I was just making up techniques... how did all of you become Emperors?

"Brother Cao, isn't there only one Ye residence in Baiyun City?"

Song Zhaoyi tilted her head and looked at Cao Youqian behind her as she asked.

"That's right."

Cao Youqian nodded, his face showing a nostalgic look. "Back when I was a rich brat at Wendao Academy, I had a scoundrel friend who was a direct descendant of the Ye family. I was going to mention his name earlier, but I forgot, so I just told the gate guards to go ask the Ye family themselves."

???

Song Zhaoyi looked at him, completely puzzled. "But would the regular city guards in Baiyun City dare go to the Ye residence to collect the entry fee?"

Cao Youqian shrugged casually. "Not my problem. I'm the top rich brat of Wendao Academy. I come all the way to a mere Baiyun City and still have to pay an entry fee? How humiliating would that sound if word got out?"

"..."

Song Zhaoyi looked at him, her face full of exasperation. "Brother Qian, you're acting like one of those classic villains in storybooks."

"You're not the first to say that."

Cao Youqian smiled brightly. "Even my master often says that a guy like me wouldn't survive past the third chapter in a storybook."

Song Zhaoyi: "..."

Baiyun City's Ye residence wasn't so much a mansion as it was a palace city.

It covered hundreds of thousands of mu, its buildings vast and grand in scale.

The golden palaces sparkled, resembling divine palaces in the heavens.

On top of a city tower, a hawk swooped down and landed beside a guard. The guard took a letter from its talons, read it carefully, and his expression subtly changed.

A nearby comrade asked, "Brother Xiaoqi, what's going on?"

Ye Qi was from a side branch of the Ye family—otherwise, he wouldn't have held the position of White Tiger Gate's guard captain.

He frowned and said, "A letter just came from the west gate. It says that Wendao Academy's talent Cao Youqian is coming to our Ye residence."

The comrade replied, "Cao Youqian may be a prominent genius from Wendao Academy, but we Ye clan have the protection of a Half-Saint. He shouldn't be coming here to cause trouble, right?"

Ye Qi handed over the letter. After reading it, the man's expression turned odd. He muttered, "These so-called geniuses really do act unpredictably. What should we do?"

"You stay here on guard. I'll go report to Young Master Xiao. They're both top talents from Wendao Academy—maybe Cao Youqian is here to see him."

Being a member of the Ye family, Ye Qi naturally knew that with the exchange conference approaching, the Ye residence wouldn't tolerate any disturbances.

The man nodded. "Got it. Go ahead, Brother Xiaoqi."

...

In the inner court of the Ye residence, within a courtyard.

Ye Lingxiao sat in the main seat, looking around at the gathered Ye family juniors.

Just as he was about to speak, a guard rushed in.

"Young Master Xiao, Guard Captain Ye Qi of White Tiger Gate requests an urgent audience."

Ye Lingxiao frowned slightly. "Let him in."

"Understood."

The guard left, and shortly after, Ye Qi entered the courtyard, bowing respectfully. "Ye Qi greets Young Master Xiao and the other young masters."

"Rise."

Ye Lingxiao said indifferently, "What is it?"

Ye Qi replied respectfully, "Young Master Xiao, Cao Youqian from Wendao Academy is about to visit. He also told the city guards to come to our Ye residence and demand the entry fee?"

???

Large question marks seemed to float above Ye Lingxiao's head.

What is this Cao Youqian up to? I don't even know him that well.

And who visits like that?

He's supposed to be a top genius of Wendao Academy, yet that rich brat attitude of his hasn't diminished one bit.

"I understand. You may leave now."

"Yes, sir."

Ye Qi had delivered the message and promptly withdrew.

Ye Lingxiao couldn't make sense of it, so he asked, "Everyone, what do you think Cao Youqian is trying to do?"

Just as everyone fell into silence, a lazy voice sounded.

"Brother Lingxiao, I have a bold guess. Young Master Qian is probably here to drink with me."

Everyone immediately turned their eyes toward the corner.

There sat a young noble dressed in luxurious robes, leisurely fanning himself with a folding fan. He smiled at them, while his other hand continuously stroked a lively white wolf beside him.

"Akūn, are you sure?"

Ye Lingxiao didn't have much impression of this cousin. Though both were disciples of Wendao Academy, he had relied on his own strength to reach where he was today.

That guy? He got in through family connections. If not for his barely qualified beast-taming talent, which got him into the inner court of the Beast-Taming Institute, he would've been sent to watch over some Ye clan business and wouldn't even be here.

Ye Lingkun smiled and said, "Not sure. But back when we were out drinking with some of the young masters from Wendao Academy, I bragged that if they ever ran into trouble in Baiyun City, they just had to shout, 'If you're not convinced, go settle it with Ye Lingkun at the Ye residence.'"

Everyone from the Ye clan: "..."

So you're the one out there ruining the Ye family's reputation? You think that's something you can say?

Ye Lingxiao's mouth twitched. "Akūn, stop saying things like that. You'll invite trouble. Since Junior Brother Cao is your friend, you'll be the one to receive him. Just follow protocol. Make sure he's treated well in the coming days. As for the rest, don't get involved."

Ye Lingkun brightened immediately. He stood up and said, "Alright! If that's all, I'll go greet Young Master Qian now. Leaving him waiting outside makes our Ye family look rude."

"Mm."

Ye Lingxiao waved him off, not wanting to see him hanging around any longer.

Ye Lingkun patted the white wolf beside him. "Xiao Ai, let's go."

"Awooo..."

The wolf howled, then bit onto Ye Lingkun's collar and flung him up onto its back. Before anyone could react, the two vanished from the courtyard.

One hour later.

Cao Youqian and Song Zhaoyi arrived at the White Tiger Gate of the Ye residence.

Just as Cao was about to call out, a surprised voice rang out from the city wall. "Young Master Qian! It really is you!"

Cao looked up. A man surrounded by guards, standing with a white wolf at his side, caught his eye. The man's nickname popped into his head instantly.

"Young Master Kun! What are you standing there for? Hurry up and open the gate. Or do you want to catch up with me from up there?"

"Yes, yes, right! I almost forgot."

Ye Lingkun patted Ye Qi beside him. "Open the gate. We're welcoming Young Master Qian. No—I'll do it myself."

Clack… clack…

The gates opened slowly. Ye Lingkun led the guards out, cupped his fists, and said,

"Young Master Qian, your visit honors us. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner. Tonight I'll punish myself with three cups."

Cao Youqian jumped down from the back of the big cat with Song Zhaoyi in his arms. He smiled. "You always think of the good parts. Enough talk, lead the way. Tonight is your responsibility."

"Absolutely. Leave it all to me."

Ye Lingkun thumped his chest confidently, full of flair.

The guards, including Ye Qi, stood frozen in place, dumbfounded.

After a long pause, one of them whispered, "Lord Ye Qi… was that really that man from the rumors?"

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