decision?"

"Oh?" Shi Yan sneered. "You cooperated with the people of the Fourth Demonic Domain; does that count as having a conscience? Because of you, the Fourth Demonic Domain and the Netherworld People might already be launching a massive invasion of the Boundless Sea. At this moment, the Boundless Sea might already be devastated. Adding these two alien races changes little; perhaps these two groups can even serve to keep the Demonic People and the Netherworld People in check."

"What?"

Cao Zhilan, Gu Linglong, and Zhai Yanqing simultaneously shrieked, their expressions filled with horror.

"The passage between the Fourth Demonic Domain and the Netherworld People should have already formed. The Demonic People and the Netherworld People are joining forces to destroy the Yang family first, thus disabling the protective guard on the Heavenly Gate leading to the Demonic Domain. Before long, the Demonic People and the Netherworld People will enter the Boundless Sea together. By now, the Boundless Sea might already belong to them. Any news you send out will be useless." Shi Yan sneered.

The three women stood there blankly, their eyes wide with panic—a cold dread gripping them for the first time.

PS: This chapter is nine thousand characters long, so I won't split it into three chapters. The extra three thousand characters will compensate for what was owed yesterday. To be continued.)