Sacred Family's Meeting

As the tournament drew to a close, Huyan Lanruo reluctantly left the VIP room. It was at Alan's request that she departed, leaving him alone with Shen Xiu.

After Huyan Lanruo's departure, Shen Xiu couldn't help but express her surprise, "I never expected you to have such an intimate relationship with the Heiress of the Huyan Family."

Alan shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his face. "Huyan Lanruo is just a plaything, Aunt. She's interesting to me, but I don't have any deep feelings for her. Lust is the only thing I feel for her, and I'll use her body to satisfy my desires."

Shen Xiu nodded, understanding her nephew's perspective. "Well, as long as you're clear about it."

As Alan and Shen Xiu left the VIP room, they made their way back to the mansion, the city's bustling streets surrounding them. The weight of the discussion about Shen Ming's loss and the potential consequences for Nie Li hung in the air.

A couple of days later, the news circulated throughout Glory City that Shen Hong, the Patriarch of the Sacred Family, had emerged from his closed-door cultivation. The report contained the disappointing revelation that he had failed to break through to the Legend Rank.

Despite this setback, the Sacred Family convened a family meeting to address various matters. The primary topic on the agenda, however, remained Shen Ming's staggering loss of 450 million Demon Spirit Coins in bets against Nie Li. Shen Hong's voice boomed with authority as he ordered Shen Ming to rectify this humiliation by either killing Nie Li or taking his own life.

Shen Ming, his gaze unwavering, responded with determination, "I will kill Nie Li, no matter the cost."

Amidst this tense atmosphere, Alan stepped forward, his voice clear and composed. "Patriarch," he began, addressing his father, Shen Hong. "I propose that we refrain from any direct action against Nie Li."

Shen Hong fixed a penetrating gaze on his son, an air of curiosity in his eyes. "Why do you suggest this, Yue?"

With calm assurance, Alan elaborated, "By targeting Nie Li, we may inadvertently provide him with an opportunity to seek refuge within the Snow Wind Family. From the safety of the City Lord's Mansion, not even the Sacred Family could harm him. This maneuver could also solidify Nie Li's relationship with the Snow Wind Family, a development that could prove detrimental for us. We must not forget that Nie Li maintains a favorable connection with the Alchemy Association's President, Gu Yan."

Shen Hong considered his son's words, recognizing the strategic implications of his proposal.

Alan then stared at Shen Xiu and smiled cunningly before nodding subtly. It was a gesture she was all too familiar with, and she didn't hesitate to voice her agreement.

"I agree with nephew Yue," Shen Xiu added, her tone composed and steady. "Targeting Nie Li right now might bring about undesirable consequences."

Shen Hong, the Patriarch of the Sacred Family, took a moment to digest their insights. With a heavy sigh, he redirected the conversation to other pressing matters.

"What about our control over the other Noble and Aristocrat Families?" Shen Hong inquired, his voice weighted with concern.

Shen Xiu assumed the role of informant, providing her father with a detailed report. "Many of these families are firmly allied with the Sacred Family. We have members within their ranks who are loyal and beholden to our cause. They stand ready to support us."

She continued, "The Snow Wind Family, however, appears to be oblivious to these intricate connections. They have no inkling of the influence we've managed to exert."

Shen Hong's shoulders slumped as he contemplated what could have been. "If only I had succeeded in reaching the Legend Rank, we could have challenged the Snow Wind Family for the position of City Lord."

The room was filled with a heavy atmosphere, the weight of unfulfilled aspirations pressing down on them.

The Patriarch of the Sacred Family remained deep in thought, contemplating the next steps in their ongoing struggle for supremacy.

Alan's voice cut through the heavy silence, offering a glimmer of hope to the otherwise subdued gathering. "We may not have missed the opportunity altogether, Father. We can still challenge the Snow Wind Family for the City Lord's position, but we must tread carefully."

Shen Hong turned his attention toward his son, curiosity and anticipation in his eyes. "Go on."

Alan elaborated on his plan. "We can utilize the Dark Guild to our advantage. With the right manipulation, we can orchestrate a confrontation between the Dark Guild's experts and Ye Mo. We make it appear as if Ye Mo was severely injured in the process. This would create an opening for us to make a move."

His words hung in the air, the Sacred Family members present initially startled by the audacity of the idea, but soon, excitement took hold. It was a plan that held potential and promised to shake the status quo.

Shen Hong, however, remained deep in contemplation. In the recesses of his mind, he recognized the necessity of manipulating the Dark Guild's members to further the Sacred Family's goals. It was a path fraught with danger, but Shen Hong had no intention of shying away from the risk.

As the meeting concluded, Alan departed from the Sacred Family's mansion, his thoughts consumed by the plan they had devised. His swift and stealthy Black Gold Rank movements, enhanced by the Shadow Devil's techniques, allowed him to glide through the shadows, unseen and unheard.

He traversed the city with an uncanny grace, his movements fluid and silent as he made his way to the City Lord's Mansion. Thanks to the Shadow Devil's Stealth, infiltrating the well-guarded mansion was a breeze. He weaved through patrols of guards and navigated hidden passages.

Eventually, Alan found himself near Ye Ziyun's room. He paused outside the door, hidden in the darkness, and contemplated his next move.

Alan muttered to himself, his voice barely audible, "Time to pay a visit to an old friend." Gently, he pushed the door open and stepped into her chamber, the room bathed in moonlight, where Ye Ziyun lay, sleeping.

With a wry smile, he muttered to himself, "How long has it been, Ziyun?"