"Mu Xinlian, you're here." Ye Lanshan's voice finally carried a hint of warmth.
"You really show no mercy, but you should know this will only draw Yue Jinghong's attention faster." Mu Xinlian disapproved of her method of wiping out the entire clan.
But since Ye Lanshan dared to do it, she naturally had her own plan. "Isn't it better to focus all the firepower on me? How could he ever expect the Mu family to rebel?"
"You're oversimplifying things. The Yue family isn't that easy to deal with." Mu Xinlian shook her head and revealed some information Ye Lanshan didn't know.
"So they're from another continent too? No wonder they know about the Red Lotus Karmic Fire." After hearing Mu Xinlian's account, Ye Lanshan was certain the Yue family had once come from another continent.
"That, I don't know, but the Yue family's origins are indeed very mysterious. Have you heard of Cloud Island? The key to Cloud Island is in the hands of Yue Shu of the Yue family."
Ye Lanshan nodded. "I know that, but what exactly is Cloud Island for?"
She was genuinely curious about this. She'd been intrigued since first hearing about Cloud Island and had wanted to ask before, but since she was at odds with Ye Yutian at the time, she never did.
"Cloud Island... I'm not entirely sure either, but I've heard it's said to be a link to another continent." Mu Xinlian's knowledge of Cloud Island was limited, only vague hints.
"Alright, I understand. Don't worry, I won't fight a battle I can't win. Since I've decided to go up against the Yue family, I've made thorough preparations. Rest assured." Even knowing the Yue family might be from another continent, Ye Lanshan remained unafraid.
"Be careful in everything. I'll head back now." Mu Xinlian knew further persuasion was futile and turned to leave.
"Be cautious when you go out. Don't let anyone know we're connected."
Ye Lanshan didn't want Yue Jinghong to catch wind of this and ruin everything. That man was far too cunning—a master of schemes and calculations.
"I know, don't worry. I've disguised myself thoroughly." Mu Xinlian pulled out a human-skin mask to show her, along with her reversible cloak. If she got caught like this, she might as well kill herself—though she'd already died once before.
No sooner had Mu Xinlian left than another presence appeared in the hall.
"Who's there? Come out." Ye Lanshan's calm demeanor turned sharply serious.
"I hear you're a friend of Ye Lanshan's, carrying her family token." A low, oppressive voice sounded, accompanied by a powerful pressure that nearly forced her to bend, yet she maintained her ethereal composure, unmoved.
"I didn't know the Dark Lord had so much free time as to meddle in others' family affairs." Ye Lanshan frowned, surprised that Ye Yutian had come to the Yue Kingdom's capital.
"You haven't answered my question." The pressure intensified, cracking the floor beneath his feet.
"That doesn't seem important." Ye Lanshan took a difficult step forward, her expression growing more displeased.
What was this Dark Lord doing, throwing another tantrum? Who I am is none of his business. Does he need to interrogate every friend I make?
Ye Yutian faltered at her attitude, her demeanor, her expression. Suddenly, he recalled Ye Lanshan mentioning disguise techniques. Could it be her—Ye Lanshan herself?
At that thought, he immediately withdrew his pressure and strode quickly to her. "Ye Lanshan, it's you, isn't it?"
Ye Lanshan frowned, unwilling to answer his sudden interrogation. But meeting his eyes, now faintly bright instead of icy, she finally said, "Yes."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help you, of course." Ye Yutian's tone turned incredibly gentle.
"Oh." Ye Lanshan rarely refuted him this time.
They fell silent, an awkward atmosphere settling between them. Finally, someone broke the stillness.
"Have you been well lately?"
"Pretty good." Ye Lanshan actually showed him a pleasant expression.
"Oh, by the way, do you know what Cloud Island really is?"
Ye Yutian reached out and ruffled her hair. "When your strength reaches the Xuan Emperor level, I'll tell you."
Ye Lanshan tilted her head but still couldn't escape his hand. Soon, her hair was a mess.
She glared at him in displeasure. "Talk if you want to talk—why use your hands? My hair's all tangled."
"It's fine, I'll comb it back for you." Ye Yutian watched her serious complaint, his eyes brimming with adoration.
"Oh, fine. Then comb it now." Ye Lanshan pulled a comb from her space and handed it to him directly.
Ye Yutian took the comb, slightly stunned, hardly believing she'd actually let him comb her hair.
"What, you said you'd comb it. Having second thoughts?"
She should've known not to trust him. She reached to take the comb back.
"How could I go back on my word?" Ye Yutian snatched it back.
Ye Lanshan sat on a stool while Ye Yutian stood behind her, gently combing her hair stroke by stroke, as if afraid of hurting her. Finally, he clumsily tied it into a style and nodded in satisfaction.
"I didn't expect you to know how to style hair." Ye Lanshan stood up, having thought he was just talking, but he'd actually done it.
"If you marry me, I'll comb your hair every day."
"Who was it that forced me to swear a heavenly oath never to marry you? Have you forgotten?" Ye Lanshan's gaze turned mischievous as she blurted out, "If you want to be with me, then you marry me instead."
Ye Yutian's face darkened instantly, a surge of anger with no outlet, since he had indeed forced her to swear that oath.
"Alright, enough joking. You said earlier you'd help me. How do you plan to do that?" Ye Lanshan finally showed him some trust.
"I can help you capture Zhou Haiming."
"Good, but I might need your help with a few more things." Ye Lanshan's lips curled into a smirk. Yue Jinghong, are you ready to face my wrath?
"You want to destroy the Yue family? That's not hard, but Yue Shu and the elders around him are tough opponents." Ye Yutian wasn't surprised by her decision.
"Actually, judging by their demeanor, they don't seem very loyal to the Yue family. Maybe we can convince them to stay out of it." Ye Lanshan pondered quietly. She didn't really want to kill that frail beauty.
"That might be difficult. Do you know why the Yue Kingdom is called the Yue Kingdom?" Ye Yutian felt it necessary to tell her some things, or more problems would arise.
"Oh, is there a story behind it?" Ye Lanshan's brow furrowed slightly. It seemed she had underestimated the Yue family.