Go talk to my boss if you have anything to say

The Divine Realm.

The Abyssal Void of Mingyuan.

Within the sacred spirit spring of the Eastern Sea's Merfolk Clan.

Ye Ancai and Xie Buruo were sharing drinks in high spirits.

On the stage, conch singers and bone-flute mantis shrimp performed a heavenly melody, while graceful clam spirits danced with enchanting silhouettes—a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul.

"Brother, are you satisfied with my hospitality?"

Xie Buruo suddenly asked cheerfully as the revelry reached its peak.

Ye Ancai, drunk and bleary-eyed, leaned into the plush embrace of a nearby clam spirit, slurring his words:

"G-good... good wine... good beauties... I-I’m more than... than satisfied!"

Seeing him so utterly lost in indulgence, a glint flashed through Xie Buruo's golden pupils as he sighed ruefully:

"Ah, brother, I must confess—in my youth, I committed a foolish act. Once, I accidentally offended a powerhouse like you, who came from beyond our realm."

"Truly, I am ashamed! The stranger meant no harm, merely passing through, yet in my folly, I spoke harshly... I deserve death! Even now, in the dead of night, I lie awake, tormented by guilt..."

"Brother, since you too hail from the outside, have you perhaps met this person? If given the chance, I wish to apologize to him face to face!"

Hearing this, Ye Ancai subtly tensed his neck, using the power of his Chaos Prism Pearl necklace to stay alert, causing the clam spirit to giggle uncontrollably.

Truth be told, Xie Buruo's wine was potent enough to intoxicate even a True Immortal. Were it not for the necklace shielding his soul, Ye Ancai would have been thoroughly drunk by now.

So, the fox finally reveals his tail. Let’s see what game you’re really playing!

Feigning drunken candor, Ye Ancai groped the clam spirit’s ample thigh with vulgar boldness and boasted:

"Brother Xie, we hit it off at first sight! Your little brother here holds some sway out there. If you offended someone, so what? No need to apologize—hell, if you want, I’ll make them apologize to you!"

Xie Buruo: "......"

You brat, a few cups of wine and you forget your place?

What nonsense—them apologizing to me? Pray you don’t piss yourself when the truth comes out!

"Brother, I am no tyrant. The fault was mine, and only a sincere apology can cleanse my conscience. Oppressing the weak would breed inner demons, risking the collapse of my Dao and the annihilation of my soul!"

With righteous fervor, Xie Buruo projected an image of Chen Yi.

"Brother, look—this is the one I wronged. Have you seen him before?"

"Let me see... Huh?!"

In an instant—

Ye Ancai shuddered, spine straightening as he bolted upright from the clam spirit’s arms, all traces of drunkenness vanishing. His face turned grave. "Brother Xie, are you certain this is the person you offended?!"

Xie Buruo’s gaze sharpened. "Brother, it seems you have met him. Is he... troublesome?"

Ye Ancai remained silent, head bowed.

Troublesome?

This wasn’t just trouble—this was sky-rending catastrophe!

Offend the boss and expect mercy?

You’re on your own—I never knew you!

"Brother, speak! We bonded like kin! After all my hospitality, don’t freeze me out now!"

Xie Buruo grew frantic.

You ate, drank, reveled, and soaked in luxury—how dare you walk away unscathed?

Did you think a mere True Immortal could earn a Great Luo’s friendship for nothing?

I called you brother not for your sake, but for the one behind you—the one I fear!

Take the spoils but refuse the task? Unthinkable!

Under Xie Buruo’s burning stare, Ye Ancai’s scalp prickled. At last, he raised his head, meeting the other’s gaze with clarity.

"Brother Xie, you know better than anyone—nothing in this world comes free."

"Our camaraderie wasn’t fate. You sought something, and I played along. Yet you misread my act as sincerity, showering me with gifts. What a predicament!"

"The sugar-coated bullets were sweet, but my stomach is weak—I only took the sugar."

"We all struggle to survive. If you have words, take them to my boss."

Xie Buruo’s cheek twitched. "With shamelessness like yours, you’re truly invincible."

For a fleeting moment, he wanted to strike Ye Ancai dead.

But the thought barely formed when the radiant path before him flickered out, and his instincts screamed of impending doom.

Sigh. The path to salvation still lay with this wretch. Between rage and humiliation, he chose... humiliated rage.

Forcing a bright smile, Xie Buruo clasped his hands. "Brother, forgive my earlier haste—I failed to consider your position. Let me atone with three cups!"

Downing the drinks to smother his fury, he bowed meekly. "Brother, I admit my error. Please enlighten me—who is this man, that even you dare not speak freely?"

Ye Ancai exhaled deeply. "Brother Xie... prepare yourself. He’s here."

As the words fell—

The void rippled, and Ye Wuchen emerged from the shadows.

Xie Buruo gaped.

When the hell did this guy hide here?!

At a glance, he seemed just a peak True Immortal—stronger than Ye Ancai, but still an ant before a Great Luo!

Why didn’t I sense him at all?!

Wait—

Xie Buruo’s vision blurred. Suddenly, a path even more resplendent than Ye Ancai’s materialized—not ethereal, but solid, as if one could tread it bodily.

This man... could truly make him soar.

This...

I backed the wrong horse?!

Ye Ancai was just a fraud?!

Before his mind could process it, his instincts reacted.

"Ahaha! This young master’s magnificence is unparalleled! One cannot help but—"

Ye Wuchen cut him off with a wave. "Skip the flattery. Convert it to treasure. I’ve had my eye on you for a while, Brother Xie."

Xie Buruo: "......"

So blunt!

Yet... why did he feel a flicker of joy?

But—would this one also take gifts and vanish like Ye Ancai?

No matter!

If he wants it, I’ll give it!