253: Yan Qingwu arrived uninvited!

When getting off the plane, Ye Chen had already left the buddha head and the scroll fragments with Bai Wanqing.

After all.

People from the Sima Family would only come looking for him and wouldn't trouble Bai Wanqing.

That way...

Bai Wanqing's place was the safest.

But right now.

Ye Chen wanted to know what exactly the Kunlun Ruins and the bronze gate were.

Xuanyuan Huo clearly paused for a moment on the other end, his voice tightening: "Kunlun Ruins? Why are you suddenly asking about that?"

Ye Chen took a deep breath and explained.

"I have a key here that is related to a bronze gate deep within the Kunlun Ruins."

"Supposedly there's more than one, and you have to gather them all to open the gate."

"It sounds quite mysterious."

Xuanyuan Huo was silent for a few seconds.

Ye Chen could even imagine the old man on the other end of the phone, stroking his chin and squinting his eyes as he pondered.

"Where did you get the key?" Xuanyuan Huo asked.

Hearing this, Ye Chen didn't bother hiding anything. He briefly recounted the whole story: the key hidden inside the buddha head at the auction, the struggle with the Black and White Impermanence of the Soul Hall, and how he later got involved with the Sima Family because of the scroll fragments.

Of course.

He skipped the part about using his Perspective Technique to see the details inside the buddha head, only saying that the Soul Hall members had revealed the information before they died.

After listening, Xuanyuan Huo let out a "tsk" on the other end of the line.

"The Kunlun Ruins is a very sinister place. There have been many legends since ancient times, and no one can say for sure what's true or false."

"As for the bronze gate and the keys..."

The old man drew out his words, speaking slowly.

"About that, when you meet the person who's coming to find you later, just ask her directly."

"She knows no less than I do."

Ye Chen was stunned: "Ask her? Is she reliable?"

"Reliable, she is the most outstanding member of the Hidden Dragon Pavilion," Xuanyuan Huo said as if it were a matter of course.

Ye Chen: "..."

He finally understood.

This old man wasn't just forcing a "subordinate" onto him; he was also conveniently packaging the Kunlun Ruins matter and throwing it his way.

And all of this was to try and pull him into the fold.

As expected, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets...

Ye Chen gave a bitter smile: "Old man, you're calculating so loudly I can hear the abacus clicking all the way in Xiamen City."

"What are you talking about? I'm providing you with a capable assistant!"

Xuanyuan Huo chuckled, showing no remorse whatsoever.

"That girl is strong and sharp. More importantly, her background isn't simple. With her helping you, whether it's the Kunlun Ruins matter or the Sima Family's little schemes, things will be much easier for you."

He paused, his tone suddenly becoming earnest.

But Ye Chen felt...

The old fellow was probably holding back laughter behind the phone.

"Young man, you must have the courage to take on responsibilities!"

"The position of Chief Instructor of the Hidden Dragon Pavilion isn't just a title you hang up; you have to do real work."

"I feel at ease leaving this matter to you!"

Ye Chen's mouth twitched: "Can I not feel at ease?"

"No."

Xuanyuan Huo interrupted decisively, then let out a long yawn.

"Alright, I'm old and can't stay up late. I need to sleep."

"The person should be arriving soon. Get ready to receive her."

"Remember, if you can keep them in line, the Hidden Dragon Pavilion is yours. If you can't... tsk, then we'll act like we don't know each other in the future, and you can clean up your own mess."

"Goodnight."

"Beep— Beep— Beep—"

The phone was hung up quickly, giving him no chance to argue.

Holding his phone and sitting in the car, Ye Chen looked at the dim lights of the underground garage outside the window, feeling both amused and frustrated.

As expected.

Old geezers are all quite wicked!

A short while later.

The car slowly drove into the Dijing Garden underground garage. Ye Chen parked the car, and thinking back to the "outstanding member" Xuanyuan Huo had mentioned, he couldn't help but rub his temples.

"It better not be another troublemaker..."

Ye Chen muttered as he pushed the door open, got out, and walked toward the elevator.

The elevator went up, the numbers jumping.

"Ding."

The doors opened. Ye Chen stepped out and used facial recognition to open his front door.

The living room lights were a warm yellow, and the nightly news was playing on the TV with the volume turned very low.

However.

Just as Ye Chen finished changing his shoes and looked up at the living room, he froze.

The atmosphere...

Was a bit off.

Usually at this time, his parents would have already retired. Bing Lan and Li Qin would either be handling work in the study or watching TV and chatting in the living room...

But right now, the living room was eerily quiet.

On the sofa, two figures sat facing each other.

