Long Wuqi?
This situation, with numerous Emperor-level subordinates, does bear a striking resemblance to Long Wuqi's style.
Chen Chang'an pondered carefully. Although the strength of those dozen or so Emperors earlier wasn't exceptional, they still slightly surpassed the ten from the Dragon Emperor Palace he had encountered before.
Could Long Wuqi's influence truly stretch this far?
While Long Wuqi was a peak-level Emperor, Mu Ye was also at the same level. Would Long Wuqi dare to scheme under Mu Ye's nose?
"Long Wuqi?"
"That name... I feel like I've heard it before."
Hmm?
Heard it before?
"You know Long Wuqi?" Chen Chang'an glanced at the Old Dean in surprise.
"No, but I'm aware of this person."
"It must have been after the first appearance of the Heaven, Earth, and Mortal Rankings."
"I remember Mu Ye wanted to venture out back then, and I didn't stop him."
"After all, the Beast God Continent was peaceful at the time, with few outsiders. There was no harm in Mu Ye leaving."
"But who would've thought he'd be gone for centuries before returning."
"When Mu Ye came back, he told me he had followed a prodigious genius outside and joined a faction they founded—called... I think it was the 'Sealed Immortal Holy Land.'"
"Long Wuqi was also part of this Sealed Immortal Holy Land. However, after the Holy Lord ascended to the upper realm, the faction splintered, and Mu Ye returned."
"I recall Mu Ye specifically mentioning Long Wuqi back then—said the man was hideously ugly."
"Mmm-hmm."
"And that he was quite scheming. Though strong, he wasn't well-liked within the Sealed Immortal Holy Land."
So, Mu Ye had lived a long time, even coexisting with figures like Mu Yunyao.
Yet, despite Chen Chang'an's long stay in the Central Heaven Domain, he had never once heard of Mu Ye.
It seemed Mu Ye's activities were limited, and he rarely traveled through the Central Heaven Domain.
"How long has Mu Ye established this Ten Thousand Beasts Alliance?" Chen Chang'an asked.
"About... over twenty thousand years."
"At first, Mu Ye wanted to stay in the Beast God Continent, but things spiraled out of control later."
"In all these millennia, he's only returned once—when he brought back that orb." The Old Dean sighed helplessly.
Sealed Immortal Holy Land, Mu Ye, Long Wuqi...
These figures were actually connected. Initially, Chen Chang'an suspected Long Wuqi's shadow behind recent events.
But now, it seemed unlikely!
Could Mu Ye also have a method to cultivate so many Emperor-level experts?
Yet Mu Ye and Long Wuqi seemed different—Long Wuqi was ambitious, constantly scheming, as if aiming for domination.
Mu Ye, however, was far more low-key. Neither the Ten Thousand Beasts Alliance nor Mu Ye himself were known until Chen Chang'an arrived.
"Do you know the name of the Sealed Immortal Holy Land's Holy Lord?" Chen Chang'an asked curiously.
"That... I don't. Mu Ye never mentioned it."
The Old Dean didn't know, but Chen Chang'an was certain his master would.
"Why ask about the Sealed Immortal Holy Land? It's been shattered for ages."
"Don't tell me you suspect the mastermind is that long-ascended Holy Lord?" Da Huang asked skeptically.
"Not sure, just curious."
"Something feels more complicated than we think."
"But a trip to the Ten Thousand Beasts Alliance might shed some light." Chen Chang'an smiled.
"You... really plan to go there?" The Old Dean frowned.
"Why?"
"Feeling reluctant?"
Reluctant?
The Old Dean wasn't sure. His feelings toward Mu Ye were complex, but Mu Ye's recent actions crossed a line.
"Tell him the truth."
"Don't let him die with regrets."
"If... you have the capability."
The Old Dean's meaning was clear—if they killed Mu Ye, they should reveal the truth before his end.
If not, then forget it.
"Fine, I'll tell him."
"Da Huang, let's—"
"What are you staring at?"
Chen Chang'an noticed Da Huang fixated on the lake and frowned.
Could that miraculous crystal—the one that helped the Old Dean break through to the 10th rank—have appeared?
"I'm wondering why it's not showing up."
"I'm a divine beast, a Qilin! Shouldn’t the lake at least show some respect?"
"Why not spit out a crystal for me too?"
"I won’t eat it now, but I’ll save it for later." Da Huang grumbled.
"Must you be so shameless?"
"You can do it on your own."
On his own?
Da Huang rolled his eyes—he’d been relying on himself for ages.
"No crystal? Can I at least eat some of these?"
"Don’t worry, I won’t touch the Shapeshifting Grass."
Though transformation was tempting, Da Huang had given up on it after the Old Dean's warning.
Breaking through to the 10th rank mattered more.
The brothels in the upper realm must be top-tier!
"Uh... go ahead."
"You’re the Beast God of this mountain now anyway." The Old Dean chuckled.
"Oh right, I forgot!"
"I’m the Beast God now!"
Da Huang puffed up proudly, tilting his dog head high.
Whack!
"Stop showing off. Eat quickly."
"If you're the Beast God, then I'm the God’s Father."
"Damn it, you’re taking advantage of me!"
"Quit dawdling. Hurry up."
As a divine beast Qilin, Da Huang held innate supremacy over other beasts.
But in front of Chen Chang'an, the Old Dean felt Da Huang had zero dignity.
Or perhaps, their bond had long transcended titles.
"Tasty, but kinda bland."
Many spirit herbs here were perfect for beasts. Da Huang gorged without restraint, uncaring if the Old Dean winced.
After finishing, he licked his lips, still looking mildly unimpressed.
"Old Dean, please watch over those two in Beast God City for now."
"I’ll take them with me after returning from the Ten Thousand Beasts Alliance." Chen Chang'an said.
"Don’t worry. They’ll be safe with me." The Old Dean nodded.
"Ah!"
"This... this spirit herb—!"
Da Huang’s sudden yelp startled Chen Chang'an and the Old Dean.
What about the herb?
Poisoned?
Unlikely.
"Why does it give me heartburn?!"
His next words left them both facepalming.
Heartburn?
Why not just burn you to death?!