So It Was You

Nodding slightly amidst the slightly astonished gazes of the surrounding guards, Li Yi slowly stepped into the Nalan residence, followed by Gong Wushuang after a moment's hesitation. Nalan Qing, who had already taken a step back, glanced at Li Yi and Gong Wushuang with a playful look in his eyes before quickly catching up. Nalan Qing did display some traits of a host; even though he stepped back, he appropriately followed Li Yi, leading the way and casually introducing the Nalan family's estate. Li Yi looked around indifferently as he listened to the introduction, noticing the luxuriousness of the Nalan family's mansion. Without mentioning the overly luxurious architecture, even the flowers and plants in the courtyard were uniquely crafted. Setting aside everything else, the Nalan family was indeed a dominant force in Yunshui City and the northwest region. This power was something the Li family could not compare with.

Walking on the cobblestone path, a faint killing intent seemed to emanate from every dark corner, as if countless strong individuals were hidden around. Li Yi knew well that even if the Nalan family was flourishing, they could not achieve such a feat. If he was right, there must be a critical reason for the arrangement of the Nalan family's mansion to create such an atmosphere. The guards lurking in the shadows probably needed only a few to cover most areas, and this kind of surveillance and protection was entirely different. It seemed that over the years, not many had the courage to cause trouble here, so this outwardly tight but internally relaxed setup was just that.

Noticing Li Yi's peculiar gaze, Nalan Qing chuckled softly and said, "Sir, is there something inappropriate about our Nalan residence?" Li Yi smiled lightly, "There's nothing inappropriate, just that I'm not used to being around so many idlers... I wonder, does Young Master Nalan feel comfortable with this?"

After their eyes met briefly, conveying complex emotions, Nalan Qing paused, then clapped his hands lightly. Soon, Li Yi felt as if the scrutinizing gazes had loosened slightly, indicating that the surrounding people had backed off. After pondering for a moment, Nalan Qing said, "Sir, you mean..." Li Yi replied calmly, "Young Master Nalan, let's not beat around the bush. Although we both possess some strength, having Young Master Nalan personally receive us might be a bit too much... I assume there must be something Young Master Nalan wishes to discuss today?"

Nalan Qing's expression darkened slightly, then he laughed and said, "Sir is indeed straightforward. Since that's the case, I won't be shy... Although I don't know the purpose of your visit to our Nalan family today, judging from your attitude towards my sister last night at the inn, it probably wasn't for anything good, right?" Li Yi nodded slightly, "Continue."

"This matter must be very important to you... but for our Nalan family, it might be negligible. However, you must have prepared to act if our Nalan family refuses..." Nalan Qing still wore a smile. Li Yi looked at Nalan Qing, surprised... It seemed rumors were deceiving. Aside from other things, Nalan Qing's insight and perception were astonishing. Thinking this, Li Yi smiled playfully, "What else?"

"What I want to say is, no matter how confident and prepared you are, thinking that our Nalan family will agree to your request, if we do not... I hope you will not turn hostile," Nalan Qing said earnestly. Li Yi coldly smiled, "If the Nalan family does not agree, why can't I turn hostile?" Nalan Qing laughed, "If Sir intends to turn hostile, I naturally won't stop you... However, if you decide not to, we might still have many opportunities for cooperation, don't you think, Sir?"

Li Yi frowned slightly, exchanging a glance with Gong Wushuang. Nalan Qing was not only deep-minded but also dared to discuss such matters with someone he had just met... It appeared he was very bold and willing to take risks. As for his intentions, Li Yi could guess even with his toes. Both being intelligent, there was no need to spell out the rest.

After a moment of silence, Li Yi said, "If after hearing my request, Young Master Nalan still feels the same, then perhaps cooperation is possible... but for now, it's too early." "Well said, 'too early'!" Nalan Qing clapped, "I was indeed presumptuous... Please, my father has been waiting in the hall for a long time."

As they looked at each other, as if nothing had happened, they walked towards the deeper part of the path. Meanwhile, Li Yi couldn't help but sneer inwardly... It seems that struggles for power and influence are normal everywhere, in any family, at any time.

Before long, a luxurious hall appeared before their eyes. The door was open, and it seemed that many people were already sitting inside. As if sensing their arrival, several gazes swept over almost simultaneously.

