Soul Destroyer also replied to those few surviving Hidden Guards in an encrypted manner, instructing them to take refuge at the Moon God Temple base immediately, and also advising them to act cautiously and investigate secretly. When those Hidden Guards informed Soul Destroyer of the existence of the Mothmen, many things suddenly became clear.

Being able to deploy the Mothmen, who else could it be? It must be Boss Xing, without a doubt.

"Sooner or later, I'm going to kill you." Soul Destroyer's face was stern, filled with anxiety and hatred. If Ailina were to suffer any harm, he would definitely avenge this vendetta.

"Soul Destroyer, we should head back to Yanjing first." Su Qingyu was also hesitant; he was genuinely concerned about Ye Shikai. However, at this moment, Ye Shikai might not be in immediate danger, but Ailina was already in trouble. Every minute they delayed returning, the greater the risk for her. Su Qingyu was beginning to regret coming to the base so impulsively; if Soul Destroyer had been at the base, perhaps none of this would have happened.

"Sis, even if we return now, it won't help, and since the enemy has been plotting against the base for a long time, they may have been targeting you too. If we go back, I can't guarantee your safety." Soul Destroyer, driving the car, glanced at the Hidden Guards in the backseat. Indeed, a mere dozen or so Hidden Guards are no match for Boss Xing.

"We have to find the Boss to be able to go back." Soul Destroyer said firmly, "Sis, let's head to the urban area of Chang'an now. I've already urgently requested support from the European headquarters. In the city, no one dares to act recklessly."

Initially, Soul Destroyer intended to go directly near the relic, but the opening of Bai Qi's Relics had attracted many forces from Huaxia. Even outside the relic, there would definitely be many people with mixed intentions. Going there rashly might invite trouble. While fighting wasn't a concern, Su Qingyu was by his side. If anything were to happen, Soul Destroyer could only "apologize with death." Therefore, he found a very luxurious hotel in Chang'an to first settle Su Qingyu and the Dark Guards.

"Sis, it's already past midnight. You didn't sleep all night, so you should rest first." Although Soul Destroyer was more anxious than anyone else at this moment, seeing Su Qingyu pacing anxiously in the room, he glanced at his watch. It was already 3 AM.

"I'm not tired. You go to sleep first and let me stay for a while." Su Qingyu shook his head and sat on the sofa. Soul Destroyer arranged for four Hidden Guards to stand guard at the room door before reluctantly leaving.

Inside the relic.

"What do you think of this Netherworld Empress?" Illusion Fox softly asked Nightmare, who was beside him, on the stone wall.

"Arrogant and stubborn, yet also decisive and straightforward." Nightmare offered a judgment that was both negative and positive. He never got involved in Ye Shikai's romantic affairs, so his evaluation was considered impartial.

"Hold on, there's a narrow path up there. Let's go up first before we discuss." Nightmare suddenly leaped up. On the cliff, there was a narrow path. Rather than calling it a "road," it was more like a "crack," barely wide enough to fit one person, making progress difficult. Nightmare shifted his posture and leaned against the stone wall to rest.

"Everyone, get up here." Nightmare commanded.

"So what do you think, comparing this Netherworld Empress with Su Qingyu?" Illusion Fox continued his inquiry, sticking close to the stone wall and panting lightly, while Nightmare seemed to ponder, as if weighing the two.

"Chen Yuxin might be able to aid the lord, but she probably can't become a virtuous helper." Nightmare said this based on Chen Yuxin's personality. First, the Chen family is a family of cultivators; their marriage is an alliance between the Chen family and the Netherworld Palace. At least in Yanjing, the Netherworld Palace had established its roots. Secondly, cultivating resources flowed continuously; Chen Yuxin herself was a cultivation expert. As Nightmare mentioned, Chen Yuxin could significantly assist Ye Shikai, like now, when Ye Shikai is absent, and Chen Yuxin presides over the Netherworld Palace as the Netherworld Empress.

"How do you know if she's virtuous or not?" Illusion Fox chuckled softly, "Maybe she's a strong woman outside and a little woman at home."

"This...only the lord himself could answer." Nightmare showed a rare smile, gradually trailed by the Hidden Guards.

"So you think the Netherworld Empress's personality is too assertive?" Illusion Fox chatted with Nightmare while minding his footing.

"From what I've observed so far, she's not only assertive but also cautious with people." Nightmare's tone carried a hint of complaint.

"I know, since that last incident, the Netherworld Empress hasn't trusted us. Even if she doesn't say it, we all can feel it. That's why she gifted Jeddon the Dragon Sparrow Saber, to groom him as a confidant to gradually replace Ghost. You should be aware, for the past two months, even the members' salaries at the Yanjing Netherworld Palace base were issued by Jeddon. Moreover, the Netherworld Empress increased the benefits in the name of the Chen family, clearly intending to win people's hearts." Illusion Fox reeled off these points one after another. She had always been unobtrusive in the Netherworld Palace, but precisely because of this, she could notice some inconspicuous details, even sense every member's psychological changes.

Nightmare remained silent; he never got involved in the internal affairs of the Netherworld Palace. However, the recent changes within the Netherworld Palace indeed pointed to a particular issue.

Ghost was gradually being sidelined, and the Netherworld Empress was beginning to reclaim power.

"You're probably wondering why the Netherworld King hasn't intervened in this matter, aren't you?" Illusion Fox asked again.

"Seems like you know quite well, why don't you enlighten me?" Nightmare's expression grew increasingly somber. They were loyal to Ye Shikai, so even without power, they had nothing to say. Furthermore, Ghost was initially meant to manage the Netherworld Palace in Ye Shikai's stead. Now there's a new Netherworld Empress; reclaiming power was understandable. What he vaguely worried about was Chen Yuxin's attitude towards them...

"I suspect the Netherworld King is not ignorant of the situation but is simply unable or inconvenient to intervene."

"Why?"

"Do you know why the Netherworld King married the new Netherworld Empress?" Illusion Fox suddenly said.

"I don't know."

"They got married due to a pregnancy. The Netherworld King is ruthless towards his enemies but sentimental and loyal to those around him. With such an event, he feels guilty toward both Su Qingyu and Chen Yuxin. Due to such emotions, he's unable to criticize the Netherworld Empress's actions, so he's left with an eye open and one closed."

"I didn't expect you to know so much." Nightmare was a bit shocked; he never paid attention, so he was unaware. Not long ago, he wondered why Ye Shikai got divorced—it turns out this was the reason.

"These matters cannot be spread indiscriminately within the Netherworld Palace, and no one dares to talk about them. Thus, very few people know." After all, these were the "family affairs" concerning the Netherworld King. Who in the Netherworld Palace would dare gossip?

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