Even the Direct Line and the Collateral Branch had to be on their best behavior and act courteously when they met with the Arbitration Council…

It seemed to be a bit tricky this time.

However, Ye Wanwan had never seen the Arbitration Council and was clueless about their true capabilities.

"Xiao Feng, the Arbitration Council is above the Twelve Independent States' laws and system," Wen Ziran said. "Everyone in the Twelve Independent States has to obey the Arbitration Council's laws and implementations. This includes the ban on firearms and explosives, which is clearly prohibited by the Arbitration Council. If anyone violates the laws, the Arbitration Council will act personally and no one can save the violator."

"I know that," Ye Wanwan replied.

In Ye Wanwan's memories, Nameless Nie nearly became a consultant for the Arbitration Council, but he rejected the position.

Ye Wanwan never expected the Arbitration Council to be this frightening.

"Thankfully I'm prepared. Do you think I'd lose against the Direct Line in terms of shamelessness?" Ye Wanwan's lips turned up with a smirk.

…

The next morning:

At the Nie residence:

In the midst of Ye Wanwan's anxious waiting, Madam and Patriarch Nie finally returned.

Right now, in the Nie residence living room, Madam and Patriarch Nie were sitting in the chief seats while Ye Wanwan stayed near them.

Judging from Madam and Patriarch Nie's appearances, the Direct Line didn't seem to have done anything to them and merely imprisoned them normally. Ye Wanwan couldn't find even a superficial scratch on them.

"Worriless, we have to thank you this time," Madam Nie said as she grasped Ye Wanwan's hand.

"Dad, Mom, I'm glad you're fine." Ye Wanwan smiled happily.

As long as Dad and Mom were alright, she was relieved. Ye Wanwan couldn't withstand losing any more of her family.

"Worriless, where's your eldest brother?" Patriarch Nie looked around the room and didn't see Nameless Nie.

"Dad… Eldest Brother, he accepted a mission earlier and went elsewhere. It will probably be a while before he's back," Ye Wanwan answered.

Ye Wanwan previously laid down the order that no one was allowed to reveal what happened to Nameless Nie to Madam and Patriarch Nie. Any violators would be expelled from the Nie family.

"Hurry and tell your brother to come back. Our Nie family won't be able to stay out of the conflict between the Direct Line and the Collateral Branch," Patriarch Nie said with a frown.

"Dad, I told Eldest Brother already, but… Eldest Brother isn't in the Independent State right now and he's overseas. Right now, the Independent State has gone under lockdown because of the battle that's about to happen, so Eldest Brother couldn't come back even if he wanted to…" Ye Wanwan said.

"That punk!"

Patriarch Nie snorted. "If your brother could be half as good as you, your mom and I could die without any worries!"

"Dad… Mom… Actually, Eldest Brother is… really good. Don't blame him. I agreed to let him accept the mission too, and who would've expected things to play out this way as soon as Eldest Brother left?" Ye Wanwan said after a moment of silence.

"Forget it." Madam Nie shook her head. "We're used to this, but we absolutely can't lower our guard in the battle between the Direct Line and the Collateral Branch this time. I'm leaning toward the Collateral Branch."

Ye Wanwan completely antic.i.p.ated her parents to lean toward the Collateral Branch.

If they were captured and imprisoned by the Direct Line and turned around to support the Direct Line moments after they were released, that would be absurd.

"That ingrate, Nie Linglong…" Patriarch Nie's eyes glinted coldly. "Immediately issue a Nie family warrant and capture her at all costs!"

Patriarch and Madam Nie were still unaware of the fact that Nie Linglong was dead already.

The current situation was so chaotic. If she informed them of the truth at this critical time and her parents did something in their incensed state, the consequences would be unthinkable…