Chapter 106: Variables (2)

On this day, it was not just the Xiang Kong Empire that was undergoing a radical shift; the Ye family was facing the same fate. And in this moment, it was not merely the Ye family; all the former Emperor’s die-hard loyalists were destined to be purged and replaced.

Consequently, those present knew that for some, death was inevitable, even if they chose to submit.

"Fatty, go over there!" Ye Lang said to Zhen Xiaoyan. She was the only person here who could be safely ignored, as she had nothing to do with these power struggles. As long as she went to that side, she would be absolutely safe.

"Oh!" Zhen Xiaoyan replied. She took a few steps, then quickly stopped and looked back at Ye Lang. "Aren't you coming with me?"

"If I go over there, I’ll die even faster. Just go; there's no need for you to stay here and accompany us," Ye Lang said with a smile.

"Then I’m not going. I want to stay with you!" Zhen Xiaoyan walked back and stood by Ye Lang’s side.

Ye Lang patted Zhen Xiaoyan on the head and said softly, "You silly fatty, staying with me is just throwing your life away. Why bother? Go on over!"

Zhen Xiaoyan shook her head and said quietly, "No! I promised you I would cook for you for the rest of my life. If you go to heaven, I have to go too, otherwise, how would I cook for you?"

"..." Hearing Zhen Xiaoyan’s words, many were moved. Ye Lang was truly fortunate to have found such a dedicated cook—she was even willing to follow him to heaven just to keep feeding him!

"You’re an idiot; you don't need to eat after you die!" Ye Lang said, feeling somewhat helpless.

"How do you know you don't need to eat after dying? Maybe you do. So, don't try to chase me away!" Zhen Xiaoyan said very earnestly.

"Suit yourself. It’s fine if you stay here. Just remember what I gave you earlier," Ye Lang said, deciding not to persist. After speaking, he began to survey his surroundings, searching for a flaw in the situation.

*What thing?* Zhen Xiaoyan wanted to ask, but seeing that Ye Lang appeared to be deep in thought, she decided not to disturb him.

By now, the number of people in the plaza was dwindling. Ever since the first person entered the palace, the crowd had surged forward like a dam breaking. These people were always the most pragmatic; otherwise, they wouldn't have been standing there in the first place.

In reality, Zhao Yarou’s decision to execute the Emperor made their choices much easier. With the Emperor dead, Zhao Yarou clearly held the power of life and death, so who else could they possibly choose?

"Ye Lang! I know you won't die so easily. Remember, you still owe me!" Shalan walked up to Ye Lang, whispered these words, and then headed into the palace. From beginning to end, Ye Lang ignored her, his head bowed as he contemplated something.

"Very well, you are all that remain. I’ll give you three more minutes. If you haven't come over by then, you can go and join the Emperor you were so loyal to!" Zhao Yarou announced. Her eyes, however, remained fixed on Ye Lang, for she knew that if there was any variable in this situation, it would be him.

"I want to go over, but do you think that's possible?" Ye Yi asked with a sudden laugh.

"It is, but you’ll only be coming over horizontally!" Zhao Yarou waved her hand, and the archers and executioners surrounding them began to close in.

These soldiers were, of course, capable of entering the Anti-Magic Formation. Without the use of battle qi or magic, they might even be more formidable than some experts. With so many soldiers, killing the few people in the center would be as easy as flipping a hand. In fact, these soldiers could have easily slaughtered everyone who had been in the plaza earlier, let alone the mere dozens remaining.

The Ye family quickly formed a phalanx, joining the others who had stayed behind, preparing for a final stand. Even without their battle qi and magic, they were still skilled warriors; they would not simply sit and wait for death. As the soldiers closed in, the Ye family and the others stood their ground, readying themselves.

"Ye Lang, hurry and come over! What are you doing?" Zhen Xiaoyan’s scream made everyone notice that during a recent shift in position, Ye Lang had not moved—he had remained outside.

"Little brother!" Ye Lanyu didn't care about the consequences; she rushed out and ran to Ye Lang’s side, trying to pull him over. Yet, Ye Lang remained unmoved; even with Ye Lanyu using all her strength, she could not budge him an inch. What was wrong with him?

At this moment, everyone’s eyes were fixed on Ye Lang, confused by his actions. Everyone was tense, wondering if this anomaly in Ye Lang’s behavior might be a turning point. Everyone knew Ye Lang was a wildcard who could do the unexpected and perhaps break this deadlock. However, it was also well known that Ye Lang might simply be spacing out; this was not the first time he had acted this way.

Was it life or death? It all depended on Ye Lang.

"I'm thinking about something!" Ye Lang said.

"How do you have time to think about anything? Hurry and come over with me!" Ye Lanyu urged, continuing her efforts to pull him.

Ye Lang reached out, took hold of Ye Lanyu’s hands, and gently moved them away from himself. "I was thinking: if I can't use magic elements, then can they?" He gestured toward the approaching soldiers. He didn't know who he was asking—perhaps Ye Lanyu, perhaps Ye Chengtian, or perhaps Zhao Yarou.

"That goes without saying! This is an Anti-Magic Formation; no one can use magic elements!" Ye Lanyu said with annoyance. "You’re an alchemy genius, surely you know that?"

"I know! The Anti-Magic Formation uses a barrier to isolate all magic elements. It requires an extremely complex alchemy array and, more importantly, immense energy. The larger the area, the more the complexity and energy requirements increase exponentially! The Anti-Magic Formation at the palace gates covers an area from that tower to there, and over to there... a total of 100,000 square meters. The consumption is massive; it’s usually never activated unless there’s a major event!"

Ye Lang rattled off the details of the Anti-Magic Formation as if he were reciting his own possessions. This surprised no one, as these facts were common knowledge.

"Which means that within this range, everyone is unable to use magic elements and is just an ordinary person!" Ye Lang said with a smile. "This is fair. At least for me, this is actually the fairest outcome!"

"Fair? You can't use your alchemy weapons either, so what can you do? You surely don't intend to fight with your bare hands, do you?" Zhao Yarou said with disdain.

"Fatty, go over there!" Ye Lang interlaced his fingers, stretched them forward, and began to walk, step by step, toward the wall of soldiers.