Dongbo Xueying and his companions stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the vast army outside the towering city gates. The divine realm soldiers were formidable, but the large group of World Deities at the forefront was even more extraordinary, with the eight leaders all being Third Heaven World Deities.
With a sweep of his gaze, Dongbo Xueying murmured softly, “She really didn’t come!”
“Venomous Ying, the World Deity, probably knows she can’t resolve the grudge,” Yu Jingqiu said with a faint smile.
“At least she has some self-awareness,” Dongbo Xueying replied, a cold glint in his eyes. Back then, Venomous Ying had been utterly domineering, forcibly seizing Jingqiu. In his fury, he had nearly contacted Patriarch Redfire to seek apprenticeship under a mighty figure and request their intervention. Fortunately, his elder brother, the White Sand City Lord, had stepped in to stop her, preventing Venomous Ying from succeeding.
If not for his elder brother, and if he hadn’t been a Paragon with a First-Rank True Intent, he would have had to watch helplessly as his wife was humiliated.
Truth be told, while Dongbo Xueying harbored anger and killing intent toward General Ying, his hatred for Venomous Ying ran far deeper. General Ying was already on the verge of madness, and a madman could do anything. But Venomous Ying wasn’t mad—she had simply been ruthless because he was too weak to be taken seriously at the time.
Back then, Venomous Ying had sneered, “You insignificant little thing, daring to act arrogantly before me? So what if you’re a Material World Lord? What could you possibly achieve in a single lifetime?” She had utterly dismissed Dongbo Xueying.
And that was understandable.
After all, how rare were Fourth Heaven World Deities? A single prefecture might have only one or two! The Ten Thousand Flowers Banquet was held only once every ten million years, and Venomous Ying had never imagined Dongbo Xueying could become a Fourth Heaven World Deity. Naturally, she hadn’t cared in the slightest.
But…
The heavens cycle justly, and retribution comes swiftly.
“Whoosh.”
The Starfield Ark gradually came to a halt. Dongbo Xueying, Yu Jingqiu, their children, as well as Ge Bai, He Feiyun, Xi Wei, Quartermaster Qu Cheng (a World Deity), and a group of Xia Clan deities stood together. With a thought, Dongbo Xueying stored the ark away.
From the distance, the vast assembly of World Deities hurried forward to greet them.
Dongbo Xueying and his group flew to meet them.
“Greetings, Your Highness Dongbo,” said the white-robed middle-aged man at the forefront with a smile.
“Commander Mo,” Dongbo Xueying replied. “I’ve long heard of your reputation. In the future, many matters in the Eastern Domain will likely require your assistance. I hope you won’t find it troublesome—let us cooperate closely.”
Commander Mo was inwardly startled.
Right from the start, Dongbo Xueying spoke of “frequently troubling” him and even asked him not to mind?
This Inspector was clearly planning to take his duties seriously! The role of an Inspector could be as significant or insignificant as one chose. If one were diligent, every faction in the Eastern Domain would be troubled—even angered and resistant. But if one turned a blind eye, everyone could coexist peacefully. Yet Dongbo Xueying’s opening words about “frequently troubling” Commander Mo sent a clear signal of trouble ahead.
Still, who could argue with the Divine Emperor’s personal disciple?
“Duty calls, of course I will cooperate,” Commander Mo said with a practiced smile. “All factions in the Eastern Domain of Anhai Prefecture have gathered, and a banquet has been prepared to welcome Your Highness.”
“All of them?” Dongbo Xueying’s gaze swept the crowd. “Venomous Ying isn’t here.”
The other Third Heaven World Deities nearby exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“My master is in seclusion and has strictly forbidden any disturbances,” a tall, thin man at the back quickly explained. “Thus, she is likely unaware of Your Highness’s appointment as Inspector. I beg your forgiveness.”
Dongbo Xueying glanced at him. “Ah, Venomous Ying is truly busy. Come, everyone, let us enter the city.”
“Yes, yes, let’s go,” Commander Mo chimed in hastily.
And so, the vast assembly of World Deities escorted Dongbo Xueying and his entourage into the city.
…
Far beyond the Eastern Domain’s city walls, two figures stood side by side in the void.
One was a yellow-robed woman, the other a silver-robed man with peculiar markings on his face.
“He specifically called me out during the welcoming ceremony outside the city,” the yellow-robed Venomous Ying sneered. “This Dongbo Xueying is clearly here for trouble. If he wants a fight, I won’t back down. Elder Brother, you’ve served His Majesty for years, and your connections are all close to him. Can’t you pull some strings to sway the Imperial Court in my favor?”
“Little Sister,” the silver-robed man sighed helplessly. “My old friends do have deep ties with me, and the officials in the Imperial Court would give me face. If you were up against Commander Mo or others, it would be one thing. But your opponent is His Highness Dongbo.”
“People like Commander Mo are stationed long-term in the Eastern Domain and rarely see His Majesty—they’re nothing special,” the silver-robed man continued, shaking his head. “But His Highness Dongbo is different. He’s His Majesty’s personal disciple, able to contact him directly and report anything. Most importantly, his potential is immense. He’s already a Second Heaven World Deity and will likely reach the Fourth Heaven in just a million years. What official would dare offend a future Fourth Heaven World Deity?”
The gap between a Third Heaven and Fourth Heaven World Deity was astronomical!
Anhai Prefecture had dozens of Third Heaven World Deities—but only one Fourth Heaven.
“Little Sister, let it go,” the silver-robed man urged. “I’ll ask around and see if we can smooth things over.”
Venomous Ying clenched her teeth, conflicted and resentful. “Is there even a chance of reconciliation?”
“We can try,” he coaxed.
“I doubt it’ll work,” she said coldly. “Hmph, I’m a Fifth Rank member of the Imperial Court. What can he do to me? Even if he becomes a Fourth Heaven World Deity, he has no right to kill me. If he pushes me too far, I have ways to protect myself.”
The Imperial Court had its rules—strength alone didn’t grant the right to kill freely.
“Dongbo Xueying is destined to soar. Do you really want to fight him?” The silver-robed man shook his head. “Forget it. Let me handle this. Avoid confronting him for now.”
“Fine, you deal with it,” Venomous Ying said with a cold laugh. “I’ll lower my head for now. But if he refuses to show respect… well, I have my own methods.”
“You…” The silver-robed man sighed.
He was far more diplomatic, which was why his network was so extensive. He truly hoped to resolve the feud peacefully.
…
The welcoming banquet was grand, with countless guests and gifts piled like mountains.
Everyone knew this Inspector was unlike his predecessors—his backing was unshakable, and his potential limitless. The gifts reflected that.
Once the banquet ended, Dongbo Xueying and his group returned to the Inspector’s estate. In the main hall, Dongbo Xueying, Qu Cheng, Senior Brother Ge Bai, Senior Brother He Feiyun, and Xi Wei gathered.
“Qu Cheng, make arrangements starting tomorrow to publicly recruit personal guards,” Dongbo Xueying instructed. “Minimum requirement: Deity-level peak. No limit on the number of World Deities.”
Even if the quota was exceeded, they could be taken on as retainers. Not every World Deity wished to join the army—some preferred a powerful patron. Dongbo Xueying was an excellent choice, and in the near future, he would likely become a Fourth Heaven World Deity.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Qu Cheng replied respectfully.
“Good,” Dongbo Xueying nodded. “Go and arrange it immediately.”
Qu Cheng bowed and withdrew.
Dongbo Xueying then turned to Xi Wei with a smile. “Xi Wei, there’s something I need your help with.”
“Your Highness, please speak,” Xi Wei said, now in his service.
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