Chapter 19: Sky-High Demands

Ling Yuan casually tossed Xue Beng aside and then stood next to Ye Xi.

"Second Miss, the matter has been taken care of," Ling Yuan said beside Ye Xi.

"Hmm, now we just wait for Xue Xing to arrive," Ye Xi said, tapping her fingers on the table one by one, thoughtfully considering how to maximize her benefits and get more advantages from Xue Xing.

"Ahem, ahem."

"Well, uh, the earlier incident was all a misunderstanding."

"How about this—I apologize to you all, and let's just forget about what happened."

Xue Beng lay on the ground, his gaze fixed on Ye Xi, who sat at the main seat.

"Your face isn't that big," Ye Xi said coolly.

"Even if Prince Xue Xing comes, it won't matter to me."

Ye Xi glanced at Xue Beng from the corner of her eye, then looked toward Tian Yao.

"Sister Tian Yao, it seems you haven't used your skills in a while."

"Use Xue Beng to practice on—whenever he dares to speak, just hit him. Just don't kill him."

Ye Xi spoke while pointing at Xue Beng.

Upon hearing this, Tian Yao's eyes lit up instantly. She rubbed her fists eagerly and strode toward Xue Beng.

"Y-you don't come any closer!"

"I am the Fourth Prince of the Tiandou Empire!"

Xue Beng backed away nervously as Tian Yao approached.

Tian Yao ignored his protests. Golden soul energy appeared on her hands, her pale fingers clenched into fists, and she punched toward Xue Beng.

Tian Yao's strength was powerful—each punch brought a miserable scream from Xue Beng.

For a while, cries of pain echoed nonstop throughout the mansion.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side—

The guards hurried back to the Prince's mansion.

"Prince, bad news, bad news..." the guard's voice rang through the hall.

Bang! Prince Xue Xing slammed his hand heavily on the table.

"I'm fine!"

"What's going on, rushing around like this? What a mess."

Xue Xing's gaze turned impatient as he looked at the incoming guard.

"Prince, it's like this..." The guard recounted everything exactly as it happened, with no exaggeration.

After hearing the report, Xue Xing's face darkened involuntarily. Angrily, he slammed the table again.

"That Xue Beng..."

Xue Xing wanted to say more but ultimately didn't.

After all, he was the one who taught Xue Beng to act like a spoiled playboy, but what surprised Xue Xing was that Xue Beng didn't just pretend—he acted like a real degenerate.

For a moment, Xue Xing couldn't tell whether Xue Beng's acting was just too convincing or if it was his true nature.

"Go fetch Douluo Du," Xue Xing ordered.

"Prepare some gifts. I'll personally go apologize."

Xue Xing rubbed his forehead wearily, then waved for the guards to prepare.

The gifts and apology were real—after all, it was a Douluo (a titled soul master) who had intervened.

Not only Xue Xing, even the Emperor Xue Ye would show respect when facing a Douluo.

As for inviting Douluo Du, that was just added insurance—if negotiations failed, having Dugu Bo there ensured a safe retreat.

About thirty minutes later, Dugu Bo, dressed simply in a gray robe with hands clasped behind his back, entered the hall.

"What trouble has that kid Xue Beng caused now?" Dugu Bo said with some helplessness as he looked at Xue Xing.

Every time Xue Xing invited him, it was because Xue Beng had caused problems that Xue Xing himself didn't want to handle.

"Brother Dugu, here's what happened..." Xue Xing briefly explained.

"This might be difficult to handle," Dugu Bo frowned slightly, his tone serious.

After all, only a powerful force could command a Douluo to act.

"That's why I need you to come with me."

"Since they sent him back and notified us, it means there's room for negotiation, right?"

Xue Xing sighed, sharing Dugu Bo's concern about the difficulty of the situation.

"Alright, I'll go with you."

Dugu Bo nodded lightly and agreed.

After that, Xue Xing had two guards carry the prepared gifts to Ye Xi's mansion.

At the door, Xue Xing personally knocked.

When the door opened, Ling Yuan appeared before them.

Dugu Bo's eyes flickered with recognition—he had just met Ling Yuan that morning.

He patted Xue Xing on the shoulder, signaling, "This is the Douluo."

With Dugu Bo's indication, a smile appeared on Xue Xing's face.

"Your Excellency, my mischievous nephew has caused you trouble," Xue Xing said politely.

"May I ask your title, Your Excellency?"

Xue Xing bowed respectfully to Ling Yuan.

"Title: Ling Yuan."

"Regarding your nephew's matter, it's better if you speak directly to my young lady," Ling Yuan said coolly, glancing briefly at Xue Xing, then looking toward Dugu Bo. Without further words, she led them inside.

Inside the mansion, Ling Yuan brought them before Ye Xi and sat down beside her.

"Miss, my mischievous nephew," Xue Xing said, gesturing toward the gifts, "I prepared these as an apology for his misconduct."

Ye Xi glanced at the gifts and then gestured for Xue Xing to sit down and discuss.

Seeing this, Xue Xing's heart sank—his worst fears had come true.

Ye Xi's attitude clearly indicated dissatisfaction and that negotiations would be necessary.

"Miss, this matter was Xue Beng's fault. Please make your demands—I will do my best to meet them," Xue Xing said tentatively as he took a seat.

"Since the Prince already knows the situation's details, I won't say much more."

"Please, Prince, tell me what terms you can offer."

"If I'm not satisfied, Xue Beng won't be leaving," Ye Xi said, resting her head on her hand, her deep blue eyes calmly fixed on Xue Xing.

"Even if Emperor Xue Ye invites Ning Fengzhi from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the result will be the same."

Xue Xing fell silent, deeply thoughtful.

Ye Xi's words revealed much:

First, she expected Xue Xing to name a price, but if unsatisfied, Xue Beng would stay.

Second, she made it clear she had powerful backing and wasn't intimidated—even the Emperor or the prestigious sect's presence wouldn't make her yield.

(End of Chapter)

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