The chill emanating from Ye Lingyuan had already condensed into frost.
He stared at Ye Liuxing with a dark, icy expression, his pitch-black eyes flashing with a profound warning.
Ye Liuxing shot a provocative glance at Ye Lingyuan before timidly hiding behind Zi Linling, feigning fear. "Sister Zi, Liuxing is so scared."
Seeing Ye Liuxing draw close to Zi Linling, Ye Lingyuan's face darkened further. He clenched his fists, channeling all the spiritual energy he had just regained into his knuckles.
Ji Ran, who had been in a daze, felt the ripple of spiritual energy and instantly awoke.
Upon sensing the disturbance originated from Ye Lingyuan, he instinctively stepped in front of Ye Liuxing.
He furrowed his brow and asked, "Underworld King, what do you intend to do? You are a Saint King realm expert now. Should you not abide by the 'Covenant of Kings'?"
Ye Lingyuan cast a sharp glance at Ji Ran, and the spiritual energy within him slowly subsided. He said coldly, "Control your clan's useless young master, or this King will not honor the 'Covenant of Kings'!"
A flash of ferocity crossed Ye Liuxing's face. No one would be pleased to be called useless. But what choice did he have when he couldn't cultivate?
He wanted to cultivate!
Never before had Ye Liuxing's desire to cultivate been so intense.
Little did Ye Lingyuan know that this single remark would create a powerful enemy for him in the future. Of course, even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.
Ji Ran's expression also turned grim. He was currently an elder offering his services to the Ye family. Ye Lingyuan's insult to Ye Liuxing was an insult to his own honor.
"Underworld King, speak with caution! Although you are the Heavenly Revelation Underworld King, do not forget that you are also a guest elder of the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce. It is likely inappropriate to insult the Young Master in such a manner!"
Since discovering Ye Lingyuan's identity, Ji Ran had also learned about the Heavenly-tier VIP card he possessed.
Given the scarcity of Heavenly-tier VIP cards, he, as a guest elder, was aware of their whereabouts.
"Hmph!"
Ye Lingyuan snorted coldly, took out the black Heavenly-tier VIP card, and placed it on the nearby table. "Guest elder? I can do without this guest elder position!"
"Since Ah Yuan is giving up this VIP card, I shall do the same!"
Situ Yunfeng also took out the Heavenly-tier VIP card from the Medicine King Valley and placed it on the table alongside Ye Lingyuan's.
Ji Ran stared at the two of them in shock, his heart a chaotic mess of emotions. The helplessness of being threatened yet unable to retaliate left him feeling utterly stifled.
The number of Heavenly-tier VIP cards held by the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce was exceedingly small, not only signifying the holder's distinguished status but also holding profound significance for the Chamber itself.
Guest elders were so named because they enjoyed elder privileges while also being obligated to render aid to the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce in times of crisis.
Although the Fengyun Chamber of Commerce had already amassed considerable power, who could guarantee that a crisis would never arise?
Therefore, each holder of a Heavenly-tier VIP card was meticulously chosen and unanimously approved by the Elder Pavilion of the Ye family, with the intention of preparing for the future and securing external support for the Ye family.
Now, with both Ye Lingyuan and Situ Yunfeng simultaneously relinquishing their Heavenly-tier VIP cards, even Ji Ran, as a guest elder, could not bear such a responsibility.
"Why must you two be so confrontational? It's merely a misunderstanding. Please, accept these cards back."
Ji Ran's demeanor softened into a smile as he spoke, extending the Heavenly-tier VIP cards back to Ye Lingyuan and Situ Yunfeng.
He then turned to Ye Liuxing and said, "Young Master, what do you say?"
A cold glint flickered in Ye Liuxing's eyes. "A misunderstanding is hardly the case. Regardless, I will not back down!"
"Try me!"
"How dare you!"
The chilling aura around Ye Lingyuan resurfaced, and Situ Yunfeng's expression also turned grim.
As the three of them stood on the brink of confrontation, Ji Ran helplessly rubbed his forehead, muttering inwardly, "Young Master, why can't you see the situation? Must you clash with them at this very moment?"
He sighed and transmitted his voice to Ye Liuxing: "Young Master, why are you so stubborn! There are plenty of fish in the sea, why offend two peerless geniuses for the sake of one woman?"
Ye Liuxing remained unmoved, causing Ji Ran to wring his hands in despair.
He continued his telepathic plea: "Young Master, you should understand the significance of the Heavenly-tier VIP cards. Do not, in a moment of anger, jeopardize the family head's carefully cultivated external support. It would be a loss far outweighing any gain!"
A flicker of internal struggle crossed Ye Liuxing's eyes. Did he not understand the gravity of the situation? However, Zi Linling was the only woman who had captured his heart in so many years. How could he willingly give up?
"Young Master, you must reconsider. As you know, the family head has faced immense pressure to protect you. Furthermore, why must you confront them so directly? Why not temporarily retreat from their sharp edge today and compete on your own merits later?"
Ji Ran's third telepathic message struck a chord, igniting a spark of clarity in Ye Liuxing's eyes.
Indeed, as long as Zi Linling didn't dislike him, he could pursue her at any time. Why be fixated on this particular moment? It was as if he were too close to see the broader picture, while an outsider could observe clearly!
Having realized this, Ye Liuxing's face broke into a triumphant smile. He glanced at Ji Ran and gave him a reassuring look.
However, if he were to yield directly, how could he face Zi Linling in the future with a clear conscience and justification?
Therefore, even if he had to step back, he needed an excuse, a way to save face. But where could he find such a pretext? Ye Lingyuan and Situ Yunfeng were not easy adversaries. How could they allow him to withdraw unscathed?
"Fine, I'll take it one step at a time!"
Ye Liuxing muttered to himself, continuing to face off against Ye Lingyuan and Situ Yunfeng.
Zi Linling watched the unfolding events with bewilderment. She couldn't understand how the three men, who had been speaking amicably moments ago, had suddenly seemed to harbor a deep-seated enmity.
She frowned slightly and asked, "What are you doing?"
Upon hearing her voice, the three men, who had been on the verge of a fight, simultaneously relaxed and turned their gazes towards her.
"Nothing!"
"Nothing!"
"Nothing!"
Situ Yunfeng, Ye Lingyuan, and Ye Liuxing replied in unison.
Zi Linling's suspicious gaze swept over each of them, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Nothing?"
Her sharp eyes landed on Ye Liuxing, causing him to feel a prickle of apprehension.
Zi Linling said with a half-smile, "I was originally thinking of helping you repair your meridians..."
Ye Liuxing froze, finding it difficult to believe his ears.
He looked at Zi Linling in surprise, uncertainly asking, "Sister Zi, what did you say? Help me... repair my meridians?"
Zi Linling looked as if it were a matter of fact. "Yes, once your meridians are repaired, your chest congestion will no longer trouble you."
Though her tone was somewhat cold, her words conveyed an aura of powerful confidence.