Jinling.
Commander Yu was brought to the grand hall.
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor arrived, his presence exuding majesty even while seated high above.
Lin Wudi withdrew upon seeing him.
Now, only Yu Shuai and the Heavenly Emperor remained in the vast hall.
"Commander Yu, do you know your crime?"
"I know my crime!"
Although Yu Shuai admitted his guilt, he showed no signs of remorse. Even facing the Heavenly Emperor, he remained defiant.
The Heavenly Emperor was not angered, but rather pressed on, "Why did you instigate a civil war?"
"Because the Heavenly Emperor is unjust!"
Yu Shuai replied directly.
"Why unjust?"
Yu Shuai said coldly, "Because you did not grant me the rights and position that the former Heavenly Emperor promised me. I am no weaker than Lin Wudi, so why am I constantly suppressed by him?"
In truth, it wasn't just Lin Wudi who suppressed him; several others did as well. However, Lin Wudi's brilliance was so blinding that Yu Shuai used him as a sole example.
The Heavenly Emperor then said, "You should understand why I did not grant you the position of being second to none."
"Hmph!"
Yu Shuai snorted coldly, "In the end, it's because you're afraid you can't control me, so you're deliberately suppressing me!"
"You're overthinking it!"
The Heavenly Emperor said calmly, "Because you are arrogant and proud, relying on your status as an elder, you have allowed those around you to act unscrupulously!"
"This has led to the suffering of the common people. My goal is to achieve fairness for all, and you are challenging my bottom line!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Shuai sneered, "Fairness? I have protected Hua Xia for so many years, I should naturally be superior. Why should I talk about fairness with those ignorant commoners?"
"Alas!"
The Heavenly Emperor sighed, "So this is what you truly think. It seems my past actions were all correct!"
"Now that I am in your hands, do as you please, be it killing or torture!"
Yu Shuai said with a demeanor of one who has accepted his fate.
The Heavenly Emperor was profoundly disappointed. As an elder, he should not have such a mindset. Hua Xia was now prosperous, on the verge of becoming the world's foremost power.
Those in power should be just and impartial, eradicating the world's corruption. Yet, Yu Shuai harbored thoughts of corrupting the human world.
"Don't say you failed. Even if you had succeeded, you wouldn't have been able to hold onto that position!"
The Heavenly Emperor scoffed.
"If I were in that position, I would be far stronger than you!"
Yu Shuai declared defiantly.
"You are mistaken!"
The Heavenly Emperor said directly, "If you cannot shed your sense of superiority, you will never succeed. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Do you not understand this principle?"
"Don't lecture me. Ultimately, I was deceived by you and your father!"
Yu Shuai looked at the Heavenly Emperor with rage.
But the Heavenly Emperor remained calm, "For your crimes back then, you should have been executed twenty years ago. However, I spared you due to your past contributions and merely reduced your authority. I never expected you to show no remorse! I am very disappointed in you!"
"Stop spouting such righteous words. I have done nothing wrong, so where is the crime!"
Yu Shuai said indignantly, "This is merely an excuse for you to bring me down!"
Hearing this, the Heavenly Emperor knew that Yu Shuai was beyond saving. He saw no need to say anything more to such a stubborn individual.
"Commander Yu, out of respect for your elder status, I will grant you a dignified end. Resolve it yourself!"
The Heavenly Emperor said coldly.
Yu Shuai's heart was instantly struck with dread. He had thought that even if he failed, the Heavenly Emperor would not do anything to him.
After all, he had cultivated many confidantes over the years. If he were to die, it would likely cause significant unrest.
There could even be irreversible consequences. He had miscalculated this time.
However, he was not willing to die so easily.
"You want me dead? It's not that simple!"
Yu Shuai threatened coldly, "If you dare to kill me, then those I've cultivated over the years will rise up in rebellion!"
"And you have no idea how many people I've cultivated!"
This was one of Yu Shuai's trump cards. He had planned for so many years; he wouldn't have remained stagnant. Instead, he had sown many seeds of trouble.
