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The atmosphere in the dungeon suddenly became tense. Black Butcher furrowed his brow, and Shadow stepped forward, his nostrils flaring.
A sense of oppression surged forth, but Ye Tian merely smiled calmly in response, seemingly unfazed by Black Butcher and the enraged Shadow.
"Are you joking, little brother?" Qin Changlin gestured for Shadow not to act rashly, but his cold tone revealed that he was also growing angry.
Ye Tian met Qin Changlin's gaze and after a moment chuckled lightly, saying, "Of course."
After a pause, Ye Tian continued, "But that man is indeed a disciple of Cloud Sea Sect."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room seemed to ease slightly. Shadow retracted the step he had taken and crossed his arms, though his gaze on Ye Tian still held some anger.
"Heh, what a good dog," Ye Tian thought disdainfully as he locked eyes with Shadow.
The traits of a dog are loyalty and aggression; Shadow embodied both of these qualities. His earlier action indicated that he thought, "I don't care which faction you belong to; disrespecting the master is unacceptable!"
However, if Qin Changlin were not present, it would be worth speculating whether Shadow would have dared to take that step.
This is what is known as loyalty and aggression. Shadow was indeed a good subordinate but not someone who was likable.
Of course, what Ye Tian found most distasteful was the feeling of a Shadow Falcon emanating from him.
"So what play are you putting on here?" Qin Changlin asked with a forced smile that was clearly strained.
"Qin Family Head, please allow me to explain. That man's name is Duan Liu. He is also a disciple of Cloudscroll Pavilion, but this person has treacherous intentions and betrayed our sect. Recently, he plotted against me using deceit. When I happened to see your family's bounty notice, greed took over him, and he attempted to deceive your family for some money to squander..." Ye Tian spoke eloquently, simplifying the situation based on reality and portraying Duan Liu as a complete scoundrel, feeling quite satisfied with himself.
Ye Tian spoke vividly, leaving everyone in confusion. In the end, even Cold Yang couldn't help but ask, "So how do you plan to deal with him?"
"How to deal with him? Qin Commander, that's a great question..."
"A scoundrel like this should be punished severely! Since he has entered my Luoma Market territory, there's no need for you, young brother, to take action. I will handle him for you," Qin Changlin interrupted Ye Tian. After hearing that storytelling-like account, he had completely believed in Ye Tian's identity as a Cloud Token holder. For such a "distinguished guest," he certainly wanted to curry favor.
Moreover, with the deceit reaching their Qin Manor, Qin Changlin's violent nature could not tolerate it.
"Haha, I appreciate the good intentions of the Qin Family Head, but our Cloud Sea Sect has its own rules; traitors must be brought back to the sect for punishment," Ye Tian replied with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Cold Yang finally understood that Duan Liu was not a traitor. He glanced at Ye Tian and thought to himself that this guy was still the same as before, spinning tales with such conviction that it sounded real.
"That's fine; after all, your sect has its own rules, and we shouldn't interfere," Qin Changlin said. Although he was annoyed that Duan Liu tried to deceive him for money, he didn't want to ruin his chance to get closer to Ye Tian over such a trivial matter.
"Thank you, Qin Family Head," Ye Tian said with a smile and a slight bow. He knew that saying this would ensure Qin Changlin would unconditionally let Duan Liu go.
In fact, Cloud Sea Sect did not have such a protocol. If a disciple truly betrayed them, after orders from the higher-ups, thousands of Cloud Sea Sect disciples had the right to eliminate traitors anytime and anywhere.
"You're too polite; instead, I feel ashamed for believing in the slanders of treacherous people and mistaking you for a thief. Look at this..." Qin Changlin feigned guilt but secretly rejoiced. If it weren't for that Cloud Sea Sect traitor bringing Ye Tian here, he wouldn't have had the chance to interact with Cloud Sea Sect.
After saying this, without waiting for Ye Tian to respond, he continued, "How about this? I will host a banquet to apologize to you; what do you think?"
Ye Tian chuckled and said, "I can't accept an apology like that, but I am indeed a bit hungry."
"I'll arrange a feast right away; let's drink until we're satisfied," Qin Changlin laughed heartily. Ye Tian's words cleverly drew them closer together.
Of course, Ye Tian's intention in drawing them closer was purposeful.
"Ha ha, Qin Family Head, your hospitality is hard to refuse... but I really have important matters to attend to, so I fear I cannot stay long." Ye Tian changed the subject, showing no regard.
The tactic of raising and then lowering expectations indeed worked. Qin Changlin's expression instantly turned awkward after hearing this, a flash of anger disappearing in an instant.
"Our family head invites you to dinner because he values you; don't be ungrateful!" the Shadow said angrily.
Ye Tian looked at him and sneered. This person was hot-tempered and reckless; to be fair, he was far inferior to Wang Weiyang.
"Shadow, step back!" Qin Changlin commanded. If he could endure it himself, how could he let a minor character ruin the situation?
The Shadow's expression darkened upon hearing this. He thought to himself that his loyalty in protecting his master had only brought him trouble; it was truly unfair.
"Little brother, I sincerely invite you," Qin Changlin forced a smile and invited again.
