In Douluo Continent, I am the mastermind behind the scenes.

For a moment, Zhu Ningyu's heart skipped a beat. Why would Yin Hongchen tell her such an easily exposed lie?

and many more!

Zhu Ningyu seemed to have thought of something.

Why did she assume from the outset that this was an internal gathering of the Hongchen family, rather than a meeting between business partners?

It is true that Xu He is the son-in-law of the Hongchen family, but as a prince, the prince's mansion must have many properties. Does it seem abrupt that he would appear here as a partner of the Hongchen family?

Something's not right, this is very wrong. Familiar figures like Jing Hongchen, Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, and Lin Yue are nowhere to be seen. Why would she assume this is an internal gathering of the Hongchen family?

Before Zhu Ningyu could think further, she quickly clasped her hands in a fist salute to everyone and said apologetically, "Sister Yin, and everyone else, I'm so sorry. I forgot about the time while organizing the files and accidentally arrived late."

"Oh, Cousin Baiyu, everyone just arrived, and we're all family, there's no need to be so polite. It's enough that you're here."

Yin Hongchen immediately displayed her high emotional intelligence: "Don't ask, I just arrived."

Pulled by Yin Hongchen, Zhu Ningyu sat down at the reserved seat. The next moment, a group of scantily clad young ladies walked in carrying all sorts of dishes, and the banquet officially began.

Seeing the group of Soul Masters in their finest attire clinking glasses and exchanging toasts, Zhu Ningyu's expression froze instantly. Since it was a social gathering, shouldn't they get to know each other before having a meal, following the normal procedure?

Otherwise... what's the point of holding this promotion banquet? Even if it's a family banquet within the Hongchen Clan, they wouldn't just sit here eating.

Despite her urgency, Zhu Ningyu could only feign composure as she ate the delicious food in front of her and drank the fruit wine poured by Yin Hongchen. Given her identity as "Bai Yu," she had never attended any high-level social gatherings, and speaking up rashly would only seem too abrupt.

Just then, Zhu Ningyu felt a wave of dizziness and lightheadedness, and her vision began to blur. Driven by instinct, she desperately wanted to stand up and sing out loud.

But under the powerful psychological suggestion, Zhu Ningyu forcibly suppressed her body's instincts, lay on the table, and deliberately pretended to be unable to hold her liquor.

She wanted to see what Yin Hongchen was up to, that she had even added something to the drinks in order to achieve her goal.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Yin Hongchen wrapped her arms around Zhu Ningyu's neck and said gently, "Cousin Baiyu, you came from humble beginnings and have now reached a height that many Soul Masters dream of. Is there anything you still regret?"

"I want to be the... emperor of this world."

Zhu Ningyu let out a hiccup, tilted her head, and looked at Yin Hongchen in front of her with great interest.

Yin Hongchen: "..."

Why isn't this following the expected pattern? He wants to be emperor right off the bat; can't he have some more realistic aspirations?

"Cousin Baiyu, be careful what you say! Although His Majesty is magnanimous, it's best not to discuss such topics in public, as it's easy for some unscrupulous people to take advantage of you."

Yin Hongchen quickly made a "shh" gesture, and cold sweat instantly poured down her forehead. It was hard to tell whether it was an act or... genuine emotion.

"What are you so nervous about?" Zhu Ningyu ripped off her hair tie and shook her hair like a madwoman. "Even if I am impeached and His Majesty wants to exterminate my entire family, he won't be able to touch you. What are you afraid of?"

As she spoke, Zhu Ningyu suddenly grabbed Yin Hongchen's hands, and the two began to pull and saw, their actions becoming increasingly abstract.

Seeing this, Xu Tianran in the secret room couldn't help but roll his eyes at Ju Zi and said irritably, "My dear consort, do you really think... this shameless woman is a hidden powerhouse? Powerhouses always value their reputation, let alone a female powerhouse."

Just then, something else went wrong outside. Zhu Ningyu started wildly shaking her hair and dragging Yin Hongchen into a head-shaking dance.

Poor Yin Hongchen... After today, she probably won't be able to face anyone.

Orange couldn't stand it anymore.

Having lived two lives, she considered herself to have seen it all and experienced all sorts of grand occasions, but this was the first time she had ever seen such an extremely wild head-shaking dance.

For a moment, Ju Zi panicked. Things had developed to this point, and it was becoming difficult to handle. The Hongchen family was bound to the fate of the nation, and it wouldn't be right not to give Yin Hongchen an explanation.

"Your Majesty, what should we do next? Should we inflict further torture?"

Orange knew... from the moment she failed to catch "White Feather" making a mistake, things had already slipped out of her control.

"A high-level Soul Saint isn't worth our in-depth investigation. Isn't Bai Yu talented and resourceful? Hmph, then let her serve as the city lord in the northern border region, and send her cousin Bai Yiyi there as well."

After saying that, Xu Tianran didn't even glance at "Bai Yu," and with a flick of his sleeve, he led his guards out of the Mingyue Hotel through a hidden door.

Helpless, Ju Zi could only instruct her subordinates to clean up the mess she had made.

……

"My lord, what on earth are you doing? Ten years! I spent a full ten years developing the Sun Moon Empire branch to where it is today, and you've wiped out all my efforts in one night? I demand an explanation!"

In the secret room of Jiuyang Pawnshop, Hongling unexpectedly demanded an explanation from Zhu Ningyu. After all... she had set up a base in Mingdu for her master, and once Zhu Ningyu became the final winner, she would definitely be guaranteed a divine position based on her contributions.

But now... she is to be exiled to the northern border with her master, and all the spies in Mingdu City will be irrelevant to her. It's a bit like the cunning rabbit being killed and the hunting dog being cooked.

"Why are you yelling?"

Zhu Ningyu said irritably, "Once we get to the North, you'll have plenty of opportunities to prove yourself. Wouldn't you rather build an army and become a general on the front lines than be an undercover agent?"

"Generals on the main battlefield? My lord, are you kidding me? Our identities are questionable. The Sun Moon Empire is unlikely to give us much power. It's uncertain whether we can even form a thousand-strong Soul Master legion by secretly recruiting soldiers."

Hongling stared intently at the topographical map on the table. She knew... Zhu Ningyu never spoke falsehoods, and her words always carried a deeper meaning.

The problem is... the three northern provinces of the Sun Moon Empire are extremely poor, and the number of Soul Masters is too small. How can the manpower problem be solved?

Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, she subconsciously shifted her gaze to the location of the former Seagod Island.

She then understood Zhu Ningyu's intention. It turned out... the so-called soldiers weren't Soul Masters, but sea spirit beasts from the ocean—sea spirit beasts disloyal to the Sea God Tang San! (End of Chapter)