Urban God of War: The Live-in Son-in-law

This time, Ye Feng did not bring any soldiers to the imperial capital, taking only Xiao Chuanqi and a few others with him, because he was very clear in his mind that at his current cultivation realm, having more people was no longer of any use.

A great power of the Divine Ability Realm Level could essentially wipe out an army of tens of thousands on their own, while a being at the Sacred Realm Level could turn the mountains and overturn the seas with a mere flick of their hand, and even a mere glance could change the color of heaven and earth.

Therefore, if they were to encounter a Saint Realm expert on this trip, no amount of people would be of any help.

As such, Ye Feng traveled lightly, and half a day later, he finally arrived at the imperial capital, entering the Northern Cloud Residence. The journey was surprisingly smooth, without any mishaps.

No sooner had he settled into the Northern Cloud Residence, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong and Boss Cao Yi arrived. Nowadays, these two could be considered Ye Feng's better relationships within the imperial capital.

"Tell me, what rumors are floating about in the imperial capital lately?" Inside the small courtyard, Ye Feng brewed a pot of tea and asked Shi Yehong and Cao Yi to sit down. Strictly speaking, both men were his seniors, so he always maintained the proper respect.

With legs crossed, Boss Cao spoke, "Recently, a big shot arrived at the Punishment Heaven Department, nearly overshadowing my position. I can't command people anymore and the information isn't flowing. Old Man Shi should tell you more about it."

Having said this, Boss Cao tilted his head back and drained the tea from his cup in one gulp, his demeanor revealing an indescribable despondence.

Seeing this, Ye Feng frowned and asked, "What's going on? You've been in charge of the Punishment Heaven Department for at least twenty years now; you've turned it into an iron fortress. How could someone suddenly overtake it?"

Boss Cao replied despondently, "I don't know. All I know is that this person who arrived is formidable and has a very strong influence. What's more unexpected is that as soon as this person emerged, two out of the three deputies under me sided with him. I suspect that someone from the Utility Pavilion, one of the elders, is backing this person."

Although he did not specify which elder, both listeners naturally understood his insinuation, clearly pointing to Tang Bai.

Ye Feng's gaze hardened, thinking of everything that had happened at Ten-mile Slope, and he understood all too well. It seemed that Tang Bai was steadily cutting down the forces by his side.

Everyone in the imperial capital knew Boss Cao Yi was closest to him, almost regarded as Ye Feng's confidant. Now, Tang Bai's intentional move was nothing but a veiled way to erode his power.

Thinking of this, Ye Feng sighed lightly and said, "It looks like I've dragged you into this mess. I was about to retire and hoped for a peaceful end."

With a casual flick of his wrist, Boss Cao Yi dismissed the concern, "What are you talking about? What's the relation between you and me? I've watched over you since you were in diapers. Besides, what's so good about that position? I've made enough money for the rest of my life during the Martial Dao meet. I was just thinking about how to step down.

Now, I'm free from the cares of the world."

Ye Feng nodded and said, "That's good. Although the imperial capital seems calm on the surface, I'm certain that with my arrival, a storm will soon erupt, a storm without precedent. It's better for you to step back now and enjoy some peace, rather than getting dragged into it again."

"You say that as if I'm afraid," retorted the round-bellied, plump old man, who clearly felt upsold. He abruptly stood up, stating, "Enough about that. There's still plenty of good times ahead. Just yesterday, I bought a luxury cruiser; I was all set to sail out to sea. I was waiting for today, just to see you one more time."

As he spoke, Boss Cao Yi got up to leave but then suddenly remembered something, saying, "Oh right, I almost forgot. I left you a few people; they are the last of my estate. Green hills and clear waters, we will meet again!"

Ye Feng was about to say that Boss Cao should keep those few people for himself, but Shi Yehong stopped him with a look, saying, "Let it be, just accept them. He just said that he has watched you grow up; he's long regarded you as his own child. Leaving something for you before he goes is his way of showing affection as an elder."

Ye Feng then nodded in acknowledgment, but what he could never have anticipated was that because Boss Cao Yi had left his most formidable personal guards to him, it resulted in Boss Cao falling victim to an ambush by Fusang in the East Sea and dying at sea, his remains lost to the ocean depths.

