The golden morning sun shines on the houses of Red Leaf Manor, dappling the shadows of the trees against the carved beams and painted rafters. Occasionally, the sound of roosters crowing can be heard, accompanied by wisps of smoke rising into the sky, contrasting with the cotton-like white clouds.

A carriage stopped at the entrance of Red Leaf Manor. Several people stepped out of the carriage. The leader was dressed in a scholar’s robe, holding a folding fan, with a faint smile on his face.

Beside him followed a tall, fair-skinned, and androgynous figure. Behind them were several followers dressed in gray, close-fitting clothes.

Peng Shaonan was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing the newcomer, he was overjoyed: “Young Master Hua, Master Yaoye, please come in quickly!”

It was Hua Yushu and Yao Ye who arrived. The two nodded and stepped into the manor.

At this time, Qi Fei and the others had just gotten up, had breakfast, and came to the main room.

As soon as I entered the door, I saw Ye Hongyi and Ye Taixuan entertaining guests. They were none other than Hua Yushu and Yao Ye, who had caused a great disturbance in the palace with Qi Fei and fled after their battle with him in the capital!

Qi Fei’s expression changed, and he became secretly on guard. He didn’t believe that these two bastards could turn from enemies to friends.

“Come, come, let me introduce you.” Ye Taixuan stood up and came between Hua Yushu and Qi Fei, introducing them to each other.

Hua Yushu’s eyes lit up when she saw Qi Fei, and she exclaimed with delight, “Oh my, isn’t this Brother Qi? It’s been so long! How have you been?”

His expression, tone, and attitude were exceptionally warm, completely unlike the hostile demeanor he displayed in the capital.

This startled Qi Fei slightly, and for a moment he couldn’t quite grasp what it meant.

Just then, a figure suddenly pounced on Yao Ye, shouting, “Yao Ye, prepare to die!”

Everyone looked and realized it was Lai Wai-yu.

Li Huiyu’s son, Du Qingyuan, and husband, Du Ao, both died at the hands of Yao Ye. She and Yao Ye were sworn enemies.

Seeing Yao Ye here, he couldn’t hold back any longer and immediately made his move.

Yao Ye’s martial arts skills were many times better than hers, so why would he be afraid of her? He casually pointed a finger, and the tip of his finger touched the tip of her sword. With a “ding”, the long sword in his hand broke in response!

Yao Ye extended another finger, aiming it at Li Huiyu’s palm. This strike would surely leave a bloody hole in Li Huiyu’s hand.

Just then, Qi Fei flashed and appeared behind Li Huiyu, and a powerful surge of true energy flowed into Li Huiyu’s body.

Yao Ye’s fingertips touched Li Huiyu’s palm, and a sound of energy clashing rang out. Yao Ye’s right hand trembled, and he took a few steps back with a series of thuds, his entire finger shaking.

Relying on the presence of Qi Fei and the others, Li Huiyu was not afraid of Yao Ye. She glared at Yao Ye and said, “How dare you, a villain, come to a prestigious sect like Red Leaf Manor?”

Yao Ye chuckled and said, “What are you saying, Miss Li? I am a distinguished guest of Red Leaf Manor.”

Li Huiyu looked at Ye Hongyi and Ye Taixuan. Ye Taixuan hurriedly said, “Miss Li, you may not know this, but Yao Ye has reformed and now serves the Fengyun Escort Agency. He is indeed a distinguished guest of my Red Leaf Manor. If Miss Li has any deep-seated hatred with Yao Ye, I hope you will forgive him and not take it to heart.”

“I see.” Li Huiyu snorted coldly, already disappointed with Red Leaf Manor.

“Everyone, please don’t stand on ceremony, sit down and let’s chat,” Ye Taixuan said with a smile, inviting everyone to take their seats.

Ye Hongyi sat in the main seat, with Yao Youwei and Ye Taixuan sitting beside him. Hua Yushu and Yao Ye sat to Ye Hongyi’s left, while Fang Huaxian, Feng Jianqing, Qi Fei, and others were arranged to sit to Ye Hongyi’s right.