The Heavenly Emperor, upon hearing this, expressionlessly produced a list.
"Take a look. Are all the people on this list accounted for?"
Yu Shuai picked up the list with a puzzled expression. After reading through it entirely, he was completely stunned, frozen in place.
He never expected that the Heavenly Emperor would know about all these people. Moreover, the list was so comprehensive. Almost everyone on it was someone he had secretly promoted and cultivated.
He hadn't expected to escape the Heavenly Emperor's watchful eyes after all.
The Heavenly Emperor then said, "You thought you could deceive everyone, but in reality, your plan was far from perfect, and they didn't hide their tracks well either!"
At this point, Yu Shuai was completely disheartened, but he still had one last trump card.
"Even if you can eliminate all of them, what of it? I still have a backup plan. Are you going to break ties with the hidden sects?"
That's right, Yun Fan had previously speculated that Yu Shuai had backing from other forces, possibly involving the hidden sects. Now, Yu Shuai had personally confirmed it.
The Heavenly Emperor said, "The efforts of our ancestors in the past led these sects to seclusion. If they were to emerge now, then I, the Heavenly Emperor, would not stand idly by!"
This was a secret from the past. He didn't elaborate, as merely mentioning it was enough for Yu Shuai to understand.
Yu Shuai's expression soured. The sects that had supported him from behind the scenes had not appeared to help him, suggesting they would not do so now.
He realized that he could not escape death after all, and at this moment, he accepted his fate.
"Hahahaha!"
Yu Shuai let out a series of wild laughter, "I never thought I would be defeated even by you. I will take my own life!"
"But do you really think I am the only culprit? Then you are gravely mistaken!"
Before the Heavenly Emperor could ask further questions, Yu Shuai stood still and lost all life.
The Heavenly Emperor knew that he had destroyed his own Dantian to end his life.
At this moment, Lin Wudi entered with his men and took away Yu Shuai's body.
"Marshal Lin, was I wrong?"
The Heavenly Emperor asked, pressing for an answer.
After all, he was the one who had decided to give Yu Shuai a chance to redeem himself years ago, and he was also the one who had stripped Yu Shuai of his authority.
He had believed his actions were correct then, but now he was filled with doubt about whether he had done the right thing.
Lin Wudi replied, "You don't need me to answer. Hasn't time already borne witness?"
The Heavenly Emperor was instantly enlightened. Yes, Hua Xia was now flourishing under his leadership, so his actions had been correct.
He should even strengthen this conviction. It was just that he shouldn't have given Yu Shuai a chance back then. After all, under Yu Shuai's schemes over the years, too many innocent people had died.
"I understand!"
The Heavenly Emperor said to Lin Wudi, "Marshal Lin, although the main culprit is dead, fundamentally, he was merely a puppet!"
"Does the Heavenly Emperor mean that Yu Shuai was just a puppet cultivated by those sects?"
Lin Wudi asked in confusion.
"Mm."
The Heavenly Emperor nodded, "In this era, these sects are stirring. We must not let them make a comeback!"
"Yes!"
Lin Wudi turned and left. The Heavenly Emperor had complete faith in his actions. Although Lin Wudi had made no promises, the Heavenly Emperor knew he would be vigilant against those sects.
Shortly after he left, the Heavenly Emperor mused, "What if they truly emerge?"
The Heavenly Emperor knew that although those in power were strong, those sects were not weak either. If it came to that,
It would undoubtedly be a disaster for Hua Xia.
Especially since Yu Shuai had told him before his death that there was more than one puppet. He was unsure if Yu Shuai was lying to him!
But he dared not be careless.
If that day were to come, perhaps only the Celestial Master of Guigu could help Hua Xia turn the tide!
After all, the efforts of their ancestors in the past forced those sects into seclusion. Although it was publicly announced that those in power had suppressed them, in reality, it was all the work of the old Celestial Master of Guigu.
It was a pity that after that battle, he had never seen the old Celestial Master of Guigu again, nor could he even gather any news about him.
