Urban God of War: The Live-in Son-in-law

The next day at dawn, when Hong Qingyan walked out of the Inner Courtyard, she had reverted to her usual appearance, showing no trace of the transcendent and extraordinary air that seemed to have transformed her the day before; only her walk was no longer the limp of days past.

This was specifically instructed by Shi Yehong, as the cultivation technique she practiced was too special, necessitating a certain level of concealment.

At this time, Ye Feng had already led Xiao Chuanqi and others away from the Northern Cloud Residence and had met up with Zhang Wenyuan and others. Now that Hong Qingyan had not only become a disciple of the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong but also progressed rapidly in her cultivation, becoming a top expert, Ye Feng naturally felt much more at ease.

One could say that as long as she wasn't suddenly attacked by a great power above the Divine Path Realm Level, Hong Qingyan could essentially handle it. Moreover, even if it were a great power at the Divine Communication Realm Level, in a one-on-one situation, Hong Qingyan could still hold her ground without falling short.

After all, she was now following the ancient path of cultivators of the Ancient Era, and she was no longer the Hong Qingyan of yesterday!

Although Ye Feng didn't bring many people on his journey to the Southern Territory, he was accompanied by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and other trusted followers. Of course, aside from these people, the truth was that last night, Ye Feng had already dispatched some of his hidden forces to the Southern Territory.

As for Hong Qingyan, she remained at the Northern Cloud Residence. According to her, she could now fully stand on her own and ought to share her husband's worries. Thus, she specially stayed to keep an eye on any movements in the Imperial Capital.

After pondering for a moment, Ye Feng did not insist on her accompanying him, as staying in the Imperial Capital was undoubtedly safer for her at this time than going to the Southern Territory.

Because in half a month, the Xuanyuan Nation would be hosting the Grand Martial Dao Tournament, which would be attended by members of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Thus, everyone's focus during this time was on the Martial Dao Tournament, and they were unlikely to cause trouble intentionally.

The Inner City Airport wasn't large and seemed somewhat cramped and modest, but don't be fooled by its appearance. Even the scions of Noble Clans from the Inner City of the Imperial Capital wouldn't necessarily qualify to come here.

One could say that those who could board the private aircraft here were all of more than ordinary status, mainly consisting of the Sect Leaders of Xuanyuan Nation's Tianyong Pavilion, generals from the General's Mansion, and the heads of the Three Offices, the most important institutions of Xuanyuan Nation.

"I am truly pleased you could come. I believe with you accompanying us, I can certainly avoid a lot of trouble," Zhang Wenyuan said, putting down what he was doing and quickly walking over as he saw Ye Feng approaching.

Ye Feng responded with a faint smile, "It's been a while since I went to the Southern Territory. Since there's nothing much happening during this period, I might as well take a trip and visit some old friends."

As he spoke, Ye Feng remembered something and turned to ask, "By the way, are you really not planning to compete in the upcoming Martial Dao Tournament in half a month?"

Zhang Wenyuan let out a bitter laugh, then shook his head and sighed, "I originally had no intention of participating, but my master came to me last night particularly for this purpose, insisting that I compete no matter what… so I really had no choice…"

Having said this, Zhang Wenyuan gave a slight shrug, revealing an expression of helplessness.

Ye Feng couldn't help but smile lightly, "The Grand Martial Dao Tournament is open to everyone in the world. Although we are friends, when the time comes, we will rely solely on our own abilities, and you need not feel sorry for me."

Zhang Wenyuan nodded, "Rest assured, precisely because I consider you a friend, I will give it my all when the time comes!"

Ye Feng expressed his approval; that was indeed his own view. If they held back when facing off against each other, it would mean they were not sincerely treating each other.

"It's time to go. The decree must have reached the Southern Territory by now, let's move," said Ye Feng, waving his hand, then both he and Zhang Wenyuan boarded the private plane together.

Zhang Wenyuan's entourage was also not large, comprising only three people. It seemed that some of his guards must have set off earlier. Not long after, the two planes took off, finally arriving at the Southern Territory Base Camp four hours later.

As the airport slowly descended from the sky into the designated airfield of the Southern Territory Base Camp, the surroundings were already teeming with a bustling crowd. Unsurprisingly, these people were mainly the elite of the Southern Territory, including several Domain Lords from among the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory, as well as some local Aristocratic Clan Gates.

Indisputably, the fact that these people had personally come to the airport to greet them was sufficiently explanatory; they were, of course, staunch supporters of the new Southern King.

Glancing over the crowd, Ye Feng noted that indeed a considerable number had come to meet them, with five Domain Lords from the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory personally present, along with more than half of the leaders of the Southern Territory.

With the presence of these individuals alone, it was more than half of the Southern Territory's power. It could be said that with their support, Zhang Wenyuan could basically secure his position in the Southern Territory today and would soon consolidate his power in the region.

Ye Feng couldn't help but marvel: the direct disciple of the Grand Sect Leader of Tianyong Pavilion and pupil of Zhao Gongming wielded such tremendous influence. Even in the Southern Territory, his influence was so substantial. In contrast, he himself had no such backing—the throne of the Northern Border King was snatched away from him during an ambush in the Capital Region a year ago.

