The upheaval at the Yan family.
Wen Nan Tian didn't know the specifics, but he could guess a few things.
As the former overlord of the Southwest Path, Yan Bie Tian had acted recklessly and with impunity, engaging in extortion and forced mergers. His death, along with the loss of seven out of ten of his skilled fighters at the hands of Wen Nan Tian, meant the Yan family was likely to crumble like a house of cards.
As for the reason for the visit of the Yan family's eldest daughter, it was one of a few possibilities that Wen Nan Tian couldn't be bothered to guess.
"Before the wedding feast, the Yan family was the dominant force in the Southwest Path, with Yan Bie Tian firmly in control. After Gu Luo Li's death and the loss of most of the Gu family's skilled fighters, they were practically extinct."
"Yan Liu Li naturally felt confident and secure enough to marry into the Gu family, taking control of the Gu family quickly. She could have threatened Lei Meng Sha and the others with the lives of the Gu Sword Sect, forcing their support."
"But now she's come to me, humbling herself. She must be asking for something."
Wen Nan Tian ate the meal served by Si Kong Chang Feng, which, while not as flavorful as the food cooked by the chefs at the Qing Yue Building, was still quite good. He was extremely hungry.
"So that's why Yan Liu Li is so accommodating this time!"
Bai Li Dong Jun and Si Kong Chang Feng nodded in realization, finally understanding.
Some people just can't stand being talked about.
Just moments after Bai Li Dong Jun finished speaking, a graceful and captivating woman entered the East Returning Inn, her steps light and graceful.
Wen Nan Tian looked at the newcomer. "Well, talk about the devil, here he is. Looks like trouble has found us."
The woman ignored his remark and approached him, bowing politely. "Young Master Nan Tian, I am Yan Liu Li. Greetings."
Yan Liu Li's gaze towards Wen Nan Tian was complex.
This man before her was both the man who killed her brother and the one who freed her from her brother's control and avenged Gu Luo Li's death.
And now, he was her only hope for survival.
Wen Nan Tian sipped his tea, his expression slightly amused. "You're here about the Yan family?"
"Yes!"
Yan Liu Li nodded without hesitation. "Due to my brother's reckless actions, the Yan family is now in dire straits, surrounded by enemies. I am here to ask for your help, Young Master Nan Tian."
"That sounds nice. But we're enemies, not friends. Why would I help you?"
"How can you be sure that the kindness I extend today won't turn into a weapon against me tomorrow? There are countless examples of people being bitten by the very creatures they've nurtured, like raising a tiger or a serpent."
Wen Nan Tian remained unmoved. The Yan family posed no threat to him, but it was true that he had killed Yan Bie Tian and nearly destroyed the Yan family by eliminating over seven out of ten of their skilled fighters.
He wasn't a butcher, but he wasn't a saint either.
Yan Liu Li bit her lip, her gaze lowered. "What if I am willing to pay any price?"
"Hah, I don't believe you."
Wen Nan Tian scoffed and rose to his feet, preparing to leave.
Yan Liu Li quickly grabbed his sleeve, tears welling up in her eyes as she pleaded, "Please... please give me some time, give me a chance. I will surely prove myself worthy to you."
"The Yan family and you, we have a blood feud. What can you possibly offer that would sway me?"
Wen Nan Tian stopped, observing Yan Liu Li closely, his interest piqued.
"I..."
Yan Liu Li blushed, noticing Bai Li Dong Jun and the others watching, and couldn't bring herself to speak.
Luckily, Bai Li Dong Jun and Si Kong Chang Feng were perceptive enough to realize that what came next wouldn't be appropriate for outsiders, and they quickly found an excuse to leave the tavern.
"They're gone now. Can you say it now?"
"Yan Liu Li, the head of the Yan family, pledges to join the Yan family under your banner, to submit to you. We ask for your protection."
In response to Wen Nan Tian's question, Yan Liu Li prostrated herself before him, bowing low to the ground, her voice filled with sorrow and despair. It was as if she were a slave selling herself into servitude.
Her voice was a mournful plea, eliciting pity.
"Not enough!"
Wen Nan Tian's eyes flickered with a strange emotion, but he didn't agree. "The Yan family is surrounded by enemies, vulnerable and desperate. Your words alone aren't enough to convince me and the Wen family to help you."
Yan Liu Li's attitude revealed the dire situation the Yan family faced.
No matter how reluctant Wen Nan Tian was to take advantage of their weakness, he couldn't let such a juicy opportunity pass him by. If simply nodding his head and lending his support could scare away those greedy wolves circling the Yan family, he couldn't refuse.
Yan Liu Li lifted her head, her face flushed with a blush as bright and beautiful as a blooming peach. She offered a condition that left Wen Nan Tian stunned. "What if I included myself?"
"You?"
Wen Nan Tian lowered his gaze, meeting hers. He saw eyes filled with ambition and pain, as well as a woman with unparalleled beauty and grace.
"My body, my loyalty, and the Yan family's submission. Is that enough?" Yan Liu Li asked again.
"Hah, haha, hahahaha."
Wen Nan Tian's laughter began as a chuckle and grew into a loud roar, filled with an incomprehensible emotion.
It made Yan Liu Li's heart ache with unspoken pain. She didn't know why, but it hurt.
Wen Nan Tian didn't explain himself. After a long pause, he stopped laughing and stared intently at Yan Liu Li, his face impassive. "The Mu Yu Xing Yan family, as the overlord of the Southwest Path, is a prize I can't afford to miss. And you, a beautiful woman, are a tempting offer. I accept!"
In that moment, Wen Nan Tian seemed to grow up a little.
Not physically, but emotionally.
Fierce love ultimately dies in the face of reality.
Pathetic and tragic!
Those who profess their love ardently, those who were childhood sweethearts, never achieved a lifetime of bliss.
He agreed to the deal. He had Yan Liu Li. Wen Nan Tian would take her.
With those words, Wen Nan Tian picked up Yan Liu Li and carried her towards his room.
A hot tear fell onto the blue brick floor of the East Returning Inn, carried away by the wind.
...
Sizzle!
With a flick of his sleeve, Wen Nan Tian tore away Yan Liu Li's white, snow-like clothing, revealing her thin undergarments.
The room fell silent as the young man and woman looked at each other.
"It's not too late to regret this."
"Liu Li has no other choice. I beg for your mercy, Young Master."
"Please believe me, Young Master. Every word I've spoken today is true."
Tears remained on Yan Liu Li's cheeks, yet her expression was resolute. For the Yan family, for herself, she was willing to sacrifice everything.
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