Of course, he had not deliberately sought him out. If the old Celestial Master of Guigu wanted him to know, then he would certainly know.
If the old Celestial Master of Guigu did not want him to know, then no matter what, he would not know.
He had always harbored admiration and respect for the old Celestial Master of Guigu.
Although the old Celestial Master was nowhere to be heard from, the young Celestial Master of Guigu had given him a huge surprise.
He already knew Yun Fan's identity as a disciple of the old Celestial Master. Based on Yun Fan's current performance, he was even better than his master.
Therefore, he had high hopes for Yun Fan, especially since Yun Fan had greatly assisted him this time.
...
Jiangnan. The peaceful days had passed.
On this day, Yun Fan saw Zhu Que arrive.
"I thought you weren't coming to Jiangnan!"
Yun Fan said with a smile. After all, Zhu Que had been away for a long time and had been silent during that period. However, Lin Wushuang, who had returned to Jinling, had told him that Zhu Que was fine.
This had put his mind at ease. He didn't want his good friend to be in trouble.
Zhu Que asked angrily, "Don't you want to see me that much?"
"That's not it. I thought you would develop better in Jinling,"
Yun Fan quickly explained.
Zhu Que said, "I have now been appointed by the Heavenly Emperor to Jiangnan, to command the hundred thousand soldiers of Jiangnan!"
"Wow! Have you already been crowned a War God?"
Yun Fan immediately offered his congratulations.
Although he could handle a War God with ease, becoming one was not simple. Besides sufficient merit, one also needed commensurate strength.
It seemed that only by reaching the Houtian realm was one qualified to be crowned a War God. He never expected Zhu Que, with only the strength of a Grandmaster, to already be a War God.
Her future prospects were truly limitless.
Zhu Que showed a smug expression, "Naturally. Who told this War God to have extraordinary talent?"
"Nonsense!"
Although Yun Fan dared not show disdain on his face, he was inwardly mocking. Zhu Que's attainment of the title of War God had nothing to do with talent.
It was entirely due to merit. This time, Zhu Que had taken on a critical mission, delivering documents to Jinling and preventing the civil war. This merit alone was enough to be crowned a War God.
Of course, in Yun Fan's opinion, even if Zhu Que wanted to become a War God, she should have waited until she broke through to the Houtian realm.
Perhaps it was because the Heavenly Emperor remembered the tragic massacre of the Su family that he had bestowed the title of War God upon Zhu Que early.
At this moment, seeing no change in Yun Fan's expression, Zhu Que said exasperatedly, "Don't you have any excitement at all?"
"What's there to be excited about!"
Yun Fan was speechless. It wasn't him who was crowned a War God.
Zhu Que said, "The most appropriate way for you to react right now would be to throw a celebratory banquet for me!"
"Uh..."
Do beautiful women speak so directly? Zhu Que's request was not unreasonable, but he genuinely had no time.
So, he asked, "Can we hold it a little later?"
"Alright, but don't forget!"
Zhu Que reminded him with a half-smile.
Yun Fan promised, "Don't worry, I won't forget!"
In fact, Zhu Que was initially unwilling to agree, but she had just taken command of a hundred thousand troops and had many things to manage.
Moreover, she was waiting for the banquet to directly confess her feelings to Yun Fan and make him the man of a War God.
Initially, she had hoped Yun Fan would confess to her first, but it seemed that would never happen in this lifetime.
So, she would take the initiative.
At this moment, Zhu Que said to Yun Fan, "Marshal Lin asked me to remind you that although the civil war is over, you and the Four Great Families have inadvertently become adversaries! Therefore, you must be careful of the Four Great Families!"
"What the hell..."
Yun Fan almost cursed, "How did I become adversaries with the Four Great Families?"
Zhu Que replied, "I don't know. It's probably because you killed Ouyang Shaohui and didn't give the Four Great Families an explanation. Perhaps there are other reasons too. But Marshal Lin wouldn't say things casually!"
