C36 In an Invincible Position

"I need to see what Yu Yuan decides as well!"

Surprisingly, after Yuan Lianyao's declaration, even Zhao Zhenghao, the head of the Zhao family, gazed at Yu Yuan with a grave expression.

The elder of the Yu family, Yu Cann, didn't have to utter a word; everyone understood his stance—Yu Yuan's choice was pivotal.

Oddly enough, Yu Yuan, a mere Pulse Opening Stage youth, had become a figure of significant consequence.

Many were in the dark about the intricacies at play.

"Why is the Yu family boy so important to you, old man?"

Zhao Xi was baffled, his mind clouded with doubts. "Does our Zhao family truly have some secret pact with him?"

Zhao Yafu gave a slight nod. "Yes."

She was well aware that her grandfather, Zhao Zhenghao, placed great importance on Yu Yuan because he had vowed to assist her in fulfilling her long-held ambition to "Swallow the Dragon."

And given Yu Yuan's recent actions, the likelihood of success was substantial.

If she managed to "Swallow the Dragon," as long as the Zhao family wasn't eradicated by Hidden Dragon Lake, they could secure their position in the Silvermoon Empire through her realm and combat prowess.

They might even rise to become a pillar of the Empire, like the Su family!

"City Lord Sister, naturally, I stand with you."

Yu Yuan's earnest words accompanied his gesture toward the fiery river above, "You've seen the vast demonic might of your father! With the Blazing Inferno Halberd and his current frenzied combat power, the crisis of Darkmoon City has been quietly averted. The Blood God Cult is bound to fail. How could I not recognize the situation?"

He had it all figured out.

With Ann Ziqing's lightning-fast power and her Middle Period Yin God Stage cultivation, escaping from Jewelry Mount and Darkmoon City would be a breeze.

He needn't concern himself with her.

"Good, you know your place!" Yuan Lianyao huffed, "She ruined my Blazing Red Lotus and left me gravely wounded! Regardless of her affiliation with the Blood God Cult, I will not let this go!"

"The Zhao family stands ready to support you, City Lord," Zhao Zhenghao proclaimed, "The Huang family are remnants of the Blood God Cult! We may not be able to contend in a Yin God Stage battle, but we can certainly make the Huang family our target!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than he charged ahead, leading the charge towards Huang Fann.

Zhao Dongsheng let out a wild laugh and commanded the Zhao family to slaughter the remaining Huang family members who were taking refuge in Jewelry Mount.

"The Yu family shall spare no effort," the patriarch, Yu Cann, affirmed with a nod, issuing a command.

Yu Wei and Yu Lian, at the forefront of the Yu family, led a contingent of elders in a fierce assault on the caves of Jewelry Mount.

Only Yu Lili remained steadfastly behind him, ever the protector.

Since his grandson, Yu Yuan, had resolved not to accompany Ann Ziqing to the Quietus Continent, it was clear he would continue to make his life in Darkmoon City.

With Yuan Qiufang's sudden emergence, wielding the fearsome Blazing Inferno Halberd, even Ann Ziqing had to steer clear of his path.

Given the stance taken by the Zhao family in these turbulent times, what was there left to ponder?

Especially since his own legs had been broken by mercenaries hired by the Huang family.

Today was the day to settle both old scores and new.

"Quite the spectacle," Yu Yuan mused, edging back to the periphery of the battlefield. He alternated his gaze between Yuan Qiufang's onslaught against Ann Ziqing and his own family members advancing on the Huangs with drawn blades.

One by one, the silhouettes of the Zhao and Yu family members vanished into the caverns of Jewelry Mount, where the clamor of metal and the clash of spiritual forces echoed fiercely.

Yu Yuan quickly surmised that without outside intervention, the beleaguered Huang family was doomed to a tragic fate.

It seemed all but certain that the Huang family would be stricken from the ranks of Darkmoon's four great families by day's end.

"Hey, be mindful—her senior brother is still deep within the cave," he cautioned at a decisive moment, "That individual is likely in the midst of anchoring the Yin God to his physical form. Any disturbance during this delicate process could be catastrophic."

At his words, Zhao Dongsheng and the others visibly tensed.

But as they absorbed the full meaning of his statement, comprehension dawned.

"Therefore, we don't need everyone for the task of exterminating the Huang family," Yu Yuan continued. "Select a few of our mightiest warriors to follow the scent of blood and swiftly locate his physical form. Believe me, it will be where the stench of blood is thickest. If you're quick enough, you can deliver a crippling blow just as his Yin God is settling in. Then, I fear, he'll have no chance of returning to the Quietus Continent."

"Haha! Got it!"

"The Yu family's young master is quite the schemer!"

"Let's move quickly!"

Members of the Zhao and Yuan families had a sudden realization, instantly grasping the plan.

