“Will we be fine here?” one of the elders who became the representative asked.

And next to him, another bearded elder shook his head, as his eyes glanced in every direction possible. Only after that he answered, “We ‘ll be fine. No matter what kind of strange things they have, they will not use it for now and to us. That is for sure.”

“But what if something makes them use that unknown formation? Can we even resist?” asked another elder.

Perhaps because they had never been at the city that they became more skeptical and paranoid. They indeed enter none friendly zone which kept the strange formation they could not recognize.

But their worries were lessened by the words of the mayor himself. When they came to Xuan City for the first time, the mayor personally greeted them.

The mayor's name was Li Dian, they knew it from their subordinates as well as their network of information gathering. As for them, they were just some subsidiary sect that was controlled under the more powerful sect and that caused them to come here as well.

Because some of their disciples were mixed in the lost unit which stationed near this place, they had suspicions that the people of the city knew that they wanted, or at least had the intention to capture Xuan City.

But it was true that in the original plan, they had to capture the southeast region which no major powerhouses touched yet.

‘With the additional of Xuan City, there are twenty-seven cities in the southeast region in total. But half of them are not even easy to capture, even from the inside.’ Among the group of elders, Bai Zhen was the one who worried about the development in this part of the continent.

Every part of Wutian Continent, especially the central region was full of intense clash between powerhouses. This included Cleansing Ancient Sect.

But other than that, Bai Zhen had been worrying about someone else. That person should at least made contact with them but to this point, there was no clue about that person.

“Here they come. Please clear the way.” When the guards saw the mayor, they instructed the crowd to give way. This was done because the one who arrived was no other than their own mayor.

“Follow the order so that you won't get caught in any unwanted accident.” As Li Dian smiled, he advised every person around him.

He raised his head as he looked at the floating representatives which came to his city. Li Dian could not help but sigh, he expected their attitude to be like this, looking down on the others.

He also waited for another person as he walked slowly to the center of the city. He could fly straight to the place, without doing all of this. Li Dian did this just to see the face of his people he governed.

“It's our mayor. How long has it been since he walks like this for us?” one of the elderly women spoke in reminiscence.

“When we are young. That time, the mayor just took the position and his look doesn't change much ever since.” Another woman replied and from her eyes, she knew that the person posing as their current mayor was an existence they revered but could not reach.

‘Old faces, as well as the new ones emerged from the crowd...the difference in our life and age is great.’ Thought Li Dian. Ever since he took the position of the mayor, he often saw new people come into his life as the old was replaced. He felt that he should do something for his people but what could he possibly do? He was just one person and he knew that his life as a cultivator would have changed his view in his life.

And he remembered the reason for his involvement in this. Other than the case with the Ye family which caused a stir, it also happened to his family as well.

‘Right now, I have to bring him here. I can't believe that even someone from my family is involved directly in this matter.’ Thought Li Dian.

But he could not ignore the possibility of his adopted son’s involvement, that was why he ordered his guard to bring Li Kuang to him.

On another hand, he could not help but worry about his only biological daughter at the same time. In the future, she would be dragged into this mess along with the rest of the people on the continent.

When he arrived, Li Dian stopped his movement and instructed his subordinates to wait. He could feel it that another person came in his direction.

Even the representatives turned their head, to see what kind of person that dare to directly let out his power. Some of them could feel the air around them repressed their entire body.

From the distance, a middle-aged man walked in with confidence and he wore an armor which made people turned their head instantly. The armor let its radiance spread far and wide as if announcing its existence.

Followed behind the man was a group of people. The citizen instantly knew who they were, excitement and admiration on their eyes increased.

“They’re here! Granpa Zhang, they arrived.” Exclaimed a boy to the old man beside him.

“Yeah, it is them. No doubt about it.” The old man nodded in satisfaction.

Beside the middle-aged man that walked in front of the group, another man and woman walked side by side. Li Dian smiled when he saw the group, especially when he saw the armor which shined brightly.

“Brother Canghai, how come you are wearing this armor. Isn't this your family heirloom?” asked Li Dian politely.

