Chapter 143: The Reason

"Don't you think it would be better to destroy it?" Long Fei smiled with a chuckle.

Ye Wentian was startled, then said in a deep voice, "I have also pondered this question. Indeed, whichever nation possesses this technology will undoubtedly seize the initiative in future competition. However, there are three reasons that compel me to do this. First, although our Huaxia nation is already considered a major global power, a considerable gap still remains when compared to international powerhouses like the United States and Japan. If we can catch up and stop taking their insults lying down, I believe resorting to some extreme measures is completely acceptable.

Second, I have sacrificed too much manpower and material resources for this optical disc. Not just me—far too many people have given their lives for it. To destroy it would leave me profoundly unreconciled. You must understand that in this world, there are no evil weapons, only evil people. It is much like martial arts: there is no distinction between evil and righteousness, only evil and righteous individuals.

Third, as far as I know, the little Japanese are still only in the experimental and exploratory stages with this technology. Although they have achieved some localized results, it will take at least another century before they can truly apply it on a large scale.

Besides, do you genuinely believe that our Huaxia nation, or countries like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, have never researched these technologies? You are mistaken. Every nation is researching them; it is simply that everyone shares a tacit understanding to keep quiet about it. On one hand, they actively pour manpower, material resources, and financial capital into research, while on the other, they publicly call on everyone else not to research such things. This is human nature—hypocritical and sinister.

Of course, I have my own intentions in asking you to hand this disc over to the state. Regardless of anything else, presenting this disc to the state means the government will owe you a favor. In the future, if you truly go to war with those people in Yanjing, don't you think your situation will be much better? Even if someone wants to use the state machinery to deal with you, they will have to hesitate. After all, you are a meritorious official now, and this is no ordinary contribution."

"Fine, I'll hand it over! But don't you want the state to fork over some money? After all, you've paid a tremendous price for this disc!" Long Fei laughed.

"True, I have indeed paid a great deal. But think about it, Long Fei—am I, Ye Wentian, short of money? Moreover, when it comes to money, having enough is sufficient. Once you have too much, it simply becomes a numerical concept. How much is considered a lot, and how much is considered a little? The boundary actually blurs. The most crucial point is that I am a Huaxia person, a descendant of Yan and Huang, with the blood of our Huaxia ancestors flowing in my bones. Therefore, I must do this. I am a businessman, but some things simply cannot be linked to money all the time. Am I right?" Ye Wentian answered Long Fei's question with utmost solemnity.

Long Fei sighed. "You are right. You certainly are patriotic."

Ye Wentian smiled. "Of all virtues, filial piety comes first. If a person does not love their own parents, they are no better than a beast. If a person does not love their own country, they are worse than a beast!"

Long Fei was summoned away by a phone call before he could finish lunch. When he left, he was in a great hurry, and his expression was extremely grim. Ye Wentian did not inquisitively ask what had happened.

"I have something to say to you." Qi Yufei sat down beside Ye Wentian.

Ye Wentian hurriedly put down the newspaper in his hands and smiled, "Go ahead."

Giving Ye Wentian a look, Qi Yufei said with some hesitation, "Originally, I didn't want to say these things, because I know your engagement with the Bai family was for Xiaoqian's own good—even Xiaoqian herself has always believed you acted solely for the family's interests. But I know that's not the case, am I right?"

"Alas, viewed in this light, the only person in this world who truly understands me is still you. Yes, no matter what, we have raised her for so many years, and I still hope she can find happiness. But she is young and still doesn't understand many things. In life, one cannot simply follow one's own impulses; sometimes, suitability is far more important than love." Ye Wentian sighed, feeling a measure of comfort. After all, the person he cared about most deeply still understood him, and that was enough.

"Could it be that she is wrong to pursue love?" Qi Yufei sighed.

Ye Wentian was stunned. "Are you talking about Long Fei?"

Qi Yufei nodded. "I think the boy Long Fei is quite good, and one day he will certainly not remain confined to a mere pond. Who knows, perhaps following him might bring Ye Qian happiness as well. Therefore, I feel you shouldn't pressure her too harshly in this matter."

"No." The moment Ye Wentian heard the name Long Fei, he rejected the idea outright.

"Not even for my sake?" Qi Yufei knitted her brows. In all these years, she had virtually never asked Ye Wentian to do anything for her.

