The future mistress of the Dragon Lord.
As Yang Xiao spoke these short seven words, his tone was light and airy.
But to Li Qianfan and the siblings Yang Ziye, it was more shocking than a bolt from the blue.
As for the elder couple, Su, Mo Hongti, and Dai Paipai, they were simply stunned into silence.
Only Su Ziyu, who had learned the news in advance, pretended to be calm, picking up a water cup and taking a small sip.
The shock felt by Li Qianfan and his sister stemmed from their clear understanding of what it meant for Yang Xiao to bring Su Ziyu to the Dragon Ruins in the capacity of "future mistress of the Dragon Lord"!
Let's put it this way—
Due to Li Qianfan's notorious reputation for being a prodigal son, all of Li Xiao's sons (except Li Taizai, who, from birth, had become the Great Patriarch of the Marko family and was also the son of Lu Ziqi) were secretly eyeing that chair.
Among them, three women most ardently desired their sons to ascend the Dragon Lord's throne.
These were Yu Minmin, Jing Ran, and Luo Ma.
In fact, two other women harbored ambitions no less than theirs.
The first was—
Ye Wushuang, known as "Southern Painted Skin" and once as renowned as "Northern Divine Beast" Li Wujiang!
Ye Wushuang's son, Ye Liangxiao, was the second-ranked among the Dragon Ruins' numerous sons.
However, due to various reasons in his youth, Ye Wushuang had committed many scoundrel deeds, and was consistently disliked by Yang Xiao and others. This, in turn, put his son, Ye Liangxiao, at a significant disadvantage in the competition for the Dragon Ruins' future heir.
The second person was Qin Yujie.
Qin Yujie's son, the third young master Li, ranked third, was actually the most capable contender for the position of future Dragon Lord alongside Li Qianfan.
However, Qin Yujie, this woman—
Was far smarter than Yu Minmin and the others. She always concealed her ambitions well, never revealing even a trace.
But once Yang Xiao publicly announced the revocation of Li Qianfan's status as the Dragon Ruins' heir, Qin Yujie would undoubtedly be the first to emerge!
She would mobilize all her forces and connections to suppress Ye Wushuang's son first.
This was the downside of having a large family and numerous offspring.
After all, there was only one Dragon Lord's throne in the Dragon Ruins.
No matter who was in Li Xiao's position, he would have to treat everyone equally, watching his sons fight each other to the death for the Dragon Lord's throne.
But Yang Xiao would absolutely not allow fratricide to occur!
Even if she couldn't reveal the truth that Li Qianfan, who had already activated the original 209 and undergone a complete transformation, was facing a difficult year, she had to ensure that Li Qianfan's future position as Dragon Lord was re-solidified during Li Xiao's prime and when her word held absolute authority!
"This afternoon."
Yang Xiao put down her teacup, glanced at the stunned Li Qianfan and the others, and continued, "I have already specifically called Li Xiao about this matter. Before I take Ziyu to the Dragon Ruins, everyone who is eligible to compete for the Dragon Lord's throne must arrive at the Dragon Ruins."
*Clack.*
An ivory chopstick fell to the ground.
It belonged to Elder Su.
Although Elder Su had no concept of the "Dragon Ruins," he could reasonably understand what it meant to be "one of the world's four major powers."
And his daughter, Su Ziyu, had a great chance of becoming the mistress of the Dragon Ruins!
Soaring to the sky?
Pie in the sky?
Ancestral graves smoking with blessings?
The usual expressions for extreme good fortune couldn't describe Elder Su's current feelings.
After all, Li Qianfan, this favored son-in-law, was bought home by Su Ziyu from the street for eighty-eight hundred and eighty yuan.
Elder Su was stunned, and his capable wife, Lan Mu, was not much better off.
She stared blankly at Yang Xiao, her breathing stopped.
As for Mo Hongti and Dai Paipai—
To say they weren't jealous would be a lie.
Envy and jealousy were normal human emotions.
If one didn't feel jealous when a familiar person soared to fame, they would definitely be a fool.
Li Qianfan and Yang Ziye's shock was because Yang Xiao was urgently taking Su Ziyu to the Dragon Ruins.
Logically, there was no need for such haste.
After all, Li Xiao was currently in his prime, and Yang Xiao was in good health, capable of living for several more decades without issue.
Yang Xiao observed and understood everyone's reactions.
It was only natural.
After an unknown period of time.
Ning Xiaolan was the first to speak, her voice trembling, "Mr. Yang, are you truly going to take Ziyu to the Dragon Ruins?"
"It's necessary,"
Yang Xiao nodded. "And I've realized the sooner, the better. At least it can pacify those who are constantly plotting in the shadows."
