Kodwen's words resonated with the Demon Race present, causing disappointment and a hint of anger at Pei Yan's exaggerated verbal support.

"Perhaps 'guidance' isn't the most accurate term, let's use 'joint operation' instead! It's a better fit!" Pei Yan said as he got up, approached the table, and confessed: "Before discussing the next issue, I'd like to know Miss Sifuer's plans for the future. According to the information I received earlier, Miss Sifuer intends to gather her subordinates here and then head to the final Holy City you mentioned to support the front lines in combat?"

After receiving a confirming nod from Sifuer, Pei Yan looked at Kodwen in the crowd with a smile and said: "But this inevitably means passing through the Red Calamity's domain, which Mr. Kodwen cannot accept." Seeing Kodwen about to speak, Pei Yan interrupted him by waving his hand: "I know, I know, I promised before that you could refuse to fight under the Red Calamity's domain. This is the fundamental condition of the negotiation between you. What I want to say now is, Miss Sifuer, even with your remaining strength, what effective help can you provide to your last Holy City once you reach the front line? Can you guarantee how many people will survive to reach the Holy City?"

Sifuer raised her hand to stop the emotionally charged Leohard behind her from rebutting, responded with a smile: "Since when did Mr. Shitang care so deeply about our life and death? I remember you once said you only cared about your own interests, didn't you?"

"Victory is the greatest interest I seek!" Pei Yan said, picking up the wine bowl on the table and draining its contents in one gulp. Unlike the current world's spicy alcohol, after a brief intense bloody taste spread in his mouth, a mint-like coolness and sweetness lingered in his mouth for a long time. During his stay in the refuge, he gradually grew to like this exotic beverage. The bloody taste increasingly aroused his desire to fight.

Rubbing the wine glass in his hand under the stimulation of alcohol, Pei Yan continued eloquently: "I know my words might not be pleasant to hear, but they are indeed facts I think Miss Sifuer should understand. Your arrival at the Holy City won't drastically change the course of the battle, but staying here is different."

With that, Pei Yan stood up, raised his hand, and introduced the three people behind him: "My team and I have received approval from above to officially intervene in this war. The number isn't critical! The key lies in the results we can achieve."

Pei Yan paused and turned to Kodwen with a smile: "I suppose Mr. Bailang is quite interested in the Disaster Pillar, right?"

"Yes, Mr. Shitang, can you really do it?" Understanding Bailang stood up, his eyes brightened, and asked excitedly.

"I can try. This requires preliminary reconnaissance. I can only say the chance of success is very high." As he said this, Pei Yan's gaze swept across Sifuer's group, he slammed the table with both hands enticingly: "Your manpower heading to the front line may just be a drop in the bucket, but they can achieve significant results in the enemy's rear. Once the Disaster Pillar protected by only low to mid-level guards is destroyed, the Red Calamity's coverage will be no more, allowing you to face the enemy with full force without restriction. One destroyed Disaster Pillar might not greatly affect the battle, but ten? Twenty? The continued disruption of the rear occupied areas will never leave the Disaster Legion indifferent, and by then, the siege on the Holy City will dissolve on its own, leaving you room for strategic maneuver."

Seeing Bailang and Sifuer whispering and frequently nodding, Pei Yan knew his words had already moved them, assured of victory he sat back down, sought out the cigarettes in his pocket, pulled one out, and put it in his mouth, just reaching for the lighter when he noticed a fragrant breeze approaching. Turning his head, he saw Zhao Yuanhu bend down to light the lighter for him.

Experiencing this kind of treatment for the first time, Pei Yan felt a bit flattered while acting calm, pretending it was expected as he allowed the other to light the cigarette.

"Mr. Shitang, it will take a month for our people to gather completely. During this time, if you can as you said have the capability to destroy the Disaster Pillar, we are willing to cooperate with you in launching an attack. If you cannot achieve this a month later, sorry we can only proceed to the Holy City according to the original plan. But regardless of the final outcome, we express gratitude for you and your organization behind you for providing help to us." Sifuer stood up and deeply bowed.

Pei Yan stood up, returned the bow with a smile: "Deal, then let's call it a day. Please prepare resting quarters for me and my subordinates, as per the usual arrangements, secluded with no strangers bothering us. If something comes up, I'll reach out to you!"

"The previous place Mr. Shitang stayed was too simple, we've long prepared a new residence for you, now it will be put to use. Lilia, take Mr. Shitang to the new residence to rest, you can rest in the house I prepared outside the residence." After advising Lilia, Bailang smiled faintly at Pei Yan: "If Mr. Shitang needs anything, feel free to send someone to ask her."

"Understood"

An hour later, after thoroughly inspecting the new residence and using Lin Junzhao's abilities to confirm no surveillance means, the group finally relaxed their tense nerves.

Just as Pei Yan was taking off his lavish but cumbersome coat to hang it in the wardrobe, Xia Yu accepted it with one hand, hanging up the clothes while teasing: "How can Lord Pei Yan personally do such a thing? This will dirty your hands, leave such matters to us instead."

Putting aside any pretense, Pei Yan sat down again, hearing this he couldn't help but smile ruefully. Before he could say anything, Ye Ruozai spoke with a serious expression from the side: "Xia Yu, remember here Pei Yan is called Shitang Longsi. Although I don't know why the source essence body doesn't allow us to reveal our true names, there must be a reason, surely some taboo we must remember not to slip up and let Pei, uh Shitang's prior efforts go in vain."

Saying this, Ye Ruozai led by example, looking at Pei Yan said: "Shitang, I think we perhaps should also adopt false names."

Though they had long gotten used to being called Shitang by the Demon Race, suddenly being called this name by his own people brought a peculiar, humorous absurdity within him. He chuckled helplessly a few times, shook his head to cast away the feeling, slapped his thigh and said deeply: "You're right, regarding this matter, I've privately asked Lin Junzhao afterward, the answer she gave was quite ambiguous, apparently related to Demon Race's alien techniques. Anyway, once someone with ill intentions knows your real name it becomes a very troublesome affair."