In the early morning, the sun began to rise from the east, casting its light across the land. After giving Tang Yuxin her gifts, Horn and Tang Yuxin had returned to their rooms to rest. Tang Yuxin didn't ask to visit Horn's room for a chat, respecting the quiet of the morning.
Jiang Wan and Lin Zixuan had also retired to their rooms earlier. Now, as Horn descended the stairs, Mr. Wei, Mr. Qiao, and Nie Jiuxuan, who were in the hall, stood up and greeted him respectfully.
Soon after, Jiang Wan and Lin Zixuan came downstairs. Both of them looked at Horn with mixed emotions. Just as Lin Zixuan was about to speak, her phone rang. Frowning, she learned that representatives from the Imperial Capital Department of Talents had arrived at Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy. This was likely an attempt to seize control of the academy.
After ending the call, Lin Zixuan shared the details with Horn and the others. Mr. Wei, Mr. Qiao, and Nie Jiuxuan immediately expressed their intention to accompany her. Horn also decided to join them, concerned that Lin Zixuan might struggle to handle the situation alone. After all, Lin Zixuan was his partner, and he wouldn't allow her to face such challenges on her own.
Jiang Wan advised, "Zixuan, remember, everyone in the Department of Talents is quite perceptive. We should handle this calmly."
Lin Zixuan nodded in agreement. Tang Yuxin and the others were still practicing in their rooms. Horn chose not to disturb them, planning to organize an unforgettable birthday celebration for Tang Yuxin in the evening.
Without further discussion, the group left the villa and headed toward Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy. Upon arrival, they found the campus in disarray. Many students and teachers were hurrying about, clearly distressed by the situation.
At the academy, they saw a crowd gathered in the square, with a particularly striking pair standing out. The man, Ye Qingtian, was remarkably handsome with a stern demeanor and a powerful aura. He was the youngest deputy minister in the history of the Department of Talents, though he appeared about thirty, his true age was forty-five. Beside him stood his sister, Ye Binglan.
"Brother, Lin Zixuan has arrived," Ye Binglan announced coldly.
Ye Binglan was currently working at the Immortal Martial Academy in the Imperial Capital and was the apprentice of the current dean, with prospects of becoming the next dean herself.
Upon seeing Ye Qingtian and Ye Binglan, a look of complexity crossed Lin Zixuan's face. Jiang Wan discreetly informed Horn, "Brother Horn, the visitors are Zixuan's fiancé, Ye Qingtian, and his sister, Ye Binglan. Ye Qingtian is a deputy minister, and Ye Binglan's master is the current dean of the Immortal Martial Academy in the Imperial Capital."
She then explained their identities to Mr. Wei and the others. Mr. Wei and Mr. Qiao had encountered these individuals before. Horn remained calm and walked into the square with a composed demeanor.
Ye Qingtian's gaze settled on Horn. He and Ye Binglan approached Horn and his group.
"Zixuan, it's been a while," Ye Qingtian greeted with a faint smile.
Lin Zixuan responded coldly, "Ye Qingtian, we are not close."
Ye Binglan scowled. "Lin Zixuan, as my brother's fiancée, how can you claim not to know him? It's absurd."
Lin Zixuan's expression hardened. "The engagement was arranged by my family without my consent. I have never been fond of Ye Qingtian. I will not marry someone I don't like."
Ye Qingtian turned his attention to Horn. "Are you involved with this person? I heard that Qin Tiance and Song Ruoyan invited him to their engagement party and that Song Xueyao extended the invitation."
Ye Binglan added angrily, "Lin Zixuan, do you not see the difference between this boy and my brother? My brother is here to seal the Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy and investigate the deaths of Vice President Han Qingshan and his granddaughter Han Ziyi, who died last night. Don't pretend you weren't aware."
"Vice President Han was at the Great Perfection of Creation level. You and your group are no match for him," Ye Binglan continued. "Did you bring any powerful allies from the Lin family?"
She glanced at Jiang Wan, Mr. Wei, and others, noting their high status. "Today's events are all due to this boy. Do you regret it?"
Mr. Wei, Mr. Qiao, and Nie Jiuxuan were visibly angry. Jiang Wan's face was as cold as ice.
Lin Zixuan told Ye Qingtian, "You can seal Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy, but if you touch Horn, I will not accept it."
Ye Qingtian's eyes narrowed. "After publicly executing this boy, the matter will be settled. Do you truly care for him? I will give you five minutes to decide."
He then bowed deeply towards an invisible presence. "Senior Su Changsheng and junior Ye Qingtian have come to pay their respects. I beg for your audience!"
Ye Binglan also bowed deeply. "Senior Su Changsheng, please meet my brother. He holds you in high regard."
Horn looked on with a puzzled expression.