Li Yi took the jade box, momentarily lost in thought. Ruo Yun noticed his expression and seemed to grow more melancholic. She sighed softly before speaking, "You always said you bear the heavy responsibility of the Li family's prosperity, and that you would owe me all your life... I never believed it... I know you're ambitious, wanting to make a big impact, and that your philandering is just an act, with your heart belonging only to me... But since that day, when Miss Mo called you out, I've been restless. I know everything you've been through these days. I wanted to rush to the Li family to find you many times, but I was afraid of exposing your secrets... Fortunately, you've managed to get through everything... But do you know how worried I've been?"
Li Yi's expression froze, unsure how to react, certainly not expecting to stir up such issues at Tianxiang Tower! Ruo Yun's reaction, however, only increased her concern for him. She seemed to want to feed him the medicine personally but hesitated before leaning against the window and speaking softly, "Within the empire, the struggle for power and influence is ever-changing, and even a small place like Wanchao City is no exception. The struggle for power is never easy. Your ambition to restore the Li family's thousand-year reputation is tremendously challenging. I, Ruo Yun, have always said that if I love you, Li Yi, it's for a lifetime. Whatever you do, I won't stop you... But if you ever get tired, remember, there's a weak woman in Tianxiang Tower waiting for you."
Li Yi felt a bitter taste in his mouth. At this moment, he couldn't remain silent. He hesitated before replying softly, "I'm sorry..." Ruo Yun walked over, straightened Li Yi's hair on his forehead, pulled his head to her chest, and after a long while, said dreamily, "Who are you apologizing to? The only person you owe is yourself... Also, the Ye family from the Imperial Capital is not a force you can afford to offend now. Be careful..."
After speaking, Ruo Yun slowly let go and stepped back, staring out the window with an expressionless face, as if she hadn't just poured out her heart. Li Yi, accustomed to navigating the world of romance, would have been unphased if Ruo Yun had just expressed a more typical interest in him, but her attitude, though plain, concealed immense depth of feeling. For some reason, Li Yi felt a faint jealousy; he knew her deep concerns were for the unfortunate Little Li Yi, not him. An absurd thought crossed his mind: could he ever make her fall for him like that? Confused, Li Yi somehow found himself leaving Ruo Yun's chamber and returning to the original room.
Ye Qingma and Long Aotian, seemingly in no rush to leave, were chatting and drinking. The scene of the previous confrontation had been cleaned up, and even Li Yi's dishes were refreshed. Seeing Li Yi emerge, Ye Qingma laughed, "How come you're back so soon, Young Master Li? I thought you'd stay the night!" Li Yi, holding the jade box and feeling indescribable, ignored the polite banter and tucked the box into his chest, striding downstairs.
Ye Qingma and Long Aotian exchanged glances, both puzzled. They knew Li Yi was the only one who had ever entered Ruo Yun's chamber; why did he leave so abruptly today? They joked internally about the possible reasons but kept their thoughts to themselves. As Li Yi left, they too had no reason to stay and followed him downstairs.
The hall was empty; who would stay after a confrontation involving the Li and Long families and the Blood Wolf Mercenaries? Outside, the Li and Long family guards stood on opposite sides, their smiles barely concealing their animosity. Li Yuan from the Li family looked anxious, but upon seeing Li Yi unharmed, he relaxed and approached, "It's good you're safe, Young Master. If anything had happened, I would have torn down Blood Wolf Town."
Li Yi shook his head in response, too weary to speak. His guards sensed his mood and kept silent. As they walked, Li Nana emerged from the crowd, looking up at Li Yi with a hint of reproach, "Brother Li Yi, how could you... go to such a place?"
Li Yi felt a warmth in his heart; his feelings for Li Nana had always been complicated, but after seeing Ruo Yun, his perspective shifted slightly. He patted Li Nana's head gently and said softly, "If you don't like me coming here... I'll come less often..." He wanted to promise never to return, but the image of Ruo Yun's devoted gaze flashed in his mind, and he couldn't bring himself to say it.
