The next morning, dazzling sunlight streamed into the room.
Ye Cangtian slowly opened his eyes and found a figure curled up in his arms, naturally Tang Xinwan.
Watching Tang Xinwan sleep soundly, a faint smile on her face, Ye Cangtian felt immensely satisfied, muttering to himself.
What a captivating enchantress she was!
Last night, she refused to let him sleep in his own bed, insisting on waiting for their marriage certificate. But upon waking in the morning, she had somehow snuck into his covers.
Ye Cangtian's teeth itched. It was too much of an ordeal.
With his beloved in his arms, yet unable to truly possess her, who could bear it!
The more he thought about it, the more restless he became. They had both committed to each other; could they perhaps take that extra step?
Finally, he summoned his courage and slowly leaned in.
*Slap!*
Before he could kiss her delicate red lips, a small hand slapped his face.
"You scoundrel, I warn you not to push your luck!"
"..."
The voice came, and Ye Cangtian awkwardly realized that Tang Xinwan had already opened her eyes and was looking at him with a threatening gaze.
"Uh... I still have some work over there, and I have to leave soon. I won't be having breakfast..."
Ye Cangtian bolted, not giving Tang Xinwan a chance to speak.
Watching his retreating back, Tang Xinwan's eyes flickered with a playful yet disappointed look. She managed to utter two words: "Coward."
...
Meanwhile, Ye Cangtian had scurried to the residential compound.
He relayed the news he had obtained from Huang San last night.
"Kid, you didn't disappoint me. You've already found some leads so quickly. It seems I chose the right person!"
Elder Xu handed him a cup of tea and said with a smile.
In just half a day, he had uncovered the truth behind Shangguan Yanran's disappearance. It might have been a coincidence, but none of that mattered.
What was important was that the Dragon Group no longer had to search for clues like headless flies.
They could now launch a targeted rescue operation.
Thinking this, Elder Xu spoke, "The rescue mission will still be entrusted to you."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian smiled wryly. He had expected this. After all, he had the identity of Xuan Qi, and no one was more suitable.
With that in mind, he nodded and said, "The rescue might not be easy."
Xuan Qi was, after all, a subordinate of Zi Long, and Zi Long was a terrestrial-level steward of the Dark Association.
Therefore, with Xuan Qi's identity, it would be very difficult to infiltrate the headquarters of the Dark Association, and it would certainly arouse suspicion.
Elder Xu nodded upon hearing this and said, "You handle the details yourself."
It wasn't that he wasn't anxious to rescue Shangguan Yanran, but because this matter could not be rushed.
Besides, Shangguan Yanran had been missing for some time. If Qing Dao wanted to harm her, he probably would have done so already.
Yet, the other party had brought Shangguan Yanran back to headquarters. It was likely that Shangguan Yanran was safe in the short term.
"Mm."
Ye Cangtian responded and then said, "Zi Long will be coming to the capital today. Elder, please be vigilant. I'm worried Zi Long might have some major moves."
Elder Xu's expression changed upon hearing this. Zi Long was a terrestrial-level expert, with formidable power.
If he caused trouble in the capital, the Dragon Group and Ye Cangtian might not be able to stop him. They might even have to ask the Hidden Group to send terrestrial-level experts.
However, it seemed the Hidden Group was also in turmoil, otherwise, Dongfang Mingyue wouldn't have sent Ye Cangtian, or at least not alone.
He should have been paired with a terrestrial-level expert as a trump card.
With that thought, he nodded and agreed. No matter Zi Long's intentions, they would probe first.
After drinking tea at the compound for the entire morning and playing chess with the elder for a while, Ye Cangtian left as the agreed-upon time approached.
...
Hiton Hotel.
The hotel's service was excellent, and the decor was quite luxurious, ranking among the best in the capital.
As soon as he entered the hotel, two waitresses greeted Ye Cangtian with ninety-degree bows. Their attitude made Ye Cangtian somewhat uncomfortable.
"Penthouse presidential suite."
"Yes, sir. The elevator is this way, please follow me."
Perhaps due to the professionalism of an international hotel, the service staff didn't pay much attention to the mask on Ye Cangtian's face. They responded respectfully and made a gesture of invitation.
"Click!"
Led by the waitress, Ye Cangtian pushed open the door to the penthouse presidential suite.
The room was very tidy, and a figure stood before the bright floor-to-ceiling windows.
The man slowly turned around, wearing a golden mask symbolizing terrestrial-level authority.
It was none other than Zi Long.
"Greetings, Lord Zi Long." Ye Cangtian bowed slightly.
Zi Long nodded, his gaze sweeping over Ye Cangtian before he said, "Not bad, your strength has improved. Tell me, what have you been busy with recently?"
Zi Long's tone seemed casual, but a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes.
After all, both he and Qing Dao had contacted Xuan Qi, and both attempts had failed. His prolonged absence was not necessarily a good sign.
If the subordinate couldn't provide a reasonable explanation, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
"Your subordinate followed Ye Cangtian into the deep mountains."
"Later, Ye Cangtian jumped into a lake and disappeared. Your subordinate wanted to follow, but unexpectedly, there was a very powerful formation within."
"Your subordinate had no choice but to retreat to the shore and guard, and cultivate nearby..."
Ye Cangtian had prepared his story long ago and answered without hesitation.
A lake? A formation?
Zi Long's expression immediately changed. He seemed to recall something and quickly said, "Are you referring to the China Ruins?"
The China Ruins were not a secret to Zi Long. It was just that the entrance was blocked by a powerful formation, preventing him from entering and investigating.
Now, Ye Cangtian's description was identical to the entrance of the China Ruins, and he immediately became interested.
Speaking of which, Ye Cangtian had been seriously injured in Japan before, to the point where his cultivation was crippled. He should have sought treatment for entering the China Ruins this time.
With that thought, Zi Long asked, "Since you were guarding and cultivating by the entrance, why did you return?"
"Returning to you, Lord Zi Long, Ye Cangtian has already returned to the capital, so your subordinate followed him back."
"Upon my return, I received news from Lord Qing Dao and yourself looking for your subordinate, so your subordinate immediately contacted you."
Ye Cangtian said.
He knew that to fool Zi Long, merely lying wouldn't work.
The best method was to mix truth with falsehood, revealing parts of his whereabouts. The other party would surely not find any flaws.
Seeing his calm and self-assured gaze, Zi Long slowly nodded, the ferocity in his eyes gradually dissipating.
"I do have something to discuss with you."
"Recently, the Japanese ninja division has been quite rampant. They should be taught a lesson."
Zi Long said indifferently, his previously calm gaze suddenly flashing with killing intent.
The Japanese ninja division?
What had they done wrong this time? Didn't they hand over the Guqin to the Dark Association before?
Why had they incurred the wrath of the Dark Association in such a short period?
Hearing Zi Long's words, Ye Cangtian realized that Zi Long was not looking for him to cause trouble in China, but to deal with the Japanese ninja division!