Ever since he learned he had an older sister, and after that particular night, Yang Yi had never pressed for any further answers. As for Xia Shiyun and the others, upon learning that Xiu'er was Yang Yi’s fiancée and that they had already performed the rites of husband and wife—even if it followed some ancient etiquette—they couldn't quite fathom why, after a moment of silence, they suddenly became incredibly familiar with Xiu'er.

It must be said that the adage, ‘A woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea,’ was once again proven true; the thoughts of women are indeed bafflingly difficult to read.

“Young Master, preparations are complete. We recently heard that the new Sect Master of the Tianlong lineage is set to ascend the throne. What are your thoughts on this...?”

Ye Han glanced at Tian Si upon hearing this and asked, “Who is taking over?”

“A woman named Yang Rong. I hear she is the daughter of Yang Lingfeng.”

“Yang Lingfeng?” Ye Han’s brow furrowed, and he said, “What is the current status of the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost lineage?”

“They have followed your instructions, Young Master, and are extensively expanding their influence to surround the location of the Tianlong lineage. I believe the reason the Tianlong lineage chose this moment for their new heir to succeed is because of us!”

“Hmph, even if they do that, they can’t touch me.” Ye Han snorted, a sinister smile spreading across his face. “Immediately have Tian San prepare his forces in the North. Tomorrow, you will accompany me north!”

“Yes, Young Master!” Tian Si responded, his heart filled with dread. He had not expected, not even in his wildest thoughts.

Ye Han was now leveraging the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost lineage against the Tianlong lineage, taking the opportunity to annihilate them and unify the ancestral clans. Furthermore, allowing his forces and Tian San to interfere while the ancestral clans were preoccupied with the Northern underworld forces undoubtedly violated the clan rules of the Heavenly Ghost lineage. Even so, it was likely impossible for the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost lineage to find out, as they were completely focused on dealing with the Tianlong lineage and couldn't possibly spare any attention.

Moreover, even if they did find out, once Ye Han had stabilized all the powers and presented undeniable results, the Ten Elders of the Heavenly Ghost lineage would have no ground to speak. Even if they were strictly enforcing the law, they would not erase a meritorious official. It had to be said, Ye Han’s move was ruthless, and he utilized it to the extreme!

Beida: Beijing’s premier university, unequivocally ranked among the top institutions in Huaxia. Today was the first day of classes, and Yang Yi and his group, having transferred from Fudan University in Shanghai, had arrived. The moment he stepped onto Beijing soil, forces from all four directions surged, discreetly discussing the arrival.

“Elder Qin, he is here,” a young man said to Qin Feng.

“Oh? It seems everything is about to unfold,” a cold glint flashed in Qin Feng’s eyes. “Immediately issue an order: heightened alert and strict vigilance. Also, instruct those high-ranking officials and dignitaries to keep their eyes open and not cause any disturbances at this crucial juncture. Furthermore, you will personally lead a team of plainclothes officers to protect him. Should any trouble arise, use your discretion, but absolutely ensure that no mishap occurs before he confronts Ye Han!”

“Yes!” The young man, named Fang Yi, was twenty-eight—quite young—and held a significant position within the official structure of Huaxia.

“Kid, good luck. You absolutely cannot afford any trouble, or I won’t be able to face Elder Yang!” Qin Feng looked deeply worried, as if many events were destined to unfold with Yang Yi’s arrival in the capital.

Meanwhile, on the other side, at the Fang family residence—one of the Four Great Military Regions—they were forced to station themselves in the capital due to the current situation. However, they were not the only military presence; members from the other three regions were also present. They were all acutely aware that Yang Yi had reached Beijing. What was unprecedented was that the four Commanders of the Four Great Military Regions were gathered together for the first time, excluding all others.

“Gentlemen, what are your views on the current situation?” Ling Bantian inquired.

The other three were momentarily stunned, then replied blankly, “Actually, we clearly cannot interfere in this matter. Moreover, according to directives from above, we are only required to keep our own subordinates in line.”

“But, right now…” Fang Chenglian glanced at Xu Guang, feeling helpless. His precious son was still stubbornly entrenched in the Northern underworld. If anything untoward happened... the consequences would be severe.

Xu Guang stood aside, paying no heed to the discussion that had brought them together, nor concerned about the seemingly solitary position he held. Instead, deep down, he had absolute faith in a certain person—the very person who could become his son’s superior. Furthermore, having inspected him personally, Xu Guang was confident Yang Yi could weather this storm.

Yet, one thing still worried him: even if Yang Yi won, he would inevitably have to face national judgment. But if Ye Han won, who could say if the nation would even still exist? Terrible things were likely to occur. “If the leadership changes, the world will be doomed.”

Ling Bantian and Mo Liaoran understood perfectly what Fang Chenglian was implying, and their expressions grew slightly unnatural. Seeing this, Xu Guang couldn't help but smile faintly. “Commanders, there’s no need to dwell on this. Since we have gathered today, our purpose is to discuss how to handle the events about to unfold in the capital.”

“Brother Xu speaks the truth. Let’s all discuss,” Ling Bantian interjected smoothly.

