Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 1002 Pressure
The liquor is mellow and refreshing, a fine "Jade Ice Burn," but Gao Meng seemed to taste something else, a more complex flavor, like the impending storm.

“The capital city…” she murmured to herself very softly, her voice so low it was like a dream, and it dissipated into the cold, silent air. “This pool of water is getting muddier and muddier.”

She put down her wine glass, her fingertips tapping unconsciously on the table. The dark red nail polish looked like congealed blood under the light.

……

When Fang Yu pushed open the heavy ebony gate of the Ouyang residence, the hinges made a dull creaking sound that was particularly clear in the quiet courtyard.

As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he saw Zuo Lü and Hei Ao already waiting under the eaves, their expressions anxious.

Zuo Lü, dressed in a light blue robe, appeared even more frail under the moonlight. Her fingers, which had been tightly gripping the hem of her robe, loosened slightly the moment she saw Fang Yu, and a look of relief flashed in her eyes.

Hei Ao straightened his burly body, the taut lines on his bronze face softening slightly, but he remained alert, his sharp eyes quickly scanning Fang Yu's entire body to check for injuries.

"Why haven't you rested yet?" Fang Yu's voice was tinged with fatigue, yet also with concern.

Zuo Lü hurried forward, her worry barely concealed: "Diao Deyi, how can we be at ease with you not returning for so long?"

She hadn't finished speaking, but the worry in her eyes said it all.

Hei Ao took a step forward, and the ground seemed to tremble slightly as a result.

He looked Fang Yu over and, after confirming that Fang Yu was unharmed, nodded slightly, his tense shoulders relaxing a little: "How is the situation?"

He asked bluntly, his rough voice echoing in the quiet courtyard.

Fang Yu gently shook his head, gesturing for the two to follow him into the inner courtyard.

Under the moonlight, the three people's shadows were stretched long, winding across the bluestone slabs as they moved.

“The person behind Lulu has given me a new job, so I’m afraid I’ll have to put aside my grudges with Lulu for the time being.” Fang Yu’s tone was solemn. He deliberately slowed down so that the two people behind him could keep up with his pace. “You two should not leave the manor casually recently, especially Hei Ao. I know you are impatient, but right now, safety comes first.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of sadness flashed in Zuo Lü's eyes. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble."

Her fingers unconsciously rubbed her fingertips; if she were to use the Supreme Gold Petal Flower, she would likely use it on this finger.

Hei Ao frowned, his voice rising a few decibels: "But what about our revenge? We can't just stay cooped up in this mansion forever, can we?"

His fists clenched involuntarily, his arm muscles bulged, and faint black sparks appeared, a sign of his anger and the leakage of the power of the Black Phoenix Blood.

Fang Yu stopped and turned to face the two of them.

The moonlight shone on his angular face, casting deep shadows.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "The forces in the Demon Capital are deeply entrenched. If we, just a few people, want to take revenge, it's like throwing an egg against a rock."

His gaze swept over Hei Ao's unwilling expression, then landed on Zuo Lü's face, which concealed sadness. "I understand the pain in your hearts, but acting rashly will only make us pay a greater price."

Hei Ao snorted coldly, a stubborn glint in his eyes: "Isn't there still the Absolute Gate? Lulu promised to use the power of the Absolute Gate to help us take revenge."

When Juemen and Lulu were mentioned, Fang Yu's expression became complicated.

He had long harbored doubts about Juemen's promises, so how could he possibly genuinely help Hei Ao and his group take revenge?

They simply wanted to exploit the two people's special abilities and their hatred for the Demon Capital.

But tonight's events forced Fang Yu to reassess the situation.

Lulu's ability to connect with the Crown Prince suggests that the power behind her might indeed be capable of such things.
Perhaps her promises to Hei Ao and Zuo Lü weren't entirely a deception?

Perhaps the Absolute Clan really does have a plan to attack the Demon Capital, but...
Fang Yu sighed inwardly. His relationship with Lulu had deteriorated, and even with the Crown Prince keeping them in check for the time being, it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn't betray each other in the future.

Under these circumstances, Juemen will definitely be more wary of Hei Ao and Zuo Lü, and will no longer trust and rely on them as before.

"Don't get involved with the Absolute Clan for now," Fang Yu finally said, his tone carrying an undeniable determination. "The situation is delicate right now, and we need to be more cautious. Revenge is important, but only by staying alive can we have any chance of revenge."

