Shangguan Ye received word and hurried back as well. When Yun Tian saw Shangguan Ye here, his gaze shifted to Murong Qiufeng, filled with complex emotions.
If Shangguan Ye were merely a prince, it wouldn’t be unusual for him to be close with Murong Qiufeng. But the problem was he held another identity. The fact that the leader of the Heavenly Slayer Pavilion and the deputy leader of the Evening Wind Tower were on such friendly terms…
The rumors circulating recently about the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion and the Twilight Wind Tower having ties together did indeed seem to hold some truth. What truly piqued his curiosity, however, was why Shangguan Ye remained so close to Murong Qiufeng despite knowing her true identity. Was there some ulterior motive at play?
“Can you describe those who ambushed you in more detail? Were they from Central Plains?” Shangguan Ye cut straight to the chase upon his arrival.
Yun Tian frowned at Shangguan Ye, not answering immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Murong Qiufeng.
Murong Qiufeng understood his hesitation. Yun Tian was notoriously cautious in his actions, and given the current perilous times, it was understandable. She spoke up. “Brother Yun, rest assured. I can vouch for him. Ye can trust him. He won’t harm us.”
Yun Tian raised an eyebrow skeptically. No threat? Hmph. The recent assassination attempt alone speaks volumes. And the chaos among the martial arts world? They’re likely involved in that too. Otherwise, why did the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion remain silent after that incident? He still couldn’t figure out what role the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion played in this affair—friend or foe.
“Believe it or not, it’s up to you. But right now, you have no choice but to answer this prince’s questions. You came here seeking help, didn’t you? Now your situation is connected to the case in this prince’s hands. Whether you want to talk or not is irrelevant.” Shangguan Ye snorted coldly. Whether he was transferring his displeasure with Yun Feiyang onto Yun Tian or the Mufeng Pavilion was unclear. Either way, he found everyone inside the Mufeng Pavilion increasingly irritating.
Murong Qiufeng froze in surprise. She’d never seen Shangguan Ye display such brute force and unreasonable behavior before.
Yun Tian’s expression darkened further, his gaze sharpening with cold intensity. “Hmph. I recall clearly that I came to the Prime Minister’s residence, not the Prince’s mansion. Even if I were seeking aid, it would be from Xiao Feng, not Your Highness. As for the case you mention, Your Highness seems to have forgotten— I am a man of the martial world. The imperial court and the martial world have always kept to themselves. Even if you are a prince, you have no right to force me to do something I refuse. Truly, there’s no need for the prince to trouble himself. The affairs of our Mufeng Tower can be resolved by ourselves. Xiao Feng, see him out. I’m tired. I want to sleep.”
Yun Tian finished speaking with an expressionless, deliberate tone, then closed his eyes and waved his hand. He adopted an air of “I’m the host, you’re the guest,” looking utterly disinterested in further discussion.
Mou Rong Qiu Feng’s face darkened. Yun Tian’s sharp tongue and verbal prowess were unmatched—he had yet to see anyone best him in that regard.
He turned to look at Shangguan Ye. Sure enough, Shangguan Ye was rendered speechless, his face darkening with murderous intent. Murong Qiu Feng hurriedly grabbed his arm. “Look. Stop bickering. We’re not parting ways just yet. Think of us as in the same boat. We need to cooperate.”
Yun Tian remained utterly still, eyes closed, leaning against the bed as if truly asleep.
Shangguan Ye’s face darkened, itching to deliver another blow. Suddenly, his eyes twinkled. He hooked his arm around Murong Qiufeng’s waist, brushing his lips lightly against his ear. In a husky, aggrieved tone, he murmured, “Darling. Your husband was bullied by outsiders. Not only did you refuse to help, you even scolded me. How deeply hurtful. So it’s true—one’s husband’s family can never compare to one’s own maternal family, huh?”
