The expressions of everyone present shifted dramatically upon hearing those words. If the underworld were truly thrown into an uproar, the consequences were simply unimaginable. Fatty Lin and the others fell silent at that moment, though worry still etched their faces. While Yang Yi’s strength was beyond question, open attacks were easier to dodge than hidden arrows; the incident with Feng Shi had made that reality terrifyingly clear.

As if sensing their apprehension, Yang Yi merely laughed dismissively. "Relax. Nothing will happen to me. Besides, that petty British royalty and the Mafia aren't worthy enough to take my life!"

In truth, Yang Yi’s statement was pure comfort; his own heart held no certainty. There were too many masters in this world, and assassination attempts were impossible to fully guard against. All Yang Yi could do was carve out his own bloody path, stand at the pinnacle, and force every ill-intentioned soul to bow at his feet. Only then could he stop living under the constant threat of being targeted. But was that truly the case? That remained a matter of opinion.

What they didn't know, however, was that they weren't the only ones contemplating such matters; some had foreseen this long ago. Putting aside Yang Yitian and Li Yang for a moment, consider Qin Feng. The primary reason he secretly protected and aided Yang Yi was undoubtedly due to the Chinese underworld and the covetous eyes of foreign powers. While Qin Feng's connection to Yang Yitian provided him leverage to help Yang Yi, that alone was insufficient.

Returning to school, the first place Yang Yi and his group looked was not their designated seats, but the spot belonging to a person named Xu Bin.

"Damn it, he's really gone," Fatty Lin cursed under his breath.

"Heh, that’s to be expected. He isn't an idiot!" Yang Yi knew perfectly well that for an assassin, even if the mission failed, once their presence was revealed, they would retreat without hesitation. Thinking of this, Yang Yi’s signature smile flickered across his lips.

The morning classes were few, as expected for first-year university students. For Yang Yi, university was merely a process, a footnote. For a high-level rogue like him, formal study was ancient history; he had long ago chased the joys found within true scholarship. Thus, he lacked fervor now, merely sitting there, lost in thought, though his gaze occasionally drifted to the adjacent seat—the one belonging to Dongfang Mei'er.

"Hmph, that kid will probably drag her here to apologize today," Yang Yi thought, a confident smile briefly flashing across his face.

In Yang Yi's eyes, Dongfang Shiling was a rare talent and a crucial figure for his initial development in Shanghai. Dongfang Shiling, a third-year student, was presumably well-versed in Fudan University matters, and Yang Yi needed his insight into Shanghai and the university specifically—that was why he valued him.

"Ding-a-ling!" "Ding-a-ling!"

The bell signaling the end of class rang repeatedly, and the morning passed without notice. At that moment, a young man accompanied by a young woman slowly approached the first-year 'Six' classroom.

"Brother Yi!" Fatty Lin subconsciously called out to Yang Yi as Dongfang Shiling and Dongfang Mei'er walked in.

"Heh heh, they're here?" Yang Yi grinned inwardly, then stood up. He glanced at the pair; he remained steady and cold, but she seemed changed, at least lacking the previously willful and spoiled look on her face. As they approached him, before they could speak, Yang Yi waved a hand. "Don't say anything yet. Eating comes first. Let's go together!"

"Uh! Yes!" Dongfang Shiling seemed unaccustomed to responding to Yang Yi with such deference.

Dongfang Mei'er, however, was beaming. She suddenly darted to Yang Yi's side, grabbed his hand, and laughed, "Great! If Brother Yi says eat first, then we eat first."

"Holy crap!" Fatty Lin muttered under his breath, watching Dongfang Mei'er with utter disbelief.

Yang Yi felt a strange wave of awkwardness, too. How had this girl suddenly become so assertive, calling him 'Brother Yi' in this short time? He stared at her, momentarily stunned.

Seeing his sister’s lack of propriety, Dongfang Shiling shuddered, cold sweat tracing his forehead, and he snapped, "Mei'er!"

"Heh heh, it’s fine, don't mind her," Yang Yi said, immediately regretting the words. This girl hadn't changed at all; those soft mounds were pressing against him, making Yang Yi’s mind restless.

