Chapter 1771

This was the second time she sighed.

"Master, if that boy Bingyuan truly can obtain the resources owned by the Ximen family, then this is precisely the outcome I wish to see, for his abilities are indeed impressive," said the beautiful lady.

"Yes, he is outstanding, yet…" said Ximen Xinghai: "his ambition is too great; our plan was never sufficiently meticulous. Had we known he intended to do this, we should never have chosen such a method."

"It's already too late; we must resolve this matter as soon as possible," the beautiful lady shook her head, a hint of solemnity appearing in her eyes: "Master, the Western Dark World is about to erupt into bloodshed, and those people's appetites are growing ever larger—we truly can no longer delay."

"I understand your meaning—you wish to seize this opportunity to expand our influence, correct?" the old master mused, then asked.

"It's not merely about expanding our influence—it's about securing our chance to rise," the beautiful lady said: "The Western Dark World is finally reaching its peak, and we, the old faction, must seek breakthroughs, or else…"

Otherwise, they will be utterly extinguished in the dust of history.

"But now the waters of the Western Dark World are too deep; our networks and resources are nearly exhausted, except for the East Ocean," the old master said: "Originally, it was because I saw the potential of the East Ocean that I chose to ally with Yamamoto's clan."

"This time, we can also leverage the Yamamoto clan's strength to re-enter the Asian market and further expand our sphere of influence," said the middle-aged beauty.

Her name was Jiang Fuhu, political commissar of the Jiangjing Military Region, and the de facto emperor of this territory.

"No, I've already made up my mind," the old master said: "First, let Bingyuan contact his sister and gauge her attitude. If this girl supports us, then have her pave the way for Bingyuan."

"Agreed. I'll arrange everything," said Jiang Fuhu: "That boy Bingyuan has always wanted to control the Ximen family. If he can bring his sister under his command, this matter will become much simpler."

"Actually, I've never fully trusted that girl Bing Xuelian," Ximen Xinghai shook his head, a trace of concern in his expression: "Though she appears sharp and capable, she lacks strategic vision."

"Are you saying Bing Xuelian is unfit to become the future mistress of the Ximen family?" Jiang Fuhu asked.

"Not just the future family mistress—she must become the entire family's matriarch," said Ximen Xinghai.

"Are you serious?" Jiang Fuhu's brow furrowed.

"Of course I'm serious," Ximen Xinghai's gaze turned cold: "If Bing Xuelian cannot achieve this, she has no qualification whatsoever to become the future leader of the Ximen family."

"I know your intention—you've always wanted a woman to help shoulder the burden of internal family chaos, correct?" Jiang Fuhu's gaze sharpened: "You haven't ignored my daughter's opinion—you just dare not, because you're afraid, afraid of failure, aren't you?"

Ximen Xinghai did not directly answer, but said: "Your son-in-law shares this same thought."

He spoke as if stating a simple fact, yet it carried heavy menace.

"No, I've never considered using my daughter to buy victory—her happiness matters a hundred times more than my future," Jiang Fuhu fixed his gaze on Ximen Xinghai, his voice suddenly deepening: "I know your intentions. I know what kind of man you are. But understand this—in the face of absolute power, all schemes are meaningless!"

Hearing this, Ximen Xinghai smiled bitterly: "Are you planning to tear the mask off?"

"Tear the mask off? Easy to say."

1667 confident?

1667 confident?

The old master sighed softly: "Let Xinghai handle this matter. I believe that if Bing Xuelian agrees, then Bingyuan will have no reason to continue his struggle, correct?"

After a pause, Ximen Xinghai's voice turned icy: "We've been passive for too long. We won't endure this any longer—or else, this world will no longer bear the Ximen name."

The final words of this sentence rose slightly in pitch.

This once-mighty top expert of Huaxia now radiated a chilling aura.

"Hmm, you're right," the old master nodded, as if suddenly relieved. He stood up and stretched: "Once our people are assembled, we'll strike eastward and send every so-called Tianren of the East Ocean to hell to repent."

………

Ximen Wudi sat in the car, glancing at his watch: "It's already three. Still not five—four and a half hours until the duel."

Lin Aoxue sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window: "Are you really confident?"

"Don't worry," Ximen Wudi patted his chest, flashing a brilliant smile: "Those so-called Tianren? To me, they're no more than ants—utterly powerless."

