353: Chapter 353 The Nangong Family's Conspiracy

"Junior Brother Ye, such composure."

Feng Xuan's voice came from the stairs as he slowly walked up to the platform, holding a Jade Slip with a solemn expression. "I've just received some news regarding the outside world, and also what we might face next."

Ye Tian opened his eyes and stood up to greet him. "Senior Brother Feng, please sit. Has the situation in the Imperial Capital changed?" He held this well-informed and fair-minded Senior Brother in high regard.

Feng Xuan sat on a stone bench and placed the Jade Slip on the stone table. "The situation has always been complex; now the undercurrents are just moving faster.

First, your points total five thousand four hundred and seventy-three. After final verification by the Kuitian Pavilion, you've been confirmed as the top ranker of the Eight-Child Secret Realm, and this has been proclaimed throughout the Imperial Capital."

Ye Tian nodded; this was within expectations.

"The Sect sent word. They are aware of your Breakthrough and the acquisition of the Legacy. While pleased, they are also worried and have sent additional personnel in secret.

Furthermore, several of the Sect's properties in the Northern Region have recently suffered unexplained harassment. Although it's just minor trouble, it's intended to tie us down. It's likely the work of the Wanren Sword Pavilion or the Shadow Calamity Tower."

Ye Tian's expression remained unchanged. These petty troublemakers would be dealt with sooner or later.

"As for the Imperial Capital," Feng Xuan's tone grew slightly heavy, "the Nangong Family has been unusually quiet. However, according to our observations and some insider sources, Nangong Lie was furious upon returning to the manor but was suppressed by higher levels within the Family.

They are pouring all their resources into treating Nangong Chi and his brother. At the same time, there are many secret movements in the shadows.

Bei Minghong hasn't made a public appearance since that day, and the Beiming Family hasn't made any moves either.

Top Prodigies like Li Xuanxiao of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Ghost Girl of the Xuanming Way are all Cultivating in seclusion at their respective bases, gathering strength for the next round.

The Imperial Family's attitude... is hard to fathom. After Prince Rong upheld justice that day, there has been no further word, but the Kuitian Pavilion's attention Rank toward you has certainly increased."

"Everyone is waiting for the next round." Ye Tian looked deep into the sea of clouds. "The rules aren't set yet, so they don't dare openly defy the Imperial Family, but there will be no shortage of secret schemes.

The Nangong Family suffered such a great loss; they must want me dead. Bei Minghong... his 'see you in the Imperial Capital' was probably more than just a polite parting."

"Exactly." Feng Xuan nodded, pushing the Jade Slip closer. "This is a collection of fragmented intelligence from various channels about opponents you need to pay special attention to who might participate in the next round. You can look at it when you have time.

Additionally, Junior Sister Bai Ling of Cold Silence Valley sent a note, thanking you again for your help in the Secret Realm and stating that if needed, Cold Silence Valley has some connections in the Imperial Capital that can be used.

Also, an external Elder from the Medicine King Valley sent word through an intermediary. He is very interested in the Azure Thunder Plate-Footed Leopard Yao Beast core and the Thunder Source Essence in your hands and is willing to exchange them for a high price or rare Medicinal Pills."

Medicine King Valley? Ye Tian's heart stirred. This power, famous for Alchemy, incredibly wealthy, and possessing vast connections, would indeed be good to build a positive relationship with or trade for urgently needed items.

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Feng." Ye Tian pondered for a moment. "As for the Medicine King Valley, we can make contact.

I need some Medicinal Pills that can nourish and consolidate the Divine Soul or dispel sinister curse powers. An exchange of items would be best. I'll need to trouble you or Elder Qinglan to mediate this, and it must be kept secret."

"I will arrange it." Feng Xuan agreed. As a True Disciple of Tianquan Peak, handling such external affairs was part of his duty, and being on good terms with Ye Tian, he was naturally willing to help.

He paused and then added, "Junior Brother Ye, you are now showing great brilliance and have become a target for many.

Whatever form the next round takes, it will certainly be filled with murderous intent at every step. You must be extremely careful, especially... even within the same Sect, things are not entirely united."

He was implying something, clearly having noticed the movements of certain people.

Ye Tian understood what he meant and said calmly, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. I will keep it in mind."

As he spoke, he took out a Storage Pouch and handed it to Feng Xuan. "Senior Brother Feng, inside are some Yao Beast Materials and Ores I obtained from the Secret Realm. Please handle them on my behalf.

Convert them into Spirit Stones or contribution points and distribute them among the Junior Brothers and Sisters who were injured in the Secret Realm this time.

Everyone comes from the same Sect; it wasn't easy for anyone this time."

Feng Xuan took the Storage Pouch and looked deeply at Ye Tian, his eyes full of admiration.

This Junior Brother Ye's strength had progressed so rapidly, and his status had implicitly become the core of the Sect for this event, yet he still didn't forget to look after his fellow Disciples. Such Heart-Nature was rare.

He said solemnly, "Junior Brother Ye, that's very thoughtful of you. I will see to it. You just focus on your Cultivation; I and the other Senior Brothers will handle the trivial matters outside."

With that, he put away the Jade Slip and Storage Pouch, cupped his hands, and left.

