"Everyone is here."
When Rong Yi walked in, he happened to see Yun Tianmo and Ning Zhiyuan standing face to face, seemingly having just finished a conversation. He paid it no mind, glanced at the breakfast on the table, and said, "You two seem quite lively, gathering together for breakfast."
"Master Rong," Yun Tianying stood up to greet him with a smile. "You arrived a bit late; otherwise, you could have joined us for the meal."
Rong Yi waved his hand; he wasn't there to eat. Noticing that Yun Tianying looked well, he reached out to check his pulse. "I wanted to check on your health yesterday, but it was too late, so I came today."
For so many years, Yun Tianying's health had been under his care. He was pleased that the poison could be cleared; now he just needed to confirm there were no lingering effects after all this time.
Yun Tianying obediently extended his hand. He actually wanted Rong Yi to take a look at him, but with Ouyang Zixin present, he hesitated to speak up for fear of causing unnecessary misunderstandings, especially since she was going to be his sister-in-law.
"Mm, not bad; it's quite clean," Rong Yi retracted his hand and nodded. He then advised him on some precautions for maintaining his health so that he could fully recover.
"So, what are the three of you plotting again?"
"What are you talking about? What plotting? We're just catching up," Yun Tianying replied with a grin.
"Is that so?" Rong Yi was skeptical. These individuals were all quite cunning; he wouldn't easily believe that they were simply reminiscing. However, now was not the time to delve into their little secrets; there were more important matters to discuss.
"Yesterday Xin'er was here. There were some things I couldn't say much about. How is it? She also wants to participate in the competition. What are your plans?" Rong Yi focused on Yun Tianmo. He knew his disciple well; despite Yun Tianmo's outward indifference, he was very protective of those under his wing.
Thus, Rong Yi was somewhat surprised that Yun Tianmo did not oppose Ouyang Zixin participating in the competition.
"Can you stop her?" Yun Tianmo raised an eyebrow at Rong Yi. He had thought about stopping her, but before he could say anything, he dismissed the idea himself. He knew very well what kind of temper that Little Woman had. She was very stubborn; if he tried to exclude her, she would never agree.
Rong Yi thought about it too; Xin'er was indeed hard to stop. He then asked, "Have you thought about how to protect her?"
Although they had assigned a task to Ouyang Zixin yesterday, it was only temporary. The specific actions would depend on the situation at the scene and would require adaptability.
"The best protection is to strike first," Ning Zhiyuan said lightly from the side, quickly gaining everyone's approval.
Indeed, in an unknown competition, it was better to take the initiative and completely eliminate all opponents; that was the best way to protect Ouyang Zixin.
"Then the first target is the Bai Clan?" Rong Yi looked at the Yun brothers. Their hatred for the Bai Clan was well-known; otherwise, how could they have such a connection with Ouyang Zixin?
Yun Tianmo nodded. Yun Tianying clenched his fists silently. He had originally thought he would never have a chance for revenge, but now that he was in good health, he finally had another opportunity. This time, he would not let those treacherous people from the Bai Clan get away.
"Since you all have your plans, I won't interfere. I will protect Xin'er in secret," Rong Yi said as he adjusted his clothes and stood up to walk towards the door. Before leaving, he turned back and said, "This is a serious matter; do not take it lightly."
The three nodded in acknowledgment, and Rong Yi felt reassured enough to leave.
"It's a world for the young now; I'm getting old..." His voice floated back lightly, and the three in the room fell silent.
The Yuhai Continent was indeed about to undergo some changes; the era belonging to Rong Yi and his companions was coming to an end, and now it belonged to Yun Tianmo and his group.
"Father!"
"No!"
Inside the Royal Palace, Nan Gong Yao and his son were embroiled in a dispute that had lasted for two days, with neither willing to back down.
The cause of the conflict was whether Nangong Tuo could represent the Exiled Nation in the competition.
"Why?!" Nangong Tuo couldn't understand why he was the only one not allowed to participate.
Nan Gong Yao felt an immense headache. While other princes were eager to avoid the competition, his son insisted on participating and refused to be persuaded, causing a daily uproar.
"You must understand, you are to inherit my position in the future. How can you..." Nan Gong Yao wished that other princes would volunteer for the challenge, but unfortunately, that was just his wishful thinking.
"It is precisely because I will inherit your position, Father, that I should participate. I want to contribute to the Exiled Nation," Nangong Tuo argued passionately, believing that competing would strengthen his claim to the throne.
However, Nan Gong Yao did not share this view. The Sovereign represents a nation, and sometimes it is necessary to lead from the front to inspire morale. But this time was different; the stakes were too high. If Nangong Tuo faltered in the competition, who would be entrusted with the future of the Exiled Nation?
The other two nations were watching closely. Although Cloud Nation was currently an ally, it was driven by self-interest. Once the Exiled Nation lacked a suitable heir, there was no guarantee that Cloud Nation wouldn't have other intentions.
"Tuoer, listen to your father..." Nan Gong Yao tried to persuade him again, but Nangong Tuo was not willing to listen.
"Father! You just don't believe in me; you think I will lose!"
“……”
I have to say, Nan Gong Yao was indeed afraid that Nangong Tuo would lose, but he was even more afraid that someone would harm him and take his life. Losing was not terrifying; as a man, who had not experienced defeat? But this time was different; this time, he could not afford to lose! Even if Exiled Nation lost, Nangong Tuo must not lose.
Nan Gong Yao suddenly felt exhausted. What could he do to make Nangong Tuo give up the idea of participating in the competition?
“Father, believe in me! I, Zi Yi, will definitely win, and I will win beautifully. I will show you, show the people, and show… show her.” The last few words were spoken lightly by Nangong Tuo, yet they were still firm. He did not want to admit defeat; he did not want to be outdone by Yun Tianmo, even just once. He wanted to perform well in front of Ouyang Zixin.
A man should not fear losing; even if he loses, he must lose gracefully, rather than cowering in the back.
“She?” Nan Gong Yao's eyes flashed with confusion, then suddenly lit up with realization. He jumped up and shouted angrily, “No wonder you are so insistent; it turns out it’s for that girl! You, you, you can’t even listen to your father’s advice!”
“Someone, take the Third Prince back to the palace. If there’s nothing important, don’t come out and wander around. Stay in the palace and recuperate!”
“Yes!”
“No! Father… let go of me…”
Nan Gong Yao fell heavily back into his seat, feeling as if he had aged significantly. His son had grown up but was so troubled by love that he disregarded his own well-being to such an extent. This…
Was not a good sign. (To be continued.)
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