Ye Canghai replied in the same manner, “Only for this occasion though. Please don't laugh at my appearance for this armor is not suitable for me.”

“But this is really good when you wear it like this.” Added Yu Feng.

Seeing that his wife praised him made Ye Canghai did not know what to say.

“So they are that Ye Family?” Bai Zhen murmured under his complex emotion. He realized that one of the people he had met yesterday was one of Ye Family's member but to think that the person also held the highest place beside the patriarch.

“Looks like it. So we should carefully probe what they want. Perhaps there is room for us to take advantage.” One of the Cleansing Ancient Sect elders replied.

The gist of it was at average, many of the representatives started to search for the way to gain the advantage during their talk later. To do this, they had searched for information about the mayor as well as Ye Family for their use.

And the biggest advantage they had over the opposite party was their authority. They could use this to compromise, to let this city left untouched but in the end it would become easier later when they got their objectives.

On another side, Li Dian and Ye Canghai actually needed time and some arrangement to let the people of Xuan City could escape from this trouble now and in the future.

“We can't make them lead us. They will think that we are benevolent and righteous due to our everyday conduct but in this negotiation, that can't be applied.” Li Dian glanced at Ye Canghai.

“You’re right. And I think that you have to bring your son and that young man here as well..” Ye Canghai could see that behind Li Dian, two people stood silently.

Ye Canghai looked at the two and when his gaze landed on Li Dian's adopted son, he felt pity but could not express it. He afraid that would make the situation worsened than now.

Li Kuang, that person always made the city full of matters and conflicts here and there. Ye Canghai often heard about him and it was no common that sometimes he would annoy Ye Yingyuan because of something.

But now his body was weak, like a withered tree and full of marks, probably from someone else. Ye Canghai only thought was why would Li Kuang even wanted to cooperate with someone else.

‘There must be a reason for this. Is it because of some sort of backlash or is it another matter?’

Anyway, he shifted his gaze to the second person. Despite his short time in the city but everyone knew him as ‘Dog Chaser'. And that fits perfectly for Luo Mang for he always chased a dog every single say across the city. Even the dog itself was walking beside him.

The two only lowered their heads as they followed Li Dian. Luo Mang was afraid to see his elders in this occasion while Li Kuang did not know what to do.

Then Ye Canghai heard his brother Ye Guhan said something, “Brother, now you are the representatives of our family. Remember what Father said when we went to the war?”

Ye Canghai then looked at Ye Guhan, the memories kept repeating itself inside his head. He would not forget that sentence which ingrained deeply into his heart until this day.

“Alright.” Ye Canghai now truly felt the heaviness of the position of the patriarch. He was literally in control of his families’ lives and that weighted so much for him.

After he kept silent for a while, Ye Canghai then opened his mouth as he turned to his family members.

“Then you gather at the designated place which the mayor has prepared for you.” After he said that, Ye Canghai went forward awkwardly despite the majestic feeling when he wore the armor.

“Wait.” Seeing this made Yu Feng understood why Ye Canghai was avoiding this for his life.

“Are you not bringing me together with you?”

Ye Canghai then stopped his body as he remembered that his position now was different than before. He went back and resumed together with Ye Guhan and Yu Feng.

Actually, everyone who had seen the scene almost failed to conceal their laughter. Ye Canghai could feel the blood rushed to his face, perhaps that moment made him embarrassed deep in his heart.

“Oh, please. Let's just continue.” To hide it, Ye Canghai said that with a serious face.

“Don't be nervous.” comforted Yu Feng. She found it hilarious that Ye Canghai walked away like that but she knew that a little change in emotion could affect someone.

“I don't know what to do when I face those representatives so I always think about it.” Replied Ye Canghai.

“Then don't overthink things to the degree that you even forget a proper reaction.” Yu Feng then shook her head.

“This way.” Li Dian led them to the location directly.

When Li Dian exchanged a glance with Yu Feng, he wanted to say something but unable to do so. And when he wanted to move his arm, he also could not do it.

Yu Feng then nodded a little with her enchanting smile plastered on her face. At that moment, Li Dian truly did not have anything to convey even with energy transmission.