Following Boss Cao's death, this even led to Ye Feng's second descent upon Fusang, almost resulting in the annihilation of half the Martial Dao World of Fusang in his rage. Of course, that was all yet to come.

Shi Yehong did not drink any tea, as he was not in the mood for it. From the moment he entered, he had been preoccupied with heavy thoughts because he had evidently anticipated that behind the incident where Cao Yi, Boss Cao, was persuaded to step down, one of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion, Tang Bai, must be orchestrating it.

Originally, Shi Yehong had thought that even if the majority of the ten Sect Leaders of the Utility Pavilion were not optimistic about Ye Feng and even tried to squeeze him out, as long as the two elders of the Utility Pavilion supported Ye Feng, that would be enough. But now, it seemed that Tang Bai not only did not support him but had even taken action against him.

Of course, Shi Yehong was unaware of what had happened at Ten-mile Slope. If the old man had known, he would have certainly advised Tang Feng to follow in Cao Yi, Boss Cao's footsteps and choose to retire and preserve himself hastily and bravely.

"Let's talk about it, what's the current situation in the capital?" Ye Feng brought the conversation back on track.

Shi Yehong sighed before speaking, "Originally, the official establishment of the Martial Dao Academy tomorrow is meant to be the most significant and grand event in the capital, and even across the country. As the principal of the first session of the Martial Academy, you should be the center of attention. Yet, just yesterday, there was a sudden shift in the dynamics within the capital."

Ye Feng smiled faintly and said, "Is it because of that guy called Hong Jiutian?"

Shi Yehong was clearly startled and replied, "How come, you already know?"

Instead of answering, Ye Feng asked, "Tell me, this Hong Jiutian, what's his background? He not only defeated the top-notch powers of the Three Southern Kingdoms with his own strength but also managed to create such a huge influence and public opinion in the capital in just one day."

Shi Yehong answered, "I don't know much about Hong Jiutian, but he's said to have close ties with the Heaven Guard National Pillar, seemingly the cousin of that young man Sky-piercing. Furthermore, after coming to the capital to accept his award, he's become very close with the Great General's Mansion."

Ye Feng couldn't help but laugh and shook his head, "If it's just the Heaven Guard National Pillar and the Great General's Mansion alone, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to stir up such a big storm."

Shi Yehong's expression changed, and he couldn't help saying, "Are you suggesting that behind this man, there is the hand of the two elders from the Utility Pavilion as well?"

Ye Feng fell silent. In fact, what he was thinking was even more; behind this man, there wasn't just the shadow of the Utility Pavilion elders, there could also be the Four Great Ancient Clans maneuvering and backing him.

Remembering this, Ye Feng couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Second Sect Leader, about the Four Great Ancient Clans, which four clans specifically are they?"

Shi Yehong replied, "You asked me this question during the Martial Dao Conference, and I wasn't very clear at the time, since they are quite secretive. However, after I went back, I specifically looked into it and somehow managed to find out. These four great ancient clans are the Bu Family, the Hong Family, the Nie Family, and as for the last clan, there is no information to be found."

"The Hong Family is one of the Four Great Families?" Ye Feng immediately asked upon hearing this.

"Yes, right, the Hong Family. That Hong Jiutian also has the surname Hong, could it be…" In that moment, Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong finally understood, and his expression turned ugly as he sighed to himself, "It seems that these Four Great Ancient Clans, which have been hidden for years, can no longer stay patient and have decided to make their move."

Just when he said this, Shi Yehong suddenly changed the subject, asking, "By the way, Ye Feng, what about that Northwest Little Mountain Village behind you? Nowadays, not only have the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts come forth, but even the Four Great Ancient Clans are getting restless. Doesn't that little mountain village have any movements?"

Ye Feng shook his head, "Nothing so far, and of course, you know that I've always disliked troubling others, so I've never sought them out."

Shi Yehong paused for a while, then finally let out a long sigh, "From the look of things, Ye Feng, your situation in the capital might not be easy in the upcoming days."