Book One: Intrigue and Deception in the Imperial Capital - Chapter 71: Crisis Looms

The draw result brought joy to some and sorrow to others.

The Tartaglia Family, the Patriarch's room--

The large, dark-colored room was filled with people, men and women, but all of them exuded a strong aura of menace. Philip Tartaglia sat in the center, his face grim, coldly staring at the girl standing against the wall.

The young woman, dressed in a white cheongsam, possessed a serene yet mysterious air, her entire body seemingly radiating a soft glow that seemed out of place in the dimly lit room.

Like the moon hanging in the night, admiring its own beauty in solitude.

Philip spoke softly, his voice hoarse and gloomy.

"You've disappointed me, Haoyue."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was filled with a murderous aura. An ordinary person would probably have been scared out of their wits long ago, but Haoyue's expression remained calm.

"I had hoped you would win overwhelmingly, to let everyone know who is number one, but you... only managed a draw."

"I'm sorry to have disappointed you, Father." Haoyue bowed deeply, her voice filled with apology.

"Disappointed? What's the use of being disappointed now! You should know that Liu Ye really annoys me, extremely annoys me! I've told you before how to deal with people who get in our way?"

"Humiliate them, trample on them, and destroy them," Haoyue replied softly.

"You still remember that?! Not only did you fail to defeat her, you also made her even more famous. That's the most ridiculous defeat ever!"

I'm so sorry.

Looking at the unchanging moon, Philip frowned and softened his tone.

"... Very well, no matter what, you bear the future of the family on your shoulders, so I've decided to give you a chance to make amends."

"Please speak."

"The day after tomorrow is the day of the semi-finals and finals at the palace, so I want you to..." Philip placed his hand on his neck and made a decapitation gesture, "... take care of Liu Ye by any means necessary!"

"..."

Haoyue remained silent for a moment.

But she quickly looked up again.

"Yes, Father."

An unusual light flickered in those eyes.

"This is an application regarding the requisition of land in the suburbs. Please take a look, Lord Gan Ming."

"Another one of these kinds of things? They really have no originality."

The third young master Si Nan Ganming, took the document with a slightly annoyed expression. Although he didn't seem too happy, he still carefully read through every word on the document and thought about it for a moment before stamping it.

"And then, Xiao Rou? How much work is left for today?" Si Nan Ganming asked his trusted confidante, Gu Rou, who was standing quietly to the side.

"But there are less than twenty applications left, and the crucial accounting work hasn't been completed yet..." Gu Rou flipped through the folder in her hand, her pretty face very serious.

"There's still so much left, why don't we take a break... Whew..." Si Nan Ganming threw down his pen and seal, leaned back in his chair, and stretched. His close-fitting shirt was pulled up with the movement of his arms, revealing his fair and flat abdomen. He gathered his flowing purple hair with one hand, and his slightly wicked eyes narrowed slightly, making his handsome appearance even more charming.

Stare--

"Hey, Xiaorou, it's not good to stare at your boss's collarbone," Si Nan Ganming teased.

"No... I just thought your collar wasn't buttoned up properly, young master, that's really it, so I absolutely didn't have any improper thoughts... really..."

Gu Rou's face turned bright red, and her voice grew softer and softer until it was barely a whisper.

"Pfft, hahaha, you're still so cute no matter how much time has passed." Seeing the girl's adorable appearance, Si Nan Ganming couldn't help but chuckle.

"Young Master... instead of bullying people, you should get back to work..." Gu Rou protested weakly.

Of course, the protest was ineffective.

"Xiaorou, you've been with me for so many years, it's time to relax a bit, don't always be so reserved."

"No... I'm just the young master's subordinate, how could I dare to have any improper thoughts..." Gu Rou whispered in defense.

Of course, the claim that I have no ulterior motives is a complete lie.

On the surface, the third young master appears somewhat carefree and rebellious, but he is actually a highly self-disciplined person who takes everything seriously, quite the opposite of his handsome appearance and charmingly wicked aura. Although admired by countless noble ladies, he remains untouched by their advances. More importantly, he cares deeply for his subordinates, never acts like a spoiled young master, and has a very easygoing personality. If there's any flaw, it's probably his desire to install his younger brother as a puppet ruler, but that's something he can't avoid...

