Chapter 988: Rejecting the Challenge

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Ye Yikun sat there, his face devoid of expression, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. His demeanor also discouraged anyone from approaching him.

Seeing Ye Yikun seated at the head of the Ye family’s table, Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an exchanged glances, both sensing a shared sense of puzzlement.

“What do you think Ye Yikun is here for today?” Ye Leng’an glanced in Ye Yikun’s direction and asked. “Could it be that he’s really here to witness the moment when Ye Wanwan becomes the champion?”

“Regardless, we must be cautious today.” Huangfu Ruiling frowned, continuing, “Those we sent to investigate the Ye family have all gone missing.”

“What?” This revelation took Ye Leng’an aback. “Are they missing, or…”

If they were truly gone, then the depths of the Ye family’s involvement would be unfathomable, beyond the reach of ordinary scrutiny.

“They’ve simply disappeared.” Huangfu Ruiling’s eyes flashed with a sharp glint. “Their life cards are still in the Enforcement Team, indicating they’re alive. However, their whereabouts and what happened remain unknown.”

“It seems Ye Yikun is indeed peculiar.” Ye Leng’an furrowed her brow. “However, his true intentions remain a mystery.”

“We’ll soon find out,” Huangfu Ruiling continued, “Regardless of his motives, they will eventually be revealed.”

Ye Leng’an nodded, redirecting her attention to the stage.

Today marked the final match, and Ye Wanwan emerged as the champion as anticipated.

Standing atop the grand stage, Ye Wanwan wore a radiant smile. Her happiness was genuine. Despite her confidence in herself, she still harbored worries about not being able to win during the battles.

Different from others, she was acutely aware that if she were to truly lose this competition, she would have no future ahead of her. Losing her identity as the young lady of the Ye family would mean losing everything she had. Thankfully, she had emerged victorious, securing the championship before all.

In the future, she would be remembered as a rising star, the pride of the Hidden World, and a standout among her peers. Her past misdeeds and the banquet antics would fade into insignificance in light of her current excellence. The thought of it all made her heart tremble.

Nevertheless, she remained steadfast in her goal. She not only aimed to win but also to prove her superiority over Ye Leng’an, asserting her suitability as the Ye family’s young lady.

With determination, she gazed at Ye Leng’an and declared, “I want to challenge Ye Leng’an.”

Her declaration captured everyone’s attention, all eyes now on Ye Leng’an and Ye Wanwan.

In the past Elite Competitions, champions had the privilege to issue challenges, even to those who hadn’t participated in the competition. Winning against the challenged individual would maintain their championship status, but failure meant relinquishing the title. However, the challenged had the right to refuse unless offered a worthy incentive. So, it was rare for a champion to issue challenges after victory. Especially when Ye Wanwan chose to challenge Ye Leng’an.

Attendees were well aware of the animosity between Ye Leng’an and Ye Wanwan, and so, her challenge promised spectacle.

Unlike the amused expressions of the spectators, Ye Hongxuan’s face turned sour upon hearing Ye Wanwan’s challenge. He had never expected her to do such a thing.

Even beside him, Lian Mengzhu’s complexion soured. While she had indeed given up on Ye Leng’an as her daughter, devoting herself entirely to Ye Wanwan, it didn’t mean she wanted to see the two children turn against each other.

“Wanwan, do you know what you are saying?” Ye Hongxuan said to her sternly. “Have you become so intoxicated with victory that you’ve lost your senses?”

He continually signaled with his eyes for Ye Wanwan to quickly get off the stage as he spoke.

“Father, I understand your concerns, but I must proceed with my challenge.” Ye Wanwan met his gaze before turning to Ye Leng’an. “Ye Leng’an, I challenge you now. Do you accept?”

She knew her father wished to avoid conflict between them, but harmony with Ye Leng’an was impossible.

She didn’t wish to confront Ye Leng’an publicly, but her grandfather’s orders left her no choice. Moreover, she needed this public arena to demonstrate her superiority over Ye Leng’an.

Ignoring the lingering gazes, Ye Leng’an, unperturbed, simply replied, “I decline the challenge.”

The response stunned everyone. No one had anticipated such a swift rejection.

Even Ye Wanwan was taken aback. “What did you say?”

Ye Yikun, observing from the Ye family’s seat, frowned at Ye Leng’an’s refusal, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes.

Sensing the hostility directed at her, Ye Leng’an raised her head, though failed to discern its source.

With a nonchalant smile, she directed her gaze to Ye Wanwan. “As I said, I refuse. Can’t you hear me? Or do you think you’re the center of the world, and just because you propose a challenge, I have to accept it? Who gave you that kind of confidence?”