The next morning, the first ray of sunlight pierced through the gap in the curtains, gently sweeping across the hospital ward and ushering in a new day. Qin Yuanfeng had been awake for a while, his deep gaze fixed on the outside as he calculated the upcoming meeting in his mind. At that moment, Gui Yi pushed the door open quietly and reported in a low voice, "Temple Master, Qianji sent word that someone from the Great Xia Military Department has contacted the Asura Temple, saying they wish to pay their respects to you. They want to explain the appearance of the Southern Theater soldiers during the Fu Family incident, and they have already arrived in Nanjiang City."
Qin Yuanfeng raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile curving his lips. "Oh? The military moves quite fast. Who is leading them?"
"It's Yu Xiao, the First Military Commander of the Central Theater and the head of the Seven Military Commanders under the Three Elders of Great Xia, who is leading the team in person," Gui Yi replied.
Hearing this, a trace of amusement flashed in Qin Yuanfeng's eyes. "Judging by the clues left by the Fu Family, they must have investigated my identity almost completely. Let's meet them, then!" He stood up, straightened his collar, and instructed Gui Yi, "Also, go make arrangements to buy Yuntian Villa No. 1, the most luxurious villa in Nanjiang City, as a gift for Su Wanwan and Beibei. I was previously worried about how to provide them with a good living environment without exposing my identity, and the military's arrival gives me just the right opportunity."
Understanding Qin Yuanfeng's intention immediately, Gui Yi nodded and turned to leave. Qin Yuanfeng then began to figure out how to use this opportunity to make Su Wanwan believe his lie about doing meritorious service on the Outer Realm Battlefield over the past seven years, while also allowing her to accept the gift with peace of mind.
He knew very well that directly telling Su Wanwan he was the Temple Master of the Asura Temple would only plunge her into greater danger and confusion. Therefore, he had to weave this lie carefully so that everything would appear natural and logical.
After arranging everything, Qin Yuanfeng went downstairs to buy breakfast. When he returned to the ward, Su Wanwan and Beibei were already awake. Handing breakfast to Su Wanwan, he smiled gently, "Wanwan, I need to go out today. Because of the recent Fu Family incident, the military needs me to cooperate with some investigations."
Although a trace of worry flickered in Su Wanwan's heart, she nodded upon seeing Qin Yuanfeng's confident expression. "Be careful, then. Come back early."
Qin Yuanfeng smiled and nodded. After watching Su Wanwan and Beibei finish breakfast, he left the hospital.
Meanwhile, following Qin Yuanfeng's instructions, Gui Yi had purchased Yuntian Villa No. 1—the most luxurious villa in Nanjiang City—and decorated it elaborately. Located in the core area of the city, the villa boasted convenient transportation, a beautiful environment, and fully equipped surrounding facilities.
Returning to the hotel, Qin Yuanfeng changed into a formal suit, tidied up his appearance, and prepared to welcome the visitors from the military. Before long, the sound of a car engine echoed outside, followed by a group of men in military uniform walking into the room under Yu Xiao's lead.
As soon as Yu Xiao saw Qin Yuanfeng, he stepped forward immediately and said with a smile, "Should I call you the Temple Master of the Asura Temple, or Mr. Qin?"
Qin Yuanfeng smiled and said, "I suppose the Great Xia Military Department has already investigated my identity thoroughly, so why bother asking, Military Commander Yu? Since I am currently in Great Xia, I am simply an ordinary man wholeheartedly wishing to spend a few peaceful days with my wife and child. You'd better just call me by my name!"
Afterward, Qin Yuanfeng motioned for Yu Xiao to take a seat. Once both sides were seated, Yu Xiao cut straight to the point. "I'll call you Mr. Qin, then! First of all, on behalf of the Great Xia Military Department, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the help you and the Asura Temple have provided to our military on the Outer Realm Battlefield over the past few years! Secondly, regarding the appearance of the Southern Theater soldiers during the Fu Family incident, our military has conducted a detailed investigation. Upon verification, those soldiers were indeed mobilized without authorization by Fu Beichen of the Fu Family. Due to the urgency of the matter, our military did not notice it beforehand, giving Fu Beichen an opportunity to exploit. Although we were unaware beforehand and Fu Beichen is already dead, those men certainly belonged to the Southern Military District, so we naturally will not shirk our responsibility. We are deeply sorry for this. To express Great Xia's apologies and our gratitude for Mr. Qin's support of the Great Xia Military Department on the Outer Realm Battlefield over the years, I specifically submitted a compensation proposal to the Third Elder before coming here, and I've come to discuss it with Mr. Qin!"