The left side, or east side, is considered the most important, while the right side is considered the least important. Everyone immediately understood this arrangement: Red Leaf Manor clearly valued Hua Yushu and the others more, treating them as their own people, while treating Fang Huaxian and the others as guests.

After everyone was seated, servants served tea, snacks, peanuts, pears, and other items, and the faint aroma of tea wafted through the living room.

Ye Hongyi looked at Fang Huaxian and said, “Sect Leader Fang, regarding the matter I proposed yesterday, I wonder what the Empress of your country’s response is?”

Fang Huaxian raised her long, pointed eyebrows, a faint smile appearing in her slender, beautiful eyes. She said, “Hero Ye, His Majesty also agrees with the alliance proposed by Red Leaf Manor and believes that cooperation is possible. As for the marriage between the young prince and Miss Ye, as long as neither of them has any objections, the Empress will also agree.”

Hearing this, Ye Ruiyun’s pretty face flushed slightly.

Ye Hongyi’s face showed a satisfied expression, and then she said, “That’s great. I just don’t know what the Empress thinks about the marriage between my nephew Yushu and your princess?”

Fang Huaxian said, “The Empress has left the decision to the Princess regarding this matter.”

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to Kazami Haru.

Kazemi Haru chuckled and said, “I don’t have high requirements for my future husband. As long as it is beneficial to my Kun Kingdom, I’m fine with anyone marrying into the family. I think Young Master Hua is a handsome and dignified man, and he is indeed an excellent candidate. We can consider him.”

Everyone reacted differently upon hearing this.

Qi Fei was naturally unhappy and strongly opposed to the marriage. He would never allow Feng Jianqing to marry Hua Yushu, and even if Feng Jianqing agreed, he would do everything in his power to ruin their happiness.

However, Ye Hongyi was very satisfied and repeatedly praised Feng Jianqing for being pragmatic and promising that she would surely achieve great things in the future.

Hua Yushu was overjoyed.

Hua Yushu, holding a folding fan, stood up and said with a grateful expression, “How could I, Yushu, be worthy of the princess’s favor? Please rest assured, princess, after I marry into the Kun Kingdom, I will wholeheartedly strive to bring benefits to the Kun Kingdom!”

Kazami Haru smiled and said, “Young Master Hua, please don’t be in a hurry. I haven’t agreed yet. Although my requirements are not high, they are not nonexistent. The other party must do three things for me before he can marry me.”

Hua Yushu quickly asked, “What is it? Even if it means going through fire and water, Yushu will definitely help the princess!”

Kazami Harumi’s eyes flashed, and she said, “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll tell you when I’ve thought it through.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

Hua Yushu smiled and looked at Feng Jianqing with tenderness, as if she had already become his woman.

At this moment, Hua Yushu was overjoyed. He had previously used his expertise in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to gain the favor of Princess Wang Wanru of Da Gan and become her friend. Now, he had also won the favor of Feng Jianqing and was engaged to her. If he managed things well, he might be able to win over both of these peerless beauties at the same time in the future. That would make him a true winner in life, and countless men would be envious.

Especially since these two women have special identities, one is the future Empress of Kun Kingdom and the other is the princess of Da Gan. He does not think that he will always be someone else’s son-in-law. Sooner or later, he will replace the Empress as the Emperor of Kun Kingdom, then secretly kill the royal family of Da Gan, and become the Emperor of Da Gan with the help of Wang Wanru. Finally, he will unify the world and no one in the world will be able to compare with him!

While Hua Yushu was beaming with joy, Qi Fei, standing to the side, was gritting his teeth, almost crushing the teacup in his hand.

Hua Yushu smiled slightly and said, “Brother Qi! You all don’t know this, but there was a misunderstanding between me and you before. However, it doesn’t matter. After I marry the princess, all the misunderstandings will be wiped away. These are just minor matters, so you don’t need to take them to heart!”

“Hmph!” Qi Fei snorted coldly, staring at the roof beam, not even glancing at him.

At this moment, Hua Yushu’s eyes darted around and he said, “Uncle Ye, I have another important matter to discuss with you. I hope you can make a decision for me!”

