Chapter Sixty-Five: One Must Strive for Strength

"If Tiexin Sheng were to simply ask the Azure Origin Sect for help, things would become far more complicated," Ye Xin continued. "At that point, if we have no hope of victory, we might not even be able to escape."

Xue Baiqi and his two companions stared at Ye Xin in utter shock, dumbfounded.

"I was just trying to scare you," Ye Xin suddenly laughed. "Besides, I've already considered this possibility. Naturally, I have ways to deal with it."

"My lord, if we really alarm the Azure Origin Sect, what should we do?" Xue Baiqi asked.

"There's a timing issue here. If Tiexin Sheng asks for their help beforehand, then we're finished," Ye Xin said. "But if the Azure Origin Sect only comes after things are settled, to seek accountability, then we have room to maneuver. As long as they give me the chance to speak and negotiate with them, it shouldn't be a big problem."

Xue Baiqi and the others exchanged glances. When it came to Ye Xin's eloquence, they were completely convinced. Back in the Heavenly Sin Battalion, they themselves had been persuaded by him. Ha Fei, in particular, had once threatened to kill Ye Xin; but after talking with him outside the camp for over an hour, he returned as Ye Xin's staunchest supporter.

Even the deputy leader of the Heavenly Sin Battalion, the sinister Mister Ghost, would always switch sides after Ye Xin suggested, "Old Thirteen, let's go have a talk." There was no need to actually discuss; he knew he'd be persuaded.

As for how Ye Xin intended to deal with the Azure Origin Sect's cultivators, they truly couldn't imagine it—they could only wait and see.

"Alright, there are still some things I'll tell you about when I get back tonight," Ye Xin said. "If there's nothing else, you should go. It wouldn't look good if the students saw you lingering around."

"My lord, do you remember the spy in the Sirius Legion?" Xue Baiqi asked.

"I remember. Why?" Ye Xin said.

"We've been keeping an eye on the woman who made contact with him," Xue Baiqi replied. "She later entered a certain residence. I asked the neighbors about the owner... ha, you told me to look into him before!"

"Oh? Who is it?" Ye Xin was intrigued.

"It's Dean Feng Qishan from the Rising Dragon Martial Academy," Xue Baiqi said. "That woman has been inside for two days now without showing herself. Perhaps Feng Qishan realized something was wrong and already dealt with her, or maybe Mo Yan's people just haven't noticed her leaving."

"What do we know about Feng Qishan?" Ye Xin asked.

"Feng Qishan isn't a native of Nine Cauldrons City. He only arrived fifteen years ago. At that time, the head of the academy was Shen Wangji, who recognized Feng Qishan's talent and brought him on as an instructor for the Thirty-third Battalion. When Shen Wangji became Grand Chancellor, he promoted Feng Qishan to vice dean. Three years ago, after making significant contributions to the academy, Feng Qishan became dean. Even now, he's still considered the Grand Chancellor's protégé," Xue Baiqi explained.

"Feng Qishan..." Ye Xin mused for a while before waving his hand. "I understand. Have Mo Yan's people continue watching. If another three or five days pass and the woman still isn't found, just drop it. She doesn't know what information the Sirius Legion's spy leaked anyway."

"Understood." Xue Baiqi and Ha Fei straightened up. "Then, my lord, we'll take our leave."

"Mm," Ye Xin responded.

When the students of the Fifth Battalion once again entered the Cambrian Hall, they saw Ye Xin still hammering away at the striking target. After the morning's shock, however, they had become desensitized. They only glanced at Ye Xin briefly before returning to their seats.

By dusk, Ye Xin could hold on no longer. Collapsing like a pile of mud beside the target, he was so weak that Xie En fetched several guards and brought a carriage from the academy to take Ye Xin home.

Not long after Ye Xin returned home, Ye Ling also arrived. At home, they didn't have to keep up appearances; Ye Ling cheerfully praised Ye Xin for his diligence, remarking on how many people had been left dumbfounded by him. Ye Xin could only smile wryly; he had no choice but to use this almost insane dedication as a pretext for his sudden improvement.

While the siblings were chatting, Ha Fei came in from outside to report that Tie Shudeng, Wang Meng, and the Han brothers had all come to visit Ye Xin.

Clearly, they had also heard what happened today and were concerned for Ye Xin, so they had come to check on him.

Ye Ling quickly left Ye Xin's room—after all, the siblings couldn't reconcile so easily; it would be too frivolous.

Moments later, Tie Shudeng and the others strode into Ye Xin's room and saw him lying flat on his back on the bed, pale as death, barely breathing, his eyes empty. If not for the subtle rise and fall of his chest, he could have been mistaken for a corpse.

