Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 411 411: The Clue Left by the Banner

After hearing Ye Qingchen's words, Feng Yuan flinched and fearfully hid behind Xia Chengkai. Meanwhile, Feng Xiao's expression changed drastically as he roared at his son, "You scoundrel! How dare you do something so despicable! Apologize to Mr. Ye this instant!"

How could Feng Xiao not know his own son's character? He must have failed to win the formation flags at the auction and decided to rob Ye Qingchen at the entrance of the First-Rate Pavilion, only to be outmatched and beaten to the ground. The more Feng Xiao thought about it, the angrier he became. He was itching to discipline his disgraceful son right then and there.

Ultimately, he relented only after Xia Chengkai's persuasion, though he still insisted that Feng Yuan apologize to Ye Qingchen.

Left with no choice, Feng Yuan perfunctorily clasped his hands toward Ye Qingchen and muttered, "I was wrong!"

Although it was an apology, his attitude was full of disdain. In his heart, he had already cursed Ye Qingchen a thousand times over.

Ye Qingchen didn't mind. He simply smiled and decided not to pursue the matter.

Nearby, Liu Wan'er was completely stunned. She could never have imagined that everything Ye Qingchen had said was true. He was really the proprietor of the business run by the Vice City Lord's Senior Brother—a truly impressive status. Combined with his formidable strength, this realization made Liu Wan'er suddenly feel somewhat inferior.

After bidding farewell to Feng Xiao and his son, Xia Chengkai invited Ye Qingchen and Liu Wan'er to his residence for a discussion.

Ye Qingchen went through so much trouble to meet Xia Chengkai, so he must have something important to discuss. My presence would only get in their way. Although Liu Wan'er treasured the opportunity to meet the Vice City Lord, she shook her head and declined the invitation so as not to delay Ye Qingchen's important matters. She returned to the inn alone.

Ye Qingchen understood her intentions and didn't press the issue. He and Xia Chengkai then walked toward the Vice City Lord's mansion together.

Just as the two arrived at the gate, Deng Xincun was already waiting there with servants to welcome them. But when Deng Xincun saw Ye Qingchen trailing behind Xia Chengkai, his expression immediately darkened. He pointed at Ye Qingchen and barked, "Impostor! This man is an impostor! Someone come, give this swindler a beating and throw him out!"

Deng Xincun was not without fear. If Ye Qingchen truly had a connection to the Vice City Lord, this was the perfect opportunity to strike first by branding Ye Qingchen as a fraud. His confidence stemmed from his many years of service in the mansion. He believed the Vice City Lord would unquestionably trust him over some stranger.

However, Deng Xincun had grossly underestimated Ye Qingchen's status. The moment he gave the order, the wicked servants swarmed forward, ready to lay hands on Ye Qingchen.

"Stop! Are you all trying to rebel?"

Xia Chengkai could never have imagined that after inviting his Senior Brother's benefactor over, his own servants would treat the man this way. He quickly clasped his hands in apology to Ye Qingchen, saying, "Mr. Ye, it's my fault for my poor management of this household. Please forgive the embarrassing display."

After speaking, Xia Chengkai turned to Deng Xincun and declared, "You insolent servant! How dare you treat my Senior Brother's benefactor in such a way! From this day forward, you are stripped of your position as steward!"

Deng Xincun went pale with shock.

This country bumpkin is actually the master of the Vice City Lord's Senior Brother!

Deng Xincun hurriedly dropped to his knees, kowtowing so rapidly it looked like he was pounding garlic. "My lord, have mercy!" he pleaded. "It's all my fault! I was blind! Please, just give me one more chance!"

Xia Chengkai had heard whispers about Deng Xincun's usual conduct. They were mostly trivial matters that he hadn't taken seriously. But now that Deng Xincun had offended Ye Qingchen, Xia Chengkai would certainly not let him off the hook.

No matter how much Deng Xincun begged, Xia Chengkai simply waved his hand, signaling the other servants to drag him away.

Deng Xincun was filled with bitter resentment, but he was helpless. I can only blame myself for offending someone I can't afford to provoke. All his regret was useless now.

Ye Qingchen had remained silent the entire time. Xia Chengkai had stood up for him twice and had consistently treated him with polite respect. I can see his actions are all genuine. Everything he's doing right now is just his way of demonstrating his attitude.

Afterward, Xia Chengkai invited Ye Qingchen into his residence and ordered the servants to prepare a feast to welcome him.

During the meal, Ye Qingchen gave the handwritten letter from Xi Jianwei to Xia Chengkai. After reading it in silence, Xia Chengkai looked up with a frown. "Mr. Ye, my Senior Brother's letter says you have something important to ask me. I wonder what it might be?"

Seeing they were finally getting to the point, Ye Qingchen eagerly explained, "To be honest, when I was in Chaoyun Country, I encountered someone who called himself a Saint Heir. This person is extremely powerful. Though he's at the Peak of the Martial King Realm, he possesses combat power comparable to a Martial Emperor Realm expert. However, he always wears a mask, so I couldn't see his face."

Ye Qingchen then described the Saint Heir's physical characteristics to Xia Chengkai from memory. Xia Chengkai listened intently, not interrupting him once.

Ye Qingchen then added, "I've come this time to ask for your help in finding any clues about this Saint Heir."

Xia Chengkai frowned. "Frankly, Mr. Ye, I have not seen the Saint Heir you describe. However, to my knowledge, there are several Saint Heirs of a similar age in the Central Regions, and they are all incredibly powerful. It is difficult to say which one it could be. I must offer a word of caution, though. These Saint Heirs are not only astonishingly powerful, but the factions supporting them are even more formidable. Unless it's for a matter of great importance, Mr. Ye, it would be best for you not to provoke them."

Ye Qingchen shook his head and said through gritted teeth, "This Saint Heir abducted my fiancée. I will find him, even if it costs me my life!"

Xia Chengkai understood at once. The grudge from having one's fiancée stolen was irreconcilable; Ye Qingchen's persistence was understandable.

However, Xia Chengkai still pointed out, "Mr. Ye, Northern Barrier City is a required stop for ordinary people traveling to the Northern Regions, but truly powerful individuals wouldn't necessarily pass through here."

Ye Qingchen thought for a moment, then retrieved the formation flags he had just won at the auction from his storage ring. He handed them to Xia Chengkai. "This set of formation flags is identical to those used by my fiancée. So, I am hoping we might be able to get some information from the First-Rate Pavilion. If these truly were my fiancée's, it proves the Saint Heir must have passed through here, just without revealing his identity. All we need to do is check which of the potential Saint Heirs' factions passed through Northern Barrier City around that time, and we can confirm who he is."

An epiphany struck Xia Chengkai. No wonder Ye Qingchen spared no expense to acquire these formation flags. If it was for his fiancée, then it all makes perfect sense.

Thinking this, Xia Chengkai said with a smile, "That's an excellent idea. The First-Rate Pavilion wouldn't divulge customer information to an ordinary person, of course. However, I have some connections with them. I can try to use my influence to help Mr. Ye make an inquiry."