Wei Po Tian, just leaping from the ground, heard the voice and froze, his face suddenly changing. Through clenched teeth, he spat out two words: “Song! Qi!”
A young man in ancient attire with wide sleeves emerged from the night, a smile on his face, as gentle and warm as spring water, exuding an indescribable charm. He held a fan, its surface adorned with elegant calligraphy clearly from a master’s hand.
Naturally, Wei Po Tian’s face darkened, even more irritated by Song Qi. It was late at night, with a cool breeze blowing, bringing a chill that made using a fan seem ridiculous.
Song Zining approached the two, extending his hand to Qian Ye.
Qian Ye grasped Song Zining’s hand and stood up. But when he turned to look at Wei Po Tian, he saw the Prince of Bowang now wearing a stern and serious expression, a stark contrast to his earlier bashful demeanor. Qian Ye burst into laughter, feeling a slight pain in his abdomen, bending over almost stumbling.
Song Zining supported Qian Ye, smiling, and asked, “What’s so funny?”
Qian Ye, still chuckling, pointed at Wei Po Tian and said, “Ask him!”
Song Zining, with a look of realization, glanced at Wei Po Tian and laughed, “Oh, it’s the Prince of Bowang. Truly a rare sight. Is there something troubling the prince? Why not share it and bring some joy to everyone?”
“Song Qi, you’re asking for it!” Wei Po Tian, instantly enraged, did not hold back. He threw a punch at Song Zining.
Song Zining remained calm, stepping back slightly and pulling Qian Ye in front of him. Wei Po Tian’s punch was now aimed at Qian Ye instead.
Wei Po Tian, not expecting such a devious move from Song Qi, hastily retracted his punch. The sudden movement caused a surge of blood, and he suffered a hidden injury.
His face turning ashen, Wei Po Tian said nothing, but his aura surged, and a hazy yellow light enveloped him, creating an illusion of towering mountains behind him. His fist crackled with brilliant elemental energy.
Seeing that Wei Po Tian was about to unleash his Bright Shattered Fist, Qian Ye’s smile faded slightly. He reached out and patted Wei Po Tian’s shoulder, the irresistible force causing the forming illusion to dissipate.
“Enough, let’s find a quiet place to talk. If we make too much noise, we’ll attract trouble.”
At the mention of the noble ladies, Wei Po Tian’s expression changed. Song Zining coughed lightly, his face betraying no emotion. He had seen the impressive fleet of airships at Heiluo City’s airbase.
After considering various places, Qian Ye concluded that none were safe, and they ended up in his bedroom.
Wei Po Tian refused to stay in any luxury mansion outside, insisting on lodging in Darkflame Base’s guest rooms. As a result, the noble ladies visited incessantly under various pretexts, and Wei Po Tian, clearly avoiding them, led to the ladies touring the base, causing chaos everywhere, even the bathrooms were not safe.
Qian Ye’s bedroom was a three-room suite, with the outer rooms occupied by guards on duty. This layout should have dissuaded the noble ladies, but Song Zining suggested that the guard on duty, A Jiu, wear less clothing, preferably something sheer. Qian Ye and Wei Po Tian understood the unspoken suggestion, each mentally acknowledging Song Qi’s cunning or brilliance.
After settling down, Qian Ye briefly explained the situation in Heiluo City and Darkflame Base, only mentioning Wei Po Tian’s intentions in passing, without revealing his nightmare-like experience during recovery.
This greatly relieved Wei Po Tian, but Song Zining, even if he couldn’t guess the details, knew enough. He closed his fan, tapping it against his palm, and laughed, “Qian Ye, no need to cover for that wild boar. It’s not the first time he’s acted without thinking. Did he really think coming to this forsaken land would escape those young ladies? Haha!”
Wei Po Tian’s face flushed, turning from green to purple, then red, his eyes flashing with anger, his aura rising.
Qian Ye, standing between them, turned to Song Zining, “Is there any progress with the expeditionary force headquarters regarding the unit number?”
Song Zining, realizing Wei Po Tian might explode, steered the conversation to business, “Getting the unit number is not a problem, but we need to secure additional permissions for the independent division. I’ll be staying longer this time to finalize things.”