‘Just watch. Watch every single movement from their facial expression to their physical movement. Might as well use your sense to observe them.’

The reason Li Dian did not have to convey his things because the other party had already done it. Li Dian at first was stunned but he just nodded to express his understanding.

“What did you do just now, Sister in law? Did you want to do something?” Ye Guhan could notice it immediately and asked.

“Something important. He has to watch the representatives’ every movement and takes note of it.” Seeing that Ye Guhan asked about it, Yu Feng answered honestly.

Meanwhile, there was another person that watched all of the events in leisure. But of course sooner or later she would show herself, it was just a matter of time.

“So many representatives and they even agreed to come here. They must be ready if they come here with such arrogance on their faces.” Within her eyes, every single elder did not escape from her sight.

“Young Miss, even though your body is better now but it is not completely recovered...” from her side, a maid reminded her.

“Thanks to the treatment, I can be like this. I cannot express my gratefulness toward Doctor Han and the people here.” It was at this time that the young woman smiled faintly.

Those people were no other than Yi Xiaodie and her personal maid, Kexin. They watched this from the highest story in the vicinity, trying to get the pictures inside their head.

“And I'm also looking toward the day where I can exert my strength at will.” That was what matter the most for Yi Xiaodie. But when she saw the people gave way to a certain group of people, she focused her gaze.

“Look at that position.” Yi Xiaodie tugged her maid's sleeve as she pointed at the direction where the mayor and the Ye Family showed up before she continued, “That’s Xuan City Mayor Li Dian and those people behind him are people we met before. Can you recognize them?”

“Isn’t that obvious? They are Aunt Yu Feng and Foster Father. Why are you asking that?” the voice was different. It sounded like someone else had answered the question.

“Ah..!” because of that, Kexin became surprised and turned around to see a man that raised his hand as if trying to see further.

“Why are you screaming?” the man asked in confusion before he continued, “It’s not like you have never seen someone suddenly appears at your side, right?”

“Mister is welcomed. But please don't scare my adorable maid.” As someone with great might and power, Yi Xiaodie could feel the man's arrival from around five seconds ago.

She turned her head to face the uninvited guest and smiled faintly. As for Kexin who was surprised by the sudden appearance of the man, she stopped screaming and instead looked angrily at the man.

“Sorry. This is the only place with a better vantage point than the others. Besides, Senior Han permitted me to enter so that’s the reason for my appearance.” Replied the man in polite tone.

Then the man took a step closer and looked at the center of the city, his eyes focused on the representatives and also around them.

“Wait, I supposed to ask you about something...” and then Han Lang also appeared, his face turned serious when he saw the man.

“Mister shouldn't surprise me like that. What if someone died because of excessive shock?” said Kexin, pouting.

“Hmm, ‘What if..’ that is something someone used when they are not sure about a certain matter. But for your case, it already happened and the milk is already spilled so talking about it is useless.” Said the man while his mouth curved upward, forming a bright smile.

“Young Miss, he is bullying me. Please give this maid of yours some face.” Plead the maid as she begged at Yi Xiaodie.

But Yi Xiaodie's attention was entirely on the feet of the man because there was a faint purple glow beneath it.

“Alright, alright.” Seeing that the man and her maid was better at their communication, she was also interested to know more about this man.

“Mister should treat my maid kindly because she is also my friend.” Said Yi Xiaodie in a polite tone. She wondered what would the man respond with to see what kind of person the man beside her was.

With his short hair and the mix between black and red colored it like a thread made her mind thought about it.

“Sure thing.” The man nodded in agreement.

“Why did you come here in the first place?” only after that Han Lang stepped in. He did not dare to interrupt before but now that the time was right, he would use it effectively.

“Doctor Han is here to watch?” Kexin asked.

“Not only that but I also here to check on your Young Miss. She is still in recovery period so I have to keep watch over her.” Answered Han Lang.

The man kept staring at the people around the center of the city. From his current position, he could cover almost every corner of the place.

The man's identity was, of course, the same person which had to come there with only his movement on the ground.

