"The Hidden Group will not mistreat any friend who sincerely aids us."
"It's just a shame that Half-Moon Hall is not among them for now. Do I need to spell out your intentions?"
"If this were to become public, do you think Half-Moon Hall would still have any reputation left?"
Hearing Fang Liang's threatening words, Ye Cangtian let out a cold laugh.
He was utterly disgusted by the shameless actions of Half-Moon Hall. Such a faction was better off without cooperation.
However, since they were supposedly there under the guise of cooperation, Ye Cangtian showed some restraint, hoping they would know when to stop.
On the other side, Fang Liang was once again speechless.
Although various factions were present in the ruins, most of them placed great importance on integrity. If Ye Cangtian were to truly publicize Half-Moon Hall's objectives, the hall might very well face isolation.
This would be extremely detrimental to the development of Half-Moon Hall.
But then again, Half-Moon Hall was determined to obtain the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir.
Once they had a few more Earth-level experts, Half-Moon Hall could ascend to new heights, perhaps even reaching the pinnacle from then on.
With this thought, Fang Liang hesitated for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and saying, "Ye Cangtian, you must understand that having one more friend is better than having one more enemy!"
With no other recourse, as Ye Cangtian remained unyielding, Fang Liang had no choice but to issue a threat.
The Hidden Group was currently engaged in conflict with the Bright Hall. If Half-Moon Hall were to attack the Hidden Group within the ruins, it would undoubtedly pose a significant threat.
He believed Ye Cangtian would grasp this point; otherwise, he wouldn't be worthy of acting as the interim head of the Hidden Group.
At the same time, he was confident that Ye Cangtian would ultimately make a wise choice.
"Heh, if a faction like Half-Moon Hall chooses to be our friend, we welcome it. But if they choose to be our enemy, forgive my bluntness, Half-Moon Hall is not qualified!"
"Furthermore, I must warn you, I detest threats the most. So, before you speak, it's best to think carefully, lest you bring about the utter destruction of Half-Moon Hall!"
Ye Cangtian sneered as he glanced at the other person, speaking with utter disdain.
He naturally didn't want to make an enemy of Half-Moon Hall, but that didn't mean he feared them.
While Half-Moon Hall's strength was not to be underestimated, in the face of the ascending Hidden Group, they were still insufficient.
"You!"
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Fang Liang trembled with anger.
How could he have known that Ye Cangtian was so stubborn and difficult to deal with?
"Ye Cangtian, I warn you too. You are merely the interim head of the Hidden Group. It's best if you consult Dongfang Mingyue before making certain decisions, lest the Hidden Group be plunged into eternal damnation by you!"
Facing Ye Cangtian's contempt and disdain, Fang Liang retorted, unwilling to be outdone.
He truly couldn't believe that a mere acting head would dare to go to war with Half-Moon Hall during such a critical period.
Even if Ye Cangtian dared to do so, would Dongfang Mingyue agree?
If this caused any losses to the Hidden Group, Dongfang Mingyue would surely hold him accountable, and Ye Cangtian's future would be ruined.
He believed Ye Cangtian understood this.
"That's right, I am only the interim head of the Hidden Group, but I can take responsibility for every decision I make!"
"But as the young hall master, can you take responsibility for your choices?"
Ye Cangtian glanced at Fang Liang, his eyes filled with intense disdain.
With that single sentence, Fang Liang's expression changed drastically, becoming extremely grim. He retorted, "My father is the hall master, and I will decide the future of Half-Moon Hall. Do you think I can take responsibility?"
"Heh, fine. Since you insist on being an enemy of the Hidden Group, then I won't hold back!"
Hearing Fang Liang's words, Ye Cangtian let out a cold laugh.
As his voice fell, he had already appeared before Fang Liang. Before the latter could react, Ye Cangtian swung his large hand forward.
*Slap!*
A loud slap echoed. Fang Liang cried out in pain and was sent flying backward.
The two women who had been attending to him instantly screamed.
"Fang Liang, I've already been quite courteous to you. I hope you'll conduct yourself properly."
"If you speak out of line again and covet the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, you will face the consequences."
"Let me remind you, if you truly don't know what's good for you, even your father wouldn't be able to save you if he were here!"
Ye Cangtian's gaze swept over the disheveled Fang Liang as he picked himself up, speaking in a low tone.
