Hearing that Director Yang had arrived, the members of the Heavenly Mark Family were taken aback, filled with anxiety and unease.
"Quickly, prepare to welcome Director Yang to the meeting hall!" Nie Hai said anxiously.
They dared not show even the slightest negligence towards such a prominent figure.
As the family members hurried to make arrangements, a group of people swiftly approached from a distance, with the alluring and elegant Director Yang leading the way.
Despite being a woman, the members of the Heavenly Mark Family held no contempt for her.
She was someone with immense power, a force to be reckoned with!
Director Yang walked up briskly, her gaze sweeping over everyone until it landed on Nie Li's face.
A look of relief crossed her previously tense expression.
Her watchful eye had been on the Heavenly Mark Family territory, and any movements within that could not escape her surveillance.
Upon hearing that Nie Li had returned to the family, she rushed over, planning to discuss some matters with him.
However, upon learning that the Heavenly Mark Family had been attacked by members of the Dark Guild, she hurriedly came over late at night.
Aside from Nie Li, Director Yang couldn’t think of anything worth targeting within the Heavenly Mark Family that would attract the Dark Guild’s attention.
She was worried that they might have come to assassinate Nie Li.
After all, Nie Li was the most important partner of the Alchemists' Association, and they had many future plans together.
Nie Li couldn’t be harmed!
Seeing that Nie Li was safe relieved Director Yang’s worries.
"Quickly serve tea to Director Yang!" Nie Hai hurriedly called for a few maids.
"No need!" Director Yang waved her hand.
She was there to confirm Nie Li's safety, not for tea.
She and Nie Li exchanged a glance, communicating silently.
Watching this scene, Nie Hai instantly understood that Nie Li indeed had some connection with the Alchemists' Association.
However, he couldn’t grasp why the association would place such importance on Nie Li.
After pondering for a moment, Director Yang smiled gently at Nie Hai and the others. “Nie Hai, I heard you were attacked by the Dark Guild!”
"Yes, Director Yang. These two are from the Dark Guild. Besides these dead ones, one of them has injured and escaped!" Nie Hai pointed to the two corpses on the ground.
Yang Xin's gaze fell on the two bodies, and after a moment of silence, she concluded that the Dark Guild's target was undoubtedly Nie Li.
The members of the Dark Guild probably would not give up easily, and she said, “Nie Hai, there is something I'd like to discuss with you. May I?"
“Director Yang, please speak!” Nie Hai said respectfully, his demeanor extremely humble.
“I’m worried that the Dark Guild didn’t achieve their goals and will return. I’m concerned about the safety of the Heavenly Mark Family and wish to send a few Golden-level martial artists and demon spirit masters to help guard the family. What do you think, family head?” Yang Xin stated.
While saying she wanted to protect the Heavenly Mark Family, her real intention was merely to protect Nie Li.
“Sending a few Golden-level martial artists and demon spirit masters?” Nie Hai was astonished.
His confusion was deepening.
What methods had Nie Li employed to make the Alchemists' Association go to such lengths? This was in addition to purchasing a large amount of herbs from the Heavenly Mark Family at high prices; they were also willing to send their Golden-level experts to assist.
“This may not be appropriate!” said the great elder Nie Wei, frowning deeply.
He felt uneasy about the Alchemists' Association sending Golden-level martial artists and demon spirit masters.
Who knew what their actual intentions were?
“What’s inappropriate?” Nie Li looked at Nie Wei and asked. “Does the great elder suspect that the Alchemists' Association has ulterior motives towards our Heavenly Mark Family? Aren’t you reading too much into this?”
“You brat, who are you calling small-minded?” Nie Wei scolded angrily.
Nie Li was becoming increasingly unruly, daring to confront him publicly!
Nie Ming anxiously tugged at Nie Li’s sleeve.
Offending the great elder had serious consequences.
Within the family, they were in no position to rival Nie Wei’s authority.
Even if the great elder could not do anything today, who knew if he might seek revenge in the future?
Seeing Nie Wei berating Nie Li so distantly, Yang Xin understood that Nie Li had not shared everything with the family.
It seemed Nie Wei and Nie Li did not have a good relationship.
Yang Xin slightly narrowed her eyes; Nie Li's importance was evident, and she would certainly stand by him now.
“Nie Hai, I’ve noticed some members of your family hold prejudice against the Alchemists' Association. Perhaps it’s unnecessary for the association to continue collaborating with the Heavenly Mark Family?” Yang Xin said, her demeanor turning icy as she huffed coldly.
Being in a position of power for so long, her expression could change in an instant, filling the air with a chill.
Nie Wei hurried to explain, “Director Yang, that’s not what I meant…” He dared not offend the Alchemists' Association.
He simply felt the presence of Golden-level martial artists and demon spirit masters was a bit suspicious and wanted to caution Nie Hai, but with Nie Li's words, the nature of the matter shifted entirely.
If the Alchemists' Association ceased collaborating with the Heavenly Mark Family because of this, he would be the family’s scapegoat! He inwardly cursed Nie Li for saying the wrong thing at such a crucial moment, and yet, Nie Hai continued to favor Nie Li, leaving him feeling frustrated.
