"Heh, I hope you'll maintain that same composure later."
Yu Tianheng smirked, though his smile did not reach his eyes.
"Then please, just wait and see."
Ye Tian replied with a light chuckle, but inwardly, he was somewhat nervous.
After all, he hadn't personally informed the farm in advance.
If anything went wrong, he could end up as a wanted criminal.
As he anxiously waited—
More and more farm workers were brought to the gate by the soldiers.
The middle-aged officer in charge of the farm search also returned alongside Chen Jian.
The officer bowed toward Prince Xue Xing.
"Your Highness, everyone has been brought here!"
As soon as he finished speaking—
A young girl in a flowing green dress, graceful and poised, yet with a face full of fear, walked toward Ye Tian and clung to his shoulder.
"My husband, what exactly is going on?"
Seeing that the newcomer was Li Jiuchuan, a trace of surprise flickered in Ye Tian's eyes.
But it disappeared in an instant.
As long as Hu Liena didn't show up, everything would be fine.
"It's just a routine inspection."
Ye Tian gently patted Li Jiuchuan's shoulder, putting on a loving display.
This sight made Prince Xue Xing chuckle, even feeling a slight twinge of envy.
Ah, youth... how wonderful.
With a warm smile, he looked at Ye Tian and Li Jiuchuan:
"A talented man and a beautiful woman—truly a match made in heaven."
"It's you!"
Upon seeing Li Jiuchuan, Yu Tianheng's pupils contracted. He could hardly believe it.
From the first time he saw Li Jiuchuan, he had liked her.
He never expected that she would end up marrying Ye Tian!!
No wonder she had always been indifferent to his pursuit back then.
It turned out her heart had already belonged to someone else.
"What's the matter, Tianheng? Do you recognize her as someone from the Spirit Hall?"
Yu Yuanzhen's face lit up with excitement.
He had been worried that Yu Tianheng didn't have enough solid evidence.
If Ye Tian's wife truly belonged to the Spirit Hall—
Then this matter would have nothing to do with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Hearing this, Li Jiuchuan calmly gazed at Yu Yuanzhen and said, "Words should not be thrown around carelessly. I come from the Li family of the Eastern Sea, a lineage that has been engaged in maritime trade for generations. We have no connection whatsoever with the Spirit Hall."
"She's not lying."
Yu Tianheng weakly echoed.
Seeing Li Jiuchuan and Ye Tian together was simply too much of a blow for him.
"What's wrong? Lost your confidence now?"
At that moment, Qian Renxue spoke in a calm, indifferent tone, squinting as she stared at Yu Tianheng.
"Everyone from the farm is here. Where's Bibi Dong?"
"All the people out in the open are accounted for. Who knows if someone's hiding in secret?"
Dai Mubai interjected in defense.
"The farm gates are wide open. I haven't stopped you. You can go inside and check anytime."
Ye Tian's expression remained unchanged.
"No need, I trust the Heaven Dou army."
Dai Mubai waved his hand, looking completely at ease.
Personally searching the farm would be beneath his status as a prince.
Besides, deep down, he already suspected that Yu Tianheng was lying.
After all, Bibi Dong was the Pope of the Spirit Hall—just like his father, she was extremely busy, managing countless affairs.
There was no way she would have time to come to this godforsaken place.
"So, Prince Dai Mubai, are you admitting that Yu Tianheng is lying?"
Qian Renxue asked indifferently.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai smiled slightly but did not respond.
The Star Luo royal family had close ties with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
As a prince, he couldn't say anything that would harm the relationship between the two factions.
"Everyone from the farm is here. Yu Tianheng, do you have anything else to say?"
Prince Xue Xing's tone was stern, his gaze icy as he looked at Yu Tianheng.
Under the pressure of such authority, Yu Tianheng's face twisted with panic, but he still tried to sound composed:
"The last time I saw Bibi Dong at the farm was three days ago."
"Maybe she left during this time!"
Hearing this, Prince Xue Xing's smile deepened:
"How flawless your logic is. Maybe Bibi Dong left the farm just before we arrived?"
"Yes, that's a possibility," Yu Tianheng replied firmly.
However—
In the next instant—
Prince Xue Xing's face darkened with fury as he roared:
"Men! Arrest Yu Tianheng for attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince!"
As soon as he finished speaking—
Several Heaven Dou experts in military uniforms instantly unleashed their spirit rings and lunged toward Yu Tianheng.
Facing the charging soul masters, Yu Tianheng trembled violently and called out, "Grandfather, save me!"
"Let's see who dares to lay a hand on my grandson!"
Yu Yuanzhen made a domineering entrance, stepping in front of Yu Tianheng.
His gray-white beard quivered, and nine spirit rings lit up in succession.
A massive pressure instantly swept across the scene.
"Protect the Crown Prince!"
Ning Fengzhi reacted swiftly, immediately moving in front of Qian Renxue.