"Young Master, to be frank, your talents are wasted in Darkmoon City," Ann Ziqing's voice echoed mysteriously throughout the valley. "The Blood God Cult is where you truly belong. Follow me, and in a hundred years, you might just be vying for the Cult Leader's seat."

Yu Yuan had been under Ann Ziqing's watchful eye since his awakening, and she was increasingly convinced that he was the prodigy the Blood God Cult had been dreaming of!

His cultivation talent, his approach to matters, his mercilessness, and his outstanding intelligence were all in perfect alignment with the Blood God Cult's ideals.

She even believed that bringing Yu Yuan into the fold was worth sacrificing her own senior brother.

"This battle no longer concerns me."

Arriving at Zhao Yafu and Zhao Xi's location, Yu Yuan relaxed and said with a smile, "Regardless of the outcome, my life is no longer at risk."

"Indeed, no one is safer than you. If it comes to it, you could always join the Blood God Cult," Zhao Yafu remarked with a hint of envy.

Given the current circumstances, if Ann Ziqing were victorious, she wouldn't seek Yu Yuan's life but rather take him away from Darkmoon City.

To avoid Yu Yuan's resentment, she wouldn't unleash a slaughter upon the Yu family.

Should she be defeated, she'd either escape with her senior brother or flee alone.

Meanwhile, Yuan Lianyao and the Zhao family would continue to depend on Yu Yuan.

He had uncovered the Blood God Cult's sinister plot against Darkmoon City, and when it came time to reward contributions, he would undoubtedly be first in line.

With the Huang family vanquished, his own Yu family would naturally claim their territories outside the city, including the mountains and ore veins.

Regardless of the outcome, Yu Yuan stood on invincible ground.

"Little Sister Zhao, give me your hand."

Out of the blue, Yu Yuan extended his palm, gesturing for Zhao Yafu to place her hand in his.

"Yu Yuan! You've got nerve!" Zhao Xi exclaimed, displeased.

"My apologies," Yu Yuan said nonchalantly, offering Zhao Xi an apologetic glance before continuing, "You're aware of the fierce battle today, with blood raining from the sky and flames ablaze. I'm concerned Little Sister Zhao might have come into contact with something unclean, so I'd like to take a moment to check."

"I've been by her side, protecting her the whole time. How could an accident happen?" Zhao Xi huffed, unaware of the specifics.

Zhao Yafu, fully aware of the situation, expressed her astonishment, "Yu, it's happening here? Now?"

Yu Yuan nodded in confirmation.

"Well then..." A blush crept onto Zhao Yafu's cheeks as she placed her hand gently into Yu Yuan's palm, her voice tinged with nervousness, "Grandfather Yuan, your battle with the maidens of the Blood God Cult is still ongoing."

"This is the moment I've been waiting for. The fierce oscillation of spiritual energy and life force will provoke it," Yu Yuan stated with gravity.

The "it" in question was, of course, the young dragon's spirit from Hidden Dragon Lake.

"Please, be careful," Zhao Yafu implored, her voice barely above a whisper, her nostrils flaring with anxiety. "It's suppressed within me, and truthfully, I'm exhausted. My fear is that one careless move might..."

Their exchange did not escape Zhao Xi, who was close enough to catch every word.

Not one to miss the implications, Zhao Xi's form shuddered as he grasped the full meaning.

Silently, he marshaled his spiritual energy, ready to safeguard Yu Yuan as well.

The small hand resting in Yu Yuan's was as pale and delicate as jade.

Yu Yuan held it gently, his gaze intent and scrutinizing.

"Glorious Heavenly Wheel."

He recited the incantation silently, invoking the High Rank Spiritual Spell, coaxing a surge of spiritual energy from deep within his palm.

Nine specks of light began to orbit within his grasp.

Zhao Yafu's bright eyes widened in awe at the sight unfolding in the depths of his palm.

An eerie suction emerged from his hand, seemingly drawing out the young dragon's spirit that had taken root within her from Hidden Dragon Lake.

With a "pop," a soft blue glow burst forth from Zhao Yafu's hand.

Her arm, as pristine as white jade, seemed to be instantly stained by a blue luminescence.

Her skin turned translucent and shimmering.

Inside her arm, a delicate blue luminescence, as fine as a silk thread, wriggled cautiously along her veins like a cautious worm.

Zhao Yafu clenched her teeth over her lower lip, enduring the agony without a sound.

Yu Yuan's eyes intently followed the trail of the blue light, knowing it was the essence of the young dragon from Hidden Dragon Lake.

"It's already gnawing away at your vital energy and blood, and it's covertly affecting the three souls of heaven, earth, and man within you."

"What can I do?"

Zhao Yafu inquired, her voice tinged with a pitiable whimper.

"..."