"This..."
Feeling Ye Zhenghao's anxious gaze, Ye Yaoyang felt a pang in his heart.
From childhood to adulthood, all his schemes were for Ye Zhenghao. It could be said that whatever Ye Zhenghao wanted, he would find a way to get it.
However, encountering Dongfang Mingyue now, he felt a sense of powerlessness and also felt ashamed of his son.
No! He couldn't admit defeat. Things were determined by people, and he had to try!
Thinking of this, Ye Yaoyang secretly shook his head. He was only this close to paving the way for his son, and he absolutely could not retreat at this moment.
With that thought, Ye Yaoyang looked at Dongfang Mingyue, his face a little apprehensive, and said, "Miss Mingyue, there's actually one more thing I'd like to discuss with you?"
"Dean Ye, if you have something to say, please say it directly!" Dongfang Mingyue raised her eyebrows slightly and gestured for him to proceed.
"My son, Zhenghao, greatly admires Miss Dongfang and intends to form a partnership with her. What are your thoughts on this?"
Dean Ye was out of options. If he didn't mention this matter now, Dongfang Mingyue might just leave.
So he gritted his teeth and blurted it out.
By saying it directly, there was at least a 50% chance of success, which was better than letting her leave without saying anything.
"..."
Ye Cangtian's expression changed. Just as he feared, he was worried that Dongfang Mingyue would reject the proposal, leading to Ye Yaoyang's dissatisfaction and a falling out between them.
But Ye Yaoyang, driven by his son's desires, was clearly frantic and not considering the consequences.
"I refuse!"
Dongfang Mingyue's face turned extremely grim as she replied word by word.
Since the matter had been brought up so directly, she saw no reason to hold back.
"Why!"
"Zhenghao's talent is exceptional. He's already close to the eighth heaven realm, and with time, he's bound to break through to the Heaven rank!"
"If you two were to combine, your offspring's talent would certainly not be inferior!"
"Moreover, if you and Zhenghao unite, you will also receive all the resources of the Blazing Flame Institute, which would also benefit the Hidden Group!"
Upon hearing Dongfang Mingyue's refusal, Ye Yaoyang's eyes turned red.
He couldn't understand why Dongfang Mingyue refused when marrying Ye Zhenghao offered so many benefits.
If his son were truly lacking, he might understand, but that was not the case. His son was considered a proud son of heaven!
Dongfang Mingyue glanced at him and said faintly, "Because I don't like him! It's as simple as that!"
"Miss Mingyue, don't make hasty judgments. Think about this operation. Zhenghao stepped forward for you. Aren't you at all moved?"
"And your tyrannical Manba, does it truly have nothing to do with Zhenghao?"
"Therefore, Miss Mingyue, you should think carefully. I believe you will find his many good qualities in Zhenghao..."
Ye Yaoyang said quickly upon hearing this.
He paused, as if remembering something.
He then quickly took out a secret manual from his Qiankun bag and said, "If you agree to this matter, this will be one of the betrothal gifts from our Blazing Flame Institute."
The Blazing Flame Undying Body!
Dongfang Mingyue's gaze immediately furrowed as she glanced at the characters on the secret manual.
The Blazing Flame Undying Body was one of the Blazing Flame Institute's ultimate techniques, its value exceeding that of the Blazing Tiger Fist.
It could be said that anyone who successfully cultivated it would see their strength greatly increase.
The fact that Ye Yaoyang offered this secret manual now was undoubtedly a sign of genuine sincerity.
Thinking this, she looked at him and said slowly, "Dean Ye, I feel your sincerity, but such matters cannot be forced. Therefore, please forgive me for not agreeing."
Hearing Dongfang Mingyue's refusal again, Ye Zhenghao's expression grew even more sullen, his face etched with deep disappointment.
His father had not only humbled himself but had also offered the Blazing Flame Undying Body, yet she still refused. From this, he could tell her resolve.
It seemed their fate together would end here.
"It seems Miss Mingyue looks down on our Zhenghao."
"Since that is the case, our cooperation can also end here. After all, Zhenghao will be the future dean of the Blazing Flame Institute!"
Seeing that Dongfang Mingyue had made up her mind, Ye Yaoyang's expression immediately turned cold.
His old face was one thing, but Ye Zhenghao was by his side.