How could someone as ordinary as herself possibly be worthy of him? Gu Rou was quite self-aware.

However, despite knowing she was not good enough for him, Gu Rou still found her own value.

She was not only the young master's confidante, but also his "shield".

Buzz------

Suddenly, the air inside the mansion vibrated strangely, and the two men shuddered, immediately standing up and becoming alert.

"Young Master, what was that just now...?"

"The detection barrier is acting strangely; it seems trouble is brewing!"

"How should we handle this?"

"That goes without saying—" Si Nan Ganming clapped his hands, and several hidden doors on the four walls of the room opened simultaneously, and a group of well-equipped guards rushed out.

"Prepare to meet the enemy!"

Run, turn, jump!

Landed safely!

In the empty training ground, I moved my limbs vigorously. The injuries I sustained in the duel with Haoyue had healed, and I felt no discomfort while exercising.

Just yesterday, I successfully completed the quarterfinals. Since I've already had such a big fight with Haoyue, there's no need for me to hold back anymore. As soon as I stepped onto the stage, I used a large amount of blood crystals to completely overturn the arena, forcing my opponent to kneel down and beg for mercy.

This was so easy and enjoyable! I doubt there are many young people in the capital who can stand up to me head-on. I'm afraid my opponent in the finals will still be Haoyue...

The climax will be the day after tomorrow. The four semi-final matches, two semi-final matches, and one final match will be held consecutively at the Royal Palace. Big Figure, including members of the royal family and civil and military officials, will be in attendance.

Is this exhausting clan competition finally coming to an end? I'm so reluctant to see it end... just kidding! You see, my purpose in joining the Si Nan Family was to use their power to find the materials to create the World Crossing Gate: the Boundary Breaking Armor, the Crystal Realm Fruit, the Crimson Lotus Karmic Fire, the Truth Incantation, the Rakshasa True Word, and the Gleaming Gold South-Pointing Compass —each one sounds incredibly powerful. The longer it drags on, the longer I'll be disconnected from Earth. While the clan competition certainly honed my strength, it also greatly wasted my time.

The most fatal flaw is that if I want to utilize the power of the Si Nan Family, I must have a certain status and prestige, but accumulating status and prestige takes time... Moreover, the greater my contribution to the Si Nan Family, the more tightly I am bound to them, and if this continues, it's hard to guarantee that the Si Nan Family won't become a shackle for me.

Just as Haoyue said, I want to attach myself to the Si Nan Family, but I'm also afraid of being bound by them. I can't really make a choice and can only waver.

"Half-baked...?"

I couldn't help but smile wryly.

After the clan competition ends, what should I do next...?

"Liu Ye, you really are here."

A voice came from the entrance of the training ground; it was Si Nan Yuan.

"I'd like to get a little exercise, is there something you need?"

"It's not a big deal. The maintenance on your Charging Blade is complete. You'd better come over and try it out. If you feel anything is wrong, you can make improvements immediately."

"Alright, I'm a bit tired too," I said, walking towards Si Nan Yuan, and we left the training ground together.

We walked side by side toward the central garden. The weapon maintenance was also handled by Si Nan Artisan. I wonder how that old lecher will bother me this time.

"Ah, wait a minute." Si Nan Yuan suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong now?"

"Take a step back."

"What's going on...?" I was a little confused, but I did as instructed anyway.

The next moment, I regretted it.

The ground beneath my backward step felt different from the ground I had just walked on.

My body felt as if it were passing through a thin layer of icy water.

When I realized that this "Si Nan Yuan" was someone else in disguise, it was too late.

The oval door that was originally behind me but is now in front of me closed rapidly. As I retreated, it seemed as if I had passed through some kind of portal and arrived in—or rather, been tricked into—an unfamiliar place.

Looking around, one is greeted by high-end mahogany floors, exquisite large tapestries, and a large bed with a magnificent dome.

And then there was the man reclining on the bed, his eyes blazing with lust.

"Welcome, my dear Liu Ye! Welcome to the secret paradise I've prepared especially for you!"

"Sinan... Feng!"

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The first volume is finally approaching its climax.