The Ouyang Aristocratic Clan.
The envoy sent to seek an alliance with the All Things Unity Society and the Ruin Gate had returned. He stood below the dais, covered in blood, trembling as he recounted the entire meeting.
Ouyang Ce, the current Household Head, listened quietly.
After a long while, the account came to an end.
"Household Head, we truly never expected the two Ninefold Nether factions to appoint the same person to represent them... That was our mistake," the envoy said at last.
Ouyang Ce waved a hand and said thoughtfully:
"All the people we sent are dead... That's not what I expected. After all, I've spoken with President Qi of the All Things Unity Society before, and it went pleasantly enough."
"Household Head, what should we do next?" the Grand Elder asked.
"That boy has enough ability to earn the All Things Unity Society's protection. Unfortunately, he doesn't know that his tricks are child's play to us."
Ouyang Ce gestured to one side.
The envoy who had been released to deliver the message tapped his Storage Bag and took out a Jade Slip.
When he activated it, voices rang out:
"Xu Yuan isn't just Lu Yiyi's kept man. He's also close to the Crown Prince and a disciple of the Sect Leader of the Skyscraping Divine Palace on Mount Luofu. Killing him would cause an uproar and leave every faction close to the Imperial Family fearing for its own safety."
"We don't support assassinating him. Choose another condition."
"My lord, why can't we kill him?"
"He's one of ours."
Ouyang Ce waved his hand.
The recording stopped.
Everyone remained silent.
Ouyang Ce, however, smiled. "Things didn't go smoothly, but we gained something from it. That's worth celebrating."
"What do you think we should do, Household Head?" the Grand