"You might not know me, but I am the son of your blood uncle Song Xinyi, Song Tian Ye, the third young master of the Song Family. My father and your mother used to be very close; it is a pity to hear she had passed away." Seeing as Wuhan did not say anything to him even when he spoke to him so disrespectfully at an official setting, the man thought he was intimidated by the name of the Song Family and decided to push his luck.

Besides the official of the Feng Empire, no one knew that Feng Niu was alive. The song family did not even know that she was sealed before and only thought she was killed by Wuhan.

'How dare he spit such disgusting lies.' Feng Niu roared in her heart, clawing her hands on the pillar closest to her, changing its shape with each stroke.

Wuhan felt the killing intent of his mother radiating from the shadows like waves of heat from a furnace, but he said nothing. He kept his expression neutral, his posture relaxed, giving no indication of the murderous rage coiling in the corner of his throne room.

What intrigued him more was that the envoy seemed completely oblivious to it.

Song Tian Ye stood there with his insufferable smile, radiating arrogance, apparently unaware that death itself was mere meters away, barely restrained.

'He's at Soul Formation Realm,' Wuhan observed, his spiritual sense having assessed the man's cultivation the moment he entered. 'He should be able to sense Mother's killing intent easily at that level. Unless...'

Wuhan's eyes narrowed fractionally.

'Unless he's so used to being protected by the Song Family name that he's never had to develop proper battle instincts. A greenhouse flower who's never faced real danger. Maybe even most of his cultivation base is formed by pills and treasures of heaven and earth instead of hard-earned cultivation."

That would explain a lot.

Song Tian Ye continued speaking, apparently taking Wuhan's silence as permission to proceed.

"The six Hidden Families recently convened," he said, his tone shifting to something more official, though the underlying condescension remained. "A meeting was called to address the recent... disturbances caused by this little group called the Red Dawn Cult. To think a group like this is even causing you trouble. What can you even expect from mortals."

He waved one hand dismissively, as if the deaths of thousands were merely a minor inconvenience.

Wuhan did not even need to listen more to him. If the six families really thought any differently, they would have sent such a fool. They did not seem to be able to grasp the horrors the Red Dawn Cult was capable of.

'Looks like we are on our own.'

"I heard what they did to your empire. Quite troublesome, really. They've been corrupting the people of the empire, converting them to their cause, and generally making nuisances of themselves across multiple territories."

Song Tian Ye's expression took on a look of false concern. "The six families have decided that this threat requires a unified response. As such, we are coordinating with the major empires to mount a systematic eradication campaign."

He smiled again, that same razor-sharp expression.

"Your empire, cousin, is expected to participate. The Song Family will provide you with the details—which territories to secure, which forces to commit, and which resources to contribute. You'll be working alongside the other empires under our coordination, naturally."

The casual way he delivered what was essentially a command made it clear he expected no resistance.

"Furthermore," Song Tian Ye continued, his voice taking on a harder edge, "there is another matter I came to discuss. It's about the individual who tarnished the honor of the six Hidden Families."

His eyes gleamed with something ugly.

"Some time ago, two members of the hidden families, Ling Ruoyin and Zhao Yanchen, were sent over to the mainland to try to gauge the depths and threat of the Red Dawn Cult, and they told us that not only were they bullied, but someone even hindered their investigation."

"I'm sure you know who I'm referring to. The one who dared to slap in the face of the Six Hidden Families." He stepped forward, his posture becoming more aggressive.

"The families have decided that this insult cannot stand. We require you to hand over this individual for judgment. He will face trial before the six families, and his punishment will serve as an example to anyone else who thinks they can act against us with impunity."

Song Tian Ye's smile widened, showing more teeth.

"You should cooperate willingly, cousin. Refusing would be... unwise. The six Hidden Families are not enemies you want to make. Your little empire, impressive as it might seem to mortals, is nothing compared to the combined might we can bring to bear."

He let that threat hang in the air for a moment before continuing.

"Besides, we know everything about him already. Noah, isn't it? From the Fang Empire originally. Now closely associated with you and also your friend." His tone made it clear he found out about his relation with Noah. "We have detailed reports on his activities, his techniques, and his associations."

Song Tian Ye's expression turned almost pitying.

"You can't protect him, cousin. And trying to would only implicate yourself and your empire in his crimes. Surely you're smart enough to see that? Hand him over, help us with the cult, and perhaps the Song Family will consider taking a more... active interest in your development."

The implication was clear—cooperate, or face consequences.

"Now then," Song Tian Ye said, his tone becoming almost friendly again, as if he'd just finished delivering a routine business proposal rather than a series of demands and threats. "I'll need your answer before I return to the Family compound. Grandfather doesn't like to be kept—"

BOOM.

The sound that erupted through the throne room was like a physical force, shaking the very foundations of the palace.

Song Tian Ye's words cut off mid-sentence as an overwhelming pressure descended upon him—crushing, absolute, undeniable.

His knees buckled. His spine bent.

His entire body was driven down toward the floor by a force that felt like the sky itself had collapsed onto his shoulders.

He crashed to his knees, then his hands, then his forehead struck the ruined floor with enough force to crack the stone beneath it.

Blood trickled from his nose where the impact had broken it.

For the first time since entering the throne room, Song Tian Ye's arrogant expression cracked, replaced by shock and genuine fear.

Wuhan had released his cultivation base!

"How dare you speak about my friend in that tone?!" He roared.

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