The two powerful demons exchanged secret messages, deciding that the moment the pill was completed, they would make their move. No matter what, they had to seize that spirit pill. A pill that even someone as formidable as Ba He coveted couldn't be anything less than extraordinary. Perhaps they could use it to break through all three layers of the Return to Void Realm in one fell swoop and ascend to the Void King Realm.
After all, Ba He had already reached the third layer of the Return to Void Realm over two hundred years ago. He was the being on the entire Demon Star Di Chen with the greatest potential to advance to the rank of a Lord.
While Magna and Mi Tian were secretly communicating via divine sense, Ba He casually glanced in their direction, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"Young man, weren't you saying you wanted to visit the palace to see an old acquaintance?" Ba He suddenly sent a voice transmission to Yang Kai.
"That's right, sir... um, does Senior Ba He have some advice?" Yang Kai looked at him with suspicion, wondering why the old demon had suddenly brought this up.
"Advice? I wouldn't presume. However... I do happen to know a way that can guarantee your safe entry into the palace!"
"Really?" Yang Kai's eyes lit up.
"Indeed! But this method is somewhat risky. If you trust me, I'll go ahead with it. If not, then just pretend I never said anything."
"Hehe, Senior, we've only just met by chance. There's no need to talk about trust or lack thereof." Yang Kai was no greenhorn fresh off the boat. He would never place his trust in someone he barely knew so easily.
"That concern of yours is perfectly reasonable. But truly... this method carries a certain degree of risk for me as well. If you're willing to join forces with me, I can promise that as long as I'm alive, you'll be safe."
Yang Kai frowned slightly and pondered for a moment before speaking. "Could you explain in more detail, Senior?"
"Of course." Ba He was remarkably forthright, keeping no secrets. He laid out his plan plainly for Yang Kai.
After hearing the full plan, Yang Kai's brow knitted tightly. "There is indeed some risk. But... you've calculated quite well, Senior. With a move like this, my senior sister and I would have no freedom whatsoever, would we?"
"Then you're refusing?" Ba He asked, a note of disappointment in his voice.
"No. I accept. Go ahead, Senior." Yang Kai broke into a grin.
Ba He stared at him in astonishment, clearly not expecting Yang Kai to be this bold. In truth, there was no concern about his plan failing — he could guarantee that Yang Kai would be brought into Crimson Moon Lord's palace and receive proper attention. However, the consequences of this method might not be a good thing for Yang Kai or the woman refining pills at the inn.
He had already steeled himself for rejection.
Yet Yang Kai had agreed.
Ba He regarded Yang Kai with an odd expression, secretly thinking that this human was fearless, his courage almost reckless. But since he had agreed, there was nothing left to worry about.
With that thought, Ba He smiled faintly and spoke aloud. "The pill hasn't even been finished, yet the phenomena are already so magnificent. It must be an exceptionally fine pill. And judging by the richness of the fragrance, I'd say it's at least a Void-grade pill or above."
"Lord Ba He speaks truly," Magna echoed, having no idea what game Ba He was playing.
"A pill of this caliber should belong to none other than the Lord himself, wouldn't you agree, Magna?" Ba He said with a warm smile, his eyes fixed on the demon.
"That's right!" Magna's frown deepened. A vague sense of unease crept over him.
"The alchemist who refined this pill must surely be a Grandmaster-level figure."
"Indeed." Magna nodded, and the premonition in his heart grew stronger. He was beginning to understand what Ba He was after.
"The Lord has always held those humans with extraordinary talents in high regard. These years, the palace has been recruiting talented individuals. Now that such a talent has appeared right here in Hui Moon City — Magna, you're in luck. Being the clever one you are, I'm sure you know what to do next." Ba He gazed at Magna, still wearing that genial smile.
Magna's expression turned serious, and he declared in a clear voice: "Many thanks for your guidance, my lord. Magna understands. Once this Grandmaster has finished refining his pill, I will personally escort him to the palace. The Lord will surely recognize his worth!"
"And when the Lord is pleased, you'll receive quite a generous reward as well," Ba He chuckled.
Upon hearing this, Magna's eyes gleamed, and his smile broadened considerably. He quickly clasped his fists in a salute. "I have you to thank for your protection, my lord!"
After that, he barked in a commanding voice: "Men!"
A crowd of demon warriors answered in unison.
"Clear out all unauthorized personnel! Anyone who approaches within fifty zhang of the inn is to be killed without exception! No one is to disturb the Grandmaster inside while he refines his pill!"
"Yes, sir!"
Mi Tian stood frozen on the spot, dumbfounded.
The secret agreement he had just reached with Magna had been dismantled by Ba He in just a few words. Not only that, Magna had switched sides entirely and was now proactively sending his forces to protect the alchemist inside the inn.