She paused.
Then she added, "Or, it can provoke those people to act prematurely."
Anyone who dared to act prematurely would absolutely face dire consequences!
If they dared not—
Then they should completely abandon that thought and cherish the present!
"Can Ziyu handle the role of the Dragon Ruins' mistress?"
Elder Su also regained his senses and asked tremblingly.
He had no confidence in his little cotton-padded jacket.
After all, Su Ziyu not only came from an ordinary background, but she was also a full five years older than Li Qianfan!
In an ordinary family, these two reasons would be insignificant.
But in the Dragon Ruins, one of the world's four major powers, they were irreparable, congenital flaws!
For the first time.
Ning Xiaolan had no objections to Elder Su belittling her "old ox" in public.
Instead, she nodded repeatedly, indicating that she also wasn't optimistic about Su Ziyu's ability to handle the "duties" of the Dragon Lord's mistress.
Yang Xiao did not answer.
Instead, she looked at Su Ziyu.
Su Ziyu cupped her wine glass with both hands, looked at her parents, and said softly, "Dad, Mom, please rest assured. I will never bring shame upon you. Even if I have to risk my life, with Qianfan's assistance, I will secure this position."
She dared to boast so confidently—
Purely because she already knew that she might be the only "antidote" to Li Qianfan's aging and impending death.
This also meant that she was destined to become Li Qianfan's wife!
"Good."
Having said that, Ning Xiaolan, despite her lack of confidence, had to put on a brave face. "Ziyu, go ahead and do your best. Even if you fail, we'll just return to Qingyun."
If I fail, it's akin to death.
Su Ziyu thought to herself.
Yang Ziye raised her glass and stood up, "Sister-in-law, I'll congratulate you in advance here for a successful and triumphant journey!"
Su Ziyu smiled charmingly and rose to clink glasses with Ziye.
Under Yang Ziye's "witty remarks," the atmosphere quickly livened up.
Dai Paipai and Mo Hongti also raised their glasses and congratulated Su Ziyu.
Regardless of what Dai Paipai was thinking for the moment.
As for Mo Hongti.
At a certain moment, she had a sudden epiphany: "With my close sisterly relationship with Ziyu, if she prospers, I will surely benefit greatly!"
Li Qianfan spoke, "Grandmother, do I need to go to the Dragon Ruins as well?"
He didn't want to go.
Because it was highly likely he would transform into the "White-bellied Bird" and sail out to sea again.
Most importantly, once he appeared at the Dragon Ruins, he would have to automatically abide by the Dragon Ruins' rule of "standing aside" and could no longer interfere in the Black Water Forest matters.
The Dragon Lord position or not, Li Qianfan, who lacked any grand ambitions, didn't really care much.
What he cared more about—
Was whether he could bring the boyfriends of his younger sisters Wan and Hui back alive from the Black Water Forest.
"You don't need to go."
Yang Xiao shook her head. "If you go, you might have the opposite effect. Especially since I want to use this opportunity to see if Ziyu can perform exceptionally well without you by her side. After all, you can't always accompany her and guard the Dragon Ruins for the next few decades. As the mistress of the Dragon Ruins, she must possess the ability to independently hold her ground and remain steadfast."
A test.
This was the first test for Su Ziyu to enter the Dragon Ruins!
Originally, this opportunity belonged to Du Junlin.
Unfortunately, Du Yaoya didn't cherish it properly—
Hearing that he didn't need to go, Li Qianfan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ziye, you will come with me."
Yang Xiao looked at Yang Ziye. "You know why I've specifically brought you along this time, don't you?"
"Of course, to take me for a relaxing trip,"
Yang Ziye said adorably, "And, as the Eldest Princess of the Dragon Ruins, to show my support for my sister-in-law Ziyu. As long as I stand out in support of my sister-in-law, none of my other sisters will entertain any thoughts of whether they also have a chance to compete for the position of heir."
Yang Xiao smiled.
She couldn't help but raise her hand and rub Ziye's little head.
As expected of her favorite eldest granddaughter, her intelligence was so much like mine!
Su Ziyu looked at Ziye with eyes full of gratitude.
Although the possibility of the many "princesses" of the Dragon Ruins coveting the Dragon Ruins' heir throne was extremely slim.
It did not mean that all the princesses harbored this ambition.
But with the Eldest Princess, who had the greatest chance of contention, strongly siding with Su Ziyu, all her other sisters could only fall in line obediently.
"One more thing."
Yang Xiao gently patted Ziye again and looked at Mo Hongti. "Hongti, you will accompany me and Ziyu to the Dragon Ruins this time."