The Marshal Lin she spoke of was naturally her direct superior, Lin Wudi. Lin Wudi was a man of his word, so she believed he wouldn't speak carelessly.
"These Four Great Families must have some serious issues!"
Yun Fan grumbled fiercely. It wasn't that he feared the Four Great Families, but he simply had no time to deal with their nonsense!
After all, he still had missions to complete.
"That's all I can say. You must be careful!"
"It's fine!"
Yun Fan nodded.
...
Today, Yang Xuejian met a very important guest alone. This guest was Ye Qingcheng.
Previously, Ye Qingcheng had discussed a contract with Yang Xuejian, but it ended because Yun Fan did not want to go to Jinling.
Now, the two women were negotiating again.
It had to be said that Ye Qingcheng's aura was truly commanding. Even though Yang Xuejian was also a peerless beauty, her aura couldn't compare.
Not to mention Yang Xuejian, even Zhu Que, who had been crowned a War God, with the halo of a War God, didn't possess such an innate aura.
This aura was difficult to describe. If one had to describe it, it was undoubtedly the aura of a monarch. One could tell at a glance that such a person was a born leader.
Of course, Yang Xuejian didn't have a good impression of the Four Great Families. She was cooperating with Ye Qingcheng because Ye Qingcheng's principles and conduct were different from those of the Four Great Families.
They weren't friends, but Ye Qingcheng had helped her. When the people from Tianmen wanted to kill her sister Zhao, she had gone to ask Ye Qingcheng for help.
In the end, with just one phone call from Ye Qingcheng, Tianmen didn't dare to make a peep. That was why she was giving Ye Qingcheng so much face.
However, what puzzled her was that after helping her, Ye Qingcheng did not accept her gratitude, nor did she even meet her.
This time, Ye Qingcheng taking the initiative to meet her was beyond her expectations.
At this moment, Yang Xuejian said, "Miss Ye, there are no problems with the contract, and the terms are unprecedentedly generous. However, I cannot bind my junior disciple into the contract!"
Ye Qingcheng had originally asked her to bring Yun Fan and the others to Jinling to film. However, because she was too busy, she hadn't outright refused Ye Qingcheng at the time.
In her opinion, the matter would soon fade away, and she wouldn't have offended Ye Qingcheng.
She never expected Ye Qingcheng to actively come to Jiangnan to find her and say that if she didn't want to go to Jinling, they could film in Jiangnan.
There would be no restrictions on location or freedom. Since the other party was being so accommodating, if she refused, it would be ungrateful.
But the contract also included Yun Fan, so how could she involve Yun Fan? Therefore, even at the risk of offending Ye Qingcheng, she could only refuse.
Unexpectedly, Ye Qingcheng did not get angry. Instead, she said to her, "You've misunderstood. I meant that your junior disciple should cooperate with you in this drama as much as possible, as my goal is to create an original cast."
"But I didn't say he absolutely had to fulfill this contract!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingcheng breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she wasn't selling her junior disciple, anything else was fine.
For this reason, she said, "Okay, then I'll sign!"
"That's right, Miss Yang. You will be proud of your decision!"
Ye Qingcheng smiled faintly.
If it were an ordinary person, being invested in by a super figure like Ye Qingcheng would surely make them overjoyed.
But Yang Xuejian was an exception. Since getting to know Yun Fan, she had long considered retiring from the entertainment industry.
However, because she owed Ye Qingcheng a favor, this time, she was merely repaying that favor.
Fortunately, the contract was only for three years, so she would endure another three years of hard work!
"Wishing our cooperation success!"
The two women shook hands.
Then, they discussed many details of their cooperation before parting ways.
After the meeting ended, Yang Xuejian returned.
At this moment, Liu Ming arrived.
He was Ye Qingcheng's butler and had been sent to Jiangnan in advance by Ye Qingcheng.
Now that his mistress had arrived, he naturally had to come.
At this moment, Ye Qingcheng said, "I want all of Yun Fan's recent information!"
"Miss, your subordinate has already prepared it!"
Liu Ming handed the information to Ye Qingcheng.
