Chapter One Hundred: Arrogance Born of Merit

Yelingyun has come to visit?

Su Ye frowned at these words. He hadn’t expected Yelingyun to actually arrive, and it must be because of that strange stone lion’s eye. Yet he hadn’t even had time to properly study what that orb really was!

Jiang Liuying released Su Ye’s hand from her bite, wiped her rosy lips, steadied herself, and said, “Let him come. Am I supposed to be afraid? Let’s go!”

Su Ye rubbed the bite marks on the back of his hand and followed her out.

When they entered the main hall, they found that there was no tense atmosphere at all. On the contrary, it was bustling with merriment—a joyful gathering of guests and hosts. Jiang Ziyang, recently recovered from serious injuries, was personally entertaining the visitors, offering fine treats.

“Oh, just as we were speaking of the young lady, here she is! Hahaha, she’s truly beautiful! I don’t know how many young men from other families are secretly pining for her. Patriarch Jiang, you’re truly blessed to have such a lovely daughter,” said an elderly man in traditional attire.

He appeared amiable and courteous, even exuding a kind warmth. He wore no adornments, as if any such thing would be superfluous on him.

Jiang Ziyang laughed heartily, genuinely delighted. The pride in his eyes was unmistakable. “Ah, I have only this one daughter, and I’ve spoiled her rotten. Hahaha. Alliance Leader Ouyang, you are the truly fortunate one—your children are all outstanding. You hardly need to worry any longer!”

At this, Jiang Ziyang looked at Jiang Liuying and Su Ye, smiling. “Come, daughter—and Su Ye as well. Greet the leader of the Martial Alliance.”

Su Ye’s heart thumped. This old man was Ouyang Yi, the leader of the Martial Alliance? He was Ouyang Yunfeng’s father?

“Alliance Leader, greetings.”

“Liuying greets the Alliance Leader. My father always says you are kind and highly respected. Today I finally have the chance to meet you, and you’re much younger than I imagined!” Jiang Liuying called out sweetly, her smile blooming like a flower.

“Hahaha, what a sweet tongue! No wonder my son Yunfeng always finds reasons to come here!” Ouyang Yi laughed heartily again.

Su Ye and Jiang Liuying took seats to the side. Su Ye quietly scanned the room, but found no trace of the young Alliance Leader, Ouyang Yunfeng.

Previously, when the Jiang family faced disaster and nearly perished, Ouyang Yi hadn’t shown up. Now, however, he had arrived with a group of people.

The most conspicuous among them was Yelingyun, seated beside Ouyang Yi. Even in silence, his striking presence drew all attention. Some of the Jiang family’s maidservants blushed and whispered as they glanced at him.

Women were never absent from Yelingyun’s side, but this time, instead of the girl Sisi from Yidan Residence, he had brought a beautiful woman with short hair. She was peeling grapes and feeding them to Yelingyun in public.

Besides Yelingyun, Ouyang Licheng was present. When the three major families had come to call, Ouyang Licheng had represented the Martial Alliance, holding things together until Ouyang Yunfeng arrived.

Ouyang Licheng cast a rather peculiar, haughty glance at Su Ye, then interjected, “Heh, remembering the other day when your Jiang family was in trouble, it wasn’t a situation an ordinary person could control! That you’ve managed to recover so well with the Alliance’s help is remarkable.”

The short-haired woman asked curiously, “I only heard things were chaotic. Was it really dangerous?”

Ouyang Licheng’s spirits lifted, as if he’d finally found an audience. He spoke loudly, “Dangerous is an understatement. The major families joined forces and pressured the Jiang family so much they couldn’t even step outside. Su Ye fought back fiercely, defeated several, but with so many opponents... They were like madmen. I stood alone against them. To be honest, I wasn’t certain myself, but I managed to save the Jiang family, and that was worth it.”

He finished, his face full of pride, clearly enjoying the attention. He was so animated that he stood up and began to perform, “Su Ye, you must remember? You were standing right next to me. I saw your hand holding the sword trembling—you were scared! With so many martial artists present, if I hadn’t had real experience and true skill, I’d have panicked too. At the time, I said—hey, Su Ye, what did I say again?”

Su Ye’s expression darkened. He’d thought Ouyang Licheng was decent when they’d first met, but now he was coming across quite differently. Was he really implying that without him, the Jiang family would have been destroyed?

Everyone turned to look at Su Ye. He shook his head, “I don’t remember.”

“Hahaha, see? Su Ye was terrified! No worries! When you encounter such things, you must remain calm. So many martial artists, yet I stood alone. Mainly, well... I knew I was a member of the Martial Alliance, with the Alliance Leader backing me. Just thinking of his name filled me with strength!” Ouyang Licheng chuckled.

Everyone listened with amused smiles. Ouyang Yi laughed, “Licheng, you’ve gone too far! How can thinking of my name give you strength? It’s your own skill!”

“What you say is true, Alliance Leader, but honestly, thinking of you felt like divine protection. If Su Ye hadn’t interrupted my plan, I would have captured Yu Xingkun, Master Ou, and the others right then. But everyone witnessed it—later, when the Alliance moved in, I personally led the charge at the front. It was thrilling and dangerous…”

Ouyang Licheng paused, suddenly realizing something, and made an apologetic gesture toward Jiang Ziyang. “Patriarch Jiang, don’t take offense. I’m not seeking credit or reward. It’s just a rare gathering, so I’m speaking casually, haha!”

Jiang Ziyang’s mouth twitched slightly. It was indeed unexpected that Ouyang Yunfeng and his people would come, but as Ouyang Yunfeng had said at the time, the Martial Alliance had simply eradicated the troublemakers—fulfilling their duty. Afterwards, the Alliance took over all the profitable business routes, both seen and unseen.

The benefits were unimaginable.

Why was Ouyang Licheng so intent on seeking credit? Especially now, with the Alliance Leader himself present—it was no trivial matter!

Jiang Ziyang felt caught between a rock and a hard place. In his position, there was no way to simply brush things aside. He smiled, “We’ve been too busy these days. Just this morning we dealt with the traitors in our own house, and haven’t had time to properly thank the Martial Alliance for their immense assistance!”

He turned to the steward and instructed, “Prepare well. In the coming days, we must bring generous gifts to express our gratitude.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll see to it personally,” the steward replied.

Ouyang Yi’s face darkened. He said sternly, “Brother Jiang, you’re too polite! Between us, there’s no need for such formality. Our friendship is more important than any gifts.”

“Haha, even if the Alliance Leader doesn’t care, all the members of the Martial Alliance have witnessed this. The Jiang family must set an example!” Jiang Ziyang replied courteously.

The two of them appeared as if one insisted on giving while the other refused to accept.

Then Ouyang Licheng interjected again, “Patriarch Jiang, if you truly wish to present a generous gift, it’s really unnecessary. When I stood up, and the Alliance responded, it was all out of a sense of justice. But if you’re set on giving, I have a suggestion…

Our Alliance Leader’s health has not been good lately. I heard that your Su Ye acquired something at Yidan Residence that could be greatly beneficial for the Alliance Leader’s health. That… haha, never mind. It must be Su Ye’s treasured possession. We can't take it from him!”