In the Imperial Guards' duty room.
Liu Erlong placed her right hand over her chest and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Imperial Preceptor."
"No need for formalities, Vice Dean Liu." Ye Tian raised his hand slightly in return.
His gaze then shifted to Xiao Wu, who stood behind Liu Erlong with a somewhat evasive expression.
"Xiao Wu, long time no see." Before Ye Tian could speak, Qian Renxue stepped forward first, greeting Xiao Wu with a bright smile.
Hearing Qian Renxue's words, Xiao Wu visibly froze for a moment.
She couldn't help but scrutinize the young woman in the pristine white dress before her.
The fact that she could accompany Ye Tian so closely suggested their relationship was anything but ordinary.
This made Xiao Wu feel that this woman was no good person.
Her closeness to Ye Tian seemed deliberately cultivated.
After all, "Xue'er" had only known Ye Tian for a few days.
Normal friendships wouldn't progress so rapidly in such a short time.
"Long time no see," Xiao Wu replied flatly.
Since they were in the palace, she had to maintain decorum and not openly slight the other.
Then, she turned her complicated gaze to Ye Tian.
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
She even felt a hint of guilt.
But the situation with Ning Rongrong was urgent, and now wasn't the time for apologies or reminiscing.
Biting her lip, Xiao Wu spoke with visible worry: "Ye Tian, there are evil soul masters gathering in the Sunset Forest."
"...Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing are there."
Xiao Wu had initially considered withholding some details, but in the end, she clenched her teeth and revealed everything.
She couldn't lie to Ye Tian.
Seeing Xiao Wu struggle to broach the topic, Liu Erlong's expression grew more solemn. She bowed again and said:
"To be frank, we came here to request the Imperial Preceptor's aid in deploying troops to the Sunset Forest to rescue our Shrek Academy students."
"We've received word that the evil soul masters are searching for the God of Slaughter's legacy in the Sunset Forest."
"Regardless, the God of Slaughter's inheritance must not fall into the hands of evil soul masters."
Following their plan, Liu Erlong revealed the information about the divine inheritance.
With an expectant look, she deliberately flattered: "Someone as talented and accomplished as you, Imperial Preceptor, might even have a chance to gain the God of Slaughter's favor and inherit his legacy."
"So this could very well be an opportunity for you."
Hearing Liu Erlong's tempting words, Ye Tian remained unmoved.
When it came to divine inheritances, he avoided them like the plague.
Why would he actively seek one out?
That would be like lifting a rock only to drop it on his own foot.
"Ye Tian... please save Rongrong and the others. Consider it... a personal favor to me."
Xiao Wu's voice was as soft as a mosquito's whisper, her head lowered.
For the sake of her friends, she had no choice but to swallow her pride.
"I'm sorry about the assassination attempt. I apologize on their behalf."
"You don't need to apologize. I know that incident had nothing to do with you. I also understand that when you cut ties with me last time, you had your reasons." Ye Tian waved his hand dismissively.
He would never forgive Ning Rongrong and the others for the assassination attempt, but he also wouldn't blame Xiao Wu for it.
Though Xiao Wu had never mentioned it during their time together, Ye Tian knew her mother had died at the hands of the Spirit Hall.
He understood.
Anything related to the Spirit Hall would inevitably draw Xiao Wu's opposition.
After all, the blood feud outweighed all else.
Ye Tian's desire to resurrect Xiao Wu's mother was partly to dissolve this hatred.
As for Xiao Wu's visit today— Ye Tian actually admired her for it.
To humble herself and plead for her friends' sake was not something just anyone could do.
It spoke volumes about Xiao Wu's character—she was someone who valued loyalty deeply.
"The God of Slaughter's inheritance seems important. I think it's worth sending people to investigate," Qian Renxue whispered into Ye Tian's ear.
Though her voice was soft, everyone present was a high-level soul master and could hear her clearly.
This was Qian Renxue's indirect way of expressing her stance.
Xiao Wu and Liu Erlong both turned their eyes to Ye Tian, waiting for his decision after a moment of contemplation.
"I have no interest in divine inheritances, nor will I lift a finger to save Ning Rongrong and the others."
After some thought, Ye Tian gave his answer.
His expression remained neutral:
"Apologies, but I don't believe in repaying malice with kindness. For those who once tried to assassinate me, the greatest mercy I can offer is not retaliating against them."
"I swear to the heavens, the information about the God of Slaughter is genuine!" Liu Erlong said gravely, raising her right hand.