Ye Qingcheng was very satisfied after reviewing it. As expected, her butler understood her best and knew what she needed and what she didn't.
At this moment, Ye Qingcheng said to Liu Ming, "Alright, you can return to the auction house now. Don't do anything for the time being. Await my instructions!"
"Yes!"
Liu Ming nodded respectfully. Generally, when the young lady spoke so casually, it meant that she was about to do something big.
It was just that he didn't know which unlucky person would become the target of the young lady's cleanup this time.
Just as he was about to take his leave, Ye Qingcheng added, "Do not let anyone know about the relationship between you and me for the time being!"
"Your subordinate understands!"
Liu Ming quickly replied.
After Liu Ming left, a cold smile appeared on Ye Qingcheng's lips. Although she had just arrived in Jiangnan, her plan was almost complete.
This was her confidence. Before she appeared, no one knew what she was going to do, but by the time she truly appeared, it would be too late.
...
"Divine Physician Ye, why have you come to Jiangnan?"
At the Black Dragon Society, Yun Fan asked in confusion. Ye Lingbei had said he would not return to Jiangnan for a while when he left previously.
He never expected him to return so soon.
Ye Lingbei chuckled awkwardly, "Young friend Yun, I've actually come to seek your guidance in medical skills this time!"
"With my superficial skills, how could I possibly enter your esteemed eyes!"
Yun Fan said humbly.
"If you are merely superficial, then all doctors in this world are quacks!"
Ye Lingbei said, "I have encountered a bottleneck in my medical practice and hope Young friend Yun can help me!"
"Of course, it won't be without reason. Whether I can break through the bottleneck or not, you will be a benefactor to our Medicine God Valley! In the future, if you have any difficult matters, our Medicine God Valley will do its utmost to assist!"
"You are from Medicine God Valley?"
Yun Fan looked at Ye Lingbei in shock.
As a descendant of the Guigu School, he had naturally heard of Medicine God Valley. It was a sacred place for all doctors in the world.
Although he didn't know the general strength of Medicine God Valley, he knew it was an extremely formidable existence.
Ordinary people couldn't afford to offend it.
"That's right!"
Ye Lingbei nodded.
"Then why did even Tianmen not give you face before?"
Yun Fan was somewhat speechless. If Ye Lingbei was truly from Medicine God Valley, then Tianmen would be nothing to fear.
Yet, Ye Lingbei was completely at their mercy.
Upon hearing this, Ye Lingbei lost face and had to explain awkwardly, "Although I am from Medicine God Valley, I cannot act under the name of Medicine God Valley. After all, the agreement from back then has not expired yet! As long as Medicine God Valley does not emerge, it has no deterrent power in the secular world!"
"I see!"
Yun Fan instantly understood. In that case, it was understandable.
So, he pressed on, "Since you are from Medicine God Valley, why don't you seek advice from Medicine God Valley? Don't tell me you truly believe my medical skills are superior to Medicine God Valley's!"
Ye Lingbei smiled, "I cannot return to Medicine God Valley for the time being, so I can only remain in the secular world!"
"Why can't you return?"
Facing Yun Fan's question, Ye Lingbei patiently explained, "This involves many things, and I cannot reveal them for the time being!"
"Alright!"
Yun Fan decided not to ask further. So, he said to Ye Lingbei, "Given our relationship, I will help you, but whether it will be successful is uncertain!"
"Thank you, young friend Yun!"
Ye Lingbei said gratefully.
He knew that this bottleneck was a major problem for him, but for Yun Fan, it was not a big problem, not even a minor one. This time, he was truly assured.
Yun Fan couldn't bear to break the excited look on the old man's face.
Only after Ye Lingbei had his moment of excitement did he realize his失态 (shītài - loss of composure) and quickly changed the subject to ease the awkwardness.
"Young friend Yun, I heard that Miss Ye Qingcheng of the Ye family in Jinling has come to Jiangnan. Regardless of her intentions, you must be extremely cautious!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan scoffed, "Cautious about what! Ouyang Shaohui, another prodigy from the Four Great Families, was just like that!"