“Senior, what are you thinking?” from the man's consciousness, a pleasant female voice was heard.

“About the restriction this world gave me. You should have one as well.” The man was no other than Manstein. He was in deep thought about the restriction the world gave him in the form of a seal.

“Well, because we can increase our soul force without the restriction of our cultivation. Other than that, we can also dilate our lifespan regardless of our weak power.” Answered Alice before she continued, “but this seal is a true double edged sword so be careful.”

When Manstein heard that, he knew that even Alice could not understand fully the seal but the obvious effect it could do was to affect the relation the bearer had.

Tribulation and Retribution Seal was something that only otherworlder had. The natives would not have this kind of seal in their ranks but some of them may know about it.

‘The seal reacted when I interacted with people. But the more influence they have, the bigger the seal will react. This is definitely the seal’s effect!’ Manstein thought. He had his attention on the people when he interacted with them so he could not feel the reaction of the seal but when someone had influence over other people, the seal would react stronger.

“And you mistook the reaction of the seal as an inactive one.” Added Alice.

“I know that is my mistake alright. No need to mention it!” Manstein admitted with a grievance.

When Manstein chatted with his new family in this world, Manstein mistook the reaction of the seal as it kept reacting every time he interacted. Only when he met with the mayor that Manstein realized something was wrong and kept that mistake in his heart.

“So what is Mister doing here?” asked Yo Xiaodie.

“I'm also someone from the city.” Manstein replied solemnly, his eyes shifted to the crowd which enthusiastly watched the event.

Even though he spent a short time with them they were good, especially Ye Family. Perhaps if Manstein was in a different place, he could not even survive.

Seeing the members of Ye Family was in their respective place, Manstein moved his sight to the mayor and his foster father. There was a trace of worry as this event made some great figures pay attention.

But then the event began as expected. Although it was rare for this to happen, it could be done under certain circumstances. The negotiation which was caused by the unintentional offense was one of it and both sides finally agreed

“Welcome to my city, exalted representatives from every organization you represents.” A loud and firm voice resounded as if to announce the event started.

All of the sudden, the previous commotion was gone. The whole place became as silent as a grave and even the sound of breathing could be heard.

“The person that became the a spokesperson for all of you please come forward so I can begin.” From the voice, every single person present knew that this time the mayor himself had spoken.

Then among the representatives, someone moved a bit closer to Li Dian. That person wore a magnificent robe, with decoration and colorful clothes.

It was actually some middle-aged man with half of his hair already turned white. His face was full of pride and dignity, looking down on everyone around him.

“If you are looking for the spokesperson, then I am the person you are looking for.” Said the middle-aged man to Li Dian. That man then turned his head and looked at the rest of the representatives. They all nodded and there was no objection either.

As for Li Dian, his expression turned serious even Ye Canghai and Ye Guhan also looked at the man with caution.

‘I think I know who he is.’ Ye Canghai sent a transmission to Li Dian and the people involved.

‘Someone from Hengduan? Is that true?’ Li Dian now confirmed it with his own eyes. He only guessed it but he could not confirm it and only when Ye Canghai said that he knew the person Li Dian realized his guess was right.

‘Yeah, my father's acquaintance belonged to Hengduan Sect after all. I know that senior is still in meditation.’ Ye Canghai sighed. He had hoped for that person to attend or at least come to the city because now that Ye Shui was no more but to date, he did not show up.

“I come from Hengduan Sect in order to mediate this negotiation. But since my sect leader, Zuo Kai is not present, I am the one to attend this event.” The spokesperson said to Li Dian.

“Oh, I almost forget.” The man then remembered when he saw two people beside Li Dian. But then he sent energy transmission instead to both Ye Canghai and Ye Guhan.

“Are you perhaps the sons of sect leader’s friend?” the man politely asked.

“Whose friend? I believe that sect leader Zuo Kai have many friends so I don't want to judge this too soon.” Ye Guhan replied back via transmission and smiled faintly.

“Don’t be so distant. Of course the sect leader’s bosom friend from Ye Family.”