"Ye Xin, what kind of madness seized you today?" Tie Shudeng exclaimed.

"It's not Brother Xin who's mad, it's Xie En looking for trouble! Doesn't he know Brother Xin can't accumulate vital energy? Even innate warriors couldn't take that kind of punishment!" Wang Meng was truly upset, shouting, "Damn it, I'm going to demand an explanation from him!"

"Wang Meng..." Ye Xin called out weakly, "Don't be reckless... I volunteered for this..."

"Volunteer? The whole academy knows Xie En forced you!" Wang Meng protested.

"I'm telling the truth," Ye Xin sighed. "Little Meng, can you protect me for the rest of my life? You... and Third Brother will eventually return to the battlefield. What will I do then?"

"I don't believe Ironman Hao would really harm you!" Wang Meng's eyes reddened. "If he dares cross the line, I won't back down!"

"He wouldn't dare kill me outright," Ye Xin forced a bitter smile. "But he could kick me today, slap me tomorrow, and humiliate me day after day—what then?"

Wang Meng was silent for a long time before stammering, "Isn't there still... Little Ling?"

"People must stand on their own." Ye Xin sighed. "Some things, no one can help you with—you have to face them yourself."

"But you can't gather vital energy! Working yourself to death like this only tortures you—what's the point?" Wang Meng exclaimed. "Come with me, Brother Xin. I'll arrange for you to stay near Wanqu Mountain, so I can look after you."

"Xie En says he has a way to help me gather vital energy!" Ye Xin's eyes shone with determination. "Otherwise, I couldn't have lasted even a day. Don't you know me by now?"

"Really?" Wang Meng asked urgently.

"It was Uncle Qiu who found him, but I don't know what Uncle Qiu offered to make him so dedicated," Ye Xin replied, coughing a few times.

"My suggestion is that Young Master Ye should persevere for a while," Han Yuanzi interjected. "I had my man check—Xie En did indeed purchase a large batch of medicinal herbs from Vitality Hall yesterday."

Ye Xin was a little surprised. If Tie Shudeng had investigated, that would be expected, but Han Yuanzi had the wits for this too? Truly, there were no fools among them… except perhaps Ironman Hao.

"Yes, it's clear Xie En isn't just making trouble. He seems quite confident," Tie Shudeng added in a low voice. "Some of my men saw Xie En go to the Hall of Righteousness and meet with Mo Yan. He went in empty-handed but came out carrying a large bundle, the scent of precious herbs wafting dozens of meters away. He must have exchanged with Mo Yan for some very rare medicinal ingredients."

Ye Xin understood. It was no coincidence they saw this, but fortunately he had anticipated it and reminded Xie En to cover every detail.

"So… are we just supposed to let Brother Xin keep pushing himself like this?" Wang Meng was beside himself with worry. "It's only been a day and he's already half-dead!"

"I'm fine..." Ye Xin murmured. "I've grown up enough to fight for my own future at least once..."

The atmosphere was heavy. Tie Shudeng and the Han brothers didn't know what else to say, and seeing Ye Xin so weak, they offered a few words of comfort before taking their leave.

Ye Xin gave Wang Meng a look, which he immediately understood, turning to Tie Shudeng. "Third Brother, you all go ahead. I'll stay with Brother Xin a bit longer."

"I know you care about Xiao Xin, but he'll be put through the wringer by Xie En again tomorrow. After a while, you should go too and let him rest," Tie Shudeng said, worried.

"I know," Wang Meng nodded.

Once the others had left, Wang Meng sat by Ye Xin's bed. "Brother Xin, what is it?"

"Has the Grand Commandery had any recent cases involving external assignments?" Ye Xin asked quietly.

"You should ask the old man, not me. How would I know?" Wang Meng exclaimed.

"Just help me find out," Ye Xin said.

"Hmm..." Wang Meng pondered, then nodded. "Alright, I'll take care of it. But, Brother Xin, why are you interested in external cases?"

"It's a long story," Ye Xin said slowly. "I don't want to make up lies to fool you. Just trust me this once. I'll explain everything in time."

"Fine, I won't ask," Wang Meng replied.

"Little Meng, when you go looking for information, be careful—use some tact, understand?" Ye Xin said.

"Brother Xin, do you take me for a fool?" Wang Meng retorted. "You've never been up to much good since we were kids, so I've always kept my eye on you. Don't think you can trick me. I won't ask what you're up to, but I won't get myself dragged in either. We have plenty of people in the house—I'll pick the shrewdest and most reliable one for the task, so if it leads back to me, I won't admit to a thing."

"That's just fine," Ye Xin smiled.