The other two nodded in agreement. Xu Guang inwardly sneered; he could see through their petty maneuvering. This evening’s discussion was clearly designed to drag him down. If any of their sons ran into trouble, they would likely expect him to assist. If he refused, he would lose face; if he helped, he would violate his own principles. Thinking this, Xu Guang quietly shook his head with a wry smile, muttering inwardly, “You all underestimate Yang Yi.”

Indeed, in the entire scheme, these three individuals grossly underestimated Yang Yi. Not only had they failed to use hard tactics to force their sons to cease their activities in the Northern underworld, but by separating themselves from the underworld while tacitly allowing their sons to continue operating within it, they were already violating unspoken rules, as well as the intentions of their superiors.

The fact that the leaders of Huaxia had yet to act was also quite clear: they simply wanted to play both sides, unwilling to relinquish their command positions nor sacrifice the benefits derived from the Northern underworld. This demonstrated their profound greed. However, the Three Crown Princes were not like them.

They knew clearly which path their Northern underworld faction should take. Following Ye Han’s path would lead to certain disaster. But if they followed Yang Yi’s path, it offered a fifty-fifty chance: either integrate into the Black God Gang, becoming a major underworld force under its banner, or defy both factions, fighting against Yang Yi as well as Ye Han—in which case, the subsequent consequences were unimaginable.

Sometimes, the truth is plainly visible, yet people insist on lingering at the edge of death just to taste what it’s like before they finally awaken. Such foolish behavior is perhaps the greatest flaw of modern man.

After navigating a round of paperwork, the group enrolled in Beida as transfer students, assigned to Class Three of the sophomore year. Yang Yi, Lin Pangzi, Xu Ming, Ye Xiaohou, along with Xuanyuan Bing and Murong Lianxue, including Xiu’er, were all admitted to Beida. Xiu’er’s peerless beauty drew a chorus of ecstatic howls from the male students in the main class, yet Xuanyuan Bing was largely overlooked. However, due to her generally cold and silent demeanor toward outsiders, a few people did notice her, though none dared to approach.

But in Class Three of the sophomore year, the most popular was not Xiu’er, but rather the adorable yet aloof Murong Lianxue. While not as icy as Xuanyuan Bing, she possessed a unique reserve; she rarely smiled or spoke to strangers, only revealing her innocent and charming true nature when facing Yang Yi and Lin Pangzi. Perhaps precisely because of this, she appeared even more endearing in the eyes of the other students.

Furthermore, for a twelve-year-old girl to attend university undoubtedly meant she possessed exceptionally superior academic achievements, which explained her transfer here. This fact alone instantly turned Murong Lianxue into a 'good girl' idol in the eyes of all ages, making everyone want to give the sweet child a hug.

“Damn, being so thoroughly ignored feels awful!” Lin Pangzi grumbled under his breath.

“Let’s go!” Ye Xiaohou and Xu Ming called out in unison, speechless.

“Coming!” Lin Pangzi ran over as he saw Yang Yi and the others waiting by the doorway.

As they walked, they overheard students discussing the unusually high number of transfer students that day—six in Class Three of the sophomore year alone, and three in Class One. People wondered when Beida had become so easy to transfer into.

“They’re all here. Boss, look!” On a different building, a youth pointed toward the crowd below them and then pointed toward three individuals on the other side.

“Heh heh, Yang Yi, Ye Han—the two giants have arrived,” Ling Feng smiled faintly, observing both groups with deep, cold amusement.

Mo Leng, standing nearby, remarked, “From today forward, everything begins. Boss, should we make our move?”

“No, it’s not time yet. Wait until those two sparks fly first,” Ling Feng instructed.

Meanwhile, Yang Yi, now a Grandmaster, possessed acute senses. He glanced toward the student building ahead and spotted Ling Feng and his group. He then looked to the left and saw Ye Han accompanied by two other young men he didn't recognize. He mused silently, “These two young men are both Master-level experts; they must be from the Heavenly Ghost lineage!”

“Heh heh! This is getting interesting. I hope tomorrow will be even more so!” Ye Han uttered an enigmatic phrase before leading the two young men away.

Lin Pangzi, who usually had the most questions, was about to speak when a figure laden with books barreled straight toward him. “Hey… make way, make way!”

“Bang!” The figure collided forcefully with Lin Pangzi, sending both tumbling to the ground.

“Ouch! What kind of careless fool are you? Didn’t I tell you to move aside!” The one who fell was clearly a female student, who immediately started wailing on the ground.

Hearing someone call him a fool and accuse him of being blind, Lin Pangzi instantly bristled and shouted back, “You damned woman, what did you just say!”

The girl, apparently offended by being called a hag, immediately scrambled to her feet and was about to unleash a torrent of abuse toward Lin Pangzi when she suddenly stopped, staring at him intently, unable to utter a word. At the same moment, Lin Pangzi froze as well. Yang Yi and the others watched on, confused by their identical expressions.

“It’s you?” Both pointed at each other simultaneously.

“Wait, I feel like I’ve seen this person somewhere?” Yang Yi suddenly muttered to himself, noticing the change in the girl’s expression, his eyes widening in realization. “It really is a narrow road for sworn enemies!”