At that instant, Ye Canghai and Ye Guhan these brothers stared at each other. They did not know what to reply with nor what they had to express.

As for the elders behind the man, they had their attention focused on the mayor and the man but they had no way of knowing what had been discussed. And their eyes held fear and respect when their gaze was at the man.

Hengduan Sect was one of the powerhouses that one would not want to mess with, just like the existence of Northern Ice Palace in the North Region. And also the current sect leader of Hengduan Sect was the figure who also participated in the war against Otherworld beings that ended two hundred years ago.

The name Zuo Kai was enough to show them the might of Hengduan Sect. But the man who had seen the faces of Ye Canghai and Ye Guhan felt pity inside his heart.

‘The one surnamed Ye, the forgotten ones. That is their current situation. Even some weaklings dare to offend them, not knowing that one of the heroes from the past resided here.’

The man's name was Ouyang. And actually he was accompanied by his junior apprentice brother but because their position was different, they could not communicate like before openly.

And the reason why he came here was because of the news he got recently from his junior apprentice brother. It was not the Cleansing Ancient Sect asking him nor he saw the situation good enough for him to be exploited but because he heard about the death news of his sect leader's bosom friend.

‘And Sect Leader is not put from his meditation either but once he is done, he will come here at full speed.’ Thought Ouyang.

Manstein could discern that some transmission was sent and there was some discussion between the Ouyang and both his foster father and uncle.

“That man has something with Ye Family it seems. But from the look your uncle and foster father have, it is probably someone that know about your grandfather.” Alice said from his mind.

Manstein did not know why or what was happening but he knew that was true to an extent.

“Alice, this is a little question that has been bugging me so would you mind answer it honestly?” and there was a trace of worry from Manstein but Alice could roughly guess it.

She said with a beautiful smile, “It’s fine by me. I guess that your question will be related to our existence in soul aspect, is that wrong?”

“H-How did you know?” Manstein flustered. Fortunately, he entered his soul realm so no one could notice his expression.

“You have experienced it with Ye Yingyuan. I know that experience too.” Replied Alice before she continued, “Do you even know what thing your device merged into, Senior Manstein?”

“A medallion. Why did my device merge with this medallion?” Manstein who entered his soul realm could touch the medallion which resided inside his body.

But that medallion also contained his Intelligent Assistance Device which was strange for Manstein.

“This medallion is not simple. In it, there are traces of artificial space and enormous soulforce which served as a boundary between your soul and mine. Truthfully speaking, even I don't know anything about it, that is why I did not tell you about it and made you focus to train yourself.” Explained Alice.

Even Manstein had to admit that his soul force was at the lowest level, only comparable to Nascent Soul cultivators. Its purpose was to let Manstein had a better control over the medallion.

Ever since Manstein got the medallion, he could only use his device that merged into it but not the medallion itself. As for Alice who had been inside the medallion, she still could not understand its mysteries.

“So that's why you urged me to train my soulforce. To let me have access to the medallion with my connection to my device.” Manstein had to agree that her methods were effective, the methods which only outsiders could practice.

“But I understand something. Do you remember about the item which could store multiple souls I have thought?” Manstein now wanted to make sure whether the medallion was one or not.

“Yes. But this medallion is only able to store my soul and soulforce, not anyone else and cannot store more than one. Sorry to disappoint your thought.” Alice had expected that Manstein would ask this so she answered with a tinge of regret.

“Fine by me.” Manstein just thought it was a pity. If he could obtain that item, there would be a way for him secure his important people in case someone wanted to harm him and those who had a relationship with him.

Then Manstein returned to focus his attention. He saw that Ouyang was talking with the mayor and he noticed the gaze of every single person from the representatives’ eyes almost popped up.

“I don't know that Father has a close friend as the leader of the sect. Big brother, do you know?” Ye Guhan asked. But Ye Canghai was shocked to the point where he blanked for a moment.

Turning his head, Ye Canghai shook his head as a reply.

“He doesn't know either. Looks like Father in law is already old that he forgot to tell us something, just like at that time.” Answered Yu Feng with a smile as she shrugged her shoulders.