Li Nana noticed the change in Li Yi's demeanor. She wanted to ask more, but being a smart girl, she restrained herself and just quietly accompanied him. Both the Li and Long family guards respectfully made way as they passed. Just as they were about to leave the square, a surprised exclamation came from behind, followed by a figure rushing in front of them like a whirlwind. Ye Qingma's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but his face couldn't hide his joy. He smiled gently at Li Nana from a distance, "Nana, I didn't expect to see you in such a small place... It seems we really are fated to meet!"
Li Nana's expression remained unchanged. She didn't even bother to look at Ye Qingma, simply saying, "You've mistaken me for someone else." Ye Qingma seemed accustomed to her attitude and said, "Nana, if I remember correctly, you used to always talk about Brother Li Qiao... When did it change to Brother Li Yi? If you're choosing a strong partner, I believe there's a better choice in front of you."
Li Nana's expression changed, and she looked ready to explode, but Li Yi patted her head and said calmly, "Young Master Ye, our appointed time hasn't come yet, has it? Or do you wish to challenge me first before discussing other matters?" Watching the intimate interaction between Li Yi and Li Nana, Ye Qingma's eyes flashed coldly, and he said with a cold smile, "No matter, we'll wait for three days. I hope Young Master Li makes the right choice... otherwise..."
Listening to his words, Li Yi shook his head slightly. He took Li Nana's hand and they walked away, leaving behind a faint voice, "Otherwise, what can you do to me?" Ye Qingma's expression changed drastically, and he almost wanted to attack Li Yi on the spot. However, he had orders from his family to try to recruit Li Yi and couldn't afford to act rashly. He muttered under his breath, "Li Yi, I really hope you give me a satisfactory answer in three days..."
Unperturbed by the cold gaze behind him, Li Yi walked slowly with Li Nana, his mind drifting elsewhere.
In the Li family study, Li Han set down his book, frowning, "The Ye family from the Imperial Capital?" Li Yi nodded, "Indeed, the man's name is Ye Qingma." Li Han's expression changed slightly, then he sighed, "If it were someone else, it wouldn't be too difficult to handle, but Ye Qingma... he's not simple..."
Li Yi asked, "How so?" Li Han inhaled deeply, "Yi'er, you know about the Beidou Sect, right?" "The Beidou Sect of the Empire?" Li Han nodded, "That's right, the Beidou Sect with a transcendent status in the Empire... I don't know much about their strength or where their gate is, but I do know that their sect master is a Martial Deity level fighter. And Ye Qingma is said to be the closed-door disciple of the Beidou Sect's master. Plus, being a direct descendant of the Ye family, his status is extraordinary. Either identity is extremely astonishing, and together, they make him a force that even some mid-level powers in the Empire wouldn't dare offend. If our Li family refuses Ye Qingma's demand, under the pressure of these two transcendent forces... our Li family won't fare well..."
Li Yi smiled, "So, Father, are you suggesting I join the Ye family?" "Of course not... I just didn't expect the Long family's backing to be the Ye family... But is it only the Long family that has a backing?" Li Yi smiled, aware that the Li family, being equal to the Long family for so many years, also had its own backing, likely one of the four great families. This was an excellent opportunity for him, "Father," Li Yi said, "even if the Beidou Sect is powerful, it can't compare to the Martial Deity Hall, right?" Li Han nodded, "Naturally... Not just the Beidou Sect, even if the four great families of the Empire, along with the Beidou Sect and the royal family, were to join forces, they still wouldn't dare offend the Martial Deity Hall. However, the Martial Deity Hall doesn't concern itself with worldly power, which is why these giants have remained peaceful over the years."
"Peaceful? Perhaps not," thought Li Yi, but he simply smiled and said, "In that case, why don't I participate in the God Sacrifice Ceremony in two months? If I can enter the Martial Deity Hall, why should we fear the Ye family?" Li Han frowned slightly, "With the strength you displayed that day, participating in the ceremony isn't impossible... but is it necessary? The inheritance your mother left you should be enough, right?" Li Yi replied, "Flowers in a greenhouse never grow... If I want to become stronger, I must take risks. Missing such an opportunity would be a pity. If I really enter the Martial Deity Hall, who in Wanchao City would dare challenge the Li and Mo families?"
Li Han's expression shifted, contemplating for a long time before nodding, "Alright, if you wish to go, I won't stop you... But be very careful. You should know, you're already the next head of the Li family..."