Youxiang, who had been eagerly anticipating the drama, couldn’t help but giggle. She quickly covered her mouth. Outside, the shadow guards all looked up at the sky, stifling their laughter. But they were hardly surprised. Ever since Murong Qiufeng had appeared, their master’s image in their eyes had been shattered beyond repair.
Murong Qiufeng’s lips twitched.
Yun Tian instantly opened his eyes. He stared at the two of them hugging and kissing, looking utterly bewildered. He glanced at Shangguan Ye, then at Murong Qiufeng. Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s awkward expression but no resistance—effectively an admission—his brow furrowed. His eyes grew serious. Looking back at Shangguan Ye, his gaze held a hint of scrutiny.
First, he had always treated Murong Qiufeng like a younger brother. Second, he knew the forum owner’s feelings for Murong Qiufeng. If Murong Qiufeng truly had a relationship with Shangguan Ye now…
He suddenly recalled the recent misunderstanding where the forum owner was hunted down, yet later chose not to pursue the matter with the Heavenly Slaughter Pavilion. Could it be that the two had already made their intentions clear to each other? Or perhaps they had reached some sort of agreement?
It must be said that Yun Tian’s mind was indeed meticulous. Once he thought it through, everything became clear. He looked at Murong Qiufeng with gravity. “Xiao Feng.”
Murong Qiufeng looked at him awkwardly, yet showed no intention of hiding anything. He nodded. “That’s right. Ye and I… we are in that kind of relationship… So I can guarantee Ye will never do anything to harm me or Mufeng Tower.”
Yun Tian’s frown deepened. “Does the Tower Master know?” His gaze shifted to Shangguan Ye. Sure enough, Ye narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing within. He was undoubtedly aware of the Tower Master’s feelings for Xiao Feng.
Murong Qiu Feng, however, smiled. “Senior Brother doesn’t know yet. We only confirmed it recently. But I believe Senior Brother will support my decision.”
Yun Tian’s mouth twitched. Support? Hardly. It seemed trouble was brewing. The Tower Master was something else. He’d warned him long ago to clarify things with Xiao Feng early on. Yet he still hadn’t revealed his feelings. Now look—someone else had beaten him to it.
He sighed, refraining from any pointed remarks. Turning to look at Shangguan Ye, he said, “Your Highness. Perhaps we need to talk.”
Murong Qiu Feng’s heart tightened.
Though he’d only spent five years within his sect or at the Mufeng Tower, the emotions he’d poured into this place far exceeded those for his family. Sometimes, these people felt closer to him than his own kin.
His parents’ disapproval might bring disappointment and sadness. But even if they opposed it, he wouldn’t part with Shangguan Ye. Still, it would hurt. It would linger as a deep regret.
Shangguan Ye sensed Murong Qiufeng’s tension. He squeezed his hand gently, then turned to look coldly at Yun Tian, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? Is this a private matter or an official one?”
“It concerns Xiao Feng,” Yun Tian stated bluntly.
“Yun…” Murong Qiufeng, alarmed, tried to speak.
Shangguan Ye tightened his grip on Murong Qiufeng’s hand and spoke first. “Hmph. This prince sees nothing about his affairs that warrants your input. Besides, on what grounds and in what capacity do you presume to speak with this prince?”
“In the capacity of his elder brother. Is that sufficient?” Yun Tian’s face remained cold, his voice slightly deepened, yet his expression was utterly serious. Whether it was personal or because of the tower master, he deeply disliked the idea of Murong Qiu Feng and Shangguan Ye being together. This damned tower master truly was exceptionally detestable.
Shangguan Ye’s expression also turned stern. “Acceptable.” He understood these people were important to Murong Qiu Feng. He felt no resentment toward this arrangement, instead feeling grateful for their care toward Murong Qiufeng. As for Yun Feiyang, his sole goodwill stemmed from the fact that without Yun Feiyang’s intervention back then, Murong Qiufeng might not exist today.
His earlier mention of “her maternal family” was also a subtle acknowledgment of their status as Murong Qiufeng’s kin—an acknowledgment that carried more weight than that of the Prime Minister’s household.
