The capital, the center of power throughout the ages, is a nexus of intricate and complex forces. To move against one person here inevitably entangled many others, much like pulling a single peanut from a cluster, bringing dozens more with it.
This was the most troublesome aspect of all.
No one was easy to move, and no one dared to make a move.
Although the Martial Arts Association had lost Wu Ji, to the powers behind it, the loss or gain of any individual was not paramount. Despite the significant trouble caused by Wu Ji’s death, for those behind the Martial Arts Association, it was hardly more than a minor setback, a mere scratch, self-inflicted at that.
The people of the capital finally recognized the terrifying might of Ye Longlin. No one was willing to stir up trouble, and no one dared to provoke him.
However, five days later, the Ye family made a widely publicized announcement.
“The wedding of the Ye family and the Li family will be held on the fifteenth of this month.”
This news sent ripples of shock through the capital, as it was the only piece of good news in recent times. Many families openly declared their intention to attend.
Furthermore, Han Qingshan of the Seascape Villa district also announced his attendance!
The news of Han Qingshan’s participation fully captured the attention of the military, political, and business sectors.
The Seascape Villa district was the residence of retired influential figures, and entry required a special permit; otherwise, one would be stopped and investigated.
Han Qingshan, this was a top-tier magnate, a man who had once been the closest contender for the position of Elder, and even now, he remained a candidate for the Sixth Elder.
Two years prior, a wrongful conviction case had led to countless attacks on the presiding judge, Han Qingshan. Under immense pressure, he had no choice but to step down.
After his retirement, Han Qingshan had been preparing to vie for the position of Sixth Elder. Although the term for the current Sixth Elder had not yet expired, this did not hinder his preparations.
Han Qingshan was also one of the leading figures in the capital’s elite circles. Even the Mayor of the capital regarded himself as a student in Han Qingshan’s presence.
His students were spread across the military, political, and business sectors. Within the capital’s circles, his influence was immense. It could be said that his every word and action could bring about changes in the capital.
The capital was the capital, and the Hall of Glory was the Hall of Glory; these were two distinct concepts.
Even though the Hall of Glory was situated on the capital’s land, the capital could not govern the Hall of Glory. Their strata were entirely different.
The capital was a first-tier city, while the Hall of Glory was the decision-making stratum.
“Han Qingshan has not made a public appearance for over a year. His sudden emergence now, does it signify his return to power?”
“Who knows? But I have a feeling… it’s hard to say. This matter is truly hard to say. Remember, the Li family was merely a second-rate family back then. Without the Ye family, where would the Li family be today? Moreover, Ye Guohui almost died at the hands of the Li family. Now that Ye Longlin has returned, he surely won’t let this matter rest.”
“Regardless, I feel this alliance will not be peaceful. The current capital needs a piece of good news to break the prevailing situation. But I have a bad feeling about this good news; many things are likely to happen.”
As countless people discussed the matter, a list was suddenly revealed. This list was quickly copied and distributed, falling into the hands of various families.
“For those on this list, I hope you will step forward yourselves, and do not force me to come looking for you.”
This list contained names of those who had acted under the Ye family’s orders and attacked Ye Guohui when he was preparing to leave the capital years ago.
The most prominently featured families on the initial list were the Wu family and the Li family!
The Wu family…
Many people finally remembered that on the night at the Li family’s residence, Ye Longlin had asked for the Wu family to appear. However, the Wu family had ignored him. To this day, the Wu family had offered no explanation, and had simply remained silent.
Everyone assumed Ye Longlin had forgotten. But as this list emerged, they realized the matter had not ended. Instead, it had been waiting for the opportune moment to be revealed, and now was the perfect time.
Yet… upon receiving this list, the Wu family still made no statement, remaining silent, as if creating the illusion that no harm would come to them if they didn’t respond.
In short, the capital, which had been peaceful for a few days, became turbulent once again due to this matter.
…
However, the external clamor seemed to have no connection to this small courtyard.
Out of boredom, Mu Hanqi had even found a job in the capital. Playing around all day had become monotonous.
For her, the amount of money was no longer important; she preferred to live a more fulfilling life.
The primary reason was that she had few friends in the capital, so she wanted to make new acquaintances through work.
Therefore, Ye Longlin was the only one left at home now.
“Master, this is the list of all our members for the past few months. The total number has reached two thousand, including ten Dao realm powerhouses and a hundred manifestations of dragon and elephant forms. The rest are individuals below the manifestation of dragon and elephant forms.”
The Dark Department!
Finally, it had taken shape!
After reviewing the list, Ye Longlin nodded slightly. At least in the capital, he now had people he could use.
“Bai Wuchang, you will go to this company and provide close protection for Madam. I do not wish to see Madam get hurt or captured again.”
In the roughly one month since arriving in the capital, many events had transpired. Mu Hanqi had already been captured twice. If this continued, she might lose confidence in herself, in life, and develop a fear of unknown dangers. He feared that one day Mu Hanqi would be unable to bear such pressure.
“Yes, your subordinate understands.”
“Here is the list of the Wu family. I want to see all the people on this list dead by tomorrow. Not a single one must be left. Hei Wuchang, you will arrange for this matter to be handled.”
Hei Wuchang, clad in black robes, nodded: “Your subordinate understands.”
“From now on, we shall be called the King of Hell’s Palace.”
A pure assassin organization, a pure organization hidden in the shadows.
Tonight, its fangs would be bared!
The King of Hell’s Palace, this would be his foundation from now on. But such an organization was clearly not meant to be founded by someone like him. Therefore, this matter could not be known to others. If it were discovered, endless troubles would arise.
At least for now, this matter absolutely could not be revealed.
Their speculation was just speculation; speculation lacked evidence. To make a definitive judgment, evidence was required.
Ye Longlin checked the time, preparing to drive to pick up Mu Hanqi from work, as it was her first day.
When Ye Longlin arrived at the company building, Mu Hanqi immediately ran over with a smile.
“Woody!”
It felt like a long time since they last saw each other.
Ye Longlin ruffled her small head and asked, “How was your first day at work?”
Mu Hanqi snuggled into his arms, “It was good. My colleagues are getting along well. But… guess who the boss of this company is?”
Ye Longlin followed her lead, asking, “Who?”
Mu Hanqi rolled her eyes, “You’re so silly! It’s Tian Ai. I didn’t expect it when I went for the interview today. I was afraid of applying for the position of president’s assistant because I’d checked that the company boss was a girl, so I applied for this role. I never imagined it would be Tian Ai.”