Chapter 6

This scene flashed by, and Heng Tao replayed it, then paused the image, pointing to the giant spirit who kicked the Overlord and said, "City Lord, the one controlling this giant spirit is Luo Kang'an. The only scene where he engages with the Overlord is this one. Qin Yi must be referring to this image."

Though the scene was fleeting, it was enough to surprise Luo Tianhe. He had overlooked it before, and now he couldn't help but exclaim, "There really is such a person. The Second Lord of the Heavenly Court, the first war god, and the Overlord, one of the Thirteen Heavenly Demons, engaging in a direct confrontation. This Luo Kang'an actually dared to forcefully intervene. Just by his courage, it's clear he has some mettle. It seems Qin Yi really found someone."

Heng Tao's face showed a mix of amusement and frustration as he asked, "City Lord, didn't you notice anything odd about this scene?"

Luo Tianhe noticed his reaction, "Is there a problem?"

Heng Tao replayed the scene again, pointing out, "City Lord, look. If Luo Kang'an were actively attacking, why didn't he use the weapon in his hand when facing the Overlord, but instead rushed forward to kick him?"

After he said this, Luo Tianhe stroked his beard and pondered, "That is a bit strange."

Heng Tao continued, "The news from Xiandu explains everything. It wasn't that Luo Kang'an was actively attacking. During the battle, he was cowering at the back, which angered his commander. The commander threw him out, and he didn't react in time, so he ended up kicking the Overlord in a hurry. Afterward, this fellow shamelessly claimed that he had severely injured the Overlord and that he had rescued the Second Lord at a critical moment, making it seem like the Second Lord couldn't have won without him. When this news spread, it damaged the Second Lord's reputation. The Second Lord didn't say anything, but his people couldn't let him continue to spout nonsense. They disciplined him and forced him to voluntarily leave the Xiandu Giant Spirit Guard. Some family secrets, the Xiandu guards didn't want to publicize, fearing it would damage the Heavenly Court's reputation. As a result, Qin Yi was deceived by Luo Kang'an and even hired him with a high salary."

Luo Tianhe thought for a moment, slowly placing his hands behind his back, and remained silent.

After a while, Heng Tao tentatively asked, "City Lord, if Qin Yi was deceived and really lets Luo Kang'an participate in the bidding, the Qin family's efforts might be ruined by this coward. Should we tell Qin Yi the truth and warn her so she can prepare?"

"What preparation?" Luo Tianhe turned and countered.

Heng Tao was slightly taken aback, "Naturally, to replace him. It's not too late to do so now."

Luo Tianhe replied, "No need to warn her. If she's not going to turn back until she hits a wall, let her go."

Heng Tao was surprised, "City Lord, the Qin family has been your friend for many years. Are you going to let them fall apart?"

Luo Tianhe responded, "Precisely because of our long friendship, there's no need to warn her."

Heng Tao was skeptical and bowed, "I don't understand, please enlighten me, City Lord."

Luo Tianhe explained, "The Qin family has invested everything in a high-stakes gamble. Qin Yi herself said that once they started, there was no turning back. Do you think the Qin family has a chance of winning?"

Heng Tao hesitated, "Qin Yi has been in charge of the Qin family for many years and is quite capable, a strong woman. She has the experienced Qin Daobian helping her. From what I can see, the Qin family must have a strong hand. I believe they have a good chance of winning, otherwise, they wouldn't have risked everything."

Luo Tianhe shook his head slightly, "The problem is right here. If the Qin family doesn't have a chance of winning, they might lose everything but their lives would be safe. Compared to other powerful families in the Heavenly Realm, the Qin family is still too weak. The benefits of the Giant Spirit God are too great. Because the Qin family has a chance of winning, it's troublesome."

Heng Tao was moved, "Are you worried that someone might resort to extreme measures to ensure they win the bid and target the Qin family's safety?"

Luo Tianhe glanced at him, "Do you think such a thing is impossible?"

Heng Tao fell silent. In the face of huge benefits, it was hard to guarantee that some people wouldn't do something extreme, and the possibility was high.

Understanding the issue, he said solemnly, "You want the Qin family to lose?"