"I think Vice Dean Liu has misunderstood. It's not that I doubt your intelligence."
"I'm simply uninterested in divine inheritances, that's all."
"Let others seize this opportunity." Ye Tian replied indifferently.
"Aren't you afraid of the divine inheritance falling into the hands of evil soul masters?" Liu Erlong couldn't help but press. "If that happens, the entire continent will suffer!"
Ye Tian smiled faintly. "It seems Vice Dean Liu has never seen a divine inheritance before."
"To obtain a god's legacy, one must first earn the god's approval."
"If the God of Slaughter is an evil deity, then it's only natural for his inheritance to go to evil soul masters."
"Everything depends on the God of Slaughter's will, not our strength. Understand?"
"How do you know all this?" Liu Erlong was stunned.
She had planned to reason with Ye Tian, only to find he knew far more than she did.
Truth be told, she had no idea what the divine inheritance process even entailed.
"Because I've seen it before." Ye Tian replied with a faint smile.
Not just seen—he'd once possessed one himself.
Though he'd long since handed it over to Bibi Dong.
Seeing Ye Tian's calm demeanor, Liu Erlong grew increasingly anxious.
Her biggest bargaining chip was the intelligence about the God of Slaughter, yet Ye Tian dismissed it outright.
Worse still, Ye Tian had made it clear he wouldn't lift a finger to save Ning Rongrong and the others.
This made Liu Erlong regret not stopping Ning Rongrong's assassination attempt earlier.
At the very least, Shrek Academy shouldn't have been involved.
As an educational institution, Shrek Academy's primary mission was to nurture outstanding students—
Not meddle in the continent's power struggles.
It seemed the academy's rapid growth in recent years had gone to their heads.
They'd even dared to interfere in the continent's political landscape.
Unaware of how dangerous that was.
Liu Erlong resolved that after this incident, she'd redefine Shrek Academy's guiding principles.
The academy would sever ties with all factions and remain neutral.
That way, no matter which faction ultimately ruled the continent,
Shrek Academy would remain an unsinkable ark.
Ye Tian's words left Xiao Wu silent.
She'd anticipated this outcome before coming.
It was also why she'd been reluctant to come in the first place.
Putting herself in Ye Tian's shoes, even she wouldn't lift a finger to help someone who'd tried to kill her.
But the thought of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's smiling faces made her heart ache again.
"Is there really no room for reconciliation?" She looked up and asked.
"No." Facing Xiao Wu's large, pleading eyes, Ye Tian shook his head firmly.
For a moment, The duty room fell into absolute silence.
A long time later,
Xiao Wu finally spoke, her voice dry: "I understand."
Liu Erlong's face was also filled with disappointment. She stepped forward and bowed slightly:
"Apologies for disturbing the Imperial Preceptor. Xiao Wu, let's go."
Xiao Wu gave Ye Tian one last reluctant glance, but remembering she still had to save Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing,
She could only turn and walk out the door.
Watching Xiao Wu's retreating figure, Qian Renxue allowed herself a small smile.
This was the outcome she'd most hoped for.
The relationship between Ye Tian and Xiao Wu should have ended long ago.
Qian Renxue gazed outside, smiling as she analyzed:
"Ye Tian, actually, I think we could still get involved in this matter."
"After all, a divine inheritance is a once-in-ten-thousand-years opportunity."
Ye Tian chuckled. "What, as the heir of the Angel family, are you planning to switch allegiances and inherit the God of Slaughter?"
"Of course not." Qian Renxue shook her head. "My spirit is completely incompatible with the God of Slaughter."
"But aren't you tempted?" She couldn't help asking.
"Not at all." Ye Tian smiled faintly.
"But you're right about taking action. We should get involved and wipe out those evil soul masters who threaten the continent."
He clenched his fist, his gaze sharp and decisive.
"Huh? Didn't you just tell Xiao Wu you wouldn't help them? Why the sudden change of heart?"
Qian Renxue's expression showed a hint of jealousy.
Did Xiao Wu really have that much influence?
To make Ye Tian even willing to save his would-be assassins.
"Who said I'm helping them?" Ye Tian looked down at her.
"Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's identities are extremely special."
"If they fell into our hands, wouldn't that give us leverage over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Star Luo Empire's prime minister's family?"
Qian Renxue paused, then understood, her face lighting up with delight:
"So you deliberately refused them earlier because you plan to take secret action?"
"Not bad, you're catching on." Ye Tian smiled.
