Chapter 1949 Decisive
Long Qingxuan, a proud daughter of heaven, had never shown weakness to anyone, as far as Yun Lintian knew. So, seeing her apologize was unbelievable.
Yun Yi sighed inwardly as he watched Long Qingxuan close the door. Though he knew times had changed, he still felt uncomfortable. In his eyes, Long Qingxuan remained his master's woman.
"We'll leave first," Dongfang Hao said as he stood up. "You can contact me or my daughter when you're ready to depart."
"Thank you, Senior," Yun Lintian replied politely.
Dongfang Hao nodded and left with his daughter.
Zhang Yu looked at Yun Lintian and asked, "Are you truly leaving like this?"
She was concerned that Dongfang Chen might inform the Dragon God Realm about Long Qingxuan, which could spell disaster for Yun Lintian's group. While she didn't believe Dongfang Hao would kill his nephew over this, she knew the complexities of big families and had witnessed many such situations.
Yun Lintian took a sip of tea and smirked mystically, "Let's see how he handles this first."
He then changed the topic, setting down his cup. "Right now, I'm curious about the God Tomb and what happened there. It sounds too dangerous for us."
Yun Yi and Zhang Yu frowned deeply. Even a powerful God Ascension Realm powerhouse like Dongfang Hao was trapped inside. What could they possibly achieve there?
"If it's truly dangerous, I'll go alone," Yun Lintian declared.
"No," Zhang Yu shook her head. "You're being overprotective. We're not as weak as you think."
"Taking risks is crucial for growth," Yun Yi added. "Remember, we faced countless life-or-death situations before you arrived."
Yun Lintian looked at them silently, acknowledging their past experiences. However, the trauma of losing loved ones still haunted him, and he couldn't bear to go through it again.
"I understand your worries," Yun Yi's voice softened. "But consider their feelings. No one wants you to face enemies alone."
"Think about your women," Zhang Yu echoed. "They train diligently to stay by your side, not to stay home waiting for you to return."
Yun Lintian closed his eyes, reflecting on their words. This wasn't his first time pondering this, but letting go was difficult.
Every enemy he'd encountered thus far was significantly stronger than him. While he could escape to the Land of Beyond Heaven during critical situations, his companions couldn't. Their deaths were almost certain if caught in similar situations.
Therefore, Yun Lintian hesitated to include them in his battles.
However, he knew he couldn't keep sheltering them forever.
Opening his eyes, he admitted, "You're right. I shouldn't hinder your progress."
"That's good to hear," Zhang Yu said gently. "Even if we face death, it's our choice. You shouldn't expect everyone to live eternally."
Yun Yi offered a deep look, stating, "Ascendancy demands sacrifices. The higher you climb, the harsher the environment becomes. It's an unavoidable path."
"I understand completely now," Yun Lintian sighed. "Despite that, I'll always strive to ensure everyone's safety."
"We appreciate it," Zhang Yu responded.
Yun Lintian stood up and placed Qingqing and Linlin on the table. "Stay here. I'll check the situation."
He then summoned the Gate of Beyond Heaven and took the green leaf Lin Yitong had given him. "There might be trouble soon. Be prepared to leave immediately." Yun Lintian informed them, infusing his power into the leaf.
Moments later, he vanished from their sight.
"I'll be back soon," Yun Lintian whispered as he left the courtyard.
"Do you feel anything?" Zhang Yu glanced at Yun Yi and asked.
Yun Yi shook his head. "I can't even sense his breath. This is the most perfect concealment I've seen thus far."
"Then there must be a problem," Zhang Yu turned to look at the gate. "He will return through here."
"We should be prepared," Yun Yi said and stood up, getting ready to leave.
***
Leaving the courtyard, Yun Lintian quickly navigated through the bustling merchants and went directly to the central building.
As soon as he entered, Yun Lintian spotted Fu Yong in the distance, heading towards the elevator. Yun Lintian followed suit without hesitation.
The elevator arrived swiftly on the top floor. Yun Lintian silently followed Fu Yong out and walked towards the room at the end of the hallway.
Fu Yong knocked on the door respectfully. "President, everything is ready."
A moment later, the door opened, and Dongfang Hao stepped out. He glanced at Fu Yong and said, "Very good. Follow me."
"Yes," Fu Yong replied promptly.
Dongfang Hao walked towards the elevator. As he passed Yun Lintian, he suddenly paused and frowned, looking at the seemingly empty space before him. For some reason, Dongfang Hao felt an unsettling presence.
Yun Lintian's heart skipped a beat. Lin Yitong had assured him that even a true god might not detect his presence. How could Dongfang Hao sense something?
Without dwelling on it further, Dongfang Hao entered the elevator with Fu Yong.
Yun Lintian felt relief wash over him and quickly followed them. The elevator descended, skipping the ground floor.
After a while, the elevator stopped, and Dongfang Hao stepped out. The spacious area held several rooms on either side.
Yun Lintian cautiously followed Dongfang Hao and soon discovered these so-called rooms were, in fact, a jail. He recognized many faces here, all of them former subordinates of Dongfang Chen.
"President! We did nothing wrong! Why are we imprisoned?" Lang Sen shouted anxiously upon seeing Dongfang Hao.
Dongfang Hao ignored him. "It's too loud here. Make them shut up permanently."
Fu Yong swallowed nervously. "Yes, President." He approached a control panel on the wall and looked at Lang Sen. "Don't blame me."
Lang Sen and the others paled. "No! You can't do this!"
Fu Yong gritted his teeth and pressed his hand on the panel.
Buzz—
A buzzing sound filled the air as flames erupted from the walls inside their cells, instantly reducing them to ash. They couldn't even have a chance to scream.
Yun Lintian raised an eyebrow in surprise. Dongfang Hao truly kept his word.
Unfazed, Dongfang Hao walked to the farthest cell and looked at the person inside, Dongfang Chen, who was bound by iron chains.
"Uncle! I was wrong! Please let me go!" Dongfang Chen pleaded desperately.
"Second nephew, have I ever treated you unfairly?" Dongfang Hao asked calmly.
"No! I-I was wrong! I wouldn't dare harm my cousin anymore!" Dongfang Chen trembled in genuine fear.
"Originally, I could have overlooked it, after all, Xue'er is safe. But..." Dongfang Hao's gaze bore into his nephew, "You crossed a line by targeting someone you shouldn't have."
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