"Having connections in the government sure makes things easier!" Ye Feng thought, smiling faintly. As he disembarked from the plane, he didn't step forward but merely stood there with an air of non-involvement. Since the crowd wasn't there for him, he naturally didn't feel the need to interact.

Zhang Wenyuan's reaction was different. Stepping off the plane, he quickly approached the crowd, wearing a face full of feigned humility and surprise. While Ye Feng knew that Zhang Wenyuan might not hold these Southern Territory elites in high regard, the latter definitely needed to show ample enthusiasm at this moment.

Zhang Wenyuan was very clear in his heart that most people supported him because of the Grand Sect Leader's face. If he didn't show his sincerity now, he might lose the goodwill of some of these people.

Of course, he also knew that goodwill alone was not enough. Next, he needed to establish his authority in order to quickly gain credibility in the Southern Territory. How to quickly establish his authority, he hadn't figured out yet, but he wasn't in a hurry, because he believed he would find a way.

After finally exchanging pleasantries with these local dignitaries of the Southern Territory, Zhang Wenyuan then turned to introduce Ye Feng. In fact, everyone present was already familiar with Northern King Ye Feng.

As early as a year ago, Northern King Ye Feng had come to the Southern Territory. At that time, Southern Origin King Dugu Ming was under house arrest and sidelined, and in the end, it was because of Ye Feng's intervention that he was able to escape danger.

In fact, it was also because of this incident that, although Dugu Ming returned to his position as the Southern King because of Ye Feng, his authority and foundation had already been shaken and were no longer sufficient to control the entire Southern Territory.

In addition, during this period, the situation in the Southern Territory was very unstable. There had been clamor and disturbances from Ancient Yue Kingdom, and Tianluo Kingdom had been causing trouble from time to time. More seriously, Brahma Kingdom, a great nation at the southern end of the Southern Territory, had repeatedly committed offenses.
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And Southern King Dugu Ming had been unable to soothe the friction with these neighboring countries. Finally, Utility Pavilion decided to appoint Zhang Wenyuan, partly to support Zhang Wenyuan's rise, and partly in the hope of relying on his power to thoroughly eliminate the neighbors' mischief.

However, although the local dignitaries of the Southern Territory recognized Northern King Ye Feng, they were not extremely respectful, mainly because Ye Feng had slain several commanders of the Southern Territory with the Power of Thunderclap when he arrived in the Southern Territory, a fact that left a deep impression on everyone.

So after a brief greeting, led by Zhang Wenyuan, everyone went directly to the headquarters of the Southern Territory's base camp. Of course, Dugu Ming, as the former king, would not come to greet them in person, and his few remaining confidantes naturally wouldn't come either, but they were waiting in the council hall of the base camp, waiting for Zhang Wenyuan to come for the handover.

The handover process was actually quite simple: it involved reading the appointment letter and then handing over the King's Order of the Southern Territory, which marked its completion. Afterward, it was time for Zhang Wenyuan to reappoint personnel and arrange affairs.

When Ye Feng stepped into the council hall of the Southern Territory's base camp again, although it was a return to a familiar place, his heart was calm, as if he were just a bystander. However, he could see that Southern Origin King Dugu Ming seemed not to be in a good mood, as if he was discontented.

Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn't help but go over and personally pat Dugu Ming on the shoulder.

Dugu Ming seemed to notice the Northern King's presence only then, and said with surprise, "I really didn't expect you to come."

Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Mainly, I came to see how you were."

Dugu Ming appeared very pleased upon hearing this and finally showed a rare smile, "Everyone adds flowers to the brocade, but not many send coal in the snow. Thank you for coming to see me at this time."

Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "There's no need for such formalities between men. In fact, you should be happy. Zhang Wenyuan is a decisive person. You can rest assured entrusting the Southern Territory to him."

In fact, Ye Feng knew that what Dugu Ming couldn't bear to part with was not his kingship, but the people of the Southern Territory. He was concerned that the new king taking office wouldn't be as good as himself after his own retirement.

Dugu Ming smiled and said, "Since even you say so, then I can truly rest assured. Are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to a drink. Although I've stepped down, I still have a few bottles of good wine left."

"A call from an old friend is worth risking one's life for—I'll happily join you!" Ye Feng replied with a light smile.

Subsequently, the official sent from the Imperial Capital read the appointment letter, and then Dugu Ming, holding a small Brocade Box containing the Southern King's Seal, passed it to Zhang Wenyuan through the official.

With that, Zhang Wenyuan officially became the King of the Southern Territory!

But what no one expected was that as soon as Zhang Wenyuan took the Southern King's Seal, he suddenly turned and swept his gaze over the people in the hall and shouted, "Where is Yu Wenji, the Fifth Commander of the Southern Territory?"

An elderly steward of the Southern Territory immediately stepped forward and said with clasped hands, "Replying to the Southern King, Commander Yu Wenji has taken leave due to illness, and is therefore not present."

Zhang Wenyuan rebuked angrily, "How preposterous! At such a crucial moment of the Southern King's appointment, he dares not to come, which is a clear disrespect for the laws and contempt for me as the new King of the Southern Territory!"

Having said that, Zhang Wenyuan waved his hand vigorously and ordered, "Who will apprehend Yu Wenji immediately? According to national law, execute him!"

Everyone was startled by this pronouncement, utterly shocked that the New Southern King, who had not even warmed his seat, had sparked a conflagration so abruptly.