Chapter 167
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Chapter 167: Meeting Yi Ren Zui Again
From that moment, Zhang Yang gained control over the Four Asuras of Hell and the Four Great Phantoms of the Underworld Assassin Organization, integrating them into the Vast Forest’s forces—now entirely under his command.
Among the Four Great Asuras, Blood Asura had already returned to the Vast Forest alongside Xue Feishuang.
The weakest of the Four Great Asuras was Blood Asura, while the strongest was Ghost Asura, who had reached the Opening the Sky realm but was currently suppressed to the Eighth Level of the Ascending to Heaven realm.
Each Asura commanded one hundred Asura Assassins, specializing in assassination.
Meanwhile, the Four Great Phantoms excelled in both assassination and intelligence gathering, though they leaned more toward the latter. Unlike the Asuras, they operated independently, without subordinates—proof of their formidable skills.
Among them, Flower Phantom, the eldest sister, stood as the strongest in both realm and ability. Blood Asura had once remarked that had she not deliberately kept a low profile, she might have been chosen as a key figure within the Underworld Assassin Organization rather than being sent elsewhere.
Zhang Yang addressed them, his voice calm yet imposing.
"I believe you have already spoken with Blood Asura, and he has informed me of your origins. You all come from the same village. Despite being part of the ruthless Underworld Assassin Organization, you have managed to retain a pure heart. Your unity as a group of eight is the reason I chose to bring you here."
"However, I seek talent. The Vast Forest is in a precarious situation—we stand in opposition to the entire Southern Region. Mediocrity here is nothing but a death sentence."
"I care little for your past accomplishments or reputation. What matters to me is your present and future performance."
"Loyalty and trust are earned over time. Prove your worth through action, and you will receive my investment."
"Unlike the Underworld Assassin Organization, I reward merit generously."
"Now, your first task is to determine how many members of the Ghostly Divine Platform have entered and how many belong to the Ghost King lineage."
As Zhang Yang finished speaking, Flower Phantom raised her gaze.
She was strikingly beautiful, her slightly pale complexion evoking a subtle sense of pity.
Her delicate features—arched brows, clear eyes, and cherry-like lips—gave her a gentle appearance, yet she was the leader of the Four Great Phantoms.
"Ten minutes," she declared confidently, her tone carrying a hint of arrogance.
Zhang Yang arched an eyebrow in response.
Without another word, the Four Great Phantoms vanished.
Seated in place, Zhang Yang calmly waited to see if they could fulfill their promise within ten minutes. Observing the Three Great Asuras, he noted their relaxed demeanor—an unmistakable sign of their confidence in Flower Phantom’s abilities.
Eight minutes later, Flower Phantom reappeared alone.
"Master, I have the information."
"Five hundred Ghostly Guards, led by Ghost King Wudao, have entered the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins."
"Additionally, Ghost King Jia and Ghost King Yan from the Ghost King lineage have secretly infiltrated with thirty elite Ghostly Guards," Flower Phantom reported.
Zhang Yang nodded slightly. Lou Pingfan had also been investigating the forces threatening him, and this information aligned with his findings.
"Excellent work! You shall be rewarded!"
He generously presented Flower Phantom with a stalk of Reverse Phoenix Grass. For the other three Great Phantoms, he gifted a True Spirit of Darkness, a True Spirit of Fire, and a True Spirit of Wind.
This unexpected generosity shocked Flower Phantom and the Three Great Asuras. The rewards they had previously received from the Underworld Assassin Organization paled in comparison to this single gesture.
"Second matter," Zhang Yang continued. "Within ten days, without suffering any losses or alerting anyone, eliminate Ghost King Jia, Ghost King Yan, and their associates in secret."
Flower Phantom and the Three Great Asuras led the Three Hundred Asura Assassins to carry out the mission.
This task was a true test of their abilities. Zhang Yang wanted to see just how strong they really were.
In only six days, the Three Great Asuras, the Four Great Phantoms, and the Three Hundred Asura Assassins returned, bringing with them the bodies of Ghost King Jia, Ghost King Yan, and other members of the Ghostly Divine Platform’s secret forces.
They had completed the mission ahead of schedule.
This success further solidified Zhang Yang’s recognition of their capabilities.
Without hesitation, he upgraded the weapons of the Three Great Asuras and the Four Great Phantoms, transforming them into boundless artifacts. Despite losing many to the lightning tribulation earlier, a few still remained.
The seven of them were overjoyed.
