I sinned... I uploaded the chapter, but actually forgot to post it. Pure accident, luckily I came to check.
*************************
Qiu Yimeng and the others instantly showed tense expressions; they could all sense Yang Zhao's restless eagerness.
Moreover, under the influence of the evil energy within Yang Kai's body, Yang Zhao found it very difficult to regain his composure and handle the situation at hand properly.
He was being influenced too.
As a member of the Yang family, and specifically the second eldest of the younger generation, his current achievements now fell far short of Yang Kai's. Unwittingly, envy and jealousy stirred in his heart. This negative emotion was magnified, and even Yang Zhao's eyes took on a slightly reddish hue.
"Young Master, hesitation invites disaster!" Xiang Chu urged coldly, pressing his advantage.
Yang Zhao finally made up his mind, nodding heavily. He raised his hand, pointing towards the sky, and gave a cold shout: "At all costs, stop him!"
The two Blood Servants at Yang Zhao's side were stunned, both showing a hint of hesitation.
As one of them had said before, everyone in the Blood Servant Hall held considerable respect and gratitude for Yang Kai. But now, Yang Zhao was ordering them to prevent Yang Kai's ascension, and they suddenly didn't know what to do.
Yang Kai was currently at a critically important juncture. If his ascension was truly disrupted and failed, it was highly likely he would perish, his body destroyed and soul scattered. Even if such a terrible outcome didn't occur, his cultivation might forever stall at the ninth layer of the Zhenyuan Realm.
How could the two Blood Servants bear to inflict such a vicious blow?
A sense of revulsion arose in their hearts. But Yang Zhao was still their young master, the lord they followed. Upon hearing the command, they had to move.
"Do you old fellows think I don't exist?" Earth Demon let out a sinister cackle. Having watched the show from the sidelines until now, Earth Demon was already seething with battle intent. Seeing Yang Zhao issue such a command regardless of consequences, he immediately gave a cold shout and, together with Tang Yuxian, blocked the two Blood Servants.
"Yang Zhao, you're insane with grief and malice!" Qiu Yimeng was furious too, shouting sharply. She led everyone from their manor to soar into the sky, surrounding Yang Kai completely, vowing to protect his safety.
"Anyone who stands in the way dies!" Yang Zhao's expression was ferocious. He issued the attack order to his own manor's warriors. With the evil within him amplified, Yang Zhao was now resorting to any means necessary.
In the back of the crowd, Xiang Chu chuckled darkly, looking with malicious glee at Yang Kai in the sky, who seemed unable to move, only able to endure the baptism of heaven and earth's energy. A wave of satisfaction surged across his face.
Yang Kai gave him a cold glance and said flatly: "Nansheng is dead, and you won't escape today either!"
Xiang Chu couldn't help but retreat a few steps, then steadied himself, shouting with bluster masking his fear: "Yang Kai, stop trying to scare me! Get through your current crisis first!"
The warriors on both sides had already clashed. Earth Demon and Tang Yuxian, joining forces, not only held back the two Blood Servants beside Yang Zhao but also managed to restrain over a dozen Shenyou Realm experts from his manor.
Though Qiu Yimeng's group was smaller in number, they surrounded Yang Kai, watching out for each other. For the moment, the enemy couldn't break through their defense. The radiant glow of various artifacts and martial techniques illuminated the dark Battle City, making it as bright as day.
Turbulent energy raged wildly, and the battle of attack and defense erupted instantly!
Inside that teahouse, Yang Wei shook his head with some pain: "Second Brother has gone too far."
Liu Qingyao also nodded gently. Although the battle for succession could involve any means, this was currently Yang Kai's most critical moment. If something truly went wrong, it would affect him for a lifetime.
As they spoke, Yang Wei slowly stood up, shedding his disguise and revealing his true appearance.
"Young Master is going to act?" Liu Qingyao glanced at him sideways and asked lightly.
"Mm." Yang Wei nodded. "As the Eldest Young Master of the Yang family, I will act!"
Having said that, his figure flickered, and he charged towards the battlefield, accompanied by his own Blood Servant.
Liu Qingyao was momentarily stunned, then suddenly laughed: "The Young Master is indeed a true gentleman!"
Yang Wei had said he was acting as the Eldest Young Master of the Yang family, not as a participant in the succession battle. This meant his actions represented only himself.
He could have mobilized his manor's forces, seized the opportunity to raid Yang Kai's manor or join forces with Yang Kai's warriors to attack Yang Zhao.
But he hadn't done so. Clearly, he didn't want to take advantage of someone's peril, living up to Liu Qingyao's praise.
A moment later, Yang Wei arrived at Yang Kai's side. Upon seeing him appear here, Qiu Yimeng became extremely wary and said coldly: "Why has the Young Master come?"
Yang Wei sensed her suspicion and wariness. He didn't answer, but simply gave a faint nod to the Blood Servant beside him. This Shenyou Realm Eighth Layer servant immediately dove down into the chaotic battlefield.
Qiu Yimeng's expression softened slightly, and she flushed a little: "Thank you for your assistance, Young Master!"
Yang Wei gave a faint nod, without any intention of claiming credit.
This scene was also seared into Yang Kai's mind. Warmth stirred slightly in his heart, and he nodded towards his elder brother. The two brothers locked eyes for a moment, everything understood without words.
Below, Xiang Chu continued to hurl insults at Yang Kai, provoking and causing trouble, attempting to use words to disrupt Yang Kai's current state of mind.