Ye Hongyi said in a deep voice, “Yushu, your father and I are like brothers. Don’t stand on ceremony here. Just make yourself at home. If there’s anything you need to say, I’ll take care of it for you.”

“Thank you, Uncle!”

Hua Yushu rose and bowed, then looked at Qi Fei, sighed, and said with a sorrowful expression, “It is like this. Before my father passed away, he passed on the manual of the Hua family’s ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’ to Brother Qi. My father wanted Brother Qi to pass on the manual to me. Unfortunately, our parting in the capital last time was too rushed, and there was no time to pass on the manual. Now that we are all gathered here, I hope that Brother Qi can pass on the ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’ manual to me. With Uncle Ye as a witness, I believe Brother Qi can rest assured and not worry about outsiders learning it.”

Qi Fei was stunned when he heard this.

He never expected that Hua Yushu, that bastard, would use such a move. This was a shift from hard to soft, a way of trying to get the “Red Sun Shines Over the World” technique back from him when he realized that force wouldn’t work.

No wonder he was so “friendly” today; it seems he’s convinced he learned this amazing skill in prison, and it’s impossible to hide it from him now.

Qi Fei would never pass on this divine skill to him. If Hua Yushu were an upright person and truly regarded him as a brother, Qi Fei could do him a favor. Unfortunately, this guy was treacherous and cunning, and was no good at all. How could Qi Fei let him off so easily?

Upon hearing Hua Yushu’s words, everyone turned their gaze to Qi Fei, their faces filled with surprise. They never expected that Hua Zhenbei would actually pass on to him the “Red Sun Illuminates the World” technique, one of the four great martial arts of the time.

Qi Fei hated Hua Yushu even more. Hua Yushu’s actions were tantamount to confirming that he had indeed learned the “Red Sun Shines Over the World” technique.

“What’s wrong, Brother Qi? Is there something troubling you?” Hua Yushu asked gently, seeing Qi Fei’s unpleasant expression, showing no concern. He was quite polite and refined.

At this moment, Feng Jianqing chuckled and said, “Young Master Hua, you keep saying that my brother learned your Hua family’s ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’ technique, but what evidence do you have? Have you seen it?”

Hua Yushu smiled faintly and said, “I didn’t see it, but I know that Brother Qi was once imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison by Wang Hongyu. During that hour and a half, Brother Qi was with my father… Oh, right! My father was blinded by that dog emperor, so he might have mistaken Brother Qi for Yushu, which is why he passed on the divine skill manual to Brother Qi…”

Seeing this, Li Yuyao also stood up to help Qi Fei and said, “Nonsense, you’re making this up! Our Diancang Sect’s ‘Eighteen Panlong Swords’ are incredibly powerful, why would we need to learn your Hua family’s ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’?”

Hua Yushu said solemnly, “Please don’t be anxious, ladies. I have good reasons for saying this.”

What could be the reason?

“Back in the palace, Brother Qi’s martial arts were only at the top-tier level, not even reaching the Innate Realm. However, after being released from the Heavenly Prison, his martial arts improved by leaps and bounds. Not only did he break through to the Innate Realm, but his power also became incredibly profound, surpassing even the Nine Thousand Years Old and the Demon Night Cult Leader! Who would believe that he didn’t have any extraordinary encounters in the Heavenly Prison?”

Upon hearing this, everyone remained silent.

This is a fact, and there is no way to refute it. Yao Youwei, Ye Ruiyun, and others all witnessed it firsthand. After Qi Fei came out of the prison, he scared Wang Hongyu away. It wasn’t until the emperor sent out the Thirteen Bodyguards under his command that they were able to barely stop him.

Hua Yushu sighed and said, “My father was a great hero. He fought against the dog emperor and died a tragic death! I suppose my father passed on his skills to Brother Qi. Otherwise, with my father’s strength, how could the emperor possibly be his match… Alas!”

Feng Jianqing looked at Qi Fei and asked, “Little brother, did the old hero Hua pass on his skills to you?”

“No.” Qi Fei shook his head.

Kazami Haru then asked, “Then why has your martial arts improved so rapidly?”