Song Zining planned to integrate his Ningyuan Group more closely with Darkflame, entrusting most military operations in the Evernight to Darkflame, while focusing his own private forces on protecting trade caravans and routes. His visit to Heiluo City was to establish a branch of Ningyuan Group.
Another reason for his visit was his interest in Qian Ye’s westward plan. He wanted to fight alongside Qian Ye again and possibly open a new trade route to the west.
Wei Po Tian, who had managed Heiluo City’s military affairs, knew the western region was the domain of the dark nation. The implications of a trade route to the west were clear.
Though Wei Po Tian wanted to protest, he kept his temper in check, seeing Qian Ye’s calm expression.
Qian Ye noticed Wei Po Tian’s reaction and remembered the metal badge from William, still in Anduya’s space. He sighed inwardly, ending the discussion about the trade route.
Song Zining, looking at Qian Ye and glancing at Wei Po Tian, understood but didn’t comment, moving to another topic.
He received news from the upper continent that Dong Qifeng was assembling a large family army to land in the Evernight. Song Zining had issued a summons to all his private forces in the Evernight, but now realized he could save on the expenses.
The conversation returned to the noble ladies pursuing Wei Po Tian.
Wei Po Tian, knowing Song Zining was teasing him, sat silently, his face dark. He hadn’t expected the noble daughters to actually follow him to this wild and dangerous place.
It was unknown how many connections and resources the noble families had used to convince the Imperial Army to send an entire escort fleet, with the main warships crewed by top fighters from various families.
This created the extravagant and impressive formation Qian Ye witnessed.
Now, the heir of the Wei family was at the center of a competition among the noble families, with the winner gaining a powerful ally. In the Empire, where strength was revered, this was a significant matter.
Additionally, Wei Po Tian’s reputation in the Broken Wing Angels and his battles against the Dark Viscount proved his talent and combat prowess, solidifying his position as the heir. In perhaps ten years, the current Earl of Bowang would step down, handing power to the new generation.
A real, influential Duke under thirty meant greater opportunities for Wei Po Tian. The noble families, driven by these benefits, discarded their restraint, openly competing for the marriage alliance.
The noble daughters, too, shed their inhibitions, ready to fight for the title of Duke’s wife. If physical force were allowed, the First Son Wei would have been subdued countless times.
Wei Po Tian, at the center of this, was the most uncomfortable. He described it as being surrounded by suitors, with himself as the only damsel, constantly fending off unwanted touches.
Qian Ye suddenly said, “Po Tian, there are so many girls, all seemingly nice. Which one do you like? Make a choice and get some peace.”
Wei Po Tian blushed, stammering and refusing to answer.
Song Zining, fanning himself, suggested, “If you can’t choose, take them all. Once they are all pregnant, the old folks will have to accept it. After all, you can always designate multiple wives.”
Wei Po Tian was furious, recognizing the trap. Having a few wives was manageable, but seven or eight would be akin to concubines, leading to a siege on the Wei family.
Wei Po Tian, unable to match Song Zining’s wit, simply huffed, “You and your fan, no wonder you’re so effeminate!”
Song Zining laughed, unfazed, opening and closing his fan, showing both sides, “This calligraphy is from a master. I paid a high price for it, and I want everyone to see my wealth. That’s the point, haha!”
Wei Po Tian’s frustration mounted.
Although he mocked Wei Po Tian, Song Zining avoided the noble ladies, focusing on establishing the Ningyuan Group branch in Heiluo City. Qian Ye, on the other hand, continued his work, mostly in the office or training room. The Third Legion’s presence and the official status of the expeditionary base discouraged the noble ladies from visiting.
Thus, Wei Po Tian was left to fend for himself amidst the eager suitors.
With the branch nearly established, Song Zining handed over most tasks and joined Qian Ye to discuss their westward plans. They dismissed concerns about Dong Qifeng, assuming he wouldn’t attack Heiluo City with the noble ladies present.
However, Song Zining forgot his promise to shield Dong Qifeng’s intelligence. General Xiao, a reliable partner, fulfilled his request.
That morning, nearly a hundred kilometers away from Heiluo City, a massive fleet of airships appeared, heading straight for the bustling city.
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