Ye Family's Gamble
Ye Xinlan's father, Ye Zhong, led the seven elders of the family into the courtyard where Ye Feng resided.
Ye Zhong's sharp eyes scanned Zi Yan, Mu Qingluan, Feng Zunzhe, and the others standing nearby.
"Just speak your mind. They're not outsiders," Ye Feng said calmly.
"Mr. Ye, it's like this," Ye Zhong began. "Xinlan mentioned that you agreed to help our Ye family maintain our position among the top five families in the region. Is that true?"
"Are you doubting our Master Ye's capabilities?" Ya Fei's tone was icy.
"No, absolutely not," Ye Zhong responded quickly. "Master Ye is someone whose actions speak for themselves. I only came to discuss a more... delicate matter."
"What is it?" Ye Feng asked, his gaze unreadable.
Ye Zhong took a breath.
"Securing our seat among Pill Region top five families isn't simple. These five clans were founded by patriarchs who were once core elders of Danta. According to tradition, so long as each family meets certain requirements, they can retain their seat on the Elders' Council."
"Every few years, Danta conducts an assessment. The target of the assessment is always the younger generation. Each family must send a talented youth to participate. If they pass, the seat is safe. If they fail, then…"
He trailed off for dramatic effect.
"Our Ye family has failed twice already. One more failure and we'll be permanently removed from the five families. Once we're out, vultures will swoop in. Our enemies have been waiting for this."
He looked directly at Ye Feng.
"Originally, with the spirit pill formula you gave us this morning, we had hope. But there's not enough time. We can't train a qualified genius before the next assessment."
Ye Feng remained silent, letting the weight of the situation hang in the air.
Ya Fei folded her arms. "Young Master Ye already said he'd help. What more do you want?"
Ye Zhong forced a bitter smile. "Ms. Ya Fei, for us to stay in the top three during the assessment is a tall order. The other families are brimming with genius alchemists."
He hesitated, then sighed.
"There is... another rule."
Ya Fei raised an eyebrow. "What rule?"
Ye Zhong looked hesitant for the first time. "The one who participates in the assessment must have a close blood or marriage relationship with the family."
Ya Fei's expression darkened. She turned slowly toward Ye Feng.
"In other words," Ye Zhong said carefully, "we need to publicly announce that Master Ye is the son-in-law of our Ye family. That Xinlan is his wife."
Zi Yan was stunned. She looked at Ye Xinlan, who remained perfectly calm. Clearly, she'd known in advance.
Ye Feng wasn't surprised. He had already guessed the Ye family would try to tie him down like this—it matched their strategy from the original storyline.
"Patriarch Ye," Zi Yan said, her voice sharp, "this is too much. It's one thing for a powerful man like Master Ye to shoulder the title. But what about Xinlan's future? How can she marry later if you do this?"
Ye Zhong sighed. "Miss Zi Yan, this is just a formality. Master Ye won't be held responsible. But the Ye family is facing destruction. If we lose our place among the five families, we'll be crushed. As patriarch, I have to put the survival of our clan above everything else. Even... my daughter's future."
His eyes lingered on Xinlan for a brief moment—then turned away. Guilt flickered in them, but he didn't look back.
Ye Xinlan remained silent. Her expression was composed, but her eyes betrayed a deep sadness. The Ye family had reached a critical juncture. Everyone was ready to make sacrifices.
Ye Zhong turned back to Ye Feng. "Master Ye, may I announce to the public that you're our son-in-law?"
Ye Feng could see through the desperation. With his strength, even the Ye family's guardians were deferential. Just the implication of a connection to him would ensure the Ye family's survival—whether or not they passed the assessment.
After a moment, Ye Feng nodded. "Do what you like. I'll help your family keep its place in my own way. The day after tomorrow, I'll give you a definitive answer."
Ye Zhong bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Ye."
---
That very night, Ye Zhong spread the news across Danyu: Ye Feng was now the official son-in-law of the Ye family. The reaction was immediate.
The Cao family was utterly shaken. Every spy they had planted in Ye City over the past few decades was purged.
Other factions that had infiltrated Ye City also chose to halt all operations against the Ye family. At least for now.
---
On the third day, Ye Feng called Ye Xinlan and asked her to summon the upper elders to his courtyard.
"I'm going to begin."
Ye Feng closed his eyes. A moment later, the air above the courtyard began to ripple like a disturbed pond.
Suddenly, a young shepherd boy riding a yellow cow emerged from the void.
His face was bruised, his nose swollen—he looked like he had just been viciously beaten.
Ye Zhong's eyes widened. He dared not underestimate this boy. Anyone who could ride a spiritual beast out of the void had to be at least a Dou Zun. Such an existence was far beyond the Ye family's reach.
The boy raised his hand and tossed a shimmering jade token toward Ye Zhong.
"Ancestor's order," he said casually.
Ye Zhong caught it and stared, stunned. "You're... the Patriarch of Danta?"
"With that token," the boy said with a bored expression, "no one in Danta will dare touch your family. Your seat is secure."
He rubbed his sore face and glanced at Ye Feng with teary eyes.
"It was just a token, man... Did you really have to beat me up that badly?"
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