Hong Liliang was a sixth-stage Soul Foundation Realm cultivator. He was able to erupt with incredibly powerful might, but he couldn't resist a first-stage Soul Foundation Realm cultivator like Xiang Shaoyun. He was split into two, and his blood dyed his surroundings red.

"This is what happens to traitors," said Xiang Shaoyun coldly with the saber in his hand after withdrawing his soul foundation.

He had slaughtered everyone in the governor's manor without creating too much of a commotion. In fact, the pedestrians outside walking by the manor didn't even notice anything off.

After all, the two Heaven Battling Realm experts brought by Ye Chaomu had sealed the entire manor. Unless one was an expert of the same cultivation level, one wouldn't be able to sense anything.

Alas, there happened to be just one Heaven Battling Realm expert in the city. He sensed that something was going on in the governor's manor, but instead of going to the manor, he left the city quietly and headed for Di Sect.

The Di Sect, originally the Ziling Sect, was constructed atop a series of mountains. The ethereal buildings littering the mountains, the flying divine cranes, and the hanging waterfalls made the sect look like some sort of celestial palace in paradise. It was a holy land of cultivation with thick spiritual energy in the air. When cultivating at the Di Sect, one would have a much quicker cultivation speed.

The moment the Heaven Battling Realm expert appeared above the sect, he was detected. A voice rang out, "Which friend is visiting the Di Sect? Kindly show yourself."

"I, Di De, request a meeting with the sect master," replied the Heaven Battling Realm expert.

"So it's Lord Di De. Please come in. I'll inform the sect master immediately," answered someone below.

Soon, Di De was brought to the main hall with the treatment of an honored guest.

Di Batian's main body wasn't here, but his clone was present. Two of his sons were with him as well. From this, one could see that Di De definitely had considerable status.

"Big Brother De, what a surprise to see you personally here. My apologies as my main body can't be here," said Di Batian politely.

Di Batian did not look the slightest bit domineering. In fact, he looked rather scholarly. On his handsome face was a genial smile that could easily make one form a favorable opinion of him at first sight.

In fact, this image was why Xiang Yangzhan had placed so much trust in him and had made him the deputy sect master in the past. Alas, it was obvious what he did with the trust he was given.

"Batian, you aren't in the sect right now?" asked Di De with a frown.

"I am, but I'm on the verge of a breakthrough, so my main body won’t be able to move around for now," said Di Batian.

"I see. I have something I need to inform you. The ancestor sent me to let you know that our Di Clan is going to leave seclusion soon. At the time, your sect will be an important base of operations for the clan. You will be in charge of making preparations for that. Do not create any problems. This relates to our clan's return to society. We will not allow any mistakes," said Di De solemnly.

"Don't worry, Big Brother De. I have been prepared for many years. The only thing missing is the clan's return," replied Di Batian. "However, has the ancestor reached a decision on my prior proposal?"

"He did ask about it. He has decided that everything your branch had done in the past shall be forgiven. All of you will be allowed to return to the clan. Also, you will remain the highest command in this sect," said Di De.

"Good. I will be awaiting the arrival of our brothers and sisters from the clan," said Di Batian in excitement.

He had both his sons and some other people attend to Di De. His main body would be able to leave seclusion soon.

At this time, Di De said, "Something seems to have happened in your city. I think some Heaven Battling Realm experts are fighting at a place that is probably the governor's manor."

When Di Batian heard his words, he frowned and asked, "Is that so?"

"My senses are definitely right. Is someone making a move on you?" asked Di De.

Di Batian said, "Don't worry, Big Brother De. I will send someone over immediately. It might only be some misunderstanding."

He then sent some underlings to investigate Di City. He also commanded the sect to be on high alert to prevent any mishaps from happening.

The people sent to the governor's mansion were Old Winter and Old Summer. They were both powerful individuals, but in Di Batian's eyes, they were two old men past their prime. They had little room for growth, so he would often send them out on missions to make full use of them before they became completely useless.

After taking over the governor's manor, Xiang Shaoyun sent his men out to contact the others and had them gather at the manor.

"Big brother, are we going to attack the Di Sect immediately?" asked Ye Chaomu as she nestled into Xiang Shaoyun's chest.

"We will definitely attack the sect, but I am going to take over the city first and rename it Ziling City. I want Di Batian to slowly soak in the fear and remorse of what he had done," said Xiang Shaoyun.

"Um. I'll support you in everything you do. The 13 eagles will take over the city guards and put the entire city under their control," said Ye Chaomu obediently.

"Sure, go do it. We still need some people to keep order in the city anyway. I don't want to ruin everything here," replied Xiang Shaoyun.

In the past, he was an overbearing young master in the city. He wondered how many people in the city still remembered him. Regardless, he would still retake everything that should be his.

As the 13 eagles moved out, those in leadership positions in the city were all captured. Travel in and out of the city was restricted, and the people in the city grew nervous because they could all sense that something was going to happen.

Meanwhile, Tuoba Wan'er, Gong Qinyin, and the others gathered in the city. As for Scarlet Flame Monarch and the Skeleton Gang members, they did not reveal themselves. However, they were already hidden within the city, awaiting Xiang Shaoyun's command.

Old Winter and Old Summer swiftly reached the city, but Xiang Shaoyun immediately sensed them.

The two went to the governor's manor at the same time. When Duo Ji saw them, he shouted, "You two old dogs are sending yourselves right to hell. I'll kill you!"

Duo Ji bore a deep hatred for the two. In the past, they had pursued him relentlessly. If he hadn't been strong enough, they would have killed him.

Just as Duo Ji was about to attack, Xiang Shaoyun's voice rang out, "Old drunkard, let them enter."

"Young master, they..." Duo Ji turned around in confusion.

Xiang Shaoyun waved his hand and said, "They are working for me now."

Duo Ji blanked out, and he had no choice but to let the two enter the manor.

"I really can't see through the young master anymore," muttered Duo Ji helplessly after recovering from his shock.

When Old Winter and Old Summer entered the manor, they knelt deferentially before Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Greetings, young master."