Ye Shikai and his men were ambushed by robbers while escorting grain. Although casualties were avoided, some grain was lost. Han Hao, feeling responsible, offered compensation and provided an escort for Ye Shikai's return. Meanwhile, Ye Shikai reflected on the dangers faced by commoners and how grain supplies could fuel rebel forces. Upon returning to Shangshui Village, Ye Shikai was surprised by a massive delivery of grain, wine, cloth, and armed guards, which Hua Liandie revealed was her wedding gift.
"Thank you kindly then," Ye Shikai offered a slight smile. "With these two to three thousand stones of grain, coupled with the special privilege granted by Lord Han, the situation in Shangshui Village can finally see improvement."
"So, do you intend to distribute this entire amount of grain to the villagers?" Hua Liandie inquired suddenly.
"What else? Do you imagine I can consume such a vast quantity all by myself?" Ye Shikai rolled his eyes; this quantity of grain is sufficient to sustain the entire village for three whole months.
"Aren't you keeping even a small portion for yourself?" Hua Liandie pressed further.
"Hua Liandie, what is it you are precisely trying to ascertain?" Ye Shikai felt genuinely perplexed. Hua Liandie seemed rather peculiar today. Could it be that she was having second thoughts about bestowing such a substantial 'gift'? That seemed highly improbable. Possessing immense wealth and influence, for someone of her stature to retract a gift already given would be a considerable loss of face.
"With such an abundance of grain, whether for storage or for sale, one could amass a significant fortune. Are you truly bestowing all of this grain to the villagers without charge, solely due to your hometown connections?" Hua Liandie asked earnestly, her expression quite serious. If it were merely hometown ties, it would at most be an act of lending a helping hand. However, for someone like Ye Shikai, whose generosity appeared boundless, it was an anomaly. Where in the world could one find such a 'great person'? Hua Liandie found herself unable to fathom Ye Shikai's underlying motives.
"Furthermore, you couldn't possibly have grown up in Shangshui Village, correct? I've had inquiries made; your household registration was transferred to Shangshui Village at a later point. In other words, you have no true ties to these villagers, do you?" Hua Liandie continued her line of questioning.
"You are correct, I am not originally from Shangshui Village. As you know, I was born in Ji County," Ye Shikai stated calmly. Yanjing was formerly known as Ji County, so Ye Shikai's statement was factually accurate.
"Precisely, it seems highly unlikely that you are undertaking this endeavor merely for the villagers' adoration, wouldn't you agree?"
"Hehe, in any case, this is also Ling'er's maternal family. And when I initially arrived here, the villagers offered me some measure of assistance. Moreover, Shangguan, Man Cang, and I all originated from this area. Extending aid to them now is hardly excessive, is it? Furthermore, unlike yourself, I do not place such a high value on status and wealth. These are merely external possessions," Ye Shikai replied calmly.
"Do you truly believe I am engaged in business solely for financial gain?" Hua Liandie’s tone shifted abruptly upon hearing this, transforming her demeanor entirely.
"If not for that, isn't a merchant's primary objective supposed to be profit?" Ye Shikai appeared genuinely puzzled, wondering if he had inadvertently said something amiss.
"Hmph, how shallow," Hua Liandie scoffed coldly, turning on her heel and departing.
"Hey, what has gotten into you?" Ye Shikai hurried to catch up, attempting to grasp her arm, but Hua Liandie firmly shook him off.
"Leave me be, I have no desire to converse with you," Hua Liandie declared, waving her hand dismissively. Her guards immediately moved to intercept Ye Shikai. While he possessed the capability to fend them off, he chose not to escalate the situation into a conflict, resigned to watching Hua Liandie enter her sedan chair and depart.
"General Ye, you should return," the guards stated with deference. Ye Shikai, finding himself helpless, turned and departed, understanding that he must have uttered something that offended her, but the exact nature of his transgression remained elusive.
...............
