In the days following Nie Yi's return to the Dragon Department's branch base in Yang Country, news reached the headquarters that Ye Ling was in Yang Country. To show goodwill towards Ye Ling, the higher-ups dispatched another batch of cultivators ranked sixth grade and above to garrison the Yang Country branch. Their mission was to maintain the stability of the branch while assisting Ye Ling.
The Dragon Department headquarters comprised astute individuals. They understood they were powerless to prevent Ye Ling from establishing the Demon Palace. Therefore, their only recourse was to foster a good relationship with the Demon Palace once it was established.
This way, even if the Demon Palace operated within the mainland of Hua Country, they might, to some extent, show restraint out of respect for the Dragon Department, preventing the Hua Country cultivator community from descending into chaos.
The consensus among the Dragon Department's higher-ups regarding the Demon Palace was clear: they could only win it over, not make an enemy of it.
However, before the reinforcements from headquarters could be utilized by Ye Ling, they were instead employed by Wang Liren to suppress the restless employees within the branch.
With the backing of his superiors, Wang Liren's methods became exceptionally stringent. Within moments, he had convicted Nie Yi and simultaneously purged Nie Yi's allies within the branch, establishing his own loyal faction.
Nie Yi's side had initially planned to rely on the support of Arasaka Changyi to turn the tables. However, they never anticipated that Arasaka Changyi would be the first to support Wang Liren, even contributing the strength of the Arasaka clan to help apprehend the absconding allies of Nie Yi.
Within just two days, the branch base was thoroughly cleansed. Wang Liren continued to serve as the acting head of the Dragon Department's branch, awaiting a suitable candidate for the position before returning to the country.
Following this incident, Wang Liren had once again performed a great service. Coupled with his close relationship with Ye Ling, the Dragon Department began to view Wang Liren as a crucial liaison for communication with Ye Ling, thus increasing their regard for him.
Upon Wang Liren's return to the country, it was estimated that he would receive several promotions.
In response, Wang Liren felt as though he were walking on air, finding the entire situation somewhat surreal.
During these days, Ye Ling had not been idle. While integrating the resources of the Arasaka clan, he was also investigating the assassin organization known as Bushi.
Since arriving in Yang Country, the Bushi organization was the most formidable force Ye Ling had encountered. Its leader, Sakura Moon, was a Red Dust Immortal. This organization, aside from its relatively weak foundation, could entirely replace the Cloud Palace and become one of the world's top-tier powers.
In Ye Ling's estimation, Bushi was the most likely candidate for the hidden top-tier power within Yang Country.
One day, as Ye Ling was reviewing documents submitted by the Arasaka clan in his office, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Ye Ling said calmly, his gaze not leaving the documents.
Wang Liren, dressed in a suit, entered and respectfully addressed Ye Ling, "Emperor, the Arasaka clan has sent an invitation for you to attend a banquet this evening."
"A banquet?" Ye Ling raised an eyebrow.
Wang Liren explained, "It is the eightieth birthday banquet of the Mutou family patriarch, Mutou Masao. High-ranking officials from the capital will be attending. It can be said that the cream of the crop of Yang Country's elite will be gathered there – individuals who control nearly ninety percent of Yang Country's resources."
Ye Ling queried, "In other words, there might be information I'm looking for at that banquet?"
Wang Liren elaborated, "Arasaka Changyi mentioned that the Mutou family is a thousand-year-old samurai clan in Yang Country and a preeminent power within the cultivator circles. On Mutou Masao's eightieth birthday, influential figures from the circles will be present. Among them, there might be those who know the information you seek, Emperor."
Upon hearing Wang Liren's words, Ye Ling nodded and replied, "Perfect. Help me finalize the itinerary; I will attend."
Wang Liren then added, "There is one more matter."
"What is it?"
Wang Liren stated, "That girl, Qi Zhuyue, came to see you. She is currently waiting in the reception hall."
"If that girl is here, why didn't you say so?" Ye Ling immediately tossed aside the documents in his hand and chided Wang Liren.
In recent days, what concerned him most was the mark within Qi Zhuyue. However, Qi Zhuyue had not come to see him, and Ye Ling felt too proud to seek her out.
After days of no news, Ye Ling had begun to think Qi Zhuyue had reconsidered.
Wang Liren hesitated, saying, "Emperor... it's mainly that girl. I feel something is not right."
Ye Ling blinked in surprise, "Not right?"
Wang Liren continued, "This... I can't quite explain it. You'll understand when you see her, Emperor."
Observing Wang Liren's expression, Ye Ling felt a sense of unease. He left his office and headed towards the reception hall.
In the reception hall, Qi Zhuyue, dressed plainly and without makeup, sat silently on the sofa, her gaze fixed on the fruit on the coffee table, completely still.
The room was eerily quiet.
Upon entering, Ye Ling sensed an ominous aura surrounding Qi Zhuyue.
"Has the mark broken through the seal?"
Feeling that aura, Ye Ling's brow furrowed slightly. He immediately swept his divine sense over Qi Zhuyue, only to discover that the mark within her was still sealed, and its power had not escaped Ye Ling's restraint.
The aura clinging to Qi Zhuyue was external.
Wang Liren, who had followed him in, whispered to Ye Ling, "She hasn't spoken since she arrived. I feel something is amiss. Could the matter with her parents have been too much of a blow to her..."
Ye Ling signaled Wang Liren to remain calm, then walked forward and smiled at Qi Zhuyue, "Xiao Yue, you've finally arrived."
Hearing Ye Ling's words, Qi Zhuyue snapped back to attention. She quickly stood up and said somewhat flusteredly, "Emperor..."
"Don't be nervous, sit."
Ye Ling casually sat opposite Qi Zhuyue and asked, "Have you finished dealing with your mother's affairs these past few days?"
"Mm..." Qi Zhuyue nodded and replied softly.
However, it was evident from her eyes that she had something on her mind.
Ye Ling saw through this but did not directly inquire. Instead, he said, "I am attending a banquet tonight. Would you accompany me?"
"Can I... can I go?" Qi Zhuyue asked with a lack of confidence.
Ye Ling smiled, "Of course. With your beauty, once you change into an evening gown, you will be the center of attention at that banquet."
With that, Ye Ling immediately gave Wang Liren a meaningful glance.
Wang Liren understood and quickly chimed in, "We have professional makeup artists and stylists here who can help design your look. I guarantee you will be the most dazzling person there!"
Qi Zhuyue seemed bewildered, "But I..."
Wang Liren interrupted, "No 'buts.' Just follow Emperor's arrangements!"
With that, Wang Liren made a call to summon a makeup artist. Without waiting for Qi Zhuyue's objection, he had the makeup artist escort Qi Zhuyue away for her makeover.
After Qi Zhuyue had left, Wang Liren turned to Ye Ling and asked, "Emperor, did you notice anything?"
The smile on Ye Ling's lips gradually faded, replaced by a cold glint in his eyes. He said calmly, "I can tell that someone else has approached Xiao Yue these past few days."
"Someone else approached her?" Wang Liren exclaimed, "Was Qi Zhuyue threatened?"
Ye Ling replied, "Perhaps... but judging by her demeanor, it certainly wasn't for anything good."
"Then what should we do?"
Ye Ling stretched lazily and said, "Qi Zhuyue is now my maid. If someone approaches her, it is tantamount to provoking me. Of course, I cannot let this slide."
"There are still a few hours until the banquet begins. This time is more than enough to resolve her troubles."