Ye Tian watched Feng Xuan leave and returned to his meditation.

Meanwhile, in a secret underground room of the Nangong Family's villa.

The main seat was empty. Nangong Lie sat to the left of the main seat, his face full of anger. Below him were Elder Nangong Shuo (Sea Transformation Second Layer), Nangong Yang (Sea Transformation First Layer Peak), and several core disciples.

"Chi'er's heart meridians are shattered, and Yu'er's Dao foundation is destroyed. Even with the Family's secret treasures, the 'Pulse-Sustaining Life-Giving Pill' and 'Heaven-Supplementing Jade Marrow', we can at most save their lives. Their cultivation... is likely ruined!"

Nangong Shuo's voice was heavy, tinged with grief.

"Ruined! My two most outstanding grandsons, just like that, ruined!"

Nangong Lie growled, his bloodshot eyes sweeping over everyone. "This enmity is irreconcilable! That little animal Ye Tian must die! He must be made to suffer every torment and die in despair!

The Legacy he carries, that Spirit Treasure, and everything he has—we must seize it all!"

"Elder Lie, please calm down." Nangong Yang was relatively composed. "Ye Tian is currently at the top of the points leaderboard and is being watched by the Imperial Family. The Liuli Xuan Sect will also certainly be on high guard.

Moving against him openly in the Imperial Capital carries too much risk. Prince Rong's words were definitely not a joke."

"Then what do you suggest? We just let it go?!" Nangong Lie glared.

"Of course not." Nangong Yang said coldly, "The next round of the competition is a god-given opportunity.

Based on previous years and this year's situation, the second round is likely to be a chaotic arena battle or a closed trial. Either way, as long as we plan properly and have him 'accidentally' perish, no one will be able to find fault."

"Explain in detail!"

"Among our Nangong Family's disciples who advanced this time, besides Chi and Yu, there are also Nangong Xiao (True Martial Tenth Stage Peak) and Nangong Yan (Zhenwu Ninth Level). They can serve as the overt pieces.

If they encounter Ye Tian during the competition, they will strike with all their might to force out his trump cards and exhaust his strength. If they can wound him, all the better."

Nangong Yang analyzed, "However, since this boy could force back Bei Minghong, he cannot be underestimated. Therefore, we need hidden hands. I have already contacted two Guest Elders from the Red Hand Hall through secret channels."

"Red Hand Hall? That pack of hyenas who hide in the shadows and only care about money?" Nangong Lie frowned deeply. "Are they reliable? The Imperial Family and Kuitian Pavilion's vetting is extremely strict."

"Reliable. These two are not core assassins of the Red Hand Hall but are registered as external Guest Elders with clean backgrounds and legitimate origins. Their cultivations are Sea Transformation First Layer and True Martial Tenth Level Great Perfection respectively. Both have passed the audit and obtained the qualification to compete.

They excel at hidden attacks and have mysterious Cultivation Techniques, especially at creating 'accidents' in the midst of chaos."

Nangong Yang's tone was grim. "The price is that after the deed is done, we give them a partial transcript of the Chaos Thunder Emperor Sword Scripture and a hundred years of protection from our Nangong Family. They have already agreed."

"Sea Transformation First Layer? Is that enough? Bei Minghong is also at that stage, and didn't he retreat?" Nangong Lie still had doubts.

"That was then, this is now." Nangong Yang sneered. "Our analysis shows that Ye Tian was able to force back Bei Minghong that day by relying on three things: first, that shield with astonishing defense.

Second, he had just entered the Huahai Realm and his Aura was at its Peak, while Bei Minghong underestimated his enemy. Third, his lightning techniques might have some level of suppression against Bei Minghong's ice attribute.

But these two from the Red Hand Hall have sinister Cultivation Techniques and are skilled in ambushes. Their cooperation is far beyond what Bei Minghong's solo effort can compare to. This is the first layer of insurance."

He paused and continued, "In addition, we can also strike from within the Liuli Xuan Sect.

According to our observations and probing, Tang Yun of Kaiyang Peak harbors resentment toward Ye Tian.

This boy is proud and arrogant. We have already made secret contact, promising him an Earth Rank Low Grade lightning-attribute attack Magic Treasure, the 'thunderclap awl', and pledging to give him certain support within the Sect to help him become a True Disciple.

He has already implicitly indicated that if he 'happens' to be in the same area as Ye Tian during the competition, he might 'make things convenient' for us.

Even in the worst-case scenario, if he can't bring himself to kill a fellow Disciple, creating trouble and distracting Ye Tian will still achieve our goal."

After listening, the malice in Nangong Lie's eyes softened slightly. "Tang Yun... this boy can be used, but we must guard against him changing his mind.

Make sure the Red Hand Hall assassins are clearly instructed: either don't act, or act for a certain kill! Resources, treasures—use whatever you need!

Before the next round of competition ends, I want to hear the news of Ye Tian's death!"

"Rest assured, Elder Lie, everything is arranged. Openly we have Xiao and Yan to test him, secretly we have the Red Hand Hall for the assassination, and internally we have Tang Yun as a potentially useful pawn... Even if that little animal had three heads and six arms, he would find it hard to escape this calamity!"

Nangong Yang and Nangong Shuo They responded in unison..