"So, that's how it is." Ye Fei nodded, then asked, "But what exactly does the Martial Alliance do, and what are the Guardian Families?"
Liu Yiru explained, "Although it's called an 'alliance,' the Martial Alliance is really a loose organization. Its main purpose is to oversee martial artists like us, ensuring that we don't harm ordinary people or use martial arts to commit crimes.
As for the Guardian Families, when the leader was chosen, it was agreed that he couldn't manage everything alone, so the two most prestigious and powerful families were appointed to assist him. Over time, these became the Guardian Families."
"So, the Martial Alliance was a righteous group at first. Why do you and Aunt say they have bad intentions now?" Ye Fei asked, still unclear about the situation.
Liu Yiru sighed. "It was righteous in the beginning. The leader was actively involved, and the martial arts world flourished under his guidance. But over time, the leader became less involved, and eventually, the two Guardian Families took over. In the last twenty years, the leader hasn't appeared at all."
"One of the Guardian Families fell into decline, leaving only the Wu family, and they've grown arrogant. They've essentially turned the Martial Alliance into their private power, often forcing martial families to do their bidding. While many are dissatisfied, the Wu family's strength is overwhelming, and no one dares to oppose them."
"Sounds like the Alliance has outlived its purpose," Ye Fei remarked coolly. He had already made up his mind—if the Wu family's intentions were hostile, he wouldn't hesitate to crush them. He was also eager to see just how powerful the martial arts of the feared Wu family really were.
Though his lustful glance was brief, Ye Fei caught it. In that moment, he sentenced the man to death in his heart. His mother and aunt were his—no one else had the right to look at them that way.
The man, emboldened by his arrogance, sat in the main seat without invitation. "I'm Wu Shiying, the eldest grandson of the Wu family. You must be Liu Fengyi and Liu Yiru," he said, attempting to project dominance. Women had always flocked to him for his power, and he assumed these two would be no different.
What Wu Shiying didn't understand was that strong women admired strength in character, not displays of power. His attitude only repelled the sisters further. Still, they were too well-mannered to show their disgust openly. Liu Fengyi gave a polite smile. "Yes, that's us. This is my nephew, Ye Fei." She introduced her nephew calmly, though she was growing irritated.
Looking at Ye Fei with disdain, Wu Shiying smirked and said, "Oh, so this is the infamous idiot of the Ye family. I've heard of him."
Liu Yiru's face turned red with anger at hearing her son insulted. Despite her composed nature, she couldn't hold back. "Mr. Wu, stop wasting time with nonsense. Just say what you came to say."
Realizing he had offended one of the women who had so captivated him, Wu Shiying felt slightly embarrassed. However, his pride wouldn't allow him to admit his mistake. He grinned and replied, "Fine, let's get to the point. I'm here to offer the Wu family's assistance."
"We don't need help from the Wu family," Liu Yiru snapped, her anger still fresh after his insult to her son.
A flicker of anger crossed Wu Shiying's face, but he quickly masked it. "I'm talking about the Autumn Group. Don't you see them as a serious threat?"