With the Saint Heir’s furious shout, his entire aura instantly burst forth toward Ye Qingchen. Already gravely injured, Ye Qingchen was unable to withstand the imposing presence and was forced back repeatedly under its assault. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Xiao Xiao quickly stood in front of Ye Qingchen, glaring angrily at the Saint Heir. "What do you think you’re doing?"

After she spoke, the Vermilion Bird Holy Soul faintly emerged behind her.

The Saint Heir hadn’t expected Xiao Xiao to openly challenge him for Ye Qingchen’s sake. Seeing the stance with which she summoned the Vermilion Bird Holy Soul, he had no doubt that she would attack him if he pressed the matter. Of course, the Saint Heir could not strike Xiao Xiao in front of so many people, especially not with Grandmaster Huomei watching. He withdrew his murderous intent, looked at Ye Qingchen with disdain, and said, "They were right about you. You really are a coward who only hides behind a woman. A pretty boy."

Although Ye Qingchen knew he was no match for the Saint Heir, he could not tolerate such an insult and braced himself to retort. But at that very moment, the previously dormant Devil’s Cave roared back to life.

Huomei, ever vigilant for any changes in the Devil’s Cave, immediately shouted an order upon sensing the eruption, "Everyone below the Martial Emperor Realm must retreat! With each surge, the Devil’s Cave teleports even stronger experts from the Demon Clan!"

The gravity in Huomei’s voice made everyone take heed. The commotion from this eruption was evidently far more violent than the previous two, indicating that the arriving members of the Demon Clan would be immensely more formidable.

It was then that figures began to fly continuously through the sky, each one exuding an overwhelmingly powerful presence. They were clearly human experts arriving to provide support.

As the figures appeared one after another, gasps of astonishment rippled through the remaining spectators who had not yet fled.

"Look, it’s the Lord of Eternal City! It’s said that he’s shrouded in mystery and incredibly elusive; few have ever had the fortune to see him. I can’t believe he’s made a personal appearance!"

"That’s an elder from a Nine-Star Sect! Rumor has it his strength surpasses the Martial Emperor Realm!"

"Even the Sect Master of the nearby Eight-Star Haotian Sect is here!"

"HISS!"

The crowd buzzed with shock. These were all renowned experts who had vanished from the public eye for years, yet they had unexpectedly appeared at the same time.

As the most prosperous city in the Central Domain, Eternal City was home to countless powerful experts. Since the Devil’s Cave first appeared, these experts of the human race had been coordinating with one another, and now they were arriving one by one to lend their strength.

At the same time, the sects that had participated in the newcomer’s competition had already been informed and had promptly sent their closest experts to retrieve their disciples.

Flashes of light pulsed from the Devil’s Cave as dozens of demons appeared. Even the weakest among them were beginning to sprout wings. There were also various types Ye Qingchen had never seen before, a clear sign that this new wave was immensely powerful.

Ye Qingchen knew this was not the time to argue with the Saint Heir. He gently pulled on Xiao Xiao’s sleeve and said, "Xiao Xiao, you should go with your sect’s elders. It’s not safe here."

Xiao Xiao shook her head. Although Wuji Immortal Palace had indeed sent experts to gather its disciples, she was worried about Ye Qingchen. She knew that Central Celestial Academy was unaware of his participation in the competition. The only contestant they were officially aware of was Zi Xing, who had already left. Thus, even if Central Celestial Academy sent people, they wouldn’t know of Ye Qingchen’s presence. With the Demon Clan descending, it would be extremely dangerous for Ye Qingchen to be left alone in his current condition. How could Xiao Xiao leave with any peace of mind?

The Saint Heir also began to urge her. "Xiao Xiao, the elders from our sect have already arrived, and disciples from other sects are waiting to leave with you. Don’t let your willfulness put them in danger."

Xiao Xiao shook her head firmly. "No. I want to be with the young master. If you insist that I leave, then you must take him with us!"

The Saint Heir, of course, had no intention of taking Ye Qingchen. He would be delighted if Ye Qingchen died at the hands of the Demon Clan, so why would he ever save him? However, he also knew Xiao Xiao’s temperament. If she truly refused to leave, it would become very troublesome. After all, her aptitude granted her an extraordinary status in Wuji Immortal Palace.

Just then, several figures descended from the sky. Looking closely, Ye Qingchen saw it was Zi Xing, along with Liu Feng and the others who had just fled. Standing before them was an elder who sized Ye Qingchen up. "You are Ye Qingchen? A disciple of the Divine Wood Academy?"

Seeing Zi Xing and the others, Ye Qingchen understood who the newcomers were. He nodded and handed his Divine Wood Order to the elder.

The elder examined it and nodded. "This is indeed the Divine Wood Order. Since you are a disciple of the Divine Wood Academy, come with us. This place is too dangerous to linger."

Ye Qingchen nodded and bowed respectfully. "Please wait a moment, Elder. I need to say goodbye to my friend."

The elder frowned. These were perilous times, and every second they lingered here increased the danger. Yet this boy was still thinking about saying goodbye to his friend, completely oblivious to the mortal peril they were in.

The elder was about to protest, but Zi Xing quietly tugged at his sleeve. He had no choice but to wave his hand impatiently. "Be quick. The Demon Clan’s battle could engulf this area at any moment."

Ye Qingchen bowed his thanks again and turned to Xiao Xiao. "Xiao Xiao, don’t be willful. Hurry and go back with your sect’s elders. I’m returning with my seniors from the Central Celestial Academy."

Xiao Xiao was slightly relieved to see that people from Central Celestial Academy had come for Ye Qingchen, but she was still reluctant to leave. "Young master," she asked, "when will we meet again?"

Ye Qingchen smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "It won’t be long. I will find a way to the Ten Great Ancient Clans. Once I’ve rescued your Sister Qin Yue, she and I will visit you at the Wuji Immortal Palace together."

Xiao Xiao nodded obediently. "Young master, if you ever need me, just send me a message. I’ll do everything in my power to help you."

With that, Xiao Xiao turned and left with the Saint Heir. She kept looking back, her eyes filled with an unwillingness to part from Ye Qingchen. This sight made the Saint Heir even more displeased. His beloved goddess had never shown such an expression for him, yet she revealed it so freely for Ye Qingchen.

Ye Qingchen waved in the direction Xiao Xiao had gone, then glanced toward Huomei, who was fighting in the distance. As if sensing his gaze, Huomei nodded toward him in acknowledgement.