The next morning.
After breakfast, Yan Biao and Ye Zhenghao had already changed into ordinary guard armor and were waiting outside the sleeping quarters.
Seeing Ye Zhenghao appear, Dongfang Mingyue's expression grew even more displeased. She looked at Yan Biao with a puzzled gaze.
Sensing her look, Yan Biao spoke helplessly, "Brother Zhenghao heard that we were going out to investigate and was worried something might happen, so he followed."
Hmph.
Dongfang Mingyue let out a soft snort and said no more.
She knew clearly that if the other party wanted to follow, there would be a hundred reasons waiting for her. Therefore, even if she refused, it would be futile.
So, rather than wasting time here, it was better to leave quickly. At worst, she would just treat him as if he were invisible.
Soon, they arrived at the foot of Flaming Mountain, the same area where they had fought together yesterday.
As soon as they arrived, Ye Cangtian showed a cold smile and exchanged a glance with Dongfang Mingyue and the others.
The air was still filled with a faint medicinal aroma, which was slightly different from yesterday. Most importantly, yesterday's medicine was not poisonous.
After inhaling today's medicine, the devouring ability within Ye Cangtian's body automatically activated. It was clear that today's medicine contained potent poison.
From this aspect, the plan secretly made with Yan Shenghui yesterday had indeed taken effect.
Ye Cangtian's plan was simple: to spread the news that Dongfang Mingyue was investigating this matter alone.
This way, at least half of the members of the Viper Hall would consider it a rare opportunity.
As long as they made a move, these individuals could be captured, and then information about others could be extracted.
Now that the medicine in the air had become a potent poison, it was evident that the other party had received the news and had preemptively rearranged the scene.
On the other side, seeing Ye Cangtian's hint, Dongfang Mingyue and the others also became vigilant, preparing for the imminent danger.
Swish!
At this moment, a whistling sound came from afar.
It was an arrow!
Under the sunlight, it emitted an eerie purple hue...
Ding!
Ye Cangtian was quick to react, directly swatting away the incoming purple arrow. He then turned to look at Dongfang Mingyue and the others.
"Be careful, I'll go take a look."
With that, Ye Cangtian's figure flickered and, within a few breaths, he had disappeared into the bushes.
He knew naturally that this might just be a tactic to lure the tiger away from its mountain, but if he didn't leave, how would the other party dare to make a move?
As he expected, after Ye Cangtian's back disappeared in the direction the arrow came from.
From another direction, within the distant bushes, a figure slowly retreated.
"My Lord, I saw clearly, Ye Cangtian has been drawn away!"
Saying this, the man revealed a mocking expression and continued, "He can't even see through such a simple tactic to lure the tiger away. Truly a reputation not worth its name, ptooey!"
"Alright, forget about him. We don't have much time, it's time to act!"
The leading man glanced at the other and then stood up, leading the others towards Dongfang Mingyue and the two guards.
Now, only Dongfang Mingyue and two ordinary guards remained on that side, which was definitely the best opportunity to make a move.
Rustle rustle...
As the bushes rustled softly, several figures slowly appeared within the trio's sight.
Seeing these people appear, Dongfang Mingyue sneered in her heart, thinking that they had successfully fooled them and these venomous insects had finally come out.
With this thought, Dongfang Mingyue questioned them coldly, "Who goes there, state your names!"
"Dongfang Mingyue, they say you are capable, but I see you are nothing more than that!"
"Look at this."
The leading man pointed to his chest, where a dark green skull was displayed, and spoke contemptuously.
If you don't even recognize the emblem of the Five Poisons Sect's headquarters, what capability can you have!
Dongfang Mingyue glanced at the other, snorted lightly, and said, "I naturally know you are from the Five Poisons Sect's headquarters, and these are from the Viper Hall."
"What I mean is, what are your names? I don't kill nameless ghosts!"
"Just you and the two useless guards beside you?"
"Dongfang Mingyue, don't you overestimate yourselves?"
The leading man revealed an extremely disdainful smile and continued, "However, it's fine to tell you. This way, when you reach the underworld, if the King of Hell asks, you can also say who killed you!"
He paused, a proud expression appearing on his face, and said, "Listen up, I am from the Viper Hall, Elder Hei Cheng of the Five Poisons Sect's headquarters!"
Dongfang Mingyue glanced at him disdainfully and sneered, "Heh, just a small elder, what's there to brag about!"
"What do you know!"
"Do you think it's that easy for people from the Five Poisons Sect to enter the headquarters from their branches? It not only depends on personal strength and contributions, but also on ability!"
Feeling the disdainful gaze, Hei Cheng was instantly enraged.
Back in the day, he had gone through several life-or-death trials to enter the headquarters.
Therefore, in his opinion, an elder of the Five Poisons Sect's headquarters held significant weight.
Yet, not only did she dismiss it, but she also cast a disdainful look, which was truly unacceptable to him!
"Ability?"
"Forgive my bluntness, but I see no ability in your elders!"
"Several elders of yours have died at the hands of my Hidden Group. If they all had ability, their endings wouldn't have been so tragic!"
Dongfang Mingyue's disdain did not lessen at all; it even increased slightly.
"You..."
Hei Cheng's face instantly turned red, unable to utter a single word.
If it weren't for the Hidden Group repeatedly disrupting the Five Poisons Sect's affairs and causing severe losses, he wouldn't be here.
It was precisely because of this that he had no power to refute her words.
After a moment, he looked at her fiercely and said coldly, "Dongfang Mingyue, stop stalling. Ye Cangtian won't be back anytime soon! Now I'll give you a choice..."
"Who do you say won't be back?"
Before Hei Cheng could finish, a ethereal voice echoed.
Since the other party had already shown himself, there was no need for him to continue the pursuit. After all, the person being chased was likely not a significant figure.
"You... how did you come back..."
Upon seeing Ye Cangtian, the smile on Hei Cheng's face vanished completely. He instantly became nervous, breaking out in a cold sweat, and even stammered when he spoke.
Usually, in private, he didn't care about Heavenly-level powerhouses, but when he truly faced one, the fear was impossible to control.
Also seeing Ye Cangtian return, Yan Biao and Ye Zhenghao, dressed in guard armor, exchanged a look, with light flashing in their eyes.
It's over, Ye Cangtian is back, it looks like there's nothing for them to do.
Ye Zhenghao was very displeased. When he saw Hei Cheng and the others appear, he was the most excited.
He could perform well in front of Dongfang Mingyue, gain recognition, and make her change her impression of him.
But now, with Ye Cangtian's return, his plan was interrupted. He could only find another opportunity to showcase himself.
"I think your IQ seems a bit insufficient!"
On the other side, Ye Cangtian looked at Hei Cheng disdainfully and said, "Since you can play the tactic of luring the tiger away, I can also play the tactic of turning the tables. Yet you are still asking for reasons, truly low intelligence!"
"Damn it, you little brat who hasn't even grown all his hair, who are you calling low intelligence!"
"Truly lacking in upbringing. Today, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents!"
As Ye Cangtian's voice fell, Hei Cheng instantly became furious.
Being scolded to his face by a young junior, his old face had nowhere to hide. In a fit of rage, he disregarded the other's identity or cultivation level and decided to go all out.
"Heh heh, don't rush to die! I still have some questions for you!"
Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and continued, "Tell me, are you here to target our Hidden Group, or the Blazing Fire Academy?"
Hmph!
Hei Cheng snorted and looked at him, saying, "Do you think I would tell you?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian glanced at him and said indifferently, "You should know that not telling the truth leads to a very tragic end!"