Ye Wentian shook his head and said with a troubled expression, "Yufei, I know this is the first time in all these years that you have discussed such matters with me so seriously. I know you love Ye Qian, and I love her too. Even if she dislikes that Bai boy, she must absolutely never fall in love with Long Fei."

"Why?" Qi Yufei was somewhat bewildered.

Ye Wentian urged anxiously, "This—in short, she will not find happiness if she stays with Long Fei."

"Are you still keeping something from me?" Qi Yufei stared straight into Ye Wentian's eyes. She believed Ye Wentian would never lie to her.

True to her belief, Ye Wentian hesitated for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh. "Yufei, you haven't seen your eldest brother in nearly twenty years, have you?"

"Eldest brother? Do you have news of him?" Qi Yufei's heart shook violently. Twenty years! Ever since the incident in Yanjing back then, brother and sister had been separated, leaving her with no news whatsoever. She never imagined that Ye Wentian had maintained contact with her eldest brother all along.

"Don't misunderstand. I only received news of him recently. He staged a fake death for Long Fei to witness, and Long Fei happens to be someone he has nurtured for many years. Long Fei's coming to our house this time was also arranged by him. Your brother has been lurking in the shadows for twenty years, nursing his strength solely for next year's factional election. He is simply too stubborn. Besides, you know my relationship with your eldest brother. This time, he asked me for help, and I had no reason to refuse. Therefore, Long Fei's future is uncertain, and Ye Qian following him may not lead to a good outcome. Furthermore, you probably don't know yet—Long Fei already has quite a few women."

Qi Yufei, who had just started to rise, sank back down dejectedly. She had not expected her eldest brother to remain so obstinate. But what was Long Fei in all this? Merely a chess piece in his hand?

"Does that mean a battle to the death between Long Fei and him is inevitable sooner or later?" Qi Yufei began to worry about that man's safety. Knowing full well how painstakingly her eldest brother had schemed and operated for so many years, the final showdown would undoubtedly strike with the force of thunder and lightning. Yet she felt torn apart by a cruel dilemma: on one side was the eldest brother who had depended on her since childhood, and on the other was the lover she had adored since youth. She could not bear to see the slightest harm come to either side.

"Indeed, a battle is inevitable sooner or later. Do you think Long Fei could be that man's match?" Ye Wentian countered. In truth, he loathed bringing these matters up. He didn't even want to mention that man from Yanjing. After all, that man was his romantic rival; even though they had once been brothers who shared life and death, because of his deeply cherished Qi Yufei, he had long since severed all ties of brotherhood with him. Thus, whenever that man was mentioned, seeing Qi Yufei's look of anxious concern inevitably stirred a baseless jealousy within him. That sour, bitter feeling was agonizing. Who said jealousy was solely the domain of the young? Having lived half his life, he was still entirely unable to escape it.

Shaking her head, Qi Yufei said blankly, "Is Long Fei going to die?"

"That's not necessarily certain. There is still your brother to consider. Besides, I can no longer stand idly by in this matter either. Twenty years ago, for your sake, I became an outsider. Twenty years later, since your brother has spoken, I can no longer refuse. You know this isn't just an issue between me and that man, but a matter concerning your brother. You also know that the Ye Group would not be where it is today without your brother's involvement. Without him, I would not have my current success, and even less would I have won you." Ye Wentian said with a firm resolution.

Qi Yufei did not try to persuade him further. A man had a man's mindset, and the deep bonds of loyalty between men were not something a woman should interfere with. Moreover, if a man did not know how to repay a favor, she would never have fallen in love with him in the first place.

"Promise me, do not take his life." Looking at Ye Wentian, Qi Yufei said with a trace of guilt, "I know that I am your wife now, yet I am speaking up for him. This must hurt your heart. But I truly cannot bear to watch you brothers slaughter one another. Back then, how close the three of you were! Who in Yanjing didn't tremble just hearing your names? Yet today, I am forced to watch the three of you kill each other. How can my heart not ache? Do you understand? This is no longer just between you and him either. In truth, I have clearly remembered all the kindness you've shown me over all these years. Wood and stone have no feelings, but humans do; I have long since accepted you as my husband. Some things, though I cannot accept them instantly, I will eventually come to terms with. I promise you that once the matters between you are resolved, I will let you feel my love for you, alright?" Qi Yufei's expression was laced with guilt, yet tinged with a flush of bashfulness.