Qin Yuanfeng picked up the teacup in front of him, took a light sip, and motioned for Yu Xiao to continue.
Seeming to recall something pleasant, Yu Xiao wiped away his previous solemn expression and said with a smile, "Because of my negligence, Fu Beichen dragged men from the Southern Military District into the Fu Family affair, which is truly an unforgivable crime. Therefore, I proposed to the Third Elder that I be relieved of my position as the head of Great Xia's Seven Military Commanders and Central Military Commander as compensation for Mr. Qin. At the same time, to thank Mr. Qin for leading the powerful figures of the Asura Temple to repeatedly rescue the Great Xia Military Department's outposts on the Outer Realm Battlefield in recent years, we invite Mr. Qin to take up the post of Central Military Commander! I will serve as your deputy! From now on, you will be my superior, and if anyone dares to provoke you within Great Xia in the future, I'll beat them up for you. How does that sound to you, Mr. Qin?"
Hearing this, Qin Yuanfeng spat the mouthful of tea he had just swallowed directly onto Yu Xiao's face. The teacup in his hand trembled slightly, and the tea almost spilled over. He forcefully suppressed the urge to curse, while ten thousand profanities raced through his mind. Yu Xiao's face, which had just been wearing a sincere smile, instantly froze in place.
"Ahem..." Qin Yuanfeng quickly put down the teacup and gave a few awkward dry coughs, trying to ease the sudden, awkward atmosphere. "Military Commander Yu, your proposal really is... catching me off guard." While speaking, he pulled a tissue from the box on the table and handed it to Yu Xiao, a gleam of cunning flashing in his eyes.
Yu Xiao took the tissue, wiped the tea off his face, and kept a polite smile at the corners of his mouth, though his eyes revealed a trace of hard-to-detect depth. "Mr. Qin, please don't misunderstand. This is the highest respect the military can offer for your many years of contribution. Given your ability and influence, even serving as the First Military Commander feels a bit beneath you. The Third Elder even specifically instructed me that if Mr. Qin feels unsatisfied, he is willing to propose to the Grand Elder and Second Elder that Great Xia establish the position of Fourth Elder for Mr. Qin to hold."
Right now, Qin Yuanfeng wished he could kick this so-called second-in-command beneath the Great Xia elders straight out the door. It was too infuriating! He sneered inwardly; these old fogies were indeed not easy to deal with. On the surface, they were offering an explanation, but in reality, they were ensuring he would refuse. The message was very clear: *I've offered an explanation as requested, and if you refuse to take it, then it's no longer my business.* Secondly, even if he agreed, he and the entire Asura Temple would inevitably be bound to Great Xia's chariot. For Great Xia, not only would they suffer no loss, but they would make a massive profit.
He sighed lightly and said, "Military Commander Yu, I appreciate Great Xia's good intentions. As for matters on the Outer Realm Battlefield, Great Xia need not take them to heart. The reason we are willing to help the people of the Great Xia Military Department out there is simply because the members of our Asura Temple all originate from Great Xia and have Great Xia blood flowing in our veins. As for your proposal that I take a position in the Great Xia Military Department, you must be well aware that our Asura Temple has grown used to wandering the Outer Realm Battlefield freely. Furthermore, although the Asura Temple was founded by my own hands, it does not belong to me alone. What I carry on my shoulders is the responsibility of the entire temple, not personal glory or disgrace. As for the positions of Military Commander and Elder in Great Xia, I am afraid I am hardly qualified for them, nor do I have any desire to contend for them."
Yu Xiao's smile did not fade, as if he had anticipated that Qin Yuanfeng would refuse so directly. He pondered for a moment and changed tactics: "Mr. Qin, don't rush to refuse. We know that your heart lies with Great Xia and you simply refuse to be bound. But please believe that the Great Xia Military Department needs a powerhouse like you to lead us. Moreover, becoming a Military Commander or an Elder does not mean you have to give up the Asura Temple; on the contrary, it can secure more resources and support for you and the Asura Temple. Why not do it?"
