The moment Xiao Yanying entered, Li Tianming knew this man harbored ill intent toward him.
That was why he insisted on emphasizing this unimportant alliance-entry task—he was merely looking for trouble.
He was not trying to stop Li Tianming from joining the Ancient Desolation Alliance. Joining was very easy, so the crux lay in this entry task.
"I've never had any conflict with the Xiao Clan from beginning to end. Is Xiao Yanying unhappy because I privately latched onto the imperial clan's network, this great ship of the Mysterious Court?"
The Mysterious Court was far too vast, with countless clans and lineages. Among the imperial clans that had historically produced emperors alone, there were ten in total, collectively known as the "Ten Emperors of the Mysterious Court." Ghosts and gods occupied half, while humans occupied the other half. Every imperial clan had its own history, grudges, allegiances, and stance. The thoughts within each clan were indeed exceedingly complicated.
Forget the imperial clans, royal clans, and archaic clans—even within the An Clan, there were many opinions and disagreements regarding a sensitive figure like Li Tianming. Those who did not think highly of him were still everywhere.
Thus, it was hardly surprising that Xiao Yanying targeted Li Tianming at Ye Yuqing's birthday gathering the moment he arrived.
Upon hearing Xiao Yanying's words, Ye Yuqing's expression, which had only just relaxed, turned solemn once more.
The rule Xiao Yanying mentioned did indeed exist, but was there any need to bring up such an unimportant matter on an occasion like this?
Before Ye Yuqing could speak, An Ruyan agreed first. "With Brother Xiao's ranking, it should indeed be arranged by you."
The way she called him "Brother Xiao" was practically screaming their close relationship for all to see.
With the two playing off each