Zuo Lu nodded gently, though there was still resentment in her eyes, she could only accept reality.

Hei Ao pursed his lips, clearly dissatisfied with Fang Yu's decision, but he knew that Fang Yu's judgment was often accurate, so he reluctantly nodded in the end.

After calming the two down, Fang Yu walked through the winding corridors and headed deeper into the mansion.

The sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and the lanterns hanging under the eaves were lit one after another, casting a warm yellow halo on the bluestone slabs.

His footsteps echoed in the empty corridor.

Fang Yu stopped in front of a carved wooden door and then pushed it open.

Inside the room, Ding Hui was working intently, so engrossed that she didn't even notice someone entering.

Zhuge Shi sat on the stool in front of her, her upper body clothes pulled down to her waist, revealing her smooth back and most of her shoulders.

Ding Hui held a specially made silver needle and was meticulously inscribing a complex array pattern on her back.

The flickering candlelight added a touch of mystery to the scene.

Fang Yu was slightly taken aback, looking at this scene with some surprise.

Hearing the door open, Zhuge Shi turned around and saw Fang Yu. Instead of being shy, she smiled and greeted him generously, "Young Master Diao is back?"

Her voice carried a hint of playfulness, as if she weren't inscribing a formation, but rather playing some fun game.

Ding Hui then looked up, glanced at Fang Yu, smiled, and then lowered her head to continue her work: "Wait a moment, I'll finish the last few strokes soon."

Her voice was calm and even, completely absorbed in the joy of her research, almost indifferent to external disturbances.

Fang Yu thought for a moment, then stood aside and watched.

Ding Hui's technique was precise and skillful; the silver needles danced at her fingertips, outlining intricate and beautiful patterns.

The formation faintly emitted a dim light, which grew brighter as it was completed, as if it were alive and flowing across Zhuge Shi's skin.

A peculiar fragrance filled the air, a blend of various herbs and spiritual stones, which brought a sense of tranquility.

"Alright." Ding Hui finally put down the silver needles and carefully examined her work. "How does it feel?"

Her tone carried the objective calmness of a researcher, but the gleam in her eyes revealed her genuine passion for the work.

Zhuge Shi stretched her shoulders, feeling the array flowing on her back: "It stings a little, but I can feel the flow is very smooth. Can this array really enhance perception?" She curiously turned her head, trying to see the pattern on her back, but to no avail.

"That's true in theory." Ding Hui picked up a cloth to wipe her hands. "The actual effect still needs to be tested."

Her attitude remained pragmatic as always; she never exaggerated or drew conclusions hastily.

Fang Yu then spoke, "Zhuge Shi, please go out for a moment. I have something to discuss with Ding Hui." His voice was a few decibels lower than usual, revealing the seriousness of the matter.

Zhuge Shi was clearly taken aback, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Fang Yu rarely asked her to avoid him, which piqued her curiosity.

Her eyes darted around, and she slowly pulled up her clothes, as if she wanted to stay a little longer to find out something.

But under Fang Yu's persistent gaze, she finally obediently got up and walked towards the door.

As she reached the door, she glanced back at Ding Hui, who nodded slightly. Only then did Zhuge Shi truly leave the room, closing the door behind her.

Fang Yu keenly noticed that she lingered outside the door for a moment, seemingly hesitating whether to eavesdrop, but quickly left, her footsteps fading into the distance.

"Why did you use her as practice?" Fang Yu asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

He walked to the table, picked up the silver needle that Ding Hui had used, and carefully examined the remaining medicine on the needle tip.

Ding Hui was tidying up the tools on the table when she heard the question. She chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I didn't poison her. After you successfully inscribed that enhancement array, Zhuge Shi seemed very interested and asked to try it. I also want to take this opportunity to study it and see if I can find a way to break the seal on her from the perspective of arrays."

Her answer was concise and direct, as always focused on academic research.

Fang Yu nodded in understanding.

For Ding Hui, studying various magical formations and arrays is her interest, and she never hesitates to try them whenever she has the opportunity to explore the unknown.

Just as Fang Yu was pondering how to bring up the topic of collaborating with Lulu again, Ding Hui suddenly handed him an object.

It was a small bronze artifact, shaped like a birdcage, with intricate patterns engraved on its surface, making it look like an antique.