Nie Hai now understood Nie Li's relationship with the Alchemists' Association, and he dared not punish Nie Li.
With a cold glance at Nie Wei, Yang Xin huffed, “I’m speaking with Family Head Nie Hai. You have no place to interrupt!”
Hearing this, Nie Wei opened his mouth to argue, his face turning beet red.
He felt utterly displeased with Yang Xin but dared not respond.
After all, one word from her could decide the fate of the Heavenly Mark Family.
He dared not act recklessly.
As a great elder of a family being scolded by a woman two or three decades his junior, it was an embarrassment he couldn't even voice.
“I heard this person is the great elder of the Nie family?” Yang Xin asked Nie Hai.
Upon hearing her somewhat angry tone, Nie Hai awkwardly replied, “Yes, the great elder meant no offense to Director Yang; I hope you can forgive him!” He quickly glanced at Nie Li, signaling him to mitigate Yang Xin's anger, only to find Nie Li turning away, ignoring him entirely.
It was bad enough that he displayed no authority before Yang Xin; he couldn’t even manage his own family.
He could only smile helplessly, as it was clear that Yang Xin was cooperating with the Heavenly Mark Family solely for Nie Li’s sake.
“I believe this great elder is no longer needed. If this person remains the great elder of the Heavenly Mark Family, then the Alchemists' Association will halt their cooperation with you!” Yang Xin said calmly.
Nie Hai took a deep breath.
One sentence could dismiss the great elder of the Heavenly Mark Family! But knowing that the Alchemists' Association held the family's lifeline in their hands, he would not dare act recklessly.
The threat from the Alchemists' Association was no joke.
Once they severed cooperation with the Heavenly Mark Family, countless families would secretly suppress them!
“From this day forth, Nie Wei will no longer be the great elder or law enforcement elder of the Heavenly Mark Family. Nie En will take over!” Nie Hai announced publicly.
Nie Wei opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but after glancing at Yang Xin and the others from the Alchemists' Association, he realized the situation had no possibility for resolution and could only swallow his anger.
Nearby, Nie Xiaofeng and Nie Xiaori looked just as shocked and helpless.
The only reason they had been so arrogrant in the Heavenly Mark Family was because of their grandfather being the great elder.
In a single sentence, the great elder of the Heavenly Mark Family had been dismissed; this was the absolute authority of the Alchemists' Association!
Nie Hai continued to announce, “Additionally, Nie Ming will take over as the hall master, and Nie Kai will take over as the agricultural hall master!”
Upon hearing his father, Nie Ming, and Uncle Nie Kai mention these positions of power in the family, everyone was shocked.
The hall master was a position of real authority! One managed finances, and the other managed herbs and crops, traditionally held by the two sons of Nie Wei.
“Thank you, family head!” Nie Ming excitedly knelt down.
“Thank you, family head!” Nie Kai hurriedly followed suit.
Seeing that his father and uncle had knelt down, Nie Li could not help but frown.
“Don’t stand on ceremony. You don’t need to kneel to me in the future!” Nie Hai said quickly.
Nie Ming and Nie Kai stood up in confusion, completely unclear about what had happened.
Nie Wei, Nie En, and the others began to understand.
Nie En’s eyes brightened slightly while Nie Wei wore a look of despair.
“Since the Alchemists' Association is willing to send people to assist in guarding the Heavenly Mark Family, we are naturally deeply grateful!” Nie Hai could see that the Alchemists' Association’s intentions were likely to protect Nie Li as well, and his curiosity grew even stronger.
Why did the Alchemists' Association value Nie Li so highly? After Yang Xin left, he had to question Nie Li closely!
“It’s late, so I won’t disturb you any longer!” Yang Xin glanced at Nie Li beside her and said, “Everyone, have a good rest. I’ll visit again tomorrow!”
“Director Yang has traveled a long way and must be tired. Why not stay at my Heavenly Mark Family? I’ll have my servants prepare a quaint guest house for you. What do you think?” Nie Hai quickly offered pleasantly.
Yang Xin was silent for a moment, contemplating before responding, “Alright then!” After all, she still needed to see Nie Li tomorrow and might as well stay.
“Nie Li, take Director Yang to the guest house to rest!” Nie Hai instructed Nie Li. “I’ll have someone arrange a room next to hers for you!”
“Yes!” Nie Li nodded slightly.
Yang Xin observed Nie Hai, pleasantly surprised that he understood she had something to discuss with Nie Li.
After bidding farewell to Nie Ming and Nie Kai, Nie Li led Yang Xin toward the guest house arranged by Nie Hai.
Watching Nie Li’s retreating figure, Nie Ming and Nie Kai came to a realization.
Nie Hai had removed Nie Wei from his position, promoted Nie En, and elevated the two of them to official positions—all related to Nie Li.
They suddenly realized how little they knew about Nie Li.
This time, Nie Li had returned completely transformed.
Naturally, they felt gratified for Nie Li’s changes.
(End of Chapter)