Chapter 2925: Chapter 2925
Ye Liuyun merely nodded in acknowledgment of Tang Qianyu’s thanks before instructing her to return to her cultivation and replenish her true energy in preparation for the impending confrontation before their return to the Tang family. Without addressing her further questions, he closed his eyes and resumed his own practice.
Yet the more he ignored her, the more Tang Qianyu’s curiosity about him grew. His dismissive attitude also left her visibly irritated. Huffing in frustration, she plopped back down beside Tang Xinyao and began venting her grievances.
Tang Xinyao could only advise her, "Senior Sister, we might still face battles ahead. The little time we have left isn’t even enough to fully restore our true energy—especially since your injuries have just healed. You should focus on recovering as much as possible. As for other matters, there’s no harm in asking about them once we return."
But Tang Qianyu’s mind was already racing with worries. "But our identities were exposed during this mission. Even if we make it back, this matter won’t just be dropped. If the family elders question us, how am I supposed to explain things without knowing all the details?"
Tang Xinyao replied bluntly, "Just tell them what you know. Whatever you don’t, the elders can ask someone else."
Tang Qianyu, however, remained stubborn. "That’s easy for you to say, but aren’t you at all curious about the truth? Don’t you think Junior Brother Xiaofeng’s actions were bizarre? Since when was he that strong? And how did so many An family elders and disciples just... vanish?"
Tang Xinyao sighed helplessly. "Of course I want to know too. But we still have a fight ahead of us. Right now, I need to focus on restoring my true energy so I can survive what’s coming."
Hearing this, Tang Qianyu reluctantly fell silent, realizing she shouldn’t distract Tang Xinyao any further. Swallowing her doubts, she turned her attention to her own cultivation, though her mind remained restless.
Before the Spirit Cat warship reached the Tang family, Ye Liuyun had already ceased his cultivation. His golden pupils scanned the starry expanse, searching for the An family interceptors. Sure enough, lurking around the periphery of the Tang family’s planet were over thirty martial cultivators, their divine senses blanketing the entire world.
However, these were merely low-ranking agents the An family had stationed there—none particularly strong, with the most powerful only at the first level of the Unity Realm. Unconcerned, Ye Liuyun simply briefed Tang Xinyao and the others on the enemy’s numbers and strength, urging them to prepare for battle.
"Thirty of them?!" Tang Qianyu blurted out in shock.
Her distracted cultivation over the past few days had left her with less than twenty percent of her true energy restored. In contrast, Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao had already recovered sixty percent. As long as the attackers didn’t swarm them all at once, they still stood a chance of making it back to the Tang family.
Ignoring Tang Qianyu’s reaction, Ye Liuyun continued, "You’ll have to fight your way back on your own. I have other matters to attend to and won’t be returning with you."
Then, through the slave marks, he privately transmitted his words to Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao: "Once you return, I’ll release the slave marks and grant you your freedom. I won’t be going back to the Tang family—I have my own path to walk. This is farewell. Take care of yourselves."
"What? You’re not returning to the family?" Tang Xinyao echoed, her curiosity now matching Tang Qianyu’s. "Where are you going?"
In their minds, Ye Liuyun was none other than Tang Xiaofeng of the Tang family—where else would he go if not back home?
But Ye Liuyun gave no response. He merely ordered the flying vessel to halt, stowed away the others and the warships into his spatial world, then draped himself in an invisibility cloak and vanished before their eyes.
"He just... left? Without even an explanation?" Tang Qianyu was still frantically scanning her surroundings with her divine sense, trying to locate him.
Tang Xinyao could only shake her head helplessly. Drawing her weapon, she called out to the dazed Tang Qianyu, "Sister Qianyu, don’t fall behind this time. We’re both running low on true essence—we’ll have to fight our way back to the Tang family in one go. If you lag again, we really won’t be able to save you!"
Hearing this, Tang Qianyu snapped back to attention and hurried after Tang Xinyao. Given her strength, she should have been the one protecting others, yet now she was the one needing protection.
The blow to her pride was immense, and her thoughts began to spiral once more.
Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao exchanged exasperated glances before stopping again, deciding to set her straight before the next battle to prevent any mishaps.
"Hmm? Why are we stopping?" Tang Qianyu finally noticed their odd expressions.
Tang Hao cut straight to the point. "Senior Sister, we’re almost back to the Tang family—we won’t abandon you. But this last stretch won’t be easy. We’ll have to give it everything we’ve got. The way you’re acting now could get us all killed."
Tang Qianyu realized she hadn’t been focused and apologized, "I’m sorry for worrying you. Don’t fret—I won’t let my mind wander again, and I won’t hold you back. If I can’t break through, just go ahead without me!"
"Senior Sister, don’t worry. Just a few ordinary martial artists—as long as we stay sharp, they won’t stop us!" Tang Xinyao reassured her.
"Alright!" Tang Qianyu finally steeled herself, pushing aside her distractions. More than anything, she didn’t want to burden Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao.
Seeing that she had regained her composure, the two exchanged a glance, nodded, and resumed their advance.
Then, the trio accelerated, charging headlong toward the martial artists blocking their path.
The moment the enemy spotted them, they rallied reinforcements. But the few fighters in front stood no chance against Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao’s full-force assault. Within moments, the three tore through the blockade and fought their way back to the Tang family.
The martial cultivators chased them for a while but were eventually forced back by the remaining treasures thrown their way. Realizing they couldn’t catch up, they had no choice but to retreat and report the incident to the An Family.
Only after confirming they had truly left did Ye Liuyun remove his Concealment Cloak, reverting to his original appearance. He had remained motionless in the same spot the entire time.
Seeing that Tang Xinyao and the others had safely returned to the Tang Family, he immediately released the slave seals on both Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao. Then, he destroyed the Tang Family token in his possession and set off to find Qin Mengxi.
With the treasures and resources of all four families now secured, it was time for him to leave. The final task was to escort Qin Mengxi back to the Qin Family.
Tang Xinyao and Tang Hao exchanged relieved smiles the moment they felt the slave seals vanish from their souls. Their spirits lifted instantly. However, Tang Qianyu, noticing their expressions, couldn’t help but pester them with questions and wild suspicions.
Meanwhile, the Tang Family elders summoned them immediately to inquire about their venture into the An Family’s secret realm. As for how they would explain things to their family, Ye Liuyun no longer cared—Tang Xiaofeng would never reappear in this world again.
Qin Mengxi stood at the entrance of the merchant guild, timidly greeting customers from the back, too hesitant to step forward and compete for business. From a distance, Ye Liuyun spotted her and couldn’t help but shake his head with a wry smile.