Luo Tianhe shook his head, "It's not that I want the Qin family to lose, but they are too weak to handle such a large benefit. They would be overwhelmed. We can uncover Luo Kang'an's background, but do you think Luo Kang'an's background can be hidden from other powerful families bidding? It can only fool the likes of the Qin family. If the Qin family replaces him now, and the powerful families lose confidence, the best way for them to act would be to target the Qin family's safety. With Luo Kang'an, showing weakness is actually a good thing. If Luo Kang'an dies in the bidding, he will have deserved it. As for the Qin family, even if they lose everything, they will still have enough to live comfortably. Why should they have too many desires? They have enjoyed wealth for so many years, are they not content? Moreover... do you think Qin Yi's ambitions will be satisfied with this bid? This huge benefit is just the beginning for her. She is not the type to be content with a small piece of land. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten involved in this bid. This girl grew up under my watch, and she is very stubborn. Once she sets her mind on something, she won't easily give up. If the Qin family wins this time, the powerful families, with their vast resources and complex backgrounds, won't sit idly by. They will make Noque City restless. Can we let outsiders cause chaos in Noque City? In the end, Noque City will be dragged into it. The girl is certain we won't sit idly by and intends to use the rules of the game. Noque City is the reason she has the confidence to bid this time. The remnants of the previous dynasty cause chaos everywhere, even attacking Xiandu. Heng Tao, the peace of Noque City is hard-won. We must consider the bigger picture and not let one family's interests cause disaster for the others in Noque City."

Heng Tao nodded slightly, understanding.

Luo Tianhe let go, took out the plan he had been holding behind his back, and handed it to him, "Zhu Li is a good girl. I've reviewed her plan, and it didn't disappoint me. Follow her plan, provide full support in terms of manpower, resources, and finances, and help her quickly establish the framework."

Heng Tao took it with both hands, "Alright, I'll get to it right away."

...

Lin Yuan, riding a small donkey, stopped in front of the Qin family's guild, or rather, under a large tree.

Lin Yuan looked up at a huge tree, the largest in Noque City, which the Qin family's guild had bought a long time ago.

The tree was over 300 zhang tall, giving the impression of reaching the clouds. The entire canopy, which spread over a large area, was land purchased by the Qin family.

Looking up, he saw many fruits hanging from the tree.

This tree had been killed by human intervention, infused with immortal substances, making it hard and durable, and then carved and transformed into the Qin family's guild office.

Similar practices exist in many places in the Heavenly Realm.

At the base of the tree, there was a tree hole serving as a door, through which people and even vehicles could pass.

In the past, Lin Yuan had come here many times to look up, but he had never entered, as outsiders were not allowed to enter without permission, and he didn't have the qualifications to do so.

After a moment of silence, he rode the small donkey toward the tree hole entrance.

This time, he was more presentable, at least with his hair tied back in a ponytail, but he was still stopped by the guard.

The guard said, "No outsiders are allowed to enter without permission. If anyone could just walk in, what would the Qin family's guild be?"

Lin Yuan showed the business card given to him by Qin Yi. Seeing the card, the guard immediately showed respect, let him in, and directed him to a parking area.

After parking, Lin Yuan walked into the tree hole entrance, looking around at the luxurious interior.

He arrived at the front desk of the Qin family's guild and showed the business card to the receptionist.

Holding Qin Yi's business card, the receptionists couldn't help but look at Lin Yuan a few more times. One of them immediately called to inform someone.

After a moment, the receptionist put down the phone and apologized to Lin Yuan, "Mr. Lin, I'm sorry, Assistant Bai said the President is in a meeting and can't see you now. She asked you to come back around 6 PM. If you are late... the consequences will be on you!"

"..." Lin Yuan was speechless, having made a wasted trip. He wanted to ask what Qin Yi meant by "consequences," but in the end, he just turned and left. What else could he do? Break in or wait?

At the First-Class Hall, seeing Lin Yuan return on the small donkey, Zhang Liechen quickly walked to the door and asked in surprise, "You came back so quickly?"

Lin Yuan looked gloomy, "Don't mention it. They put on a big act, and I didn't get to see anyone."

"Didn't get to see anyone?" Zhang Liechen was taken aback.

In Noque City, the Qin family was too powerful to provoke. In the evening, Lin Yuan returned to the Qin family's guild.

He could see the windows in the fruits on the tree, which had been transformed into offices, already lit up.

This time, he was allowed in quickly, and Qin Yi's assistant, Bai Linglong, had arranged for a well-mannered girl to wait for him at the front desk.

When she saw him, the girl immediately led him inside and took him up in an internal elevator.

Bai Linglong was waiting for him upstairs.

After receiving him, Bai Linglong dismissed the girl and faced Lin Yuan. Her expression was complex, and she managed a smile, "Lin Yuan, it's been a long time."

Lin Yuan felt a bit awkward. This woman had once helped him and Qin Yi with love letters and such. He could only nod and say, "Hello."

Bai Linglong extended her hand, "Please follow me."

She led him to Qin Yi's office, which was also a fruit transformed into an office, located at a high point on the tree. The large windows around it offered views of the sunrise and sunset, and the scenery was indeed beautiful.

But Lin Yuan had no mood to enjoy the view. He looked around and, seeing no one else, asked, "Where is Qin Yi?"

Bai Linglong poured him a cup of tea, "The President has been busy all day and is just resting. She is taking a bath upstairs. Please wait, she will be down soon."

Lin Yuan looked up at the ceiling, listening carefully, and could faintly hear the sound of running water.