"I appreciate Qin Family Head's kindness, but I really have matters to attend to, so I must decline the banquet," Ye Tian rejected Qin Changlin's invitation once more. He had just taken a risk to communicate with Cold Yang, and now he had devised a strategy to clear Cold Yang's name, as Cold Yang needed to remain in the Qin Family to reassure Wang Weiyang.
"So you're refusing my invitation?" Qin Changlin said half-jokingly. As the strongest in Luoma Market, even a word from him would make the market tremble. Today, he had lowered himself twice to invite someone, yet they were adamantly rejecting him. If word got out, where would he put his old face?
"Master, please remain calm."
A clear voice rang out, one that was magnetic and certainly not from the Shadow or Black Butcher.
Qin Changlin turned to look at Qin Wuji, who used the Secret Sound Technique to soothe his emotions. The expression on his face shifted; he seemed curious about why this person suddenly spoke up.
Previously, Qin Changlin had mentioned that this young man named Ye Tian was a trusted aide of Li Qingwu, but in the end, not only was he not a thief, but he was also a high disciple of the Cloud Sea Pavilion. It would be one thing if Ye Tian showed some respect; if he didn't, then Qin Wuji would become the first target for Qin Changlin's frustration.
"What do you want to say?" Qin Changlin replied using the Secret Sound Technique.
"Rest assured, Master of the House, I know my limits," Qin Wuji replied using the Secret Sound Technique. He then spoke loudly, cupping his hands towards Ye Tian and said, "Young Master Ye."
Ye Tian returned the gesture. Since the two had already devised a strategy using the Secret Sound Technique, he simply waited for what would come next.
"I previously mistook you for a trusted aide of Li Qingwu; I truly was shortsighted. I hope Young Master Ye can forgive me," Qin Wuji said sincerely.
"You're too kind. I've seen that portrait as well, and it does bear some resemblance. Otherwise, that traitor from our Cloud Sea Sect wouldn't have thought to use me to swindle money from the Qin Family Head," Ye Tian casually waved his hand, though inwardly he noted how much more reasonable their previous statements had become.
"Thank you for your understanding, Young Master Ye. However, this misunderstanding has truly embarrassed me. If I cannot make amends in some way, I will feel quite guilty," Qin Wuji continued.
"And how do you propose to make amends?" Ye Tian feigned interest.
"I am merely an Outer Gate Guard Commander; as for compensation, it would simply be a matter of treating Young Master Ye on behalf of the Master of the House," Qin Wuji said while bowing slightly to Qin Changlin.
Qin Changlin showed a hint of displeasure, but that expression quickly faded when Ye Tian unexpectedly agreed to Qin Wuji's request.
"Very well then. Since you all insist on inviting me, it would be unreasonable for me to decline again," Ye Tian smiled and said.
"Thank you, Young Master Ye, for your understanding," Qin Wuji also smiled in response.
"I should be the one thanking the Qin Family Head and Commander Qin for their kindness."
"Hahaha, enough of this! I'll send someone to prepare a banquet right away; we can have a good chat over drinks," Qin Changlin waved his hand invitingly for Ye Tian to proceed with him.
Ye Tian accepted without hesitation and walked alongside Qin Changlin, with Qin Wuji following closely behind. The Black Butcher Shadow flanked them on either side as the five made their way toward the dungeon exit.
Upon exiting the dungeon, sunlight poured down. Having spent a long time in the dimness of the dungeon, his eyes had adjusted to the darkness, so when he stepped outside, he found the sunlight quite blinding.
Taking advantage of the moment of concealment, Ye Tian and Cold Yang exchanged glances and chuckled lightly.
Previously, Ye Tian had twice rejected Qin Changlin's invitation, intending to convey that he had no interest in forming a connection with him. Later, when Cold Yang stepped in to extend another invitation, Ye Tian readily agreed. This little trick successfully deceived Qin Changlin, dispelling his suspicions about Cold Yang. Qin Changlin understood that between him and Ye Tian, Qin Wuji served as a bridge.
The Cloud Sea Sect was a top-tier sect in the Square Area, and Ye Tian had obtained the Cloud Token at such a young age. Naturally, Qin Changlin wished to befriend someone with such limitless potential. Driven by this motivation, the clumsy scheme of Ye Tian and Cold Yang surprisingly succeeded with ease.
"I truly doubt how he managed to become the head of the family," Ye Tian said to Cold Yang using the Secret Sound Technique.
Cold Yang's lips curled slightly; although he did not respond, his meaning was clear.
If a more astute person were present, they could easily find flaws in their conversation. However, Qin Changlin could not; all his thoughts were focused on how to befriend Ye Tian.
In truth, while it was framed as friendship, the real purpose was merely to utilize Ye Tian's reputation to strengthen the Qin Family's influence in the future.
It is important to note that even in a large city like Divine Wood County, there were very few who could establish any connection with a direct disciple of the Lord.
Lord Lei was a living example; his son held a significant position within the sect, which elevated their entire Lei Family. Although Qin Changlin could never develop a father-son-like relationship with Ye Tian, having a friend who possessed a Cloud Token was undoubtedly a substantial trump card within thousands of miles in Luoma Market and the Square Area.
That evening, Ye Tian and Duan Liu experienced a dramatic reversal in their treatment. Ye Tian sat at the banquet enjoying himself heartily, while Duan Liu was locked away in a dark and damp dungeon...
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