Seeing Li Yi approach, Mr. Mo Er's expression clearly soured, but as a person of status, he forced a smile and gave a slight bow, not bothering to stand, and said faintly, "Young Master Li Yi is indeed a prodigy. It seems the Li family head has found a treasure... However..." He paused, his pale face flushing momentarily before the color faded. He coughed and continued, "Regarding that matter, even if Young Master Li Yi satisfies my Mo family, it's not so easily resolved. I shall report back to the family head. Whether he accepts it or not is beyond my knowledge."
Li Han stepped forward and whispered, "Then we must trouble Mr. Mo Er once more." Li Han's right hand flickered with a glint of light, and he swiftly passed something to Mr. Mo Er's sleeve. Sensing the new item in his hand, Mr. Mo Er smiled satisfactorily and finally stood up, saying, "The Li family head is thoughtful."
"Not at all," Li Han nodded, "Please put in a good word for us in that matter." "Of course, you can count on me. I shall take my leave now," said Mr. Mo Er, standing up and clapping his hands. His guards from the corner followed him down from the stage. The Third Elder hesitated but eventually followed.
Watching their figures disappear, Li Han's lips briefly curled into a cold smile. Next to him, Long Aotian's expression changed slightly, but he soon smiled lightly, "It seems the Li and Mo families have a good relationship..."
Li Han chuckled. In Wanchao City, the three major families always had a façade of harmony but hidden rivalry. No single family could take on the other two, and alliances were fragile. Aware of this precarious balance, Li Han deliberately showed a peculiar relationship with Mr. Mo Er in front of Long Aotian.
Turning to the Grand Elder and others, Li Han said, "The relationship between the Li and Mo families is just so-so. Young Master Long, perhaps you could mention to the Long family head that I invite him to discuss important matters at my residence."
Long Aotian nodded in understanding, laughed, and agreed to convey the message. Li Han warmly patted his shoulder, set a time, and sent him off. As other guests saw Li Han's demeanor, they too began to leave, and soon the VIP area was nearly empty.
The Grand Elder and others exchanged looks, seemingly wanting to say something but eventually left in frustration. Li Yi, confused, glanced at his father, his expression puzzled. Li Han, noticing this, chuckled, "Don't understand what I'm doing?"
Li Yi nodded, "Indeed, I don't."
Li Han explained, "Had you lost today, those four elders would've used the incident from three months ago to pressure me. They never expected your victory, which invalidated their plan... I gave Mr. Mo Er a bribe and fostered relations with Long Aotian to confuse them. But now, the real troubles are yet to come... Stay home these days and let's see what plays those four elders will stage."
Li Yi smiled lightly, "Father, don't worry. They'll find it's not easy to target me."
"Is that so?" Li Han looked at him, shaking his head, "You're becoming more enigmatic... But as long as you're fine, that's what matters." His tone shifted, and he glanced towards the corner of the VIP area, "Yi'er, the Long and Mo families are one thing, but those two in white robes, if you can establish a good relationship with them, that would be truly beneficial."
Li Yi followed his father's gaze and locked eyes with the two figures in white robes in the corner. His heart skipped a beat; these two from the Martial Deity Temple were definitely not simple. He subtly pulled back his hand with the Yunhuang Ring and feigned confusion, "Father, who are those two?"
"Have you heard of the Martial Deity Temple?" Li Han, unusually serious, said, "These two are White-Robed Priests from the Martial Deity Temple. Although their position in the temple is the lowest, they are still figures we cannot afford to provoke..." Li Han gestured and quickly led Li Yi to the two white-robed individuals, showing a smile, "I didn't expect that esteemed guests like Master Xia Chen and Master Bei De would honor us with their presence today, gracing the Li family. However, there were too many outsiders just now, and I deliberately acted cold towards you both to avoid revealing your identities. Please don't take offense."
Both men wore white robes, their expressions unnervingly calm, exuding a dangerous aura. The one on the left, a seemingly ordinary-looking man in his thirties, had a forgettable face, while the one on the right, a man in his twenties, was strikingly handsome, his unnaturally pale skin glowing faintly. His eyes, usually indifferent, occasionally flashed with a chilling murderous intent.
They seemed pleased with Li Han's attitude. After a moment, the middle-aged man nodded and said, "You jest, Li family head. We came uninvited and feared you might be displeased. There aren't many places in Wanchao City that catch our attention..." His tone was casual but carried an air of arrogance, as if he naturally stood above others.
Despite his attitude, Li Han smiled and said, "It's an honor to catch the attention of the priests from the Martial Deity Temple... May I know why Master Bei De and Master Xia Chen have come today?"
Bei De laughed heartily, "Speaking with you is always straightforward, Li family head. We have two matters needing your assistance. If successful, the Martial Deity Temple will surely reward you handsomely!"
Li Han was taken aback but quickly asked, "What matters?"
"The first matter," Bei De glanced at Li Yi, "Such a talent as your son is rare in a century. If he's interested, he could visit our Martial Deity Temple. I have a vacancy under me; if your son doesn't mind..."
Li Han's expression shifted, speaking softly, "This is a significant matter. While I appreciate your offer, I must consider it carefully."
Bei De nodded, "Take your time. The ceremony is three months away. Just give me a definite answer by then. But I must say, both the Long and Mo families already have candidates for the Martial Deity Temple. If they get someone in, the Li family's position might be..." He trailed off, giving Li Han a meaningful look with a hint of a smile.
"The second matter," Bei De continued, "We wish to ask the Li family to use all its influence in Wanchao City to find someone for us. If you succeed, it will count as a favor owed by the Martial Deity Temple to the Li family..."
Li Han chuckled, "Who is this person you're looking for?"
Bei De and Xia Chen exchanged glances. After a moment, Xia Chen, who had been silent, slowly pulled out a parchment scroll and spread it on the table, pointing lightly, "This person."
Li Yi followed Xia Chen's direction and couldn't help but startle; the person depicted on the scroll was none other than Ruolin!