Otherworldly Affairs Office-Chapter 747 Xila Visits (Seeking Subscription)

Lin Junzhao finished speaking, and the two fell silent. The fact is, Blood刹 indeed did this, and even withstood the counterattacks of the four major planes. It's just that now, it's hard to grasp his ultimate goal—is he trying to leverage this strike to gain a corresponding position, or does he aim to crush several major planes in one fell swoop?

Unable to think clearly despite the headache, Pei Yan decided not to dwell on it. If the sky falls, the big ones hold it up, and if there's misfortune, the four great sources will bear the brunt first. He can only take things one step at a time and protect his family and friends, letting them continue to enjoy the peace they have now, which is his greatest wish at the moment.

With this thought in mind, Pei Yan returned to Yirong Pavilion. For the next three days, everything was calm. On the fourth day, while immersed in researching magic techniques, Pei Yan received the Immortal Palace's notice as expected. Since the planes need time to gather competition prizes, the formal competition is scheduled for a month and a half later. Planes can choose to remain in the Daoist Realm to prepare or temporarily return to their own planes and come back for the competition near the event. Besides the existing rule that participants must be Cultivators of less than five hundred years, an additional rule was added: prohibiting competitors above the Asura Dao realm.

After receiving this notification, the Investigation Hall gathered for a discussion and decided that besides Elder Lin, who had already returned to the real world to fulfill Lin Junzhao's instructions to gather Divine Artifacts, the others would stay here to continue observing the situation.

"This new rule is obviously targeting us! Not allowing Cultivators above the Asura Dao realm to participate—hmph, I thought the Immortal Palace was more magnanimous," Jiang Feiyang stretched lazily and complained about the new rule of the Immortal Palace after the discussion ended.

To which Pei Yan responded indifferently, "It may not be specifically targeting us. I think this rule is more aimed at Blood刹. Given their endless strange methods, if they do indeed cobble together a ninth-tier monster expert, I wouldn't be surprised. It wouldn't be good for any of our factions."

"Yes, not only that, but the Immortal Palace is also planning for the future. Pei Yan's rise has been evident, and according to the time differences between the planes, Pei Yan will qualify for participation for a long time. His age is advantageous, so limiting his power is the only measure—it's probably all the Immortal Palace can do," Gu Shenghui praised with a smile.

Then, his tone shifted to a serious one, "No matter what, this is our first time participating in the Sword Discussion Conference, and we have the heavy responsibility of securing a ranking. With only a month and a half remaining, we must strategize and prepare well. The Hall has decided to spare no resources and fully support us if we win!"

"Regarding this, I have something to say...," Pei Yan recalled Lin Junzhao's suggestion and interjected. But before he could finish speaking, he received surveillance information from the entrance and, with a frown, turned to Gu Shenghui in bewilderment, "The people from the Hell Plane are here."

The meeting was interrupted to welcome the Demon Race visitors into the living room for some small talk before Pei Yan and Gu Shenghui sized up Xila and Samikina, who were sitting and drinking tea. They exchanged glances, unable to determine why these two had come at such a critical time.

"Mr. Pei, are we considered allies?" As Pei Yan was puzzled, Xila set down her teacup and asked a seemingly random question.

Although Pei Yan didn't understand why she asked, he laughed and quipped, "Of course, as long as Hell Plane doesn't plan to betray and counterattack the Keystone Plane, we're still allies. After all, I'm still your appointed Prince Silver Wing!"

"Counterattack the Keystone Plane? Fellow Daoist Pei, you're joking. Right now, Hell Plane can't even protect itself, so we don't have the strength to betray even if we wanted to. After this battle, we'll be fortunate if we don't become a hunting ground for other planes." Xila spoke coldly, her face somber as she clenched her fists.

Upon hearing the hidden message in Xila's words, Pei Yan and Gu Shenghui became even more puzzled, and after hesitating, Gu Shenghui laughed and asked, "Miss Xila, why do you say that? Although Hell Plane has suffered blows recently, there's a saying in our world, 'Even the fallen tiger remains fearsome.' As one of the four major planes, Hell Plane has deep roots, and after surviving this battle, it could return to glory and reach its peak once more."

"Returning to our peak is easier said than done, I fear no one will give us the chance. Forget it, I won't mention it again." Xila's face was filled with resentment and helplessness as she waved it off, looking at Pei Yan with a bitter smile, "Mr. Pei, do you think our agreement to participate in this competition is an act of overreaching?"

Faced with Xila's second question, Pei Yan was at a loss for words. How should he respond? Should he say outright that he thinks they're lousy and their participation would only end in them finishing last? Saying so would not only hurt their allied relationship but also seem too arrogant, especially since the Keystone Plane has long been the one finishing at the bottom.

Seeing Pei Yan's embarrassed look, Xila didn't press further but rather answered her question herself, "Yes, judging by our current situation, we shouldn't dare risk participating in such an unfavorable competition. But Mr. Pei, we too are in a difficult position and caught in circumstances beyond our control."

"Miss Xila, please don't say that. I am very familiar with the strength of the Demon Race; securing a ranking isn't such an impossible task." As anticipated, Hell Plane's participation was forced by circumstance. Pei Yan could only offer sympathy and comforting words.

"Mr. Pei, no need for niceties. We understand our predicament better than anyone—the reason for our visit is precisely to discuss cooperation!" After roundaboutly saying much, Xila finally revealed the real purpose of their visit.

"Cooperation?" Pei Yan was taken aback upon hearing this.

"Yes, cooperation! Mr. Pei, we see victory as hopeless for us, but do you believe your Investigation Hall is absolutely certain of winning?" Xila ended with a cold laugh.

"We certainly dare not be so arrogant as to believe we can definitely take first place, but we are confident we can secure a ranking," Pei Yan retorted, slightly angered by her dismissive attitude towards them.

Seeing this, Xila shook her head and laughed, "I would not doubt Mr. Pei's ability. Even if you win first place in individual competition, we wouldn't be surprised. But what about the team competition? Does Mr. Pei still have confidence? Let me tell you: if this were the usual Sword Discussion Conference, one Child of Origin sent from the four major planes would suffice to handle the situation. But this time, the planes have invested greatly—this is not only a contest of honor but a battle to determine future standing among the planes, where two trained Children of Origin may be sent. Does Mr. Pei still have such confidence now?"

"This...," Pei Yan tightened his grip around his water cup. Damn it, how did he overlook this? Indeed, as Lin Junzhao had told him before, most cores choose two candidates—like his sister—to possess, and another—as Pei Yan—as long-trained disciples. If the four major planes sent out two Children of Origin, would he still have a chance to win?