After saying all that, Jiang Mingqing seemed to have aged decades in an instant. He slowly left the conference room, his retreating figure steeped in desolation.
Once Jiang Mingqing was gone, Yun Lei asked Qin Yan, "Cousin, who do you think would be suitable to take over as dean?"
Qin Yan thought for a moment, then looked at Dongfang Bai.
"If I remember correctly, you have a paternal uncle working at the Capital Martial Arts Academy, don't you?"
Dongfang Bai nodded.
"Yes. He's a small section chief in logistics. Back when Jiang Mingqing was suppressing us aristocratic students, my uncle spoke up for us a few times—but Jiang Mingqing scolded him outright."
"That's him, then," Qin Yan decided without hesitation. "And tell him this as well—next month's resources are not to be distributed to the students."
Dongfang Bai froze.
"Wait, Qin Shao… you're serious?"
Yun Lei took a deep breath as well.
"Cousin, if you really do this, the impact will be enormous. In another month, it'll be time for the Global University Elite Tournament."
"Hmph."
Qin Yan snorted coldly.
"Look at how timid all of you are. So what if we do it? I suspect there are still Jiang Mingqing's accomplices inside the academy—spies he cultivated. That's precisely why the resources won't be released. Even if the Council of Elders questions it, they won't be able to say a word."
The others couldn't help giving Qin Yan a thumbs-up. That excuse was absurdly powerful.
Of course, the excuse itself was only a small part of it. The real reason this worked was because the Qin family was powerful.
Qin Yan thought for a moment more, then added,
"All of your families' collateral descendants who are studying at the Capital Martial Arts Academy—have them return home to cultivate. We can't afford to lose face at the Global University Elite Tournament."
The Global University Elite Tournament was held once a year. Its purpose was to promote exchange between nations and inspire students to push themselves further.
Each country carefully selected thirty students to compete inside a secret realm. Those who placed well would receive generous rewards.
In the original course of events, Qin Yan had been killed during this very exchange tournament, taken down jointly by Xiao Fan and Liu Xinyao.
It was also after that elite tournament that the Qin family began their endless pursuit of Xiao Fan.
But now, Xiao Fan wasn't in the capital. And even if he were, he wouldn't dare show himself openly. It was unclear whether that guy would even be able to participate in the Global Elite Tournament.
Yun Lei said, "You don't need to worry about that. We were already planning to do exactly that. It's just a pity—I've already graduated, so I can't take part."
Dongfang Bai laughed.
"Lei-ge, it's probably a good thing you're not competing this time. After all, Qin Shao will be there."
Hearing that, Yun Lei patted Dongfang Bai on the shoulder, his face full of sympathy.
"Do your best. I have high hopes for you all."
Qin Yan said, "Alright, does anyone have anything else? If not, head back. Cultivate properly. There's an internal selection in three days—don't embarrass yourselves by getting beaten."
Dongfang Bai replied, "Don't worry, Qin Shao. I may not be your match, but I don't accept losing to anyone else."
Ming Yu of the Ming family also laughed.
"Exactly. Qin Shao, rest assured—we're very confident about securing our qualification."
"Confidence or not, go home," Qin Yan said. "What, are you planning to live here?"
With that, Qin Yan took the lead and left the conference room. The others hurriedly followed after him.
On the way home, Qin Zhan kept glancing at Qin Yan.
"Xiao Yan… I really didn't expect you to actually bring Jiang Mingqing down."
Qin Yan smiled faintly.
"There's no one in this world who can't be brought down. As long as you find their weakness and strike ruthlessly, victory will always be ours."
When Qin Zhan heard this, his mind seemed to thunder. Those words were immensely helpful to his martial path, and he began pondering them carefully.
After returning to the Qin residence, just as Qin Yan reached his standalone villa, Xiao Ruyi came running up to him, her expression solemn.
"Qin Yan, I want to say… I'm sorry."
Qin Yan was completely baffled. He couldn't figure out why she was suddenly apologizing.
Then his gaze shifted past her, landing on Qing Lan standing behind her. Qing Lan gave him a faint, mysterious smile.
Qin Yan couldn't help admiring Qing Lan. He'd only mentioned this matter to her that very morning, and not even half a day had passed before Xiao Ruyi showed such a reaction.
Looking at Xiao Ruyi bowing apologetically before him, Qin Yan reached out and helped her straighten up.
"Why are you apologizing to me? What did you do wrong?"
Xiao Ruyi stood upright again. Facing Qin Yan's expressionless face, she felt both nervous and afraid, but she still spoke.
"I'm apologizing on behalf of my brother. Aunt Lan told me everything—about how close you and Liu Xinyao used to be, how much you loved her."
"If it weren't for my brother, you two would definitely have been very happy together."
Happy, my ass.
Qin Yan mocked inwardly. With Liu Xinyao and the way the Liu family operated, if he'd really ended up with her, his position as the Qin family's young master would've been finished long ago.
Naturally, he wasn't about to say any of that out loud.
He merely glanced at Xiao Ruyi calmly.
"This is between me and your brother."
Xiao Ruyi looked at him again and saw that his face was still rigid.
"But I still have to say I'm sorry," she said. "Aunt Lan also told me that you used to be gentle and good-tempered. But from yesterday until now, you haven't smiled once."
"I think… this must have hit you very hard."
A hint of amusement appeared in Qin Yan's eyes.
"You really think so?"
Xiao Ruyi nodded.
"Y-yes."
"Alright, then," Qin Yan said. "From now on, stay by my side and do your best to help heal my wounded heart."
Xiao Ruyi snapped her head up, staring at him in disbelief.
"T-this… Qin Shao, with my status, how could I possibly be worthy of staying by your side?"
A playful smile spread across Qin Yan's face.
"It doesn't matter. You won't be my wife anyway. At most, you'll be a plaything."
Then Qin Yan suddenly reached out and pinched Xiao Ruyi's chin.
"Remember your mission. And don't forget who you are."
With that, he released her and strode toward the training room.
As he passed Qing Lan, he gave her a faint smile.
Even though he knew how formidable Qing Lan's ability to influence people was, what she had accomplished today still astonished him.
And most importantly, this wasn't deception or mind control—it was the subtle, gradual reshaping of someone's thoughts.
Terrifying.
Qing Lan gave a slight nod. Today was only the initial result. In the future, she would properly guide Xiao Ruyi, until she willingly became the young master's golden canary.
Xiao Ruyi stood there, staring at Qin Yan's tall, straight back, motionless and lost in a daze.
Seeing this, Qing Lan stepped forward and gently supported her.
"Miss Xiao, don't take the young master's attitude to heart. What happened yesterday was too sudden. His emotions aren't very stable yet."
Xiao Ruyi lowered her head, her expression dim.
"I understand, Aunt Lan. Don't worry. I'll definitely help Qin Shao recover."