The Grim Reaper Squad, all of them?
Lan Yue's eyes widened. Among the Grim Reaper Squad, Ci Dao, Tai Shan, and Wu Ying Jian were all at the Earth-grade cultivation level.
While such cultivation was decent on normal occasions, in a place like the Peak Gathering, it was simply not enough.
To put it bluntly, they would be a burden.
Besides the three, there was also Yao Bao'er. Although Yao Bao'er had broken through to the Quasi-Heaven grade, her combat experience was insufficient, and her combat strength was also lacking.
More importantly, Yao Bao'er was exceptionally important to the Hidden Group and the Imperial Dragon Villa. No harm could befall her under any circumstances.
Thinking of this, Lan Yue quickly said, "No, Qiang Wei can go with you, but the rest must stay. Also, bring Xue Qi and Bing Yao. As for the rest, you decide."
In Lan Yue's opinion, Xue Qi and Bing Yao were both Quasi-Heaven grade powerhouses. Although their strength was not top-tier, it was enough for self-preservation.
This was better than bringing along the other members of the Grim Reaper Squad.
Regarding this, Xue Qi and Bing Yao did not say much. In their eyes, whatever Ye Cangtian arranged was fine.
As long as Ye Cangtian arranged it, there must be a reason.
"Sister, don't worry."
Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and said, "If Ci Dao and the other two wish to follow, they must first consume the Dao Comprehension Pills and reach the Quasi-Heaven grade. As for Bao'er, you can rest assured, no one can harm her!"
Ye Cangtian saw through Lan Yue's thoughts at a glance.
Currently, Ci Dao, Tai Shan, and Wu Ying Jian had all reached the peak of the Earth grade.
At this level of cultivation, consuming the Dao Comprehension Pills would maximize their efficacy.
It could be said that once the three of them broke through, their cultivation would at least reach the realm of Quasi-Heaven grade, third or fourth heaven.
With the three reaching the Quasi-Heaven grade, they would naturally possess some self-preservation ability, enough to participate in the Peak Gathering.
As for Yao Bao'er, there was no need to worry at all.
Yao Bao'er's own strength had improved considerably, and with Nami constantly guarding her, even a Heaven-grade powerhouse would not necessarily succeed if they attacked Bao'er.
Upon hearing Ye Cangtian's explanation, Lan Yue's expression eased considerably.
If Ci Dao and the other two indeed reached the Quasi-Heaven grade, with their cultivation soaring, their foundation might become unstable.
The best way to solve this problem was through tempering.
Now it seemed that Ye Cangtian was truly making a great effort!
Thinking of this, Lan Yue glanced at Ye Cangtian and said, "Alright, this time we'll do as you say. But they are all pillars of the Hidden Group. You must bring them back the same way you take them out!"
Heh heh.
Ye Cangtian smiled and nodded, saying, "Sister, these are all my brothers. Your words are a bit redundant."
Hmph!
Lan Yue snorted lightly and gave Ye Cangtian a sideways glance, then said, "Alright, since you've decided, then make preparations early. I'm going back to sleep."
Ye Cangtian nodded, watched Lan Yue leave, and then took out three Dao Comprehension Pills, throwing them directly to Ci Dao and the other two.
He then said, "Whether you can go to the Peak Gathering depends on whether you can break through!"
The three of them caught the pills and exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with determination.
The next moment, Ci Dao looked at Ye Cangtian and said, "Boss, although our strength is not as good, we will never disappoint you. Just you wait and see!"
Tai Shan and Wu Ying Jian echoed his words, and then the three of them flickered and each found a secret chamber for closed-door cultivation.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian smiled and shook his head, his gaze falling on Xue Qi and Bing Yao.
After a moment of silence, he said, "There is another reason why I am not bringing you two along this time. The Peak Gathering might involve Xue Feng, and I'm afraid it would be awkward for you. So, it's better not to meet."
Xue Feng's second disciple, Hou Qing, who was originally Han Cheng Ze's disciple, now managed Xue Feng. Ye Cangtian had met him once.
Hou Qing did not leave a particularly good impression on Ye Cangtian.
At that time, after he had just killed Han Cheng Ze of Xue Feng, he was surrounded by Xue Feng soldiers. Hou Qing, upon arriving, did not order his men to attack him but instead opened a path for him.
Although, from the current situation, Hou Qing had made a wise choice.
However, from this incident, Ye Cangtian also saw some clues.
First, Hou Qing was a very ambitious person. To control Xue Feng, he was willing to give up avenging his master.