The object was cold to the touch, yet one could faintly sense the powerful energy it contained.

"What is this?" Fang Yu took the object and examined it carefully.

He discovered that although the small bronze cage was only the size of a palm, it was extremely well-made, with tiny runes engraved on each "bar," which were faintly visible under the light.

“I’ve studied the structure of the device you gave me before.”

Ding Hui finally put down her tools and turned to face Fang Yu. "This device is very special. When used, it can create a smoke cage. The internal structure is extremely sturdy and difficult to break through from the inside, but the external defense is relatively weak. Of course, it is also much stronger than ordinary defense."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, the typical expression of someone discovering something new and exciting.

Fang Yu's eyes flashed with interest as he gently shook the bronze cage, sensing the energy fluctuations contained within.

Suddenly, a faint buzzing sound seemed to come from the cage, as if responding to his touch.

Ding Hui continued to explain, "The most interesting thing is its activation method. Each use burns the user's life essence, which means that for demon warriors, this device is both a harmful thing and a means to help with the demonization process and quickly improve strength in the short term. It has both advantages and disadvantages, depending entirely on how it is used."

Her tone carried the objectivity characteristic of a scholar, but Fang Yu could hear the warning in it.

Fang Yu's eyes lit up immediately, and a rare look of joy appeared on his face.

This artifact has unusual characteristics and may play an unexpected role under certain circumstances.

He played with the small and exquisite tool, feeling the power it contained, and began to imagine various possible applications in his mind.

This small cage might save their lives at a critical moment, or it might be the key to turning defeat into victory.

Just as he was deep in thought, Ding Hui added, "I haven't fully studied the other device yet. Its structure is more complex and seems to be related to the soul level, so it requires more time to analyze."

She pointed to another object on the table covered with a black cloth, her tone tinged with regret.

Fang Yu nodded: "No rush, take your time. Safety first."

He knew that Ding Hui's research was often accompanied by risks, especially when it involved devices related to the soul, which could easily cause irreversible damage if not handled carefully.

He carefully put away the smoke cage device, then looked up at Ding Hui, his tone becoming serious: "I have something to tell you, Lulu and I are working together again."

Ding Hui was clearly taken aback, a look of astonishment flashing in her eyes.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back and simply waited quietly for Fang Yu to continue explaining.

Before she could react, Fang Yu continued, "Moreover, she has the support of the First Prince."

These words caused even the usually composed Ding Hui to show a shocked expression.

She took a deep breath and slowly shook her head: "I never imagined that someone as insignificant as Lulu could be involved in the power struggles of the royal family."

Her voice held disbelief, but also a hint of understanding.

She had long been aware of Lulu's ambition and ability, but she hadn't expected her to reach such heights.

Ding Hui keenly grasped the key information. She stared at Fang Yu, her gaze sharp: "My husband and Lulu are working together again. Is it because of the pressure from the First Prince?"

Her voice was low and filled with obvious worry.

"Yes," Fang Yu replied briefly, turning his gaze to the window as if pondering how to explain the complex situation.

"What's going on?" Ding Hui pressed, her brows furrowing slightly.

She walked to Fang Yu's side and stood beside him, gazing together at the deepening night outside the window.

Fang Yu paused for a moment, then organized his thoughts: "The Crown Prince must be secretly controlling the Juemen faction in the capital region. Lulu is currently the official representative of Juemen, but in reality, she is the Crown Prince's person. Their proposal for cooperation is based on their own calculations. I had no choice but to agree, at least on the surface."

His voice was calm, but Ding Hui could hear the helplessness and wariness hidden within it.

Ding Hui was silent for a moment, then said softly, "This is very dangerous. In the power struggles among royalty, the participants often disappear without a trace."

Her voice was filled with obvious worry.

“I know.” Fang Yu sighed and said with a wry smile, “But sometimes, the most dangerous road is the only road to take. Under those circumstances, I couldn’t refuse their invitation to cooperate.”

The two looked at each other in silence, a silent consensus filling the air.

The wind outside the window suddenly picked up, making the windowpanes creak slightly, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Fang Yu gripped the bronze cage tightly, his gaze resolute. No matter how perilous the road ahead, he had to protect everyone around him; it was his responsibility, and his unwavering conviction.

“My husband seems to be under a lot of pressure lately.” Ding Hui suddenly moved closer to Fang Yu at this moment.

(End of this chapter)