Ye Cangtian hadn't expected Xuan Shisi to be so proactive, but he didn't want to meet Zhang Fan in the open.
If he went like this, and Zhang Fan died or escaped later, he feared someone might suspect him.
"What!"
With a single sentence, Xuan Shisi was instantly dumbfounded. He hurriedly asked, "Lord Po Xiao, this matter is not to be joked about."
"You heard correctly. I'm not here to deal with Zhang Fan's affairs, but I have other important matters!" Ye Cangtian said indifferently.
This...
In an instant, Xuan Shisi's body began to tremble, especially his large hands, which shook violently.
He really wanted to slap himself. Why had he been so sure without clarifying the matter first!
Now, the welcoming reception for Po Xiao had concluded. Gifts from various families and factions had been presented to Po Xiao.
Most crucially, the red carpet had already been dismantled, and after being trampled by horses, it was no longer usable.
Where else would he find such a long red carpet to welcome the Crimson Demon!
Even if the red carpet issue could be resolved, how would he explain it to the various families and factions?
Would he have to ask them to present another generous gift? That was clearly impossible!
For a moment, Xuan Shisi's face was uglier than a butchered pig's, and he felt utterly helpless towards Po Xiao. After all, Po Xiao hadn't deceived him; he had misunderstood on his own.
"Alright, I'll stay here tonight."
"Send a few people to guard my room. I need to cultivate for a night. Don't disturb me unless there's something important!"
Enjoying Xuan Shisi's extremely unpleasant expression, Ye Cangtian ignored him and directly issued the command.
"Yes."
Facing Po Xiao's request, Xuan Shisi naturally would not refuse, especially at this moment.
He truly didn't know how to welcome the Crimson Demon now.
If the ceremony was too small, the Crimson Demon would surely be angered. But if he were to arrange an even grander ceremony, he wasn't sure if there would be enough time.
Therefore, he dared not neglect Po Xiao. Perhaps Po Xiao, seeing his grand reception and dedicated efforts, might protect him a little.
...
Returning to the room.
Ye Cangtian quickly summoned Nami.
"Nami, I need to go out for a bit. I'm leaving the room to you," Ye Cangtian said without concealment to Nami.
"Heh heh, you brat are up to no good again!"
Nami chuckled playfully, then her expression turned serious, and she continued, "It's fine for me to stay in the room; no one can break in. But the problem is, how do we make them sure that it's you in the room?"
Ye Cangtian smiled and replied, "That's simple. As long as you release your spiritual energy to cultivate, no one will suspect. Of course, try to control the strength of your spiritual energy to be roughly the same as mine."
Each person's aura, or spiritual energy, had subtle differences. However, ordinary guards, with their low cultivation levels, would be completely unable to detect them.
They could only determine that this aura was very strong, reaching the Earthly realm, which also achieved Ye Cangtian's goal.
Hearing this, Nami slowly nodded. Controlling the strength of spiritual energy was not a problem for her.
The next moment, she glanced over and said, "These are all minor matters. If something happens and they need to report something, what should I do? I won't compromise your identity!"
"That's not difficult either. Just knock over some things and pretend to be angry."
"If anyone forces their way in, just beat them out. Don't kill them..."
Ye Cangtian said.
After all, he had told Xuan Shisi that he would be cultivating in the room. If he were disturbed, he would naturally become angry.
Under such circumstances, he believed that few of Xuan Shisi's subordinates would dare to force their way in.
After dispelling Nami's worries, Ye Cangtian left the room.
...
Reception City Prison.
The prison was divided into three levels: one above ground and two underground.
There was only one passage for entry and exit, guarded by a small team of guards.
It could be said that it was unrealistic for anyone entering here to escape using their own strength.
At this very moment, the entire second underground level held only one prisoner: Zhang Fan.
But strangely, unlike his fellow inmates on the other two levels, he was not confined to a separate cell or wearing heavy handcuffs and shackles.
The doors of all the cells on the entire second underground level were open. Most of these cells were gloomy, filled with various torture instruments.
Only one room had a comfortable large bed, various daily necessities, and several bottles of strong liquor.
And Zhang Fan was currently feasting and drinking with the prison guards of the second level in his cell.
"Brother Zhang Fan, your choice was the right one."
"We're all selling our lives with our heads tied to our belts. Now that you're imprisoned and no one dares to rescue you, no one will blame you for making such a choice!"
A prison guard raised his wine cup and said to Zhang Fan.
The prison guards had repeated similar words countless times.
What they feared most was that the Earthly realm executive would come, and Zhang Fan would refuse to cooperate. Therefore, whenever they had time, they would try to brainwash Zhang Fan.
"Hmph, who has the right to blame me?"
"Whoever blames me, let them come in and try your torture instruments. If they can endure it, I'll kneel and call them grandpa!"
Zhang Fan took a gulp of his wine and snorted coldly.
He didn't want to be a traitor, but he couldn't endure the torture.
And to be honest, he had been influenced by the surrounding prison guards and felt that what they said wasn't entirely wrong.
Why should he suffer torture in prison while those in the Anti-Black Alliance ate and drank well somewhere without making any efforts to rescue him?
With this thought, the guilt of betrayal was greatly reduced.
"Haha, Brother Zhang Fan, you can't hold grudges!"
"Before, we were all serving our respective masters; we couldn't help it. But it will be better from now on. As you can see, the brothers have treated you well, haven't they?"
"The entire second level is yours, and you're treated to good wine and food. By the way, you can't forget us!"
One of the prison guards, upon hearing Zhang Fan's words, quickly said with a smile.
"Of course, I won't forget you."
Zhang Fan smiled slightly and replied.
He knew very well what these prison guards wanted.
Given the current inability of the Dark Association to deal with the Anti-Black Alliance, if he revealed the secret, he would not only save his life but also receive some rewards.
It was even possible that he could stay and work for the Dark Association.
If that were the case, he might be able to speak well for these prison guards and perhaps change their fate.
For this reason, coupled with the promise of meritorious service he was offering, the others naturally treated him with courtesy.
"Heh heh, I thought you would be tortured in prison, but you're feasting and drinking here. You're simply too happy..."
As soon as Zhang Fan's voice fell, a mocking voice echoed.
"Who is it!"
All the prison guards' expressions changed, and they looked in the direction of the voice.
They saw a young man standing at the entrance.
Judging by his attire, he wasn't a prisoner, as prisoners wore prison uniforms.
But he wasn't a guard either, as he wasn't wearing guard clothing.
This confused everyone. If he wasn't a prisoner or a guard, how did he appear here?
After all, there were guards on the upper two levels as well!
"Captain, he looks a little familiar!"
A guard said to the guard captain beside Zhang Fan.
"He does look a bit familiar."
"He should be a friend of Lord Xuan Shisi..."
The captain heard his subordinate and looked at the man again, finally nodding slowly.
In his understanding, anyone he had seen who could freely enter the second underground level must have been approved by Xuan Shisi.
Otherwise, the guards on the upper levels would have already clashed, and they wouldn't have heard a single sound.
So, he quickly got up and invited the man to sit with them. After all, he was a friend of Xuan Shisi, so they dared not neglect him.
"Brother, please..."
"Uh..."
Hearing the other party's words, Ye Cangtian was dumbfounded.
He never expected that they would not only be unwary but also invite him to join them for food and drink. This made him feel a bit amused and exasperated.
He was here to deal with Zhang Fan, so was this kind of enthusiasm appropriate?