At this moment, Qin Yuanfeng felt like crying without tears! This was the top figure beneath the Great Xia elders—Yu Xiao, known for decisive actions, upright character, meticulous work style, and extraordinary martial prowess! But seeing him today, the rumors were indeed all lies. Extraordinary martial prowess? Qin Yuanfeng wasn't sure since they hadn't fought, but calling him upright and meticulous was a bit of an exaggeration! This was living proof of a rogue!
Frowning, Qin Yuanfeng sighed at Yu Xiao and said, "Military Commander Yu, I have made myself very clear. I really have no interest in these positions. Right now, I just want to accompany my family and live a peaceful life. The Asura Temple also has its own mission and responsibilities on the Outer Realm Battlefield. If Great Xia genuinely wishes to make amends for this matter, then I ask that you take good care of my wife and daughter in the future. In addition, my wife and daughter do not know my true identity, so please keep it a secret for me."
Hearing this, Yu Xiao put on a feigned look of regret, sighed, put away his previous relaxed posture, and said solemnly, "Mr. Qin has lofty and pristine integrity, and Yu admires you for it. Since you have no intention of taking a high position, we cannot force it upon you. However, the military will remember your contributions. If there is a need in the future, we hope Mr. Qin will not hesitate to lend a hand. As for Mr. Qin's wife and daughter, as well as Mr. Qin's identity, the Third Elder has already proposed and given instructions to classify it as a top secret of Great Xia. Please rest assured on this point!"
Qin Yuanfeng smiled faintly and changed the subject. "However, I do have a small request. I hope the military can do me a favor."
Yu Xiao was startled for a second, then nodded. "Please go ahead, Mr. Qin. As long as it is within the military's capability, we will certainly go all out."
"It's like this: I spent seven years in the Outer Realm, and my wife and daughter suffered countless grievances and hardships. Now that I'm back, I want to make their lives more comfortable. Therefore, I plan to buy a villa, but since I cannot reveal my identity to them, I'd like to ask the military for a favor!" Qin Yuanfeng said.
Hearing this, Yu Xiao hurriedly said, "Mr. Qin, I don't have the money to buy you a villa! Don't have any designs on me! My monthly salary is barely enough to support my wife and child!"
Qin Yuanfeng had a dark look on his face. He almost flipped the table and snapped, "I'm paying for it out of my own pocket! I just want someone from the military to go to the hospital and personally deliver the property deed and villa keys, framing it as a reward from the military for my assistance in eliminating the Fu Family and for my discharge after seven years on the Outer Realm Battlefield! Did you understand?"
Hearing that he didn't have to spend his own money, Yu Xiao relaxed and patted his chest. "Mr. Qin, don't worry. Tomorrow I will go to the hospital in person and hand the keys to your wife right in front of you!"
Qin Yuanfeng said fiercely, "No need! Just send someone else. Your face as the First Military Commander of Great Xia appears on television all the time. Do you want to scare her to death?"
A flash of embarrassment crossed Yu Xiao's face upon hearing this. Then he laughed heartily, slapped his own forehead, and said, "Mr. Qin is right; it was my oversight. Rest assured, I will arrange for someone trustworthy to ensure this matter is handled both discreetly and thoughtfully."
After the meeting ended, Yu Xiao left the hotel under Qin Yuanfeng's watchful eyes. Qin Yuanfeng couldn't help but sigh inwardly and said to Gui Yi behind him, "Sigh! It seems we still underestimated how shameless these old fogies in Great Xia can be!"
Gui Yi nodded, thinking to himself: In present-day Great Xia, only his Temple Master would dare call those enormously prestigious power holders of Great Xia "old fogies."
Qin Yuanfeng then asked, "How are things with the villa?"
Gui Yi replied, "Boss, according to your instructions, I bought Yuntian Villa No. 1 this morning at double the price. Yuntian Villa No. 1 originally belonged to the Fu Family; it had just been renovated and they hadn't even moved in yet before we wiped them out. The property was seized by the Public Security Bureau and prepared for auction. I used some connections to buy it at double the price, and the property transfer can be completed this afternoon."
Hearing this, Qin Yuanfeng instructed, "Good. Remember to put Wanwan's name on the property deed. Once it's settled, have someone deliver the deed and keys to Yu Xiao today. I'm heading back to the hospital first!"