Second, Hou Qing was a man with foresight. If he gained power in the future, he might cause trouble for the Hidden Group.
For these two reasons alone, Ye Cangtian did not want Xue Qi and Bing Yao to meet him, to avoid awkwardness or being exploited again.
On the other side, after hearing Ye Cangtian's explanation, Xue Qi's eyes flickered. She slowly bowed and said, "Thank you, Big Brother Ye, for considering us."
Bing Yao also thanked him and then said, "Since we have no fate with the Peak Gathering, we will cultivate diligently in Dragon City. I believe when you return, we will give you a surprise."
Ye Cangtian smiled upon hearing this, saying, "Then I will await your surprise..."
......
The sun rose again.
Ye Cangtian left Qingfeng Hall and headed for the inn in Dragon City.
Upon arriving at the door of a luxurious room, two guards from Yan Yu Lou blocked Ye Cangtian.
Although they recognized Ye Cangtian, he was not invited, so they could not let him pass easily.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian snorted and said, "Go and inform them that I want to see Daoist Yu Xing."
"Daoist Yu Xing has already left Dragon City!"
The guards immediately said upon hearing this.
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian was slightly taken aback. He truly did not expect Daoist Yu Xing to leave so quickly.
From this perspective, Daoist Yu Xing had no particular purpose in coming to Dragon City, otherwise, why would he leave so soon.
With that thought in mind, Ye Cangtian said again, "Is Wen Shen still here? It's fine to see him, go and inform them."
The two guards exchanged glances, signaled Ye Cangtian to wait here, and then one of them turned and entered the room.
After a short while, when the guard came out again, he directly made a gesture of invitation to Ye Cangtian, saying, "Lord Wen Shen requests your presence."
Walking into the room, Ye Cangtian first saw Wen Shen leaning on the sofa, crossing his legs, and drinking.
Wen Shen glanced at Ye Cangtian, a teasing smile appearing on his face.
He had guessed the other party's intentions with about eighty to ninety percent accuracy.
Then he extended his hand, made a gesture of invitation, indicating for the other party to sit down and chat, and poured another cup of wine, handing it over.
"Mr. Ye's sudden visit, may I ask what the matter is?" Wen Shen asked.
Hmph!
Ye Cangtian glanced at the other party, a faint smile on his face, and said, "It's not good to ask what you already know."
Wen Shen heard this, shrugged, and smiled, saying, "Alright, then I won't beat around the bush. Mr. Ye's visit this time, do you agree to lead the Hidden Group to participate in the Peak Gathering?"
Seeing the smug smile on the other party's face, Ye Cangtian felt a bit displeased.
After a moment of silence, he slowly shook his head and said, "After internal discussions within the Hidden Group, the Hidden Group has finally decided not to participate in this Peak Gathering."
What!
Upon hearing such a result, Wen Shen's eyes widened.
He had already explained all the benefits of participating in the Peak Gathering. What were these Hidden Group executives thinking? Why did they refuse!
Furthermore, if they were refusing, why come here in person? Wouldn't it be enough to send someone to explain?
Thinking of this, Wen Shen looked at the other party and said, "Can you explain the reason for not participating?"
Ye Cangtian nodded and said with a smile, "The Hidden Group's strength is too weak. We believe we are not qualified to participate in the Peak Gathering!"
Uh...
Wen Shen was slightly stunned, then said, "The Hidden Group's strength is evident to all. Participating in the Peak Gathering is also an opportunity for the Hidden Group to rise. Therefore, I hope you will reconsider."
"It's really too weak."
Ye Cangtian looked at the other party and continued, "Other factions are bringing Quasi-Heaven grade powerhouses, and the Hidden Group lacks such powerhouses. If we bring Earth-grade powerhouses, wouldn't that be asking for humiliation?"
This...
Wen Shen could understand Ye Cangtian's statement. By comparison, it would indeed be quite embarrassing.
If the Hidden Group's status in the ruins was low, it would be understandable. But the ruins were controlled by the Hidden Group, so how could their status be low?
With such a status, if only Earth-grade powerhouses were brought, it would indeed invite ridicule.
Thinking of this, Wen Shen said with some difficulty, "You are worrying too much about this. Not all factions have so many experts; there are still some factions with weaker strength..."
"Stop! That's enough!"
Ye Cangtian glanced at Wen Shen and then said, "What's the point of comparing ourselves to those weak factions? Besides, even if that were the case, wouldn't those first-tier factions still mock the Hidden Group?"