When Dong Ziwan heard what Xiang Shaoyun said, she immediately went along with him to Dong Ziming. As he was under Dong Wu's protection, Dong Ziming wasn't too badly injured. After a period of rest, he had recovered greatly. In fact, he had recovered enough to start scheming. He approached Devouring Ghost. Devouring Ghost kept his eyes shut, as if he was completely unaware that Dong Ziming was walking toward him.
Dong Ziming knew how strong Devouring Ghost was, so he stopped walking when he was about 10 paces away and asked, "Hey, you want a more powerful backer?"
Devouring Ghost remained still and gave no response whatsoever, as if he had heard nothing. But Dong Ziming was clear that Devouring Ghost had heard him and was merely ignoring his question.
Thus, he continued persuading, "The Dong Clan is the overlord of the Five Denseforest Cities, and we have scores of Emperors in the clan. Our ancestor is a top-tier Emperor, and as the son of the clan leader, I occupy an important position in the clan as well. If you are willing to come under my wing, I will promise to allocate you enough resources to push you further in your path of cultivation. You will enjoy glory and honor in the Five Denseforest Cities, and might even be able to reach a height where you can do as you wish in the entirety of the Soaring Dragon Province—"
"Shut it!" Devouring Ghost suddenly barked.
Dong Ziming felt like a thunderclap had erupted in his head. His eyes blurred as a burst of dizziness hit him. Blood trailed out of his seven apertures, and he collapsed in pain, his face covered with fear.
"If not for the young master's command, you would already be a dead man," said Devouring Ghost, his eyes pulsing with a green radiance like two clumps of ghostfire.
A mere tier-5 organization was far from enough to poach Devouring Ghost. At this time, Dong Wu woke up from his cultivation. He dragged his injured body to Dong Ziming's side and heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that his young master was still alive.
He then looked at Devouring Ghost and asked, "Sir, may I ask who you are exactly? Have you never heard of the Dong Clan from the Five Denseforest Cities?"
The Dong Clan was a large clan with decent fame in the Soaring Dragon Province. Only organizations of the same or higher tiers would dare show them contempt. Dong Wu was trying to figure out Devouring Ghost's background so he could decide his next course of action.
"That is not something you need to know," Devouring Ghost answered, the same green radiance pulsing from his pair of eyes. "Just know that in the eyes of my young master, your Dong Clan is nothing. If it wasn't because he knows someone from your clan, we couldn't even be bothered to care about your affairs."
Dong Wu was stunned. From Devouring Ghost's words, he could judge that they probably came from an organization much more powerful than them and that Xiang Shaoyun was most likely someone with an exalted status. It was at this moment that Jin Wo returned with Xiang Shaoyun, Dong Ziwan, and Wu Lai.
"Young master," Devouring Ghost stood up and greeted respectfully.
His action reaffirmed Dong Wu's guess. When he saw Dong Ziwan, he was overjoyed as he thought, Looks like we will have to rely on the young lady to solve our clan's crisis.
"Devouring Ghost, what's going on with him?" asked Xiang Shaoyun as he pointed at Dong Ziming.
"Nothing. I had just placed him in his place. That's all. He was actually thinking of poaching me with the name of their Dong Clan. The nerves of him," said Devouring Ghost.
"Oh, well, he has no one to blame but himself then," said Xiang Shaoyun. He had spoken to Dong Ziming for a bit earlier and was aware that he was simply a flippant young master, completely different from the kind and innocent Dong Ziwan.
Dong Ziwan asked Dong Wu, "Grandpa Wu, are you fine?"
"Little Wan, Grandpa Wu won't die from this, but I owe my life to your friend. Otherwise, both me and Little Ming would currently be dead," said Dong Wu with a grateful smile.
"Thank you, Overlord Xiang," said Dong Ziwan solemnly.
"Don't worry about it," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.
Only then did Dong Ziwan shift her attention to her brother. There was a slight trace of worry on her face, but she did not seem particularly distressed about her brother's injuries. She couldn't even be bothered to go near Dong Ziming, and she instead asked Dong Wu, "Is Dong Ziming fine?"
"He's fine. It's just a momentary unconsciousness," answered Dong Wu awkwardly.
Only actual members of the Dong Clan would know that Dong Ziwan and Dong Ziming were actually siblings of the same father but different mothers. The two weren't exactly close. The only reason Dong Ziming had even come out to look for Dong Ziwan was so he could berate her when she was found.
"Good. You may take him back now," said Dong Ziwan.
"Young lady, we came out to look for you. The Tai and Xing Clans have rebelled. The clan leader is very worried about you. Ziming is the same. Let's go back together," persuaded Dong Wu with a hopeful expression.
"Go first. I'll be right behind you," said Dong Ziwan. She knew how serious things were becoming.
When Dong Wu saw that Dong Ziwan was insisting to not return together with him, he did not force her. He nodded and dragged his injured body toward Dong Ziwan before he lifted him and left.
After the two left, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Things are looking bad for your Dong Clan. Let me escort you back."
"No, I can go back myself," said Dong Ziwan. A hopeful look appeared on her face as she asked, "Overlord Xiang, can you tell me your real name?"
Dong Ziwan was no idiot. She had long known that Xiang Shaoyun had given her a fake name.
Xiang Shaoyun rubbed his nose and laughed dryly. "Xiang Shaoyun. Overlord is my nickname."
"Xiang Shaoyun. I will call you Shaoyun if we still have the chance to meet in the future," said Dong Ziwan, a look of reluctance to part on her face.
She then called out to Wu Lai, "Uncle Wu Lai, let's go."
She then soared to the sky and left for the Dong Clan with Wu Lai. The only reason she had rejected Xiang Shaoyun's offer was because she knew the Tai and Xing Clans must have prepared sufficiently before revolting. She did not want to plunge him into danger.
One ought to admit that Dong Ziwan truly had a kind heart. However, Xiang Shaoyun followed her without a second thought. He was not one to do nothing when a friend was in trouble.
But Devouring Ghost stopped him through voice transmission, "Young master, don't go. There is something I need to tell you."
The solemn tone caused Xiang Shaoyun to turn back and ask, "What is so important that you need to say it now? She is my friend. I can't watch on without helping."
He was making it clear that Devouring Ghost should not bother persuading him against following Dong Ziwan.
"I am going to break through soon, and I need someone guarding me during my breakthrough," Devouring Ghost said. He added, "That girl's clan needs a powerful ally. When I reach eighth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm, I will no longer fear anyone in the same realm."
"How long do you need?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
"Three days. No more than that," Devouring Ghost answered firmly.
Xiang Shaoyun agreed, "Ok. We will stand guard for you. Break through as quickly as possible."