"What's the matter?" Chu Tiange noticed Mei Ji's unusual behavior and couldn't help but ask.

"It's nothing. I just spotted an interesting character." The smile on Mei Ji's lips faded, and then she continued, "You all carry on with your business. As soon as I deal with that fellow, I'll regroup with you."

With that, she mounted a giant bat-like Exotic Beast and flew in Ling Chen's direction.

"Ignore her. Prepare for the siege." Chu Tiange paid Mei Ji no mind, promptly waving at Xu Chao. "Signal the people inside the city. It's time to make their move."

"Send the signal!" Xu Chao nodded and issued the command to the Demonic Sect Disciples behind him.

WHOOSH!

The next moment, a firework rocketed into the sky, exploding into a brilliant display of multicolored lights that scattered in every direction.

"Attack!"

As the fireworks burst, soldiers on the East Desolation City wall suddenly began attacking their nearby comrades. Without a word, they cut down their companions, even assaulting their own superiors.

Even some ordinary-looking civilians suddenly surged from the crowds, attacking the warriors and soldiers guarding the city. These civilians were all highly skilled, clearly not ordinary people, but Experts infiltrated by the Demonic Sect.

Rebels appeared everywhere, quickly plunging the city into turmoil.

"These cunning evil demons! They've actually planted spies in the city," said a Grand Master elder on the West Gate city wall, his expression gloomy.

"Isn't this always the way of the Demonic Sect?" The Third Level Great Master shook his head, unsurprised. "Let's just hope none of the top powerhouses in the city are traitors."

"Heh heh, that's impossible."

Just as his words fell, a chilling laugh sounded from nearby. He whirled around to see the Grand Master elder, who had been perfectly fine moments before, now wearing an exceptionally grim smile. From the elder's hand, two poison needles suddenly shot out, aimed at the backs of the other two Grand Masters.

Caught off guard, both Great Master Level Powerhouses were struck by the poison needles. They grunted, their lips turning purple, clearly poisoned.

"'Damn you! I never thought you'd be a traitor!'" The Third Level Great Master's face was a mask of shock.

"'Heh heh, there are far more spies in East Desolation City than you realize. You just don't know it. Today, East Desolation City will fall under the control of our Holy Church!'" Having successfully ambushed his comrades, the Demonic Sect traitor threw back his head and laughed heartily, his expression one of utter delight.

Meanwhile, similar ambushes were occurring one after another in other parts of the city. The Demonic Sect had evidently been plotting this for a long time, having placed many hidden agents within East Desolation City.

Ling Chen, however, sensed a looming danger.

So, they've found me. Ling Chen gave a wry smile and stopped. Mei Ji's earlier actions had clearly indicated she had spotted him.

"Young master Ling Chen, long time no see." A melodious voice reached Ling Chen's ears. Mei Ji had already flown before him, dismounting from the giant bat and observing him with a smile.

"So it's the famous Soul Hooker. If I recall correctly, we have never met. I'm afraid I'm not worthy of such attention from Your Excellency." Knowing the visitor meant ill, Ling Chen remained unflustered, his expression calm as he spoke.

"Master Ling Chen is a peerless genius in the Martial World. It would be difficult for Mei Ji not to recognize you. This humble one has always wished to have a proper conversation with Master Ling Chen, and now, at last, the opportunity has arisen." Mei Ji gave Ling Chen a captivating smile, one that could mesmerize all beings and ensnare their very souls.

"I'm afraid there's nothing for us to talk about. Your Excellency should find someone else. I shall take my leave." With that, Ling Chen turned to depart.

However, just as he turned, a sharp gust of wind assaulted him from behind.

Ling Chen, as if anticipating it, quickly sidestepped, dodging the dart shot from behind him.

"Don't be in such a rush to leave, Master Ling Chen." With a flicker of movement, Mei Ji's graceful form appeared before Ling Chen like a phantom. She drew close, her lotus-root-like arms wrapping around Ling Chen's shoulders as she pressed her body against his, cooing sweetly, "What's so good about the Divine Intent Sect that makes you stay? Why not join our Holy Church? This humble one can recommend you. With your status as the Son of the Saintess, coupled with your peerless talent, you could certainly wield great power within our Church. You could have anything you desire; life would be much better than it is now. Won't you consider it?"

"'That sounds tempting,' Ling Chen replied, 'but unfortunately, I'm not interested.'" Ling Chen gently removed Mei Ji's arms and retreated a few steps.

Pushed away by Ling Chen, the smile vanished from Mei Ji's face, instantly replaced by an icy chill.

"'Since you refuse my toast, you'll drink a forfeit. In that case, I'll gladly take your life without ceremony!'"

As her words fell, Mei Ji produced a Jade Flute from her sleeve and began to play. A bizarre melody from the flute instantly spread through the air.

This peculiar flute melody seemed to possess a demonic quality; anyone who heard it would feel their mind jolt, as if falling under control, becoming dazed and disoriented.

What an eerie flute melody! As the flute's melody entered his ears, Ling Chen suddenly felt his head spin, a throbbing pain assaulting him as if two worms had bored into his ears and were gnawing at his brain.

He hastily channeled his Sword Intent to protect his mind. Simultaneously, Ling Chen covered his ears, blocking out all sound.

Having done this, Ling Chen drew his Cloud-hidden Sword and slashed directly at Mei Ji's snow-white neck.

A faint smile played on her enchanting face as Mei Ji gracefully drifted back. At the same moment, seven or eight figures lunged out from behind her. These individuals were, in fact, the city guards and warriors of East Desolation City. Their eyes were bloodshot, and they were clearly under the control of Mei Ji's flute melody as they charged at Ling Chen, baring their teeth and brandishing their claws.

Frowning, Ling Chen returned his Cloud-hidden Sword to its sword scabbard. He then used the scabbard to strike the city guards and warriors, sending them reeling.

These were innocent people controlled by Mei Ji; Ling Chen naturally couldn't bring himself to slaughter them indiscriminately.

WOO WOO WOO...

The flute's melody shifted, and the space around Mei Ji began to twist and distort. The world transformed before Ling Chen's eyes, the surroundings morphing into an exquisite Peach Blossom Secret Realm.

Mei Ji's figure had long vanished. In her place, a lake shrouded in a thin, ethereal mist appeared before Ling Chen.