Qi Fei said, “My martial arts skills were originally very high, but I have been hiding my strength. Our Feng clan’s ‘Bright Moon Flying Phoenix’ is invincible, but I rarely use it. That day in the Heavenly Prison, I suddenly had an epiphany and by chance opened the gate between life and death, which is why I broke through to the Innate Realm. It is reasonable that my martial arts skills have greatly improved.”

Kazami Haru then looked at Hua Yushu: “Did you hear everything?”

Hua Yushu hurriedly said, “Then your skill level couldn’t possibly be that high, not even as good as Wei Yan and Yao Ye. How is that possible?”

Qi Fei said, “Nothing is impossible. I have my own secret techniques to enhance my power.”

“What secret technique?”

I won’t tell you.

“You…” Hua Yushu snorted coldly, and was about to get angry when he suddenly turned into a smile. “Brother Qi, don’t deny it. With Uncle Ye here, you will have to hand over the ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’ technique today no matter what.”

Ye Hongyi, known as the “Sword Master,” is one of the four great masters in the world. He is a peerless martial arts expert who has reached the Heavenly Realm. His power is greater than the emperor’s judgment. How could ordinary people dare to lie in front of him? They would tell the truth about any secrets they had. Hua Yushu wanted to use his influence to force Qi Fei to submit.

However, Qi Fei had Feng Liyao as his backer, so he was not afraid of him.

Seeing that Qi Fei was fearless, Hua Yushu looked helplessly at Ye Hongyi with a pleading expression.

Ye Hongyi had promised to uphold justice for him, so she naturally had to show her appreciation. She said, “Young Master Qi, I have known the Empress for many years. To me, you are like Yu Shu, a nephew in my eyes. Moreover, I have betrothed Ruiyun to you, so we will be family from now on. If you really learn ‘The Red Sun Shines Over the World,’ how about you pass this divine skill on to Yu Shu? Your Feng Clan’s ‘Bright Moon Flying Phoenix’ is no less than ‘The Red Sun Shines Over the World,’ so there is no need to covet this divine skill.”

Qi Fei said, “What ‘Red Sun Shines Over the World’? I don’t know.”

Ye Hongyi asked, “Then why has your martial arts improved so rapidly? This has exceeded the normal range.”

Qi Fei said, “Well… I’m embarrassed to say.”

Ye Hongyi said, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s alright, just say it. With me here, no one will say anything to you.”

Qi Fei looked troubled, hesitant to speak. Seeing everyone staring at him silently, waiting for him to speak, Qi Fei took a deep breath before blushing and saying, “I accidentally learned a technique of absorbing yin to replenish yang. The day I came out of the Heavenly Prison and broke through to the Innate Realm, I absorbed the primordial yin energy of the Emperor’s concubines in the palace, which greatly increased my power…”

“What?!”

“this……”

“I see!”

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was happening, yet they were speechless.

It is said that the art of sexual cultivation is extremely evil, but it is indeed of great benefit to improving one’s power. Among those present, Yao Ye, the leader of the Yin Yang Sect, has a deep understanding of this. He is bisexual, so his strength has increased rapidly and his power is no less than that of the Nine Thousand Years Old.

The story of Qi Fei sleeping with all the concubines in Emperor Qian’s harem had already spread widely in the martial arts world. It was a topic of much discussion and spread throughout the streets and alleys. Some people mocked the lack of talent in the Qian Dynasty’s palace and Wang Tianlong for having a huge green hat on his head. Others were amazed by Qi Fei’s audacity.

Especially since Qi Fei slept with the White Queen, this is absolutely shocking news, this matter is really too big!

It should be noted that the White Queen is the mother of the nation in the Great Gan Kingdom. She is not only the Empress of the Great Gan Kingdom, but also the birth mother of the Crown Prince, and the elder sister of the Sword Saint Bai Xifeng. Qi Fei has offended all of these people at once. If he did not have the background of the Kun Kingdom, he would have died countless times over.

Now, not only the court of the Da Gan Dynasty, but even the people of Ao Jian Manor are trying to capture and kill him. It can be said that Qi Fei is currently an enemy of the world in the territory of the Da Gan Dynasty!

