Bai Zhenshan’s brow furrowed. Although the outcome wasn't as he’d hoped, he could only accept it as it was, all because Bai Yuanhang had initiated the conflict.
What Dongfang Mingyue was doing was already showing him considerable respect.
"Fine!"
Bai Zhenshan took a deep breath, essentially agreeing. He then extended a second finger and spoke, "Regarding that old man, I want to teach him a lesson. Elder Mingyue, do you have any objections?"
Dongfang Mingyue’s gaze was locked, her brow furrowed. "Elder Bai, don't push things too far! Ye Cangtian is one of our own in the Hidden Group. He can take a slight hit, but what wrong did that elder do?"
To Dongfang Mingyue, internal matters could be overlooked with a blind eye; any losses could be subtly balanced later.
However, it was different for outsiders!
Everything had to be fair and just, otherwise, it would damage the reputation of the Hidden Group.
"The wrong he did was hitting someone from the Bai family and disgracing the Bai family's honor!" Bai Zhenshan declared fearlessly.
"Hmph! The Bai family's honor?"
"If you actually go confront him, it will be you damaging the Bai family's honor!"
"Don't forget, it was Bai Sulán and Bai Yuanhang who stirred up trouble first. Do you have any reason to retaliate?"
"I'm telling you, Elder Bai, if you act recklessly and disregard the Hidden Group's image, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Dongfang Mingyue snorted, her pretty face flushing.
If things truly escalated to that point, she would have to disregard his status as an elder and apprehend him.
"You..."
Her words rendered Bai Zhenshan speechless. He knew he was in the wrong.
Similarly, he genuinely dared not completely enrage Dongfang Mingyue. After all, Dongfang Mingyue was the acting head of the Hidden Group and had the backing of the Dongfang family.
More importantly, he was no match for Dongfang Mingyue!
"Alright, take your people and go back!"
"I will send someone to deliver two Xiao Huán Pills."
Seeing Bai Zhenshan fall silent, Dongfang Mingyue waved her hand and spoke.
There was no choice. The Bai family was a meritorious family. Even though she was angry, she had to prioritize appeasement.
Hmph!
Bai Zhenshan snorted at Dongfang Mingyue's behavior of giving a sweet date after a harsh blow. Did the Bai family lack two Xiao Huán Pills?
However, he said nothing, knowing that this was the best outcome he could achieve.
...
Night.
Ye Cangtian was cultivating in his room.
Suddenly, a slip of paper shot in through the window. He quickly picked it up and read it. It only contained four words: 'Meet at the usual place.'
Upon seeing this, a wry smile appeared on Ye Cangtian's face. What was coming had come.
Without a doubt, this must be Dongfang Mingyue looking for him, and the matter at hand was certainly related to the Bai family.
With this thought, Ye Cangtian headed directly to the Imperial Garden.
Underneath the small pavilion, he indeed saw a familiar figure and quickly walked over.
"Sister Mingyue, it's not our first time meeting. Why are you still wearing a mask?" Ye Cangtian spoke first.
"Hmph! What if someone sees us!"
"Alright, don't try to get close to me. I'm asking you, what did I warn you about!"
Dongfang Mingyue snorted and then, hands on her hips, sternly questioned him.
"I didn't cause any trouble!"
"It was Bai Sulán who came to provoke me first. You need to see things clearly!"
Seeing Dongfang Mingyue's attitude, Ye Cangtian knew the situation seemed to have escalated.
"Alas!"
Dongfang Mingyue sighed helplessly. "The matter has been handled, consider it a favor from your sister. I've decided to reset all your contribution points to zero."
"What?"
"Sister Mingyue, you want my life!"
"Can you give me a quick death with a single strike!"
Ye Cangtian was utterly speechless upon hearing this.
Those contribution points were earned through life-and-death struggles. Now, to have them all wiped out made him feel like his heart was bleeding!
"I already said, consider it my apology to you. Just do this one favor for your sister."
