Adding One More ATM

Three days later, in the early morning, sunlight spilled over Heaven Dou City, draping the prosperous city in a golden glow.

At the easternmost edge of Heaven Dou City stood a residence that seemed understated yet exuded elegance at every turn—the Jun Family Residence.

From the outside, the residence was not ostentatious, with no excessive lavish decorations. Yet its ancient gates, exquisitely carved windows, and green vines creeping along its walls silently spoke of its unique charm.

At that moment, a rhythmic knock sounded from the gates of the Jun residence. Jun Lin slightly raised his eyes and looked at Ah Yin, whose temperament was as graceful as an orchid. "Ah Yin, go open the door and welcome them."

Ah Yin nodded lightly and walked toward the gates with delicate steps. Beneath the sunlight, her graceful figure seemed to carry an ethereal air.

The gates slowly opened, revealing Ning Fengzhi, Dong Liu, and a young man of the same age.

Ning Fengzhi wore a plain yet elegant robe. He had a refined demeanor, and his eyes held intelligence and composure.

Although Dong Liu, who stood beside him, was severely injured, the aura around him flickered faintly, as though it could dissipate at any moment. His expression was grave, but there was a trace of resolve in his gaze.

As for the young man of their age, he wore magnificent attire, and nobility and authority showed between his brows. He was Xue Ye, the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. Curiosity and scrutiny filled his eyes as he examined the Jun Family Residence.

Then, everyone followed Ah Yin into the Jun residence and arrived at the main hall.

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward slightly and said, "Brother Jun, please forgive us for arriving uninvited!"

Then he turned slightly and introduced him to Jun Lin and the others. "Brother Jun, this is His Highness Xue Ye, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. His Highness heard of this auction and has taken a great interest in it, so he has come with us to pay you a visit."

Dong Liu, who stood beside Ning Fengzhi, merely nodded at the three of them as a polite greeting.

A nodding acquaintance—nothing more.

At that moment, Xue Ye also nodded slightly. His gaze fell upon Jun Lin as he said, "Brother Jun, I have long heard of your great name. I, too, am looking forward to this auction. With Brother Jun's arrival, I believe Heaven Dou City will surely see a new turn of events."

"Xue Ye? Another cash machine?" Jun Lin casually opened the system interface.

"System Overview"

"Name: Xue Ye"

"Martial Soul: Swan

"Cultivation: Level 41"

"Soul Rings: Two yellow, two purple"

"Wish List: 1: Because several of his brothers covet his position as crown prince, he urgently wishes to ascend the throne.

"2..., 3..., 4..., 5..."

After reading the Wish List displayed by the system, Jun Lin could only say, what a guy. He truly was worthy of being Emperor Xue Ye from the original story, the man who slaughtered all his many brothers after taking the throne.

Oh, no, that was not quite right. The original story had left him one biological younger brother—Xue Xing! As the saying went, there was no affection in an emperor's family.

Looking at these wishes, the corners of Jun Lin's mouth could not help but curl upward.

Most of Xue Ye's wishes concerned the imperial family and the throne, as well as wanting to befriend Jun Lin and the others after hearing news of them.

As far as Jun Lin was concerned, he could win this Wish List without even trying.

At that moment, Jun Lin revealed a teasing smile. It carried confidence and calm, as if everything were already under his control.

He cupped his hands slightly and replied, "Your Highness flatters me. To receive Your Highness's attention is truly my greatest honor."

Suddenly, Ah Yin seemed to remember something. Her lovely brows furrowed slightly, and a thoughtful glint flashed through her eyes.

After a moment, her red lips parted as she asked, "A-Jun, you said last night that honored guests would come today. Were you talking about them?"

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, ringing through the main hall like silver bells.

There was a trace of curiosity and confusion in her words. Her gaze shifted back and forth between Jun Lin, Xue Ye, and the others, as though she wanted to find the answer in Jun Lin's expression and confirm whether her guess was correct.

"Emmm,???"

Dong Liu, Ning Fengzhi, and Xue Ye exchanged glances, all of them showing a hint of shock.

Then, as if by prior agreement, they all looked toward Jun Lin, whose expression held a teasing amusement. Their hearts jolted violently.

Jun Lin had actually guessed that they would come today? If that were true, the implications were truly chilling.

Countless thoughts instantly flashed through their minds, and they gained an entirely new understanding of Jun Lin.

Tsk, Ah Yin's curious nature won't do. Looks like I'll have to make her put on black stockings tonight and give her a thorough "review" of her lessons. Hmm, this time, I'll use that position... Jun Lin thought to himself.

Upon hearing Ah Yin's question, an imperceptible slyness flashed through Jun Lin's profound eyes, while a faint smile lingered at the corner of his lips.

He nodded slightly and replied, "That's right, Ah Yin. I sensed last night that honored guests would visit today."

As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect represented by Ning Fengzhi and the Heaven Dou Imperial Family sending people to visit, that had long been part of his plan.

Although he could not determine exactly when they would come, he had guessed it would be within these few days.

After all, a Titled Douluo with a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring had suddenly appeared in Heaven Dou City, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire. It was like throwing a massive boulder into a tranquil lake, stirring up waves upon waves.

As the rulers of the empire, how could the Heaven Dou Imperial Family simply stand by? Every inch of land in the Heaven Dou Empire, every powerful being, was closely tied to the empire's safety, prosperity, and decline.

Faced with such a powerful figure suddenly appearing, they had to investigate him to determine his intentions.

If he was an enemy, they would need to prepare countermeasures in advance and take precautions before disaster struck.

If he could be recruited, it would undoubtedly provide tremendous support for the empire's growth in strength.

Meanwhile, as the second greatest sect in the world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect likewise held a pivotal position on this continent.

Although Ning Fengzhi and Jun Lin had a fairly good relationship, Ning Fengzhi was still only the young sect master. While he possessed some influence within the sect, he could not fully represent the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

After all, Ning Daohua, his father, was still the one in charge of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With such a powerful figure appearing in Heaven Dou City, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect naturally could not remain indifferent.

They needed to understand this Titled Douluo's background and purpose so they could make the decision most beneficial to their sect. What if he was an enemy? Or what if he could be recruited?

Thus, during these three days, intelligence on Jun Lin and his two companions had already fallen like snowflakes onto the desks of the upper echelons of both the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Both factions sprang into action. Intelligence agents moved through streets and alleys, doing their utmost to gather every detail about Jun Lin's group.

Jun Lin could not help but marvel at the speed with which these major powers operated. It was truly astounding.

His group had only appeared in Heaven Dou City a short while ago, yet these factions had already moved as swiftly as sharks scenting blood. Such efficiency was impossible not to admire.