The third visit to Martial Emperor City was different from before. Due to the pressure from the Japanese invader army, the entire city was oppressive, filled with a somber atmosphere.

The guards of Martial Emperor City, clad in black armor, and the soldiers of the Yan Army were seen everywhere. Although the Inner City still had a considerable flow of people, there was a noticeable difference.

Jiang He represented Chen Yuan and was now second only to Ye Xiangnan in standing within Martial Emperor City, holding the East City Token, with a quarter of the city's area under his control.

No one dared to obstruct him along the way.

Wherever he passed, people would salute.

Through Jiang He's introduction, he had a clear understanding of the current situation. Ye Xiangnan, as the strongest presence, guarded the central hub, overseeing all deployments.

Jiang He safeguarded the important East Gate, respected within East District, controlling half of Martial Emperor City's formations. Feng Jiuge was in charge of the West Gate, managing the western city's formations.

The tower master of Ascending Immortal Tower and several True Masters of the Refining God Realm guarded the North Gate, while another Yang God True Monarch of Martial Emperor City held the West Gate.

All four could control formations, standing at the forefront.

The army within the city now numbered close to two hundred thousand, most being elite, with a significant portion accumulated by Martial Emperor City over the years, their prowess terrifying compared to the Yan Army.

The previous battle was lost mainly because Japan's surprise invasion was too unexpected; despite their preparedness, they ultimately couldn't fend off Japan's immortal.

Their strength was terrifying.

Even with several top True Monarchs working together with formations, they were not opponents. If not for Lu Chengfeng assisting from behind, damage would have been inevitable...

The place where Ye Xiangnan resided was not that Immortal Mountain, but rather directly in the City Lord Mansion within the city. Without notification, the two entered, surrounded by busy officials of Martial Emperor City.

Martial Emperor City did not belong to the imperial court; it was more independent than the erstwhile North and South Kings. City Lord Ye Xiangnan held a status within the city comparable to an emperor.

To better govern everything, it was necessary to appoint officials in charge.

Crossing some areas within the City Lord Mansion, in a short moment, the two arrived outside the City Lord Mansion's council hall, with guards outside not yet notified.

Ye Xiangnan sensed the intentional release of a trace of Rule Power from Chen Yuan, instantly appearing before the two, with a heavy face showing a hint of relaxation.

Finally.... arrived!

The master went to Lanzhou to guard against Buddha's actions. Now, the strongest person in Martial Emperor City was him, and facing the outside Japanese immortal, even being revered as the world's number one, he lacked confidence.

After all, his world number one title was somewhat "watered down"....

He didn't earn it through combat, but because Chen Yuan broke through the Six Realms, he took over, lacking the ability to reverse heaven and defeat immortals like the previous top on the Heavenly List.

Thus, before Chen Yuan's arrival at Martial Emperor City, though everything seemed calm and under control, he was actually very anxious.

"King Yan!"

Ye Xiangnan first cupped his hands in salute.

Not to mention Chen Yuan's Cultivation Realm surpassing his by a level, their ranks already weren't equal. According to previous agreements, a duel between them was planned where the winner would be king.

But now, there's no need to mention the gamble; his Yan Army has already stationed at Martial Emperor City, which means he is now under Chen Yuan's command.

Just not officially appointed yet.

"City Lord Ye..."

Chen Yuan returned the salute.

Those behind Ye Xiangnan also saluted, worshiping Chen Yuan, including a very familiar face, adorned in white, of extraordinary appearance, with a perpetual smile.

None other than the former tower master of Ascending Immortal Tower in Nanling Prefecture, Ye Chenbai.

They had good relations previously, considered friends, but as Chen Yuan's cultivation level and status increased, they were no longer equal.

Even without saying anything, there would be a class divide between them.

Naturally, they kept less in touch.

"Brother Chenbai, long time no see."

Chen Yuan greeted with a grin.

"King Yan."

Ye Chenbai hurriedly cupped his hands. He recognized his position; even though Ye Xiangnan valued him, now only a step away from the Core Realm, the gap with Chen Yuan was too great. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Even ancestor Ye Xiangnan could only bow low, if he positioned himself too high, where would that leave Ye Xiangnan?

Ye Xiangnan chuckled, his eyes gleaming.

Ever since Chen Yuan started gaining momentum, he casually arranged for Ye Chenbai, a collateral member, now guiding him personally to draw closer connections.

"King Yan, please."

Ye Xiangnan gestured for Chen Yuan to proceed.

Chen Yuan simply smiled and, without much hesitation, stepped into the council hall, where several chairs were arranged. Chen Yuan initially intended to sit below to avoid overshadowing the host.

After all, strictly speaking, Martial Emperor City was still an ally, and he had to show Ye Xiangnan respect.

But Ye Xiangnan wouldn't have it that way; seeing Chen Yuan consciously sitting down, he promptly invited Chen Yuan to take the upper seat.

"This...."

"King Yan's power and status far exceed mine. Now he should be the leader, otherwise, he cannot command the people."

"Alright then, this king won't refuse."

"Haha, please, King Yan."

Chen Yuan stepped up the stairs, turned, and sat in the top seat, resembling a dragon throne. Once he was seated, the others seemed to receive a signal and gradually took their seats.

Ye Xiangnan sat at the lower left front, Jiang He at the lower right front, and several True Masters of the Refining God Primordial Spirit Realm followed suit, though they left one seat vacant.