Chapter 151: Winds Stir Across the Four Quarters

Yao Ye sought out Fang Yan and Fang Yu. Seeing him arrive, the two were overjoyed and eagerly welcomed him into the house.

"Lord Prefecture Master, how are things outside?"

"Everything is calm for the time being. I came to tell you both that I am heading to the Western War Zone. During my absence, all members are strictly forbidden from leaving the territory of the Hutian Palace. In times like these, it is always best to be cautious."

"Lord Prefecture Master, let me accompany you! Fang Yan alone is more than enough to hold down the fort here, and having someone with you means an extra pair of hands."

"No way, if anyone goes, it should be me! You were the one who went with the Prefecture Master last time!"

Yao Ye chuckled at the sight of the two arguing. "Alright, no need to bicker. Follow my arrangements. This time, I am going with the three great Demon Kings. Besides, I have news for you: Wan Xin is dead."

"Dead?"

Fang Yan and Fang Yu exchanged glances, then turned their gazes to Yao Ye and dropped to their knees with a heavy thud.

"Thank you, Lord Prefecture Master, for avenging our blood feud! From this day forward, we pledge our lives to you!"

Yao Ye quickly stepped forward to help them up. "We are family, no need for such formalities. Remember, while I am gone, do not leave Hutian Palace under any circumstances. Well, I must be on my way now."

Early the next morning, as Yao Ye pushed open his door, he saw Hu Lie already waiting outside. Yao Ye hurried forward.

"Brother Hu, why didn't you wake me when you arrived? I am sorry to have kept you waiting for so long!"

Seeing Yao Ye's apologetic expression, Hu Lie patted him on the shoulder. "Yao Ye, I've always disliked this overly courteous attitude of yours. We are brothers; no need to stand on ceremony with me. Let's go, the others should be arriving soon."

"Hmm!"

As Yao Ye and Hu Lie reached the martial arts training ground, they saw Yuan Chen and Peng Xiang flying toward them. Yuan Chen nodded at the two and said, "Let's set off then!"

"Wait, my brothers, this matter is causing quite a stir and many people will be attending. I must ask you to address me as Ye Yao for now. I have too many enemies and cannot afford to be careless."

"Hahaha, don't you worry, brother Yao Ye, we understand!"

With a nod from Yuan Chen, the others acknowledged the request. Yuan Chen took the lead and soared into the sky, closely followed by Yao Ye, Hu Lie, and Peng Xiang.

High on his throne in the grand hall of the Lingxiao Sect, Ling Yun looked down at the assembled elders and stood up to walk toward them.

"This trip to the Western War Zone holds a profound opportunity. Elder You and Elder Chen shall accompany me. During my absence, I leave the affairs of the Lingxiao Sect in your hands. Remember to suspend all other matters until my return."

Meanwhile, within the Divine Wind Academy, Liu Qing looked at Peng Lei, Zhao Mu, and Xiaoxiao, saying, "The inheritance of a female celestial being has unexpectedly appeared in the Western War Zone. The three of you will go together to witness it firsthand. Exercise caution—the Huowu Academy is stirring up trouble, and I cannot easily leave my post."

The three nodded in acknowledgment, then departed from the Divine Wind Academy and flew toward the Western War Zone.

On the other side of the continent, the Demon Clan had also halted their small-scale assaults, gathering large numbers of troops to march toward the Western War Zone.

After several days of arduous travel across mountains and rivers, Yao Ye and his companions finally arrived at the site of the inheritance. They found a dense crowd already gathered, waiting in hushed anticipation.

As time passed, more and more people continued to pour in. Suddenly, a group of figures clad in black cloaks and wearing masks flew in, taking positions closest to the inheritance site. A figure wearing a silver mask hurried to the side of a golden-masked figure and spoke in a low voice.

"Young Master, should we clear the area?"

The golden-masked individual cast a cold, casual glance over the crowd and said dismissively, "There is no need. They are mere ants. Besides, that woman from the past made our clan suffer deeply. Her inheritance will not be so easily claimed; let them stay and pave the way for us."

"Understood! Brilliant as always, Young Master!"

Yao Ye and his companions closely observed the masked group. A faint trace of killing intent leaked from Yao Ye, prompting Yuan Chen to look at him curiously.

"What is it, brother Ye Yao? Do you know those people? Who are they?"

"They are members of the Demon Clan. My people and the demons are irreconcilable enemies. Even if it costs me my life, I will not let them obtain this inheritance! My brothers, let us separate once we enter. I cannot drag you down with me."

"What kind of talk is that? The four of us are sworn brothers and should support one another. Setting aside the feud between your clans, the Demon Clan is an enemy of our entire continent anyway. Besides, none of us brothers are cowards."

"Exactly, Ye Yao. Big Brother is right. I, Hu Lie, have never been afraid of trouble. If you hadn't stopped me last time, I would have gone with you to take on the Lingxiao Sect!"

Deeply moved, Yao Ye looked at the three of them. "Thank you, my brothers. Ye Yao will forever engrave this kindness in his heart."

Right at that moment, the sky burst into brilliant colors as a massive palace materialized in mid-air, flickering constantly between illusion and reality. From the summit of the palace, a colossal pillar of light streamed down.

"Those who seek my inheritance, enter the light pillar. Anyone above the Tongtian Realm is forbidden to enter; proceed otherwise at your own peril."

These grand characters were suspended high within the pillar of light, prompting murmurs among the crowd. The golden-masked figure turned and instructed his subordinates.

"Anyone among you whose cultivation exceeds this limit shall remain outside and wait for me. The rest, follow me inside!"

No sooner had the golden-masked figure spoken than an elderly cultivator, whose lifespan was clearly drawing to a close, launched himself into the air. Flying straight toward the light pillar, he scoffed, "I refuse to believe that someone who has been dead for hundreds of years could possess such terrifying power."

Plunging directly into the pillar of light, the old man burst into laughter. "I knew it, these are all just empty—argh! Aaah!"

Before he could finish, a piercing shriek escaped the old man's lips. His body withered at a visible speed, and by the time his breath faded entirely, he collapsed heavily to the ground.

A sudden gust of wind swept across, scattering his flesh like dust until it vanished into the air as if he had never existed at all. Seeing this horrifying scene, the surrounding crowd stared at the light pillar with dread.

Several more elderly figures shot into the sky, flying toward the palace in the clouds. No matter how they flew, to those watching from below, it appeared as though they were not moving at all, as if they existed in an entirely different space.

As the crowd contemplated this bizarre and eerie spectacle, no one dared to step into the light pillar. The golden-masked figure let out a cold snort and strode into the beam, his subordinates trailing closely behind.

With wide eyes, the onlookers watched as the golden-masked figure and his followers stepped into the light pillar, flickered a few times, and vanished completely within it.

"Look! They are about to enter the palace!"

Prompted by a middle-aged man's cry, the crowd unanimously shifted their gaze to the palace and watched as the golden-masked figure stepped inside.

Like a breached dam, the multitude surged forward in a torrent toward the pillar of light. Exchanging a glance, Yao Ye and his three companions joined the rush and followed closely behind.