"You won't lose to the Tianren, will you?" Lin Aoxue asked.

"Uh…" Ximen Wudi rubbed his nose: "Well… maybe I really won't…"

He'd never actually considered this possibility.

In truth, Ximen Wudi believed that if he unleashed his full power, he could instantly obliterate all those Tianren! But… what if he killed them all? Who would then guard the Western Dark World?

So… this question truly deserves debate.

"Then that's good," Lin Aoxue seemed utterly confident in Ximen Wudi: "If you lose, you won't need to enter that tournament."

"You believe in me that much?" Ximen Wudi chuckled.

"No, I believe in your wisdom," Lin Aoxue said: "If you dare say this, you must already have a solution."

"Alright," Ximen Wudi smiled.

"Actually, if you win, we won't need to compete with Bingyuan anymore, and Bing Xuelian won't be plunged into such danger," Lin Aoxue added.

"That's best. I like things simple," Ximen Wudi laughed.

In truth, though these two spoke of preferring simplicity, no one would retreat from such a crucial battle—not even Lin Aoxue!

At this moment, Ximen Wudi's phone rang—it was the head of Ye Pu Island calling.

"Young Master, the items you requested are ready."

"Good, I'll come get them right away," Ximen Wudi hung up, started the car, turned the steering wheel, and headed toward the dock.

Lin Aoxue glanced at Ximen Wudi's focused profile, a flicker of unusual light passing through her eyes.

Clearly, Ximen Wudi had come prepared today—he must have arranged everything in advance.

Moreover, Lin Aoxue faintly sensed that Ximen Wudi intended to set a trap for Ximen Bingyuan—and this trap… might be fatal!

Lin Aoxue looked forward to it.

Yet, recalling Ximen Wudi's earlier words—"I like things simple"—Lin Aoxue shook her head again.

"I just don't understand you," Lin Aoxue thought to herself.

Ximen Wudi leaned closer to Lin Aoxue: "Aoxue, what's wrong? You just shook your head—do you think my ideas are too extreme?"

"No, I'm worried for you," Lin Aoxue said.

"Worried?"

Ximen Wudi smiled and shook his head: "In my life, no matter what trouble I run into, I just have to overturn it."

"Overturn everything." Hearing Ximen Wudi say this, Lin Aoxue's gaze, clear as lake water, also began to ripple with emotion.

"You are the same." Ximen Wudi took a deep breath, then exhaled: "Your life, too, is to overturn everything."

………

An hour later, Ximen Wudi arrived at Ye Pu Island.

"Miss Aoxue, Mr. Su." The Ye Pu Sect disciples bowed respectfully.

"Mm, please announce to Master Li Youran for me, say I wish to borrow the Ye Pu Sword." Ximen Wudi said.

"Please wait a moment." The Ye Pu Sect disciple said, then strode quickly into the great hall.

A few minutes later, the Grand Elder of the Ye Pu Sect, Li Longyan, appeared in person to welcome the two inside.

On the way, he gave Ximen Wudi a thumbs-up and said: "Brother Rui, this time we really have to count on you."

Li Youran also came out.

She wore a moon-white long robe, standing quietly atop the mountain peak, as if she had merged into the night sky.

Even under the sunlight, this South Sea Immortal's body still reflected a faint frost-flower sheen.

This scene was truly filled with a transcendent, otherworldly air.

"Sister Youran, I've come to return your sword." Ximen Wudi handed over a box wrapped extremely tightly, and said: "This blade I've kept by my side the whole time, never lost it, and now I finally have the chance to return it to its rightful owner."

Li Youran took the blade, she carefully caressed it several times, before saying: "Thank you."

Ximen Wudi smiled: "You're welcome, after all we two can now be considered comrades-in-arms."

Within his smile there seemed to flow a hint of an easy, unrestrained air: "Besides, back then you blocked a blade for me, I owe you a great deal, and now I've just made up for it."

Li Youran smiled and nodded.

However, she did not say much more.

"Alright, time is tight, I'll go find those fellows to play with first." Ximen Wudi waved his fist: "I can't waste this rare leisure time."

"Alright."

At this moment, Li Youran said: "I'll go with you."

Saying so, she stepped onto Ximen Wudi's vehicle.

"Fine then."