Chapter 976: Encounter


    Editor:Dragon Boat Trantion


    Upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s words, Huangfu Ruiling found himself lost in thought.


    After a considerable pause, he spoke slowly, “It seems imperative now to conduct a thorough investigation of the Ye family.”


    Throughout his speech, his gaze remained fixed on Ye Leng’an, as if he sought to discern her thoughts.


    “Why are you staring at me like that?” Ye Leng’an was puzzled. Then, as if a thought urred to her, she smiled wryly and said, somewhat incredulously, “Are you considering turning a blind eye to the peculiarities of the Ye family just to spare my feelings?”


    Did she appear sentimental towards the Ye family? She harbored no affection for them, not even for her own biological parents.


    Huangfu Ruiling withdrew his gaze nonchntly, replying, “You’re overthinking it. I’m merely curious if you have any other intentions.”


    Seeing Huangfu Ruiling’s awkward expression, Ye Leng’an smiled and shook her head, then continued to emphasize, “Whether in the past or in the future, there will be no connection between me and the Ye family. Their affairs are not my concern, and my affairs are beyond their control.”


    Huangfu Ruiling nodded, signaling his understanding, and didn’t say anything else.


    The Elite Competitionmenced promptly.<div>


    As the matches unfolded, most people focused their attention on thepetition.


    Ye Leng’an looked at thepetition on the stage but seemed rather disinterested. After all, thepetition had just begun, and it was only the preliminary rounds, so there wasn’t much excitement. Moreover, the situation should remain simr in the next few days. The truly intensepetition was expected to ur in thest two or three days.


    Seeing Ye Leng’an looking bored beside him, Huangfu Ruiling approached and whispered, “The next few days of thepetition will be like this. Let’s go back for now! We cane back to watch the finals in a few days.”


    Surveying the surroundings, Ye Leng’an shook her head. “Let’s stay. Since we’re already here, we might as well continue.”


    If she hadn’t attended initially, leaving would have been eptable. However, since they were already present, departing seemed unnecessary. Furthermore, with representatives from other major families present, leaving now would draw undue attention. Though she didn’t mind, she preferred not to stand out unnecessarily.


    After scanning the area, Huangfu Ruiling continued, “Alternatively, you could return first. Weren’t you interested in studying the Frost Jade Toad? You could use these days to do so.”


    Although Huangfu Ruiling desired herpany, he discerned her boredom and thought it best to indulge her in pursuits that captured her interest.


    Hearing his proposal, Ye Leng’an felt a flicker of temptation but ultimately shook her head. “Forget it! I already possess the Frost Jade Toad; there’s no need to rush. It’s better to study it after the Elite Competition concludes.”


    With a teasing nce, she added, “Why? Don’t you want me to keep youpany here?”


    Huangfu Ruiling’s eyes softened, and he reached out to ruffle her hair. “Alright, let’s watch together then.”


    The subsequent matches were uneventful, but the atmosphere between them remained pleasant.


    During halftime, Ye Leng’an felt a bit fatigued from sitting and decided to take a stroll.


    Although Huangfu Ruiling intended to apany her, the Grand Elder approached with urgent matters to discuss.


    Thus, Ye Leng’an ultimately left the venue alone.


    Though she intended to walk around, she didn’t n to venture far. However, to her surprise, she encountered an unexpected individual as soon as she stepped outside.


    That person was none other than Ye Yikun.


    Encountering Ye Yikun again, Ye Leng’an experienced a moment of bewilderment. Even before arriving in the Hidden World, she had anticipated encountering members of the Ye family. However, encountering Ye Yikun, her grandfather, unexpectedly left her feeling perplexed.


    Theirst meeting had been during negotiations, or more urately, when she had issued a threat.


    Now, meeting Ye Yikun again, despite his unchanged appearance, left her feeling unsettled.<div>


    Although everything appeared unchanged, she couldn’t shake the feeling of difort. Yet, she couldn’t pinpoint its source.


    Moreover, Ye Yikun wasn’t alone this time. He was apanied by Ye Wanwan.


    While they appeared as a normal grandfather and granddaughter, Ye Leng’an sensed an underlying unease.


    As Ye Leng’an spotted Ye Yikun and Ye Wanwan, the two also noticed her presence.<div>


    The quiet Ye Wanwan shifted the moment Ye Leng’an caught their gaze. Ye Wanwan’s expression changed from calm to one of disdain, jealousy, and even hatred.


    Ye Wanwan felt like an enemy encountering her rival, her eyes zing with envy and animosity.


    Upon seeing Ye Leng’an, she felt an intense desire to tear her apart. Yet, it remained just a fleeting thought.


    “Wanwan!” Sensing Ye Wanwan’s emotions, Ye Yikun’s voice cut through the silence, his tone cold and distant. “Remember your objective. Don’t allow distractions to sway your focus.”


    At Ye Yikun’s stern reminder, Ye Wanwan shuddered, instantly regaining herposure. Even her inner turmoil dissipated. When she looked at Ye Leng’an again, she appeared remarkablyposed, as if Ye Leng’an were merely a stranger before her.


    Observing Ye Wanwan’s demeanor, Ye Leng’an arched an eyebrow. Deciding to avoid further interaction, she attempted to leave, only to be halted by Ye Yikun.