Just as Yizhe was about to signal the warriors and armored giants to drag the prisoners away for execution, a burst of laughter echoed through the prison.
Yizhe paused.
Everyone turned toward the golden-eyed Celestial bound in chains. Under countless gazes, Nine met Yizhe’s eyes, his golden irises shining with an ethereal brilliance.
The moment those who knew Nine saw his expression and the shifting threads within his golden eyes, hope ignited in their hearts.
They knew that look all too well!
Whenever this guy laughed like that, something was about to happen!
And if Nine was laughing in a situation as hopeless as this, it meant he had already seen a future where everything would turn around. It was practically a guarantee that whatever was about to happen in a while wouldn’t work in Yizhe’s favor, but in theirs!
Only Yizhe and his subordinates looked confused. He frowned before clicking his tongue in annoyance.
"Have you lost your mind?"
Nine simply shook his head, the smirk on his face never fading.
"Not really."
"But what’s the hurry? Wait a little."
He slowly raised a hand and, with a calm smile, began counting down from ten.
The instant he reached one, a blade was pressed against Yizhe’s neck from behind.
Jian burst into laughter.
"I knew it!"
Yizhe’s expression sank as he sensed a familiar, powerful aura behind him. His body stiffened almost instinctively, and after a brief silence, he spoke in disbelief.
"...Ruler Draevor?"
The middle-aged man with a cold face behind him didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, an overwhelming pressure swept through the prison. Although it was slightly weaker than Yizhe’s own aura, it was still more than enough to suppress his people.
The Winged Warriors and Armored Giants collapsed one after another, dropping to their knees, unable to stay standing under the pressure. As they dropped down, more and more Rulers stepped into the prison.
Only then did Draevor finally speak, his indifferent voice echoing through the air.
"Yes... it’s been a while, Yizhe."
Hearing the confirmation, Yizhe’s expression became even uglier.
Draevor and the Rulers who had just stepped into the prison were the same Rulers who had fought and tried to stop Yizhe and Mirabel when they attacked Kyle’s soul after his battle with Azazeal.
Although Yizhe and Mirabel had not seen Draevor again since that battle, they both knew the latter was a serious threat. After all, Draevor and his faction had continued opposing them since that day. Because of that, Yizhe had always intended to kill this Ruler if he ever got a good opportunity.
However, he never expected that before he and his people could deal with Draevor and his forces, they would make the first move.
Suddenly, Guardian Zami glanced toward Draevor, a smile appearing on her face. The anger and frustration she had shown when she was captured had vanished completely, as if it had all been an act.
"You guys are late."
Draevor simply nodded toward her.
"We were delayed because we received some unexpected news from the spies we planted around Mirabel. That’s why."
Hearing their exchange, Jian blinked in disbelief. Just like him, his companions were equally stunned. Then he smiled.
So, Zami actually had a backup plan?
Even Ares looked dumbfounded.
The situation had completely reversed.
Only moments ago, they had been the ones trapped, surrounded, and awaiting execution. Yizhe had believed everything was under his control, thinking he had successfully crushed every possibility of resistance. Yet now, the hunter had unknowingly become the hunted.
A wide grin appeared on Ares’ face.
"Good! That’s my clan’s people! Hahaha! Now, hurry up and help me get rid of these chains. I’ve been stuck with them for years, and I can’t stand being chained anymore."
Meanwhile, Yizhe’s face twisted.
The confidence and satisfaction he had displayed earlier were completely gone.
The trap he believed he had carefully prepared for them had actually been a trap set for him all along!
The realization struck Yizhe like a blow.
He glared at Zami.
"You tricked me."
Zami, who had already been freed from the chains with the help of the Rulers who had arrived with Draevor, let out a low chuckle.
She looked at Yizhe and responded in the same calm, mocking tone Yizhe had used toward them moments ago.
"Obviously. Did you really think that after preparing for so many years, I would walk into your territory without a backup plan?"
She glanced at the broken chains.
"Before I came here, I had already informed all our allies and called for reinforcements."
She paused, letting her words linger for a moment before continuing.
"But... I have to thank your overconfidence. If not for that, you wouldn’t have come here alone with no other Rulers to capture me."
A faint smirk appeared on her face.
"Heh."
Finally, everyone who had been bound by the heavy chains and had their powers sealed was freed as those who came with Draevor helped remove their restraints.
Jian rubbed his wrists and looked toward Draevor.
"There are actually good Rulers too."
He didn’t say anything else. Instead, his gaze shifted toward Yizhe, filled with a dangerous glint.
He was ready to beat the hell out of him.
However, Bia was faster.
A furious hiss escaped Jian’s mouth when he saw the phoenix suddenly rush forward and kick Yizhe. Draevor quickly grabbed Yizhe’s shoulder, preventing his body from being sent flying into the distance.
Nevertheless, how could a 2nd-stage Phoenix truly injure a Peak Celestial?
Seeing that Yizhe didn’t even show a trace of pain, Bia became even more enraged.
She looked like she wanted to tear his face apart with her nails.
It was only when Nox quickly pulled her back that Jian finally thought he had a chance to land a hit.
But once again, he was too late.
Alec had already moved before him.
While Jian stood there, frustrated and unable to get his turn, Nine and Sinon also rushed forward, landing several attacks on Yizhe.
Watching everyone take their turns, Jian finally couldn’t hold himself back anymore.
He pushed everyone aside and shouted.
"It’s my turn now! Damn it!"