Together with Sword Douluo Chen Xin, he unleashed his martial spirit.
Although the leaders of the three upper sects generally had a good relationship,
On matters of principle, Ning Fengzhi knew where he stood.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had always been an ally of the Heaven Dou Empire.
He had to stand firmly on their side.
As the tension in the air escalated—
Ning Rongrong's eyes flickered with complexity.
She glanced at Zhu Zhuqing beside her, sighed softly, and let go of her arm before stepping over to stand beside Ning Fengzhi.
"Is this really necessary?" Dai Mubai hurriedly tried to mediate. "There are several Title Douluo and even a Super Douluo present here."
"If a battle breaks out, the entire Eastern Seaboard could be left in ruins."
Saying this, he cast a meaningful look at Yu Yuanzhen:
"Besides, with Sect Master Yu's strength, who could stop him if he wanted to leave?"
These words reminded Yu Yuanzhen of something important.
No matter what, he could not let his grandson be harmed.
Looking apologetic, he turned to Prince Xue Xing.
"My apologies, but I must take Tianheng with me."
With that—
Yu Yuanzhen unleashed his full spirit power, and in the next moment, he vanished.
Seeing this—
Dai Mubai's face froze in shock, and he growled in frustration, "Sect Master Yu, why are you leaving?!"
Then, with a determined expression, he turned to Prince Xue Xing and said:
"Your Highness, please rest assured, this matter is not over. I will personally ensure that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's leader apologizes."
"Moreover, the compensation we previously discussed will not be reduced by a single penny."
Prince Xue Xing clenched his fists tightly, glaring at Dai Mubai.
How could he not realize that Dai Mubai had deliberately hinted for Yu Yuanzhen to leave?
Even if Yu Yuanzhen had stayed, Heaven Dou wouldn't have been able to subdue a Super Douluo of his caliber.
But this kind of manipulation was something Prince Xue Xing could not tolerate.
Star Luo had no real sincerity in these negotiations.
They just wanted to end this troublesome matter as soon as possible.
Thinking of this, Prince Xue Xing's anger surged.
Standing tall with his hands behind his back, he coldly declared:
"This compensation—forget it!"
Then, he strode over to his horse, mounted it, and waved his hand, shouting:
"Soldiers, follow me back to the imperial capital!"
"Prince Xue Xing…"
Dai Mubai tried to stop him, but before he could finish speaking,
Prince Xue Xing had already disappeared.
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, patted Dai Mubai on the shoulder, and sighed.
"Go back and discuss this with your father. The Heaven Dou Empire has seen no sincerity from you at all."
Hearing this, Dai Mubai's expression turned grim, his heart burning with fury.
But he did not let it show.
He knew that Ning Fengzhi was not speaking as a representative of the Heaven Dou Empire,
But as an elder giving him advice.
Moreover, Dai Mubai wasn't angry at the Heaven Dou Empire.
He was furious at Yu Tianheng.
That fool had no manners at all.
Originally, the negotiations had been going smoothly.
But the moment Yu Tianheng arrived, everything was set back to square one!
With a blank expression, Dai Mubai bowed to Qian Renxue.
"Prince Qinghe, until we meet again."
"Until we meet again." Qian Renxue's smile deepened.
This negotiation between Heaven Dou and Star Luo had ended in failure.
But for her, it was a massive victory!
Under her influence, a crack had finally formed between the two great empires!
Dai Mubai waved to his group, signaling them to leave with him.
After mounting his horse—
Dai Mubai turned back, his cold eyes glancing at Ye Tian.
Just now, he had noticed the hatred in Yu Tianheng's expression toward Ye Tian.
Thinking of this, Dai Mubai looked at Li Jiuchuan, who was leaning against Ye Tian's side.
It was as if he understood something.
"Ye Tian." Dai Mubai chuckled softly.
Hearing someone call his name, Ye Tian followed the voice and saw Dai Mubai.
Smiling, he replied, "Prince Dai Mubai, is there something you need?"
"Don't forget about the Fire Spirit Chicken."
Dai Mubai said indifferently.
Without waiting for Ye Tian's response, he spurred his horse and rode away.
After the Star Luo group left—
The area in front of the farm suddenly became much quieter.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Qian Renxue. "Your Highness, shall we set off for Heaven Dou City?"
"Mm." Qian Renxue nodded slightly.
The only thing she was reluctant to leave behind in the Eastern Sea Shore was Ye Tian.
But Ye Tian wouldn't be going to Heaven Dou City with her.
So leaving made no difference.
"Ye Tian, farewell." Ning Fengzhi waved at Ye Tian in a refined and amicable manner. "If you ever encounter difficulties, you can come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to find me. If I can help, I certainly will."
"Many thanks, Sect Master Ning." Ye Tian responded calmly and respectfully.
But inwardly, he was complaining.