Afterward, Zhang Yang granted them some free time, retaining only Flower Phantom by his side while the others eagerly sought out opportunities.
Keeping Flower Phantom close ensured smooth communication. If he needed them, he could summon them through her at any moment.
Furthermore, with Flower Phantom by his side, obtaining intelligence became effortless. It was as if he had an extra pair of eyes and ears, a valuable advantage.
Two days later, Flower Phantom informed Zhang Yang that Yi Ren Zui from Moonview Tower had arranged a meeting with him at Lion Mountain. She also warned that numerous experts from Moonview Tower were hidden there, suggesting potential danger.
Despite this, Zhang Yang decided to attend.
Flower Phantom swiftly relayed the message and made the necessary preparations, ensuring that Zhang Yang would not have to concern himself with the details.
Half a Day Later – Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain derived its name from an ancient legend. During its first recorded exploration, a Celestial Lion had been found dead in battle atop its peak. Nourished by the lion’s blood, the mountain had become extraordinary, radiating a faint glow while rare and exotic flowers bloomed in abundance along its slopes.
The mountain stood tall, its peak battered by fierce winds.
When Zhang Yang arrived, Yi Ren Zui stood alone at the summit, letting the gusts whip her hair like a waterfall. Her dress billowed gracefully, outlining a mesmerizing silhouette.
Upon spotting Zhang Yang, her delicate and beautiful face broke into a brilliant smile. “I thought you wouldn’t come to see me.”
“I’m not that petty. You are you, and your father is your father,” Zhang Yang replied.
“Aren’t you afraid I might act against you for my father’s sake? Aren’t you worried there could be an ambush here?” Yi Ren Zui’s captivating eyes locked onto his, as if trying to peer into his soul.
Zhang Yang merely smiled and remained silent.
He could hear multiple heartbeats and sensed numerous individuals lurking in the shadows.
Yi Ren Zui took a few cheerful strides forward, stopping just short of touching him. Standing so close at such a towering height, her alluring face was even more breathtaking. Her bright, mesmerizing eyes locked onto his as she softly asked, “Tell me, have you never doubted me as a friend?”
“Never doubted,” Zhang Yang affirmed.
Yi Ren Zui gazed at him intently before continuing, “Even knowing that Zhuo Yutang and his Great Wind Guards are hiding here, showing hostility toward you, you still never doubted me, right?”
“Correct,” Zhang Yang responded.
“Why?” Yi Ren Zui’s enchanting eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Zhang Yang pondered for a long moment before finally saying, “Besides the people from the Vast Forest, you are my only friend.”
Yi Ren Zui’s smile deepened, a radiant expression that made the entire mountaintop seem as if it had blossomed into full bloom.
Zhang Yang felt a warmth in his heart. As he had said, the entire Southern Region was turning against him, making the word ‘friend’ all the more precious.
At the very least, Yi Ren Zui had never betrayed him. She had never distanced herself from him despite the dangers he attracted.
“As your only friend, I must, of course, consider your well-being,” Yi Ren Zui said, extending one delicate finger. “First, Zhuo Yutang and his Great Wind Guards are under my command. Even my father doesn’t know about them.”
She raised a second finger. “Second, after successfully driving out Embrace Moon Tower from Mo City, I gained the recognition of a saint within Moonview Tower and have already become her disciple. Because of this, my foundation within Moonview Tower has already surpassed that of my father. Give me three to five years, and I will forcibly seize control of his power, compelling him to change strategies. I believe I can gradually turn Moonview Tower into your ally—perhaps even a hidden one—so you will no longer have to face the entire Southern Region alone.”
Zhang Yang listened in astonishment.
Yi Ren Zui lifted a third finger. “Third, the day you entered the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins was also the day we left Mo City. The Seventh Prince has since mobilized, gathering the Demon Slayer Team for a second expedition into the Vast Forest.”
She paused meaningfully at this point.
Zhang Yang narrowed his eyes. “You must have informed the Vast Forest, right?”
Yi Ren Zui’s smile became even more enchanting. “Correct, I informed Yuluan. Do you know why?”
“Why?” Zhang Yang asked, shaking his head.
Yi Ren Zui’s gaze softened. “Because you are my only friend—my only true friend, even within Moonview Tower.”
Zhang Yang felt a pang of sympathy for her. With a father who prioritized power above all else, how could she have found genuine friends within Moonview Tower?
She was, perhaps, even less fortunate than he was.
He reached out to embrace her—not in a romantic gesture, but as a true sign of friendship.
