"It's actually nothing major, just some old ailments. Mr. Chen and Wuyan from the Worm Sect have both assured me that as long as nothing unexpected happens, it shouldn't flare up," Ye Shikai said reassuringly. In truth, there was one more concern: the Demon Addiction. Although it hadn't acted up for quite a while, that was because there hadn't been any battles. The Demon Addiction and the second personality were almost comorbid; once one acted up, it would inevitably trigger the other, and such a situation was very hard to control.

"No matter what, be a bit cautious, but rest assured, this time I'm by your side; I won't let you fight alone again," Chen Yuxin said with a light smile. Ye Shikai used to be a "vanguard" and is now a "commander," a key figure. If things go well, he may not even need to take action. Of course, this was also Chen Yuxin's idea— with so many people under her command, why take action personally?

"I heard the Wang family is coming this time," Ye Shikai changed the topic.

"Yes, all four great families of Yanjing are involved this time. Not only that, but even the Murong family, which usually focuses on business, has set out, it seems this ruin has attracted a lot of people," Chen Yuxin nodded and said.

"It's not about having many people, but about skill. The principle of a cultivator is even more so," Ye Shikai said calmly, "In any case, we are well-prepared this time, and there shouldn't be any accidents."

"Alright, Kai, it's almost mealtime. I think the Ji family members will be arriving soon," Chen Yuxin clapped her hands. The door opened slowly, and a Chen family attendant carefully pushed delicious dishes into the room, placing them gently on the nearby dining table. After all, it was a presidential suite, practically a miniature mansion.

Ye Shikai stood up, tidied his clothes, and sure enough, five minutes later, the doorbell rang.

"Family Head Ji, Miss Ji, please come in," Chen Yuxin gave a knowing smile, her gaze falling on Ji Qian. Both women were peerless beauties and each had their own thoughts. Although just over a week ago, Ji Qian had brought people from the Netherworld Palace and nearly took Chen Yuxin's life, now, to ally with the Ji family, she could still greet her with a smile.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Ye, we meet again," Ji Tao shook hands with them separately. Under Chen Ruoya's hospitality, the four of them sat at the dining table. Besides, Ji Tao also brought several elders, including his confidant Chen Ligong.

"Family Head Ji, this time it's cooperation between our two families, a strong alliance. I am very confident," At the table, Chen Yuxin relaxed a little. Seeing so many powerful individuals in front of her, even in all of Huaxia, it's rare to see two such large families unite. People often say that two tigers cannot dwell on one mountain. Ye Shikai once worried that the two families might end up disputing over 'share allocation,' but after all, they were both big families, a hundred-legged worm doesn't stiffen at death. Even if they wanted to act, they have to consider the consequences. When the sandpiper and clam quarrel, the third party benefits. No one doesn't understand this principle.

"Of course, in this way, even if those families from Chang'an join forces, we won't fear them at all," Ji Tao nodded. After all, Chen Yuxin was a whole thirty years younger than him, but looking at Chen Yuxin's demeanor, there was no hint of timidity or servility. It seemed these years had thoroughly tempered her.

Of course, the tone in speaking came from the family's strength. The strength of the Chen and Ji families was almost equal, and the overt and covert struggles between families had become an 'arms race.' This union had indeed dissipated much of the tension between the two families.

Knock, knock, knock.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door, and a man hurriedly walked in.

Ji Feng, unexpectedly, this old fellow was here too, Ye Shikai muttered inwardly upon seeing the newcomer. The first time he encountered this person was during the search for spies when Ji Feng had contrarily attacked members of the National Security Bureau, giving off an impression of not being a very good person.

"Sorry, I got delayed by some matters," Ji Feng said repeatedly, looking toward Chen Yuxin, "warmly" extending both hands. "Mr. Chen, my apologies."

"No need for formality, Third Young Master," Chen Yuxin smiled slightly, without extending her hand to shake.

"This must be Mr. Ye, I presume, honored to meet you."

"Ahem, third brother, let's get down to business," Ji Tao lightly coughed twice, causing Ji Feng to react immediately and return to his seat.

"This operation must be confidential, we cannot let any word slip before making a move," Ji Tao reminded everyone.

....................................

"Qian, I didn't think that after resisting returning to Yanjing so much, you'd be back home," On Chang'an street, with the same prosperity, the nightlife was just beginning. Couples were everywhere, whispering sweet nothings.

"Indeed, time flies," Ji Qian took a sip of her milk tea.

"Tomorrow night we'll enter the ruins. Be cautious then," Ye Shikai reminded. The most fearsome thing might not be what's in the ruins, but people's hearts, families coming to contend, indeed... even factions within the Ji-Chen alliance.

"Are you concerned about me?" Ji Qian gave a sly smile, turning her head to look at him.

"Ahem, you speak with such sarcasm, it makes it hard for me to answer," Ye Shikai shook his head helplessly.

"You're about to get married, aren't you worried Miss Chen will get jealous? Last time, I was almost going to kill her, and she was already wary of me. If she finds out I'm walking around with you late at night in Chang'an, what do you think she'll think?"

"Qian, are you deliberately mocking me or... blaming me?"

"Whatever you think, aren't these facts?"

"Forget it, I know you're still angry with me, and I have no complaints about that. This is all my fault, and I don't expect forgiveness from you or Qingyu," Ye Shikai slowly stood up.

"What you're saying... ah, what are you doing," Before Ji Qian could finish, Ye Shikai suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her up to walk. Ji Qian wasn't prepared, nearly twisting her ankle in her high heels.

Ye Shikai didn't say a word, merely dragging her arm, leading her into an alley by the street, ignoring whatever Ji Qian said.

At the alley entrance.

"Strange, I clearly saw that man go inside, but why can't I find him?" A few men in black stood at the alley entrance, one of them looking confused.

"Damn, we actually lost him, but he can't have gone far, quickly, pursue," said a leading man.

"Yes,"

"Yes,"

Inside a restaurant across the street.

"We've been tailed," Up on the second floor, with a clear view of the alley opposite, Ye Shikai gazed at the alley entrance, speaking coldly.

"No wonder you used Clone Skills to shake them off."

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