Chapter 184 - 183: Reunited

"Old woman, don’t invite me over in the future unless there’s an actual reason. It’s not like we’re well acquainted.

"Besides, I killed two people from the Xiao Family. You couldn’t possibly want to genuinely make peace with me.

"Let’s drop the pretense and just draw a clear line between us."

Glancing at the Xiao family’s matriarch, Ye Xuan left her with those parting words and a smile.

"Master, are we just going to let him go?" a loyal guard standing closest to the matriarch asked in bewilderment, watching Ye Xuan’s receding figure.

"We can’t touch him for now, but he isn’t far from death.

"Once the matters up top are settled, crushing Ye Xuan will be as easy as squashing an ant." A ruthless gleam flashed through the old woman’s eyes, and the vicious aura she exuded completely contradicted her frail appearance.

As soon as he stepped out of Penglai Manor, a Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up in front of him. The window rolled down, revealing a face Ye Xuan was very familiar with.

"Ye Xuan, welcome home."

Vermilion Bird pulled off her sunglasses, fully revealing her beautiful face to him. Her dark hair was tied back neatly, and her petite face boasted exquisite, delicate features. Her skin was flawless and translucent, and a faint smile graced her makeup-free face. Her beauty was different from that of Lin Aoxue and Yang Bingyu; there was a touch of wildness mixed into her stunning looks.

Ye Xuan paused for a brief moment before the corners of his lips curled up.

"It’s been five years. Long time no see." He opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. Despite the years apart, there was no sense of unfamiliarity between them; they felt just as close as ever.

"What did that old hag from the Xiao Family say to you? You were in there for quite a while."

In truth, Vermilion Bird had spotted Ye Xuan the moment he walked out of the airport. However, when she saw the Xiao Family’s people approach him, she held back and stayed out of sight. Instead, she had trailed him in her car and waited outside the Xiao family’s residence. First, she needed to pick him up and take him to see the Chief. Second, it was a precaution—if the Xiao Family dared to make a move on Ye Xuan, she would have immediately charged in.

"She’s a dying woman. There’s no need to care about anything she says," Ye Xuan replied nonchalantly, taking one last look at Penglai Manor in the rearview mirror.

The Xiao family’s matriarch had to be at least ninety. Even if Ye Xuan didn’t touch her, she probably wouldn’t last many more years anyway. He couldn’t care less about someone with one foot already in the grave.

Dropping the topic of the Xiao Family, Ye Xuan asked about the current situation. "How have things been lately? Any movement from the Celestial Ranking? Is Night Rose doing alright?"

Hearing him mention Night Rose, Vermilion Bird let out a teasing whistle.

"Oh? Since when did you know the third-ranked assassin on the Celestial Ranking?

"And to think you even made her betray her organization to join the enemy camp.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Be honest with me. Is there something going on between you and this Night Rose, hmm?"

Her suggestive tone made Ye Xuan roll his eyes. What nonsense was she spouting?

"Stop making wild guesses. There is absolutely nothing between us.

"She saved my life twice, and because of that, she’s being hunted by the Celestial Ranking.

"To repay the favor, I told her to come to Jingcheng to find you so you could help her survive this ordeal."

Ye Xuan genuinely had no ulterior motives regarding Night Rose. Dealing with Lin Aoxue and Yang Bingyu was already exhausting enough; adding another woman to the mix would be maddening. He didn’t want to create unnecessary trouble for himself.

"Tsk. Men really are heartless creatures. That girl has done so much for you, and you don’t feel anything for her at all.

"I don’t know what these women even see in you, falling head over heels for you one after another."

Even though Vermilion Bird wasn’t in Jianghai City, she had been keeping a close eye on Ye Xuan’s activities. She knew everything that had happened to him there. As for his love triangle with Lin Aoxue and Yang Bingyu, she was acutely aware of every detail.

Ye Xuan didn’t feel like dignifying that with a response, so he simply closed his eyes and took a nap.

Ignored, Vermilion Bird didn’t push the matter. She curled her lips, said no more, and quietly focused on driving.

Soon, they arrived at Guotai Hotel, the largest hotel in Jingcheng. Guided by a waiter, Ye Xuan made his way to the sky garden restaurant on the top floor. The restaurant’s biggest draw wasn’t its cuisine, but the fact that it was an actual garden. The entire rooftop, spanning nearly five thousand square meters, was planted with rare flowers from all over the world. Furthermore, the structure was built entirely of glass, offering a panoramic view of the Jingcheng skyline. Inside, floral walls partitioned the space into independent private dining areas. Each area was spaced over ten meters apart and designed next to the windows. Thus, despite the semi-open layout, guests dining in these spaces never had to worry about privacy.

The ambiance was incredibly tranquil. Anyone who could afford to dine here was either extremely wealthy or powerful in Jingcheng. Yet tonight, Vermilion Bird had booked the entire floor. It was strictly reserved for the members of the Four Palaces and the Chief.

The moment the doors of the observation elevator chimed open, Ye Xuan saw dozens of familiar faces. A lump instantly formed in his throat.

"Welcome home, Cyan Dragon Chief!"

The synchronized, resounding greeting echoed through the restaurant. Ye Xuan’s nose tingled, and he nearly shed a tear. Standing before him were the brothers of the Four Palaces who had once braved life and death by his side. Their once youthful faces had now grown mature and steady.

Then, from the back of the crowd, a grey-haired, sturdily built old man slowly stepped forward. When he saw Ye Xuan, a bright smile spread across his face.

Upon seeing the old man, Ye Xuan could no longer suppress his surging emotions. A single tear slipped from his reddened eyes.

"You brat! You’ve made me wait far too long!" The old man strode up to Ye Xuan and slapped him hard on the back with a massive hand. His voice trembled with unconcealed joy and excitement.

Ye Xuan noted that despite his advanced age, the old man’s strikes were just as heavy as ever. He coughed twice from the heavy pats, then laughed as they pulled each other into a firm embrace.

"Old man, I’m back."

As he hugged the old man, Ye Xuan could distinctly feel him trembling slightly with emotion. He felt a mix of profound joy and deep guilt.

"Chief, I’m sorry. I’m late," Ye Xuan said, releasing his hold on the old man. He then dropped to one knee, lowered his head, and apologized with deep remorse.

"What are you doing? Get the hell up!" The old man furrowed his brows and rapped Ye Xuan hard on the head, speaking gruffly. "Have you forgotten what I told you? I don’t accept apologies. If you make a mistake, find a way to make up for it!"

Ye Xuan winced, rubbing the sore spot on his head, and stood up with a wry smile. He mused that even though the man had aged, his temper hadn’t changed one bit.