He took a few more steps forward, and Li Yi's gaze slowly fell into the hall, whereupon his expression involuntarily revealed a hint of peculiarity. Seated at the head of the hall was a middle-aged man, who appeared calm and unaffected by the arrival of Li Yi and the others, seemingly unshaken. If Li Yi's guess was correct, this man was the current patriarch of the Nalan family, Nalan Tianzhe. To the right of Nalan Tianzhe sat two individuals; to his left, a young man in his twenties with a pretty-boy appearance, who had an air of nonchalance as if the arrival of anyone couldn't perturb him. A long sword with a dark hilt hung at his waist, gently swaying with his breath, with two small bells on the hilt tinkling elegantly, though it had a somewhat effeminate air. Across from him sat a young lady in red, naturally Nalan Lin. However, Nalan Lin was unusually dressed in a charming red gown, albeit her complexion was somewhat pale, and her gaze towards Li Yi's direction slightly shrank, amusing Li Yi inwardly. It seemed his actions the previous night had left a significant impression on Miss Nalan Lin. As for the seats further down... those were indeed more intriguing... Ye Qingwu... Miao Ke... Their presence in such a setting surprised Li Yi, but only to the extent of surprise. Across from Ye Qingwu sat a young man with a spirited look, the only person in the hall whose identity Li Yi couldn't guess or recognize. Yet, despite his calm demeanor, there seemed to be an underlying sense of danger about him. As Li Yi's gaze swept across the hall, the individuals within also cast speculative looks back. All present were well-known figures in Yunshui City, even across the entire Tianfeng Empire. Although they seemed to be aware that one of the two cloaked figures was a Fighter, no one explicitly showed any reaction, merely standing up and nodding in greeting as Li Yi and Nalan Qing slowly made their way inside. Nalan Tianzhe then stood up, approached them, and spoke lightly, "You two must be the individuals my daughter inadvertently offended yesterday. Haha, I am Nalan Tianzhe of the Nalan family... My daughter, Nalan Lin, did not recognize Tai Shan and accidentally offended you two, please do not take it to heart." Li Yi responded with a light smile, "Of course, we don't mind... Haha." "Please, have a seat," Nalan Tianzhe gestured casually, and the servants immediately invited Li Yi and his companion to sit on the left side, alongside the person Li Yi did not recognize. Nalan Qing also quickly stepped back, his status apparently not significant, merely sitting at the end. Nalan Tianzhe laughed again, "Although I'm not sure of the purpose of your visit today, since you've come, you are guests... Now, let me introduce everyone present." "This is my daughter, Nalan Lin, who needs no introduction... And this young man here is my son, Nalan He," Nalan Tianzhe said, pointing casually to the effeminate pretty boy. Li Yi's gaze flickered slightly, "So, this is Young Master Nalan He. It's true what they say, 'seeing is believing.' Not to mention anything else, but Young Master Nalan He's elegance is indeed remarkable." Hearing Li Yi's words, which could be taken as either sarcasm or flattery, Nalan He merely smiled slightly, "You flatter me..." "This young man is Hong Yu, from the imperial capital's Hong family. I believe you've heard of him!" Nalan Tianzhe pointed to the young man unknown to Li Yi. The Hong family! Li Yi's pupils shrank slightly but he quickly recovered, knowing the imperial capital's four major families were comparable in strength. The Hong family, reputed to stand equal with the Ye and Zong families without relying on any major powers, indeed was no simple matter, nor was this Hong Yu. "Haha, so it's Young Master Hong Yu. I've long heard of your great reputation, truly thunderous." Li Yi smiled lightly. Hong Yu seemed to have a good temperament, simply nodding in greeting without much fuss. Nalan Tianzhe laughed again, "As for these two, they are even more famous... This one is..." Li Yi suddenly coughed, catching Nalan Tianzhe's attention with a smile, "Aren't these Miss Ye Qingwu and Elder Miao Ke... Long time no see!" The revelation startled everyone in the hall. It was known that the Nalan family had spent considerable effort the previous night to gather some information: the two cloaked individuals could be the mysterious figures from the Han merchant convoy, possibly including a Fighter. Their presence, seemingly not with good intentions, warranted cautious reception with the Hong and Ye families in attendance. But recognizing Ye Qingwu and Miao Ke suggested a connection to the imperial capital. Since Gong Wushuang had remained silent from the start, many assumed her to be a follower, leaving Li Yi's identity a mystery. If he were just any unknown individual, it might have been less concerning. The Tianfeng Empire had many who concealed their identity, but these two, mysterious and peculiar, seemed familiar with Ye Qingwu, adding layers of intrigue. However, Li Yi showed no intent to hide his identity further, simply smiling and lightly pulling at his cloak, revealing his face with a half-smile. Ye Qingwu's expression changed dramatically, and she stood up abruptly, glaring at Li Yi, teeth clenched, "Li... Yi... It was you!"