Humph!
Seeing the guards charging at him, Ye Cangtian let out a cold snort, and his figure suddenly flickered.
Bang bang bang…
A series of sounds instantly erupted. One by one, the guards were sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the side, emitting miserable cries.
Ye Cangtian showed no mercy. In just a few rounds, he had subdued all the guards who had stepped forward. The remaining guards, seeing Ye Cangtian's formidable strength, were too afraid to advance.
"Die!"
Just as Ye Cangtian finished dealing with all the guards.
Xuan Sanwu's furious roar echoed. He had finally seized an opportunity, thrusting his long sword directly at Ye Cangtian's back.
"You want me dead?"
"You're not worthy!"
Ye Cangtian coldly yelled. A large, golden ring-hilted saber instantly appeared in his hand, and he casually blocked it against his back.
Clang! The long sword struck the saber, emitting a faint hum.
However, this was not the end. As Ye Cangtian turned, he flung his palm out forcefully.
Slap!
A loud slap suddenly rang out. His palm directly struck Xuan Sanwu's face, sending him flying.
In the next instant, a smear of blood streaked across the sky, spraying out along with two large teeth onto the ground.
"You! You dare to injure me…"
Feeling his face rapidly swell and throb with intense pain, Xuan Sanwu was about to go mad.
This was his territory, and to be so humiliated in front of so many of his subordinates, how could he continue to make a living? He was destined to become a laughingstock.
"What do you think you are!"
Ye Cangtian cast a disdainful glance at him and continued, "On account of our service to the Dark Association, I already held back. If you continue to be ungrateful, don't blame me for your death!"
"You…"
These words sobered Xuan Sanwu considerably. Even Hong Mo had been utterly disgraced by Ye Cangtian. If he continued to fight, he likely had no chance of winning.
With that thought, Xuan Sanwu let out a cold snort and said, "Xuan Qi, you're ruthless today! But meddling in other people's affairs brings no good. You'd best look out for yourself!"
Meddling?
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian frowned. He suddenly remembered something.
Before leaving, Xuan Yi had specifically cautioned him not to meddle. However, due to his soft heart and anger, he had forgotten it.
Now that he thought about it, this matter shouldn't have been a big deal for Xuan Sanwu; it was merely a matter of raising a hand.
Yet, the other party was provoking him over it, which clearly indicated something else was amiss.
Could it be that what Xuan Yi referred to was related to the case of the missing women?
"Humph!"
With this thought, Ye Cangtian let out a cold snort and said, "Xuan Sanwu, it seems you know the inside story!"
There was no other way. The matter had already happened, and he could no longer stand aside. He had no choice but to brace himself and continue.
"I didn't say anything!"
Xuan Sanwu glared fiercely at Ye Cangtian, denying it and angrily stating, "Xuan Qi, I'm going to report you right now. Just wait to accept your punishment!"
With that, Xuan Sanwu paid Ye Cangtian no further attention and turned to leave the room.
Seeing this, a flicker of disdain crossed Ye Cangtian's eyes. He then followed, figuring it was better to be proactive and confront Xuan Sanwu directly than to be summoned for questioning.
In the room, seeing Xuan Qi and Xuan Sanwu depart, everyone was somewhat bewildered.
Both were Xuan-level supervisors, and they had initially favored Xuan Sanwu. However, Xuan Qi's audacious pursuit of him made them lose their confidence.
For a moment, all the staff members fell silent, neither driving away the middle-aged couple nor opening an investigation.
It was simple: they would make a decision after Xuan Sanwu and Xuan Qi had settled their dispute, thus avoiding offending either of them.
…
On the other side, Ye Cangtian had followed Xuan Sanwu to the main hall.
Seeing Cheng Hai seated at the head of the hall, both were stunned.
That position was Xing Yuan's throne. The fact that Cheng Hai was sitting there could only mean one thing: Xing Yuan had departed.
Otherwise, no matter how bold Cheng Hai was, he wouldn't dare occupy that seat!
Just Cheng Hai alone?
Seeing all this, Ye Cangtian mused internally, and a hint of excitement followed.
If it was only Cheng Hai, then there was still some hope of rescuing Shangguan Yanran.
"Lord Cheng Hai, you must do justice for me! Xuan Qi…"
The moment Xuan Sanwu recovered his senses, he walked forward furiously, ferociously accusing Xuan Qi.
Listening to Xuan Sanwu's accusations, the gaze within Cheng Hai's pupils shifted slightly before returning to normal.
He glanced at Ye Cangtian and said, "Xuan Qi! Have you perhaps made a mountain out of a molehill? It's just a woman; why are you causing trouble with your own people? Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed if this gets out?"
Hmm?
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian's gaze furrowed. These words were clearly biased.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian slowly said, "Lord Cheng Hai, this is not making a mountain out of a molehill. If it is ignored, it will only damage the reputation of the Dark Association."
"Explain in detail," Cheng Hai said faintly after a moment of contemplation.
"To hold a position without fulfilling its duties is dereliction of duty."
"If no punishment is given, who will be convinced by the Dark Association?"
"If such a small matter is not handled, what major matters can the Dark Association handle? This is the beginning of rebellion!"
Ye Cangtian's voice was heard, and Cheng Hai nodded in understanding, "That makes sense. Xuan Sanwu, immediately open an investigation into this matter without delay."
This…
Xuan Sanwu was suddenly stunned. If this was the outcome, wouldn't he have suffered the beating for nothing?
Unwilling to accept it, Xuan Sanwu quickly cupped his hands and said, "Lord Cheng Hai, opening an investigation is fine, but Xuan Qi cannot be let off lightly for causing trouble in public!
If everyone comes to my place to cause trouble, how can I carry out my work?"
Cheng Hai's gaze swept towards Xuan Qi and said, "Xuan Qi, do you have anything to say!"
"Yes! Lord Cheng Hai, the reason I had a conflict with Xuan Sanwu is that Xuan Sanwu neglected his duties. Everything I did was for the good of the Dark Association!"
"If I am punished, wouldn't that be equivalent to encouraging dereliction of duty?"
"Of course, I will accept any punishment from Lord Cheng Hai, but I will definitely seek an explanation from Master Xing Yuan!"
Ye Cangtian stepped forward, arguing his case.
"You are very right. Xuan Sanwu was derelict in his duties first, and you disciplined him, thus upholding the image of the Dark Association. You are not at fault."
Saying this, Cheng Hai looked at Xuan Sanwu and said, "Return and immediately open an investigation without delay.
Also, in consideration of your years of service, the punishment this time will be waived. If you offend again, do not blame me for being impolite!"
"Yes!"
Xuan Sanwu wanted to say something more, but feeling Cheng Hai's sharp gaze, he decisively gave up.
Clearly, the matter had been settled. Even if he said anything more, it would not change anything and might even be counterproductive.
With this thought, Xuan Sanwu gave Ye Cangtian a thumbs-up, his fierce gaze seeming to say, "You win this time, I concede. We'll see about the rest…"