It would be good enough if Ning Fengzhi didn't cause him trouble.
He wouldn't dare step into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—that would be like a sheep walking into a tiger's den.
...
Watching Ning Fengzhi's group disappear into the distance in their carriages—
The smile on Ye Tian's face faded completely, and he even let out a breath of relief.
All the trouble had finally left.
Once he brought his sister, Ye Xinglan, back, the Eastern Sea Shore would return to its former peace.
Ye Tian turned and stepped into the farm.
But suddenly, he felt his arm being held back.
Turning his head, he saw that Li Jiuchuan was still clinging to him.
Ye Tian smiled. "They're all gone."
At those words—
Li Jiuchuan blushed, slowly letting go of his hand.
"Really, thank you for stepping in. Otherwise, this could have caused even more unnecessary trouble."
Ye Tian expressed his gratitude softly.
But Li Jiuchuan shook her head like a rattle drum.
"N-No need to thank me."
With that, she ran off, looking somewhat dejected.
Chen Jian walked over to Ye Tian with a grin, watching Li Jiuchuan's departing figure.
"Young Master, even the big figures from both Heaven Dou and Star Luo now know she's your wife. That's not good for a young lady's reputation, you know?"
As he spoke, Chen Jian spread his hands as if analyzing the situation.
"Young Master, did you notice her face just now? She's a hundred percent into you."
Ye Tian: "..."
When did Chen Jian become so eager to play matchmaker?
Hearing this, the Sea Witch, who had been standing beside Ye Tian, blinked her big eyes and laughed.
"Little brother, you're quite popular with the ladies."
"Already married, yet still having pretty, devoted little girls falling for you."
Hearing her teasing, Ye Tian chuckled. "That's right. I took a trip overseas and ended up with a beautiful woman being forcefully attached to me."
"Oh? Not happy about it?" The Sea Witch's smile grew even wider.
"Of course, I'm very happy."
Ye Tian grinned.
Walking deeper into the farm, Ye Tian turned to ask Chen Jian—
"Where are you hiding Bibi Dong and the others?"
Chen Jian replied with a smirk, "In the volcanic fissures behind the farm."
Hearing this, Ye Tian let out a surprised chuckle. "You sure are bold."
...
Meanwhile—
In Spirit City.
Ever since Qian Daoliu returned, the Elder Hall had been extremely busy.
Even the task of monitoring the Pope's Palace had been put on hold.
Inside a secret meeting room—
"The Spirit Hall Plaza?"
Upon hearing this term and its explanation, the Second Consecration, Golden Crocodile Douluo, was utterly shocked.
"Great Consecration, your idea is truly ingenious!"
Qianjun Douluo also stepped forward to offer his praise.
"If this plan can be realized—"
"The benefits gained will be enough to double our Spirit Hall's military force!"
"With that, our strength will reach a whole new level!"
Hearing the compliments from the consecrators, Qian Daoliu laughed heartily.
"Haha! Yes, it's indeed a great plan."
"But more importantly, this plan wasn't actually devised by me."
"It came from the Pope's Palace."
"What? Could it be that Bibi Dong has yet another rare talent under her command?" Qianjun Douluo's expression darkened in shock.
If someone like that existed in the Pope's Palace—
The authority of the Elder Hall would be significantly diminished.
It was hard to imagine what would happen if the Pope's Palace gained control over the economy.
Would the Elder Hall even be able to maintain its hold over Spirit Hall?
But Qian Daoliu chuckled and said, "Yes, they thought of it. But isn't the plan in our hands now?"
"In fact, I overheard this plan by chance."
Qian Daoliu's smile carried a deeper meaning.
"My dear daughter-in-law, Bibi Dong, was even planning to implement this plan after the New Year."
Hearing this—
Golden Crocodile Douluo seemed to grasp Qian Daoliu's hidden meaning.
He laughed in agreement. "Bibi Dong would never have expected this plan to fall into our hands."
"As long as we implement it first and establish Spirit Hall Plazas in all major cities—"
"The Pope's Palace will have nothing to do with it."
"You really understand me, Golden Crocodile Douluo."
Qian Daoliu then swept his gaze across the gathered consecrators.
"That's why we absolutely cannot let the Pope's Palace succeed in this project."
"My purpose in telling you this today is to ensure that our Elder Hall completes the Spirit Hall Plaza project before they do!"
"Of course, for such a rushed operation, we need strong executioners."
"So I am ordering you to personally lead teams to the kingdoms under our control and construct Spirit Hall Plazas!"
"Rest assured, Great Consecration! Such a small matter is nothing for us!" Golden Crocodile Douluo thumped his chest confidently.
Qianjun Douluo also laughed. "Great Consecration, just sit tight in Spirit City! We'll make sure the Pope's Palace doesn't earn a single coin from this project!"
(T/N: Consecration=Worshipper)
(End of Chapter)
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