But even though everyone was well aware of the situation, no one could grasp any tangible evidence. Tan Bing could only suffer in silence, forced to swallow the bitter pill.
However, Tan Bing absolutely refused to concede defeat. He swore to himself that, sooner or later, whether it was the Tutian Family, An Yiqing, Gu Yelin, or the Xuandu Five Great Families, he would make them all bow down at his feet!
Yet the thoughts brewing in Tan Bing’s mind were unknown to his master, Tutian Xiaoquan, at that moment. Hearing Tan Bing’s question, he couldn’t help but frown, a hint of impatience in his gaze.
"You leave first, let me think about what to do next," Tutian Xiaoquan waved his hand dismissively.
After Tan Bing left the room, Tutian Xiaoquan stood up, took his phone, and dialed a number.
Not long after, a sharp and hoarse voice came through the receiver.
Hearing this unsettling voice, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossed Tutian Xiaoquan’s eyes, but he quickly concealed his emotions.
"What are your plans for the Canglang Sect?" His tone was laced with respect and a touch of fear.
There was silence on the other end of the phone, leaving only the sound of Tutian Xiaoquan’s breathing. It was as if no living person was on the other line.
After a while, as beads of sweat began to emerge on Tutian Xiaoquan’s forehead, the raspy voice spoke again.
"Contact the Qin Family, seek cooperation."
The Qin Family? Tutian Xiaoquan was momentarily startled, then he had an epiphany.
"Yes! I’ll arrange that right away!"
After hanging up the phone, Tutian Xiaoquan, dressed in black, walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window and stood with his hands behind his back. Although he harboured resentment towards the person on the phone, he had to admit that his strategic arrangements were indeed very astute.
This time, the Qin Family and the Canglang Sect were in the same boat. A single misstep could capsize them all. The Canglang Sect was already finished, and Gu Yelin and An Yiqing would not let the Qin Family off the hook next. Though the incident was solely Xiao Shulan’s doing, Qin Dingshan was undoubtedly set up to take the fall!
At this moment of isolation and helplessness, if the Canglang Sect and the Tutian Family extended an olive branch to Qin Dingshan, then...
Tutian Xiaoquan let out a cold laugh, his eyes gleaming with ruthlessness and disdain.
Hmph! Xuanjin People! Nothing but pigs!
By evening, Old Master An, An Zisheng, and others had gradually returned home, and Gu Yelin also rushed back from outside. Having not seen An Yiqing for four days, they all missed her dearly.
"Niuniu, at last you’ve come out. If you had continued your seclusion, Lao San might have very well turned into a ’yearning-for-wife’ stone!" An Zhihang pushed up his glasses and joked with a gentle smile.
An Yiqing’s cheeks flushed red at the teasing glances from her two older brothers, and she couldn’t help but give an annoyed glare at the man by her side, who was wrapping his arms around her slender waist.
Although intended to be a glare of anger, to Gu Yelin, An Yiqing’s eyes were nothing but a naked invitation, full of charming waves and coquettish smiles.
A shadow passed through his deep black eyes, and Gu Yelin’s hand on the girl’s waist tightened slightly. An Yiqing felt the man’s body press closer, his refreshing scent filling her nostrils.
"Elder Brother and Second Brother are still here, don’t touch me inappropriately!" An Yiqing whispered tightly against Gu Yelin.
The man’s eyes crinkled in amusement as he looked at her blushing face, realizing she was already shy, he decided not to tease her further.
After dinner, the family sat contentedly in the living room, discussing the upcoming Saturday meeting with the Gu Family.
"Lao San, has Grandfather decided who all are going?" Old Master An asked, glancing up from his chess game to talk to Gu Yelin.