Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 605: Splitting Up

"Why did we suddenly gain five hundred points?"

The unexpected increase in points left Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao utterly perplexed, and they exchanged baffled glances.

While Ye Qingchen and his companions were pondering, a cold voice suddenly echoed across the Demon Clan battlefield. "Wuji Immortal Palace team, you are awarded five hundred points for slaughtering a lower-grade demon gathering point!"

Ye Qingchen had a moment of realization. It turned out there was an extra reward for clearing out a gathering point. After giving it some thought, it made sense. The Demon Clan battlefield was, after all, delineated by powerful human experts. Once these experts had carved up the territory, the lower-grade demons would inevitably huddle together for survival, becoming a significant threat to humanity. Considering the Demon Clan’s reproductive capabilities, the significance of destroying one of their gathering points was extraordinary.

Now that Ye Qingchen had single-handedly wiped out a gathering point, the impact was far greater than just killing those lower-grade demons. More importantly, it prevented that site from proliferating further. Of course, Ye Qingchen paid this little mind. After having just slaughtered over a hundred lower-grade demons, a five-hundred-point reward seemed trivial.

However, while Ye Qingchen was indifferent, the news caused the other disciples from Wuji Immortal Palace to cheer. No one had expected that what began as a simple test of Ye Qingchen’s abilities would lead to their team’s advancement. Had they really accumulated enough points to enter the second level in less than half a day? No matter how surprised they were, upon seeing the shining sum of over five thousand points on their points tokens, they had to believe that Ye Qingchen had created a miracle. It was only at this moment that the three disciples from Wuji Immortal Palace truly began to acknowledge him.

Yet, Zhang Guangling’s heart was still filled with animosity toward Ye Qingchen. The Saint Heir had just sent him a voice transmission, instructing him to lead Ye Qingchen to the second level of the battlefield, where an expert would be dispatched to deal with him.

So, seizing the moment, Zhang Guangling spoke up first, addressing Xiao Xiao, "Junior Sister Xiao Xiao, now that we have enough points, we should hurry to the second level!"

Xiao Xiao, who already detested Zhang Guangling, scoffed internally at his suggestion.

Noticing Xiao Xiao’s mood, Ye Qingchen gently tugged her sleeve and said, "Xiao Xiao, I agree. The first level no longer serves as meaningful training for us. Let’s head to the second level as soon as possible."

Only then did Xiao Xiao obediently nod and order the team to head toward the Teleportation Array leading to the second level.

Xiao Xiao understood her Young Master’s obsession. Reaching the third level of the battlefield quickly to secure a spot among the Ten Great Ancient Clans was imperative for him. So, without inquiring further into his thoughts, she issued the command. Although she knew Zhang Guangling’s suggestion must have an ulterior motive, she was confident Ye Qingchen could handle any scheme aimed at him.

Soon, the group arrived at the Teleportation Array to the second level. After their points tokens confirmed their identities, they proceeded into the array.

Upon entering the second level of the Demon Clan battlefield, Ye Qingchen immediately felt a change in the atmosphere. The bloody aura was less pronounced, but the surrounding nature’s spiritual energy was far more turbulent. On the first level, his team hadn’t encountered any other human trialists, but shortly after arriving here, they had already spotted no fewer than ten other teams.

Furthermore, the members of these teams were, at a minimum, at the middle-rank Martial Emperor Realm. Judging by the team sizes, even middle-rank Martial Emperors who hadn’t mastered Attribute Energy were treated as mere cannon fodder. Ye Qingchen had also learned from Xiao Xiao that on the second level of the Demon Clan battlefield, the weakest enemies were at the True Demon Realm. Although these True Demons hadn’t mastered Attribute Energy like humans, their innate Magic Power and unique attributes made them a formidable match for any Martial Artist who had.

Thus, after entering the second level, Ye Qingchen decided not to rush to find a demon gathering point. Instead, he opted to find some scattered demons first to gauge the power gap between himself and these demons. By now, the team’s faith in Ye Qingchen’s strength had reached its peak. Apart from Zhang Guangling, everyone followed his commands without question. So, when Ye Qingchen stated his idea, no one objected.

However, Zhang Guangling turned to Xiao Xiao and said, "Junior Sister Xiao Xiao, we’ve rushed into the second level of the Demon Clan battlefield rather unprepared. How about this? Your Young Master Ye Qingchen and I are of comparable strength. I propose we split up to scout the area as quickly as possible. That way, we can better decide on our next course of action. What do you think, Junior Sister Xiao Xiao?"

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao frowned. She instinctively felt that Zhang Guangling had a hidden agenda, yet his argument seemed somewhat reasonable. For a moment, she was undecided and turned to look at Ye Qingchen.

Ye Qingchen knew Xiao Xiao was innately simple-minded. Although she was much stronger than her peers due to her ten-star Vermilion Bird Holy Soul, she was too inexperienced and indecisive to lead a team effectively. Actually, Zhang Guangling’s intentions were quite easy to guess.

He’s obviously leaving to gather allies to deal with me.

This was exactly what Ye Qingchen had anticipated and hoped for. He sent a mental transmission to Xiao Xiao, saying, "Xiao Xiao, agree to his proposal. I’ll handle whatever happens next."

Hearing Ye Qingchen’s transmission, Xiao Xiao gave an imperceptible nod and then said to Zhang Guangling, "Senior Brother Zhang Guangling, if that’s what you think, then let’s split up as you suggest. We’ll stay in contact via voice transmission. If there’s any sign of trouble, communicate immediately."

Zhang Guangling was surprised and secretly pleased that Xiao Xiao agreed so readily. No one knew of his allegiance to the Saint Heir, and since the Saint Heir was reluctant to bring him to his side officially, Zhang Guangling was unwilling to relinquish his status as a disciple of Wuji Immortal Palace. Therefore, the chance to serve the Saint Heir without offending Wuji Immortal Palace was, for him, the best of both worlds.

After bidding farewell, Zhang Guangling quickly departed.

Watching Zhang Guangling’s departing figure, Ye Qingchen let out a cold smile.

Zhang Guangling might be able to fool the naive Xiao Xiao, but he can’t fool me!