Chapter 97: Visitors from the Star Palace

Ye Aotian had never expected that his actions would provoke his adoptive father’s fury to such an extent. Yet, when he heard that his adoptive father intended to send the strategist here, Ye Aotian’s expression turned cold. After all these years working for him, if not for merit, then at least for the hardships he had endured. And now, his loyalty was being questioned, as though he harbored ulterior motives in this matter. The thought only fueled Ye Aotian’s anger, though he knew better than to show it now; all he could do was wait in silence.

The following month, Jiang City was unusually tranquil, with nothing notable occurring. From time to time, Lin Li would make an appearance to remind Ye Aotian of his presence. In the past, Ye Aotian might have dismissed Lin Li without a second thought. But after everything that had happened, he could no longer ignore him. Now, Ye Aotian regarded Lin Li as his greatest adversary—more formidable even than Qin Lang. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, Ye Aotian found himself powerless against Lin Li.

As for the traitors secretly apprehended by Leng Tianyi, Lin Li cleverly used them to disseminate false information. One day, Lin Li was exercising in Su Lan’s room when his phone rang. He frowned and ignored it, but the call came again. Irritated, Lin Li finally answered, his voice raised in a shout, “What’s happened that has you so frantic?”

Even Ye Aotian hadn’t had time to stir up trouble lately; everyone in Jiang City was too busy. On the other end, Fang Tai’s voice replied, “Lin, if I had any other choice, I wouldn’t be calling you like this. Something big has happened, and only you can decide what to do.”

Fang Tai took a deep breath and continued, “I’ve just received news. The Star Palace organization has made its move. They’ve sent the strategist from their Southern Division, along with their four guardians, to support Ye Aotian.”

This surprised Lin Li. In the original story, this event was supposed to take place much later. He hadn’t expected them to act so soon.

As Lin Li fell silent, Su Lan grew impatient and began to tease him. This only vexed Lin Li more. He hastily ended the call and, after another bout of exertion, Su Lan lay sprawled across his chest, murmuring, “You’re terrible.”

Lin Li simply smiled without replying.

“What is it? Something serious happened?” she asked. She knew Fang Tai wouldn’t call in a panic over a trivial matter.

“It’s about Ye Aotian. The power behind him has finally shown itself. The Star Palace organization—they’re not easy to deal with.” Even Lin Li, facing them, was far from confident. His tone grew solemn.

Su Lan smiled. “I doubt these people will be a problem for you. It’s only a matter of time before you deal with them.”

Lin Li said nothing. He was intimately familiar with every plotline in the original story. According to his previous deductions, the so-called strategist didn’t even know Ye Aotian. If the two were to unite, Ye Aotian’s strength would increase dramatically—and that was the last thing Lin Li wanted.

“It seems the Lake District project has gotten Ye Aotian into trouble,” Lin Li mused. “So his organization has sent someone to keep him in check. If they truly meet, I’ll be the one in real danger.”

Su Lan grew anxious as well. “In that case, shouldn’t you do something to stop them from meeting? If you need my help, just say the word. I could arrange for other martial artists to eliminate them.”

Lin Li waved her off. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll handle this myself. After all, the two have never met. The Star Palace is a massive organization with a strict hierarchy. As an assassin syndicate, subordinates often have no idea what their superiors look like; contact is always initiated by those above. For me, this is an opportunity. Whether I succeed depends on my abilities.”

Before Ye Aotian could meet the strategist, Lin Li intended to seek him out first. If luck was on his side, he might even persuade the strategist to join him. It was a bold plan, but for Lin Li, it was likely his only option against the vast Star Palace organization. Ye Aotian, as a chosen protagonist, was already terrifyingly powerful; if he gained the strategist and the four guardians, the odds would become insurmountable.

Thus, Lin Li resolved to sabotage their meeting at any cost. As for the exact arrangements, that would depend on their respective skills; but the key would be Ning Yurou and Leng Ningxue.

With this in mind, Lin Li immediately called Ning Yurou and Leng Ningxue. Both women were surprised by the news. Leng Ningxue had no objections and agreed at once to help. Ning Yurou thought it over before nodding her assent. They were partners now; if anything went wrong between them, the consequences would be dire. Ning Yurou certainly had no wish to see such a thing happen.

Lin Li met with Leng Ningxue first.

“My father hasn’t even made his move yet, and you’re already facing such trouble. If today’s plan fails, won’t the consequences be disastrous?” Leng Ningxue asked, concern written on her face.

“I’ve warned you before—Ye Aotian’s backing is far more formidable than you can imagine. If you’re going to oppose him, you’d best be prepared,” Lin Li replied calmly. “Still, none of this surprises me.”

Leng Ningxue snorted. “You know I’ve never been afraid of the powerful. So what if Ye Aotian is strong? It’s none of my business. Even if all his people arrive, I’ll still fight back. Besides, I’m your woman now.”

Lin Li chuckled. “Don’t worry. It’s only the Star Palace. I doubt anyone in this world knows them better than I do.”

Anyone else might have been terrified, unsure what to do—but for Lin Li, the situation was manageable. At the very least, Ye Aotian had no idea what was coming his way.

With that thought, Lin Li took out a card he hadn’t used in a long time.