Under normal circumstances, had he heard Qi Yufei utter such words, Ye Wentian would have leaped for joy. Yet today, he felt not a shred of happiness. Qi Yufei had never asked a single thing of him all these years, and now that she was making her very first request, he genuinely could not refuse. But if he promised Qi Yufei, he would have no easy explanation to give her brother's side. In the heat of a life-or-death battle, who could make any guarantees?

Qi Yufei simply stared pathetically at Ye Wentian, remaining silent.

After a long while, Ye Wentian heaved a heavy sigh and nodded.

"Very well, I promise you."

Qi Yufei stood up, took a few steps, then turned back to say, "Thank you."

"Between us, there's no need for thanks. By the way, concerning the Bai family, you should still try to persuade Qian'er. If all else fails, we can temporarily shelve the engagement and let her pay a visit to Elder Bai. When she has free time, I might take a trip to Yanjing myself. It's time I went to see our old man; so many years have passed, it's about time I went back to take a look. As for Qian'er's matter, we will wait until your brother settles his affairs before reviewing the situation. In any case, I truly cherish Qian'er and do not want her to regret things or live without happiness in the future." Ye Wentian sighed.

"Alright, I will go persuade Qian'er." Qi Yufei smiled.

Seeing Qi Yufei's long-absent smile, Ye Wentian suddenly felt a warm, glowing sense of satisfaction. In truth, many men lust after empire and dominion, but he desired only beauty. Why do men strive to conquer mountains and rivers, if not to lay an entire empire at the feet of the one they love? Since he could attain this without conquering empires, why bother fighting and struggling?

The Yanjing Restaurant, located not far from the back gate of the university's campus, was currently in the middle of the lunch hour. Yet the foot traffic was rather sparse, with an occupancy rate of only around sixty percent. The reason was simple: the prices here were quite exorbitant, making it impossible for ordinary students to patronize it regularly. Consequently, the diners were primarily white-collar professionals from nearby office buildings, keeping the atmosphere relatively quiet. Combined with its elegant environment, it caused certain slick characters harboring less-than-honorable intentions to put on a facade of utmost respect and decorum the moment they stepped inside.

Phoenix was currently sitting at a window seat. Whether she had heeded Dragon Girl's words of comfort or not, she had removed the black veil from her face. Still, her demeanor remained as melancholic and cold as ever, making anyone who glanced at her feel their heart flutter instantly, while simultaneously rendering it impossible to entertain any thoughts of familiarity. That icy aura caused ordinary men to feel profoundly inferior in her presence.

Naturally, there were also those men blinded by overconfidence in their own charm and sophistication who ignorantly attempted to join her for a meal. The outcome, of course, was being coldly rebuffed by Phoenix. After being thoroughly humiliated, they could only retreat awkwardly and sit by themselves. These tactless fools actually made the other patrons in the restaurant secretly glad they hadn't run over to strike up a conversation, lest they too suffer a loss of face. Instead, they contentedly watched the spectacle from the sidelines.

Phoenix's beauty went without saying; otherwise, she wouldn't have attracted so many suitors. Her presence here gradually drew in passersby who initially hadn't planned to dine in, but seeing her seated by the window, Phoenix unintentionally became a living signpost for the restaurant, pulling in a considerable number of customers.

The restaurant's proprietress was a middle-aged woman wearing a tailored suit, possessing a striking air of elegance. Seeing that her restaurant's business was exceptionally brisk today—with the majority of incoming patrons stealing sideways glances at Phoenix—she understood the reason clearly and was more than happy to let it be. Consequently, seeing that Phoenix hadn't ordered any food yet, she hadn't bothered sending a waiter over to ask. It was blatantly obvious that Phoenix was waiting for someone.

Long Fei hurried out of his car, strode into the restaurant, and immediately spotted Phoenix sitting by the window. The moment their eyes met, seeing that each other was safe and sound, they inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, yet felt an unprovoked wave of sorrow.

Sitting down, Long Fei asked with lingering concern, "Are you alright? I heard you were injured."

Phoenix was slightly stunned, realizing that Dragon Girl must have called Long Fei. A trace of annoyance toward Dragon Girl welled up within her, instantly followed by a warm surge in her heart. No matter what, even though Long Fei was putting on his usual nonchalant facade, Phoenix could read genuine concern in his eyes. Such concern came from the depths of his heart and could not be faked; moreover, Long Fei had no reason to fake it.