"Besides, you have the strength. You can earn those contribution points back by completing two missions..."
Dongfang Mingyue looked at Ye Cangtian apologetically. She truly didn't want to do this, but being in a high position, she had to balance the overall situation!
"Easier said than done!"
"Do you know how dangerous those secret realms and perilous lands are? How many times I've narrowly escaped death to earn those contribution points..."
Ye Cangtian was also anxious. Those contribution points were for gathering information about Tang Qingshan and his wife. Although it was still far from enough, it was better than nothing!
"Kid, what do you want then?"
Dongfang Mingyue's expression turned displeased. She had tried reasoning with him, but he wouldn't agree, which left her speechless.
As an elder of the Hidden Group, when had she ever been so conciliatory with anyone?
"Nothing much. I'll take responsibility for what I should.
"But for what I shouldn't, even if the King of Heaven himself came, he won't make me take the blame!"
Ye Cangtian glanced at Dongfang Mingyue. If there was a first time, there would be a second.
If he agreed this time, who knew how Dongfang Mingyue might try to trick him next time! Therefore, this matter absolutely could not set a precedent.
"..."
Seeing Ye Cangtian show no deference at all, Dongfang Mingyue clenched her small fists.
This brat was truly asking for a beating!
But there was nothing she could do; she was in the wrong.
She sighed helplessly and looked at him. "Brat, are you really going to be so uncooperative just for telling you something?"
"Do you know how difficult it is for me? If you don't make some sacrifices, the Bai family won't let this go..."
As she spoke, Dongfang Mingyue put on a troubled expression.
She could tell that Ye Cangtian valued emotions and responded better to gentleness than hardness, so she could only resort to a sob story.
As expected, upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian became interested and quickly asked, "Sister Mingyue, you're the boss of the Hidden Group. Do you need to sacrifice me to settle this?"
"Boss? What good is that!"
Dongfang Mingyue continued irritably, "I'm just an elder. Bai Zhenshan of the Bai family is also an elder. I officially manage the Hidden Group, and Bai Zhenshan is the assistant. To put it plainly, it's like a regent minister in ancient times!"
Holy cow!
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian understood everything.
He had originally thought Dongfang Mingyue had absolute authority in the Hidden Group!
But it seemed now that it was a case of a powerful minister and a weak ruler!
She really couldn't afford to offend Bai Zhenshan. If Bai Zhenshan, with his prestige, caused trouble, the Hidden Group could very well fall apart.
At that time, it would certainly attract covetous eyes from all quarters, possibly even leading to the demise of the Hidden Group.
"Alright, for your sake, my Sister Mingyue, I'll accept it! But I have one condition."
Ye Cangtian pondered for a long time before speaking.
From the moment she proposed this request, he knew there was no room for negotiation.
The reason he had been refusing was twofold: first, he was unwilling, and second, he wanted to know the specifics of what had happened.
Now that he understood that the situation could threaten the Hidden Group, Ye Cangtian would naturally forgo immediate personal gain for the greater good.
"Hmph! For my sake!"
"Pfft!"
Dongfang Mingyue glared fiercely at Ye Cangtian. If it were truly for her sake, why would he still propose a condition? She didn't appreciate it at all!
But since Ye Cangtian had spoken, she might as well take advantage of the situation. The matter had to be resolved, after all.
"What condition? Speak! Kid, you'd better not go too far," Dongfang Mingyue added.
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian quickly replied, "I haven't thought of a condition yet. It's not too late to discuss it later, right? Sister Mingyue, as long as you give your full support, I won't blame you if it really can't be done."
What Ye Cangtian wanted to ask was about Tang Qingshan, but now was not the time.
He was new to the Hidden Group and had achieved nothing. His meager contribution points had been reset, and his acquaintance with Dongfang Mingyue was still new; they could hardly be considered friends.
If he were to propose such a request, Dongfang Mingyue might not help him!
Therefore, Ye Cangtian decided to defer this condition for now. It wouldn't be too late to use it when the time was right in the future.