Seeing Qing Tianfeng and Xu Yao nod, Ye Haitang's expression also turned serious.
"In that case, I will arrange a room for you. Don't go out for a while. Observe the situation on the mainland first."
After only a moment's thought, Ye Haitang made her decision.
The current situation is no longer suitable for Xu Yao and her companion to travel. Ten-thousand-year soul bones, especially top-grade ten-thousand-year soul bones, are very attractive to soul masters.
Within the Ye family's sphere of influence, she could still protect Xu Yao and the other person, but once they were outside that sphere, even she would be powerless to help them.
"We understand."
Xu Yao and Qing Tianfeng nodded solemnly, and then, led by a maid, went to the Ye family's guest room.
After the two left, Ye Haitang sighed, "I hope Hu Yandong didn't tell anyone about this, otherwise..."
She didn't say what she was about to say, because she didn't want to see that happen.
Hu Yandong, at most, could command a portion of the Elephant Armor Sect's power, which was nothing to the Ye family.
However, if Hu Yandong were to reveal the matter, the Ye family would not only be facing a portion of the Elephant Armor Sect's forces, but also all the Soul Masters interested in the top-grade ten-thousand-year Soul Bone.
"Why did Qingmu give them the soul bone, and such a high-quality one at that?"
Ye Haitang rubbed her temples, feeling somewhat helpless.
This is not because Ye Haitang disapproves of Qing Mu handing the soul bone to Xu Yao and Qing Tianfeng. It is common knowledge in the soul master world that the earlier a soul bone is used, the better.
The problem is that the soul bone given by Qing Mu is too good, while Xu Yao and Qing Tianfeng are too weak. Once it is revealed that the two of them possess such a treasure, it is almost inevitable that they will be coveted by others.
After a moment, Ye Haitang shook her head. "Forget it, it's pointless to think about it now. Xu Yao and the others are, after all, within the Ye family's territory. Even if the news that Qing Tianfeng possesses a soul bone spreads, those people can't just break into the Ye family to kill people and steal the bone, can they?"
The Ye family is, after all, a first-rate power. Although their strength is not comparable to that of the Elephant Armor Sect, they are not so easily bullied.
Especially due to the unique nature of the Nine Heart Begonia, many powerful individuals owe the Ye family a debt of gratitude and have extensive connections.
Under these circumstances, even the Elephant Armor Sect would have to consider the Ye family's reputation. As long as Xu Yao and Qing Tianfeng stayed within the Ye family and didn't leave, their safety could be fully guaranteed.
......
Elephant Armor Sect, Main Hall!
"Reporting to the Sect Master, the Elephant Armor Sect is ready. As for the other forces, they have not directly agreed, but according to the intelligence department's observation, more than ten forces, large and small, including the Hundred Herbs Sect, the Shadow Sect, the Ge family, and the Yao family, have transferred their experts to towns near the Ye family, seemingly preparing to observe."
The Elephant Armor Sect disciple knelt on one knee and reported to Hu Yanzhen above.
Upon hearing this, Hu Yanzhen sneered: "These people really have a good plan. They clearly have a great grudge against the Ye family and wish for the Ye family to be destroyed tomorrow, but when faced with this opportunity, they still choose to be opportunists."
Upon hearing Hu Yanzhen's words, everyone present lowered their heads slightly and remained silent.
"Fine, since none of you are willing to lift a finger, then I, Huyan Zhen, will bear the blame!"
Hu Yanzhen glanced around, stood up, and said, "After the operation is over, I don't care about the rest, but I want to see those ten-thousand-year-old soul bones completely intact in front of me!"
"yes!"
The members of the Elephant Armor Sect present shouted in unison.
With Hu Yanzhen's order, the Elephant Armor Sect disciples, who had been prepared beforehand, disguised themselves as pedestrians and left the sect in batches, gathering in the direction of the Ye family.
Although the Elephant Armor Sect's actions were very secretive, such a large-scale operation could not be kept secret from those who were interested. Before long, the major forces all received information about the Elephant Armor Sect's unusual activities.
"What is the Elephant Armor Sect trying to do?"
In the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, who was sitting on the Pope's chair, looked puzzled after hearing the message from Yue Guan.
Yue Guan, who was standing nearby, immediately replied, "It's not clear yet, but I've already sent people to investigate, and I believe we'll have news soon!"
The Spirit Hall's intelligence system is arguably the best on the entire continent; if you want to investigate, there are very few pieces of information that you can't find on the Douluo Continent.
Half an hour later, another secret letter arrived. This time, Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes after reading the message.
"Moon Gate, a ghost!"
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope!"
Almost instantly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows and appeared in front of Yue Guan.
Bibi Dong stood up, holding the papal scepter, and said, "The Elephant Armor Sect has joined forces with some other forces to destroy the Ye family. This is a good opportunity. Go and rescue the Ye family mother and daughter, and integrate them into my Spirit Hall. You should understand the specifics of how to do it!"
Upon hearing this, Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance before loudly declaring, "Yes, Your Holiness, we understand!"
Immediately, the two figures disappeared from the Papal Palace.
After the two disappeared, Bibi Dong glanced at the secret letter again, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Elephant Armor Sect, you've done something good."
She was perfectly aware of Huyan Zhen's ulterior motives. There was probably nothing else behind his crazy behavior except the temptation of breaking through the title barrier.
But let's put aside whether Hu Yanzhen can snatch a soul bone in such a chaotic situation. Even if Hu Yanzhen gets a ten-thousand-year soul bone and breaks through to the Title Douluo level, what then?
In her presence, ordinary titled Douluo are nothing but chickens and dogs!
On the contrary, she had long coveted the Ye family's Nine Star Begonia, but due to her reputation, she couldn't forcefully recruit them. However, now that Huyan Zhen had done this, she could not only recruit them, but also completely control the two women.
After all, even the Ye family is gone. Do two support-type soul masters have a better backer than the Spirit Hall?
Thinking of this, Bibi Dong felt a little better.
...
"The Elephant Armor Sect is preparing to attack the Ye family. Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what do you think?"
Inside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi handed the intelligence sent by his scouts to Chen Xin and Gu Rong, and asked for their opinions.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's intelligence system was not as advanced as that of the Spirit Hall, it was only slightly slower in obtaining information about the Elephant Armor School's unusual activities.
There's no way around it, money talks!
After glancing at the information in the intelligence report, Chen Xin and Gu Rong both looked somewhat surprised.
"Why would the Elephant Armor Sect, which has no grudge against the Ye family, attack them?"
Gu Rong was puzzled. Although the Ye family was not as powerful as the Elephant Armor Sect, it was still a first-rate force. If a real fight broke out, the Elephant Armor Sect would also suffer heavy losses.
Moreover, the Ye family is not just an ordinary first-rate power; they have a wide network of connections, and if things go wrong, they could easily incur public wrath.
Chen Xin pondered for a moment before speaking, "It must be for the Ye family's soul bone, right? Hu Yanzhen has been stuck at level 89 for some time now. Perhaps he wants to use the power of the soul bone to break through to the title level. Apart from that, I can't think of any other reason that would make Hu Yanzhen so crazy."