Everyone was speechless at Qi Fei’s explanation.

Fang Huaxian smiled and said, “Hero Ye, do you still have any doubts?”

“…In that case, I have no further questions.” Ye Hongyi nodded in relief.

Upon hearing this, Hua Yushu was speechless. His face turned pale and then red, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Qi Fei really hadn’t learned the “Red Sun Shines Over the World” technique.

Stealing martial arts techniques from other schools has always been a major taboo in the martial arts world. Even though Qi Fei has a powerful backer, he doesn’t dare to tell outsiders that he has learned the “Red Sun Shines Over the World” divine skill. If Hua Yushu and others confirm this, he will definitely face endless trouble in the future. Ye Hongyi will definitely step in to uphold justice for Hua Yushu.

After Qi Fei explained the reason for his great improvement in martial arts, the matter was temporarily resolved.

At this moment, Ye Taixuan suddenly stood up and said, “Miss Gu, I have a suggestion, but I don’t know if I should say it?”

Gu Yinzhang raised an eyebrow: “I wouldn’t dare, please speak, Master Ye.”

Everyone present had a powerful background and great strength. She was currently the acting head of the Diancang Sect, but her martial arts skills were not high enough. Among these people, apart from her appearance, she had nothing to offer. She was somewhat doubtful about Ye Taixuan’s words.

Ye Taixuan smiled and said, “The Diancang Sect is one of the nine major orthodox sects in the martial arts world. I used to have a good relationship with the great hero Li Lingyun, known as ‘Diancang Sword.’ It’s a pity that he died young… Alas! I hope you can take care of yourself, Miss Gu.”

Gu Yinzhang remained silent. She had long forgotten about Li Lingyun’s death and had no reason to grieve.

Ye Taixuan continued, “It’s like this, now that our families have formed marriage alliances, we’re all one family. I’d like to do something even closer. My son, Jingyun, is already fifteen years old. As far as I know, Miss Gu’s daughter, Yuyao, is also fifteen, isn’t she?”

He looked at Li Yuyao with a smile.

“Not bad.” Gu Yinzhang nodded.

Ye Taixuan chuckled and said, “I wish to become in-laws with Miss Gu. What do you think?”

Upon hearing this, Gu Yinzhang’s beautiful eyes flickered, and she said, “Does Master Ye mean… that my daughter should marry your son?”

“Not bad.” Ye Taixuan stroked his beard.

Ye Jingyun stood beside him, staring at Li Yuyao with shining eyes, her gaze filled with infatuation.

“This…” Gu Yinzhang was about to say that Li Yuyao was already Qi Fei’s woman when she suddenly realized that if she said that, it would probably ruin Qi Fei’s good fortune in marrying Ye Ruiyun. So she had a sudden thought and said, “Indeed, my daughter is of marriageable age, and your son is also an outstanding man. However, your son is not my daughter’s type. Matters between men and women cannot be forced. Besides, my daughter is not good enough for your son. Our Diancang Sect is weak and cannot afford to be associated with Hongye Manor. Therefore, this marriage need not be mentioned anymore. I hope that Master Ye will understand.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Taixuan’s face darkened: “Miss Gu, please don’t be so quick to refuse. Why not reconsider?”

“No need to consider it.” Gu Yinzhang shook his head, not giving him any chance.

“Father, I want to marry Sister Yuyao. I love Sister Yuyao, Father…” Ye Jingyun grabbed Ye Taixuan’s arm and shook it incessantly, almost throwing a tantrum on the ground. He was not like a fifteen-year-old boy at all, but a three-year-old child, even more immature than Qi Fei.

“Shut up! Aren’t you ashamed enough?” Ye Taixuan shouted, scaring Ye Jingyun into tears.

“Waaah…” Ye Jingyun cried and ran out the door.

Ye Taixuan, his face flushed, said, “My son is young and doesn’t know any better, so please don’t take it to heart.”

“Ahem, Madam, is the food ready?” Ye Hongyi broke the awkward silence and looked at Yao Youwei.

“I’ll go take a look.” Yao Youwei got up and left.

The conversation ended unhappily.