Chapter 356: Night Intrusion into the Ancient House

"Oh, right, I almost forgot. Her arrival also led to the sudden appearance of an organization called Youzong in the Blazing Kingdom. Moreover, a name, 'Longyou,' has been circulating. No one knows, however, whether 'Longyou' refers to that woman, a powerful figure, or something else entirely."

"'Longyou'... Could it mean that these people can wield the power of dragons?"

The Black Flood Dragon King, Longyou, the mysterious woman who controls water-attribute power...

This series of impactful events instinctively formed a complete network of clues in Xu Yang's mind. It felt as if all questions would be easily resolved if only he could touch a crucial switch within this network.

"It seems that if we want to regain control of the internal situation in the Blazing Kingdom, we must start with Youzong. Only by infiltrating their ranks will we have a chance to enter the capital. After all, staying outside indefinitely isn't a good idea."

As Xu Yang spoke, the Third Prince had a sudden realization: "Grandpa, not only am I imprisoned here, but also several of my sworn brothers. They were all top experts in the Blazing Kingdom, capable of rallying support with a single call. Now that I've seen the light of day again, I naturally must free them as well!"

Xu Yang didn't object. Although he didn't lack manpower at the moment, the Third Prince's role and status were quite unique. If they wanted to stir things up in the Blazing Kingdom, it would be impossible without his influence and rallying power.

Consequently, the other relevant individuals in the dungeon were all released.

"Your Excellency! I have a hidden hideout in the suburbs that even Youzong's people haven't discovered. We can temporarily move there and then make long-term plans."

Xu Yang smiled and nodded, "That would be helpful."

From the prison deep beneath the lake, they resurfaced in a few movements and reunited with Xu Yang's team.

"Hey, you're really slow! Sister Wushuang was about to go down and look for you."

Xu Yang and Wushuang exchanged smiles, tacitly sharing their thoughts. As both possessed the Soul Resonance realm, exchanging information was incredibly convenient. In just an instant, Wushuang knew everything Xu Yang had experienced deep within the water prison.

"Youzong... Although the name is unfamiliar and mysterious, at least it gives us a direction for investigation. As long as there's a lead, we're not afraid of not finding clues."

"That's right. Let's first go to that hideout to rest, and then we can make long-term plans."

Xu Yang and his group entered the residence late at night. Just as they settled down and began to rest, a familiar aura reappeared.

"Did you miss me?"

A seductive voice echoed in his ears. Xu Yang sharply opened his eyes and found that the soul aura he was communicating with was right in the center of the courtyard.

"Heh, I can't believe you're so bold, daring to come here seeking death. You've got guts!"

The masked mysterious woman chuckled and took a few steps forward, her graceful steps swaying elegantly.

"Are you truly so unappreciative? I don't understand why there's such a high level of telepathic resonance between us; that makes me very curious. Especially the moment you broke through the ice on Wangyou Lake, it felt as if my power was also subject to your control. This ability of yours greatly surprised me, so I came specifically to learn from you."

Xu Yang smiled faintly and shook his head, naturally refusing her request: "Firstly, I haven't even seen your true face. How can I open up to you? Secondly, you are now our enemy. If I reveal everything about myself, wouldn't that be betraying my companions? I will never put them in danger."

"Hahaha..."

The mysterious woman laughed loudly. As she extended her arms, her red robes slowly floated into the air, and she scanned Xu Yang with a slightly condescending gaze.

"Don't see yourself as some kind of savior. While I admit you're very strong, this is my territory after all. You've probably already heard the name Youzong, haven't you? Let me show you just how powerful my Youzong is."

Swish! Swish!

In an instant, without any warning, Xu Yang suddenly realized that the top assassins under this woman's command had, at some unknown point, materialized out of thin air and were now surging madly into every room in the courtyard.

"Wake up, everyone!!"

With a fierce roar from Xu Yang, his powerful Asura power poured forth like a raging flood, instantly dimming the forms of countless Youzong figures.

"I want to see what kind of face is behind that veil of yours."

"Oh? Then how about we play a game? If you can take off my mask, I promise not to harm anyone under your command tonight. If you can't do it within a hundred moves, I'm sorry, but I'll make your beloved my first target!"

Xu Yang sneered, "You're no match for Wushuang. If you provoke her, and she decides to kill you, I probably wouldn't even be able to stop her."

"Enough talk, the game begins."

"No, the game is already over..."

Xu Yang vanished from his spot with a whoosh. When he reappeared, he had already gently removed the woman's veil.

"What! You..."

Unfortunately, the woman's appearance was not the same as the Empress'.

In fact, according to Xu Yang's various judgments, all these questions would have been explained in that instant. As long as the face behind the veil was that of the Empress, then all mysteries would have been solved, and Xu Yang wouldn't have to continue worrying about her whereabouts.

Because in the Divine Scroll given by Wushuang, being sealed had two relatively independent conditions.

The first was, naturally, that she hadn't been found yet. The second was that she had been found but then disappeared again, or had already perished!

Xu Yang's real concern lay here: he feared losing all trace of the Empress forever in the final stage of this fantasy world.

Thus, he began to pin his hopes on this unfamiliar face for an answer.

Unfortunately, when he saw the unfamiliar face, Xu Yang's spirits instantly plummeted to rock bottom.

"What's wrong? Are you mistaking me for an old acquaintance of yours? Or do you harbor some special feelings for her?"

Xu Yang sneered, "You are not worthy to speak of Axue to me."

With that, he harshly tossed the veil to the ground. Xu Yang didn't spare her another glance and calmly walked back into the residence.

As this gamble concluded, the woman naturally kept her promise, and all silhouettes related to Youzong completely vanished.

"Boss, what are you doing?"

Long Kun suddenly burst in. The faint silhouette in the void quickly disappeared, leaving no trace of herself behind.

Xu Yang, however, looked preoccupied, sighing helplessly and shaking his head, and returned to his room.

"It's nothing. Go to sleep quickly! This journey is extremely perilous. When I'm not around, the heavy responsibility of protecting these girls will fall on you. You'd better be mindful!"

Long Kun scratched his head and chuckled, "Don't worry, as long as you're not here, I'll always be the temporary boss of the team!"

Xu Yang: "..."