On the left was Bing Lan.

She had changed into loungewear, her smooth long hair draped over her shoulders. Holding a cup of warm water, she sat elegantly with a calm expression.

But those cool eyes were currently staring quietly at the person opposite her.

And on the right...

Ye Chen's eyebrows shot up.

It was a figure that absolutely should not have appeared in his home...

Her long white hair shimmered like silk under the living room lights, casually draped over her shoulders.

She wore a slim-fit black leather cropped jacket, with the zipper only pulled up to her chest, revealing a tight white bandeau underneath that outlined the breathtaking curves of her full breasts.

Below, she wore matching leather pants that not only hugged her perky buttocks but also encased her straight, slender legs...

The leather outfit outlined a hot and sexy figure, yet it also exuded a sharp and capable vibe.

Especially with that beautiful face currently devoid of expression, red lips slightly pursed, and cool gaze, she was calmly meeting Bing Lan's eyes.

Neither of them spoke, but it felt as if invisible auras were clashing in the air.

One was cool as the moon, elegant and composed.

The other was sharp as fire, aggressive and bold.

They were actually evenly matched.

Ye Chen stood at the entryway, momentarily stunned.

Yan Qingwu?

Why was she here?

Before he could sort out his thoughts, another figure came trotting out from the kitchen.

It was Li Qin.

Still holding half a cucumber, she rushed over and asked.

"Younger Male Cousin! You're back just in time!"

"What's the situation here?"

Li Qin pointed the cucumber at the two beauties facing off on the sofa, winking and grimacing.

"That cool sister in the leather outfit knocked on the door half an hour ago, saying she was looking for you."

"Sister Bing Lan opened the door, and they stared at each other for about ten seconds. Then this cool sister just walked in like she owned the place, sat on the sofa, and said she'd wait for you to return."

"And then... it's been like this."

She paused, her face breaking into a mischievous expression.

"Be honest, where did you kidnap this great beauty from this time?"

"That aura, those looks, that body... she's on par with Sister Bing Lan!"

Ye Chen: "..."

He felt a vein throb on his forehead.

Kidnap?

Kidnap my foot!

This Yan Qingwu had come uninvited and even entered his home unannounced. He was the one with a head full of questions, okay?

And seeing Bing Lan's calm yet questioning gaze, Ye Chen knew that if he didn't explain things clearly today, it would be hard to settle.

Because...

Bing Lan had most likely sensed a crisis.

He sighed, his gaze landing on Yan Qingwu, and asked in confusion.

"Eldest Miss Yan."

"I don't think we're that well-acquainted, are we?"

"Coming here uninvited late at night and finding your way directly to my home..."

"It's very easy to cause family conflict."

As soon as Ye Chen's words "family conflict" left his mouth, the atmosphere in the living room immediately became strange.

Li Qin let out a "pfft," nearly spitting out the unchewed cucumber in her mouth.

Her big eyes darted back and forth between the three of them, her expression incredibly lively.

She was clearly someone who loved watching drama unfold!

See?

No matter how strong Bing Lan's psychological fortitude was, her cool, fair cheeks couldn't help but flush a faint red under the girl's intense gaze.

On the contrary, Yan Qingwu, sitting opposite her, leaned back against the sofa and spoke astonishingly.

"That night, you played the hero and saved the beauty, but before I could offer myself to you in gratitude, you ran off."

"So..."

"I came to your door myself, ready to offer myself in gratitude. Is there a problem?"

As soon as these words were spoken.

Li Qin, who loved a good scene, cried out in surprise.

"Hero saving the beauty? Offering yourself in gratitude?"

"Younger Male Cousin, you're amazing! Such an explosive plot? Is this... a beauty coming to the house to repay a debt of gratitude?!"

Just as she finished shouting, she suddenly realized that the official "cousin-in-law" was sitting right there. She quickly covered her mouth and stole a cautious glance at Bing Lan.

However.

Bing Lan continued to sit quietly without saying a word.

But Ye Chen's face instantly turned half-black.

Repaying gratitude?

Repay my foot!

This Yan Qingwu was clearly here to cause trouble!

What kind of nonsense was this about hero saving beauty and offering herself in gratitude!

When he and Yan Qingwu met back then, this girl could barely restrain herself from attacking!

Now she's coming here to play some deep-affection drama?

Who is she trying to fool!

Ye Chen didn't bother being polite anymore. He narrowed his eyes on the spot, his tone becoming unfriendly.

"Yan Qingwu, don't give me that load of nonsense."

"Just say it, what exactly do you want?"

"If you don't make it clear..."

He pointed toward the front door, "I'll ask you to leave right now."