Otherworldly Affairs Office-Chapter 726: Unexpected Capture Target (Requesting Subscription)

Under Xie Chujun's watchful gaze, Gu Shenghui pulled a betel nut from a bag and tossed it into his mouth. The dark red juice flowed between his Black Teeth as he issued a command: "All units enter combat mode, be ready to face the enemy at any moment!"

As soon as the command was given, the atmosphere within the courtyard instantly became tense. The well-coordinated agents immediately found their defensive positions and prepared for battle. In contrast, Pei Yan casually walked to the corridor, sat against the wall, cross-legged, and took out a fragment of energy origin. He held it in his palm, closed his eyes, and slowly absorbed it, restoring his energy.

"He and I consumed too much physical strength and origin in order to absorb and transform new abilities. Let's rest for a while to prepare for the upcoming battle." explained Elder Lin as he moved beside Pei Yan and sat down, entering a recovery state as well.

Thus, time slowly passed in the tense pre-battle atmosphere within the courtyard. From night to dawn, when Pei Yan reopened his eyes, the sun was already rising. He looked at his weary companions in the courtyard, got up, and glanced at the dissipating black clouds in the direction of the Immortal Palace. Everyone who had been tense all night exchanged looks, and Pei Yan shook his head with a bitter smile, mocking himself: "Could it be that we were being overly sentimental? Their potential target wasn't me?"

Upon witnessing Shen Yu and the others repeat their old tricks, Pei Yan and Gu Shenghui's first reaction was that their true target was the Investigation Hall, more precisely, the cornerstone dimensional origin within Pei Yan's body, Lin Junzhao! The Candle Dragon had shown unmistakable interest in it. Being far from his world's body while recovering his peak state presented a perfect opportunity to strike.

However, they did not act. The battle at the Immortal Palace was nearing its end, and launching a surprise attack now would be pointless. Could it be that they were simply after the Divine Artifact all along, and they had overthought the situation?

"Uh, perhaps we were too tense," Gu Shenghui said as he lit a cigarette and exhaled, "So tense that we were overreacting. This is the Heroes Pavilion, and facing Three Immortals Residence. Inside, there are three dimensional delegations, all top elites from their dimensions. If Shen Yu were to attack here and a battle erupted, regardless of any past grievances between us, the major dimensions are allied on the surface. In terms of both sentiment and rationale, they would have to help us. Against such a fight, unless the enemy gave their all, they would only face defeat." With that, Gu Shenghui turned his head towards the courtyard and instructed, "Wang Wenze, Jiang Feiyang, Liang Qian, go prepare breakfast. It is still a critical time; everyone else should remain alert and rest in turns."

"Wait!" At this moment, Pei Yan suddenly stood up, gazing warily outside the door, stopping them: "A large contingent has entered Chongren Square and is heading directly towards us."

These words made the momentarily relaxed atmosphere in the courtyard tense again. Gu Shenghui furrowed his brow and asked: "Is it Shen Yu? Coming for us?"

Pei Yan shook his head and said: "Judging by their attire, they appear to be Immortal Palace Disciples, led by that Cao Jiu Zhou. As for whom they're coming for..." As he spoke, Pei Yan paused, and soon the sound of chaotic footsteps outside the courtyard clearly indicated their intention.

"They're coming for us."

After the urgency of the door-knocking, Pei Yan, who had been on alert all night with pent-up frustration, slowly opened the door to confront Cao Jiu Zhou, the leader. He wanted to see what the opponent wanted by bringing so many people to the Investigation Hall during this sensitive period.

"Oh, so it's Pei Xiaoyou," Cao Jiu Zhou said politely upon seeing Pei Yan open the door, while courteously stopping the eager Immortal Palace enforcers behind him from rushing into the courtyard, cupping his fists and apologizing to Pei Yan. "Last night, the Immortal Palace was under a fierce attack by petty thieves. For the safety of all the envoys, we had no choice but to restrict your actions. I hope you and your family will understand."

"Elder Cao has overthought. This is naturally the Immortal Palace's jurisdiction, and we are guests who should follow the rules of the Immortal Palace's conduct. We understand this principle. I just wonder why Elder Cao has brought so many people here so early. Is there something the Immortal Palace wishes for us to do? If so, Elder Cao, please feel free to ask. As long as we can do it, we'll do all we can to repay the hospitality and courtesy you've shown us."

After listening to Pei Yan's articulate words, Cao Jiu Zhou's face broke into a friendly smile, pretending to be grateful, "Pei Xiaoyou is truly a reasonable person. I am here to thank Pei Xiaoyou for your kind intent on behalf of the Immortal Palace. As for why we've come, well, it is related to yesterday's intense battle. To be honest, I'm here to lead a troop to capture traitors who colluded with the Underworld."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Pei Yan hiked his eyebrows, his face turning grim. You're here to arrest a traitor from our courtyard? Who are you trying to apprehend? Before Pei Yan could voice this question, seeing Pei Yan's uneasy expression, Cao Jiu Zhou quickly explained: "Pei Xiaoyou, please don't misunderstand. We are not here for the Investigation Hall. We are here to apprehend the Celestial Sword Manor Disciples residing here. Once we have apprehended them, we will leave immediately."

"Oh!" Two "ohs" back to back, Pei Yan's expression changed like a chameleon. Capture Celestial Sword Manor Disciples? If Cao Jiu Zhou hadn't mentioned it, Pei Yan would have forgotten that there was such a group residing in his courtyard. Calling them traitors, does it mean the Celestial Sword Manor's collusion with the Blood Sha has been proven?

Puzzled, Pei Yan now had no reason or temper to block the opponent. Since they weren't coming for him and were capturing internal people, what reason did he have to interfere? Clearing the way, he watched the Immortal Palace Enforcer Disciples flow into the courtyard and brush past him. Pei Yan and Gu Shenghui stood dumbfounded under the corridor pillar along with the Investigation Hall members, unsure of what had occurred overnight. The unpredictable twists of events left them bewildered.

It wasn't long after the Immortal Palace enforcers surged into the courtyard that the residence where the Celestial Sword Manor Disciples were staying erupted in shouts and sounds of fighting. However, these noises were quickly silenced by a stern shout. Moments later, a group of Celestial Sword Manor Disciples, bound tightly with ropes, were roughly escorted past the corridor pillar. Sword Stand Man, pale and stumbling, haggardly reached Pei Yan's side, showing him a helpless smile, before being pushed away in his wretched state. Pei Yan grabbed Cao Jiu Zhou, who was walking at the end, along with Gu Shenghui, and pulled him to a secluded spot, eager to ask, "Elder Cao, what wrong have they committed to warrant arrest?"

Upon hearing the question, Cao Jiu Zhou chuckled forlornly, sweeping his gaze over the two of them with feigned surprise, "Pei Xiaoyou, that's indeed strange! You don't know what they've done? Wasn't it you who repeatedly reported that they were colluding with Blood Sha? We are merely following the leads you provided to make the arrests."