Seeing Qin Wushuang's expression just before his death, Ye Tian felt a pang of emotion. 'The weak are prey to the strong. In this world, you must have immense power just to survive.'
'Relying on outside help doesn't do much to increase my own strength. I can't always need Elder Qing or Ye Lin to solve every problem for me.'
'Ye Tian knew Elder Qing had most certainly left to deal with the Black Iron Guard. This was also a chance to test myself, to see if I could overcome this crisis on my own.'
Ye Weitian's face was filled with joy. "The Ye Family's victory over the Qin Family today is all thanks to Ye Tian's contributions. Of course, we also made great sacrifices.
"Many in our family were injured, and we lost several Protectors. I am deeply saddened by this. The wounded will be treated with the family's best Healing Elixirs. As for those who fell in battle, I will have their families properly consoled and will ensure they are given a proper burial. Their memorial tablets will be placed in the ancestral hall."
Everyone agreed with Ye Weitian's words. They all felt that contributing to the family was worth it, and the survivors had no complaints.
"Furthermore, the Qin Family is now in ruin, and we still need to handle the aftermath. Have these bodies buried. Qin Wushuang's body is to be buried separately; after all, he was the head of a family, and we were friends for many years.
"I had no choice when he chose to end things in such an extreme manner. Tomorrow, we will take over the Qin Family's businesses. However, do not kill the remaining Qin Family disciples. Spare their lives," Ye Weitian said.
"Dad, Qin Xiaowan is still unconscious. She won't be able to handle the shock if she learns that her father is dead. I want her to stay here at the Ye Mansion with me so I can take care of her," Ye Feifei said.
"That's for you to decide! But remember one thing: Qin Xiaowan will always be a member of the Qin Family. You can't get too close to her. If she grows to resent us, you could be in great danger," Ye Weitian told Ye Feifei, his tone stern.
"Dad, I understand what you're saying, but I don't believe Xiaowan is that kind of person. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Ye Feifei replied.
Ye Tian remained silent. 'Now that the Qin Family is all but destroyed, their remaining disciples are a bunch of good-for-nothings who pose no threat to the Ye Family. However, another family will likely object to us taking over the Qin Family's businesses.'
'After all, Lisha City was dominated by three great families. With the Qin Family's fall, that leaves only one other. Once the Ye Family absorbs the Qin Family's assets, our power will inevitably grow, threatening the position of that remaining family.'
'Perhaps that family will make a move. They might offer favorable terms to manage the Qin Family's businesses jointly with us. Or, they might take advantage of the fact that we've also been weakened and launch a surprise attack, trying to take us down in one fell swoop and become the sole overlord of Lisha City.'
Ye Tian felt the last possibility was the most likely. The Liu Family was usually very low-key, and their true strength was unknown. If they dared to make such a move, it could only mean they were confident in their power.
'I've pretty much shown my hand today. I'll have to be more reserved from now on. Once things here are settled, I should find a place to enter seclusion and then head to Linyuan Academy as soon as possible.'
Ye Weitian left the subsequent cleanup to the family Elders. After all, everyone had been injured to some degree in the great battle. Meanwhile, Ye Feifei took Qin Xiaowan back to her room to care for her.
Ye Tian was about to return to his quarters when Ye Weitian summoned him to his study. Naturally, the Eight-winged Golden Scale Python followed close behind him.
"Ye Tian, your contributions have been indispensable in helping the Ye Family weather this crisis and defeat the Qin Family. You've brought me one surprise after another. Feifei was certainly right about you," Ye Weitian said.
"You're too kind, Patriarch. I'm a member of the Ye Family, so of course I must do my part when the family is in trouble. It's just... I still feel a little bad about handling things so decisively and crushing the Qin Family so completely," Ye Tian said with a smile.
"It's the law of the jungle; it's not your fault. Anyone else would have done the same. You're now a prominent figure in Lisha City. Your status may not be the least bit inferior to my own," Ye Weitian said with a laugh.
"You exaggerate, Patriarch. I have no desire to be famous. As the saying goes, 'fame invites trouble,' and it will only attract a lot of problems. Also, there was a lot of truth to what Qin Wushuang said before he died.
"Qin Wushuang wanted to kill me for two reasons. First, he wanted to avenge his son and restore the Qin Family's honor. Second, because I killed a member of the Black Iron Guard, he needed to give the Shadow Celestial Dragon Team an explanation.
"However, what worries me most right now is whether the other family in Lisha City will make a move against our Ye Family. They won't just stand by and watch us surpass them. Otherwise, what place would be left for them in Lisha City?" Ye Tian said.
Ye Weitian's expression changed the moment he heard Ye Tian's words. That was indeed a real possibility. He knew very little about the Liu Family's true depth; their members were always low-key and avoided conflict with anyone.
Of course, anyone who provoked them never met a good end. He recalled a Four Veins expert appearing once on behalf of the Liu Family, but their appearance was fleeting, like a flash in the pan. He never knew if that person was an Honored Guest Elder or a true member of the family.
"This matter indeed requires careful consideration. I'll go make some arrangements shortly. However, I have a question that's been on my mind, and I hope you can give me an honest answer," Ye Weitian said.
Ye Tian's heart skipped a beat. He didn't know what question Ye Weitian had in mind. 'If it's about the Black Iron Guard hired by Qin Wushuang, I can explain that. But if it's about why the Grand Elder wanted to kill me, that will be difficult.'
'Ye Weitian is no fool. He probably didn't ask last time because Ye Feifei was present. Now that we're alone, he won't hold back. There's no way he believes the Grand Elder would try to kill me just because of that incident with Ye Hu.'
'The Grand Elder isn't a reckless man; he wouldn't act so rashly without a very good reason.' This was what worried Ye Tian the most; he didn't know how he would answer.
However, Ye Tian's face showed no trace of panic. He glanced at Ye Weitian and smiled. "What is it the Patriarch wishes to know? If I know the answer, I will certainly tell you the truth."
"Oh, it's nothing terribly important. I'm just curious... how did you get this Snake Centipede to be so obedient? For it to even become your pet... it's just unbelievable!" Ye Weitian asked.
Ye Tian's worries vanished the moment he heard the question. This was a much simpler matter to answer. "It's like this, Patriarch. I formed a Soul Contract with Ye Lin, so..." Ye Tian then truthfully recounted the story of how he met the Eight-winged Golden Scale Python...