Chapter 137: Heavenly Abode

Following Fang Yan and Fang Yu to the slums of Xiaoyao City, the two were struck with horror as they looked upon the scene before them: flames soaring into the sky and cries of agony echoing all around. Yao Ye’s expression turned grim as well.

"What on earth is going on here? Someone tell me!" Fang Yu roared as he cradled a corpse. Hearing the commotion, the people began to emerge from every corner.

"Leaders, you have finally returned! Wuwuwu!"

Fang Yu pulled a weeping youth to his feet, gently wiped the tears from his cheeks, and asked, "Little Stone, don't cry. Tell me, what happened?"

"Wuwuwu, Leader, not long after you left, the Wan family came. They burned, killed, and looted. They threatened us, saying you two would never return, and if we didn't submit to the Wan family, they would wipe us all out next time!"

"The Wan family! I will kill you!" Fang Yan and Fang Yu pulled out their weapons in a rage, shouting, "Brothers, let's fight them to the death!"

"Yes! Let's fight them!"

Yao Ye quickly stepped forward, blocking their path. "Could everyone please hear me out for a moment?"

"Who are you? Why should we listen to you?"

"Everyone, be quiet. This man is the savior who saved our lives. Let’s listen to his advice!" With a wave of Fang Yu’s hand, the crowd fell silent. Yao Ye glanced at Fang Yu and nodded.

"Everyone, I know you are all furious, but if you rush out to fight them now, you won't be able to get revenge; you will only throw your lives away."

"We aren't afraid of death! That's right, we aren't afraid!"

As the crowd shouted in agreement, Yao Ye’s face turned cold. He unleashed a massive surge of aura, causing Fang Yan and Fang Yu to involuntarily step back, and the crowd fell into silence.

"I am just as angry as you are at the Wan family’s actions. I want to tear them apart, but if we go now, even if we fight to the bitter end, we won't even scratch the surface of the Wan family."

Seeing the crowd nod, Yao Ye withdrew his aura. Fang Yan and Fang Yu wiped the sweat from their brows, looking at Yao Ye with admiration.

"Then, benefactor, what should we do?"

"We must develop in secret. Once the Wan family and the Shangguan family have exhausted each other, we can fish in troubled waters. When we are strong enough, who will dare to bully us then?"

"The benefactor is right. Everyone, lend a hand! Let's rebuild our home and tend to the wounded."

Following Fang Yu’s orders, the work proceeded in an orderly fashion. Seeing the cohesion of the group, Yao Ye nodded continuously.

"Big Brother, are you thinking of recruiting them?"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"Big Brother, their cultivation levels are too low. Some haven't even reached the Xiaoyao Realm."

"Peng Yu, remember this: if we want to build our own faction, loyalty is the primary consideration."

Peng Yu nodded in agreement and said nothing more. Yao Ye pulled Peng Yu along to join in the rescue efforts.

By evening, Fang Yu brought Yao Ye and Peng Yu into the main hall. Seeing Fang Yu hesitate, Yao Ye asked, "What is it, Fang Yu? Is there something you need help with?"

"Benefactor, I had intended to treat you properly, but I never expected this to happen."

Yao Ye patted Fang Yu on the shoulder. "Fang Yu, don't worry about it. I’m not that kind of person. Don't take it to heart."

"Thank you, benefactor."

"Hey, stop calling me benefactor. Call me Ye Yao. I don't consider the two of you outsiders."

"Then we will be bold. Ye Yao, well... never mind, let’s eat first!"

Yao Ye smiled and nodded. He was well aware of what Fang Yu and Fang Yan were thinking, but since they hadn't brought it up, he didn't expose it.

After the meal, Fang Yu stood up. "Brother Ye Yao, what do you think we should do next?"

Yao Ye set down his wine cup and chuckled. "Strengthen our defenses so the Wan family knows we are a tough nut to crack and they back off. Select a group of loyal and talented people to train in secret; strength is the ultimate truth. Additionally, we must bribe people within the Wan and Shangguan families to ensure we receive timely intelligence."

Listening to Yao Ye’s plan, Fang Yan and Fang Yu pondered deeply. They exchanged glances and nodded. Fang Yu stood up and said, "Brother Ye Yao, we have an impertinent request: we would like to trouble you to stay and help us."

"This?"

"Yes, Brother Ye Yao. We are willing to follow your lead. As long as we can kill the Wan family and avenge our people, I am willing to die if necessary."

"That's right, what Fang Yan said is exactly what I feel. We hope you won't decline, Brother Ye Yao. Our strength is limited, and we cannot withstand the Wan family alone."

"To be honest, brothers, I left home to make a name for myself. I appreciate your kindness and am willing to help, but..."

"Isn't that perfect? We will follow you, Brother Ye Yao, and make a name for ourselves. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

"I feel like I'm taking advantage of your misfortune. Let’s leave it for now and discuss it later."

Fang Yan and Fang Yu stepped forward. "Brother Ye Yao, please don't decline. Our abilities are limited. If we lead everyone, we will only end in total defeat. Please, do not refuse."

"That's right, Big Brother! A group without a leader will only be eaten away by the Wan family. If you don't agree, you alone cannot protect everyone!"

Seeing Peng Yu’s persuasion, Yao Ye fell into deep thought. Fang Yan struck while the iron was hot. "Yes, Brother Ye Yao, if you don't agree, you are actually harming us!"

Yao Ye sipped his wine slowly while the three looked at him with anticipation. He set down his cup and stood up.

"If you want me to lead, I will say this first: without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Everything must be done according to my discipline!"

"Hahaha, don't worry, Brother Ye Yao. Since we are willing to follow your lead, we will certainly abide by your rules. But I must say, if I don't see hope in you, I will look for another way."

"Rest assured, brothers. Since you trust me, I, Ye Yao, will not fail you. Also, Fang Yan, you are responsible for selecting talent and training the people. Fang Yu, you are in charge of discipline. Peng Yu, you are responsible for intelligence."

"Understood!"

"Now, let's think of a name for our newly formed organization."

"How about the Heroes' Assembly?"

"No, no, Brother Peng Yu, that's too tacky. How about the Brotherhood Alliance?"

"Tch, what are you two thinking? I think it should be the Wind and Cloud Pavilion. Rising in chaotic times—what a great name!"

"No, that's not good, mine is better!"

"Yours isn't good, mine is!"

Yao Ye felt a headache coming on. "Enough, stop arguing. Let's call it the Heavenly Mansion. From now on, my fate is in my own hands, not the heavens!"

"Controlling our own destiny... yes, let's call it the Heavenly Mansion!"

Peng Yu, Fang Yan, and Fang Yu couldn't praise the name enough after hearing Yao Ye’s explanation. And thus, the juggernaut known as the Heavenly Mansion was born.