Why is Sha Bi Ling Xiao becoming more and more like Wu Ji

After settling Fang Fan, Chen Yi's attention was immediately drawn to Ye Ancai.

He had noticed something off about this guy earlier but assumed it was just contamination from the eerie power of the blood-stained pouch, so he hadn't paid it much mind.

However, when Fang Zheng stepped forward and also used the Soul Projection Technique to recreate the scene of Ye Ancai's arrest, Chen Yi realized—this was another big fish!

Just moments ago, he had been worrying about how to collect debts from Ling Xiao, and now, here was an opportunity delivered right to his doorstep!

The Fourth Group was no stranger to him. After all, during his first attempt to infiltrate the backend, the four members of the Fourth Group, who were undergoing trials in the No. 12 Exorcism Dungeon, had provided significant assistance!

This was a debt he owed, and he had promised to repay it when the chance arose.

And now, that chance had come.

"Excellent. Old Ye and Fang Fan shall be credited as the chief contributors, with Fang Zheng as the best support. Speak up—what rewards do you want?" Chen Yi asked cheerfully, in high spirits.

Ye Wuchen shrugged. "Brother Yi, no need for formalities. It's just that I’ve heard you still have a stockpile of Immortal Yuan Stones. Lately, the output of immortal veins hasn’t been sufficient. I’ve been searching diligently, but there’s still a shortfall. We’re almost unable to pay the Celestial Officials' salaries. So, I was wondering if you..."

"You’re something else, coming to me for money? Are you the God of Wealth now?" Chen Yi's lips twitched. "How much do you need?"

Ye Wuchen didn’t hold back, stretching out his hand. "One million Immortal Yuan Stones would cover this month’s salary deficit. Ten million could kickstart the earth vein improvement project. A hundred million could push territorial expansion. There are plenty of backlogged projects waiting for funding—it all depends on how much you can spare. The more you give, the more confident I’ll be!"

Chen Yi felt a headache coming on.

Though he had embezzled a considerable amount of resources from Ling Xiao’s treasury, the rapid development efforts of the past decade had drained them faster than expected. Now, less than 60% of the stolen resources remained.

With reserves nearing the danger line, he had been anxious to collect debts from Ling Xiao.

Having insufficient reserves left him feeling insecure.

"Fine, take ten million. Prioritize the critical projects—we’ll deal with the rest later."

With that, he tossed a storage ring to Ye Wuchen.

"Heh, thanks, Brother Yi!"

Ye Wuchen snatched the ring, instantly refining it, and retreated with satisfaction.

He had expected a million at best, but Chen Yi had given him ten. It seemed Brother Yi’s private stash was still plentiful. There would be more opportunities in the future!

"Ahem, Boss, this was just my duty. My current benefits already exceed my capabilities—I truly don’t deserve further rewards. My skills simply can’t justify it!"

Fang Zheng initially declined, but then, considering Ye Wuchen’s position, he added, "Of course, while I personally shouldn’t receive more, the Celestial Strategy Court does need an imperial decree from you. Without it, supervising peers would be difficult."

He subtly shot Fang Fan a look.

Fang Fan caught the hint and quickly raised his jade token. "Your Excellency, you’ve already rewarded me once. This is more than enough—anything more would be beyond my worth!"

This Fang Zheng… almost too considerate. Chen Yi smirked. "Good."

Soon after dismissing everyone, Chen Yi turned his predatory gaze toward the unconscious Ye Ancai.

In an unknown space.

The remnants of Ling Xiao’s will, extracted from the minds of the former top ten elites by the Little Golden Dragon, had gathered and restored the portion of his will that Chen Yi had previously erased.

Now, Ling Xiao no longer dared to sleep—not that he could even if he tried.

Damn it, Wuji had entered the game. If he didn’t stay vigilant, he could be usurped at any moment!

So now, he personally controlled the fragments of the Primordial Chaos Creation Disk. Not only did every group member’s activity require his approval, but even login authentication was under his direct supervision.

Thus, when the corrupted member Ye Ancai from the Fourth Group met misfortune, Ling Xiao grew wary.

But when he saw that the ones who had acted against Ye Ancai were former Second Group leader Ye Wuchen and member Fang Zheng from Group 108, his tension eased.

As long as it wasn’t Wuji, that little freak Chen Yi could stir up as much trouble as he wanted!

Especially since the corrupted Ye Ancai had been bait he’d prepared for Wuji. Originally, he had planned to use the power of the Calamity Realm to strike the Immortal Realm, but now that the corrupted one had fallen into Chen Yi’s hands, let the little freak deal with the headache!

Ah, what bliss! Ever since splitting up, luck had turned in his favor—advantages flowed his way, while Chen Yi bore all the pressure.

It had been so long since he’d felt this relaxed, ever since Wuji overthrew him.

[Ding. Fourth Group member ‘Ye Ancai of Yi Country’ requests login verification.]

Ling Xiao: "......"

Oh, wonderful.

Instead of exploring the Calamity Realm, you’d rather come here to extort me, huh?

Must be tough, running low on resources?

Fine.

You want resources?

I’ll give them to you!

[Verification passed. Login permitted.]

"Hiss—"

"That easy?"

"Is Ling Xiao an idiot? Did he fall asleep, or has he learned nothing?"

"Why is he acting more and more like Wuji? At least before, his moves made sense. Now, it’s just baffling..."

Chen Yi frowned, sensing something off but unable to pinpoint what.