After Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu changed their behavior, Xiang Shaoyun was able to maintain a harmonious relationship with them. At this time, he recalled the invitation he had received earlier, so he asked Tang Longfei, "Big Brother Tang, do you know anything about Yu Province's Ye Clan? The Ye Clan related to the Yu Clan."

He was all alone and did not have an effective network of information. However, he was confident Tang Longfei would know something.

"Yu Province's Ye Clan? I don't really know much about them, but Shengqiu might know more. His clan is also located in the Yu Clan's territory," said Tang Longfei.

Yan Shengqiu quickly explained, "Originally, the Ye Clan did not have much of a relationship with the Yu Clan. But about 10,000 years ago, a genius cultivator had emerged from the Ye Clan, Ye Mohen. He became Yu Clan's son-in-law, and from then on, the Ye Clan has risen in power. Now, they are a powerful subordinate clan under the Yu Clan, a tier-8 organization."

"I see," Xiang Shaoyun said in realization.

"Shaoyun, why are you suddenly asking about the Ye Clan?" Tang Longfei asked.

"On my way here, I received an invitation from a Ye Clan member to meet at the Yu Moon Pavilion," said Xiang Shaoyun indifferently.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Tang Longfei asked.

Xiang Shaoyun was about to reply when Yan Shengqiu interjected in alarm, "I might know the reason for that."

"What do you know?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.

"It must have something to do with their emerging genius, Ye Linshan. He is only 20 years old, yet he is already a peak King. Moreover, he is a Super War Emperor capable of battling a second-stage Emperor. He has dreadful combat prowess," said Yan Shengqiu gravely. It was as if just mentioning that genius would give him a massive pressure.

"Ye Linshan the Green Child," Tang Longfei and Ning Wenhuang exclaimed in alarm.

Evidently, they had both heard of the name Ye Linshan as well.

"He is now known as Green Youth," Yan Shengqiu corrected them. "The Ye Clan has grown to their current status due to their marriage alliance with the Yu Clan. Now, they are planning to repeat history and have a marriage between Ye Linshan and the Holy Maiden. That way, they can further consolidate their relationship with the Yu Clan. Brother Xiang, since you are now a son-in-law candidate, you have likely become someone he wants to erase."

Yan Shengqiu spoke plainly, and Xiang Shaoyun naturally understood what he meant. In other words, the invitation was laced with malice.

"If that is the case, you shouldn't go tonight," said Tang Longfei.

Xiang Shaoyun shook his head as he said boldly, "I don't care who he is, but I want to see him with my own eyes. Otherwise, how am I supposed to stand my ground in the Dragon Phoenix Academy? How am I supposed to make Caidie my woman?"

Yu Caidie was someone he was determined to make his lover. Ye Linshan might view him as a love rival, but he similarly viewed Ye Linshan as a love rival. Thus, it was imperative that he attended the invitation that night.

Tang Longfei, Ning Wenhuang, and Yan Shengqiu had mixed emotions when they saw Xiang Shaoyun's raging confidence. Not long after, someone came bearing Tang Zhan's invitation to have a meal at the banquet hall.

As the governor of this Bloodsin City, Tang Zhan naturally had considerable wealth. The liquors served at the banquet were excellent liquors of over 1,000 years, each brewed using numerous valuable herbs and capable of enhancing one's health and strength. As for the food to go along with the liquor, high-tier meat capable of replenishing and cultivating one's vitality were served.

Xiang Shaoyun did not stand on ceremony and started stuffing himself with food and liquor. Wearing the one million catty armor, he was in a constant state of exhaustion. Thus, he had to constantly replenish his energy. Ning Chenba and Yan Benkai naturally no longer dared to put on airs at the banquet. Rather, they were very cordial and friendly.

Xiang Shaoyun had also forgotten his displeasure and responded to their attempts at conversation politely. Subsequently, the two even gave him some gifts and mentioned passingly in a joking manner that if Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu couldn't get through the entrance test, they hoped that he would be able to give them some help.

Xiang Shaoyun did not accept the gifts. Rather, he politely told them that he had already selected his followers. He would not retake the spots from the Han Clan sisters. After all, he had already promised Han Pojun.

The faces of Ning Chenba and Yan Benkai dimmed when the two saw how firmly Xiang Shaoyun was refusing them. However, they weren't displeased. Rather, they insisted that he accept their gifts and consider the gifts something his seniors were giving him.

Although Xiang Shaoyun could no longer promise their children the spots, they still wished that he could take care of them while on the way to the academy. Perhaps some change would occur and things would take a turn for the better. Since they were putting it that way, Xiang Shaoyun had no way of refusing the gifts. Thus, he accepted them.

After the banquet, Tang Zhan kept Xiang Shaoyun in the hall.

"Shaoyun, now that you have revealed your talent, Di Batian must have noticed you as well. Otherwise, the Rat Assassins wouldn't have attacked you repeatedly. Although you have the help of your nether prison devil puppet, you still need to be careful," Tang Zhan emphasized.

Xiang Shaoyun could sense the concern in those words. His heart warmed as he nodded, "Don't worry, Uncle Tang. I will be careful."

"Um. At the Dragon Phoenix Academy, focus on cultivation. Don't think too much about anything else. You need to push your cultivation level to the Soul Foundation Realm or an even higher realm before thinking of reclaiming your family estate," said Tang Zhan. "Di Batian is not as simple as you think. He has a backer as well."

Xiang Shaoyun frowned. "Di Batian has a backer?"

"Yes. I've never imagined that he would be someone that good at hiding a secret. But that backer is the reason why he had the guts to snatch the sect only half a year after your father's disappearance. Without a backer, he wouldn't have dared to do so even if he was a hundred times braver."

A grave expression covered Xiang Shaoyun's face. He had the confidence to ultimately get rid of Di Batian, as he was talented enough in cultivation. But it would be an entirely different story if Di Batian had a terrifying background.

"Don't worry about it too much. Perhaps your father will return after some time. At that time, Di Batian won't amount to anything," said Tang Zhan. "This trip to the Dragon Phoenix Academy will be your opportunity to grow strong and build your own connections. As you know, anyone capable of entering the Dragon Phoenix Academy is a genius. If you can befriend them, it will be very beneficial to you."

Xiang Shaoyun nodded, gladly accepting the advice. He understood the importance of everything Tang Zhan was telling him. He was not so conceited to believe that he was the only genius in the world. They continued chatting for a bit before Tang Zhan gave Xiang Shaoyun a storage ring. He considered it a meeting gift from an uncle to a nephew.

Xiang Shaoyun did not stand on ceremony and accepted it. He then told Tang Zhan about his plans with the Skeleton Gang, telling him to ignore the gang as someone else would be handling it. He only hoped that Tang Zhan could provide the gang some support when required. Tang Zhan knew that Xiang Shaoyun had many means at his disposal. Thus, he agreed.