Qian Renxue's lips curled into a confident smile: "I'll place the most loyal and elite Imperial Guards under your command."
"Additionally, the fifty thousand elite troops stationed outside the city are yours to deploy. That should be enough to turn the Sunset Forest inside out."
"Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing won't escape even if they grow wings!"
"Are you stupid or what?" Ye Tian gave her a disdainful look. "If we mobilize troops on such a large scale, the entire Heaven Dou City will know we've taken Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing captive."
"If Ning Fengzhi finds out, he might storm the palace to fight you to the death."
Qian Renxue's mouth twitched. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had two Super Douluos backing it.
Truth be told, she was no match for them at this stage.
"But the Sunset Forest is vast. Without a large force, how can we find them?"
"I have a way." Ye Tian smiled mysteriously.
...
"A... hot air balloon?!"
Watching as Ye Tian ordered the hot air balloon emblazoned with Shrek Academy's insignia to be loaded onto a carriage,
Qian Renxue couldn't help exclaiming.
She remembered how her sister had used hot air balloons to breach the Clear Sky Sect not long ago.
She hadn't expected Ye Tian to employ the same tactic now.
As she pondered, Qian Renxue began to grasp Ye Tian's plan:
"You're not planning to make Ning Rongrong and the others reveal their location voluntarily, are you?"
"But if you're floating in the air, your position will be exposed too. Aren't you afraid of being attacked by evil soul masters?"
"With me here, anyone who dares attack is seeking death."
Dressed in a sleek black bodysuit, Bo Saixi strode over, her long legs drawing attention as she scrutinized Qian Renxue with a critical eye:
"I never expected you'd turn out to be such a beauty in women's clothing."
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Excellency." Qian Renxue bowed slightly, then added coldly:
"Your Excellency, though your strength is formidable, at your age, you should take more care for your safety."
Bo Saixi nearly stumbled at these words.
Her age?!
Narrowing her beautiful eyes, Bo Saixi deliberately draped a slender arm over Ye Tian's shoulder:
"Little brother, do you like big sister's new outfit today?"
"It's beautiful." Though puzzled, Ye Tian answered instinctively.
Only after speaking did he take a closer look at Bo Saixi's attire.
The black bodysuit accentuated her figure perfectly, but Bo Saixi had always been stunning.
Why ask him today?
After a few more glances, Ye Tian belatedly noticed the tension between the two women.
...So that's what this was about.
No wonder Bo Saixi had asked.
Hearing Ye Tian's praise, Qian Renxue shot him a resentful look before forcing a bright smile:
"Grandma Bo Saixi's charm really hasn't faded over the years!"
"Oh?" Bo Saixi's eyes narrowed further, her smile not reaching her eyes.
"Enough!"
Ye Tian quickly stepped between them, pushing the two apart.
He glanced at Qian Renxue: "Xue'er, your dress today is also very beautiful."
"And Her Excellency Bo— big sister Bo Saixi is still young. Just call her sister."
"Oh." Qian Renxue lifted her chin, refusing to look at Bo Saixi.
Bo Saixi crossed her arms, equally unwilling to engage further.
To prevent further tension, Ye Tian immediately decided to depart for the Sunset Forest.
Due to her position, Qian Renxue could only briefly remove her disguise to appear as herself for short periods.
Leaving the palace was nearly impossible with her heavy workload.
"That little girl Qian Renxue has no manners."
No sooner had they left the palace than Bo Saixi began criticizing Qian Renxue.
"Qian Renxue only reacted that way because she thinks you're interested in me."
"Please don't take it to heart, sister."
Ye Tian wiped imaginary sweat from his brow as he explained.
"So I took the hit for you?" Bo Saixi crossed her arms, eyeing Ye Tian sideways.
"Let's just finish this matter and leave Heaven Dou City." Ye Tian sighed, avoiding a direct answer.
Qian Renxue had been appearing in her true form more frequently these past two days.
If she didn't have ulterior motives,
He'd eat his hat.
Hearing this, Bo Saixi smirked: "Seems you're quite devoted to your wife."
"Not even goddesses like Qian Renxue or Xiao Wu can sway you."
"I'm rather curious to meet your wife now."
"By the way, what's her name? Maybe I've heard of her."
Ye Tian pressed his lips together: "Your Excellency... sister, let's not discuss this."
Continuing this conversation would lead to him slipping up.
Ye Tian didn't want Bo Saixi knowing he was already with Bibi Dong.
After all, being involved with both Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue... if word got out, his reputation wouldn't be great.
(End of Chapter)