Zi Linling bloomed with a radiant smile as she looked at Ye Lingyuan, who was unharmed.
The surrounding people, finding no more spectacle, paid their respects to Ye Lingyuan and then departed.
Naturally, those who had intended to fish in troubled waters found no opportunity and retreated in dejection.
However, an elder with a graying beard and an old woman carrying a flower basket seemed to want to say something to Ye Lingyuan. But after glancing at Zi Linling beside him, they ultimately said nothing and turned to leave.
With the crowd dispersed, Ye Lingyuan and Zi Linling spent some intimate moments together before leaving the Misty Forest with Mu Qingyan, Qian Pangzi, and others.
Upon arriving at Xianhe Town, Zi Linling had planned to deal with the Xianhe Mercenary Group before departing. However, at this moment, Ye Lingyuan received a message via carrier pigeon.
After reading the contents of the message, Ye Lingyuan looked at Zi Linling in the distance with a peculiar expression.
"What's wrong?"
Ye Lingyuan handed the message slip to Zi Linling and said, "See for yourself!"
Zi Linling opened the slip in surprise. It read: "On the ninth day of the ninth month, the Zi family will hold a patriarch succession ceremony."
Her eyes turned cold, and her fists clenched tightly.
It seemed her second uncle was impatient to claim the position of patriarch of the Zi family.
However, she wondered if this was solely her second uncle's idea, or if some individuals were fanning the flames from behind the scenes.
A sharp glint flashed in Zi Linling's eyes.
Her father and mother's whereabouts were unknown, and she, the rightful heir, was still alive. Yet, some clowns were already eager to jump out. Did they really think she was made of mud?
A devilish smile graced her lips as she said, "We're going back first!"
With that, she took the lead and exited Xianhe Town. Su Dan Novel Network.
Today was already the sixth day of the ninth month, so she had to rush back.
Regardless, the Zi family was left to her by her father, and no one was allowed to covet it without her permission.
As for the Xianhe Mercenary Group, she would deal with them thoroughly once she had the time.
Seeing her demeanor, Ye Lingyuan knew she was angry.
Therefore, he said to Mu Qingyan and the others, "You must return to Dark Night City by the ninth day of the ninth month. I will escort the Princess ahead."
As Ye Lingyuan spoke, he swept Zi Linling into his arms and flew towards Dark Night City.
Indeed, after passing the lightning tribulation, he could freely utilize his powers in the Minor Divine Realm and fly through the air.
What would have taken three to four days of travel was completed in just one day thanks to Ye Lingyuan.
Zi Lingyuan did not take Zi Linling back to the Zi mansion. Instead, they went to the Underworld King's Mansion.
The reason, of course, was to clarify the recent events before their return.
The intelligence network of the Underworld King's Mansion was arguably the most formidable in the entire Tianqi Kingdom.
Thus, the two did not alert the enemy.
However, after meticulously organizing all the intelligence, they found no clues whatsoever.
This was strange.
Logically, Zi Wenchang had always been the acting patriarch, and there was little difference in becoming the official patriarch. Why would he suddenly announce it so high-profilely?
What kind of conspiracy lay hidden within this?
Zi Linling felt a vast net cast over her head from above, making her feel extremely suppressed.
"Ye Lingyuan, I must go back."
"Hmm, be careful!"
"Don't worry, with my current cultivation, they can't do anything to me!"
"Mm, on the ninth day of the ninth month, I will personally come to the Zi family!"
Zi Linling nodded and quickly vanished into the night.
She skirted around everyone and stealthily returned to Zi Xin Pavilion.
The formation around Zi Xin Pavilion was still intact, with no signs of damage.
Zi Linling flickered, and she was already inside Zi Xin Pavilion.
She cast a water-element spirit technique, and Zi Xin Pavilion instantly became spotlessly clean.
Satisfied with the spotless Zi Xin Pavilion, she released Xue Ying.
Xue Ying's cultivation had now reached the late stage of the Qi Gathering Realm.
"Miss, we're back?"
Xue Ying looked at the place, which was both unfamiliar and familiar, as if in a dream.
It was familiar and unfamiliar because, although it was the Zi family, they had only stayed in Zi Xin Pavilion for one night.
"Yes, rest first, and remember not to leave Zi Xin Pavilion."
Although Xue Ying didn't know why, she never defied Zi Linling's words.
Therefore, after greeting Zi Linling, she returned to her room to cultivate.
Zi Linling sat cross-legged on the bed, fully releasing her divine consciousness, covering the entire Zi family.
At this moment, her divine consciousness surpassed the Emperor Realm. It would be difficult for anyone to discover her, not just within the Zi family, but likely throughout Dark Night City.
In the Purple Gold Pavilion, Zi Wenchang and Wang Shi were engaged in intimate activities.
Zi Linling eavesdropped for a while, her pretty face blushing, and she was about to leave.
Suddenly, the conversation between Zi Wenchang and Wang Shi entered her ears.
"Husband, why did people from the imperial family suddenly come here?"
"My dear, why bother with them? They've already pushed me onto the patriarch's seat. Let them handle the rest."
"Husband, the imperial family members injured father-in-law upon arrival and then turned the Zi family upside down. I have a feeling they're looking for something!"
"Now that you mention it, I do find it a bit strange. Their only condition for supporting me as patriarch was that they have free access to any part of the Zi family."
Wang Shi pondered for a moment, then said with a panting breath, "Husband, do you think the imperial family is looking for the Patriarch's Token?"
"The Patriarch's Token? What do they want it for? Besides, everyone knows the Zi family's Patriarch's Token has been missing for twelve years."
"Husband, do you think they also suspect that Big Brother didn't take the Patriarch's Token with him?"
Zi Wenchang's heart skipped a beat. If people from the imperial family were indeed looking for the Patriarch's Token, what secret did it hold?
But if they weren't looking for the Patriarch's Token, then what were they searching for?
"Husband?"
Wang Shi called out, but Zi Wenchang did not reply.
"Husband?"
Wang Shi called again, but Zi Wenchang still did not respond.
"Husband!"
Wang Shi pinched Zi Wenchang's waist.
"What is it? My dear!"
Zi Wenchang snapped back to attention and looked at Wang Shi in confusion.
"Husband, you were spacing out!"
Wang Shi glared playfully at Zi Wenchang, her voice full of seduction.
"Oh, really?"
Zi Wenchang looked at Wang Shi, who was pressed against him on the bed, with a wicked grin.
Soon, sounds of an intimate nature filled the room once more.
Zi Linling knew she wouldn't hear any more useful information and withdrew her divine consciousness.
Imperial family?
Patriarch's Token?
Could it be that they had discovered the secret of the Patriarch's Token?
Thinking of this, Zi Linling suddenly felt a sense of crisis.