Present day, at the Ji Family residence.
"The presence of the Sect Leader of the Worm Sect is an immense honor. Please overlook any deficiencies in our hospitality," Ji Tao, accompanied by several distinguished elders of the Ji Family, stood at the mansion's entrance, anticipating the arrival of a notable guest.
The Worm Sect, led by Wuyan.
The Ji Family stands as one of the four preeminent families in Yanjing, possessing considerable power. The Family Head, Ji Tao, is himself a figure of unfathomable depth. The fact that an individual of such high standing personally came to greet them underscored the profound respect accorded to the Worm Sect.
As a sect that staunchly maintains long-term neutrality amidst the various factions of Huaxia, the Worm Sect holds a position of no small significance. Their mastery of worm skills, poison arts, and medical techniques is regarded as unparalleled. Particularly, their application of worm skills can be employed for healing various intractable ailments when used benevolently, yet can induce unseen death when wielded malevolently. Furthermore, worm skills are distinct from poison skills; with poison, treatment is possible provided an antidote exists, but with worms, only a true master can offer succor. Even the most formidable cultivator would hesitate to provoke the Worm Sect lightly, lest they fall victim to bewitchment, leaving them with no recourse but to kneel and plead for mercy.
"Family Head Ji, your politeness is excessive. We have imposed upon you by staying at your esteemed mansion; please bear with us," Wuyan stated placidly. Despite her tender age of eighteen, her seniority was equivalent to Ji Tao's, thus Ji Tao dared not assume the posture of an elder.
"Not at all, not at all. It has been a considerable journey. Please come inside and rest," Ji Tao gestured for the servants to escort Wuyan and the disciples of the Worm Sect to the quarters that had been prepared for them.
Wuyan arrived in Yanjing precisely because Ji Qian had extended an invitation. With the Kunlun Mountain ruins on the verge of opening, the Worm Sect could hardly stand idly by. Wuyan’s initial plan involved personally guiding her disciples to the site, but Ji Qian’s cordial invitation provided a convenient reason to convene in Yanjing first. Given Wuyan’s naturally reserved demeanor and preference for solitary action, her acceptance of Ji Qian’s invitation was largely an acknowledgment of their shared history. News of Wuyan’s presence at the Ji Family’s estate has now circulated widely, prompting numerous families to speculate whether the Ji Family has successfully secured the Worm Sect as an ally.
"Wuyan, are you settling in alright?" Ji Qian, as the host, ensured her guest was treated with utmost hospitality. Having Wuyan’s assistance would undoubtedly mitigate many potential perils upon entering the Kunlun Mountain ruins.
"Rest assured, I’m not that fragile," Wuyan replied. The familiarity between the two women allowed Wuyan to shed her usual aloofness, displaying a surprisingly approachable side.
"The Kunlun Mountain ruins harbor considerable dangers. A significant number of experts who ventured inside never returned. Among the prominent families of Yanjing, none can confidently claim they will emerge unscathed," Wuyan stated calmly. The fact that even a formidable expert like Ji Tao could not guarantee his survival underscored the perilous nature of the ruins.
"Miss Ji, you inquired about the secret realm within the Kunlun Mountain ruins. I can inform you that it lies deep within the ruins, in a location absent from any map. There’s even speculation that the secret realm’s position is not static. Furthermore, even if you locate it, finding ‘him’ might prove elusive," Wuyan remarked, referring to Ye Shikai. Recently, many factions across Huaxia had been attempting to track his movements. Ultimately, none dared to boldly enter the secret realm in pursuit of him, considering its profoundly treacherous environment.
"I have already made my decision," Ji Qian declared with unwavering resolve.
"That young man, I truly wonder what methods he employs to inspire such unwavering devotion in the women around him," Wuyan mused with a soft sigh.
"Wuyan, this is my own volition. It has no bearing on anyone else. While others might choose to steer clear of the secret realm, I must venture forth."
