The meeting had concluded.
Since Bai Jun still needed to discuss some details with the members of the Peace Faction, Gu Yan stayed behind for the time being. Leaning against the wall, he mentally sorted through the key points from the strategy meeting.
First.
The transformation of the Peach Blossom Society Stronghold hadn’t happened overnight.
The changes had been gradual, beginning precisely after last night’s whispered wish to the little demon.
Second, due to the sudden surge in danger level, the Martial Arts Department had officially designated the Peach Blossom Society Stronghold as—the Fifth Forbidden Zone.
Previously, there had only been four Forbidden Zones in the world.
Now, this so-called ancient ruin had become the fifth!
Third, the exploration date had been pushed to the day after tomorrow, and the division of teams was straightforward—split into four factions:
The Peace Faction, the Conservative Faction, the Radical Faction, and the Coexistence Faction.
Bai Jun had been blunt during the meeting.
This Fifth Forbidden Zone was newly emerged, and they, as martial artists, were its first explorers.
The danger level was unknown, and their lives could be at risk at any moment.
Because of this, each of them had been given a wristband capable of briefly masking their aura.
In moments of peril, it could conceal their presence for ten minutes—potentially a lifesaver.
Fourth, Gu Yan glanced ahead at a certain silver-haired troublemaker currently being scolded in hushed tones by Bai Jun.
From Bai Jun, he’d learned that the Peace Faction itself was unstable lately.
Due to Lin Yinyin’s childish mindset and youthful appearance, many sought to replace her as leader.
The faction had split into two groups.
One supported Bai Jun taking over Lin Yinyin’s position as head of the Peace Faction.
The other backed a different candidate.
Either way, both sides wanted Lin Yinyin to step down.
Gu Yan, having read the original novel, gave a slight nod.
This was mostly in line with the source material—Bai Jun, due to an incident in the past, had no desire to lead the Peace Faction.
In truth, this strategy meeting had been orchestrated by Bai Jun behind the scenes.
The purpose of bringing Lin Yinyin here was simple: to help her establish authority.
Of course...
That had been the plan. Unfortunately...
Gu Yan recalled Lin Yinyin’s tearful tantrum at the start of the meeting.
His lips curled slightly, and inwardly, he let out a dark chuckle. *Tsk tsk, now the original plot is bound to resurface soon...*
The fracture of the Martial Arts Department, the infighting between factions...
Then...
Let’s see—should I exploit the chaos myself, or pick a puppet to manipulate...?
Just as Gu Yan was lost in thought—
“Hmph, you seem quite pleased with yourself.”
“Was chatting with that old woman really so enjoyable?”
A voice that made Gu Yan freeze cut through his musings.
He turned his head.
There, leaning against the wall beside him with arms crossed, was a coldly elegant woman who bore a striking resemblance to his beloved Qingqiu.
Her face was near flawless—skin as pristine as freshly fallen snow, eyes deep and composed like the brightest stars in the night sky, lips pale and unadorned.
Her hair, a rich black, was simply tied back, each strand exuding a frosty allure that mirrored her aloof demeanor.
Tall and graceful, every movement carried an effortless poise.
This person was...
“Leng Bingning?”
Gu Yan blinked, then uttered the name.
*Why is Leng Qingqiu’s sister, Leng Bingning, here? Did she infiltrate too?*
*Is she also joining the expedition to the Fifth Forbidden Zone?*
Seeing Gu Yan recognize her disguise as Leng Bingning, Leng Qingqiu felt a flicker of pride in her acting skills.
*See, Xiao Leng? When I step in, even Gu Yan can’t spot a flaw!*
**[...How did you do your eyes?]**
“Colored contacts.”
**[...]**
Xiao Leng went silent.
Leng Qingqiu had no intention of letting Gu Yan off the hook so easily. With a light chuckle, she said, “Yes, it’s me. It’s been a while since we last met.”
“You’ve changed quite a bit since then—especially in matters of the heart...”
“I couldn’t help but notice how *warmly* you were talking with that old woman.”
“If my... *sister* found out, do you know what would happen?”
She deliberately glanced toward Lin Yinyin, who was still being lectured by Bai Jun.
*Old woman...?*
Gu Yan followed “Leng Bingning’s” gaze.
Only when he saw Lin Yinyin, now deprived of her lollipop, did he realize—
*Ah, so the earlier stare that made me break out in a cold sweat was hers?*
Once he recognized her identity, the meaning behind her words clicked.
*Wait... is this like getting caught by the in-laws in a compromising situation?*
*No, no—it’s not like that! Everything I do has a reason! A justification!*
With a wry smile, Gu Yan shook his head. “My dear sister-in-law, you’ve got me all wrong.”
“My feelings for Qingqiu are as steadfast as the heavens—simply put, we’re rock-solid.”
“As for Lin Yinyin, that ancient gremlin...”
Here, Gu Yan sighed and looked at Leng Bingning—his sister-in-law, Qingqiu’s elder sister. “Sis, you know how it is for a rookie like me in the workplace.”
“I *have* to butter up the higher-ups. If I don’t, they’ll make my life miserable. And if that happens, my career here is over before it even starts.”
Leng Qingqiu’s lips twitched upward, but she scoffed. “Cut the nonsense. As the young master of the Gu Family, do you really need this job at the Martial Arts Department?”
“Why not just go back and inherit the family fortune?”
Gu Yan frowned slightly.
*Why does that scoff sound so familiar?*
*If I didn’t know you were Qingqiu’s sister, I’d swear she was standing right in front of me.*
Pushing aside the odd feeling, he explained, “Because I need to prove myself.”
“Prove yourself?” Leng Qingqiu was taken aback. *Prove what?*
“Exactly. I have to shed the title of ‘Gu Family’s young master.’”
Gu Yan’s expression turned melancholic. “Whenever people talk about me, all they see is the Gu heir—wealthy, privileged.”
“But Qingqiu is a genius, a world-class prodigy. I *have* to work hard to be worthy of her.”
His voice grew resolute. “So I’ll carve my own path in this world!”
“Right here, in the Martial Arts Department, I’ll prove my worth!”
“When we explore the Forbidden Zone, I won’t back down!”