After leaving the courtyard, Dongfang Xue, accompanied by Fu Yong, headed for the central building.
"Miss," Fu Yong reported, "I have news. He is returning."
It was clear that "he" referred to Dongfang Chen.
Dongfang Xue frowned slightly. "What is his purpose?"
"I'm afraid it's related to Young Master Yun," Fu Yong said in a low voice. "The woman with her eyes closed previously displayed the aura of a dragon. His spies have likely noticed it as well."
Understanding dawned on Dongfang Xue. "Tell our people to hurry. We must send them out before dawn."
"I have already arranged, Miss." Fu Yong replied promptly.
Dongfang Xue let out a long sigh. "I underestimated his shamelessness. This is no longer just an internal problem."
Pausing, she asked, "What do you think of Young Master Yun?"
"It's natural for them to be cautious, having just arrived from their original realm. However, his confidence makes me question that," Fu Yong began, expressing his thoughts.
"He exudes an aura of untouchability, his confidence seemingly stemming from within. Considering his unusual strength, I believe forming an alliance with him would be more beneficial than making an enemy."
"If the second young master wants to cause trouble, I fear our group will be implicated," he added.
Dongfang Xue stopped in her tracks, her surprise evident as she looked at Fu Yong. "That serious?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhile not underestimating Yun Lintian, she wasn't entirely convinced of his ability to pose a threat to the Far East Trading Group.
"Miss, although my strength is limited, I have witnessed many in my time," Fu Yong said solemnly.
"Not just Young Master Yun, but his entire group carries the same air of confidence. They're either profoundly ignorant or the real deal, and it's evident they're the latter. As the saying goes, 'A hidden arrow is difficult to guard against.' We have no idea of their background. What if they have the backing of a true god?"
Dongfang Xue nodded slowly, understanding settling in. "You're right. We need to stop him."
"That would be ideal," Fu Yong sighed softly, his voice lacking confidence in Dongfang Chen's ability to handle the situation. Conflict seemed inevitable.
"Let's go." Dongfang Xue stepped into the majestic building in front of her, followed by Fu Yong.
The central building buzzed with activity. Rows of polished mahogany desks, each adorned with an inkwell and intricate writing implements, served as battlegrounds for complex negotiations and lucrative deals.
"The young miss is back."
Warm greetings erupted from the merchants upon recognizing Dongfang Xue. Her reputation for fair dealings preceded her, making her a preferred business partner.
"Greetings, everyone," Dongfang Xue responded with a professional smile. "Please forgive me, I have a pressing matter to attend to today."
"Of course," the merchants replied, disappointment flickering in their eyes but understanding the situation.
Dongfang Xue excused herself and entered an elevator with Fu Yong, ascending to the top floor. Reaching the hallway's end, she took a deep breath, adjusted her clothing, and knocked on the door.
"President, I have a report," she announced.
"Enter," boomed a thick male voice from within.
Opening the door, Dongfang Xue stepped inside, leaving Fu Yong behind.
The president's room resembled a realm of its own, situated atop the headquarters' tallest spire. Its panoramic view showcased the bustling Far East Capital City.
Ornate shelves lining the walls held not only bound books but also thousands of jade scrolls, each containing generations-old wisdom – from trade secrets to historical market analyses.
A dignified middle-aged man with a strong aura sat behind a table carved from a massive block of spirit jade. He was Dongfang Hao, the current president of the Far East Trading Group and Dongfang Xue's father.
Lifting his head to see his daughter, Dongfang Hao's eyes softened. "You're back."
Maintaining her professional demeanor, Dongfang Xue replied, "Yes, President. The business deal has been successfully negotiated."
She presented the agreement as a scroll, placing it on the table.
Dongfang Hao scanned the document briefly before storing it. "Did you encounter any difficulties?"
"We encountered two squads of Stellar Sea Group pirates," Dongfang Xue truthfully reported.Dongfang Hao's eyes flickered. "Two squads? How were they dealt with?"
He understood that his daughter's crew wouldn't have stood a chance against two pirate squads.
"They had provoked a group of passersby and were eliminated in the process," Dongfang Xue explained. "I've brought my benefactors back and planned to offer them a profound ark."
"I see," Dongfang Hao said. "Anything else I should be aware of?"
"One individual amongst them possesses the dragon's aura," Dongfang Xue stated, not holding back information. "This has caught Dongfang Chen's attention, and he's returning for this very reason."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDongfang Hao's expression turned serious. "Dragon's aura? What type?"
"Azure Dragon," Dongfang Xue confirmed.
A strange light flickered in Dongfang Hao's eyes. "Do you know their intended destination?"
"The Nine Heavens Realm," Dongfang Xue responded.
"I see..." Dongfang Hao tapped his finger against the table. "Go to the shipyard and retrieve a celestial-class profound ark for them. Additionally, arrange a gold-class membership application… The platinum class would attract too much attention."
Dongfang Xue was taken aback. She stared at her father in disbelief.
"No, I'll handle it myself." Dongfang Hao stood up. "Where are they staying now?"
"The left courtyard," Dongfang Xue replied, still bewildered.
"Follow me," Dongfang Hao instructed as he rushed out, startling Fu Yong, who stood guard by the door.
"What happened, Miss?" Fu Yong inquired, confused.
"I don't know," Dongfang Xue answered, her voice dazed. "Follow me." She hurried after her father.
Meanwhile, Dongfang Chen slowly emerged from his profound ark, a jade fan clutched in his hand.
"Where are they?" he inquired of the servant beside him.
"I've inquired, Young Master. Miss Xue has arranged for them to stay in the left courtyard," the servant replied.
"Well, bring our people over and follow me. Don't forget to seal the area… Oh, send someone to inform my father." Dongfang Chen spoke.
"Yes, Young Master." The servant replied and quickly left.
"I heard that she is quite beautiful. Hehe." Dongfang Chen smirked and strode towards Yun Lintian's courtyard...