Dongfang Mei'er was not only beautiful but also possessed a fantastic figure, and those soft mounds seemed unusually large, pressing right against Yang Yi’s arm, making frequent contact that was almost unbearable for Yang Yi to endure. A rogue is still a rogue, and a lecher remains a lecher; he reacted accordingly, forced to tolerate her actions, which bordered on light sexual harassment.

Upon arriving at the cafeteria, they proceeded to the Chinese restaurant section. This caused confusion, but more so cold sweats, for Xu Ming and Ye Xiaohou, who happened to see them. They knew that Dongfang Mei'er, possessing an innate alluring physique, had a devastating effect when she acted spoiled. However, these two seemed to be watching Yang Yi with a hint of schadenfreude.

"Damn these two!" Yang Yi thought scornfully of Xu Ming and Ye Xiaohou, muttering under his breath before finally pulling his hand free from the constant squeezing, wiping away a bead of sweat.

Seeing Yang Yi’s relieved posture, a hint of amusement crossed Dongfang Shiling’s mind. He then addressed Yang Yi, "Sect Master..."

"No need to call me Sect Master or anything. Just call me Young Master, or perhaps Brother Yi," Yang Yi said with a warm smile, cutting him off.

"Yes!" Dongfang Shiling was beginning to feel a favorable impression of Yang Yi; at least he didn't seem like someone who relied solely on power and status.

If only he knew he was just a little lamb, and even less about the true nature of Yang Yi’s smile. Fatty Lin and the other two trembled inwardly seeing that smile, recalling the hardships they endured under it back in high school.

"Um... Young Master, we sincerely apologize for yesterday's incident. Thank you for your forgiveness," Dongfang Shiling began, even making a move to kneel, as did Dongfang Mei'er.

Yang Yi quickly stopped them. He recognized a true line of command from Dongfang Daoming—even Dongfang Mei'er was obeying him so readily—which was quite remarkable. He offered a calm smile. "Enough, that's all in the past. I don't recall anything about yesterday."

"Ah!" The Dongfang siblings froze, looking blankly at Yang Yi, a slight smile gracing their faces. Yet, Dongfang Shiling thought a bit deeper than his sister. "Truly worthy of being the Sect Master of the Xuanmen."

"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. We’ll discuss after we eat!" Yang Yi smiled faintly, his mind churning with some scheme. In truth, he had already secured the loyalty of this person.

Seeing Yang Yi’s amicable expression, Dongfang Shiling and Dongfang Mei'er's positive opinion soared rapidly. The trio beside them watched this transformation, unsure if they were secretly chuckling or what, but their expressions were certainly peculiar. Noticing their looks, Yang Yi shot them a sharp glance.

Fatty Lin and the other two chuckled sheepishly and immediately buried their faces in their food. Dongfang Shiling looked utterly puzzled, glancing from Yang Yi to the trio, feeling an unsettling sensation, as if today was somehow turning out...

Before he could fully process the thought, Yang Yi spoke up, asking, "What should I call you?"

"Uh, oh!" Dongfang Shiling stammered, wiping his brow internally, and quickly introduced himself. "My name is Dongfang Shiling. Young Master can call me Shiling!"

"Oh! Shiling, is it?" Yang Yi maintained his smile and continued, "You must be in your third year, correct?"

"Yes," Dongfang Shiling replied.

"Good. Then I won't waste time. I actually need your help with a few things. Are you willing?"

The moment Yang Yi said this, Fatty Lin and the other two muttered together, "Here it comes."

"Uh!" Dongfang Shiling was momentarily taken aback, then looked at Yang Yi, silently exclaiming. He was finally beginning to grasp the meaning behind Yang Yi’s strangely gentle smile. Yet, he felt he should certainly assist Yang Yi, especially since Yang Yi was the Sect Master of his Xuanmen. Thus, he humbly responded, "Please instruct me, Young Master. As long as it is within my capacity, I surely will..."

"No need to be so dramatic. I just need to understand a few things from you, and have you handle one small matter!" Yang Yi knew what he was about to pledge, so he quickly suppressed his desire to elaborate further.

"Yes, please tell me directly, Young Master!" Dongfang Shiling felt a bead of cold sweat trickle down.

"Very well, I'll be direct!" Yang Yi finished, his expression suddenly sharpening. A trace of coldness crossed his brow as he stated, "How much do you know about the situation at Fudan University?"