He didn't know what kind of impact such an event would have on Ye Zhenghao, and he could not tolerate it!
"This..."
Dongfang Mingyue was slightly startled, her brows immediately furrowing.
A moment later, she couldn't help but look at Ye Cangtian. She truly didn't know how to resolve this matter and didn't want to fall out with them.
"If it ends here, then it ends here!"
Sensing Dongfang Mingyue's gaze, Ye Cangtian stood up directly, extended his hand, and said faintly, "The cooperation agreement."
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Mingyue handed the cooperation agreement to Ye Cangtian without a second word.
Having obtained the cooperation agreement, Ye Cangtian turned to the Ye father and son, then unleashed his spiritual energy, directly shattering the agreement into dust before the two of them.
"This..."
In an instant, it was Ye Yaoyang and Ye Zhenghao who were stunned.
No one had expected Ye Cangtian to be so forceful, directly destroying the cooperation agreement!
After all, the Hidden Group was currently under scrutiny.
If they could cooperate with the Blazing Flame Institute, it wouldn't necessarily solve all their problems, but at least other factions would have to think twice before causing trouble for them!
However, if they fell out with the Blazing Flame Institute, the Hidden Group's situation would likely become even more difficult.
It was precisely for this reason that they couldn't understand why Ye Cangtian was so forceful. Was he truly not afraid of retaliation from the Blazing Flame Institute?
With this thought, he felt it was necessary to remind Ye Cangtian, so he said, "Ye Cangtian, do you know what your actions mean?"
Hmph!
Ye Cangtian glanced over and snorted disdainfully, "You want to say what it means? That the Blazing Flame Institute will retaliate against the Hidden Group? Or do you intend to forcibly keep us here?"
"Either is possible!"
Seeing Ye Cangtian's fearless demeanor, Ye Yaoyang's face became incredibly unsightly.
He continued, "If I cannot keep you here by force, I will have to retaliate against the Hidden Group by force. In any case, I am determined to have this daughter-in-law!"
"Heh, then it depends on whether you have the ability!"
Ye Cangtian sneered at him and continued, "Don't say I'm threatening you. If it really comes to a fight, I don't mind seeing the Blazing Flame Institute get a new dean!"
"You!"
With those words, Ye Yaoyang's face instantly turned red.
Ever since he took on the position of dean, no one had spoken to him so arrogantly, nor had anyone looked down on him!
Yet now, a junior who had just advanced to the Heaven rank was speaking such audacious words, truly infuriating him.
The next moment, he also slammed the table and looked at him coldly, "Ye Cangtian, do you dare to compete with me? If I win, Dongfang Mingyue will stay. Otherwise, the opposite will happen!"
"Why should I not dare!"
Ye Cangtian looked at him coldly and continued, "However, I will not use Sister Mingyue as a wager. How about this: a life-and-death battle, a gamble with our lives!"
"This..."
Feeling Ye Cangtian's gaze, which was as cold as an ice cave, Ye Yaoyang felt a chill all over his body and instantly shivered.
He was somewhat apprehensive. He didn't want things to escalate to this point.
After all, Ye Zhenghao's marriage was a joyous occasion, and it wouldn't be good if lives were lost.
Furthermore, if Ye Cangtian died, even if Dongfang Mingyue was kept, his son would not be happy.
But he was the dean of the Blazing Flame Institute and Ye Zhenghao's father. At this juncture, he could not back down even half a step!
The next moment, he calmly looked at Ye Cangtian and slowly said, "If you gamble, I will fulfill your wish!"
Saying this, Ye Yaoyang turned directly and led Ye Zhenghao towards the training ground.
"Little brother, isn't it a bit much to have caused such a scene?"
Seeing the Ye father and son leave first, Dongfang Mingyue quickly grabbed Ye Cangtian and whispered.
She merely wanted to reject this marriage, not truly turn into sworn enemies with them!
"Sister Mingyue, don't you trust me?"
"Don't worry, I won't lose! Nor will I disappoint you!"
Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and continued, "You know, when dealing with people like this, you must first break their arrogance and all their hopes. Only then will they be willing to talk to you calmly!"
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Dongfang Mingyue's eyes darted around, and she felt there was some truth to it. Only then did she say, "Then be careful."
Ye Cangtian nodded upon hearing this, then walked with her towards the training ground...