"There is news from the East Sea War Department," Wu Dao replied.
Upon hearing about the East Sea War Department, Ye Kunlun became exceptionally attentive. After all, his senior sister, Han Qingmian, had gone to the East Sea War Department a few days prior.
Before that, he learned that many of Zhou Lie's former subordinates were in the East Sea War Department and the Western Regions War Department.
If they were to learn of Han Qingmian's relationship with him, they might discreetly cause trouble for her.
"What news?"
Wu Dao continued, "Feng Zhan of the East Sea War Department will return to the capital in seven days."
Ye Kunlun's brows furrowed. He replied, "As far as I know, Feng Zhan is one of the three generals of the East Sea War Department. Without that person's order, he is not permitted to return to the capital without authorization."
"This is also where your subordinate is perplexed. Feng Zhan's return to the capital, risking punishment from that person, is likely aimed at the Young Master," Wu Dao expressed his concern.
"Feng Zhan?" Ye Kunlun chuckled. "The East Sea Three Generals, I'd like to see what capabilities he possesses."
"Furthermore, is there any news of my senior sister?" Ye Kunlun cared more about Han Qingmian.
"Lord Han is elusive; there is no news of her for the time being," Wu Dao replied. "However, I heard that two experts died in Japan, and it's likely the work of Lord Han."
"Heh heh." Ye Kunlun laughed, a touch of tenderness appearing on his face. "Senior sister's fiery temper, killing them is already letting them off easy. Keep a close watch on the situation at the East Sea War Department. If there's any news of senior sister, report it to me immediately."
After arriving in the capital, Ye Kunlun had called Han Qingmian, but the calls were always met with a "service area" message. He surmised that Han Qingmian must be on some mission.
"Yes."
—
While Ye Kunlun was briefing Wu Dao and Feng Tutu, the Nangong family was plunged into gloom. Gu Changsheng stood by the window, gazing at the unconscious Nangong Yunshao. An elder and a middle-aged man were beside him.
"楼主 (Louzhu, Master of the Tower), is there truly no other way?" Nangong Lie, his aged face etched with determination, asked Gu Changsheng.
Gu Changsheng shook his head. "As far as I know, the Star Soul Jade is the only thing that can save Yunshao at present, but that Ye Kunlun fellow is unyielding..." The thought of Ye Kunlun's presumptuous actions flashed a murderous intent in Gu Changsheng's eyes. Although he outwardly agreed to the Qin Tian Tower being at Ye Kunlun's beck and call for a year, in his heart, he did not regard Ye Kunlun with any respect.
"You are the楼主 of Qin Tian Tower; does Ye Kunlun not give you even this bit of face? Even if he is the Young Master of Wujian Prison, he is still a junior," the middle-aged man beside him said with a hint of anger. He was Nangong Huo, Nangong Yunshao's father.
Gu Changsheng thought to himself: If you knew how arrogant Ye Kunlun truly is, you wouldn't be giving me such unhelpful advice.
"Alas!" Gu Changsheng sighed. "Patriarch Nangong, I have relayed Ye Kunlun's words. Regarding Yunshao's condition, I, as her master..." With that, Gu Changsheng shook his head, displaying a look of helplessness.
Nangong Lie's eyes gleamed. "Well said, Ye Kunlun, truly young and impetuous!"
"However, even so, he is still not worthy of my precious granddaughter. My Nangong family, from top to bottom, supports Yunshao's breach of contract!" Nangong Lie had the capital for such pride. The Nangong family was one of the Seven Clans, the seven largest families in the capital besides the royal family. If his Nangong family stamped their foot, the capital would tremble. He certainly did not consider Ye Kunlun important.
"Second son!" Nangong Lie looked at Nangong Huo. "You go to Wujian Prison. No matter what conditions that brat Ye Kunlun proposes, you must obtain the Star Soul Jade."
"What if he is unreasonable?" Nangong Huo asked. "After all, he has Huang Jiuxian and the Four Impermanents by his side."
"Huang Jiuxian..." Nangong Lie murmured softly. "He was defeated by Elder Qi in the past. Today, I shall have Elder Qi accompany you."
Upon hearing that Nangong Lie wanted him to bring Elder Qi, Nangong Huo showed a hint of surprise. Gu Changsheng also appeared astonished and asked tentatively, "Patriarch Nangong, is the Elder Qi you speak of Qi Duangjiang, who became famous a hundred years ago for severing the Rou River with a single palm?"
"Precisely!" Nangong Lie replied.
Gu Changsheng expressed some emotion. "I thought Qi Duangjiang was long gone, but I didn't expect him to be with the Nangong family. The Nangong family truly lives up to being one of the Seven Clans."
"Our Nangong family is, after all, a millennium-old clan; we still have some foundation." Nangong Lie's tone was filled with pride. "Since楼主 Gu is here today, please stay for a simple meal and await my son's triumphant return."
"Gladly!" Gu Changsheng replied with a smile.
"Patriarch, Yu Yisheng has arrived," a servant reported, entering the room.
Nangong Lie's face lit up with joy, and he hurried out to meet him. Yu Buyu was recognized throughout Huaxia as the Medical Sage. He traveled extensively and his whereabouts were unpredictable. He happened to be in the capital recently, so the Nangong family had found out his location and invited him to examine Nangong Yunshao.
"Medical Sage Yu, I, Nangong Lie, have finally been blessed by your arrival." Nangong Lie stepped out and walked towards a short old man. Yu Buyu was thin, barely over five feet tall, and over seventy years old. Yet, he had black hair, a rosy complexion, and sharp eyes that gave off an unfriendly aura.
"Hmph!" Yu Buyu seemed to dislike Nangong Lie. "Don't try to curry favor with me. If it weren't for your precious granddaughter being the future楼主 of Qin Tian Tower, I wouldn't bother!"
"You speak the truth, esteemed one." Nangong Lie was not angered. Yu Buyu, though not from a prestigious family, was a Medical Sage personally enfeoffed by that person in Shanhetian. No one in the world dared to slight him. Moreover, everyone experiences aging and illness, and one might even need his help to save a life one day.
Nangong Lie led the way, and they entered Nangong Yunshao's chamber.
"I saw this girl once when she was young. Later, her fragmented soul was replenished by the Star Soul Jade," Yu Buyu said, looking at the unconscious Nangong Yunshao, whose soul power was beginning to wane. His expression was somewhat solemn, clearly aware that Nangong Yunshao's fragmented soul condition was not easy to treat.
"Why is the Star Soul Jade not visible now?" he asked Nangong Lie.
"Medical Sage, you may not know, but the Star Soul Jade was a token of engagement presented by a powerful individual to his disciple when betrothing them to Yunshao. However, Yunshao did not favor this marriage and returned the token," Nangong Lie explained.
Yu Buyu retorted sarcastically, "I see your Nangong family looks down on them now, don't you?" He then glanced at Gu Changsheng and said, his tone equally unpleasant, "Gu Changsheng, do you spend all your days holed up in Qin Tian Tower, deducing Yin and Yang and capturing heavenly secrets, and you haven't discerned the mystery of this marriage?"
"Medical Sage, what do you mean?"
Yu Buyu shook his head, opened his medical kit, took out three needles, and sealed three vital points on Nangong Yunshao. "These three needles can only seal her divine soul for three days. If there is no Star Soul Jade within three days..." With that, Yu Buyu picked up his medical kit and walked towards the door.
"Medical Sage, is there truly no other way?" Nangong Lie pursued him.
Yu Buyu paused and replied, "There is, unless the Sect Master of Tianyi Sect personally arrives!"