"Oh, I'm fine now. Thank you for your concern, Young Master," Phoenix said softly.

A pang of ache pierced Long Fei's heart. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "Give me your hand."

True to his words, Phoenix extended her hand, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. The surrounding men widened their eyes in a mixture of envy and jealousy. Ignoring their gazes, Long Fei immediately placed two fingers onto Phoenix's wrist, channeling a wisp of true Qi to probe her condition. Finding that Phoenix was indeed unharmed—and that her internal energy was actually deeper than before, faintly showing signs of surpassing his own—Long Fei nodded, withdrew his hand, and smiled.

"It seems your progress lately has been considerable. I'm relieved you're alright. You must be careful in the future; if you can't beat them, run away. There is no shame in that. The most shameful thing in the world is losing your life. Remember, staying alive is the most important thing of all. Do you understand?"

Phoenix nodded, though inwardly she disagreed. In her view, death was of little consequence; what mattered was one's backbone, or rather, for Long Fei's sake, even death would bring her fulfillment.

"Actually, even without the veil, you are still yourself," Long Fei said with a bitter smile.

The remark sounded somewhat inexplicable, but upon hearing it, Phoenix's expression shifted slightly, though she remained silent.

A waiter approached. "Sir, are you ready to order?"

Long Fei casually ordered a couple of dishes and handed the menu to Phoenix, who likewise casually ordered two more. In truth, all the dishes they ordered were each other's absolute favorites. Internally, both sighed. Recovering his composure, Long Fei asked, "How is the situation over in Japan? I heard people from the Water Moon Sect came out to intervene?"

"Yes, and that is precisely what I wanted to tell Young Master. If you encounter people from the Water Moon Sect in the future, you must not stubbornly engage them in prolonged combat. I fear Young Master would come out the loser," Phoenix warned cautiously. Remembering the white-robed woman from the Water Moon Sect, Phoenix furrowed her brows; that level of strength was truly terrifying.

Long Fei smiled bitterly. "You might as well tell me to run for my life straight away. I've already heard from Dragon Girl that this world is full of bizarre and extraordinary people, so it's perfectly normal that we can't beat everyone. Rest assured, I am not the type of fool who clings to face at the expense of his life. As I said, staying alive is what matters most; if I can't win, I will definitely flee. I may not know much, but my skill at escaping is second to none. Besides, the Water Moon Sect's strength is indeed terrifying—to think they could actually injure you exceeds all my expectations. Dragon Girl mentioned that the person who hurt you was merely the eldest disciple among the current generation of successors in the Water Moon Sect, and above her are several elders and the Sect Master herself. One can only imagine how terrifying their power must be."

Phoenix nodded. "Indeed. When I fought her, I had virtually no ability to counterattack and was forced entirely onto the defensive. Moreover, they were actually capable of executing Sword Control Techniques. It was utterly astounding to me."

Reflecting on the fact that the world contained extraordinary beings like Dragon Girl, Song He, and Abe Hiroaki, the ability to wield swords through telekinesis no longer seemed so astonishing. Long Fei remarked, "There's nothing all that remarkable about it. Didn't Dragon Girl pass down a set of the Nine Yin Manual to you? Just cultivate it diligently. In the future, if we cross paths with people from the Water Moon Sect again, I'll exact revenge for you."

Phoenix said nothing, but her heart was deeply moved.

The dishes arrived. As he ate, Long Fei said, "Let's eat. Tell me more about the situation over there."

Phoenix replied, "The Koga and Iga clans have already signed a treaty. Knowing that this entire incident was provoked by us, and with members of the Water Moon Sect stepping out to mediate, a full-scale war has been temporarily averted. However, the hatred between the two clans has been firmly cemented. Given the opportunity, they will likely still fight each other to the death."

Long Fei nodded. "That's good. Once they tear off their masks and strike each other the first time, that hatred only deepens. Right now, they are simply reining themselves in out of awe for the Water Moon Sect's formidable strength, and out of fear that other ninja clans might seize the opportunity to reap the benefits. Therefore, they have temporarily shelved their grudge. As long as this debt exists between them, I'd say my objective has been achieved. What about the situation with the Black Dragon Society?"