Ek's Visit

As Waldo's words fell, the other elders exchanged glances and could only nod in the end.

It was not that they did not dare resist, but the Four Divine Beast Family was simply too powerful—so powerful that they did not even dare entertain such thoughts. The foremost family across countless planes... How could a mere Petrov Family dare do anything else?

Likewise, it was precisely because of the Four Divine Beast Family's reputation that, after learning of the Blood Pattern Ice Mine, they had wanted to use it to attach themselves to the Four Divine Beast Family.

After all, not many factions dared mine resources within a city built by an Overgod. The Four Divine Beast Family was one of them.

"We need to find a solution to this matter as soon as possible."

Waldo spoke directly.

"But if we want to visit Lord Ailin now, I fear it will not be easy to even see him."

One of the elders frowned deeply.

They had learned of Ailin's winning streak as soon as it began. After all, the Petrov Family was one of the participants in the Betting Ring behind the Blood Battle Stage. Naturally, they knew very well about the powerful figures who appeared there.

However, even when they had relied on betting before, they had mainly placed their bets on Bensgodo. Naturally, they had not paid excessive attention to Ailin, much less made contact with him.

"There may still be an opportunity."

Andre continued, "When I interacted with Ek and Glass before, I discovered that Ek seemed to have had some contact with Lord Ailin. Ek visited the Karik Tavern, where Lord Ailin was staying, several times."

"Ek? Glass?"

Waldo frowned slightly. "Those two actually know Lord Ailin?"

Naturally, they knew about certain unusual experts in Blood Nether City. Ek and Glass were both outstanding among Five-Star Fiends. They had previously tried to recruit the two as guest elders of the family, but failed.

The two of them had always counted as a "special little group."

The families that arranged Betting Rings behind the Blood Battle Stage also had dealings with small groups like Ek's, all for the sake of earning Nether Stones.

"I estimate that they initially wanted to rely on Lord Ailin and Bensgodo to earn Nether Stones, which was why they contacted Lord Ailin in advance. I just do not know why they did not place any bets in the end."

Andre nodded and said.

To people like them, such matters were not especially secret. They even turned a blind eye to them. If everyone did it, it was no different from no one doing it, and the outcome remained uncertain.

More importantly, after supporting Bensgodo, their focus had already shifted to the Blood Pattern Ice Mine. They no longer cared about the Nether Stones earned through the Betting Ring. They had even deliberately lost quite a few Nether Stones before.

"Since that is the case, Andre, go find Ek and Glass first. See whether you can use them to make contact with Lord Ailin."

Waldo directly gave the order. "This must be done as soon as possible."

"Mm."

Andre nodded. He also knew that the matter was urgent. After all, no one knew when the Four Divine Beast Family's retaliation would arrive.

"Kori, go invite Moke here. Since Lord Ailin is staying at the Karik Tavern, we may be able to meet Lord Ailin through the Karik Family. We cannot give up any possibility."

Waldo clearly did not want to rely solely on Ek and Glass.

"Alright, I'll go at once."

The first elder immediately answered.

Waldo nodded, then looked toward another elder. "Ruma, temporarily move some clan members away during this period. Also, quietly sell off some of our assets. We cannot place all our hopes on Lord Ailin."

Waldo's tone became more solemn. "If we fail, we will immediately abandon everything the Petrov Family has built in Blood Nether City and leave with the clan members."

"Understood."

An elder spoke.

"Mm. Whether or not we need to leave Blood Nether City, the coming period will be the most difficult time for our Petrov Family. Whether the family can continue on will depend on all of you."

Waldo let out a breath, his tone carrying a note of resolve.

"For the family!"

The elders all spoke in turn.

At that moment, the voice of a clan member reporting in suddenly sounded from outside the main hall.

The hall was protected by a special Magic Array. However, to prevent urgent matters from being delayed, people outside could transmit messages through special methods.

Waldo immediately deactivated the Magic Array, and a Mid-level God clan member hurried inside.

Not every family was like the Four Divine Beast Family, with all its guards being High-Gods. Even in the Sovereign's Army, many were Mid-level Gods. The so-called great families of Blood Nether City were merely families with a few formidable High-God members and various channels for earning Nether Stones.

"Patriarch, a High-God calling himself Ek has come to visit Elder Andre."

The Mid-level God spoke respectfully.

"Ek?"

Upon hearing the guard's report, everyone present was somewhat surprised. They had just been talking about Ek, yet he had unexpectedly arrived now.

"Invite him in."

Waldo spoke, but after thinking of something, he stood up directly. "Forget it. Andre, go see him personally."

At the same time, Waldo sent a voice transmission. I'm counting on you for this.

Andre nodded. "Alright."

Then Andre said to the Mid-level God guard, "Lead the way."

The guard only knew that Ek was a High-God and knew nothing else.

Clearly, he was unaware of the secret dealings between Ek and the Petrov Family concerning the Blood Battle Stage.

In the front courtyard of the Petrov Family, Ek stood waiting.

"Haha, Ek. Why have you suddenly come to visit me today?"

A hearty laugh suddenly rang out.

Ek turned and, upon seeing Andre, merely smiled. "Andre."

He had dealt with the Petrov Family a few times. Though they were not particularly familiar, they were not strangers either. Especially with Andre, with whom he had some friendship. Andre had once been regarded as a genius in Blood Nether City.

"You are truly a rare guest. Come, let us rest in the main hall."

Andre's attitude was extremely friendly. At the same time, he directly instructed the guard, "Arrange a banquet."

"Yes."

The Mid-level God answered and then left.

Ek raised his brows slightly. Andre seemed a little overly courteous today. "There is no need for a banquet. I came today because there is something I would like you to help with."

Andre smiled. "What is it? Please, speak freely."

Andre was also somewhat surprised. Could it be that Ek had come because of the Blood Battle Stage Betting Ring?

Previously, Ek's interactions with them had almost all been because of such matters. But under the current circumstances, the Blood Battle Stage would certainly be suspended for a time. Even if one wanted to place a bet, it would be impossible.

Ek unleashed his Divine Domain, enveloping the two of them, before speaking directly. "Did you witness Lord Ailin's battle when he killed Bensgodo?"

Hearing Ek suddenly mention this, Andre's heart stirred, but his expression did not change. "Of course I did. Lord Ailin's strength was truly incomparably powerful."

Ek nodded. Then, without beating around the bush any further, he said directly, "I have met Lord Ailin several times. Later, Lord Ailin assigned me a task. That is why I came to visit you specifically."

Lord Ailin had assigned Ek a task?

Hearing this, Andre felt a surge of excitement. If that was the case, then Ek's relationship with Lord Ailin might be even better than he had previously thought. This was good news for him.

But then he thought of something. Lord Ailin had assigned Ek a task, yet Ek had come to ask him for help? Perhaps this was the opportunity to make contact with Lord Ailin!

It had truly fallen into his lap without any effort!

Though excited inwardly, Andre forcibly suppressed it and said, "Since it is something Lord Ailin has assigned, if there is anywhere you need my help, or the help of the Petrov Family, please speak without reservation."

Ek did not think much of Andre's words. After all, Lord Ailin was an Asura Expert. It was only natural for Andre to take the affairs of such an expert seriously.

Ek then directly said, "Lord Ailin wishes to find some High-Gods who cultivate the Death Law. In Blood Nether City, the Petrov Family has studied the Death Law more deeply than anyone else."