Lin Chengzhou complained bitterly to Lin Yao, "Father, you didn’t see how arrogant that Ye brat was acting! Once I become the royal consort, he’ll be the first one I eliminate!"

Lin Yao waved off his concerns with indifference. "None of that matters now. What’s important is securing your position as consort. As for that Ye fellow—he’s an outsider with no real backing. No matter how capable he is, it won’t help him. When you gain power, dealing with him will be child’s play. But until then, you’ll keep your temper in check. Understood?"

Meanwhile, after returning to Liu Yunyao’s residence, she quickly changed her attire and hurried to soothe Ye Liuyun, worried he might be upset.

Ye Liuyun chuckled, shaking his head. "I’m not that petty, and certainly not with you. But you’re the one who should be concerned—that throne won’t be an easy seat to keep."

"Tell me about it," Liu Yunyao sighed, venting her frustrations about the day’s events. "Those powerful factions are nothing but trouble."

"Once you’re queen, you’ll need strategy, not just strength, to handle them," Ye Liuyun advised, though he himself had little experience in such matters, often delegating daily affairs to others.

Liu Yunyao nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of the crown. The endless political maneuvering seemed more exhausting than glorious.

"Enough of this gloom," she declared, brightening. "Let’s skip training tonight and just relax. Tomorrow, I’ll tackle the festival preparations."

"Agreed," Ye Liuyun said. After weeks of relentless training and battles, a brief respite wouldn’t hurt.

That rare evening of peace rejuvenated Liu Yunyao. By dawn, she was already immersed in work. Though palace staff handled most festival arrangements, she still had to approve everything from attire to ceremony protocols—even rehearsals.

Meanwhile, Ye Liuyun headed to the merchant guild with Hongling, hoping to trade his surplus resources. The weapons and storage rings his soldiers used far surpassed local quality, making these spoils redundant.

Unexpectedly, he crossed paths with Lin Xiaoxiao, who was shopping with Lin Moyu in tow. With Ye Liuyun’s recent absence and the fourth prince’s demise, Lin Moyu sensed another opportunity. Though aware of Lin Fengzhi’s disdain, he clung to the hope that winning his cousin’s affection—perhaps even forcing a marriage—might eventually sway her father’s approval.

The moment Lin Xiaoxiao caught sight of Ye Liuyun, she completely forgot about everything else. She immediately rushed over to greet him, clinging to him like a shadow.

"Master Ye, it’s so wonderful to see you! Father mentioned you recently went to the barbarian battlefield? Did you join the fighting? Was it exciting...?"

Lin Xiaoxiao bombarded him with endless questions, tugging at his sleeve to keep him from leaving. Ye Liuyun could only sigh helplessly, unable to get a word in edgewise.

She then chirped, "Father said you promised to help me tame another fierce beast. I want one at the Dominator Second Level! That brown lion from last time was poisoned to death by the Fourth Prince! Why don’t you stay at my place for a while? Or take me hunting for a new beast!"

Nearby, Hongling tensed upon hearing her mention the brown lion. Worried that Ye Liuyun might dig deeper into its death, and noticing Lin Moyu’s venomous glare fixed on him, she quickly whispered the truth—how they had bribed Lin Moyu to poison the lion—warning Ye Liuyun to be wary of him.

Only then did Ye Liuyun glance at Lin Moyu, immediately catching the murderous glint in his eyes.

"Is this guy insane? I’ve never crossed him, yet he looks like he wants me dead," Ye Liuyun muttered to Hongling.

With a knowing smile, she replied, "Can’t you tell? He’s pursuing Lin Xiaoxiao and sees you as a rival!"

"Ridiculous! But considering how well Lin Fengzhi and this girl have treated me, I might as well help them get rid of this troublemaker," Ye Liuyun responded. After all, he was still receiving Lin Fengzhi’s patronage—it wouldn’t sit right to take the man’s money without doing something in return.

After a brief pause, he turned back to Lin Xiaoxiao. "I’m nowhere near strong enough to join the real battles—I was just there to help tame beasts! You want a Dominator-level beast? I don’t have one on hand, but I can catch one for you."

"Really? That’s perfect! Father said you’re staying at the palace now, but it’s so boring there—you can’t even walk around freely. Why not come back to the Commander’s Residence with me?"

Without waiting for Hongling or Lin Moyu’s input, she eagerly continued, "I’ll tell Father, and then we can go hunting together—maybe even return to that planet where we last hunted beasts. It’s still there, you know!"

"Little cousin," Lin Moyu cut in sharply, "Master Ye is staying at the palace for important reasons. We shouldn’t trouble him further."

"Mind your own business!" Lin Xiaoxiao snapped, shooting him an irritated glare.

Ye Liuyun sensed Lin Moyu’s killing intent intensify. He sent a covert message to Hongling: *"Go back first. Inform the princess that I’ll deal with Lin Moyu before returning. I’ll send for you once it’s done."*

"Helping her capture a ferocious beast and taking care of Lin Moyu on the side won’t take long. I’ll definitely be back before the celebration!"

"Got it!" Hongling replied before bidding farewell to Ye Liuyun and Lin Xiaoxiao and taking her leave.

"No problem. I’ve already finished my business here, and a little excursion wouldn’t hurt. I’ll accompany you on this trip!" Ye Liuyun agreed, meeting Lin Xiaoxiao’s hopeful gaze.

Still, he made sure to exchange all the resources he had on hand before following Lin Xiaoxiao back to the Commander’s estate.

Lin Xiaoxiao was so thrilled that she clung to Ye Liuyun’s arm, swinging it excitedly. Meanwhile, Lin Moyu’s face turned livid with suppressed rage.

"That damned Ye Liuyun keeps ruining my plans! He only stands a chance in battle because of those beasts. Why not take advantage of this hunting trip to poison him in secret? Even if the poison doesn’t kill him, I can arrange for men to finish him off and seize Lin Xiaoxiao in one stroke—killing two birds with one stone..."

The thought made the corners of Lin Moyu’s lips curl into a smirk. He prided himself on his cleverness for coming up with such a brilliant scheme.

Though Ye Liuyun was chatting with Lin Xiaoxiao, his divine sense never left Lin Moyu’s movements.

The whole reason he had suggested hunting a ferocious beast was to give Lin Moyu an opportunity to make his move. If Lin Moyu didn’t act, Ye Liuyun wouldn’t have a chance to eliminate him. Seeing that smug expression, he knew his plan was working—Lin Moyu was about to take the bait.

To further encourage him, Ye Liuyun casually remarked, "Perfect timing for me to hunt some beasts. After the battle with the barbarians, I’ve lost every last one of mine. I need to replenish my defenses—otherwise, at just the first level of the Heavenly Realm, I’d barely be able to protect myself!"