Capítulo 1049: Chapter 1049: Ji Tao to the Rescue

“Family Head Ji has always been friendly towards people, but today he’s out of character, so angry, he must have been provoked by Gongsun Cheng.”

“Indeed, who would have thought the noble Gongsun Family would resort to such despicable tricks.”

Ji Tao’s fury shifted the “public opinion” back onto his side, painting Gongsun Cheng as a fraud. The crowd, unaware of the situation, naturally believed Ji Tao. It must be said, the Ji Family enjoys a solid reputation in Huaxia, partly because Ji Tao consistently presents a kind and upright image, and also due to the Ji Family extending help to many families. Once public opinion marks someone as a “publicly acknowledged good person,” anyone suddenly speaking ill of them is bound to face backlash—Gongsun Cheng now fills this role.

“If anyone doubts the truth, you can check for yourselves.” Gongsun Cheng started to get angry too; humiliated in front of thousands, he was also a family head after all. What’s more, he spoke nothing but “truth.” But due to Ji Tao’s rage, he ended up the fraud, while Ji Tao gained sympathy from the crowd.

With the situation at hand, everyone helped Ji Tao. If Gongsun Cheng acted on his anger, he’d surely face a mass attack; he knew better than to act recklessly.

For now, Gongsun Cheng had to leave first. The Li Mansion holds the greatest power in Chang’an. The Gongsun Family and the Tang Family have long eyed them hungrily. If nothing unexpected occurs, these two families will soon unite against the Li Mansion’s power in Chang’an. Ye Shikai is unafraid of retaliation from the Gongsun Family or the Tang Family. In Yanjing, the land of the four major families, both the Chen Family and the Ji Family are renowned Huaxia noble families—a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local tyrant, let alone a snake trying to overturn a dragon on its own turf.

If Gongsun Cheng is wise, he should start worrying about possible retaliation from Ji Tao…

Tang Can slowly climbed up from the ground, supported by Tang Nie. This father and son duo could no longer threaten Ye Shikai. Their vicious glares were filled with murderous intent. The angriest was likely Tang Can, realizing now the gains Ye Shikai made within the tomb. Had they known earlier, they’d have rooted him out completely when probing him.

But alas, the world bears no regret medicine; releasing a tiger back into the mountains means facing the consequences of a tiger’s revenge.

“Are you okay?” Ji Tao walked over quickly, looked at Ye Shikai in his hand, then glanced at Ji Qian. They were all young, and Ji Tao genuinely worried Tang Can might harm them earlier. In practice, Ji Tao’s actions today vividly illustrated a principle: do not bully a father’s daughter in front of him…

“I’m fine,” Ji Qian shook her head, instinctively stepping back from Ye Shikai as Chen Yuxin helped Ye Shikai to stand.

“And you, Ye.”

“I’m fine too, thanks to Mr. Ji for helping.” Ye Shikai nodded; Ji Tao had known for a while about Ye Shikai and Ji Qian’s backgrounds, but earlier… he had told the crowd a lie.

“Did you enter the tomb?” Ji Tao asked.

“Yes, just came out.”

“Let’s head back,” Ji Tao said casually.

“What, brother, aren’t we going in?” Ji Feng beside him was startled.

“The tomb is completely sealed off now. We’d better leave,” Ji Tao’s brows slightly furrowed, for reasons unknown, his intuition told him the tomb couldn’t be re-entered.

Ye Shikai felt it was a shame; meeting Bai Qi was considered by all as a fantasy, and he had so many questions to ask, the rushed departure left a sense of regret.

“Ghost, send word to prepare everyone for evacuation,” Ye Shikai ordered.

“Yes, Boss.” A few Hidden Guards came forward, supporting Ye Shikai, and the crowd moved in the direction of the exit, clearing a path. No one present coveted Ye Shikai’s You Xi Sword without daring to act rashly, recognizing that the Ji Family and the Chen Family had formed an alliance, and neither dared disrupt them leaving.

“Are you alright?” Seizing a moment when no one was watching closely, Ji Qian stealthily approached Ye Shikai. After an hour in the ruins, Ye Shikai’s stamina had recovered considerably, enough to walk unassisted.

“Not bad, Tang Can, that old pest is indeed difficult,” Ye Shikai chuckled slightly, knowing full well that a brute force confrontation with Tang Can was unwise. Tang Can’s cultivation roots were strong, while Ye Shikai’s power was escalated thanks to Bai Qi’s help. Bai Qi’s Inner Strength entered his body needing time to acclimate. Like earlier, excessive depletion could lead to Inner Strength backlash, light cases resulting in meridian damage and complete loss of cultivation, severe cases harming the heart and leading to immediate death.

“Be careful, the Tang Family won’t easily let this go,” Ji Qian hesitated briefly. Chen Yuxin already noticed the commotion here, clearly guarding Ye Shikai in Ji Qian’s presence. Without Ji Tao around, she might have been “excited” again.

“Don’t worry, once I’m recovered, even if he doesn’t come looking for me, I’ll go for him,” Ye Shikai confidently brushed his chest, smiling. He had witnessed Tang Can’s skills firsthand; this was the first time he used the You Xi Sword, bringing out only sixty percent of its power. In addition, Ye Shikai also had the Netherworld Blade and Fire Elementals hidden as aces up his sleeve. Besides, as long as he’s in Yanjing, the Tang Family plotting against him would be pure folly.

Everyone followed the original path toward the ruins’ exit. Perhaps Bai Qi helped silently; their return was remarkably smooth as if the Ghost Soldiers vanished and even the deep abyss vanished. Yet… the copper door remained, though this time, the door was open, and Ji Tao glanced back at the door inscription.

This copper door weighs a thousand pounds, only the Heavenly Destiny can open it.

Turning to look at Ye Shikai again, this was the door only he had managed to push open, one that no others could, and now seemed that indeed everything was predestined, Ye Shikai was truly the lucky one receiving the inheritance.

Ji Tao chuckled internally; had he believed that inscription earlier, they needn’t have ventured deeper, losing fewer lives.

Those who arrived at the ruins were driven by greed. Although even powerful families suffered losses—losing a third of their numbers—the deaths inside weren’t few, numbering over a hundred, for other families was greater still. This door, though a hint, served a warning…

“Family Head Ji, I’ve obtained various treasures in several locations. As we’re partners this time, the profits should naturally be split evenly. Upon returning to Yanjing, I’ll share half with you,” Ye Shikai stated. Fortunately, Ji Tao had intervened; who knows what more trouble Gongsun Cheng could cause. Besides, maintaining a good relationship with the Ji Family benefits both the Netherworld Palace and the Chen Family.