Son-in-law Heaven Emperor Xiao Yi

"Hand over your keys!"

The burly man with broad shoulders and a sturdy waist spoke coldly, while the few people beside him wore mocking smiles as they looked at Xiao Yi and his group.

Each person's face was filled with disdain and ridicule, exuding an air of arrogance and conceit.

Xu Ying's expression subtly shifted upon seeing them. He spoke in a low, serious tone, "Young Master Xiao, let's just give them the keys!"

"Hmm?"

Xiao Yi paused, puzzled as he looked at Xu Ying.

Xu Ying let out a soft sigh.

Had it been anyone else, he would undoubtedly have chosen to stand by and avoid conflict.

But during the journey, hearing Erha's few casual remarks had already caused Bai's thoughts to run wild. Bai was now just short of finding a doghouse with Erha and rolling around in it. Xu Ying couldn't help but think about how he'd lived in the Baiyu, surrounded by beauties galore, and yet remained single for over a century.

Xu Ying made a firm decision: he must strengthen his relationship with Xiao Yi and his group.

Lowering his voice, Xu Ying said, "These seven are the infamous Loose Cultivators of Beizhou, collectively known as the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin. Each of them is extraordinarily gifted, transformed from beasts with potent ancient bloodlines and abilities. All seven are powerful beings of the Longevity Secret Realm, and their leader, Hong Tong, is transformed from an ancient white ape whose fighting strength rivals that of masters in the Heaven Venerate Realm. They are absolutely not to be trifled with!"

The Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin.

All of them transformed from mystical beasts.

Hong Tong, for instance, is an ancient white ape rumored to have sought martial training within the Hall of Longevity.

His combat strength is terrifying.

A force to be reckoned with!

The Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin clearly heard Xu Ying's words and displayed triumphant expressions on their faces.

The seventh among them, a hunched figure with two prominent bumps on his back, a sharp face resembling that of a monkey, and a sly, sinister aura radiating from his body—Jin Maoshu, the seventh eccentric of Mei Lin—gave a chilling laugh. Twirling his wispy mustache with his fingers, he spoke coldly, "Since you're aware of who we are, why don't you quickly hand over the key to the top-tier heaven-ranked room? Take a good look at yourselves—do you think you're qualified to stay there?"

"Seventh Brother is right. Hand over the key immediately!"

"Kneel and offer the key to us with both hands, and we might spare your lives. Otherwise, a year from today will mark your death anniversary..."

The Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin, being transformed beasts, were hot-tempered and bloodthirsty.

They were accustomed to killing over the slightest disagreement.

For them…

Killing over a room was as natural as beasts fighting for territory.

A struggle for territory.

It's either you die, or I die!

The Gathering of the Virtuous Tower was brimming with young talents and skilled geniuses, many of whom were drawn to the commotion caused by the Seven Eccentrics' loud demands. They turned their heads to look: "Isn't that the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin? What are those uncouth fools doing here, meddling in the matchmaking event?"

"With their beastly origins, do they genuinely believe they can marry the Saintess? Utterly delusional!"

"Although their arrogant and tyrannical ways are annoying, their strength is undeniably impressive..."

"That group is doomed!"

Clearly, many of the strong attendees recognized the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin.

Their dreadful notoriety was widely known throughout Beizhou, whereas Xiao Yi's group, by contrast, was virtually unknown. Everyone assumed the outcome for Xiao Yi and his companions would be disastrous.

"Boss, should I act?" Jin Yi turned to Xiao Yi.

As always.

Sparing words was his usual style.

After all, he was the proud offspring of the legendary Kunpeng.

Among beasts, the Kunpeng held the most prestigious bloodline. In both strength and lineage, they completely overshadowed the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin.

Faced with the Seven Eccentrics' taunts and threats now...

If Xiao Yi weren't present, Jin Yi would have long since transformed into his true form and devoured them in a single bite.

Xiao Yi glanced at Xu Ying and said, "Killing them wouldn't be a problem, right?"

Xu Ying froze for a moment, instinctively shook his head, and replied, "They provoked us first; killing them won't cause any issues! It's just..."

Before he could finish.

He saw Jin Yi leap into action after Xiao Yi's subtle nod. In a flash, Jin Yi transformed into a streak of black light.

The black light moved so swiftly that not even the onlookers could fully register what had happened.

Jin Yi flickered past the Seven Eccentrics in an instant.

As Jin Yi's figure returned to view, the bodies of the Seven Eccentrics started to emit blood-splattering sounds. Amid gasps and cries of shock, the Seven Eccentrics collapsed to the ground. Blood spurted violently from their bodies, their heads severed from their necks, their lives extinguished immediately!

*Hiss!*

The crowd collectively sucked in a sharp breath.

The entire Gathering of the Virtuous Tower fell into dead silence.

Xu Ying, too, was visibly stunned: "Th-this, this, this..."

He simply couldn't fathom how the mighty Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin had been obliterated in mere seconds.

In that moment.

His gaze toward Jin Yi became filled with even more awe, fear, and relief. At the same time, he secretly let out a sigh of relief: "Good thing I didn't default on that bet earlier when I lost. If I had offended these harbingers of death, wouldn't I be following the same fate as the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin right now?"

As for the demise of the Seven Eccentrics...

Xu Ying held no sympathy.

Those idiots had chosen to provoke Xiao Yi's group first; their fate was deserved. Who could they blame?

After all.

This was Baiyu!

Who dared to stir up trouble here?

Xu Ying glanced at the pale-faced disciple who was associated with the Seven Eccentrics, and a mocking smirk curled across his lips.

The matchmaking event was truly a lucrative assignment for guides like him.

If someone from the group he guided ended up marrying the Saintess, his status would naturally rise as well.

With Xiao Yi's group displaying such formidable strength, their importance in Xu Ying's heart soared. He turned to the pale disciple and said, "Quickly clean up this mess. Make sure you manage the people you bring along better—don't let them be needlessly killed even before the matchmaking event has officially started."

"I-I understand..."

The disciple nodded resentfully, his face twisted in dismay.

Given how Jin Yi had effortlessly wiped out the Seven Eccentrics of Mei Lin, Xu Ying was certain the group had an excellent chance of advancing to the second—and possibly even the third—phase of the matchmaking event.

There was even a possibility they might claim ultimate victory.

For Xu Ying, as their guide, his position would greatly elevate. How could he dare offend Xu Ying at this point?

Xu Ying nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Xiao Yi's group, his demeanor now noticeably more respectful.

Earlier, he had only wanted to build a good relationship to learn some flirting techniques from Erha.

Now...

Xu Ying was genuinely awed by Xiao Yi's group's incredible power.

He respectfully said, "You've all endured a long journey and must be weary. Please head to your rooms for some rest! Tonight, there will be a banquet on the third floor of the Gathering of the Virtuous Tower. I will notify you when the time comes."

"Much appreciated!"

"Thank you!"

The group nodded their thanks and entered their respective rooms.

After hesitating for a moment, Xu Ying caught hold of Da Heng: "Da Heng, wait!"

"Hm? Lord Xu, what is your command?" Da Heng was both surprised and flattered by Xu Ying's attention. As a mere sled handler living off the icy terrain, it was bewildering for him to be treated with such respect by someone as esteemed as a disciple of Baiyu.

Xu Ying chuckled slyly, rubbed his hands together, and asked, "I was hoping Brother Da Heng could introduce me to Erha!"

"Uh?"

Da Heng looked completely baffled. "Introduce you to Erha? Lord Xu, have you lost your mind?"