He was truly angered by the shameless behavior of Half-Moon Hall.
It was one thing for them to shamelessly pursue personal gain and attempt to seize the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir.
But to turn against the Hidden Group for the elixir after failing to reach an agreement was truly pushing Ye Cangtian's patience to its limit.
"Young Hall Master!"
Just as Ye Cangtian finished speaking, the Half-Moon Hall guards downstairs rushed up.
Upon seeing the blood at the corner of Fang Liang's mouth and his increasingly swollen face, they immediately understood that the cooperation had completely broken down.
Moreover, their young hall master had been struck by Ye Cangtian.
Thus, they instantly drew their weapons and surrounded Ye Cangtian, awaiting Fang Liang's command.
There was no alternative. Ye Cangtian, after all, was the interim head of the Hidden Group and could represent them. If they attacked, it would mean becoming enemies with the Hidden Group, a decision they couldn't make themselves.
The only one who could make the decision was Fang Liang.
"Damn it, you dare to hit me!"
On the other side, Fang Liang wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes fixed on Ye Cangtian with malevolent fury, and roared.
When had he ever suffered such a setback since childhood?
It could be said that even his own father couldn't bear to lay a finger on him.
Now that he had been disciplined by Ye Cangtian, especially in front of two women, his anger erupted instantly.
He cast a glance at the guards rushing forward and harshly reprimanded them, "What are you standing around for! Take him down! Whatever happens, I'll take responsibility!"
The sliver of reason in Fang Liang's mind had been completely consumed by rage.
At this moment, he cared not for the other party's cultivation or identity; his sole objective was to exact double the humiliation.
Upon receiving Fang Liang's order, the dozen or so guards around them charged at Ye Cangtian without a word.
"Mayflies trying to shake a tree!"
Ye Cangtian's disdain intensified. His figure flickered, and he darted into the midst of the guards.
*Bang! Bang! Bang...*
With dull thuds and screams, figures were sent flying backward.
They were merely some Profound-level guards, and the gap in strength between them and Ye Cangtian was too vast.
To put it bluntly, Ye Cangtian charging into their midst was akin to a lion entering a flock of sheep; the guards had no ability to resist.
In just a short while, Ye Cangtian had incapacitated all the guards and stood before Fang Liang once more.
"You... What do you want to do!"
"I warn you, I am the young hall master of Half-Moon Hall. If you kill me, Half-Moon Hall will be irreconcilably at odds with the Hidden Group..."
At this moment, seeing the unconscious guards strewn across the floor, Fang Liang had completely sobered up.
His arrogance had vanished entirely, and he had completely cowered. However, before he could finish, Ye Cangtian coldly interrupted him.
"Be quiet!"
Ye Cangtian looked at him coldly and said grimly, "I don't intend to kill you right now, but if you refuse to cooperate, then don't blame me."
"What do you want to do?"
Fang Liang asked cautiously, eyeing Ye Cangtian.
Ye Cangtian sneered and said, "I ask you, who exactly instigated Half-Moon Hall?"
Ye Cangtian was well aware of Half-Moon Hall's strength.
Frankly speaking, even if the Hidden Group was currently fighting the Bright Hall, facing Half-Moon Hall would put them in a passive position. However, if Half-Moon Hall were to initiate conflict, they wouldn't gain much either.
Half-Moon Hall would not be unaware of this.
But Fang Liang, after failing to obtain the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, had completely torn down the facade. Ye Cangtian found it hard to believe that this was Half-Moon Hall's own idea.
Therefore, it was highly likely that someone had instigated this matter!
"No one instigated us. Half-Moon Hall received news that the Hidden Group somehow acquired a large quantity of quasi-golden elixirs, which created many Earth-level experts."
"So, Half-Moon Hall became envious and wanted to obtain some to strengthen our forces. It's as simple as that!"
Upon hearing this, Fang Liang's body trembled slightly, and he quickly replied.
Hmph!
Ye Cangtian clearly noticed Fang Liang's unease and let out a cold snort. "Then tell me, where did Half-Moon Hall get this news?"
"Furthermore, since you knew the Hidden Group had gained many Earth-level experts, where did Half-Moon Hall get the courage to provoke the Hidden Group!"
According to the intelligence within the Hidden Group, Half-Moon Hall's current scale was entirely attributed to its hall master, who was said to be an Earth-level expert.