Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

'Could even my master, Hongyu Pill Venerable, have such skill?'

Liu Yuchan racked his brain, trying to compare Ye Chen and Hongyu Pill Venerable in his mind.

But he was horrified to discover that, from his memory, his master seemed to be a notch below Ye Chen when it came to the path of alchemy!

'But how is that possible?'

'What kind of monster is Ye Chen? To have cultivated both his strength and his alchemy arts to such a level at such a young age?'

Liu Yuchan composed himself and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

'To be born in the same era and the same place as a monster like him... it's truly demoralizing.'

"From this moment on, tighten the security and defenses around the Old Master!"

"Don't let any strangers get close!"

Liu Yuchan gave the pill to the old man on the bed, then quickly issued his orders.

After taking the pill, the old man's complexion improved significantly.

This came as a pleasant surprise to Liu Yuchan and Liu Yanran. Ye Chen's pill was truly miraculous; it took effect so quickly.

"The person who administered the poison is likely someone very close to us."

"Now that the Old Master's condition has improved, the culprit will likely try to act again."

"It seems I'll need to make some extra preparations."

Liu Yuchan's expression was grave. He then clasped his hands toward Ye Chen and said, "Master Ye, I will never forget this life-saving grace."

"No need to be so polite." Ye Chen shook his head. "It was merely a transaction to our mutual benefit."

"The Old Master is the pillar of our Liu family. If he were to fall, our family would likely suffer an unimaginable disaster."

"In any case, from this day forward, the Liu family will stand with the Demonic Sect, advancing and retreating together as one."

Liu Yuchan made a solemn vow to Ye Chen.

As the young master of the Liu family, his words carried significant weight.

Even Ye Chen hadn't expected Liu Yuchan to be so decisive.

After all, the Liu family and the Demonic Sect belonged to the Righteous and Demonic Daos, respectively. By associating with the Demonic Sect, the Liu family was certain to be ostracized by the other Righteous Dao powers.

But by the same token, the Demonic Sect's influence was currently at its peak, and countless factions were eager to get on its good side.

In the end, everything came down to benefits. As long as they could gain the Demonic Sect's favor, wasn't that far more important than some distinction between righteous and demonic factions?

"Since the matter here is settled, it's time for me to leave."

"The Dragon Prison Cave has opened, and powers from all over have gathered in Lei Province. If I'm late, I'm afraid someone else will beat me to it."

Ye Chen was about to take his leave, but Liu Yuchan reminded him, "On that point, Master Ye, you needn't worry too much."

"While the Dragon Prison Cave has opened, the energy from the seal still needs some time to dissipate."

"And that process will take at least four hours."

Hearing this, Ye Chen paused for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you for letting me know."

Despite that, he still planned to head to the Dragon Prison Cave first to check out the surrounding area.

He had never been to the Dragon Prison Cave, so it was necessary to get a feel for the situation there beforehand.

But just then.

A huge bang suddenly echoed from outside the Liu family residence.

Immediately after, the pained cries of the Liu family guards could be heard.

"What's going on?"

Liu Yuchan was startled. This was a critical time, and the Liu family's Old Master had not yet fully recovered.

If any trouble broke out now, it would be difficult to handle!

He hurried outside.

Ye Chen and Liu Yanran followed close behind.

In the residence's courtyard, many of the Liu family's experts had already gathered, all of them staring forward with grave expressions.

There, standing before the Liu family's main gate, were several imposing figures!

The one in the lead was a young man with sharp brows and bright eyes. A sword hung at his waist, and his entire aura seemed extremely restrained.

But no one dared to underestimate him!

Anyone could sense that beneath his restrained exterior hid an incredibly sharp aura!

This young man was a Sword Cultivator!!!

Although he hadn't yet reached the point of comprehending Sword Intent, his understanding of swordsmanship had already reached a profound level!

"And you might be...?"

As the young master of the Liu family and the one in charge of this particular stronghold, Liu Yuchan could not back down. He had no choice but to step forward, his voice deferential.

Seeing their young master's attitude, the surrounding Liu family experts felt an inexplicable sense of frustration.

They were one of the four great families of Lei Province! Since when did they need to be so timid and cautious in the face of outsiders?

But the current situation was different. Everyone knew that countless major powers from outside the region had arrived in Lei Province.

This group before them was very likely an existence that the Liu family could not afford to provoke!!!

"My name is Xu Zhi, from the Xu family of Yuan Province."

"I heard this was the territory of the Liu family, one of the great families of Lei Province, so I came to pay a special visit."

Xu Zhi smiled calmly. He was flanked by several youths of a similar age, as well as a few old men with profound auras.

But unlike Xu Zhi, the faces of the others all bore expressions of disdain and contempt, to varying degrees.

It seemed the so-called great families of Lei Province were nothing worth mentioning in their eyes.

"The Xu family of Yuan Province?!"

Hearing Xu Zhi's words, the members of the Liu family instantly burst into an uproar!

Among the provinces in the eastern region of the dynasty, Yuan Province ranked at least in the top ten!

And the Xu family was a top-tier power in Yuan Province!

Their status was equivalent to that of the Vajra Temple in Lei Province.

"So it's the Xu family, the Sword Dao family from Yuan Province!"

"The illustrious reputation of the Xu family is as loud as thunder even here in distant Lei Province! I have long heard that the young prodigies of the Xu family all possess astonishing swordsmanship and outstanding talent. Seeing you today, it is clear the rumors are true."

Liu Yuchan's heart was heavy, but on the surface, he put on a polite appearance, clasping his hands and forcing a smile.

'Clearly, these visitors don't come in peace!'

If the people from the Xu family had truly come with sincere intentions, then what was the deal with the guards lying incapacitated on the ground?

"There's no need for pleasantries."

Xu Zhi nodded. Liu Yuchan's flattery didn't cause much of a change in his expression.

Perhaps the prodigies of the Xu family had heard such words so often that their ears had grown calluses.

"Then may I ask what brings Young Master Xu here?"

"And how did my Liu family's guards manage to offend you, Young Master?"

Liu Yuchan asked politely.

"You mean them?"

Xu Zhi glanced indifferently at the mess on the ground and sneered, "We just arrived, and they actually dared to bar our entry? They dared to stop even us, the Xu family. Weren't they just courting death?"

"That happened?" Liu Yuchan feigned surprise. "It seems my Liu family's hospitality has been lacking."

"Young Master! We were just doing our duty! We stopped them only to ask their identities!"

"But they attacked without saying a single word! They were utterly rude!!"

A nearby guard, coughing up blood, rasped hoarsely as he looked up.

SWISH!

A streak of Sword Qi shot out and, right before the eyes of the Liu family members, directly severed the guard's head from his shoulders.