"No!"
Ye Lingbei said solemnly, "You don't know how terrifying Ye Qingcheng is!"
"What's so terrifying about her?"
At this moment, Ye Lingbei recounted Ye Qingcheng's background.
"Never view her with the eyes of someone of the same generation. She is an extremely terrifying existence. Her strength is definitely the strongest among the prodigies of the Four Great Families. It is said that she is already no weaker than the heads of the Four Great Families!"
Yun Fan nodded, "That's not bad. After all, the heads of the Four Great Families have the strength of half-step Xiantian. This Ye Qingcheng is indeed a prodigy!"
"More than a prodigy! She's practically abnormal. After her rise, she wielded astonishing means and courage to directly take control of the Ye family!"
Ye Lingbei exclaimed. Such a talented daughter was rarely seen in ancient times. Looking at the entire world, if there was anyone who could compare with her, it would only be Yun Fan standing before him.
But if one were to meticulously calculate, even Yun Fan did not possess the astonishing feats of Ye Qingcheng. Of course, this did not mean that Yun Fan was weaker than Ye Qingcheng.
It could only be said that Yun Fan and Ye Qingcheng had experienced and faced different things, so they could not be directly compared.
The only thing that could be compared was that their strength was equally formidable.
"Would the head of the Ye family agree to that?"
Yun Fan asked in confusion.
Ye Lingbei said, "Whether he agreed or not, he had to. Because the Ye family was originally the weakest among the Four Great Families. It was precisely because of Ye Qingcheng's rise that the Ye family soared and directly surpassed the other three great families to become number one!"
"So powerful?"
Even Yun Fan was somewhat impressed with Ye Qingcheng. Although she was just a woman, she had achieved this, a feat that most men could not accomplish.
"Naturally!"
Ye Lingbei said, "The Ye family was previously in disarray. At that time, many believed that the Ye family would fall out of the ranks of the Four Great Families and decline. But the outcome was beyond everyone's expectations. One can imagine how terrifying Ye Qingcheng is!"
Now, Yun Fan truly admired Ye Qingcheng from the bottom of his heart. If it were him, he was confident he could achieve it too, but in comparison, it could be seen that Ye Qingcheng was not inferior to him.
Of course, this was just speculation.
At this moment, Ye Lingbei said leisurely, "Actually, there was a reason for the Ye family's decline back then!"
"What reason?"
Yun Fan asked curiously.
"Actually, the Four Great Families back then were not surnamed Ye!"
"Oh?"
This made Yun Fan even more curious.
Ye Lingbei continued, "The Ye family back then was actually surnamed Long. The Long family was also a prosperous existence for a time, but heaven seemed to have played a joke on the Long family. Twenty years ago, the head of the Long family was named Long Aotian!"
"What an arrogant name!"
Yun Fan didn't know why, but he felt this name was very provocative.
Ye Lingbei continued, "Long Aotian and his wife were deeply in love and had a son. But fate seemed to play a joke on them. After giving birth, Long Aotian's wife suffered severe bleeding and died!"
"Pitiable!"
Yun Fan also felt sympathetic towards the Long family.
"In the following year, the Long family's fate took a turn, and it was also because of this turn that the Long family came to be surnamed Ye!"
Ye Lingbei continued to recount the story of the Long family.
"In the second year, Long Aotian married a second wife, Ye Ji. Ye Ji was as beautiful as a celestial being, the goddess in the hearts of countless men. I met her once, and she was so stunning, by no means weaker than your several confidantes!"
Ye Lingbei said with a dazed expression.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Yun Fan said awkwardly, "Divine Physician Ye, I am not the kind of person you imagine!"
He wanted to call this guy a perverted old rogue, but that wasn't the point. He seemed to have guessed something.
Ye Lingbei quickly regained his composure.
"It's just that there's a slight flaw. Back then, Ye Ji also brought a baby with her when she married into the Long family. This baby is the current Ye Qingcheng."